Nowadays, there are so many cash-back apps available that it’s difficult to determine which ones are worth using and which ones should be avoided.
CapitalOne Shopping
What it is
This app and browser extension allows users to access coupons and deals on CapitalOne Shopping. Capital One acquired the company in 2018 after it was founded in 2014.
How it works
When you install the CapitalOne Shopping browser extension and shop online, CapitalOne Shopping will alert you when coupons are available, or when a lower price is found. The deal can be claimed by clicking the button on the CapitalOne Shopping pop-up.
Pros:
- It is easy to install and use
- There are many ways to save (coupons, CapitalOne Shopping credits, local deals, etc.).
- Price drops are alerted to you via the Watchlist feature
- There is a low payout threshold ($5 for most gift cards)
Cons:
- There are fewer gift card options than on some other sites
- Maintains a history of your online shopping
How to cash out
The CapitalOne Shopping website allows you to exchange your CapitalOne Shopping credit for free gift cards. In most cases, gift cards have a payout of $5 or less.
Referral program
Your unique link can be shared with friends and family to let them know about CapitalOne Shopping. However, it is unclear whether or not you will receive cash credit if you sign up.
Swagbucks
What it is
The Swagbucks website and app are great rewards sites and apps that reward you with gift cards and cash when you perform everyday online tasks.
How it works
By shopping online, watching videos, taking surveys, playing games, buying gift cards, and using the site’s search engine, you can earn points (known as Swagbucks).
Pros:
- Earn cash and gift cards in a variety of ways
- There is no limit to how many points you can earn per day
Cons:
- Many tasks have low payouts
- It may take some time to earn enough Swagbucks to cash out (depending on the activities you engage in).
How to cash out
In addition to cashing out via PayPal, you can redeem Swagbucks points for gift cards to your favorite retailers once you earn $5 worth of Swagbucks.
Referral program
Get $10 when you sign up for Swagbucks today. You can also earn extra money by referring your friends and family. When someone signs up using your unique referral link, you earn 10% of their earnings.
RebatesMe
What it is
The RebatesMe platform will quickly become your go-to choice when it comes to flexible, generous cash-back programs. By offering robust daily cash-back offers along with select “double cash-back” offers on many of its 4,000 popular retailers, the newer app is undercutting many of its peers.
How it works
RebatesMe has a very straightforward interface. Getting started is as simple as downloading their mobile app for iOS or Android, or grabbing their Chrome browser extension before shopping online. Thousands of daily deals are available immediately, you’ll receive cashback at your favorite stores, and you’ll be able to take advantage of their double-dipping section, where you’ll get $3 off (and earn additional rewards points) if you purchase gift cards to establishments you already plan to buy. There are so many ways to save money on everyday shopping — cash-back, discount gift cards, rewards points — it all adds up to steep savings.
Pros:
- Providing industry-leading cash-back in popular categories (luxury apparel, jewelry, health/supplements, sports/outdoors, electronics, etc.)
- When shopping at a retailer, you’ll receive instant notifications about cash-back
- The program protects you against cashback. RebatesMe will credit you for purchases up to $1,000 if you make a purchase through their site and don’t get credited (an industry-wide issue due to tracking complexity).
- Once you sign up, you’ll receive an instant $5 bonus.
Cons:
- Occasionally, a smaller company with less exposure to big brands will get higher cash-back rates on other platforms.
- Currently, the company is working on improving the functionality of the app, which is relatively new
Rakuten
What it is
Online and in-store purchases at partner retailers are eligible for rebates and cashback from Rakuten.
How it works
The website or app can be used by consumers to search for deals. You can automatically search for and apply promo codes and cash-back offers when you shop online with Rakuten’s browser extension.
Pros:
- App and desktop versions are both available for accessing the deals
- Finding rebates is easy with multiple methods
- Cashback is easy since there are a lot of partner companies
Cons:
- Cashback can only be redeemed once every quarter
How to cash out
Rakuten lets you cash out your earnings via check or PayPal, but you must have at least $5.01 to do so.
Referral program
Referring new members to Rakuten can also earn you money. People who do not currently own a Rakuten account are eligible for this offer.
Honey
What it is
Online discount codes are automatically found by Honey, a free browser extension.
How it works
Honey will provide you with discount codes whenever you shop online after you install the app. Searching manually is not necessary.
If there are any deals available before checking out, the Honey browser extension will notify you. Those will be applied to your purchase if they exist. Another feature, called Droplist, allows you to keep track of prices on specific items and receive alerts when prices drop.
Pros:
- All internet browsers are supported
- It is compatible with iPhones and Android devices
- Coupons and discount codes don’t have to be searched for; savings are automatic
- In the case of large or expensive purchases, the price tracker feature comes in handy
- With Honey’s rewards program, you can earn gift cards once you spend a certain amount
Cons:
- There is no guarantee that every discount code will be found
- Appearance on all shopping pages
- For Honey to work, the browser extension must be installed
How to cash out
Due to Honey’s use of coupons and discount codes, you will not receive a refund. There is no upfront cost to you. Once you reach 1,000 Honey Gold points, you can redeem them for gift cards with their rewards program.
Referral program
Whenever your friends and family make their first purchase through your referral link, you will earn Honey Gold. Honey Gold will be credited to your account for each friend you refer.
Dosh
What it is
Dosh is another rebate app that gives you a cashback bonus when you shop at merchants that are part of their program using a debit card or credit card linked to the app.
How it works
In contrast to other cash-back companies, Dosh makes it easy to get cashback. It’s just a matter of downloading the app and linking it to your credit or debit card. You must scan a receipt and choose a deal with most other cash-back apps. The only thing you need to do with Dosh is to sign up and shop.
Pros:
- Easy and simple
- There are no rebates or specific offers to redeem
Cons:
- The United States is the only country that offers this product
- It is not possible to use a linked card on Dosh if you use it on another site
How to cash out
Your account must have $25 in it before you can redeem the funds. In comparison to other apps, the redemption limit offered by this app is a bit higher. PayPal or direct deposit are the two ways you can receive your cash once you reach that threshold.
Referral program
Each friend you refer to Dosh will earn you $5 extra. Partnering with businesses is also possible. In return for registering a business with the app, you will earn 20% of the business’s Dosh fees. When you sign up and link your card, you can also earn $5.
Drop
What it is
You can earn rewards for your everyday purchases using Drop, a free app.
How it works
You can earn rewards by downloading the Drop app, creating an account, and linking a debit or credit card. Drop’s partner brands will earn you points whenever you shop with them. In addition to referring friends, integrating other apps, and completing Linked or Mobile offers, you can earn more rewards.
Pros:
- Android and iPhone users can download it for free
- An extension for the browser is available
- Accepts both credit cards and debit cards
- You can use your savings to buy gift cards
- There is no expiration date for points
- Since it’s linked to a credit card, rewards are automatic
Cons:
- You cannot redeem your points for cash (only gift cards are accepted)
- Credit or debit cards are the only payment options
- A limited number of cash-back options are available
- Get the browser extension by providing an email address
- Their customer service has been the subject of numerous complaints
How to cash out
One point is worth $1 for every 1,000 points. You can redeem 5,000 points for gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and Target once you reach 5,000 points.
Referral program
You can send referral codes to friends and family using Drop. Each of you will receive $5 if you complete the registration process. Referral codes are valid for a maximum of ten friends.
Pei
What it is
The Pei app offers cash back in the form of Bitcoin or cash back using a linked credit or debit card. With this app, you will be able to earn $5 just by signing up, and it is available for both iPhones and Android phones.
How it works
Your Pei account will be credited with cash when you purchase something from an associated vendor.
Pros:
- Bitcoin can be used to earn cash back
- Among the brands, he works with are Lyft, Starbucks, and Target
- Redeeming automatically
Cons:
- A minimum cash-out of $25 is required
How to cash out
To cash out, you must have at least $25. Bitcoin, PayPal, or gift cards can be used to redeem Pei points.
Referral program
Using your referral code, which you can find in the app, you can earn $5 for every friend who subscribes.
Ibotta
What it is
There are a lot of cash-back apps available nowadays, but Ibotta is one of the most popular. Ibotta has gained nearly 22 million downloads since its launch in 2012 and paid out over $200 million in cash back.
How it works
By using the app or website, you can search for grocery store deals and choose ones that you’d like to take advantage of. The deal might require you to complete a short task such as watching a video or answering a question. Using your linked store loyalty card or scanning your receipt will allow you to claim rebates after shopping.
Pros:
- Your account can be easily searched for and added to offers
- There are usually plenty of deals to choose from
Cons:
- Deals must be manually selected in advance
- Expiration dates may apply to offers
- Cashback is only available if you scan your receipt within a week
How to cash out
Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or a gift card to your favorite store once you earn $20.
Referral program
The first time you sign up and redeem an offer on Ibotta, you’ll receive $10 in your account. Through a personalized referral link, you can also earn additional cash rewards by referring friends and family. Whenever they sign up, you’ll get $5 added to your account. The offer must, however, be for a specific product. The bonus cannot be redeemed with their “Any Brand” offers.
Checkout 51
What it is
You can earn money back on your grocery shopping by scanning your receipts with Checkout 51.
How it works
Browse offers, shop, and download the free app. You can then get cash back by scanning your receipts. It is different from similar apps in that you don’t have to claim proposals from a specific store. It’s okay to shop anywhere you want as long as you get rewarded. Weekly updates are made to the offers.
Pros:
- Rebates and deals on produce
- There are some items that qualify for bonus offers
- A significant number of $1 deals are usually available
- Their deals can be combined with other coupons and discounts
- Every Thursday morning, we update our offers
Cons:
- You only have one week to take advantage of these offers
- There are limited deals, so others will be able to claim them before you do
- It is imperative that you upload your receipts quickly so that you don’t miss out on rebates if you forget to do so
- Cash-out options are limited (only checks are accepted)
How to cash out
Upon reaching $20, you will be able to cash out and receive your money in the form of a check. PayPal and direct deposit are not options for receiving your money.
Referral program
Using a unique referral link, you can invite friends to Checkout 51. In exchange for them redeeming an offer, you will receive $10 cash back, and they will receive $2. An additional $3 will be earned by redeeming three more offers.
Fetch Rewards
What it is
Another free grocery rebate app is Fetch Rewards, which offers cash back on qualifying purchases.
How it works
Once you’ve finished shopping, scan your receipt into the app. In the event that a product qualifies for a rebate, Fetch Rewards will add the rebates in the form of points to your account.
These are classified as “special offers” which will earn you additional points. To claim an offer, you don’t have to pick it up in advance, and you don’t need to complete any additional tasks.
Pros:
- Easily accessible and free
- Points can be earned in several ways
- Offers cannot be unlocked through special tasks
- You can claim rebates from grocery stores, drugstores, liquor stores, and warehouse stores like Costco
Cons:
- It is possible for offers to have specific requirements or limitations (for example, purchasing a certain number of items).
- You may receive a small amount per offer
- Offers are few and far between
- Points can only be redeemed for gift cards; they cannot be redeemed for cash
How to cash out
Gift cards to major retailers such as Amazon, Target, and Sephora are available after you accumulate 3,000 points.
Referral program
After they submit their first receipt, you can earn 2,000 points for each person you refer to Fetch Rewards. With your link, you can refer an unlimited number of people.
Shopkick
What it is
Instead of spending money just to earn rewards, Shopkick lets you earn rewards by performing tasks. There are many easy tasks you can complete.
How it works
Purchasing items with a linked card, visiting stores, scanning barcodes for specific products, and shopping online all earn points or kicks. Cash out your points for gift cards once you’ve earned enough.
Pros:
- You can download the app for free and use it easily
- Kicks are easy to earn
- There are many rewards to choose from
- It takes less time to receive a digital gift card
Cons:
- Gift cards are generally the only forms of payment accepted
- Accumulate enough to cash out for a gift card, can take a long time
- The app asks for a lot of permission, so you’ll need to disclose a lot of personal information
How to cash out
Get free gift cards from Target, Starbucks, Sephora, and Amazon by redeeming your kicks. Additionally, Shopkick might offer prizes such as cash or cash equivalents. There are a variety of options available, so you’ll need to keep track of them.
Referral program
Shopkick offers a unique referral code and link for inviting friends and family to use the app. Within seven days of signing up or downloading the app using your invite code or link, you’ll receive 250 kicks if they walk in somewhere or scan the app.
MyPoints
What it is
The MyPoints app and online survey site provide discount codes up to 40% off at nearly 2,000 retailers.
How it works
By shopping online, watching videos, taking surveys, playing games, and reading MyPoints emails, you can earn rewards. Amazon gift cards and 75+ other retailers are available for cashout.
Pros:
- It’s free
- Points can be accumulated easily
- Quickly receive your payment
- You don’t need to provide a lot of personal information
Cons:
- There is a problem with the point-tracking system, which can lead to lost points
- Available only to residents of the United States and Canada
- Earnings may take a while to appear in your account
How to cash out
If you want to cash out with MyPoints, there is no minimum threshold, and you can receive cash or gift cards through PayPal.
Referral program
Every time a friend or family member joins MyPoints using your referral link, you’ll receive 25 points. Within 30 days of signing up, they must make a purchase of $20 or more in order to get an extra 750 points and 10% of their earned points.
Receipt Hog
What it is
You can earn cash back by scanning receipts from almost anywhere you shop with Receipt Hog, a free app for scanning receipts.
How it works
The only thing you need to do is download the app and scan your receipts. Besides playing mini-games through their Hog Slots, answering survey questions, and referring friends, you can also earn extra rewards and coins. You can also enter their monthly sweepstakes for a chance to win up to 5,000 coins with every receipt you submit.
Pros:
- Offers don’t need to be selected in advance
- Receipts from virtually any store can be submitted
- You can earn extra coins in plenty of ways
- The possibility of getting actual cashback exists
Cons:
- Each day, only three receipts from the same store can be uploaded
- Two weeks after purchase, receipts must be submitted
- You will be asked questions about your trip that will be used for a market research before you can claim your coins
How to cash out
The coins you earn can be traded for Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, and magazine subscriptions once you reach 1,000 coins.
Referral program
Receipt Hog’s referral program has been discontinued.
Freebird
What it is
With Freebird, you can earn rewards for taking Lyft or Uber rides.
How it works
You download the app and connect it to your Uber or Lyft account. When you link a credit card to your Freebird account and make purchases with it, you can earn points.
Pros:
- By taking rideshare rides, you can earn rewards
- On both the App Store and the Google Play Store, the app has high ratings
- Is there a debit card that can be used for cash out
Cons:
- Have to select the rides and toggle between Uber and Lyft manually
- Credit cards aren’t accepted for cash outs
How to cash out
Debit cards are accepted for cash-back redemption. Neither a prepaid card nor a credit card can be withdrawn for cash. Whether Freebird will make those options available in the future is unclear.
Referral program
You’ll receive $5 if you refer a friend, and they’ll receive $10 ($5 for each of their first two rides). It is possible to find your invite code in the Freebird app.
What You Can Do to Maximize Your Rewards
The following tips will help you get the most out of these cash-back apps:
Combine multiple apps: Since each app offers different offers, you’ll get the most money back if you combine them.
Referral programs and bonuses: If possible, encourage your friends and family to join these rebate programs. Your account will be credited with extra points or cash, and they’ll save money.
Use rebates and coupons together: Savvy shoppers are already using coupons. With the combination of discounts and rebates, you can put even more money back in your pocket. As long as you’re comfortable using credit cards for everyday expenses, you can also use this strategy with rewards credit cards.
Use the apps’ portals to shop: You’ll get bigger discounts and rebates when you purchase through the portal links. Make sure you’re only buying items you really need.
Be aware of the rules: Most apps and offers have limits, deadlines, and other restrictions. Be sure to follow them so you can take advantage of every offer. Make sure you scan receipts in a timely manner so you don’t miss out on cashback.
What to Look for When Choosing a Cash-Back App
Choosing the right cash-back app for you depends on where you shop, how often you shop, and how you like to earn rewards. Ultimately, you will find your favorite cash-back app by trying the ones you like most and seeing which ones you prefer.
If you are interested in more than one of these tools, don’t be afraid to sign up for them. Certain apps may offer better deals on the products you normally buy, or some may require more effort than you’re used to.
When selecting a cash-back app, keep in mind that it should simplify your life and reward you for the things you already do. You get a higher return on your time investment the less effort you put in.
