The Best Cashback Apps and Websites

Who doesn’t love getting a little something back for their purchases? Cashback apps and websites offer an easy and effective way to earn rewards from the money you’re already spending. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes, or booking travel, these platforms give you a percentage of your total purchase back in the form of cash or rewards.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best cashback apps and websites that can help you maximize your savings and make the most of every dollar spent.

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Rakuten is one of the most popular and trusted cashback websites. With over 2,500 partner stores, it offers cashback on a wide range of products, from clothing and electronics to travel and groceries. When you shop through Rakuten’s portal, you’ll automatically earn cashback on your purchases. Plus, Rakuten frequently runs special promotions like double or triple cashback during holidays and sales events.

• How it works: Create a free account, browse the store you want to shop at, and click through the Rakuten portal to make your purchase.
• Cashback payout: Rakuten pays out cashback via PayPal or check every quarter, as long as you’ve earned at least $5.
• Why it’s great: Easy to use, frequent promotions, and broad store selection.

Pro tip: If you shop online frequently, install the Rakuten browser extension, which will automatically notify you when cashback is available on the sites you visit.

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is a cashback app that’s perfect for groceries and everyday purchases. Unlike many other platforms, Ibotta lets you earn cashback both online and in physical stores. It works by offering cashback on specific products—such as groceries, cleaning supplies, or personal care items—which you can redeem by uploading your receipt or linking your store loyalty card.

• How it works: Before shopping, open the Ibotta app, browse available offers, and add them to your account. After shopping, upload your receipt or use your linked loyalty card to receive cashback.
• Cashback payout: Ibotta allows you to cash out your earnings via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards once you’ve accumulated $20 in cashback.
• Why it’s great: Ideal for grocery shopping, simple to use, and offers both in-store and online cashback opportunities.

Pro tip: Use Ibotta for recurring purchases like groceries and household essentials to maximize your earnings every time you shop.

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular platform that offers multiple ways to earn rewards, including cashback on online shopping. You can also earn Swagbucks points (SB) by taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.

• How it works: Sign up for a free account, browse through the Swagbucks website or app, and shop through their portal. You’ll earn points for each dollar spent, which you can later redeem.
• Cashback payout: Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
• Why it’s great: In addition to cashback, Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn points, making it a versatile platform for earning rewards.

Pro tip: Stack Swagbucks with other cashback platforms to maximize your earnings. You can earn cashback from Swagbucks and another app like Rakuten for the same purchase.

4. TopCashback

TopCashback is similar to Rakuten but stands out because it passes on 100% of the commission it earns from retailers back to you. This means higher cashback percentages on many purchases. TopCashback has partnerships with thousands of stores and offers some of the best cashback rates in the industry.

• How it works: Like Rakuten, you shop through the TopCashback portal to earn rewards. Simply browse the available stores, click through to your chosen retailer, and complete your purchase.
• Cashback payout: Cash out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.
• Why it’s great: TopCashback offers some of the highest cashback rates, making it a favorite among savvy shoppers.

Pro tip: Keep an eye out for special promotions where you can earn additional bonuses for referring friends or shopping during limited-time offers.

5. Honey

Honey is best known for its coupon-finding browser extension, but it also offers a cashback program called Honey Gold. When you shop at participating stores, you earn Honey Gold points that can be redeemed for gift cards. Honey automatically applies the best coupon codes at checkout, and if cashback is available, you’ll earn points as well.

• How it works: Install the Honey browser extension, and it will notify you when cashback is available on the websites you visit. Simply shop as usual, and Honey Gold points will be added to your account.
• Cashback payout: Redeem Honey Gold for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
• Why it’s great: Honey combines coupon codes and cashback in one tool, making it a seamless way to save money while shopping online.

Pro tip: Honey’s automatic coupon finder ensures you never miss out on a discount, while its cashback program adds extra savings on top of any deals you find.

6. Dosh

Dosh is a unique cashback app that automatically gives you cashback when you use your linked credit or debit card at participating retailers. There’s no need to activate offers or upload receipts—Dosh does the work for you.

• How it works: Link your credit or debit card to the Dosh app, and when you shop at a participating retailer, cashback is automatically added to your account.
• Cashback payout: You can cash out your earnings via PayPal or direct deposit once you’ve accumulated $25 in cashback.
• Why it’s great: Hands-off cashback earning with no need to upload receipts or activate offers.

Pro tip: Link all your frequently used cards to Dosh and earn cashback without even thinking about it. It’s a great way to earn rewards passively while shopping.

7. Drop

Drop is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at your favorite stores. Once you link your debit or credit card, you can earn points every time you make a purchase at participating retailers. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to places like Starbucks, Amazon, and Uber.

• How it works: Download the Drop app, link your debit or credit card, and start shopping. Drop will automatically track your purchases and reward you with points.
• Cashback payout: Redeem your points for gift cards.
• Why it’s great: Simple to use, and Drop often runs special promotions where you can earn extra points on specific purchases.

Pro tip: Keep an eye on Drop’s special promotions and limited-time offers to rack up extra points quickly.

8. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is a fun and interactive cashback app where you earn rewards by uploading photos of your receipts. The app turns your spending into coins, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. You can also earn spins on the Receipt Hog slot machine for additional rewards.

• How it works: Upload receipts from grocery stores, restaurants, or other retailers, and earn coins based on the amount you spent. The more receipts you upload, the more coins you collect.
• Cashback payout: Redeem coins for PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, or magazine subscriptions.
• Why it’s great: It’s an easy way to turn your receipts into rewards, plus the slot machine feature adds an element of fun.

Pro tip: Use Receipt Hog in combination with Ibotta to earn double rewards for the same grocery purchase.

Conclusion

Maximizing your cashback earnings doesn’t have to be complicated. By using the right combination of cashback apps and websites, you can earn money back on virtually every purchase you make. Whether you prefer using apps like Ibotta and Dosh for in-store purchases or online portals like Rakuten and TopCashback, there’s a cashback solution for everyone.