Who doesn’t love saving money? If you’re anything like me, the thought of finding extra cash in your wallet makes you do a little happy dance (and maybe that’s just me). In today’s world of shopping, cash back apps have become the saving grace for smart consumers looking to stretch their dollars further. From groceries to clothes, these apps can help you earn money back on purchases you were already planning to make. So, let’s dive into the world of cash back apps and discover how you can start saving big!
What are Cash Back Apps?
Cash back apps are platforms that allow you to earn a percentage of your purchase back in the form of cash rewards, gift cards, or points. They usually partner with various retailers and brands, enabling you to get money back on everyday purchases—from groceries to clothing and even online shopping. These apps are incredibly user-friendly and can help you maximize your savings with minimal effort.
1. Ibotta
Let’s kick things off with one of the most popular cash back apps out there: Ibotta. Launched in 2012, Ibotta allows users to earn cash back on grocery purchases and everyday items.
How Does Ibotta Work?
- Download the App: Head to the App Store or Google Play and download Ibotta. It’s free, and you can start earning money in just a few taps!
- Create an Account: Sign up using your email or social media account. Setting up your profile is quick and easy.
- Browse Offers: Explore a wide range of offers available for various stores and products. These offers change frequently, so check back often.
- Select Your Offers: Tap on the items you want to purchase to add them to your account. Some may require completing a short task, like answering a survey.
- Shop: Go about your shopping as usual at popular retailers like Walmart, Target, and Kroger.
- Submit Your Receipt: After shopping, take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app to claim your cash back.
- Cash Out: Once you reach a minimum balance of $20, you can cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
Why Use Ibotta?
- Free Money: It’s cash back on purchases you’re already making.
- Variety of Stores: A wide range of retailers means you’ll find offers that fit your shopping habits.
- Bonuses and Promotions: Ibotta often runs promotions for additional cash back.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to navigate for everyone.
- Referral Program: Share your link to earn extra bonuses!
Exclusive Offer: Sign up for Ibotta using my referral link here and receive a $10 bonus after submitting your first receipt!
My Ibotta Success Story
I’ve been using Ibotta for just a few weeks, and I can already tell you—this app is a game changer! On my last grocery trip, I decided to stock up on some essentials. I found offers for my favorite snacks and household items, which I already planned to buy. I tapped a few buttons in the app, went shopping, and when I got home, I scanned my receipt. Just like that, I earned $15 back! It felt like winning the grocery lottery.
2. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
If online shopping is your jam, Rakuten is the app for you! Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers, offering cash back on your online purchases.
How Does Rakuten Work?
- Sign Up: Create a free account on the Rakuten website or app.
- Browse Retailers: Check out the list of participating stores. Rakuten has partnerships with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and more.
- Shop: Click through Rakuten to the retailer’s website, and make your purchase.
- Earn Cash Back: Rakuten will track your purchase and add the cash back to your account.
- Cash Out: You can request a payout via PayPal or receive a check once you reach a minimum of $5.
Why Use Rakuten?
- Huge Store Selection: Access to a variety of stores for cash back on virtually anything.
- Bonus Offers: Rakuten often runs promotions for increased cash back percentages.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface and seamless shopping experience.
Exclusive Offer: Sign up using my referral link here and get a $10 bonus after your first qualifying purchase of $25 or more!
My Rakuten Win
I recently used Rakuten to buy some new clothes for an upcoming event. I went on a spree at one of their partnered retailers, and to my surprise, I earned 10% cash back on my entire purchase! After a few days, I noticed my account was credited with $7.50. That was free money for just doing what I normally do—online shopping!
3. Fetch Rewards
This app takes a different approach by letting you earn rewards simply by uploading your grocery receipts. With Fetch Rewards, there are no specific offers to select in advance; just scan your receipts, and you’ll automatically earn points.
How Does Fetch Rewards Work?
- Download the App: Get Fetch Rewards from your app store.
- Create an Account: Sign up with your email or social media.
- Scan Receipts: Take a picture of your grocery receipts to earn points.
- Redeem Points: Points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and more.
Why Use Fetch Rewards?
- No Planning Required: Just scan any grocery receipt to earn points.
- User-Friendly: Easy to use and understand for everyone.
- Bonus Point Offers: Sometimes you’ll find promotions for extra points on specific brands.
Exclusive Offer: Download Fetch using my referral code here to get an instant bonus of 2,000 points (that’s $2!).
My Fetch Rewards Experience
After hearing so much buzz about Fetch Rewards, I decided to give it a try. I love that it doesn’t require any upfront planning—just scan your receipts! In my first week, I scanned three grocery receipts and quickly racked up 5,000 points. When I redeemed them for a $5 Amazon gift card, I was thrilled! It felt like a little surprise gift just for shopping.
4. Shopkick
Shopkick is a fun cash back app that rewards you for engaging with stores. You earn points (called “kicks”) for various activities like walking into stores, scanning products, and making purchases.
How Does Shopkick Work?
- Download the App: Get Shopkick from your app store.
- Create an Account: Sign up to start earning kicks.
- Earn Kicks: Walk into stores, scan barcodes of products, or make purchases to earn points.
- Redeem for Gift Cards: Use your kicks to get gift cards to popular retailers.
Why Use Shopkick?
- Variety of Earning Options: Earn points for different activities, not just purchases.
- Fun and Interactive: Makes shopping feel like a game.
- Great Partnerships: Works with many retailers to maximize your rewards.
Exclusive Offer: Sign up with my link here and get 250 kicks (that’s about $1) when you create your account!
My Shopkick Adventure
I decided to test out Shopkick while running errands one day. As I entered a popular department store, I received notifications for kicks just for walking in! I scanned a few products and picked up a new shirt, which allowed me to rack up over 1,000 kicks (about $4). It was like a scavenger hunt, and I loved every minute of it!
5. Honey
You might know Honey as the browser extension that helps you find coupon codes, but they also have a cash back feature. With the Honey Gold program, you can earn cash back on purchases made through their partner retailers.
How Does Honey Work?
- Install the Extension: Add Honey to your browser or download the app.
- Shop Online: Use Honey while shopping at participating retailers.
- Earn Honey Gold: Automatically earn points on your purchases.
- Redeem Points: Use your Honey Gold for gift cards or cash back.
Why Use Honey?
- Double the Savings: Find coupon codes and earn cash back at the same time.
- User-Friendly: Easy to install and use while shopping online.
- Diverse Retailer Partnerships: Works with many online stores.
Exclusive Offer: Use my referral link here to get a bonus of $5 in Honey Gold when you make your first qualifying purchase!
My Honey Experience
When I was planning a birthday gift for a friend, I decided to shop online and installed Honey for extra savings. Not only did Honey automatically find coupon codes, but I also earned Honey Gold on my purchase. After checking out, I was pleasantly surprised to see I earned $5 just for shopping!
6. Dosh
Dosh is another cash back app that works a bit differently. It automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating retailers. Just link your credit or debit card, and Dosh tracks your purchases.
How Does Dosh Work?
- Download the App: Get Dosh from your app store.
- Link Your Card: Connect your credit or debit card to the app.
- Earn Cash Back: Shop at participating retailers and earn cash back automatically.
- Cash Out: Withdraw your earnings to your bank account or PayPal.
Why Use Dosh?
- No Effort Needed: No need to scan receipts or select offers—just shop!
- Broad Range of Retailers: Earn cash back at a variety of stores and restaurants.
- Quick Cash Outs: Fast access to your cash back earnings.
Exclusive Offer: Sign up using my link here and earn $5 when you link your first card!
My Dosh Discovery
I recently tried Dosh when dining out with friends. I linked my debit card to the app and enjoyed my meal without worrying about tracking cash back offers. After paying the bill, I checked Dosh to find I had earned $2 back just for eating out! It felt like a mini victory for indulging.
Tips for Maximizing Your Cash Back Experience
- Combine Apps: Use multiple cash back apps for the same purchase to maximize your savings.
- Stay Updated: Keep an eye on new offers and promotions to make the most of your cash back potential.
- Use Referral Links: Share your referral links to earn bonuses for each sign-up.
- Be Strategic: Plan your shopping trips around cash back offers for maximum savings.
- Check for In-Store Offers: Some apps also offer cash back on in-store purchases, so don’t forget to check!
In a world where every dollar counts, cash back apps are an excellent way to save money on your everyday purchases. From groceries to clothing and dining out, these apps offer a variety of rewards that can help you earn money back on things you’re already buying.
So, what are you waiting for? Download these apps, start saving, and treat yourself to something special with all that extra cash! Don’t forget to use my referral links to snag exclusive bonuses along the way!
Happy saving!