Earning money while shopping may sound too good to be true, but cashback apps make it possible. These apps allow users to earn money back on everyday purchases, from groceries to gas to online shopping. While cashback rewards won’t make you rich, they can add up over time, turning everyday spending into extra savings. The key is knowing which apps offer the best deals and how to use them effectively. Here’s a guide to the best cashback apps, how they work, and how much you can realistically earn.
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1. How Do Cashback Apps Work?
Cashback apps partner with retailers to offer shoppers a percentage of their money back on purchases. When you make a qualifying purchase through the app or upload a receipt, you earn cashback that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or rewards. Some apps require you to activate offers before shopping, while others automatically apply cashback when you shop through their portal. These apps work because retailers pay them a commission for driving sales, and in return, they share a portion of that commission with shoppers.
2. Best Cashback Apps to Use
Not all cashback apps are created equal, but these are some of the most popular and widely used options:
- Ibotta: Best for grocery shoppers, Ibotta offers cashback on select products when you upload your receipt. It also has offers for online shopping and dining.
- Rakuten: One of the easiest cashback apps, Rakuten gives users money back when they shop through its portal at stores like Walmart, Target, and Macy’s.
- Fetch Rewards: Instead of cashback, Fetch gives points for scanning receipts, which can be redeemed for gift cards. It works with nearly any grocery store or gas station receipt.
- Upside: This app offers cashback on gas, groceries, and restaurants. Users get rewards by checking in at participating locations and uploading receipts.
3. How Much Money Can You Earn?
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The amount you can earn depends on how often you use cashback apps and what types of purchases you make.
- Casual users: If you use cashback apps occasionally for grocery shopping or gas, you might earn $5 to $10 per month.
- Frequent shoppers: Those who consistently activate offers and use multiple cashback apps can earn $20 to $50 per month.
- Heavy users: If you maximize cashback opportunities by stacking offers and shopping through multiple apps, you could earn $100 or more per month.
While cashback apps won’t replace a full-time income, they can provide extra money for essentials or fun purchases. Some users even save up their cashback throughout the year and use it for holiday shopping.
4. Tips to Maximize Cashback Earnings
To get the most out of cashback apps, follow these strategies:
- Stack cashback with coupons and store sales: Many cashback offers can be combined with manufacturer coupons and in-store promotions for bigger savings.
- Use multiple apps: Uploading receipts to multiple cashback apps can help maximize rewards for the same purchase.
- Shop through cashback portals: When shopping online, always check Rakuten or similar portals to see if cashback is available before making a purchase.
- Check offers before shopping: Activate offers on apps like Ibotta before heading to the store to ensure your purchases qualify.
Cashback apps are an easy way to earn money on everyday purchases, whether you’re grocery shopping, filling up your gas tank, or ordering online. While they won’t make you rich, they can provide a steady stream of savings that adds up over time. By choosing the best apps and stacking rewards, you can make the most of your spending and turn everyday purchases into extra cash.
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