14 Best Cash Back Apps To Make Extra Money – Technologist

Are you looking for the best cash back apps?

Finding ways to save money on everyday purchases is always a good idea. Cash back apps are a great tool to help you get some of your money back (and even free gift cards) on things you buy all the time. These apps can reward you with cash, points, gift cards, or discounts just for shopping like you normally do.

With so many cash back apps available, it can be hard to know which ones to use. Some apps focus on groceries, while others give rewards for travel, gas, or online shopping. By using the right cash back apps, you can make sure you’re making the most out of your spending.

In case you want a quick summary, my favorite cash back apps are:

There are many others on the list below that you may find helpful too!

Best Cash Back Apps

These 14 best cash back apps will help you make extra money. You can get cash back for groceries, online shopping, and more.

1. Rakuten

Rakuten is a popular cash back app and site that lets you earn rewards on your everyday shopping. With Rakuten, you get a percentage of what you spend back as cash. It’s a simple and effective way to get free money while shopping at your favorite stores like Target, Macy’s, Walmart, Old Navy, Lowe’s, and many more.

Your cash back percentage depends on the store that you are shopping at but can vary anywhere from around 1% to over 10%, which can add up quickly!

Signing up is quick and free too. Once you create your account, you can start shopping on Rakuten’s website, app, or browser extension. When you shop through Rakuten, the stores pay Rakuten a commission. Rakuten then shares part of that commission with you as cash back.

One of the coolest things about Rakuten is how easy it is to find deals. You can earn cash back on clothes, electronics, restaurants, and even ride-sharing services like Uber. The browser extension helps you find the best coupons and cash back offers.

Rakuten also has a large user base with over 15 million members. They have paid out more than $3.2 billion in cash back since they started in 1999. On average, members earned about $100 in cash back in 2023.

Payment is easy too. You can choose to get paid via check or PayPal.

Please click here to sign up for Rakuten. Plus, you can get a $30 bonus when you spend $30 if you join right now (at the time of this writing; please double-check the current offer).

2. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a popular app that makes earning gift cards easy, and this is the app that I use for ALL of my grocery receipts. All you need to do is take a picture of your receipts using your phone.

Fetch Rewards lets you earn points by snapping receipts from any store. It works for grocery stores, clothing stores, restaurants, and even gas stations. The app also works with digital receipts from online purchases.

Some examples of what you can earn include 2,500 points for buying General Mills products, 1,000 points for Barilla Pasta, 750 points for Sara Lee bread, 5,000 points for trash bags, and more.

To get started, download the Fetch Rewards app and create an account. Then, shop as you normally do and scan your receipts to earn points. The process is quick and only takes about 10 seconds per receipt.

Once you earn enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards. These gift cards can be used at a variety of places like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and many more. You can also choose to donate your points to charity.

The app is free to sign up for and use. There are no surveys to fill out or barcodes to scan, making it a hassle-free way to earn rewards.

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular app where you can earn rewards for doing simple things online. You can shop, watch videos, take surveys, and even play games to get points. These points, called Swagbucks (SB), can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.

I have been using Swagbucks for years and I think it’s a great rewards site.

One great feature of Swagbucks is how easy it is to use. You can add a browser extension to automatically earn cash back on your purchases, and this makes it super convenient as you shop online.

Another nice thing is their “Magic Receipts” feature. You just need to upload your receipts from certain stores, and you’ll earn cash back. Many big retailers are included, making it easy to earn points.

With over 20 million users and a strong reputation, Swagbucks is trusted by many. They’ve paid out more than $935 million in rewards to their users.

Please click here to join Swagbucks.

4. Ibotta

Ibotta is a popular cash back app that helps you save money on groceries and more. It’s free to download and use and with Ibotta, you can earn real cash back on everyday purchases.

Using Ibotta is easy. You just head to the Ibotta app and add offers for things you want to buy before you go shopping. These offers can be for groceries, clothing, and even dining out.

Next, you shop at your favorite stores, both in-store and online. Ibotta partners with many stores and retailers, so you have plenty of choices.

After shopping, you can redeem your cash back. You do this by uploading your receipt or linking your loyalty card to the app. It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

One great thing about Ibotta is that it offers cash back on a wide range of products from daily essentials like milk and bread to big-ticket items. For example, currently I can get 50 cents back on yogurt, 75 cents back on shredded cheese, $1.00 back on Cheerios, and more.

Another perk is the bonuses that Ibotta offers. These bonuses can give you extra cash back for redeeming certain offers or for reaching specific milestones.

The app is available on both iOS and Android, making it easy to use on most cell phones.

Ibotta is a great way to make some extra cash on things you already plan to buy. It’s perfect for anyone looking to save a little more each time they shop.

You can sign up for Ibotta here.

5. Upside

Upside (used to be called GetUpside), helps you earn cash back on fuel for your car (as well as restaurants and grocery stores, but I like to mainly use it for gas).

Using the Upside app is easy. You just sign up and find deals near you. The app shows you gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants where you can get cash back.

You can earn up to 25 cents per gallon on gas and even more for diesel. Occasionally, you can get deals for higher. For example, I recently redeemed a deal to get 89 cents off per gallon – I received $15.00 in cash back!

For groceries, you can earn up to 30% back in select cities and when you eat out, get up to 45% back at many restaurants.

There are over 50,000 locations in the U.S. where you can save money with Upside. Major gas stations like BP, Shell, and Marathon are included.

To get started, just sign up for free, link your cards, and claim offers through the app. Then, make your purchases as usual, submit your receipts or use the check-in feature, and get your cash back.

Payments can be collected through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.

You can check out Upside here to learn more.

6. Dosh

Dosh is a cash back app that helps you save money without a lot of work. You link your credit or debit card to the app, and it automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating stores or restaurants.

Using Dosh is easy too. After linking your card, just shop like you normally do. The app will take care of adding the cash back to your Dosh wallet. You don’t need to worry about scanning receipts or entering codes, which I think is very nice and convenient.

Dosh partners with many well-known brands, making it simple to save money. You can earn cash back at places like Walmart, Target, and Pizza Hut. The app also works with thousands of hotels, adding more ways to save.

One of the best things about Dosh is that it handles everything for you automatically. It deposits your rewards into your account. Once you reach a certain balance, you can transfer your cash to your bank, PayPal, or donate to charity.

If you like finding deals and saving money without effort, Dosh might be a great app for you. It makes saving easy and fun, helping you make the most of your purchases every day.

7. TopCashback

TopCashback is a great choice if you want to save money on your purchases. This app connects you with over 7,000 retailers, making it super easy to earn cash back.

To start, sign up for a free account. Then, search for your favorite store and click on the offer. After you shop, your cash back gets added to your account.

TopCashback stands out because it tends to have higher cash back rates compared to other apps. This means you can save more money on each purchase.

It’s important to note that while TopCashback is very user-friendly, I did find some reviews where some people find that it could improve in processing times for gift card purchases.

If you shop online often, TopCashback can help you earn cash back on your regular spending. The app is available on both iOS and Android, so you can use it on the go.

8. PayPal Honey

PayPal Honey is a browser extension that makes online shopping easier and cheaper. When you shop online, Honey automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. You just add it to your browser and it starts working right away.

Honey works with over 30,000 stores. This includes big names like Amazon, Macy’s, and Nike, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a discount on something you’re buying.

Another cool feature is the Droplist. You can keep an eye on items you want to buy and get alerts when their prices drop, and this helps you buy things at the best time and save even more money.

Honey is free to use and easy to install. If you want to save money without the hassle of searching for coupon codes yourself, it’s worth trying out.

You can learn more about Honey by clicking here.

9. Shopkick

Shopkick is an easy way to earn rewards when you shop. You can get “kicks,” which are points, for doing simple things.

For example, you earn kicks just by walking into certain stores, and this makes it super easy to start earning rewards right away.

You can also earn kicks by scanning the barcodes of products in the store. Some items even give extra kicks when you buy them and submit your receipt.

Shopkick isn’t just for in-store shopping. You can also earn kicks when you make purchases online through the app.

Once you collect enough kicks, you can trade them in for free gift cards. These gift cards can be used at many popular stores, which gives you a lot of options.

The app is free to use, and it has a lot of participating stores. This makes it a great way to earn rewards on stuff you already buy.

10. Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping is a handy tool for anyone who likes to shop online. It’s a browser extension that finds coupon codes while you shop. This makes saving money super easy because the tool does all the work for you. Just shop as usual, and it will automatically apply the best coupon codes at checkout.

I have Capital One Shopping installed on my browser, and I love how it helps me save money without me having to think about it. I used to always forget to look for coupon codes, or sometimes it would take forever to find a coupon code that worked. Capital One Shopping takes all of that wasted time and does it for you.

You can use Capital One Shopping on almost any browser, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari. It’s also available as a mobile app for both iOS and Android. This means you can save money whether you’re shopping on your computer or your phone.

Another great feature is the price comparison tool. If you’re looking at an item, Capital One Shopping checks other websites to see if you can get a better deal.

Another perk is that you earn rewards points while you shop. These points can be turned into gift cards for many popular stores. It’s like getting a little cash back on your purchases. I recently redeemed $71.00 in free gift cards for simply just doing my normal online shopping.

You can also add items to a watchlist, and the tool will let you know if the price drops. This way, you can buy things at the best possible time.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and easy to install. Just add the extension to your browser or download the app and then shop as you normally do and enjoy the savings!

You can learn more in my Capital One Shopping Review.

11. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is a cash back app that helps you earn cash back by simply scanning your receipts.

You take pictures of your shopping receipts and upload them to the app. For each receipt, you get coins. These coins can then be exchanged for money through PayPal or gift cards.

The cool part is, you can use receipts from nearly any store. Whether you shop at a grocery store, department store, or even a gas station, you can take a photo of that receipt and earn coins.

Receipt Hog also has special bonuses and sweepstakes. Sometimes, you might get extra coins or the chance to win larger prizes. It’s a fun way to get rewarded for your everyday shopping.

Recommended reading: 14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts for Money

12. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is a user-friendly cash back app that helps you save on groceries, gas, and more. It’s free to download and simple to use.

With Checkout 51, you can look at their weekly offers and select the ones you like. When you buy those items, you just need to upload your receipt to the app.

New deals are added every week, so there is always something new to save on. It’s a great way to cut down on your grocery and gas expenses.

13. Receipt Pal

Receipt Pal is an app that makes earning rewards easy. You just need to scan your receipts and this app works with any store, so you can rack up points from grocery shopping, gas, dining out, and more.

Each time you scan a receipt, you earn points. These points can be turned into gift cards for popular retailers.

The app is free to use. You need to take a picture of your receipt within 14 days of your purchase. Once you upload the receipt, Receipt Pal will handle the rest.

You can also earn extra points by completing surveys and playing games within the app. This can make reaching your reward goals go more quickly.

14. Upromise

Upromise is a cash back app that helps you save money for college. Instead of just giving you cash back for everyday purchases, it allows you to put those savings into a college fund. This makes it a great option for families planning for future education expenses.

When you shop through Upromise, you earn cash back on things you buy. It works with many stores and restaurants. You can also earn rewards by scanning receipts and dining at participating restaurants. The cash back can be automatically transferred to a 529 college savings plan.

Another cool feature is that you can also link someone else’s 529 plan to your account. This means grandparents or other family members can contribute to your child’s college savings too.

Upromise is a good way to turn your everyday spending into savings for the future. It helps make the dream of paying for college a little more achievable.

What Are Cash Back Apps?

You may have questions about cash back apps. If so, then I would like to talk about them and how they work in this section.

Cash back apps help you save money on everyday purchases. By using these apps, you can get a percentage of your spending back in the form of cash rewards.

How cash back apps work

When you shop through a cash back app, the cash back app partners with retailers to earn a commission. Instead of keeping all the commission, the app shares a portion with you so that you will be persuaded to use their app more (everyone wins). This means you get back a small percentage of what you spent.

You start by downloading the app and creating an account. Then, you browse through the app’s partner stores to find the ones you like. When you make a purchase through the app, you earn cash back that you can usually redeem for PayPal, bank deposits, or gift cards.

Benefits of using cash back apps

Cash back apps can save you money without much effort. Every time you shop through these apps, you earn a little back on what you’re already spending. Over time, these small savings add up.

Many apps also give extra bonuses or special promotions, which means even more savings. These promotions can include higher cash back rates for a limited time or bonus cash for shopping in particular categories.

Plus, cash back apps are free to use, making them a simple way to save a bit on everyday purchases.

I use cash back apps all the time, and I like how they can help me save more money easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to common questions about the top cash back apps.

Which app gives the most cash back?

Rakuten is known for giving a lot of cash back for online purchases, many times over 5%. Others, like Fetch Rewards, also give a good amount of rewards, especially for groceries.

Do cash back apps really work?

Yes, cash back apps do work and you earn money or points for purchases you make. These apps partner with many stores to give you a percentage back.

What’s the best cash back app for groceries?

I think that Fetch Rewards is the best for groceries. It has good deals on food items at many big grocery stores. You can scan receipts or link your store loyalty card to earn cash back.

Is Fetch or Ibotta better?

Fetch is easier to use since you just scan any grocery receipt. Ibotta requires more work because you must select offers before shopping. Both are good. Ibotta typically pays a little more, but you do have to do a little more work to earn the points.

What are the best automatic cash back apps?

Rakuten and Capital One Shopping are top apps for automatic cash back. Once you download the browser extension, they automatically give you cash back at partner stores. It’s simple and requires no extra work.

Another way to get automatic cash back is by using cash back credit cards. The best rewards credit cards can give cash back of around 1%-2% automatically on your purchases.

How can I tell if cash back apps are safe and legit to use?

To see if a cash back app is safe and legitimate, I recommend that you look for reviews and ratings in app stores.

Best Cash Back Apps – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on the best cash back apps.

The best cash back apps can help you save money on things you buy every day with little effort. With these apps, you can earn rewards on groceries, eating out, online shopping, and more. Whether you want to save a bit of money or get the most savings, these apps have different features to help you.

Plus, depending on the cash back app, you can get your cash back directly to your bank account, PayPal account, or even through free gift cards.

The best cash back apps don’t have any fees either, so you can save money without having to spend any more.

What is your favorite cash back app?

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