A guide to the best cash-back apps of 2024
“Save as you spend, earn as you shop…” This quote captures the core element of cashback apps, which are gaining more popularity in 2024. Thanks to partnerships between banks and retailers, these apps let you earn rewards when you shop. Whether shopping online or in person, you can earn cash back effortlessly. As the year goes on, more apps with enhanced and novel features surface. Intending to save money and improve your shopping experience, this guide evaluates the best cash-back apps in 2024.
What are cash-back apps?
Cash-back apps are mobile applications that give users cash back on purchases made through partner stores or with associated payment methods. These apps partner with various retailers and brands to offer users a percentage of their purchase amount back as a reward.
Why are cash-back apps a must-have?
Cash-back apps are a fantastic way to boost your savings and empower your budgeting and financial planning. But what indeed elevates them to a “must-have” status is their array of advantages over traditional methods. Let’s delve into these benefits and see why cash-back apps should be a staple in your financial toolkit.
Earn while you spend
Unlike traditional savings methods that require you to set aside money from your income, cashback apps allow you to earn rewards simply by making purchases you would have made anyway. It means you can accumulate savings effortlessly as you spend your daily time.
Maximize savings
Cashback apps often offer higher returns than traditional savings accounts or loyalty programs. Earning a percentage of your purchase back as cash or credits allows you to maximize your savings over time, especially on larger or frequent purchases.
Diversified rewards
These apps partner with various retailers and service providers, allowing you to earn rewards across categories such as groceries, dining, travel, and more. This diversification improves your overall savings strategy by enabling you to earn rewards on various purchases.
Enhanced financial planning
Cashback apps contribute to better financial planning by providing transparency and insights into spending habits. Many apps offer transaction tracking, spending analysis, and budgeting tools that help you monitor where your money goes and adjust your financial habits accordingly.
Budget-friendly
You can stretch your budget further without compromising your lifestyle by earning cash back on purchases. You can use these extra savings to pay other bills, accumulate emergency savings, or even indulge guilt-free.
Incentives for smart spending
Cashback apps frequently offer additional incentives, such as sign-up bonuses, referral rewards, and exclusive promotions. These incentives encourage innovative spending and can motivate you to shop strategically to maximize your rewards.
Cash-back apps are an excellent way to save and reach your money goals. Now, let’s see how to use them correctly to earn unbeatable rewards.
How do you use cash-back apps to maximize your savings?
Cash-back apps are a fantastic way to save money on your everyday purchases. To get the most out of your cash-back apps, follow these easy steps to unlock their full potential and watch your savings grow.
Step 1: Download and sign up
Select and download a trustworthy cash-back app to your mobile device. Once the app is installed, you should create an account within the app by providing the necessary information and following the instructions provided on the screen. It typically involves entering your details, creating a username and password, and possibly linking a payment method. Watch for any additional steps to activate your account and use the cash-back app effectively.
Step 2: Connect the account
Then, select the credit card or bank account you would like to use to accumulate cash-back rewards. This app will smoothly lead you through a secure connection process, guaranteeing the protection of your personal information.
Step 3: Shop and earn cash back
For a smooth shopping experience, check the app before you go. This way, you’ll know which stores offer the deal and avoid wasted trips.
Next, use the payment method already connected to your account to make a purchase at affiliated retailers. The CashBack app will automatically track your eligible purchases, making it easy to see your savings grow.
Step 4: Accumulate and redeem cash back
After accumulating sufficient cash back, you can redeem it through various options available within the app. These options include directly transferring to your bank account or receiving gift cards from multiple retailers. It’s important to note that the minimum cash-back amount required for redemption may differ based on the specific app you are using.
Step 5: Maximize Your savings with bonus rewards
An important point is that cash-back apps surpass just the standard cash-back percentage. They often feature bonus rewards for specific purchases or categories, letting you significantly boost your return on your regular spending. Additionally, these apps frequently have special deals and promotions exclusive to app users, providing another significant avenue to increase your savings and rewards.
Factors to consider when choosing a cash-back app
These are essential things to take into account when selecting a cashback app, and you can sort them according to your needs:
Cash-back rates
Cash-back Rates These indicate how much money you get back from your purchases. You can compare rates across various apps, particularly for your most frequent expenses, such as groceries or online shopping.
Redemption options
Look at how you can use your cash back—whether as cash in your bank account, gift cards, or credits for future purchases. Choose options that are easy to use and fit your spending habits.
Ease of use
Check how easy it is to use the app. You want a simple layout that lets you see your earnings and redeem rewards without hassle.
Compatibility
Ensure the app works with your payment methods, like your credit card or favorite stores. Also, see if it’s easy to link and track your purchases.
Extra features
Some apps offer bonuses for signing up, referring friends, or special deals tailored to your shopping habits. These extras can add up to more savings over time.
Factors to Consider Based on Your Shopping Habits
Frequent shopper
Your primary focus should be apps with high cashback rates on various purchases. Look for easy redemption options like direct deposits or versatile gift cards.
Occasional shopper
Even though the cashback rates on these apps are a little lower, opt for those that are easy to use and offer straightforward redemption. You’ll appreciate the ease when you shop.
Budget-focused
Take a look at apps that let you track your spending and create savings targets. These features can help you manage your money better while earning rewards.
By weighing these factors based on how often you shop and what you value most in a cashback app, you can find one that fits your lifestyle and helps you save money effortlessly.
Comparison of top cashback apps in 2024
Your priorities and shopping habits determine which app is best for you. Here’s a detailed breakdown of five popular apps in 2024, highlighting their features, cashback rates, user interface, supported retailers, unique selling points, and some potential drawbacks:
| Feature | BeFrugal | Rakuten | TopCashback | iBotta | Upside |
| Overall Rating | (4.5/5) | (4.3/5) | (4.2/5) | (4.0/5) | (3.8/5) |
| Cashback Rates | Upto 40% | Upto 12% | Upto 15% | Upto 20% | Upto 25% |
| User Interface | Easy to use | User-friendly | Simple layout | Visually appealing | Modern design |
| Supported Retailers | Widest selection (online & in-store) | Major retailers & online stores | Strong in fashion & travel | Extensive grocery coverage | Gas stations & everyday purchases |
| Unique Selling Points | High cashback rates, browser extension | Double cashback opportunities, coupons | Bonus for signing up friends | Grocery receipt rebates, welcome bonus | Instant cashouts |
| Cons | Retailer selection might be less focused on specific categories compared to others. | Requires additional clicks to earn through some stores | Everyday store selection might be slightly less extensive |
Lower cashback rates for non-grocery purchases |
Slightly lower overall cashback rates compared to some competitors |
BeFrugal cashback app
BeFrugal offers some of the highest cashback rates, with deals reaching up to 40% at select stores. They update their offers regularly, ensuring users maximize savings across various categories. You can check their current deals here.
Users earn cashback through online shopping using BeFrugal’s browser extension or linking their credit cards for in-store purchases through the app. Moreover, this app features a straightforward interface highlighting current cashback opportunities, making it easy to use.
They also partner with a wide range of online and offline retailers, providing extensive options for earning cashback. However, their focus may not be as niche-specific as some competitors.
Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Rakuten offers competitive cashback rates, with some stores offering up to 12% cashback. They also feature a “double cashback” option, which can significantly increase earnings. Check current offers here.
Users earn cashback by shopping online through Rakuten’s website or app and linking cards for in-store purchases. Rakuten provides a user-friendly interface that is intuitive to navigate, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Although they emphasize general retail more than particular niches, they collaborate with well-known online retailers in various categories. Rakuten’s unique selling points include its double cashback feature and availability of coupons alongside cashback rewards, making it a well-rounded choice for savvy shoppers.
TopCashback
TopCashback offers competitive cashback rates, with up to 15% deals at partnered stores. Users can earn cashback through online shopping and in-store purchases linked through their app.
Moreover, the app features a simple layout that’s easy to navigate, enhancing user convenience. TopCashback has a strong presence in fashion and travel categories, making it a preferred choice for users who shop frequently in these areas.
Bonuses for referring friends are one of their unique selling points, giving users an additional incentive to create a network of cashback earners.
iBotta
iBotta excels in grocery cashback, offering rebates on specific items and categories through receipt uploads. Their cashback rates can reach up to 20% for groceries, making them a top choice for grocery shoppers. Check out their latest offers here.
With a small amount of online shopping, iBotta’s primary focus is grocery cashback, obtained through uploading receipts after shopping. Their visually appealing interface simplifies the process of earning and redeeming cashback. Despite their extensive partnerships in the grocery industry, their selection for other retail categories may need to be more constrained.
iBotta’s standout features include high potential rates for grocery cashback, a user-friendly app with receipt upload functionality, and a welcome bonus for new users.
Upside
Upside offers instant cashouts, which can appeal to users seeking immediate access to their rewards. They provide competitive cashback rates, with offers reaching up to 25% at gas stations. However, overall cashback rates might be slightly lower compared to some competitors.
Cashback is awarded to users for purchases made at gas stations and regular convenience stores connected through their app.
Upside features a modern and user-friendly app design that enhances usability. It has a strong presence at gas stations and convenience stores, making it a convenient option for frequent visitors. Upside’s unique selling points include instant cashouts and a focus on gas stations and convenience stores, providing a streamlined experience for users focused on these purchases.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Cashback Reward
Know your apps, know yourself.
Recognize your spending patterns to select the best cashback applications. For particular purchases, use several apps strategically to potentially double your cashback.
Add coupons to cashback.
Stack your savings using cashback apps and coupons from websites like RetailMeNot or in-store circulars.
Super savings with cashFFback apps and credit card rewards
Earn more by combining your credit card rewards with these apps. You can use it to earn credit card points and cashback on the same purchase.
Plan Your purchases around promotions.
Take advantage of special promotions or limited-time offers in these apps. Check for updates regularly to maximize your rewards.
Refer friends and earn bonuses.
Earn extra cashback by referring friends to join the app. Share your referral link to get bonuses when they make qualifying purchases.
Stay organized and track your earnings.
Monitor your purchases and cashback earnings using spreadsheets or budgeting apps. This helps you see what works best and adjust your strategy for more savings.
Cash-out frequently
To make sure you gain from your rewards, take them out on a regular basis. If you do not want to lose your rewards from inactivity, transfer the funds to your bank account or purchase gift cards.
Seek out special deals.
Seek out special offers from the partners of the these app. These offers often offer higher cashback rates or special discounts for extra savings.
Remember, a little planning and effort can go a long way in maximizing your cashback potential and making your budget smile!
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FAQs
Which app gives the most cash-back?
TopCashback often provides the highest cash-back rates because it passes on 100% of the commission it receives from retailers to users.
What app gives back money?
Rakuten gives back money by offering cash on purchases made through its app or website. Users can earn money from various retailers and get paid via PayPal or check.
Which app will give more cash back in 2024?
TopCashback is expected to offer the highest cash-back rates in 2024, with no membership fees and higher average cash-back rates than competitors.
What is the best app to earn rewards?
iBotta is one of the best apps for earning rewards on everyday purchases. Its easy-to-use app offers cash back on groceries, clothing, and other items.
Which money app is real?
All the apps mentioned—TopCashback, Rakuten, iBotta, BeFrugal, and Upside—are legitimate and genuine. Many users have reviewed and used them, and they offer genuine cash back and rewards.
