If you shop online even a little bit, cash back sites are one of the easiest ways to get money back without changing your habits. You are already buying clothes, groceries, gifts, electronics, and household items. Cash back sites simply reward you for doing what you were going to do anyway!
There are several I use or have used personally. Below, I'm explaining more about how they work and giving you your best options.
These sites work primarily by partnering with stores. When you click through a cash back site before shopping, the store pays the platform a referral fee. The platform then shares part of that money with you. That means you get real cash back just for starting your shopping trip in the right place.
Some cash back platforms focus on coupons while others focus on rewards. The best platforms do both, saving you money at checkout and then paying you afterward! Below are five solid cash back sites worth knowing about.
The Best Cash Back Sites to Use Right Now
1 – Coupert
Coupert is a strong choice if you want cash back and coupons without extra effort. It works as a browser extension, which means once it is installed, it helps you automatically while you shop. You do not need to search for codes or wonder if you missed a deal. Coupert handles that part for you.
One of Coupert’s biggest strengths happens to be automatic coupon testing. When you are at checkout, Coupert scans available coupon codes and tries them for you. It applies the best one it finds so you do not have to test codes yourself. This saves time and removes that annoying feeling of wondering if there was a better deal somewhere.
Coupert also offers cash back rewards on many purchases. You can see cash back offers while browsing or when viewing your cart. After your purchase has been completed, the reward tracks automatically. That makes it easy to earn money back without all the extra steps or complicated rules.
Another thing that makes Coupert stand out is how fast the payouts are. Cash back is typically paid out within three to fifteen days. I know that some similar cash back sites make you wait months. When you do get paid, you have multiple options to choose from including PayPal, gift cards, or bank cards.
Coupert feels especially useful for people who shop online often and do not want to manage several apps or sites. It works quietly in the background and focuses on real savings instead of hype. If you want a simple system that combines coupon savings with fast cash back, this one is worth trying!
Sign up for Coupert here
2 – Rakuten
Rakuten is one of the most well known cash back platforms, and it has been around for a long time (formerly was known as Ebates). It works by giving you a percentage of your purchase back when you shop through their links. Many large retailers participate, which makes it easy to use for everyday shopping.
Rakuten is especially popular during big sales events. They often increase cash back percentages during holidays or special promotions. So if you time your purchases right, you can earn a higher reward than usual.
One thing to know is that Rakuten pays out on a schedule rather than instantly. Payments usually go out a few times per year, which means you may need to wait longer to see your money. That is my least favorite thing about this one!
Still, for people who like predictable payouts and shop at major stores, Rakuten can be a solid option.
3 – TopCashback
TopCashback offers high cash back rates by sharing most of its commission with users. So instead of keeping a large cut like other similar sites do, they pass more savings directly to you. This can sometimes result in higher percentages compared to other platforms!
The site additionally works well for planned purchases. You search for the store, click through, and then shop as usual. After the purchase tracks, your cash back becomes available once the store confirms it.
Payout timing can vary, and some rewards take longer to clear. Still, if you are patient and want to maximize cash back on larger purchases, TopCashback is worth checking out.
4 – Ibotta
Ibotta has been around for many years now and is known mostly for grocery and everyday shopping rewards. It works a bit differently than browser based platforms. You activate offers before shopping and then upload receipts or link your store account.
This makes Ibotta especially useful for in store shopping or grocery delivery. You can earn cash back on items you buy every week like food, household supplies, and personal care products.
Cash out options include PayPal and gift cards once you reach the minimum balance. It takes a little more effort than browser extensions, but the rewards can add up fast if you grocery shop regularly.
Fetch
Fetch (last but not least) is a popular cash back app that rewards you for everyday purchases, especially groceries. Instead of clicking through stores, you earn points by scanning receipts. You can upload receipts from grocery stores, big box retailers, convenience stores, and also from your online purchases.
Most people find Fetch appealing because it's super simple to use. You do not need to activate specific offers most of the time as you do with some of the other apps on this list. You shop like normal, scan your receipt, and earn points automatically. This makes it a good option for people who don't plan ahead or remember to click through links.
The points you earn on Fetch Points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers, restaurants, and online stores. While it does not offer direct cash payouts, it works well alongside other cash back tools and can add up quickly if you are a regular shopper.
Choosing the Right Cash Back Site for You
Which one of these should you download? Or should you try them all? It really depends on what type of shopper you are. If you want hands-off saving and fast payments, it's hard to beat Coupert. But then Rakuten is great for scheduled payments and major retailers represented. And TopCashback may be ideal if you want higher percentages on your cash back and don't mind waiting a while on your money.
And you don't have to use just one of these. You can install several and then just choose the best offer each time. Just make sure you activate the cash back before you check out anywhere.
Obviously, these kinds of sites and apps won't make you rich. But they offer a very easy way to stretch your money and save. Over time, these rewards will come in handy for little things like gift cards, gas money, or “treat” money you might not have had otherwise.
Good luck if you try anything listed above!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.