Cash Photo by Allison Saeng on Unsplash
Earning money online doesn’t have to involve long hours or a side hustle – in today’s digital world. One of the simplest and most effective ways to boost your income is by using cash-back apps. These apps allow you to earn money just by purchasing items you already buy every day—groceries, clothing, gas, and more. Whether you’re looking for extra savings or want to make your daily spending work for you, cash-back apps can be a powerful tool.
In this article, we’ll explore the top cash-back apps that help you save and earn money with minimal effort. You’ll also get insights from experts on why these apps are essential for modern-day shopping and financial well-being.
Disclaimer – I do recognise that these particular apps (USA focus) may not be available in your country – however you can investigate to find out which ones are applicable to you.
Rakuten: Shop Smart, Earn Big
One of the most well-known cash-back apps in the world, Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates), has been helping users earn significant rewards for over two decades. With Rakuten, users earn cash back from a wide range of retailers, both online and in-store. The app partners with more than 2,500 stores including big names like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and Macy’s.
How It Works:
Simply sign up for a free account and use Rakuten’s portal or mobile app to shop at your favourite stores. After making a purchase, a percentage of your total spend is credited back to your Rakuten account. Rakuten often runs promotions that can boost your cash-back earnings, such as doubling the typical rate or offering limited-time bonuses.
For example, let’s say you spend $200 on new shoes from Macy’s. If Rakuten offers 10% cash back on Macy’s purchases at the time, you’ll earn $20 back just for buying something you already planned to purchase.
“If you’re not using cash-back apps like Rakuten when shopping, you’re leaving money on the table. It’s an easy way to earn a little extra for something you’re doing anyway,” says Jean Chatzky, financial expert and author of Women with Money.
Ibotta: Grocery Shopping Made Profitable
For those who want to earn cash back on groceries and everyday essentials, Ibotta is a must-have app. Ibotta partners with major grocery chains like Kroger, Walmart, Target, and CVS, giving you the opportunity to earn cash back on specific items each time you shop. What sets Ibotta apart is that you don’t need to wait for your savings—you can cash out once you reach $20.
How It Works:
Start by browsing the available cash-back offers in the app before heading to the store. These offers are often on everyday items like bread, milk, or cleaning products. Once you’ve made your purchase, you can scan your receipt, and Ibotta will match the items to the available deals, crediting your account with the savings.
For example, you go to Walmart and buy a loaf of bread and some milk. If Ibotta is offering $1.50 cash back for both items, you simply scan your receipt and get credited instantly.
“Ibotta is more than a money-saving app—it’s like getting paid to do your groceries,” says Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial. “It’s one of the easiest ways to make everyday expenses work for you.”
Fetch Rewards: Turn Receipts into Rewards
Unlike other cash-back apps that focus on specific retailers or items, Fetch Rewards lets you earn rewards points on any grocery receipt. The points you accumulate can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers, making it an excellent option for earning extra perks with minimal effort. Fetch also partners with popular brands like Pepsi, Dove, and Kraft, offering extra rewards for purchasing their products.
How It Works:
Simply upload a photo of your receipt to the app and Fetch Rewards automatically scans it for eligible purchases. You’ll earn points for every receipt, with bonus points if you’ve bought items from partner brands.
After buying groceries at any store, for example, you snap a picture of your receipt. Fetch Rewards gives you points, which can eventually be redeemed for gift cards to places like Amazon or Starbucks.
“Fetch Rewards simplifies the process. You don’t have to plan ahead or search for deals. It’s great for people who want an effortless way to earn rewards on everyday purchases,” says Kristen Gall, Retail and Shopping Expert at Rakuten.
Dosh: Earn Cash Back Instantly
Dosh is an automatic cash-back app that offers a seamless user experience. The app connects to your credit or debit card, and whenever you make a purchase at participating stores, you automatically earn cash back. There’s no need to scan receipts or click through special links—just shop and earn.
How It Works:
After linking your card, Dosh will track your purchases at participating retailers and credit your account with cash back. When your balance reaches $25, you can transfer the money directly to your bank account or PayPal. Dosh works with a variety of stores, hotels, and restaurants, making it an excellent choice for frequent travellers as well.
For example, let’s say you book a hotel through the Dosh app. You can earn up to 10% cash back, depending on the offer. If your total hotel cost is $300, that’s $30 back into your account—no extra steps required.
“Dosh is all about convenience. You don’t have to do anything other than link your card and go about your shopping. It’s ideal for busy people who don’t want to spend time managing apps,” explains David Bach, author of The Automatic Millionaire.
Honey: Shop, Save, and Earn Rewards
Honey is widely known for its automatic coupon feature, but it also offers a cash-back component called Honey Gold. Users can earn Honey Gold points, which can be redeemed for gift cards. The app works in the background as you shop online, searching for available coupons and notifying you of any cash-back opportunities.
How It Works:
Install the Honey browser extension or use their app while shopping online. Honey Gold points accumulate on eligible purchases, and once you’ve earned enough, you can exchange them for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, Sephora, or Walmart.
You’re shopping for clothes at a popular online retailer, for example. Honey automatically searches for the best coupons and applies them to your purchase. After completing your transaction, you also earn Honey Gold points for future redemptions.
“Honey is one of the easiest ways to save without doing any extra work. It’s the perfect combination of discounts and rewards,” says Clark Howard, consumer expert and host of The Clark Howard Show.
TopCashback: Maximize Your Earnings
TopCashback is another leading cash-back platform that prides itself on offering higher rates than most competitors. The app partners with over 4,000 retailers, making it easy for users to find deals on just about anything. One of the best features of TopCashback is that it doesn’t have a minimum payout requirement, meaning you can cash out your rewards as soon as you earn them.
How It Works:
Sign up for a free account, browse available deals, and click through TopCashback’s portal to shop. Once you’ve completed a purchase, your cash-back rewards are tracked and credited to your account. When you’re ready, you can transfer your earnings to your bank or PayPal.
You find a deal on electronics from Best Buy that offers 5% cash back, for example. After purchasing a $500 laptop, you earn $25 cash back, which can be withdrawn immediately.
“TopCashback consistently offers some of the highest cash-back rates in the industry. It’s a great way to maximize your earnings, especially for big purchases,” says Andrea Woroch, a money-saving expert featured on NBC’s Today Show.
Upside: Fuel Your Savings at the Gas Pump
For those who want to save on gas and everyday driving expenses, Upside is an essential app. Upside partners with gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants to offer users cash back on fuel and other purchases. The app focuses on helping drivers save money every time they fill up.
How It Works:
After downloading the app, search for participating gas stations in your area. Once you find an offer you like, claim it and pay with a linked credit card. You’ll get cash back on your gas purchase, and it can be redeemed via PayPal or bank transfer.
For example, you stop at a local gas station offering 5% cash back through Upside. You fill up your tank for $50, earning $2.50 back, which can be transferred directly to your account.
“Gas is a necessary expense, so why not get some of that money back? Upside turns everyday fill-ups into a way to save,” says Liz Weston, personal finance columnist and author of Your Credit Score.
Make Every Purchase Pay You Back
In a world where earning extra cash can be as simple as snapping a picture of a receipt or shopping through an app, there’s no reason to leave money on the table. Cash-back apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and others offer an effortless way to earn money online through your everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, filling up your car, or shopping for clothes, these apps reward you for things you’d already be spending money on.
The best part is that anyone can use these apps—whether you’re a savvy shopper or someone just looking to save a little extra. So, why not start today? Download one (or all) of these top-rated apps and begin earning cash back on everyday purchases. The savings might just surprise you!
This method of earning online won’t make you rich – but it will certainly help to boost your current savings!
