Introduction
Cashback apps are a simple way to earn money on purchases you're already making. But with so many options available, which ones are actually worth your time? We tested the top cashback apps to bring you this definitive guide.
1. Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)
Why We Love It
Rakuten is the gold standard of cashback apps with over 3,500 partner stores and consistent high cashback rates.
Key Features
- 1-40% cashback at major retailers
- $30 sign-up bonus (typical offer)
- Browser extension for easy activation
- Quarterly payments via PayPal or check
- Double Cash Back days multiple times per year
Best For
Online shopping across all categories
How It Works
- Create a free account
- Click through Rakuten to your favorite store
- Shop as normal
- Cashback is automatically tracked
- Get paid quarterly
2. Ibotta
Why We Love It
Perfect for grocery shopping and everyday purchases. Ibotta offers cashback on groceries, online shopping, and more.
Key Features
- Cashback on groceries and everyday items
- Receipt scanning technology
- $20 welcome bonus
- Works at Walmart, Target, Costco, and more
- Bonus offers for buying specific products
Best For
Grocery shopping and household essentials
Pro Tip
Stack Ibotta with manufacturer coupons and store sales for triple savings!
3. Dosh
Why We Love It
Completely automatic—no scanning receipts or clicking through links. Link your credit/debit cards and earn automatically.
Key Features
- Automatic cashback when you shop
- Works both online and in-store
- No receipt scanning required
- Instant cashback to your Dosh wallet
- Hotels and travel booking cashback
Best For
Hands-free cashback on everyday spending
How to Maximize
Link all your cards and let Dosh work in the background while you earn!
4. Honey
Why We Love It
More than just a cashback app—Honey finds coupon codes and offers cashback with Honey Gold points.
Key Features
- Automatic coupon code finder
- Earn Honey Gold on 4,000+ sites
- Price tracking and drop alerts
- Amazon price comparison
- Redeem points for gift cards
Best For
Combining coupon codes with cashback rewards
Unique Benefit
Honey tests every available coupon code at checkout—no manual searching needed!
5. TopCashback
Why We Love It
Claims to offer higher cashback rates than competitors by returning 100% of commission to users.
Key Features
- Often higher rates than other cashback sites
- 4,000+ partner retailers
- Multiple payout options (PayPal, gift cards, direct deposit)
- Price comparison tool
- Special bonus events
Best For
Maximizing cashback percentages
Strategy
Always compare TopCashback rates with Rakuten before shopping—one often beats the other depending on current promotions.
How to Maximize Cashback Earnings
1. Stack Multiple Apps
Use Rakuten or TopCashback for online shopping, then stack with:
- Credit card rewards
- Store loyalty programs
- Coupon codes from CouponsCodeHut
2. Watch for Special Promotions
Cashback rates increase during major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and back-to-school season.
3. Use for Big Purchases
2% back on a $500 laptop is $10. Small percentages add up on big purchases!
4. Refer Friends
Most cashback apps offer referral bonuses—earn extra by sharing with friends.
5. Link Credit Cards
Apps like Dosh and Pei work automatically when you link your cards.
Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Typical Cashback | Payout Method | Minimum Payout |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | Online Shopping | 1-40% | PayPal, Check | $5 |
| Ibotta | Groceries | $0.25-$5/item | PayPal, Gift Cards | $20 |
| Dosh | Automatic | 1-10% | Bank Transfer | $25 |
| Honey | Coupons + Cash | Varies (Gold points) | Gift Cards | $10 |
| TopCashback | High Rates | 1-40% | PayPal, Gift Cards, Bank | $10 |
Common Questions
Are Cashback Apps Safe?
Yes! Reputable cashback apps use secure connections and don't store your financial information.
How Do Cashback Apps Make Money?
Retailers pay these apps a commission for referring customers, and the apps share a portion with you.
Can I Use Multiple Cashback Apps?
Yes! But for a single purchase, use only one cashback portal. You can use different apps for different transactions.
Why Do Cashback Rates Change?
Retailers adjust commission rates based on seasons, inventory, and marketing budgets.
Conclusion
Using cashback apps is free money for shopping you're already doing. Install these five apps today and start earning hundreds of dollars back every year!
Combine cashback apps with promo codes from CouponsCodeHut for maximum savings on every purchase.