Who doesn’t love saving money, especially when it feels like we’re constantly spending it? Cash-back apps are an easy way to get a little extra back on everyday purchases, but with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are really worth downloading? We’ve done the legwork for you! Here you’ll find reviews of 10 of the most popular cash-back apps, looking at how they work, what rewards you can expect, and whether or not they’re worth the space on your phone.

1. Fetch Rewards

Fetch is simple and fun, especially if you like instant gratification. You earn points by scanning receipts from nearly any store—grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, you name it. Unlike other apps, you don’t have to hunt down specific deals or products. Just upload your receipt, and Fetch gives you points for what you’ve already bought.

• Pros: Easy to use, no pre-selecting offers.
• Cons: Rewards can be slower to accumulate.
• Best for: People who want a no-hassle, user-friendly app.

2. Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the biggest names in cash-back shopping. This app gives you cash back when you shop through their platform at over 3,500 stores, from big brands like Macy’s, Kohl’s, and Amazon. Rakuten is perfect if you do a lot of online shopping. Plus, it’s free to use and offers referral bonuses.

• Pros: High cash-back rates, large variety of stores, quarterly payouts.
• Cons: You have to start your shopping through the app or website.
• Best for: Online shoppers looking for serious cash back.

3. Ibotta

Ibotta is a little more involved but offers great rewards, especially for grocery shopping. You browse and select offers in the app before you shop, then either scan your receipt or link your loyalty account to earn cash back. The offers range from everyday items to big brands.

• Pros: Generous rewards, lots of grocery deals.
• Cons: More effort is required to browse and activate offers.
• Best for: Grocery shoppers who don’t mind a bit of pre-shopping prep.

4. Shopmium

Shopmium works similarly to Ibotta but focuses more on grocery savings. You select offers in the app, buy the items, and scan your receipt to earn cash back. Shopmium often has exclusive offers, giving you cash back or free products from big brands like L’Oréal and Danone.

• Pros: Brand-specific offers, occasional free products.
• Cons: Limited selection compared to some other apps.
• Best for: Brand-loyal shoppers looking for deals on specific products.

5. Upside

If you’re spending a lot on gas or dining out, Upside could be the perfect app for you. This app focuses on getting you cash back at gas stations and restaurants. You claim offers through the app and then either upload a receipt or use a linked card to get cash back.

• Pros: Great for saving on gas, easy-to-use interface.
• Cons: Mostly focused on gas and food, so limited for other purchases.
• Best for: Drivers and foodies who want to save on fuel and meals out.

6. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is another app where you earn points simply by uploading receipts, but instead of redeeming those points for specific rewards, you can cash out for gift cards or PayPal. The app also has fun features like sweepstakes entries and spins to win extra rewards.

• Pros: Fun interface, any receipt counts.
• Cons: Users report that earning rewards can feel slow.
• Best for: People who like an entertaining twist to their cash-back apps.

7. Shopkick

Shopkick rewards you with points (or “kicks”) for both online and in-store activities. You can earn points for walking into certain stores, scanning barcodes, making purchases, or shopping online. Redeem kicks for gift cards to popular retailers like Target, Starbucks, and Amazon.

• Pros: Unique ways to earn, even without purchases.
• Cons: Points can be slow to accumulate if you don’t shop regularly.
• Best for: Shoppers who love earning rewards in multiple ways.

8. CoinOut

CoinOut is refreshingly simple. You earn cash back by uploading any receipt, without having to select deals or shop at specific stores. There’s no minimum payout, and you can cash out directly to PayPal, Amazon, or your bank account.

• Pros: No minimum payout, any receipt counts.
• Cons: Cash back amounts can be small.
• Best for: People who want easy, no-frills cash back without restrictions.

9. RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot is a great app for finding promo codes and cash-back offers at thousands of stores. While it’s primarily known for its coupon codes, it also offers cash back when you shop through its links. It’s particularly useful for online shoppers who want to stack deals.

• Pros: Extensive promo codes and cash-back offers.
• Cons: You have to shop through their platform to get cash back.
• Best for: Bargain hunters who love stacking savings with coupon codes.

10. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is a grocery-focused cash-back app, similar to Ibotta. You browse offers in the app, purchase the items, and upload your receipt to earn cash back. What sets it apart is that it works at any store, so you’re not limited to certain retailers. It also includes gas rewards in certain areas.

• Pros: Works at any store, good grocery deals.
• Cons: Offers can be limited and vary by location.
• Best for: Grocery shoppers who like flexibility in where they shop.

Final Thoughts

So, which cash-back app is the best for you? It depends on your shopping habits:

• For ease of use: Fetch and CoinOut are great for their simplicity.
• For serious cash back on online shopping: Rakuten and RetailMeNot are must-haves.
• For groceries: Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Shopmium offer excellent grocery deals.
• For fuel savings: Upside is perfect for those driving a lot.
• For flexibility: Receipt Hog and Shopkick offer fun ways to earn, even without making a purchase.

Each app has its unique perks, and many people find success using a combination of these apps to maximize their savings.

Happy saving! 🤑

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