Today, we’re going to review our picks for the best cash back apps of 2021. We love coupons, rebates, and, of course cash back apps. It’s the easiest way to make money while you shop. And who doesn’t want to do that?!
To get things started, we’re going hit the highlights, giving you a basic cash back app overview. Then, we’ll move on to some frequently asked questions. Finally, we’ll conclude with our picks for the top cash back apps this year.
Overview
All cash back apps function in roughly the same way: you download an app, sign up, start making purchases, and the rewards start rolling in!
Some rebate companies require you to purchase goods and services online directly through the app. Others allow you to shop online or in person, then upload a receipt of your shopping trip. Still others give you the option to link a credit or debit card. And, when you shop with retailers in their network, you instantly get cash back.
Keep in mind, most of these apps have a minimum amount that you have to hit before cashing out. But once that threshold is hit, you can cash out usually through PayPal, bank deposit, or gift card, depending on the app. It’s as close to free money as you can get!
FAQ
Are cash back apps safe?
Yes, most are safe. If you are still hesitant about using a particular app, be sure to read the terms of service through for detailed information. Each cash back app provider will disclose how they use your information.
Can you use multiple cash back apps?
Absolutely! In fact, you should. Rebate stacking is a great way to maximize your savings and get the most out of your purchases.
Thrifty Tip: Use a credit card with cash back or travel rewards to really maximize your earnings while shopping.
How can I earn cash back?
You earn cash back when you make a designated purchase. By designated purchase, we’re referring to select brands, retailers, and/or products. These will vary from one cash back service to another. Once the purchase is made, it’s verified in some way, usually by uploading a receipt or having made the purchase with a linked card.
Are there any apps that pay real money?
Yes, most do. Most cash back apps allow you to collect your earnings in a variety of ways. Some allow you to cash out through PayPal. Some deposit money directly into your bank account. And, other cash back apps pay you back in gift cards which is basically as good as cash.
Our Picks for the Best Cash Back Apps 2021
Best Cash Back App for Grocery
Ibotta
Bonus: $20 Sign-up Bonus
Ibotta is one of the first rebate apps to jump on the scene. And it’s still our top pick for getting money back on groceries. It makes the very top of our list because of the vast number of rebate options, high payout, and overall ease of use. If you’re a new user, you get $20 just for signing up…that’s huge!
Once you download the app and enter your user information, you can start saving on your next grocery store visit. All you have to do is load the offer that you plan on purchasing, and then verify the purchase once made.
For example, if Ibotta is offering $0.25 back on Cheerios, you would add this offer on the app. Once you make the purchase, just snap a picture of your receipt showing you made the purchase. When your receipt is processed, the $0.25 is added to your account.
On average, users make $20/Mo when using Ibotta [1]. That’s $240 a year!
Best Cash Back App for Online Shopping
Drop
Bonus: $5 Referral Bonus
Drop has more partner stores that you can shake a stick at! Drop doesn’t just go for quantity though; they also focus on quality as well. They’ve partnered with some of the most popular brands and retailers around like Walmart, Disney +, and Old Navy!
Shopping online through the app is incredibly easy too. Once you’re set up, you select the store you want to shop, hit “Shop Now,” and you’re off. And, on top of earning points that can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers, you can also rack up points playing games and filling out surveys as well.
Best Cash Back App for Travel
Dosh
Bonus: $1 Bonus for Linking a Card
Like all of the apps on our list, Dosh isn’t a one trick pony. You can save on all kinds of purchases. Dosh, however, stands out in the area of travel.
Their app is streamline, sleek, and very user-friendly. Once you download the app, sign up, and link your card, you’ll notice a navigation bar at the bottom. One of the options reads “Hotels.”
They have hotel listings for value, 5-Star hotels, and everything in between. Select the location, dates, and the number of people in your party for your next vacation or family trip, and the app will populate a ton of hotel options with some major cash back rewards. Some rewards are as much as 30% off the room price!
Best Cash Back App for Receipt Uploads
Fetch Rewards
Bonus: 25,000 Points Referral Bonus
Fetch Rewards isn’t totally new to the rebate game, but they really have made a splash in the last couple of years. We love the Fetch Rewards app because of its intuitive design, the ability to link to your Amazon account, and the fact that you receive points on every single receipt you upload.
Getting set up is very straightforward. Download the app and fill in your user information. Take any receipt for anything: food, gas, clothing, you name it. Then, snap a picture. Make sure that you get all of the receipt in the shot so that it’s readable. The receipts are processed instantly. And viola! You’ve got points!
Thrifty Tip: Take advantage of the Refer-a-Friend Program. Right now, they’re offering up to 25,000 points for referrals. That could mean over $20 in Amazon Credit!
Best Cash Back App for Credit Card Linking
Pei
Bonuses: $5 Signup Bonus
Pei is an incredible app that is truly passive! Unlike so many of the other apps on our list, you don’t have to plan to buy certain brands or upload receipts. With Pei, you simply link your credit or debit card.
Whenever select purchases are made using the registered card, you get paid! They work with major retailers like Starbucks, Old Navy, and Target, so it’s super easy to ring up rewards.
When you get ready to cash out, you can have your rewards sent in the form of a gift card, in cash through PayPal, or even in the form of Bitcoin. And you’ll have to check out their Chrome extension. It makes earning rewards from online shopping easier than ever.
Honorable Mentions
Receipt Hog
This is another receipt scanning app that works a lot like Fetch Rewards. Due to their popularity though, Receipt Hog is currently not accepting new users. But it’s worth it to check in from time to time!
Checkout 51
We’ve been using Checkout 51 as long as we have Ibotta. They’re very similar. Using Checkout 51 in conjunction with Ibotta, is a great way to double-down on rewards from grocery purchases.
In addition to getting cash back on everyday purchases from major retailers and on popular brands, they’ve also recently introduced rebates for gas and prescription purchases, giving you even more ways to earn money.
CoinOut
If you’re trying to double and triple-up on rewards, CoinOut is a great option. It’s super straight-forward. Like Fetch Rewards, CoinOut is a “receipt app.” Instead of points that convert to cash though, they pay you directly in cash which makes tracking your earnings much easier. On average, you’ll make $0.03-$0.07 per receipt upload.
Thanks for reading our picks for the best cash back apps of 2020! We hope that you’re ready to get your rebate on. It really is a lot of fun and a great way to pick up a little extra cash on everyday purchases.
Didn’t see your favorite cash back app on our list? Tell us about it. We’d love to hear from you!
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