We all love to be rewarded for our hard work. And that includes rewarding ourselves with a little something extra from time to time.
Here are some mobile apps that will help you earn rewards for doing things you already do every day, like grocery shopping or ordering take-out.
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Best Apps For Rewards
Whether you’re heading to the grocery store or need to buy some new clothes, it can be fun to earn rewards for shopping. Cash back apps are an easy way to save money and earn money back on your everyday purchases. The best cash back apps are free to use and can be a great tool to add to your regular personal finance routine. So if you’re not using these cash rewards apps, you’re missing out on free money. Check out these popular choices for best cash back apps for May 2022.
The Ascent’s best cash back apps:
Fetch Rewards: Best cash back app overall
Ibotta: Best cash back savings app
Dosh: Best cash back app for online and in-person shopping
Rakuten: Best cash back app for online shoppers
Checkout 51: Best cash back app for gas stations
- Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards
BEST CASH BACK APP OVERALL
Fetch Rewards
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Bottom line: Fetch Rewards allows shoppers to earn rewards on their regular shopping trips, including visits to grocery stores, convenience stores, big-box stores, and restaurants. To earn reward points, you need to upload a receipt within 14 days of shopping. You can do this by linking your email and submitting an e-receipt or taking a photo of a physical receipt. There’s no need to apply or save specific offers before shopping. Instead, you’ll earn points on all of your regular shopping. Some featured brands will earn more points, but just going shopping and uploading a receipt will earn you points, no matter what.
The best cash back apps make it easy to redeem earnings, and Fetch is no different. You’ll be able to exchange your points for gift cards to popular retailers. You also have other redemption options, such as redeeming your points for charity donations or using your points to enter monthly sweepstakes. You can cash out at as little as 3,000 points ($3). Since it’s so simple to earn and redeem points, this is a favorite app for people who want an easy, no-planning-necessary cash back rewards app.
Rewards rates: Base rate of 1% of the final purchase price
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: Free
READ MORE >> Fetch Rewards review
- Ibotta
Ibotta
BEST CASH BACK SAVINGS APP
Ibotta
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Bottom line: Ibotta is a popular cash back app that allows users to earn cash rewards when shopping at grocery stores and other popular retailers. It functions as a receipt scanning app. You can download the mobile app or use the browser extension and find offers that appeal to your needs. You will then need to activate each offer. You’ll notice that each listed offer has a dollar amount attached to it. To earn cash back, you can scan a receipt, or you can link a store loyalty card. The Ibotta app lets you withdraw cash back earnings any time your account reaches a minimum of $20. Another option is to redeem cash back for gift cards, some of which have a minimum redemption amount of $25.
What makes Ibotta one of the best cash back apps is that it features hundreds of retailers, such as Staples, Walmart, The Home Depot, Walgreens, Kohls, Target, Party City, and Wegmans. With so many popular retailers featured within this app, it’s no wonder Ibotta is one of the best apps for earning extra cash back on purchases.
Rewards rates: Varies; some offers are for $0.10 cash back, while others offer $1.00 or more
iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
Cost: Free
READ MORE >> Ibotta review
- Dosh
Dosh
BEST CASH BACK APP FOR ONLINE AND IN-PERSON SHOPPING
Dosh
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Bottom line: Dosh is one of the best cash back apps because it provides a variety of options for earning rewards. This app promises automatic cash back when shopping, dining, or booking hotel stays. The Dosh app doesn’t require users to upload receipts. Instead, you’ll have to link your debit or credit card to the app to automatically earn cash back. There’s no need to activate offers — rewards for eligible purchases will automatically be placed in your Dosh wallet. Once you reach at least $25, you can transfer your cash back to your bank account, PayPal, or Venmo, or you can donate your cash back earnings to charity.
Rewards rates: Varies; many retailers offer 2% to 3%
iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
Cost: Free
READ MORE >> Dosh review
- Rakuten
Rakuten
BEST CASH BACK APP FOR ONLINE SHOPPERS
Rakuten
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Bottom line: Rakuten, previously named Ebates, is both a cash back and shopping app that lets you earn cash rewards for shopping in various categories. This includes purchasing clothes, ordering takeout, booking travel, and buying home improvement items. Each participating retailer will list a cash back percentage that they’re offering, and you earn cash rewards just by shopping as you normally would.
Rakuten provides cash back offers for both online purchases and in-store purchases. For an online purchase, a user must click a Rakuten link to activate it and then go through the checkout process. For in-store shopping, users can link their credit or debit card to Rakuten, then click on an in-store cash back offer to activate it and shop like normal. Payments are sent out every three months. You can choose to receive your cash through your Paypal account or a paper check if you prefer. You also have the option to donate your cash back earnings to a nonprofit organization.
Rewards rates: 1% to 10%, or more
iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.1/5 stars
Cost: Free
READ MORE >> Rakuten review
- Checkout 51
Checkout 51
BEST CASH BACK APP FOR GAS STATIONS
Checkout 51
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Bottom line: Checkout 51 is a rewards app that allows users to earn cash back on grocery and gas purchases. To take advantage, you’ll have to add offers within the app, then click “redeem” to check off items that were purchased. Finally, a receipt needs to be uploaded by taking a photo. Once the receipt is verified, cash back is added to your account.
What makes Checkout 51 another one of our best cash back apps is that it’s also a coupon app that helps users save even more money when shopping. You can cash out your account balance as soon as it reaches $20. Cash back is available in the form of a paper check or PayPal. New offers appear every Thursday, and you can also take advantage of a search feature that lets you find your favorite products or get inspiration before shopping.
Rewards rates: Rewards rates vary
iOS app rating: 4.1/5 stars
Android app rating: 4.4/5 stars
Cost: Free
READ MORE >> Checkout 51 review
Types of cash back apps
If you’re looking for a simple move that can save money, cash back apps are one way to go. But not all cash back apps function in the same way. Here are some of the types that are available:
Earn points: Some of the best cash back apps reward you with points. The more you shop and spend money, the more points that you earn. Eventually, you can redeem your points for cash back or exchange them for a gift card.
Earn cash back: The best cash back apps are all about the cash rewards. Each purchase will earn a certain cash back amount, and your earnings accumulate until you’re able to cash out. Rewards can be redeemed for cash or a gift card.
Receipt scanning apps: Some cash back apps require you to upload or scan your receipt after shopping. You’re then rewarded with points or cash based on the eligible purchases that you make.
Card-linked reward apps: Some of the best cash back apps require you to link your credit card or debit card. Doing this allows the app to check and see when you make eligible purchases. This is helpful for people who don’t want to take the time to scan a receipt. Instead, the app does the work for you and tells you when you have earned rewards.
Earn even more cash back: Check out our top picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Features of the best cash back apps
While there are many grocery cash back apps and cash back receipt apps available, you want one that has features that are the most useful to you. Here are some of the features that you should look for in the best cash back apps:
Rewards redemption options: It should be easy for you to redeem the rewards that you’ve earned. Look for the best cash back apps that offer multiple redemption options. If cash back is awarded, you should be able to request a check or have the money sent to PayPal.
Can be used at many stores: The best cash back apps can be used at many stores. You want to make sure that you’ll get regular use out of the app that you choose and that the retailers listed fit with your shopping preferences and habits.
Low minimum redemption amount: You want to be able to cash out your earnings quickly. Be sure to look for apps that have low minimum redemption requirements so that you’re able to get access to your money or redeem for gift cards sooner rather than later.
Typical cash back app fees and costs
The nice thing about the best cash back apps is that they’re free to use. You won’t need to pay a monthly subscription fee or pay a one-time fee to download these apps to your phone. Simply do your everyday shopping and follow the app’s instructions to earn rewards.
FAQs
Do cash back apps really work?
How much can you earn with cash back apps?
cash back apps for groceries
The best cash back apps for groceries can help lighten the burden on your wallet when you do your weekly grocery runs.
They give you a bit of extra cash to spend in the form of cash back, or you get points you can redeem for a variety of rewards.
When you consider that the average cost of food for the typical American household is $8,169 per year, every little bit of savings can help your family budget.
The cash back apps we have listed below are free to join.
Table of Contents
How Do Cash Back Apps Work?
A cash back app gives you a rebate or discount when you complete a purchase online or in the store.
Many of them are actually similar to a digitized and more convenient form of coupon clipping.
Instead of entering coupon codes or carrying physical coupons when you visit the store, the app shows you what products are being discounted for the week.
It will also let you know what you need to do in order to take advantage of the offer. For example, you may need to purchase an item at a particular store, or you could buy it at any store of your choice.
The best cash back portals track your purchases automatically and credit your balance with your earnings.
Some of them require you to upload your purchase receipt and you can do so using your phone.
Grocery cash back apps either pay you in real money or points. If the app’s currency is points, you can usually redeem the points for free gift cards, cash using PayPal, or a check in the mail.
Best Cash Back Apps For Groceries
Six of the top grocery cash back apps you can use in 2021 are summarized below:
- Ibotta
Ibotta offers multiple ways to earn cash back whether you are shopping online or in the store.
With hundreds of offers available from more than 1,500 brands, there’s always an opportunity to earn cash from your purchases.
Ibotta was founded in 2012 and has paid its members millions of dollars to date. It is available on iOS, Android, and as a browser extension (U.S. residents only).
Welcome bonus: Get up to a $20 bonus when you sign up.
Read this Ibotta review for more details about the app.
- Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog is another cash back that pays you to upload your receipts from any store.
Simply snap pictures of your receipts and earn “coins” you can redeem for cash or gift cards.
This app is available on iOS and Android devices to U.S. residents and Canadians.
Welcome bonus: 50 points when you sign up here.
- Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards makes it possible for you to make money from your receipts.
Using the app, you can snap photos of your receipts from restaurants, grocery, or retail stores, and submit them to earn points.
Points can be redeemed for hundreds of gift cards.
Fetch Rewards is available on the App Store and on Grocery Play (U.S. residents only).
Welcome bonus: Get a 3,000 points bonus when you enter the promo code APREWARDS.
Get the Fetch Rewards app (iOS) or (Android).
- Shopkick
Users of the Shopkick app can earn rewards when they shop online or at a store, including big-chain retailers like Walmart, Target, Walgreens, and BestBuy.
You can “kicks” when you scan the barcodes on select products, make a purchase and submit your receipt, or watch in-app videos.
The app is available on iPhone and Android devices (U.S. residents only)
Get the Shopkick app.
- Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is one of many other grocery receipt apps you can use to save money.
Every week, the app shows you offers that are available on grocery and household items. Simply upload a photo of your receipt using your smartphone in order to earn cash back.
You can redeem your earnings and get a check when your balance is $20 or more.
Checkout 51 is available on the App Store, Google Play, and via a web interface. It is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
Best Cash Back Apps for Shopping.
If you are looking to maximize your savings when shopping online for pretty much anything, the 8 apps listed below can help.
- Rakuten
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is my go-to platform when I am shopping online. It is a great platform to search for deals and cash back offers as high as 35%.
To get started, sign up here and visit the platform/app when you are buying something online.
Cash back is automatically credited to your account and is paid out using PayPal or check. You also earn up to $40 for every friend you refer.
Rakuten is available on iOS, Android, desktop, and as a browser extension (U.S. and Canada).
Welcome bonus: Get up to a $40 bonus when you sign up and complete your first purchase of $30 or more.
Join Rakuten.
- Swagbucks
Swagbucks is well known for paying you to watch ads, play video games, and answer surveys. It also rewards its members when they shop online or surf the internet.
After you become a member, simply shop online and complete other simple tasks to earn points.
You can redeem your earnings starting at $5 for gift cards and cash.
Swagbucks is available on all devices and in several countries.
Welcome bonus: You receive a $5 bonus when you sign up.
Join Swagbucks.
- Drop App
Drop is a free app that pays you to shop at several popular retailers and brands.
More than 3 million people use the app to shop and earn points they can redeem for free gift cards. In addition to shopping, Drop also pays you to play games and complete surveys.
This app is available on iOS and Android (U.S. and Canada).
Welcome bonus: Get a $5 bonus when you sign up and link your cards.
Get the Drop App.
- MyPoints
MyPoints is operated by the same company that runs Swagbucks. This app pays you to shop online and in-store, and to participate in market research.
As per its website, it has paid its members millions of dollars since it was founded in 1996.
MyPoints is available in the United States and Canada.
Join MyPoints or read our review.
- RebatesMe
This cash back site is similar to Rakuten in many respects. It has partnerships with thousands of stores nationwide and millions of members.
To earn cash back using RebatesMe, create a free account and visit your favorite retailer from your dashboard.
Cashback is tracked automatically and you don’t need to upload receipts. You can withdraw your earnings using PayPal, gift cards, or Visa Prepaid cards.
RebatesMe is available on the App Store and Google Play (U.S. and Canada).
- National Consumer Panel
NCP Mobile pays you to scan the barcodes on the items you buy when you shop for groceries every week.
You earn rewards points you can redeem for gift cards and merchandise.
In Canada, the program is known as Nielsen Homescan.
- Dosh
After you download the app and link your payment cards, Dosh automatically deposits cash back in your wallet when you shop at a participating store.
You can redeem your cash back earnings via PayPal or Venmo when it reaches $25.
Dosh is available on iOS and Android devices (U.S. residents only).
- Coupons.com
This app offers cash back and documents at thousands of stores using digital coupons you can apply while on the go.
Simply link your store loyalty cards so you can earn cash back automatically.
Cash back can be redeemed using PayPal.
Grocery Cash Back Apps FAQs
What are the best cash back apps?
When considered based on their overall value, Rakuten, Ibotta, and Drop are some of the best apps to earn cash back when you shop online.
What are the best grocery rebate apps?
For grocery purchases alone, Ibotta and Checkout 51 are our top choices for saving at the till.
What apps pay you for receipts?
Checkout 51, Receipt Hog, SavingStar, Ibotta, and the Shopkick apps all pay you to upload your receipts.
Are cash back apps with it?
In my opinion, yes. You can combine your use of cash back apps with a cash back credit card to maximize your rewards.
Conclusion
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