Top 10 Cash Back Apps to Maximize Your Savings While Shopping

Let’s be honest: adulting can get real expensive. From groceries to gas to that “just one more thing” Target run, the dollars can disappear quickly. But what if I told you that you could get some of that money back, without changing your shopping habits?

Enter: cash back apps.

These little wonders work behind the scenes to help you earn money or rewards on purchases you’re already making. And we’re not talking pennies here—some users report saving hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars a year.

Ready to make your spending work for you? Here’s the scoop on the top 10 cash back apps to help you maximize your savings every time you shop.

1. Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)

Best for: Online shoppers

If you shop online even a little, Rakuten is a must. It partners with thousands of retailers (think: Macy’s, Target, Sephora, Walmart, and more) to offer up to 15% cash back.

How it works:

• Sign up for free.
• Shop through Rakuten’s website or browser extension.
• Earn cash back automatically after your purchase.

They send out payments via check or PayPal every quarter. Bonus: you get a $30 sign-up bonus if you make a qualifying purchase in your first 90 days.

2. Ibotta

Best for: Grocery and everyday shopping

Ibotta is basically your modern-day coupon book—except it gives you cash instead of a discount.

How it works:

• Browse offers on groceries, household products, and more.
• Shop in-store or online.
• Upload your receipt or link a loyalty card.
• Get cash back within 24–48 hours.

You can also earn by shopping online through the Ibotta app, and withdraw your savings via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards once you hit $20.

3. Fetch Rewards

Best for: Easy, no-fuss scanning

If you don’t want to scroll through offers or activate deals, Fetch is your new best friend.

How it works:

• Shop like normal.
• Snap a pic of your receipt in the app.
• Earn points that convert into gift cards.

Seriously—that’s it. Every receipt earns points, and bonus points kick in for specific brand-name products. It takes less than 10 seconds and feels weirdly satisfying.

4. Upside

Best for: Gas, groceries, and restaurants

If you drive or eat (so… basically everyone), Upside is a great way to earn cash back where you wouldn’t expect it.

How it works:

• Open the app and find deals at nearby gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
• Claim the offer and pay as usual.
• Upload your receipt or check in via the app.

You can earn up to 25¢ per gallon at gas stations and 10–15% cash back at restaurants. Payouts go to PayPal, bank accounts, or gift cards.

5. Shopkick

Best for: Getting rewarded without spending

Yes, you can actually earn rewards without even buying anything.

How it works:

• Earn “kicks” (Shopkick points) for walking into stores, scanning items, and making purchases.
• Redeem kicks for gift cards to places like Starbucks, Target, and Amazon.

Shopkick makes errands feel like a scavenger hunt, and if you’re someone who loves a little gamification, this one’s a blast.

6. TopCashback

Best for: Getting the highest rates possible

TopCashback doesn’t take a commission from your cash back (unlike some other platforms), so it often has the highest percentage rates among competitors.

How it works:

• Sign up and shop via their site or extension.
• Receive a percentage of your purchase back.
• Get paid via PayPal, gift cards, or bank transfer.

They also offer generous referral bonuses and cash back from lesser-known brands you might not find on Rakuten.

7. Receipt Hog

Best for: Turning all your receipts into rewards

Whether you shopped at a grocery store, gas station, or pet supply shop, Receipt Hog wants your receipts—and will pay you for them.

How it works:

• Snap photos of any receipt.
• Earn coins (and sometimes spins to win more).
• Redeem coins for PayPal cash or Amazon gift cards.

It takes a bit longer to earn big rewards, but it’s effortless and works with almost every type of purchase.

8. Capital One Shopping (Formerly Wikibuy)

Best for: Finding better prices and earning rewards

This free browser extension not only applies coupon codes at checkout but also helps you earn “Shopping Credits” at select retailers.

How it works:

• Add the browser extension.
• It’ll auto-apply coupons when you check out online.
• Some purchases earn Shopping Credits, which you can use for gift cards.

Even if you’re not a Capital One customer, you can use the tool. It’s a double win: save at checkout and earn rewards.

9. Dosh

Best for: Totally passive cash back

Dosh is ideal for folks who want to earn rewards without thinking about it. Just link your debit or credit cards and shop as usual.

How it works:

• Download the app and securely link your card(s).
• When you make a purchase at a participating retailer, you automatically earn cash back.
• Cash out once you hit $15.

Dosh works with tons of restaurants, stores, and even some hotels, and there’s zero need to scan receipts or click offers.

10. Swagbucks

Best for: All-in-one rewards platform

Swagbucks is a rewards ecosystem where you earn “SB” points through shopping, surveys, watching videos, playing games, and more.

How it works:

• Shop through their portal for cash back.
• Earn extra SBs by completing small tasks or surveys.
• Redeem SBs for gift cards or PayPal cash.

It’s one of the more versatile apps on this list, and perfect if you’re looking for multiple ways to earn without a rigid system.

Tips to Maximize Cash Back Savings

Now that you’ve got the top 10 apps, here’s how to really get the most out of them:

Stack ‘Em Up

Yes, you can use multiple apps for one purchase. For example:

• Use Rakuten to shop at Walmart online.
• Scan your receipt with Ibotta and Fetch.
• Upload the same receipt to Receipt Hog.

Boom. Triple dip.

Set Reminders

It’s easy to forget to activate a deal. Set phone reminders or use browser extensions to nudge you when it’s time to shop.

Combine with Coupons or Store Sales

Cash back works with discounts. Use a store coupon or sale and still get cash back through your app = next-level savings.

Final Thoughts: Let Your Shopping Pay You Back

Let’s face it: you’re going to spend money. But the difference between the average shopper and the smart one? The smart shopper gets a little somethin’ back every time.

With these 10 cash-back apps in your pocket (or on your home screen), you can turn everyday purchases into a mini paycheck. And the best part? It doesn’t require any major lifestyle changes—just a few taps, a little habit change, and boom: your money’s working for you.

So go ahead—download one (or three) and let your wallet breathe a little easier.

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