Hey there! Whether you’re fresh out of university and just landed your first paycheck or navigating the daunting world of finances for the first time, it’s totally normal to feel a bit overwhelmed. You might be thinking, “How can I make my money stretch further without sacrificing my lifestyle?” Well, that’s where cashback apps come into play!
In this article, we’ll explore how to save money with cashback apps. You’ll learn about the ten best apps that can help you turn everyday spending into savings, so you can focus on enjoying life – and maybe even saving for that dream vacation or a new gadget.
Why Use Cashback Apps?
Before we dive into the top apps, let’s break down the basics. Cashback apps reward you for making purchases—basically, they give you a percentage of your spending back. Think of it like a discount that comes after you’ve already bought something. It’s effortless savings just waiting to be collected!
The Common Challenges You Face:
- Budgeting: It’s tough to figure out where to start.
- Spending: You want to enjoy yourself without overspending.
- Saving: Traditional methods can feel hard to stick to, especially when you’re just starting out.
Luckily, cashback apps can help alleviate these challenges!
Top 10 Cashback Apps
1. Rakuten
One of the most popular cashback platforms, Rakuten, offers cashback on shopping with thousands of retailers. Just shop through their site or app, and you’ll earn a percentage back—sometimes up to 40%!
How to use Rakuten:
- Sign up for a free account.
- Browse their lists of retailers.
- Click on the retailer to make your purchase.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta is a versatile cashback app that offers rewards for both in-store and online shopping. Scan your grocery receipts or link your store loyalty cards to earn cash back.
How to earn with Ibotta:
- Pick offers before shopping.
- Save your receipts or link your account.
- Watch your savings grow!
3. Dosh
Dosh is unique because it offers automatic cashback. Simply link your credit or debit card, and when you shop at participating stores, cashback is applied automatically.
Getting started with Dosh:
- Download the app and link a card.
- Shop at participating retailers.
- Enjoy automatic cashback!
4. Fetch Rewards
For those who love grocery shopping, Fetch Rewards makes saving easy. You earn points by scanning your receipts, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
Using Fetch Rewards:
- Download the app and sign up.
- Scan your grocery receipts.
- Redeem points for gift cards to your favorite places!
5. Honey
Primarily known for finding coupon codes, Honey also has a cashback feature called Honey Gold. When you shop through the app, you’ll earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards.
How to utilize Honey:
- Download the extension or app.
- Shop like you normally do.
- Earn points on each purchase!
6. Drop
With Drop, you earn points for shopping at your favorite stores, which can be exchanged for rewards. It’s a great way to double-dip on savings, as you can use coupons and cashback simultaneously.
Getting started with Drop:
- Download the app.
- Link your debit or credit card.
- Shop at your favorite stores to earn points!
7. Shopkick
Shopkick rewards you for walking into stores, scanning products, and completing purchases. You can earn points (called “kicks”) that can be redeemed for gift cards.
Making the most out of Shopkick:
- Download the app and set it up.
- Earn kicks just for visiting stores.
- Scan products and complete purchases to rack up more kicks!
8. Capital One Shopping
If you have a Capital One credit card (or not), Capital One Shopping is a browser extension that helps you find better prices and cashback offers while you shop online.
Using Capital One Shopping:
- Install the browser extension.
- Shop online and get alerts on better prices and cashback deals.
9. Swagbucks
Besides cashback, Swagbucks offers rewards for taking surveys, watching videos, and searching the web. It’s a flexible way to earn while doing things you might already be doing.
How to earn with Swagbucks:
- Sign up for free.
- Complete activities or shop through their portal.
- Redeem points for gift cards or cash.
10. Paribus
This unique app gives you cashback when prices drop on items you’ve recently purchased. Simply link your email, and it will automatically request refunds for the difference.
Using Paribus:
- Sign up and link your email.
- Shop online as normal.
- Get notified if you qualify for a refund!
Conclusion & Call to Action
In summary, cashback apps are an excellent way to save money effortlessly while you’re navigating your early financial life. They can help reduce spending anxiety and provide a little boost to your savings, all while indulging in everyday purchases.
A Small Action Step:
Why not start by downloading one of the apps we discussed? Just pick one that appeals most to you and set it up. Trust me; taking this small step will make you feel empowered about managing your finances!
Remember, it’s all about building healthy financial habits right from the start. You’ve got this!
