If you want to earn cash back on your purchases, you may already have one of the best cash back credit cards in your wallet. But have you also tried using one of the best cash back apps?
Combining a top-rated cash back credit card with a popular cash back app can help you save money on groceries, clothing, restaurants, and more. And some of the best cash back apps automatically scan coupon codes, send price drop alerts, or help you earn cash back through your store loyalty accounts.
But which cash back apps are best for you? Whether you want to earn cash back on purchases, save money when you travel, or use your cash back app to compare prices online, the apps outlined below can help you save, earn, and get even more out of your purchases.
Ibotta: Best for groceries(Sign up here Free)
Want to earn cash back when you shop for groceries? Ibotta has you covered. Although Ibotta offers cash back on purchases with many different brands and retailers, it stands out as one of the best cash apps for groceries — whether you like to do your shopping in-store or prefer to have it delivered.
To earn with Ibotta, you should start by downloading the app or installing the browser extension. Search Ibotta for cash back offers at your favorite retailers, as well as money-saving offers associated with your favorite brands and products. Activate your cash back offers if you’re shopping online, or add the offers you want to claim to your Ibotta shopping list if you’re planning to shop in-store. From there, shop as usual.
If you’re shopping online, any activated cash back offers will automatically be applied to your Ibotta account. If you’re shopping in person, you may need to upload your receipt to Ibotta before your cash back can be applied. Consider linking your store loyalty accounts to the Ibotta app, so Ibotta can automatically track your purchases and apply the cash back you’ve earned without requiring you to upload a receipt.
Keep in mind: You have to activate Ibotta deals or add Ibotta offers to your shopping list before you can earn cash back. That extra step might be the biggest drawback of this popular cash back app.
Ibotta lets you withdraw your earnings as soon as you’ve earned $20 in cash back rewards, too. That alone can make this cash back app a standout compared to the other options.
Rakuten: Best for Shopping!(Sign up here Free)
If you want to start using one of the best cash back apps for shopping, it may be worth it to sign up with Rakuten. This popular cash back app, formerly known as Ebates, gives you cash back when you shop at over 2,500 popular retailers. You can use Rakuten’s Double Cash Back deals to earn even more cash on your purchases or combine cash back offers with Rakuten coupons to save money as you earn.
To earn cash back with Rakuten, open the Rakuten app, install the Rakuten browser extension or visit the Rakuten website. Select a retailer, click through the Rakutan link and then shop as usual. Rakuten will automatically apply the cash back you’ve earned to your account, and you can receive payment through PayPal or a mailed check. Rakuten pays out every three months, which is probably its biggest drawback. If you’re hoping to get paid every week, it’s probably not the best cash back app for you.
On the plus side, Rakuten typically offers a welcome bonus just for signing up. And if you have an eligible American Express credit card, the cash back you earn on Rakuten can be turned into Membership Rewards points.