How Do Cash back Sites & Apps Work? (Plus Top 10 Cash back Sites for 2020)

When it comes to quick money-making deals, many skeptics will roll their eyes and keep scrolling. The chances are that if you’ve clicked on this title, you’re elsewhere on the spectrum, and you’re willing to try your luck and earn some easy cash.

Finding a cash back app or site that is authentic and delivers on their promises can be a challenge. The effort might put you off your desire to earn some extra dollars. Don’t give up just yet. There are many authentic cash back sites and apps that work.

How Does Cash back Shopping Work?

Stores that offer cash back develop customer loyalty. For every item that goes through checkout, you receive cash back rewards on your spending. The amount may be small, but with consistency and patience, a few dollars or cents returned on your hard-earned cash can grow into a nice little bonus.

Cash back works with select stores where you sign up with their free membership. The website acts as a personal shopping portal that directs you to various retailer online stores. Shop as you please, and once certified, your earnings are approved and added to your virtual wallet.

Stores pay the cashback sites and apps a commission for directing shoppers their way. A small portion of the commission is then shared with you as motivation to keep coming back for future shopping trips.

The Top Ten Cashback Sites for 2020

On the lookout for an excellent cashback site? Here are our favorites for 2020. Many of them have Apps available to make your shopping experience even more convenient; search for them on your Google Play or Apple App Store.

1. Swagbucks

Add the browser plug-in or download the app to kickstart your Swagbucks earnings. While you go about your day and do normal things on your device, like shopping, watching videos, and playing games, you can earn Swagbucks. While it’s not usually assumed to be a cash back store, you can use it as a shopping portal and exchange your SB for free gift cards or Paypal Cash.

2. MyPoints

Earn points when you shop with partnering retailers through MyPoints. If you’re not in the mood to shop, earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even reading emails. MyPoints offers up to 40% back at 2,000 of the most common retailers in the U.S.

3. Shopathome

Not interested in receipt scanning? Choose Shopathome as your shopping portal. They have a nifty savings button browser plug-in, that will update you about cashback offers whenever you enter a partnering retailer site.

4. Upromise

Earn cashback with Upromise Shopping to pay off eligible 529 plans and student loans. Payout is by check, or you can link your account to your 529 savings plan. The latter provides you with the most benefits and is an excellent incentive for some long-term gain.

5. Shoply

With Shoply, you get to browse the deals before you head out to the store or make those online purchases. Next, you simply submit your receipts. Within 48 hours, your cash can be rolling in, sometimes quicker, if you process your instore receipts immediately.

6. Rakuten

Rakuten offers payment by check or Paypal. A $10 welcome bonus will kickstart your balance once you’ve done your first bit of spending after sign up. Rakuten offers a significant cash back percentage on your purchasing.

7. BeFrugal

Over 5000 retailers have partnered with BeFrugal to offer you cash back. This is a lot more than a lot of competitor sites. BeFrugal focuses its attention on online purchases only, so if that’s how you spend a majority of your screentime, then it’s an excellent option for you.

8. Extrabux

Extrabux is for the shoe lovers and clothes hoarders. If you love to shop for clothing online, then you will love this shopping portal that offers cashback and coupons.

9. WikiBuy

Feel like you need a personal assistant to find you the best deals out there? WikiBuy’s “local offers” section takes your zip code into account to direct to local retailers and restaurants that will give you a further 3% or more cashback.

10. GetUpside

Are you looking for a cashback app that benefits you as you travel? Receive cashback on the gas app, GetUpside. It provides you with great advice and tips while you’re on the go. You can earn a cashback of up to 25 cents a gallon. It’s an easy to use app that works with all the major gas stations, showing you the best gas station deals in your area.

The Nitty Gritty

As with anything on the internet, you want to know that your details are safe. Shopping via a cashback site or app is believed to be fully secure, as you are directed to the retailer’s website for payments.

Most cashback sites and apps promise a refund rate of between 1% and 15% on your purchases. Visit Cashback Monitor to compare payout rates at different cashback websites. Earnings are tax-free with various methods of payment, includingcheck, Direct Deposit to U.S. Bank Account, PayPal, or an eGift Card.

A Few Drawbacks for Cashback Sales

You might not enjoy the wait. Payment is infrequent and often requires a minimum balance.
Payout methods vary. Sites generally have different payout conditions, so select a website or app that suits your desired payment method.
Payout qualifications. Some offers can have different percentages for different items at every retailer and can exclude a purchase from a specific department.
Limited categories. Cashback deals might be specific for some items and not others. This can be frustrating when you need household appliances, but can only find deals for sportswear.

Cashback versus Discount Deals

Frugal savers are drawn to cash back earning as an alternative to discounts. Cash back offers are an incentive for loyal customers, whereas discounts often condition buys to shop during sale periods, focusing on price rather than the product. The bottom line is that cash back deals offer creditability for a retailer.

Spending is the New Earning!

As more shoppers use digital platforms for their local needs, shopping online, or through an app is a convenient reality. What makes it a great choice is that online stores often categorize or amplify the specials on their site, allowing you to see what products offer cash back quickly. As a result, it takes a portion of the time for you to shop for deals.

Shop wisely and enjoy your cashback earnings!