Cashback apps pay you back a slice of what you already spend. The trick is choosing the right ones for how you shop, because no single app is best at everything. Here’s a straightforward comparison.
Table of Contents
Quick picks
| App | Best for | How you earn |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | Online shopping | Start your purchase through Rakuten’s site, app or browser extension |
| Ibotta | Groceries and big retailers | Activate offers before you shop, then link your store account or upload a receipt |
| Fetch | Easiest, almost any receipt | Scan receipts for points, redeem for gift cards |
| Upside | Gas, restaurants, some grocery | Claim an offer and pay with a linked card |
| Capital One Shopping | Price comparison online | Browser tool that finds lower prices and awards credits |
Rakuten: best for online shopping
Rakuten partners with thousands of online stores. When you click through Rakuten before buying, the store pays Rakuten a commission and Rakuten shares part of it with you. Cash back is usually paid out on a regular schedule by PayPal or check once you pass a small minimum. Read our Rakuten review.
Ibotta: best for groceries
Ibotta offers cash back on specific products at grocery stores, big-box stores and online retailers. You add offers before shopping, then verify the purchase. It takes a bit of planning but can pay well on items you already buy. See our Ibotta review.
Fetch: easiest to use
Fetch gives points for scanning almost any receipt, with bonus points for featured brands. Points are redeemed for gift cards. It pays less per receipt, but it’s the most “set and forget” app. Read our Fetch review.
Upside: best for gas
Upside shows cash-back offers at participating gas stations and some restaurants and grocers. You claim an offer, pay with a linked card, and the cash back appears in the app.
How to stack cashback apps
You can often earn more than once on the same purchase:
- Use a store coupon and sale price.
- Pay with a cashback or rewards credit card (only if you pay in full).
- Claim an Ibotta offer for the product.
- Scan the same receipt in Fetch.
Each app has its own terms, and some exclude certain combinations, so read the rules.
What to watch out for
- Data sharing: cashback apps make money from brands and retailers, and card-linked apps can see your purchases. Read the privacy policy.
- Payout minimums: some apps require a minimum balance before you can cash out.
- Missing cash back: ad blockers, coupon extensions or switching browsers can break tracking on online purchases. Keep receipts and order confirmations.
- Too many apps: juggling five apps often isn’t worth the time. Most people do best with two or three.
Which should you choose?
- Shop online a lot? Start with Rakuten.
- Do a weekly grocery run? Add Ibotta and Fetch.
- Drive often? Try Upside.
FAQ
Are cashback apps legit?
The established apps above are real businesses that pay users. Avoid any app that asks you to pay a fee to cash out.
How much can I earn?
It depends on your spending. Many casual users earn a modest amount each month, more during holiday shopping or big purchases.
Do cashback apps work outside the U.S.?
Most of these apps focus on the U.S.; some have versions for other countries.