Stretching your dollar further online is easier than ever with the rise of cashback websites. These platforms partner with retailers to offer you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It’s essentially free money for shopping you’d likely do anyway! But with so many cashback sites out there, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
This article dives into the top 11 cashback sites in 2024, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and who they’d best suit.
1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Rakuten, a veteran in the cashback game, boasts a vast network of retailers and cashback rates ranging from 1% to a whopping 40%. They also offer exclusive coupons and deals alongside their cashback offers.
Strengths:
- Massive retailer network, including popular stores like Macy’s, Walmart, and Sephora.
- High potential cashback rates on specific stores and categories.
- Welcome bonus for new users.
- User-friendly browser extension that automatically activates cashback.
Weaknesses:
- Cashback payouts can take a while (typically 45 days).
- Minimum payout threshold can be high depending on chosen payout method.
Who it’s best for: Regular online shoppers looking for a comprehensive cashback site with a user-friendly interface and the potential for high cashback on popular stores.
2. Oh My Gold (OMG!) Rewards
OMG! Rewards is a rising star in the cashback world, offering a unique cashback structure. Instead of a flat percentage, you earn “OMG! Points” that you can redeem for cash or gift cards.
Strengths:
- High potential cashback rates in the form of OMG! Points.
- Offers cashback on dining and travel purchases in addition to online shopping.
- Easy payout process with low minimum redemption thresholds.
Weaknesses:
- Still a relatively new platform with a smaller retailer network compared to established players.
- Earning structure might be less intuitive for some users.
Who it’s best for: Value-conscious shoppers who prefer flexibility with their cashback and utilize online shopping alongside dining and travel.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks goes beyond cashback, offering a variety of ways to earn rewards. You can earn points (called Swagbucks) by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and of course, shopping online.
Strengths:
- Multiple ways to earn rewards, offering flexibility and appeal to diverse interests.
- Strong selection of retailers with varying cashback rates.
- Low minimum redemption thresholds.
Weaknesses:
- Cashback rates tend to be lower compared to dedicated cashback sites.
- Earning points through surveys and games can be time-consuming.
Who it’s best for: Individuals who enjoy a gamified rewards experience and want to diversify their earning methods beyond online shopping.
4. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 focuses on grocery cashback, offering rebates on specific items and categories. While not a traditional cashback site, it’s a valuable tool for saving on everyday essentials.
Strengths:
- Excellent platform for maximizing savings on groceries.
- New deals and rebates added weekly.
- User-friendly mobile app for easy on-the-go saving.
Weaknesses:
- Limited scope compared to cashback sites offering general online shopping rewards.
- Requires uploading receipts to claim rebates, which can be inconvenient.
Who it’s best for: Budget-conscious grocery shoppers who want to save on their weekly hauls.
5. TopCashback
TopCashback offers a great selection of retailers and competitive cashback rates. They also provide exclusive deals and coupons to maximize your savings.
Strengths:
- Strong retailer network with frequent cashback offers.
- Offers bonus cashback opportunities on specific purchases.
- Provides detailed breakdowns of cashback rates and terms.
Weaknesses:
- User interface may seem less intuitive compared to some competitors.
- Cashback payouts might take longer to process.
Who it’s best for: Savvy shoppers who prioritize a well-rounded cashback experience with detailed information and bonus earning potential.
6. Ibotta: High Cashback Rates and Grocery Focus
Ibotta stands out for its generous cashback offers, particularly on groceries. You can find deals on specific items, categories, and even entire stores. Ibotta also offers bonuses for completing specific tasks, like linking your loyalty cards or trying new products.
Pros:
- High Cashback Rates: Ibotta frequently boasts cashback rates exceeding 10%, especially on groceries.
- Grocery-Focused: Offers on household essentials and everyday items make Ibotta ideal for frugal shoppers.
- Multiple Earning Methods: Earn cashback through in-app purchases, linking loyalty cards, and completing surveys.
- Bonus Offers: Look out for additional cashback opportunities through exclusive partnerships and promotions.
Cons:
- Limited Store Selection: Compared to other platforms, Ibotta might have a smaller selection of participating retailers, particularly for non-grocery stores.
- App-Centric: Earning cashback primarily relies on the Ibotta mobile app, which may be inconvenient for desktop shoppers.
7. Dosh: Cashback Without the Clicks
Dosh takes a unique approach to cashback. Instead of manually clicking through links, you simply link your debit or credit cards to the app. Dosh then automatically tracks your purchases at participating retailers and awards you cashback.
Pros:
- Set-and-Forget: Effortless cashback earning with automatic tracking through linked cards.
- Wide Store Selection: Dosh boasts a vast network of partnered retailers, both online and in-store.
- Multiple Cashback Options: Redeem your cashback as cash, donate to charity, or invest in cryptocurrency (subject to availability).
Cons:
- Lower Cashback Rates: Dosh generally offers lower cashback percentages compared to platforms requiring manual activation.
- Limited Control: You have less control over which purchases earn cashback since it relies on automatic tracking.
- Security Concerns: Linking your debit/credit card might raise security concerns for some users.
8. BeFrugal: Extensive Deals and Browser Extension Convenience
BeFrugal offers a robust combination of cashback and traditional coupon codes. Their browser extension ensures you never miss out on available deals while shopping online.
Pros:
- Cashback and Coupons: BeFrugal provides both cashback opportunities and curated coupon codes, maximizing savings potential.
- Browser Extension: The convenient browser extension automatically checks for available deals and cashback offers.
- High Cashback Rates: BeFrugal can compete with the top cashback platforms in terms of cashback percentages offered.
Cons:
- Store Selection Fluctuation: The availability of stores and cashback rates can sometimes be inconsistent.
- Complicated Interface: BeFrugal’s interface might have a steeper learning curve compared to some competitors.
9. Receipt Hog: Earn Cashback on Any Purchase
Receipt Hog takes a unique approach to earning cashback. Simply upload pictures of your receipts, regardless of where you shop, and earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Pros:
- Universal Earning: Earn cashback on any purchase, not just online shopping.
- Easy to Use: Uploading receipts through the app is a simple process.
- Bonus Opportunities: Participate in surveys and games within the app to earn additional rewards.
Cons:
- Lower Earning Potential: Compared to traditional cashback sites, Receipt Hog offers a lower overall return on your spending.
- Privacy Concerns: Uploading receipts might raise privacy concerns for some users who might be hesitant to share purchase details.
10. CouponCabin: Cashback and Extensive Coupon Codes
CouponCabin offers a comprehensive platform for online shoppers, combining cashback opportunities with a vast collection of curated coupon codes.
Pros:
- Cashback and Coupons: Similar to BeFrugal, CouponCabin provides access to both cashback and coupon codes.
- Wide Store Selection: A vast network of partnered retailers ensures you can find deals for most online stores.
- Community Features: User reviews and recommendations on deals can be helpful in making informed shopping decisions.
Cons:
- Cashback Rates Can Vary: Cashback rates can be lower than on some dedicated cashback platforms.
- Coupon Organization: Navigating the sheer volume of available coupons can be overwhelming for some users.