The Best Cash Back Apps To Earn Extra Money Effortlessly
You want a little more breathing room in your budget. Not another job, not more hours – just a simple way to stretch what you already spend. That’s where the best cash back apps come in.
Think of them as a quiet side hustle that runs in the background. You shop like you normally would – groceries, gas, online orders – and the apps send a bit of that money back to you. No coupon clipping. No hoops to jump through.
And here’s the beauty: those small amounts stack up. A few dollars from one trip, a few more from another, and suddenly you’ve covered your streaming bill or treated yourself to dinner. It’s not about overnight riches – it’s about steady wins that ease the pressure.
How cash back apps work
💸 It sounds like free money, but here’s the reality. Stores and brands pay fees to attract shoppers. Cash back apps share part of that fee with you. That’s why you earn rewards just for doing what you’d do anyway.
They track your purchases in a few simple ways:
- Receipt scanning – snap a photo of your receipt, upload it, and the app checks for deals.
- Linked cards or accounts – connect your debit or credit card once. Every time you shop at a partner store, the savings appear automatically.
- Online shopping portals – start your shopping through the app’s link, and you get a percentage back on your order.
When it comes to rewards, you’ve got choices. Some apps send cash through PayPal or a direct deposit. Others offer gift cards or points you can swap for prizes. The key is picking what feels most useful to you.
Why it’s worth trying
🌟 Here’s the part most people miss: cash back apps don’t cancel out other savings. You can still use coupons, promo codes, or a rewards credit card on top. That’s like stacking layers of savings on the same purchase.
And you’re not locking yourself into anything. Download an app or two, see what fits, and let them work quietly while you go about your day.
It’s not going to replace your paycheck. But it can lighten the load. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need to make money feel less like a constant squeeze.
The 16 best cash back apps
Finding the right fit matters. Not every app works the same way, and the best cash back apps are the ones that actually match your routine. To make it easier, here’s a breakdown of a few popular options – especially if most of your budget goes to groceries and day-to-day shopping.
Grocery & everyday shopping 🛒
1. Ibotta
If you’re always picking up groceries, Ibotta is worth a look. You scan your receipt after buying qualifying items, and the app sends you cash back. It works at big grocery chains as well as smaller local stores.
Pros: Simple to use, wide range of offers
Cons: Some deals are tied to certain brands or limits
Payouts: Direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards keeps things even simpler. Instead of hunting for offers ahead of time, you just scan any store receipt. Your points add up and can be swapped for gift cards at major retailers.
Pros: Fast, works at almost any store
Cons: Points only convert to gift cards
Payouts: Gift cards
3. Shopkick
Shopkick makes earning feel like a game. You collect “kicks” by walking into stores, scanning barcodes, or making purchases. It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s fun if you like the idea of rewards without always spending money.
Pros: Earn just for visiting stores, multiple ways to build rewards
Cons: Smaller payouts compared to other apps
Payouts: Gift cards or PayPal
These apps don’t require a lifestyle change – just small habits you already have. And when you’re looking for the best cash back apps, that’s the goal: simple, steady savings that stack up without adding stress.
Gas & travel ⛽✈️
Not all cash back apps are built the same, and the best cash back apps for one category might not work as well in another. Here’s a closer look at options for fuel, travel, online shopping, and dining.
4. Upside
Upside helps you earn cash back on gas, restaurants, and hotels. You just check the app for participating locations and pay as usual. It’s perfect if you’re driving often or traveling for work.
Pros: High cash back on fuel, easy to use
Cons: Coverage can be limited in some areas
Payout: Direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards
5. Rakuten
Rakuten works both online and in-store. You earn a percentage back at thousands of retailers. Their sign-up bonus and holiday deals are especially generous.
Pros: Huge selection of stores, strong online portal
Cons: In-store cash back requires activating the offer in the app
Payout: Check, PayPal, or American Express points
6. Dosh
Dosh is all about automation. Link your card, and you get cash back at participating stores, restaurants, and hotels – no scanning required.
Pros: Automatic tracking, works across multiple categories
Cons: Limited store participation in some areas
Payout: PayPal or Venmo
Online Shopping 🛍️
7. PayPal Honey
Honey finds coupons and rewards you with “Honey Gold” points on online purchases. Great if you shop online regularly.
Pros: Auto-applies coupons, points stack with other rewards
Cons: Honey Gold can take a while to reach the gift card threshold
Payout: PayPal Rewards points or gift cards
8. Capital One Shopping
This browser extension compares prices and gives cash back when you shop online. It’s a set-and-forget way to save automatically.
Pros: Automatic price comparisons, no receipts needed
Cons: Cash back mainly in gift cards
Payout: Gift cards
Dining & Food Delivery 🍕
9. Seated
Seated rewards you for booking restaurants through the app. The more you dine, the more points you earn, redeemable for gift cards.
Pros: Perfect for frequent diners, easy to use
Cons: Limited coverage in smaller towns
Payout: Gift cards
10. DoorDash Cash Back
DoorDash often partners with cash back platforms and credit card rewards. By activating offers or linking apps like Dosh or Rakuten, you can earn a percentage back on your deliveries.
Pros: Wide delivery network, stacks with other apps
Cons: Offers vary by region
Payout: DoorDash or Caviar orders or gift cards
11. Grubhub Cash Back
Grubhub also runs cash back promotions through select apps and cards. Link your payment or activate a deal before ordering, and save on each delivery.
Pros: Works with major cash back apps, easy to activate
Cons: Promotions aren’t always available
Payout: Direct deposit
With the right mix, these apps make your everyday spending work for you. When you’re hunting for the best cash back apps, it’s not about chasing every single offer – it’s about picking ones that match your routine and stacking savings wherever you can.
All-in-one rewards 🎁✨
Not all cash back apps are about shopping. Some let you earn points through surveys, videos, or small tasks. If you want to stretch your everyday activities into extra cash, these are worth checking out.
12. Swagbucks
Swagbucks goes beyond shopping. You can earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, or completing small tasks. Points can be turned into PayPal cash or gift cards.
Pros: Multiple ways to earn, reliable payouts
Cons: Surveys can take time to pay off
Payout: PayPal or gift cards
13. MyPoints
MyPoints works like Swagbucks but leans more toward online shopping and surveys. Your points add up and can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, or even travel miles.
Pros: Several earning options, frequent promotions
Cons: Gift card processing can be slow
Payout: PayPal, gift cards, travel miles
Niche & up-and-coming apps 📲
14. CoinOut
CoinOut makes earning simple. Just scan receipts from any store and watch small rewards add up over time. Perfect if you want a beginner-friendly option.
Pros: Easy receipt scanning, small rewards stack
Cons: Some offers are low
Payout: Direct deposit or gift cards
15. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog gamifies shopping. Submit receipts, earn coins, and trade them for cash or gift cards. It’s a fun way to get rewarded for regular shopping.
Pros: Fun, works at almost any store
Cons: Cash back can take a while
Payout: PayPal or gift cards
16. Drop
Drop links to your debit or credit card. You earn points automatically when shopping at participating retailers, which you can redeem for gift cards – or even cryptocurrency.
Pros: Hands-off earning, great for younger users
Cons: Limited merchant selection
Payout: Gift cards or crypto
By now, it’s clear: there’s a cash back app for almost every shopping habit. Groceries, fuel, dining out, online shopping – even surveys and everyday tasks – these apps make earning extra money simple and low-effort. Pick the ones that fit your routine and let them work quietly in the background.
How to maximize earnings with cash back apps
Using cash back apps is easy, but a few smart moves can help you earn even more without extra effort. Here’s how to make the most of them:
Stack apps together
Some apps let you earn on the same purchase through different platforms. For example, you could use Ibotta for grocery rebates and Rakuten for an online order at the same store. Layering apps like this can boost your total rewards.
Pair with cash back credit cards
If you already have a cash back credit card, use it alongside your apps. You’ll earn your card’s percentage back plus the app’s rebate. Just be sure to pay your balance in full – interest will wipe out any gains ❌
Take advantage of referral bonuses
Referrals are one of the easiest ways to increase earnings. Just inviting a handful of friends can add up and make a noticeable difference in your rewards.
Track seasonal promotions
Apps often run limited-time offers around holidays, back-to-school season, or store sales. Paying attention to these can bump up your earnings significantly.
Focus on high-reward items
Some apps offer higher rebates for certain brands or products. If it fits your needs, buying these items can maximize cash back without changing your usual shopping habits.
With these strategies, everyday purchases can turn into meaningful savings. Even casual shoppers can earn hundreds of dollars a year without adding extra work 💰
Potential downsides & what to watch out for
While cash back apps are a great way to earn extra money, it’s smart to know the limitations so you don’t get frustrated:
- Privacy concerns: Many apps track your spending or collect data for marketing. Check the privacy policy and make sure you’re comfortable with how your info is used.
- Minimum payouts: Some apps require you to reach a certain threshold before withdrawing cash or redeeming points. Occasional users may wait months to hit it.
- Limited store participation: Not every store or restaurant is covered. A grocery-focused app may skip small local shops or specialty stores. Check supported locations before committing.
- Potential scams: Apps promising huge returns or asking for upfront payment are red flags. Stick with trusted names like Ibotta, Rakuten, and Dosh for safety.
Keep these points in mind, and you’ll make smarter choices while avoiding common pitfalls. With a little attention, cash back apps can remain one of the easiest ways to earn extra money on the things you already buy.
Earn while you shop: Wrap-up and next steps
Cash back apps make earning extra money simple. You don’t need to change your daily routine – just the way you shop. Groceries, gas, online orders, or meals out – there’s probably an app that fits your habits. Picking the right apps, combining rewards, and keeping an eye on promotions can turn everyday spending into real cash.
Start small. Try one or two apps that match your spending patterns – like Ibotta for groceries or Rakuten for online shopping – and track your earnings for a few weeks. Once you get comfortable, add a few more apps or pair them with a cash back credit card to boost rewards 📈
Download an app today and see how it fits into your routine. Over time, those small, consistent actions can add up to meaningful extra income – money you earn for purchases you would make anyway.
Take your earnings to the next level with dropshipping
If you’ve enjoyed earning with cash back apps, there’s another way to make money online that goes beyond small savings: dropshipping.
Dropshipping lets you sell products online without holding inventory or handling shipping. It’s flexible, scalable, and perfect if you want to build a real online business.
This is where AliDropship comes in. For $39 a month, you get a fully hosted, ready-to-go online store on WordPress. The platform comes with automation tools and a support team to help you get started – so you skip the months of setup headaches.
With AliDropship, you have full control over your store while most of the heavy lifting is automated. That means you can focus on growing your business, not wrestling with tech issues.
Access to high-quality products
AliDropship offers a huge catalog:
- Trending items from AliExpress
- Premium fashion brands like Calvin Klein, Armani, and others
This lets you feature both trending products and globally recognized brands – all in one store.
Setting up your store is simple, even for beginners. Your subscription includes a turnkey online store, plus, there’s a 14-day free trial, so you can test everything before spending a cent.
A complete dropshipping solution
AliDropship is more than a supplier – it’s a full ecosystem:
- Saves time and reduces technical hassles
- Includes all essential tools in one platform
- Makes it easy to start, manage, and grow your business
Start your dropshipping journey today and turn ambition into real online income. With AliDropship, building and growing your ecommerce business has never been easier.
Looking for the easiest path to online income?📦 AliDropship builds your store, automates the work, and leaves you free to focus on the cash flow.
