As prices rise due to inflation, you might be looking for ways to save money when shopping online or in person.
This is where cash back apps come in. These platforms allow you to earn cash back for purchases you’re already making. Some reward you for specific purchases, while others can be used for almost anything.
Here are the best cash back apps you can use to save money when you shop.
Top Cash Back Apps
These days, it seems like there’s a new cash back app available every week. The right one for you will depend on your shopping habits, redemption needs and preferred reward options.
In order of Trustpilot rankings, here are the best cash back apps you can download today to get free money when you shop.
1. Fluz
Fluz allows you to earn up to 35% cash back when you shop. However, this app doesn’t work like the others on our list.Â
When you’re making an online or in-store purchase at a partner retailer, you’ll need to buy a gift card from Fluz for your exact purchase amount.Â
Then, you’ll use that gift card code to make your purchase, earning a certain amount of cash back.
While you can earn cash back on your purchases, the primary way Fluz encourages users to earn is by referring friends and family. You’ll get a reward when anyone you refer signs up or makes a purchase using the app.
Trustpilot score: 4.7 out of 5
Pros
- High cash back rates
- Get rewards for inviting friends
- Cash out at any time
Cons
- Fewer participating retailers
- Complicated redemption process
- Can’t retroactively get rewards
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards has become one of the most popular cash back apps on the market.Â
Using the app, you scan receipts from any retailer or restaurant. Then, you’ll earn points to redeem for gift cards or rewards.
With Fetch, you’ll earn a small reward for every eligible receipt you scan. Plus, you’ll receive even higher rewards on purchases of certain products or from specific retailers.
Learn more in our Fetch Rewards review.
Trustpilot score: 4.6 out of 5
Pros
- Easy to earn rewards
- Low redemption thresholds
- Get rewards for inviting friends
- Has many partner brands
Cons
- Can’t redeem for cash
- Must scan receipts quickly
- Some products earn fewer rewards
3. BeFrugal
BeFrugal allows users to earn up to 40% cash back at a network of more than 5,000 stores.
Using BeFrugal, you can either shop through the app or use the BeFrugal extension on your browser. If you make a purchase at one of the partner stores, you’ll earn a certain percentage of cash back.
In addition to allowing you to earn cash back, BeFrugal will automatically search for coupons and apply them to your purchases.
Trustpilot score: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- Coupons are automatically applied
- Up to 40% cash backÂ
- 5,000 partner stores
- Cash out at any time
- $10 welcome bonus
Cons
- Online purchases only
- Slow redemption
- Rewards apply once per retailer
4. Upromise
Upromise is different from other apps on our list. Instead of just earning cash back in the form of gift cards or bank transfers, you can also earn rewards that are deposited into your child’s 529 plan.Â
First, you’ll register and connect your account to your bank account or 529 plan. Then, when you spend through the Upromise shopping portal, you’ll earn cash back on your everyday purchases.Â
Upromise also has a Mastercard that you can use to earn additional cash back. It even lets you round up your purchases to the nearest dollar to save more money.
Learn more about the platform in our Upromise review.
Trustpilot score: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- $30 welcome bonus
- Save for college
- Automatic deposits
Cons
- 529 accounts get the best rates
- Must already have a 529 plan
- Upromise Mastercard gets the best rates
5. MyPoints
MyPoints allows you to earn points in several different ways, including shopping at more than 2,000 partner retailers and answering surveys about your buying habits.Â
You can earn up to 40% cash back in the form of points, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or transferred to your PayPal account.
MyPoints also provides coupon codes for your favorite retailers. Better yet, you won’t have to remember to apply those coupon codes. The platform will remind you.
Read our MyPoints review to learn more.
Trustpilot score: 4.4 out of 5
Pros
- $10 bonus welcome bonus
- Up to 40% cash backÂ
- 2,000 partner retailers
- Coupon codes provided
Cons
- Limited survey availability
- No uniform value for points
- Delayed reward redemption
- Daily cap on points
6. TopCashback
TopCashback allows users to earn rewards when shopping at more than 7,000 different retailers. To get rewards, simply click through to a partner retailer from the TopCashback website.Â
Once you’ve earned rewards, you can redeem them for gift cards. Alternately, you can transfer cash directly to your bank or PayPal account.Â
TopCashback also has a browser extension that will remind you to use rewards so that you don’t miss earning opportunities.
Don’t miss our TopCashback review for more details.
Trustpilot score: 4.4 out of 5
Pros
- Many partner retailers
- Cash out at any timeÂ
- Helpful browser extension
- Invite friends for rewards
Cons
- Slow rewards distribution
- Online purchases only
- Certain items excluded
7. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as eBates, was one of the first popular cash back websites and still remains one of the most popular options today.Â
This site allows you to save and earn money in a variety of ways. You can get cash back for purchases at more than 3,500 retailers using the Rakuten app, browser extension and website.
It’s also possible to save money using coupons, which Rakuten will automatically apply to your eligible purchases.Â
Unlike many competitors, Rakuten allows you to earn rewards on in-store purchases by linking your credit card to your Rakuten account.
Our Rakuten review can provide more information about the platform.
Trustpilot score: 4.3 out of 5
Pros
- Invite friends for rewards
- Coupons are automatically applied
- Online and in-store purchases
Cons
- Restrictive payout schedule
- Some items may not qualify
- Doesn’t support all credit or debit cards
8. Swagbucks
Using Swagbucks, you can earn free gift cards and cash in various ways. This includes shopping online, watching videos, searching the web, answering surveys and more.Â
Once you reach the minimum redemption threshold, you can cash out your earnings for gift cards or as a direct deposit to your PayPal account.
In addition to the many ways you can earn money, Swagbucks offers coupons. These can help you save even more on your online purchases.
Learn more with our Swagbucks review.
Trustpilot score: 4.3 out of 5
Pros
- Invite friends for rewards
- Low redemption threshold
- $10 welcome bonus
Cons
- Can be time-consuming
- Surveys require eligibility
- Slow gift card distribution
9. Honey
Honey started as a browser extension that allowed you to automatically add coupon codes to your online purchases. It has since expanded to include other ways to save.Â
With Honey, you can earn cash back by shopping through the Honey website or browser extension. It also has what’s known as the Droplist, which automatically alerts you when an item you’re interested in becomes available at a lower price.Â
You can then redeem the rewards you’ve earned for gift cards.
Read our Honey review for more information.
Trustpilot score: 4.2 out of 5
Pros
- Several ways to save
- Invite friends for rewards
- Many partner websites
- Automatic savings
Cons
- Gift card redemption only
- Doesn’t always find coupons
- Online purchases only
10. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash back app that allows you to earn money on your purchases.Â
You can get cash back by activating rewards and scanning your receipt from in-store purchases. In addition, you can get cash back for your online purchases by downloading the browser extension and activating rewards.Â
Once you’ve earned cash back, you can transfer it directly to your bank or PayPal account. However, you must reach a certain threshold first.
Our Ibotta review provides more information about the platform.
Trustpilot score: 4.2 out of 5
Pros
- Earn rewards from all purchases
- Get rewards for inviting friends
- $5 welcome bonus
- Rewards are almost immediate
- Link store loyalty accounts
Cons
- Minimum redemption requirement
- Doesn’t work for all purchases
- Must upload in-store receipts
11. Drop
Drop allows you to earn cash back by shopping with certain retailers.Â
When you sign up, you can start earning rewards by shopping through the app or by playing games and completing surveys.Â
You can also link your credit or debit card to unlock Drop Premium, which gives you access to free exclusive rewards, a monthly point drop, crypto rewards and more.Â
Once you’ve earned points, you can redeem them for gift cards, crypto, charitable donations and more.
Trustpilot score: 4.1 out of 5
Pros
- Rewards for inviting friends
- Connect your debit or credit card
- Multiple rewards options
- Many ways to earn rewards
Cons
- No cash redemption
- Weekly earnings cap
- $25 minimum redemption
- Must select limited retailers
12. Mr. Rebates
Mr. Rebates allows you to get cash back on your purchases when you shop using their tools.Â
You can earn by shopping directly through the Mr. Rebates website and by using the mobile app or browser extension.Â
Once you’ve earned points, you can redeem them for gift cards, a check or cash directly to your PayPal or Venmo account.
Learn more in our Mr. Rebates review.
Trustpilot score: 4.0 out of 5
Pros
- Earn rewards for inviting friends
- Redeem rewards for cash
- $7.50 welcome bonus
Cons
- Slow release of rewards
- Can’t use with outside coupons
- Online purchases only
13. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a cash back app that allows you to earn money for your gas and grocery purchases. New offers are added each week.Â
Once you’ve purchased those items, just scan your receipt. Then, your cash back will be added to your account.Â
After you’ve earned $20 cash back in your account, you can redeem it.
Trustpilot score: 3.9 out of 5
Pros
- Accepts in-store purchases
- Offers aren’t specific to certain stores
- Savings on gas
- Stack your rewards
Cons
- Limited cash back availability
- $20 redemption threshold
- Must upload receipts
- Hard to earn on online purchasesÂ
14. Shopkick
Shopkick allows you to earn gift cards for both online and in-store purchases. You can get points just by walking into a partner store, and you receive additional points when you make purchases.Â
Plus, you can also save on purchases at more than 80 retailers through the Shopkick app.Â
It’s even possible to earn rewards from home by watching videos and browsing content on the app.Â
Once you’ve earned rewards, known as kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards that are delivered digitally to your phone.
Read our Shopkick review to learn more about the platform.
Trustpilot score: 3.1 out of 5
Pros
- Rewards on all purchases
- Earn rewards by inviting friends
- Earn rewards for other tasks
- Save money using the app
Cons
- Limited number of retailers
- No cash redemption option
- Might have to visit a store in person
15. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping, formerly known as Wikibuy, is an online shopping app that offers many ways for you to save.Â
The platform has a price comparison tool that lets you see if an item you’re shopping for is available at a lower price somewhere else. You’ll also have access to online coupon codes, which Capital One automatically tests to find the best one.Â
Better yet, you can set up price drop notifications. With these alerts, Capital One will let you know if an item you have your eye on is available for a lower price.Â
Additionally, Capital One shopping credits allow you to earn cash back on your purchases, which you can then redeem for gift cards.
To learn more, read our Capital One Shopping review.
Trustpilot score: 2.4 out of 5
Pros
- Many ways to earn and save money
- Some rewards are automatic
- Find the best price for online purchases
Cons
- No cash redemption option
- Might not have the best rewardsÂ
- Tracks and shares your online activity
16. Dosh
Dosh is a cash back app that allows you to automatically earn rewards on your purchases.Â
Unlike other services, you won’t have to scan your receipts or activate your savings. You just download the app and connect your normal payment method. Then, Dosh does the rest.Â
For example, if you connect your credit card and use that card to make a purchase from one of Dosh’s partners, you’ll see cash back automatically appear in your account.Â
Once you’ve earned $25, you can transfer the cash to your bank, PayPal or Venmo account. Alternately, you can donate it to charity.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Cash redemption options
- Automatic rewards
- Cash back at 10,000+ retailers
- Stack your rewards
Cons
- $25 minimum redemption
- Must use debit or credit cardÂ
- Rewards can be delayed
17. Upside
Upside allows you to earn cash back when you fill up your gas tank and when you shop at grocery stores or restaurants. You can earn at more than 50,000 locations around the country.Â
When you open the app, you’ll see a list of participating retailers nearby where you can save.Â
Once you’ve earned rewards, you can redeem them by depositing them into your bank account or PayPal account. You can also exchange them for free gift cards.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Rewards for gas purchases
- Get rewards for inviting friends
- Cash or gift card redemption
Cons
- Limited gas station availability
- Must pay with debit or credit card
- Limited restaurant availability
FAQs
Before signing up for a cash back app, these frequently asked questions can help you decide which option is best for you.
Yes. Cash back apps are legitimate and allow you to earn extra money from purchases you’re already making.Â
That said, there could be sites that are scams and try to trick you into sharing your financial information by pretending to be a cash back app. Do your due diligence before signing up.
The amount you can earn with any cash back app depends on the amount you spend and the type of purchases you make.Â
You won’t get rich using these apps, but you’ll be able to save a few dollars here and there.
There’s not necessarily one cash back app that’s best for everyone. Many apps are tailored to a certain type of shopping.Â
As a result, it’s worth exploring your options to find the one that works best for your lifestyle.
Yes. Legitimate cash back apps are safe to use.Â
However, before signing up for any new apps and connecting your bank accounts, make sure to read reviews from other customers to ensure the app is legit.
Best Cash Back Apps Comparison Table
| App | Trustpilot Score | Rewards Rate | Unique Feature |
| Fluz | 4.7 out of 5 | Up to 35% | Cash out at any time, get rewards when your referrals make a purchase |
| Fetch Rewards | 4.6 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Get rewards on every eligible receipt, has many partners |
| BeFrugal | 4.5 out of 5 | Up to 40% | Welcome bonus, cash out at any time |
| Upromise | 4.5 out of 5 | Up to 12% | Earn cash back to your child’s 529 plan, welcome bonus |
| MyPoints | 4.4 out of 5 | Up to 40% | Make money in several ways, offers coupon codes |
| TopCashback | 4.4 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Cash out at any time, browser extension |
| Rakuten | 4.3 out of 5 | Up to 60% | Earn rewards for both online and in-store purchases, coupons automatically applied |
| Swagbucks | 4.3 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Earn in multiple ways, low redemption threshold |
| Honey | 4.2 out of 5 | Up to 25% | Automatically apply coupons, browser extension |
| Ibotta | 4.2 out of 5 | Up to 30% | Welcome bonus, link store loyalty accounts |
| Drop | 4.1 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Many ways to redeem rewards, multiple earning opportunities |
| Mr. Rebates | 4.0 out of 5 | Up to 10% | Welcome bonus, offers a mobile app and browser extension |
| Checkout 51 | 3.9 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Stack rewards, save on gas |
| Shopkick | 3.1 out of 5 | Not disclosed | Get rewards just for going into a store, get rewards on all purchases |
| Capital One Shopping | 2.4 out of 5 | Up to 30% | Find best prices on purchases, many ways to earn |
| Dosh | N/A | Up to 15% | Stack rewards, automatic earning opportunities |
| Upside | N/A | Up to 45% | Earn cash back for gas, works at over 50,000 locations |
Summary
Cash back apps have come a long way in recent years. How you can earn and save money varies depending on the app.Â
With so many apps to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to select the best one.
Fortunately, if you use our list, you should be able to narrow down your favorites to start saving.
