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As a savvy shopper who loves saving money, I’m always utilizing my favorite cashback apps when grocery shopping, looking for the best deals and stacking coupons to maximize my savings. You would think all those money-saving strategies would be enough for me, right? Nope, anytime I run across another way to save money shopping, I’m gonna give it a try. That’s why I’m excited to tell you how I get cash back for shopping online.
Yes, you heard that right — you can actually earn money while spending it! Let me walk you through the world of cash back shopping and introduce you to some of my favorite places for getting cash back rebates.
What are Cashback Shopping Sites?
Cashback shopping sites are platforms that partner with retailers to offer you a percentage of your purchase back as a reward. It’s like getting a rebate on everything you buy, but without the hassle of cutting out UPC codes or mailing in forms. These sites make money through affiliate marketing, and they share a portion of their commission with you. It’s a simple concept that can lead to significant savings over time.
Companies That Give Cash Back for Shopping Online
My Points
My Points is my go-to when it comes to getting cash back for shopping online. What makes it my favorite is they usually offer the most cash back for shopping online compared to the others. Another thing I love about My Points is there are other ways to earn extra spending money (surveys, playing games and more).
Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)
Rakuten has a vast network of over 2,500 stores, it’s hard to find a retailer that isn’t partnered with them. I love that they have a low $5 minimum payout threshold. However, they only send quarterly payouts, so you’ll need to be patient.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is more than just a cashback shopping site. Like My Points, I love that I can earn points (called SB) for other activities such as taking surveys, playing games, watching videos and lots more! Swagbucks also offers cash back for in-store purchases and has a low payout minimum with various redemption options.
When it comes to earning cash back for shopping online, they do have lower rates compared to other cashback shopping sites, but the extra ways to earn money, along with their daily goals and bonuses, makes signing up worth it.
Mr. Rebates
Mr. Rebates might not be as well known as some other cashback shopping sites, but it’s a hidden gem. I appreciate their straightforward approach and the fact that there’s no limit on the amount of money you can earn.
Retail Me Not
Retail Me Not is primarily known for its coupon codes, but their cashback shopping program is worth noting. I often find myself using it to stack savings — applying a coupon code and earning cash back on the same purchase.
Earn and Trade
I’m not as big of a fan of Earn and Trade as I am the other cashback shopping sites. They just don’t have as many stores for cashback shopping. However, I like the extra opportunity to get cash back by signing up for free trials. Another good thing was I could explore the stores and offers to see how much each is worth without having to sign up first.
Quick Rewards
Quick Rewards has been around since 2002. Unlike most of their competitors, there’s no minimum requirement for cashing out, which means as soon as you get your first cashback reward, you can choose a gift card or request the cash be sent to your Paypal. I don’t like that you can’t see the stores without first having to become a member, but according to their site, they’re partnered with over 100 popular merchants.
Ibotta
Ibotta is a game-changer for grocery shopping. It’s not just for online purchases — you can earn cash back on in-store buys too. I find myself checking the app before every grocery run to see what offers are available. I did notice a limited selection of partner stores, which are mostly grocery and convenience stores.
How to Maximize Your Earnings
To get the most out of cashback shopping, I follow these strategies:
- Stack rewards by using a cashback credit/debit card in addition to getting cash back for shopping online through a cashback rewards site.
- Time purchases around promotional periods for higher cash back rates.
- Compare rates across different cashback shopping sites before making a purchase.
- Always read the terms and conditions to ensure your purchase qualifies for cash back.
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid When Getting Cash Back for Shopping Online
While getting cash back to shop online is exciting, it’s important to stay mindful of potential pitfalls:
- Don’t let cash back tempt you into overspending. Stick to your budget!
- Always compare prices across different retailers. A higher cash back percentage doesn’t always mean the best deal.
- Be patient with payouts. Most cashback shopping companies have processing periods before your earnings are available.
- Keep track of your purchases and expected cash back to ensure you receive what you’re owed.
Wrapping Up
Getting cash back for shopping online has transformed the way I approach my purchases. By using cashback shopping sites, I’ve managed to earn hundreds of dollars back on purchases I would have made anyway. It’s a simple way to make a little extra money for your savings account or whatever you desire.
Remember, the key is to use these sites for planned purchases, not as an excuse to spend more. With a bit of strategy and the right tools, you can start earning while you spend today.
Happy shopping and even happier earning!
