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Best Cash Back Apps for 2024

Updated
Natasha Etzel
By: Natasha Etzel
Natasha Etzel
Natasha Etzel
Writer

Natasha has been a freelance writer since 2015. She specializes in credit card and credit card rewards content. When not busy writing, she's either dreaming up her next credit card rewards redemption or traveling the globe. Her goal is to encourage more people to experience the world around them while making smart financial choices.

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Ashley Maready
Check IconFact Checked Ashley Maready
Ashley Maready
Ashley Maready
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Ashley Maready is a former history museum professional who made the leap to digital content writing and editing in 2021. She has a BA in History and Philosophy from Hood College and an MA in Applied History from Shippensburg University. Ashley loves creating content for the public and learning new things so she can teach others, whether it's information about salt mining, canal mules, or personal finance.

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Earning rewards while shopping, whether for groceries or new clothes, adds an extra layer of fun to your purchases. Cash back apps offer a simple way to save and get money back on everyday spending.

The top cash back apps are free and can seamlessly fit into your personal finance routine. If you're not already using these apps, you're missing out on easy savings. Discover our top picks for the best cash back apps for July 2024.

Best cash back apps:

  • Ibotta: Best cash back savings app for big retailers
  • Fetch Rewards: Best cash back app for all kinds of retailers
  • Dosh: Best cash back app for in-person shopping
  • Rakuten: Best cash back app for online shopping
  • Checkout 51: Best cash back app for gas stations

Best cash back savings app for big retailers: Ibotta

Ibotta
Best cash back savings appIbotta
Learn More for Ibotta

What you should know: Ibotta is a popular cash back app that allows users to earn cash rewards when shopping at grocery stores and other popular retailers. It functions as a receipt-scanning app. You can download the mobile app or add the browser extension and find offers that you can use. You will then need to activate each offer.

You'll notice that each listed offer has a dollar amount attached to it. To earn cash back, you can scan a receipt or link a store loyalty card. The Ibotta app lets you withdraw cash back earnings any time your account reaches a minimum of $20. Another option is to redeem cash back for gift cards, which also have a minimum redemption of $20-$25.

What makes Ibotta one of the best cash back apps is that it features thousands of retailers, including Target , Walmart, Rite Aid, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods Market, and Dollar General. With so many popular retailers featured within this app, it's no wonder Ibotta is one of the best apps for earning extra cash back on purchases.

At a glance:

  • Rewards rates: Varies; some offers are for $0.25 cash back, while others offer $1.00 or more
  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Cost: Free

READ MORE >> Ibotta review

Best cash back app for all kinds of retailers: Fetch Rewards

Fetch
Best cash back app overallFetch
Read Review

What you should know: Fetch Rewards allows shoppers to earn rewards on their regular shopping trips, including visits to grocery stores, convenience stores, big-box stores, and restaurants. To earn reward points, you must upload a receipt within 14 days of shopping. You can do this by linking your email and submitting an e-receipt or taking a photo of a physical receipt. There's no need to apply or save specific offers before shopping.

Instead, you'll earn points on all of your regular shopping. Some featured brands will earn more points, but just going shopping and uploading a receipt will earn you points, no matter what.

The best cash back apps make it easy to redeem earnings, and Fetch is no different. You can exchange your points for gift cards to popular retailers. You also have other redemption options, such as redeeming your points for charity donations or using your points to enter monthly cash sweepstakes.

You can cash out at as little as 3,000 points. The rewards rate is, at most, 1% of the final purchase price, but some rewards are worth less. But if it's your first time redeeming rewards or you have yet to redeem a 3,000-point reward, you'll need to redeem your points for a $10, $25, or $50 reward first. Since it's so simple to earn points, this is a favorite app for people who want an easy, no-planning-necessary cash back rewards app.

At a glance:

  • Rewards rates: At most, 1% of the final purchase price
  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.6/5 stars
  • Cost: Free

Best cash back app for in-person shopping: Dosh

Dosh
Best cash back app for online and in-person shoppingDosh
Read Review

What you should know: Dosh is one of the best cash back apps because it provides various ways to earn rewards. This app offers automatic cash back when shopping, dining, or booking hotel stays. The Dosh app doesn't require users to upload receipts. Instead, once you link your debit or credit card to the app and make purchases, you can earn cash back automatically. There's no need to activate offers -- rewards for eligible purchases will automatically be placed in your Dosh wallet.

However, Visa cardholders may be presented with additional rewards earning opportunities. These offers will appear in your Dosh account as "Tap to Activate Offers and they must be activated to earn rewards. Once you reach at least $15, you can transfer your cash back to your bank, PayPal, or Venmo account, or you can donate your cash back earnings to charity.

At a glance:

  • Rewards rates: Varies; many retailers offer 5% or more
  • iOS app rating: 4.7/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.5/5 stars
  • Cost: Free to download; but if your account remains inactive for more than 12 months, a $4.99 maintenance fee will be deducted from your Dosh wallet balance. Your debit card or credit card will never be charged.

Best cash back app for online shopping: Rakuten

Rakuten
Best cash back app for online shoppersRakuten
Read Review

What you should know: Rakuten, previously named Ebates, is both a cash back and shopping app that lets you earn cash rewards for shopping in various categories. This includes purchasing clothes, ordering takeout, booking travel, and buying home improvement items. Each participating retailer will list a cash back percentage that it's offering, and you earn cash rewards by shopping as you normally would.

Rakuten provides cash back offers for both online purchases and in-store purchases. For an online purchase, a user must click a Rakuten link to activate it and then go through the checkout process. For in-store shopping, users can link their credit or debit card to Rakuten, then click on an in-store cash back offer to activate it and shop like normal.

Payments are sent out every three months when you have an account balance of at least $5. Earnings of less than $5 will carry over to the next payment period. You can choose to receive your cash through your PayPal account or a paper check if you prefer. You also have the option to donate your cash back earnings to a nonprofit organization.

At a glance:

  • Rewards rates: 2% to 10%, or more
  • iOS app rating: 4.8/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 3.8/5 stars
  • Cost: Free

Best cash back app for gas stations: Checkout 51

Checkout 51
Best cash back app for gas stationsCheckout 51
Read Review

What you should know: Checkout 51 is a rewards app that allows users to earn cash back on grocery and gas purchases. To take advantage, you'll have to add offers within the app, then click "redeem" to check off items that were purchased. Finally, you need to upload a photo of the receipt. Once the receipt is verified, cash back is added to your account. It's important to know that you must upload your receipt while an offer is still live.

Another reason Checkout 51 makes our best cash back apps list is unless an offer states otherwise, you can earn cash back through the app in combination with other coupons and discounts, which could double your savings. Review the terms of each offer to verify that coupons are allowed.

You can cash out your account balance as soon as it reaches $20. Cash back is available in the form of a paper check, PayPal transfer, or electronic gift card. New offers appear every Thursday, and you can take advantage of a search feature that lets you find your favorite products or get inspiration before shopping.

At a glance:

  • Rewards rates: Rewards rates vary
  • iOS app rating: 4.0/5 stars
  • Android app rating: 4.2/5 stars
  • Cost: Free

Types of cash back apps

Cash back apps offer a straightforward way to save money, but they come in various forms. Here are some types you can explore:

  • Earn points: Some cash back apps reward you with points for your purchases. The more you shop, the more points you accumulate, which can later be redeemed for cash back or gift cards.
  • Earn cash back: These apps focus on giving you cash rewards for each purchase. Your earnings build up until you can cash out, either as money or gift cards.
  • Receipt scanning apps: These require you to upload or scan your receipts after shopping. You earn points or cash based on eligible purchases listed on your receipt.
  • Card-linked reward apps: These apps need you to link your credit or debit card. They automatically track your eligible purchases, so you earn rewards without the hassle of scanning receipts.

Earn even more cash back: Check out our top picks for the Best Cash Back Credit Cards.

Features of the best cash back apps

With many grocery cash back and receipt apps available, finding one that fits your financial needs is key. Here are some features to consider when choosing the best cash back apps:

  • Rewards redemption options: Look for apps that offer multiple ways to redeem your rewards, whether it's through a check, PayPal, or gift cards. The process should be simple and convenient.
  • Usable at many stores: The best apps work at a wide range of retailers, ensuring you can regularly earn rewards that match your shopping habits and preferences.
  • Low minimum redemption amount: Choose apps with low minimum requirements for cashing out, so you can quickly access your earnings or redeem for gift cards without a long wait.

Need a savings account? Check out our top picks for the Best Savings Accounts.

Typical cash back app fees and costs

The great thing about the best cash back apps is that they're free to download. There's no need for a monthly subscription or a one-time fee to get these apps on your phone. Just do your everyday shopping and follow the app's instructions to start earning rewards.

Love getting a good deal when you shop? Check out our top picks for the best coupon apps.

FAQs

  • Yes. Rewards apps are an easy way to earn money and get cash back for everyday purchases. While the rewards and amount of cash back you can earn vary, this is a simple way to earn a little extra money.

  • Each app has its own rewards rate, which can vary depending on where you shop and what products you're buying. Typically, you can expect to earn around 1%. Some cash back apps offer higher rewards rates, allowing you to earn much more. It depends on how much you spend and how often you shop. To maximize your earning potential, make sure you follow each app's instructions and use the app regularly when shopping.