The Best Cashback Apps of 2026 to Boost Your Savings

Cashback apps sound simple. Spend money, get some of it back. But once you start looking, it can feel messy fast. Too many apps. Too many promises. And not all of them are worth your time.

Cashback apps won’t change your finances overnight. What they can do is help you keep a little more of the money you already spend on groceries, gas, and everyday shopping.

This list focuses on cashback apps that are still reliable heading into 2026. They’re easy to use, pay out consistently, and don’t require constant effort.

You don’t need to use all of them. Even one or two well-chosen apps can help you save $20 to $50 a month. Small savings like that add up over time.

Cashback apps give you a small percentage of your money back when you shop. You earn cashback by buying things you already planned to buy, not by spending extra.

Most cashback apps work in a few simple ways.

• Online shopping cashback
  You start your shopping trip inside an app or browser extension. When you buy something, you earn a percentage back. For example, 5 percent cashback on a $100 order gives you $5 back.
• Receipt-based cashback
  You shop in-store, upload your receipt, and earn cashback on specific items or stores. These offers usually change weekly.
• Card-linked cashback
  You link your debit or credit card once. When you shop at participating stores, cashback applies automatically.

Cashback doesn’t show up instantly. Most apps take time to confirm purchases. Once approved, you can cash out through PayPal, a bank transfer, or gift cards, depending on the app.

Here’s what this means for you. Cashback apps don’t replace budgeting or saving. They simply help you get a little money back from spending you were already going to do. When used calmly, they can lower everyday costs without adding stress.

What We Looked For When Choosing These Apps

Not every cashback app is worth your time. Some look great at first but end up feeling confusing, slow, or frustrating. To keep this list practical, we focused on a few clear things.

• Easy to use
  If an app takes too long to set up or figure out, most people won’t stick with it.
• Clear value
  Cash is straightforward. Points can be fine too, but only if it’s easy to understand what they’re worth.
• Reliable payouts
  We focused on apps with a solid track record of paying users consistently.
• Low effort for the reward
  If an app saves you $2 after 30 minutes of work, it usually isn’t worth it. These picks are meant to fit into real life.
• Still relevant heading into 2026
  That means stable companies, clear payout systems, and a model that still makes sense long term.

You don’t need the app with the biggest headline number. What matters is finding something that fits into your routine and doesn’t create extra work. When cashback feels easy and predictable, it’s much more likely to stick.

Below are the best cashback apps you can try in 2026 to boost your savings.

Rakuten

What it’s best for

Rakuten works best for online shopping, especially at large, well-known retailers. It’s a strong option if you already shop online for clothes, electronics, travel, or seasonal purchases.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by starting your shopping trip through Rakuten’s website or browser extension. Once activated, you shop like normal. Rakuten earns a commission from the store and shares part of it with you as cashback.

Cashback rates vary by retailer and can change often. Some stores may offer 1 to 3 percent, while others run limited-time higher offers.

Typical earning range

For most people, Rakuten works best as a slow-and-steady option.

• Occasional shoppers might earn $5 to $15 per quarter
• Regular online shoppers may earn $20 to $50 per quarter
• Earnings depend heavily on where and how often you shop

This isn’t an everyday grocery app. It’s more useful for planned online purchases.

How you get paid

Rakuten pays out on a set schedule, usually quarterly. Payouts are sent through PayPal or by check, depending on your settings. This delayed payout is normal and part of how the platform works.

What to watch out for

Rakuten only works if you remember to activate it before checking out. If you forget, the purchase usually won’t qualify. Cashback also won’t apply to returns, canceled orders, or excluded items.

Who this app is a good fit for

Rakuten is a good choice if you:

• Shop online a few times a month
• Don’t mind waiting for payouts
• Prefer simple cashback over points
• Want a set-and-forget browser tool

It’s less helpful if most of your spending is in-store or grocery-focused.

Fetch

What it’s best for

Fetch works best for low-effort grocery and retail receipts. It’s designed for people who want something simple and don’t want to activate offers before shopping.

It’s a receipt-based cashback app. Best used as a low-effort add-on, not a primary savings tool.

How you earn cashback

You earn rewards by scanning receipts from grocery stores, big-box retailers, pharmacies, and some online purchases. Unlike many apps, Fetch gives you points for almost every receipt, even if you didn’t buy specific brands.

Some brands and products offer bonus points, but the base earning is automatic once you upload the receipt.

Typical earning range

Fetch is more about consistency than speed.

• Casual users may earn $5 to $10 every couple of months
• Regular grocery shoppers who scan most receipts may earn $10 to $25 over time
• Bonus offers can increase earnings, but they’re not guaranteed

This isn’t a fast earner, but it’s very easy to keep up with.

How you get paid

Fetch uses points instead of direct cash. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers. Redemption values are clearly shown in the app, so you know what your points are worth before cashing out.

What to watch out for

Because rewards are points-based, it can feel slow at first. If you’re looking for quick cash deposits, this may feel underwhelming. It also doesn’t work well as a standalone savings tool.

Who this app is a good fit for

Fetch is a good choice if you:

• Want something very low effort
• Don’t want to activate offers before shopping
• Shop for groceries regularly
• Are okay earning gift cards instead of cash

It pairs well with other cashback apps because it doesn’t interfere with them.

Honey

What it’s best for

Honey works best for online shopping, especially if you already shop on a laptop or desktop. It’s most useful for people who want help finding coupons and earning occasional cashback without much effort.

How you earn cashback

Honey runs as a browser extension. When you shop online, it automatically checks for available coupon codes at checkout. For some stores, it also offers cashback through its rewards program.

You don’t need to activate offers ahead of time. If cashback is available, Honey applies it automatically once the extension is active.

Typical earning range

Honey is more of a bonus saver than a main cashback app.

• Light users may earn $5 to $15 over several months
• Regular online shoppers might earn $20 to $40 in a year
• Savings often come more from coupons than cashback

It’s helpful, but not a primary source of savings on its own.

How you get paid

Honey uses a points system for cashback. Points can be redeemed for gift cards at popular retailers. Redemption options and values are clearly shown in the app.

What to watch out for

Cashback availability varies by store and is not guaranteed on every purchase. In many cases, Honey’s biggest value comes from coupon savings rather than cashback. It also works best on desktop, not mobile-only shopping.

Who this app is a good fit for

Honey is a good choice if you:

• Shop online fairly often
• Use a desktop or laptop for purchases
• Want automatic coupons without extra effort
• Are comfortable earning gift cards instead of cash

It’s a helpful background tool, especially when paired with another cashback app that focuses on cash payouts.

TopCashback

What it’s best for

TopCashback works best for online shopping when you’re willing to compare cashback rates before buying. It’s known for offering higher cashback percentages than many competitors, especially for travel, electronics, and larger purchases.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by starting your shopping trip through TopCashback’s website or browser extension. After clicking through, you shop as usual at the retailer.

Unlike some platforms, TopCashback often passes most or all of its commission back to users, which is why rates can look higher.

Typical earning range

TopCashback can be valuable if you use it intentionally.

• Occasional users may earn $10 to $25 every few months
• People who use it for planned purchases or travel bookings may earn $40 to $100 in a year
• Earnings depend on remembering to start your purchase through the platform

It’s not ideal for impulse buys. It works best when you plan ahead.

How you get paid

Cashback can be withdrawn through PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Payout timing depends on how long the retailer takes to confirm the purchase, which can range from a few weeks to a few months.

What to watch out for

TopCashback’s interface can feel less polished than other apps. Cashback confirmation can also take longer, especially for travel or subscription purchases. Patience is part of the tradeoff for higher rates.

Who this app is a good fit for

TopCashback is a good choice if you:

• Make occasional larger online purchases
• Don’t mind comparing cashback rates
• Are okay waiting longer for payouts
• Prefer cash over points

It’s a strong option when you want maximum value from planned spending, not everyday shopping.

Upside

What it’s best for

Upside works best for gas purchases, with some offers for groceries and dining depending on your area. It’s especially useful if you drive regularly and want savings tied to something you already have to pay for.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by claiming an offer in the app before you buy gas. After filling up at a participating station, Upside tracks the purchase through your linked card or by confirming the receipt.

Offers vary by location and station. Some areas have more options than others.

Typical earning range

Upside can add up steadily if you drive often.

• Light drivers may earn $5 to $10 per month
• Regular drivers might earn $10 to $25 per month
• Earnings depend on fuel prices, driving habits, and available stations

Savings feel more noticeable when gas prices are higher, but they’re still modest.

How you get paid

Cashback can be withdrawn to a bank account, PayPal, or as gift cards. Payouts usually process within a few days after the transaction is confirmed.

What to watch out for

Not every gas station participates, and the best offers aren’t always at the cheapest station nearby. It’s important to check prices so cashback doesn’t cancel out savings. Offers also need to be claimed before you buy.

Who this app is a good fit for

Upside is a good choice if you:

• Drive regularly
• Buy gas multiple times a month
• Don’t mind checking the app before filling up
• Want cash, not points

It’s less helpful if you rarely drive or live in an area with limited participating stations.

Dosh

What it’s best for

Dosh works best for hands-off cashback. Once it’s set up, you don’t need to activate offers or upload receipts. Cashback applies automatically when you shop at participating stores.

How you earn cashback

You link a debit or credit card to the app. When you make a purchase at a supported merchant, Dosh detects the transaction and credits cashback to your account. Offers vary by store and location.

This setup makes Dosh one of the lowest-effort options on the list.

Typical earning range

Dosh is quiet and slow, but steady for some people.

• Light users may earn $5 to $10 every few months
• Regular users who shop at participating stores may earn $10 to $30 in a year
• Earnings depend heavily on where you shop

It works best as a background app, not a main savings tool.

How you get paid

Once you reach the cash-out minimum, you can withdraw earnings to PayPal or a bank account. Transfers are usually processed within a few days.

What to watch out for

Merchant availability is limited compared to receipt-based apps. If your regular stores aren’t supported, earnings will be minimal. You also need to be comfortable linking a card to use the app.

Who this app is a good fit for

Dosh is a good choice if you:

• Want automatic savings with almost no effort
• Shop at restaurants or stores that participate
• Prefer cash payouts over points
• Don’t want to manage offers or receipts

It pairs well with other apps because it runs quietly in the background.

Capital One Shopping

What it’s best for

Capital One Shopping works best for online shopping with minimal effort. It’s especially useful if you want automatic savings without thinking about cashback rates every time you buy something.

You do not need a Capital One credit card to use it.

How you earn cashback

Capital One Shopping works as a browser extension. When you shop online, it checks for available cashback and better prices in the background. If a lower price or cashback offer is available, it lets you know.

Cashback is earned through eligible retailers, and savings often come from a mix of cashback rewards and price comparisons.

Typical earning range

This app is more about quiet savings than fast cash.

• Occasional online shoppers may earn $10 to $25 in a year
• Regular online shoppers may see $25 to $75 in combined savings over time
• Results depend on how often you shop and which stores you use

Savings are steady but not dramatic.

How you get paid

Cashback rewards are usually redeemed as gift cards to popular retailers. The app clearly shows redemption options and values, so there’s no guessing involved.

What to watch out for

Capital One Shopping focuses heavily on price comparison, not just cashback. That’s helpful, but it means savings aren’t always labeled as “cash back” in the traditional sense. It also works best on desktop or laptop shopping rather than mobile-only use.

Who this app is a good fit for

Capital One Shopping is a good choice if you:

• Shop online often
• Want savings to happen automatically
• Don’t want to track cashback rates manually
• Are comfortable earning rewards as gift cards

It pairs well with apps like Rakuten or TopCashback, especially for planned purchases.

RetailMeNot

What it’s best for

RetailMeNot works best for online shopping with occasional in-store offers, especially if you like combining cashback with promo codes. It’s useful for everyday retailers, seasonal shopping, and sales events.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by starting your purchase through RetailMeNot or activating an offer before checkout. For online purchases, you click through to the retailer and shop as usual. Some in-store offers require linking a card or submitting a receipt, depending on the deal.

Cashback rates vary by store and timing. Some offers are always available, while others are short-term.

Typical earning range

RetailMeNot can be helpful if you already look for deals.

• Occasional users may earn $5 to $15 every few months
• Regular online shoppers may earn $20 to $50 in a year
• Earnings depend on remembering to activate offers before buying

It works best as a planned-purchase tool rather than an everyday app.

How you get paid

Cashback is usually paid through PayPal or Venmo once the purchase is confirmed. Confirmation timing depends on the retailer and can take a few weeks.

What to watch out for

RetailMeNot combines coupons and cashback, which can feel busy if you prefer simple tools. Some offers require extra steps, and cashback may not stack with every promo code.

Who this app is a good fit for

RetailMeNot is a good choice if you:

• Shop online during sales or holidays
• Like using promo codes
• Don’t mind activating offers before checkout
• Want cash payouts instead of points

It’s a solid complement to Rakuten or TopCashback, especially when you’re already hunting for deals.

BeFrugal

What it’s best for

BeFrugal works best for planned online purchases when you want steady cashback without extra complexity. It’s similar to Rakuten and TopCashback, but with a different mix of retailers and occasional higher rates.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by starting your shopping trip through BeFrugal’s website or browser extension. Once you click through to a retailer, you shop as usual. Cashback tracks automatically if the purchase qualifies.

BeFrugal also offers coupons, which can sometimes be combined with cashback depending on the store.

Typical earning range

BeFrugal rewards consistency more than frequency.

• Occasional users may earn $10 to $25 in a year
• Regular users who plan purchases may earn $25 to $75 over time
• Earnings depend on retailer rates and remembering to click through

It’s most useful for intentional shopping rather than impulse buys.

How you get paid

Cashback can be withdrawn via PayPal, direct deposit, or check once you reach the minimum payout threshold. Payment timing depends on how long retailers take to confirm purchases, which can take several weeks.

What to watch out for

BeFrugal doesn’t always have the highest rates, and cashback confirmation can take time. Like similar platforms, cashback won’t apply to returns, canceled orders, or excluded items.

Who this app is a good fit for

BeFrugal is a good choice if you:

• Make planned online purchases
• Prefer straightforward cash payouts
• Don’t mind waiting for confirmation
• Want an alternative to Rakuten or TopCashback

It’s a solid backup option when your usual cashback site doesn’t have a good offer.

Swagbucks

What it’s best for

Swagbucks works best for selective cashback use, mainly for online shopping and occasional cash-back offers. It’s widely known, but it works best when you ignore the high-effort parts and focus only on cashback.

How you earn cashback

You earn cashback by shopping through Swagbucks’ links at participating retailers. When you click through and make a purchase, you earn points called SB. These points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

Swagbucks also includes surveys, games, and offers, but those are optional. For PennyRoute purposes, cashback shopping is the only part worth using regularly.

Typical earning range

When used selectively, Swagbucks can still add value.

• Occasional cashback shoppers may earn $10 to $25 in a year
• Regular users who focus only on shopping offers may earn $25 to $50 over time
• Earnings depend on retailer rates and purchase timing

Results improve when you stick to shopping-based cashback and skip time-heavy tasks.

How you get paid

Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards once you reach the minimum redemption amount. Redemption options and values are clearly listed inside the app.

What to watch out for

Swagbucks can feel overwhelming if you try to use everything it offers. Surveys and games often take more time than they’re worth. If you keep your use limited to cashback shopping, it stays manageable and useful.

Who this app is a good fit for

Swagbucks is a good choice if you:

• Want access to a wide range of retailers
• Are comfortable using points that convert to cash
• Can ignore high-effort tasks
• Prefer flexibility over simplicity

Used carefully, it can complement other cashback apps without becoming a time drain.

How Much Can You Realistically Save With Cashback Apps?

Cashback apps work best when you think of them as small wins, not a big income stream. The savings come from money you were already going to spend, and they build slowly over time.

Here’s what that usually looks like in real life.

A low-effort setup

This is someone using one online cashback app and nothing else.

• Occasional online shopping
• A few purchases each month
• Minimal setup and no reminders

Typical savings: about $5 to $15 per month

It doesn’t feel dramatic, but it also doesn’t require much effort.

A moderate, realistic setup

This is where most people land.

• One online cashback app
• A gas cashback app if they drive
• Occasional use of a receipt add-on

Typical savings: about $20 to $50 per month

That’s $240 to $600 over a year, just from everyday spending.

A higher-effort setup

This involves checking rates, stacking carefully, and remembering to activate offers.

• Multiple online cashback tools
• Regular gas cashback use
• Frequent receipt scanning

Typical savings: about $50 to $100 per month

This level takes more attention. It only makes sense if the process doesn’t feel stressful.

Why most people should aim lower

Trying to squeeze every dollar out of cashback apps often backfires. You spend more time managing apps, and it becomes easier to buy things you didn’t plan to buy.

Cashback works best when:

• it fits into your routine
• it doesn’t change what you buy
• it feels automatic, not like a chore

Even $25 a month can cover a utility bill, a streaming subscription, or part of a grocery run. That’s real money back in your pocket.

A simple rule of thumb

If using cashback apps ever makes you spend more, rush purchases, or feel pressured to check deals constantly, the savings usually disappear.

Used calmly, cashback apps won’t overhaul your finances. But they can quietly lower everyday costs and make your budget feel a little lighter.

How to Stack Cashback Apps Safely (Without Stress)

Stacking cashback apps means earning rewards from more than one app on the same purchase. Done carefully, it can increase your savings. Done poorly, it can feel confusing and cancel out the benefits.

The goal isn’t to stack everything. The goal is to stack only when it’s easy.

When stacking makes sense

Stacking works best in a few clear situations:

• An online cashback app plus a coupon
• A gas cashback app plus a receipt add-on
• A card-linked cashback app running quietly in the background

For example, you might:

• Start an online purchase through Rakuten
• Use a promo code at checkout
• Upload the receipt to Fetch afterward

Each step stays simple and doesn’t change what you’re buying.

When stacking isn’t worth it

Stacking usually stops being helpful when:

• You’re juggling too many apps
• You’re checking offers every time you shop
• You’re buying items just because they have cashback
• You feel rushed or stressed trying to “optimize” savings

At that point, the effort outweighs the money.

A safe stacking setup most people can manage

If you want a setup that works without much thinking:

• One online cashback app
• One gas cashback app if you drive
• One low-effort receipt add-on

That’s it. Anything beyond this should be optional.

Keep the focus on your budget

Stacking should support your budget, not distract from it. Cashback is a bonus, not a strategy. If it ever pushes you to spend more or think less clearly, it’s okay to step back.

The safest approach is the one you can repeat month after month without thinking too hard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cashback apps work best when you expect small, steady wins. You don’t need every app or every deal. One or two tools used consistently can quietly save you money over time.

If it fits into your routine and doesn’t change how you spend, it’s probably doing its job.