1. Rakuten – Earn Cashback with a Single Click
When you shop online, do you go straight to Amazon, Walmart, or Nike? If so, you’re missing out on free money! Rakuten is a top-rated cashback platform that partners with thousands of retailers, giving you extra cashback just for shopping through their links.
How to use it:
- Sign up for Rakuten (new users often get a 10-10−40 welcome bonus).
- Before making a purchase, search for the store on Rakuten—for example, if you're buying Nike shoes, search for "Nike" on Rakuten and click through their link.
- Complete your purchase as usual, and your cashback will be credited within a few days.
Pro Tip: Install the Rakuten browser extension, which automatically alerts you whenever cashback is available. Pair it with a cashback credit card like Chase Freedom Unlimited® (1.5% cashback) + Rakuten (extra 5%), and you’ll double your savings on clothes, electronics, and more!
2. Ibotta – Get Cashback on Groceries
Ever had that moment at checkout where you realize your groceries cost way more than expected? Ibotta helps ease that pain by giving you cashback on everyday grocery purchases.
How to use it:
- Open the Ibotta app before shopping and activate cashback offers on items like eggs, milk, snacks, and drinks.
- After shopping, take a photo of your receipt, and cashback will appear in your account within minutes.
- Some offers even include "Buy a Coke, Get $2 Back" deals—essentially free products!
Pro Tip: If you link your store loyalty card (like Walmart+) to Ibotta, the app will automatically track your purchases, and you won’t even need to scan receipts!
3. Upside – Earn Cashback on Gas & More
Gas prices are insanely high, but Upside helps you get money back every time you fill up.
How to use it:
- Open the Upside app before refueling and find the gas station offering the highest cashback.
- Tap “Claim Offer”, head to the station, and pay as usual with your linked credit card.
- A few days later, the cashback will automatically appear in your Upside account.
Some gas stations offer up to $0.50 per gallon back, meaning filling up a tank could save you several dollars!
Pro Tip: Stack this with a gas cashback credit card like Amex Blue Cash Preferred® (3% cashback on gas) + Upside ($0.25 extra per gallon) to maximize your savings.
4. Dosh – Automatic Cashback on Dining & Takeout
Ever looked at your bank statement and realized you spent way too much on dining and takeout? Dosh can help you earn cashback effortlessly.
How to use it:
- Link your credit or debit card to the Dosh app.
- Use that card when dining at partner restaurants or ordering from Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.
- Cashback is automatically added to your Dosh wallet—no receipts required!
Some restaurants offer up to 10% cashback, and occasionally, you’ll even find deals like “Get 5-5−10 back on one meal”—it’s basically free money!
Pro Tip: Combine Dosh with a dining cashback credit card like Chase Sapphire Preferred® (3% dining cashback) + Dosh (extra 5%), and you’ll get 8% or more back on meals!
5. Chase Freedom Flex® – 5% Cashback on Rotating Categories
A good cashback credit card can significantly boost your savings throughout the year. Chase Freedom Flex® is one of the best, offering 5% cashback on different categories each quarter.
How it works:
- This quarter, Amazon and Walmart might have 5% cashback, while next quarter could include groceries, gas, or PayPal purchases.
- Everyday spending at restaurants and drugstores earns 3% cashback, while all other purchases still get 1% cashback.
- Activate the 5% bonus categories each quarter (it’s free) and use this card for those purchases to maximize rewards.
Pro Tip: If you combine Chase Freedom Flex® with Rakuten, you could get 5% cashback from the card + 5% from Rakuten, making certain purchases 10% cheaper!
Summary: Start Saving with These Cashback Tools!
Shop online with Rakuten for extra cashback (up to 40%)
Use Ibotta for groceries and get money back on essentials
Check Upside before refueling to save up to $0.50 per gallon
Dine out with Dosh and earn automatic cashback
Pay with Chase Freedom Flex® to get 5% cashback on rotating categories
If you start using all five cashback tools, saving $1000+ a year is absolutely possible!
Which cashback tool are you excited to try? Or do you have your own secret money-saving hack? Share it in the comments!