Save More Money This Year with My 3 Favorite Cashback Apps
Buying groceries every week? Shopping for clothes, home goods, or that “just one more” Amazon find? You might as well earn a little money back while you’re at it!Using cashback and rewards apps is one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget without really changing a thing. I use them as part of my yearly “save smarter” strategy—and once you get into the habit, it’s basically free money for doing what you already do.
Over the years, I’ve tried quite a few of these apps, and let’s just say not all of them are worth your time. Some take too long for too little reward. But after plenty of experimenting, I’ve narrowed it down to my Top 3 cashback apps that actually deliver:
🛒 1. iBotta
If you do any grocery shopping (and who doesn’t?), iBotta is a game changer. It partners with thousands of retailers—Target, Walmart, Hannaford, Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Dollar Tree, and more. Download the app and create an account (or you can create your account on your desktop/laptop computer in a browser). Make sure you enter the friend referral code fdfciya because if iBotta is running a referral campaign, you’ll get $5 in your iBotta account as soon as you use your account before the 7-day period is over.
Here’s how I use it:
Link your store rewards cards to iBotta so you don’t have to scan receipts every time. That’s my grocery stores, pharmacies, and dollar stores that I visit every weekend.
Activate deals before you shop (this part is key!). On Saturday mornings, I scroll through iBotta while I’m sipping coffee and make sure the items on my grocery list match available offers.
Scan your receipts using the “redeem” button in the app if needed because not all stores allow you to link your rewards card to iBotta. The stores that do allow linking work automatically, so when I shop at my grocery store and enter my phone number in the payment pad, since I’ve linked that phone number to iBotta, my receipt is automatically submitted to iBotta. A day or two later I will get an email from iBotta telling me how much money I earned from my shopping trip. That money sits in my iBotta account and accumulates.
Rebates on your purchases can be anywhere from 10¢ to $3 or more, and they add up fast. Once you reach $20, you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards. I usually convert mine into Amazon gift cards and let the balance build up—it’s like having a mini shopping fund that replenishes itself.
Fun fact: One year, I earned $450 just from iBotta rebates! Not bad for a few minutes of app time each week.
And yes, they often have referral bonuses (sometimes $5 for you and your friend). Just make sure your friend activates their first deal within a week of joining.
📸 2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch is the no-fuss version of a cashback app—think set it and forget it.
You don’t need to activate offers before shopping. Just upload your receipts (paper or digital) within 14 days and Fetch automatically awards points. Even if nothing on the receipt qualifies for a big bonus, you’ll still earn 25 points just for uploading.
You can link your email or Amazon account for e-receipts too, which means you don’t even have to lift a finger some weeks.
Turn basically anything you do into gift cards with Fetch. Earn at stores, restaurants and shopping online. Even playing free games. Download Fetch with my link or use code D3RMC to get a bonus when you submit your first receipt. https://fetch.com/?code=D3RMC
Once you reach 3,000 points, you can redeem them for gift cards to your favorite retailers—or even donate your points to charity if you’re feeling generous.
This one’s perfect if you like the idea of earning rewards but don’t want to plan around it.
💻 3. Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates, if you’ve been around since the early days) is ideal for online shoppers.
Here’s how it works:
Add the Rakuten browser extension, and it’ll pop up whenever you’re on a site that offers cashback.
Click “Activate,” finish your shopping, and that’s it. Easy money.
You can get your cashback deposited straight to PayPal—or as a check if you like the old-school satisfaction of getting “Big Fat Checks.”
Currently, Oct. 8, 2025, Rakuten is giving the friend (you!) and the referrer (my mom!) $50! Use this link and then use Rakuten to save money. www.rakuten.com/r/DENISE28499?eeid=28187
Rakuten also has discounted gift card deals and a solid referral program (right now, new users can earn $30 after making a qualifying purchase). I’ve found plenty of “hot deals” for both online and in-store shopping through their app.
💰 Why You Should Use Cashback Apps
Cashback and rewards apps are one of those “why wouldn’t you?” tools. You’re already shopping—these just give you a little something back for being a smart shopper.
Between iBotta, Fetch, and Rakuten, you can save on everything from groceries to fashion to household staples, all with minimal effort.
And if you’re into friendly competition, some apps even group users into “tribes,” where your earnings contribute toward group goals. (Yes, saving money can actually be social now.)
So go ahead and download one—or all three—of my favorite money-saving apps. You’ll be surprised how quickly those little rebates add up.
Have a favorite cashback app of your own? Drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for new ways to make my morning coffee scroll a little more profitable. ☕💵
Have a great day! xoxo, Dana
