No need to print out coupons or keep binders of store ads you just need your phone or computer.
Thats why we rounded up eight of our favorites to help you get started.
Before we get to the list, though, lets review what cash-back apps are and how they work.
Carmen Mandato/The Penny Hoarder
What are Cash-Back Apps, and How Do They Work?
Although coupons and cash-back apps are both great ways tosave money, they work a little differently.
With coupons, you save moneybeforeyou checkout.
Some, like Ibotta and Shopkick, offer both.
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Now, you might be wondering how these apps can just hand out cash.
Then, the app passes part of that commission over to you.
Now that you understand how these money-saving tools work, well showcase our favorites.
Heres what we suggest: Sign up for one or two of these apps.
Use them for a couple of weeks and see how much extra cash you earn.
If you find theyre not suiting your normal shopping habits, then explore another option.
The best cash-back app foryouwill depend onyourspending habits.
But were here to give you all the information you should probably make the best decision.
Pros:The Ibotta app is easy to get the hang of.
(Read more about cash-back best practices below.)
Available viaiOS and Android.
Sign-up bonus:Snag a $5 sign-up bonus after upload your first receipt to theIbotta app.
Just walk into stores and scan items barcodes.
you’ve got the option to also earn kicks when online shopping.
With 500 kicks, you could snag a $2 gift card.
Fetch Rewards
Well just say it: TheFetch Rewards appis best for lazy savers.
Pros:Fetch is super easy to use.
Theres no scanning barcodes or hunting down specific brands (unless you want bonus points).
you could take a photo of literally any receipt from a grocery, convenience or club store.
Youll basically be throwing away free gift cards if you dont.
Sign-up bonus:Enter code PENNY to earn 2,000 free points after scanning your first receipt.
Redeem the apps cash-back deals for specific products from any retailer (unless the offer specifies otherwise).
Just claim your offers by snapping a photo of your packing slip.
No need to shop through a portal.
Cons:Checkout 51 updates its offers each Thursday.
Additionally, the app tends to focus on name-brand items, so dont forget to compare prices.
Generic or store brands might be more affordable even without a rebate.
Payment method:Earn $20 back, and cash out for a check in the mail.
Saving Star
If youre a store loyalist, the Saving Star app might be your perfect match.
Saving Star takes care of the rest.
Otherwise, just scan receipts to claim your rebates.
Cons:Some offers we saw require you to buy in bulk, which isnt always convenient.
For example, spend $25 on Tidy Cat products to get a $5 rebate.
(Thats a lot of litter to haul.)
You also cant categorize offers (by food, household items, etc.
), so youll spend some time scrolling through offers.
you’ve got the option to also choose to donate your earnings to charity.
Available viadesktop, iOS and Android.
But you also have to learn to use them responsibly.
Sometimes its easy to get caught up in the shininess of earning money back even if youre spending unnecessarily.
confirm youre purchasing the correct brand and quantity.
Before purchasing a specific item to pocket the cash back, compare prices of other brands.
Also take into consideration any coupons.
Some simple math will help you determine whats the best deal.
Learn how to deal stack with your go-to cash-back app.
For example, if you use Ibotta, apply any in-store coupons to your purchase first.
Then you might still get your Ibotta cash back.
Let us know whats your favorite!
Carson Kohler ([email protected]) is apersonal financewriter at The Penny Hoarder.
She loves the thrill of using cash-back apps.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
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