The best apps for cash back: Buy and save like a pro

Cash back apps turn everyday purchases into real rewards. From gift cards to digital credits, these platforms provide a variety of rewards for buying necessities like groceries, clothes, and gas.

While these apps don’t replace your income, they provide bonus savings and help you stretch your budget further. The key is finding a platform that fits your lifestyle so earning rewards feels effortless.

Explore the best apps for cash back and their main pros and cons. Plus, learn how Mistplay complements savings platforms by turning playtime into gift cards.

What are cash back apps, and how do they work?

Cash back apps give you rewards for making specific purchases. Generally, users view advertised offers inside the app, then redeem them by purchasing through a link or submitting a receipt. While some platforms use the term “cash,” they don’t guarantee monetary income — many reward people in gift cards, points, or digital credits.

Apps for cash back are a great way to maximize your budget by earning on items you were going to buy anyway. This is the smartest strategy for gaining rewards because there’s no extra investment or effort. If you’re looking for an alternative to cash back apps but still want to earn rewards, try Mistplay. Play your favorite games, try new titles in your downtime, and rack up valuable points to spend on real gift cards.

The 3 best cash back apps for everyday shopping

There’s a platform that rewards almost any purchase, from groceries to electronics. Here are our favorite cash back apps for everyday items.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a shopping portal that partners with over 3,500 retailers, including apparel, electronics, and beauty brands. Users simply shop through the Rakuten website, mobile app, or browser extension, and the platform tracks their purchases. The app then sends rewards every three months via PayPal or check.

Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is an app that provides savings on a wide variety of products, including personal care and household supplies. People browse offers on a personalized list, choose items to redeem, and snap a photo of their receipts to claim the rewards. The app tracks your earnings, and once you reach $20, you can collect a check.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a platform that works with major retailers like Amazon and Walmart. It provides rewards for a range of products, including electronics, apparel, and food. You activate offers by tapping a link and buying a product. The app then tracks the purchase, doling out points you can redeem for gift cards.

The 3 best rewards apps for groceries

Grocery shopping is a regular household necessity, so you might as well be earning rewards with each trip. Here are our picks for the best apps for cash back on groceries.

Ibotta

While Ibotta supports a range of everyday items, it’s best known for groceries. You pick offers in the app, then make purchases at retailers like Walmart, Sam’s Club, and Target. For example, you pick a deal for cheese crackers and Ibotta adds it to your in-app list. You then buy the product and scan the receipt to claim the reward via PayPal or gift card.

Fetch

Fetch is another top choice for groceries, as it works with stores like Kroger, Albertson’s, and Publix. Fetch also lets you link your account to partnered loyalty programs to gain extra rewards for buying specific brands, like General Mills and Mars. Similar to Ibotta, you add offers in the app and submit your receipt to earn. 

Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog works with virtually any grocery store because they gather consumer purchase data, not specific rebates. Upload a photo of nearly any receipt to collect in-app coins, then use them to get gift cards. People can also upload receipts and take surveys to earn slot machine spins, which awards additional coins.

Ready for more rewards? Join the play-to-earn movement with Mistplay 

Mistplay is a gamified rewards program that complements cash back apps. Instead of scrolling socials as you wait for DoorDash or stand in line at the checkout, open Mistplay and earn points by playing games. Dive into your favorites or try something new — this platform rewards whichever way you love to play. Stack up points by trying new titles and tackling challenges, then redeem them for gift cards from top retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, and Sephora. 

The pros and cons of free cash back apps

All of the apps in this guide are legitimate ways to boost your budget, requiring no subscription. They’re not too good to be true, but it’s still best to keep in mind both the perks and limitations of these apps.

Pros of free cash back apps

Here are the main advantages of using savings apps:

• Easy to use: Savings platforms are simple to start — many of them let you log in with your Google or Apple account. You just download the app, find an offer, and start shopping.
• Widely available: There are dozens of cash back apps out there, so you can download several and give them all a test run. See which one fits your lifestyle best, or use them all for different types of purchases.
• Minimal commitment: You can download these apps without breaking the bank. There’s no charge to get started, so you can confidently try any you like.

Cons of free cash back apps

Here are a few limitations of savings apps: 

• Smaller rewards: Free apps don’t often provide large payouts. Expect little boosts like coupons and gift cards rather than a full income. 
• Occasional delays: While these platforms try to issue rewards promptly, users may occasionally have to wait longer for payouts.

How to choose the best cash back app for you

There are dozens of options for savings and rewards platforms. If you’re looking to narrow your search, here’s a quick checklist to help you find a good cash back app:

• Network of partnered retailers: Look for platforms that partner with a large number of stores you love to shop at.
• Reward collection speed: You don’t want to wait months between gift cards, so read the fine print to look for the usual payout time.
• Level of legitimacy and transparency: Make sure the platform is legit by checking for details like an official website and verification status. If you aren’t sure, opt for a popular app with numerous downloads.
• Quality of user reviews: Browse reviews from real people and check for positive experiences. Read complaints to see if they’re a concern for you. For instance, some users might give a poor review because the app doesn’t support their favorite store. This may not be an issue for others.

Make a difference with a rewards app

Cash back shopping is a great way to save money buying the things you wanted anyway. Browse different options, find a platform that fits your habits, and start saving. These apps make shopping more rewarding, and you can also make free time more rewarding with an alternative like Mistplay.

This reward app is the ideal accompaniment to any cash back tool, letting you earn rewards that give your budget extra breathing room. Download games through the platform, then gain levels and hit milestones to rack up points. Exchange these points for real gift cards from stores you love, like Target and Starbucks.

Download Mistplay for Android or iPhone, and get the most out of playtime.