Are you looking for easy ways to save money on everyday purchases? Cashback apps are one of the smartest tools to help you keep more money in your pocket. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, booking travel, or buying clothes online, cashback apps reward you with a percentage of your spending—real money back for spending smart.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to save money with cashback apps step by step, along with tips, examples, and recommendations for the best apps to use in 2025.
Table of Contents
What Are Cashback Apps?
Cashback apps are mobile or web-based platforms that reward users with money (cashback) when they shop through specific partner retailers. They earn a commission from stores and share a portion with you.
Why Use Cashback Apps?
Here’s why millions of users love cashback apps:
- Earn while you spend – Get up to 20% back from some retailers.
- Stack savings – Combine cashback with coupons or promo codes.
- Works on repeat purchases – Regular users get more over time.
- Safe and secure – Most apps partner with trusted stores.
- Easy to use – One-click cashbacks with auto-tracking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Save Money with Cashback Apps
Step 1: Choose the Right Cashback App
Start by selecting an app that matches your shopping habits. Some popular options in 2025 include:
- Rakuten (Ebates) – Great for online shoppers.
- Honey – Adds coupons and cashback automatically.
- Dosh – Auto cashback on linked cards.
- Ibotta – Best for groceries and essentials.
- CashKaro (India) – Offers cashback plus gift cards.
Pro Tip: Read reviews and compare cashback rates across multiple apps.
Step 2: Sign Up and Complete Profile
Once you download the app:
- Create an account.
- Enter your payment method or link your card (for auto-tracking).
- Fill out your profile to get personalized deals.
Safety Tip: Use strong passwords and ensure the app is verified before entering card details.
Step 3: Browse Cashback Offers
Use the search bar or browse categories like:
- Electronics
- Fashion
- Food Delivery
- Groceries
- Travel & Flights
You’ll see how much % cashback is offered per store.
Example: “Amazon – Up to 6% cashback” or “Walmart – Flat ₹50 cashback on ₹500+ spend”
Step 4: Shop Through the Cashback App
To earn cashback:
- Always click the link in the cashback app before buying.
- It redirects you to the retailer’s website.
- Complete the purchase in the same session.
Note: Some apps like Dosh work automatically when your card is linked—no need to click.
Step 5: Upload Receipts (If Required)
Apps like Ibotta or MagicPin may require you to:
- Take a photo of your receipt.
- Scan product barcodes.
The app verifies your purchase and credits cashback.
Pro Tip: Upload receipts within the same day to avoid missing rewards.
Step 6: Track Your Cashback Earnings
Most apps offer a dashboard to:
- View pending cashback.
- Track confirmation time.
- Withdraw your money.
Cashback is typically confirmed in 7–30 days, depending on the return window of the store.
Step 7: Withdraw Your Cashback
Once cashback is approved:
- Link your bank account, PayPal, or UPI ID.
- Some apps offer gift cards or cryptocurrency as payout options.
Most apps require a minimum balance (e.g., $5 or ₹250) to withdraw.
Bonus Tips to Maximize Cashback
Combine coupons + cashback – Use promo codes and cashback together.
Refer friends – Many apps give ₹100–₹500 or $10–$20 for each referral.
Shop during sales – Cashback rates increase during Black Friday, Diwali, or Amazon Prime Day.
Use browser extensions – Auto-activate cashback at checkout.
Enable app notifications – Get alerts for flash cashback deals.
Real-Life Example
Ravi’s Story:
Ravi uses CashKaro for online shopping. He buys groceries from BigBasket and flight tickets from MakeMyTrip. Over 6 months, he earned ₹2,000 in cashback without spending extra!
Best Cashback Apps in 2025 (By Category)
| App Name | Best For | Payout Method |
|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | Online shopping | PayPal, Check |
| Ibotta | Grocery savings | Bank, PayPal |
| Dosh | In-store cashback | Bank, Venmo |
| CashKaro | Indian retailers | Bank, Gift Cards |
| TopCashback | Global offers | PayPal, Gift Cards |
Common FAQs
Q1: Is cashback real money?
Yes! Once approved, cashback can be withdrawn like regular cash.
Q2: Do I need to pay to use cashback apps?
No, most are 100% free to use.
Q3: Can I use more than one cashback app?
Yes! Just don’t use multiple on the same transaction to avoid conflict.
Final Thoughts
Cashback apps are an underrated way to save money effortlessly. Whether you’re a student, professional, or homemaker, every purchase can bring a reward. With the right apps and habits, you can save thousands of rupees or dollars every year.