The Best Apps for Cash Back and Referral Rewards

If you aren't using a cash back app for your online shopping, you are overpaying. It's that simple.

These apps act as a portal. You click their link before you shop, and the store pays them a commission. They share that commission with you. Plus, they all have great referral programs.

1. Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)

• The Deal: Earn 1% - 15% cash back at thousands of stores (Nike, Walmart, Sephora, etc.).
• Referral Bonus: Often $30 or $40 for every friend who joins and spends $30.
• Verdict: The gold standard. Reliable payments (via check or PayPal) and huge bonuses.

2. Ibotta

• The Deal: Cash back on groceries. You activate offers (e.g., "$1.00 back on milk") and scan your receipt.
• Referral Bonus: Usually $10 for you and $5 for your friend.
• Verdict: Best for grocery shoppers. It adds up quickly if you shop weekly.

3. Fetch Rewards

• The Deal: Scan ANY receipt (grocery, gas, restaurant) and earn points. No need to activate specific offers.
• Referral Bonus: Varies, but typically 2,000 - 4,000 points ($2 - $4).
• Verdict: The easiest to use. Just snap a photo of every receipt you get.

4. Dosh

• The Deal: Link your credit card, and Dosh automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating local stores and restaurants.
• Referral Bonus: $5 - $10 per referral.
• Verdict: True "set it and forget it" passive savings.

5. Upside (formerly GetUpside)

• The Deal: Cash back on gas. Claim an offer at a nearby gas station, pay with a linked card, and get cash back per gallon.
• Referral Bonus: You get an extra 15¢/gallon on your next fill-up, plus a percentage of your friend's earnings forever.
• Verdict: Essential for drivers.

Strategy

Download all of them. Use Rakuten for online shopping, Ibotta/Fetch for groceries, and Upside for gas. Share your links with your family to multiply the earnings.