
Getting paid to shop isn’t a fantasy, with so many apps and cash back sites, it’s a reality now!
I’ll be honest with you, when I first heard about cash back sites years ago, I thought it sounded too good to be true.
But after using these sites for over a decade and earning thousands of dollars in cashback over the years, I can tell you this is real money we’re talking about.
Not using a cashback site is like refusing to accept totally free money!
Table of Contents
What is a Cashback Site?
Cash back sites are like the middleman between you and online stores.
When you shop through their links, they get a commission from the retailer and share a portion with you.
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Your average cashback deal gets you anywhere from 1% to 5% cash back, although there are online retailers that give you up to 45% cashback.
You may think a few percent cashback won’t matter but it adds up!
With Americans spending an average of $77,280 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, so even a modest 2% cashback rate could put $1,545 back in your pocket each year.
The average active user earns between $200-$400 per year just from regular online shopping, and I know people who earn well over $1,000 annually.
But here’s the thing…
Not all cash back sites are the same. Some have terrible tracking systems (meaning they don’t credit your account even though you did shop through their portal), others take forever to pay out, and some have even gone out of business with people’s earnings.
Plus the fact that well have different shopping habits with our own favorite online stores to shop, makes finding the top cashback platform even trickier.
Rakuten may be great for me because I shop a lot online, but it may not be great for you because you shop at international store a lot. You see what I mean?
I have been using and testing all kinds of cashback sites and apps for years. So I decided to sue my own personal experience and expertise to create the ultimate guide for anyone who is looking for the best cashback sites that gets THEM the most money back.
So let’s start with the most important question.
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What is the best cash back site?
Rakuten is the best overall cash back site for most people.
As I explained in my detailed review of Rakuten, it offers reliable tracking, partnerships with over 3,500 stores, cashback rates up to 40%, and a $30 sign-up bonus (sign up bonus amount changes from time to time).
Rakuten has paid out over $1 billion to users and has the most trustworthy tracking system in the industry.
So overall, for the average shopper it’s a great place to start.
Top 10 Cash Back Sites
Here’s a quick comparison table with the most important info you need to know right now.
I’ve tested every single one of these sites personally over the years, and they’re all currently active and paying out.
Use this table to quickly compare and find the perfect site for your shopping habits!
Site | Best Cashback Rate | Sign-up Bonus | Minimum Payout | Payment Methods | Mobile App Rating | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rakuten | 40% | $30 | $5.01 | PayPal, Check, Amex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 | Overall Best |
TopCashBack | 35% | None | $0.01 | PayPal, Check, Gift Cards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.7 | Highest Rates |
Capital One Shopping | 25% | None | $25 | Gift Cards, Bank Transfer | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 | Browser Extension |
Swagbucks | 10% | $10 | $3 | PayPal, Gift Cards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.3 | Multiple Earning Ways |
Mr. Rebates | 30% | $5 | $10 | PayPal, Check, Gift Cards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.2 | Low Payout Threshold |
BeFrugal | 15% | $10 | $25 | PayPal, Check | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 | Large Store Selection |
Ibotta | 10% | $10 | $20 | PayPal, Venmo, Gift Cards | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.6 | Grocery Shopping |
Extrabux | 30% | None | $10 | PayPal | ⭐⭐⭐ 3.9 | International Stores |
RetailMeNot | 12% | None | $20 | PayPal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.0 | Coupons + Cashback |
Tada | 15% | $15 | $20 | PayPal, Gift Cards, Visa | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.1 | Receipt Scanning |
Quick Note: I update this table monthly with the latest rates and bonuses. The “Best Cashback Rate” shows the highest percentage I’ve seen on each site recently. Most purchases will earn you 1-5%, but these sites occasionally offer those amazing high-percentage deals on select stores. I just want you to know that so you don’t go in thinking you are gonna get 40% cashback on everything you buy through Rakuten, but then end up getting 1%.
How Do Cash Back Sites Work? (The Simple Explanation)
As I explained earlier, cash back sites work through a simple 4-step process:
- Click through the cashback site to the store you want to shop from
- Shop normally and complete your purchase
- The store pays the cashback site a commission (normally 3 to 10%).
- Cashback site gives you a portion of that as cashback.
So why do retailers pay these commissions?
Simple!
It’s cheaper than traditional advertising!
Instead of spending millions on TV commercials or Google ads that might not work, they only pay when someone actually makes a purchase.
As for how much you can realistically earn, I’ve been tracking this for years and here’s what I see:
- Casual shoppers: $100-$200 per year
- Regular online shoppers: $300-$600 per year
- Strategic shoppers (stack deals across multiple sites): $800-$1,500+ per year
Obviously these are just estimates based on my own personal experience and reading other people’s experience with cashback platforms on forums like Reddit and Quora. But it should give you a good idea of how much you can make based on your shopping habits.
Best Cash Back Sites Ranked by Performance
Alright, let’s get to the list of the best high paying cashback websites.
I have used and tested these sites over the years. I checked their tracking systems, compared their rates, dealt with their customer service, and actually got paid for shopping with them.
Here are the sites that consistently deliver the best combination of high rates, reliable tracking, and quick and easy payouts.

1. Rakuten
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Best For: Overall best cashback experience with the most reliable tracking
Sign-up Bonus: $30 when you make your first $30 purchase
Top Cashback Rates:
- Sephora: 8%
- Nike: 6%
- Macy’s: 5%
- Best Buy: 2%
Payout Details: $5.01 minimum, paid quarterly via PayPal, check, or American Express reward points. Payments typically arrive within 2-3 days of payout date.
Pros:
- Rock-solid tracking system that rarely misses purchases
- Huge selection with over 3,500 partner stores
- Browser extension makes it foolproof to use
- Quarterly big fat checks feel amazing
Cons:
- Only pays quarterly (can feel like forever when you’re starting)
- Some competitors offer higher rates on specific stores
- Customer service can be slow during peak shopping seasons
Mobile App: Available on iOS and Android, 4.8/5 rating with over 100k reviews
User Experience: Easy to use site and apps. They also have a great browser extension that pops up automatically when you’re on a partner site. I personally never had a purchase fail to track.
Bottom Line: If you’re only going to use one cashback site, make it Rakuten. I’ve earned over $3,000 through them over the years and they’ve never let me down.

2. Capital One Shopping
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Best For: Automatic coupon finding and price comparisons
Sign-up Bonus: None
Top Cashback Rates:
- Sam’s Club: 10%
- Wayfair: 3%
- Academy Sports: 5%
- Family Dollar: 2.4%
Payout Details: $25 minimum, paid via gift cards or bank transfer. Processing takes 5-10 business days.
Pros:
- Automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout
- Real-time price comparisons across multiple retailers
- Works seamlessly in the background
- No signup required – just install and go
Cons:
- Limited cashback rates compared to dedicated sites
- Fewer store partners than competitors
- Gift card-focused payouts (no PayPal option)
Mobile App: iOS and Android available, 4.5/5 rating
User Experience: This feels like having a personal shopping assistant. I love how it automatically scans for better prices and applies coupons without me having to think about it. They also have partnered up with a ton of offline businesses which allows you to use their “Local Offers” section to earn 3% or more cashback from local businesses including restaurants and retailers in your area.
Bottom Line: Perfect as a secondary cashback tool that works alongside your primary site. The automatic features alone make it worth installing.

3. TopCashBack
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Stars
Best For: Highest cashback rates and lowest payout minimum
Sign-up Bonus: None
Top Cashback Rates:
- Dell: 12%
- HP: 8%
- Hotels.com: 6%
- Groupon: 15%
Payout Details: $0.01 minimum (yes, one penny!), paid via PayPal, check, or gift cards. PayPal payments typically process within 24-48 hours.
Pros:
- Consistently offers the highest rates in the industry
- Ridiculously low payout minimum
- Fast PayPal payments
- Clean, no-nonsense interface
Cons:
- No sign-up bonus to get you started
- Smaller store selection than Rakuten
- Mobile app isn’t as polished
Mobile App: Available on both platforms, 4.7/5 rating
User Experience: Very easy to use and with over 4,400 merchant stores, you can earn rebates no matter where you shop from! Their site may seems very simple and not fancy like some of the other ones, but I like it because it does what it’s supposed to do, which is get you cashback for shopping. Not to mention, if you are an eBay shopper, you can get cashback for your eBay purchases.
Another cool thing that I personally like is that they have tons of brands that support ethical and sustainable choices. So if that is important to you, you’ll enjoy this part of it.
Bottom Line: Use this when TopCashBack has a better rate than Rakuten. I regularly compare rates between the two and go with whoever’s paying more.

4. Mr. Rebates
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Best For: Low payout threshold with consistent rates
Sign-up Bonus: $5 welcome bonus
Top Cashback Rates:
- Amazon: 7% (select categories)
- JCPenney: 6%
- Target: 1%
- Walmart: 1%
Payout Details: $10 minimum, paid via PayPal, check, or gift cards. Payments process within 7-10 business days.
Pros:
- Been around since 2002 – proven track record
- Low $10 minimum payout
- Good customer service response times
- Regular special promotions and bonus rates
Cons:
- Interface feels dated compared to newer sites
- Smaller store network than top competitors
- Rates aren’t always the highest available
Mobile App: iOS and Android, 4.2/5 rating
User Experience: It’s not the prettiest site, but it works. And it is one of the few sites that gets you decent cashback on Amazon. As an Amazon Prime member, that is really great. I’ve never had issues with tracking or payments. They also have a decent coupon section.
Bottom Line: Solid backup option when other sites don’t have the store you’re shopping at. The $5 bonus makes it worth signing up.

5. Swagbucks Shopping
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Best For: Combining cashback with other earning opportunities
Sign-up Bonus: $10 when you earn your first 2,500 SB
Top Cashback Rates:
- Old Navy: 8%
- Nike: 4%
- Target: 1%
- Best Buy: 2%
Payout Details: $3 minimum (300 SB), paid via PayPal or gift cards. PayPal payments process within 1-2 business days.
Pros:
- Earn points for surveys, videos, and other activities
- Very low payout threshold
- Fast PayPal processing
- Tons of gift card options
Cons:
- Cashback rates aren’t the highest
- Points system can be confusing initially
- Site can feel cluttered with all the earning options
Mobile App: Excellent apps on both platforms, 4.3/5 rating
User Experience: Swagbucks one of the very first reward sites that I started using to earn extra cash online. It has come a long way since those days. And while it didn’t start as cashback site, its cashback shopping portal is great considering you can shop at thousands of stores they have partnered with.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re already using Swagbucks for surveys or other activities. Otherwise, you’ll get better cashback rates elsewhere.

6. BeFrugal
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Best For: Shopping at stores you can’t find on other platforms.
Sign-up Bonus: $10 welcome bonus
Top Cashback Rates:
- Overstock: 8%
- Groupon: 12%
- 1-800-Flowers: 15%
- GameStop: 6%
Payout Details: $25 minimum, paid via PayPal or check. Processing takes 5-7 business days.
Pros:
- Over 5,000 partner stores
- Good mix of online and local offers
- Helpful browser extension
- Regular bonus promotions
Cons:
- Higher payout minimum than competitors
- Interface could be more user-friendly
- Customer service can be hit-or-miss
Mobile App: Available on both platforms, 4.1/5 rating
User Experience: The sheer number of stores is impressive (over 5000 stores,) but finding what you want can take some digging. Organization could be better. They also have a browser extension that does make it easier to ern cashback, especially if you are one of those people who forgets to go through cashback sites until it’s too late, lol.
Bottom Line: Great backup site when your primary cashback site doesn’t have a particular store. The $10 bonus makes it worth joining.

7. Extrabux
⭐⭐⭐ 3/5 Stars
Best For: International shoppers and hard-to-find stores
Sign-up Bonus: None
Top Cashback Rates:
- AliExpress: 8%
- Booking.com: 4%
- Expedia: 5%
- Microsoft Store: 4%
Payout Details: $10 minimum, PayPal only. Processing takes 7-14 business days.
Pros:
- Works internationally (not just US)
- Over 6,000 partner stores
- Good rates on travel booking sites
- Browser extension available
Cons:
- Customer service is inconsistent
- Tracking can be unreliable
- Limited payment options (PayPal only)
Mobile App: Basic app available, 3.9/5 rating
User Experience: Functional but not polished. I’ve had tracking issues more than once, which is frustrating. But if you are an international shopper, I love that you can even change your language preference in Settings.
Bottom Line: Only recommend if you need international shopping options or they have an exclusive store partnership you can’t find elsewhere.

8. RetailMeNot
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5 Stars
Best For: Combining coupons with cashback offers
Sign-up Bonus: None
Top Cashback Rates:
- Best Buy: Up to $70 cashback (spend-based tiers)
- Amazon: Up to $10 cashback (spend-based tiers)
- Target: 2%
- Walmart: 1%
Payout Details: $20 minimum, PayPal only. Processing takes 7-10 business days.
Pros:
- Massive coupon database alongside cashback
- In-store cashback options with linked cards
- Well-known brand with good reputation
- Spend-based bonus cashback on major retailers
Cons:
- Lower overall cashback rates
- Tier-based system can be confusing
- Limited to PayPal payments only
Mobile App: Excellent mobile experience, 4.0/5 rating
User Experience: The combination of coupons and cashback is convenient, but I wish the cashback rates were more competitive.
Bottom Line: Great supplementary site if you’re big on couponing, but not my first choice for pure cashback earning.
Which Cashback Site Pays the Most?
TopCashBack typically pays the highest rates, often offering 1-2% more than competitors. But, based on my own personal experience, I think Rakuten has the most reliable tracking and largest store selection.
Highest paying sites by category:
- Overall highest rates: TopCashBack (up to 35%)
- Most reliable: Rakuten (up to 40%)
- Groceries: Ibotta (up to 10% plus bonuses)
- Lowest payout minimum: TopCashBack ($0.01)
The best strategy is comparing rates between TopCashBack and Rakuten for each purchase.
Best Cash Back Sites by Category
Here’s the thing about cashback sites…
While the big players like Rakuten work great for general online shopping, for some stuff, those little specialized sites and apps are much better.
I’ve found that mixing and matching based on what you’re buying is the best way to go if you want to get the most money back.
Here are some of the other cashback apps and sites that I personally use and would recommend.
Best for Groceries & Everyday Shopping
This is where things get interesting because grocery cashback works completely differently than online shopping.
Instead of clicking through links, you’re dealing with receipt scanning and store-specific offers.
And since we all buy groceries, this is helpful for everyone.
Ibotta
I’ve been using Ibotta since 2015, and it’s still my go-to for grocery cashback.
Here’s why it works so well:
- How it works: Browse offers before shopping, buy qualifying products, scan your receipt
- Typical earnings: 25¢ to $3 per item, plus bonuses for buying multiple items
- Best stores: Walmart, Target, Kroger, Safeway, CVS, Walgreens
- Payout: $20 minimum via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards
What I love about Ibotta is the bonus structure. Buy 5 different offers in one trip and get an extra $2. Complete 20 offers in a month and get another $5 bonus. These bonuses add up fast.
Checkout51
Checkout 51 is easier to use than Ibotta but has fewer bonuses:
- How it works: New offers every Thursday, buy products, scan receipts
- Typical earnings: 25¢ to $5 per item
- Best feature: Works at ANY store (even small local shops)
- Payout: $20 minimum via check only
I use Checkout51 when Ibotta doesn’t have offers for products I’m buying anyway. The any-store policy is clutch for local grocery runs.
Fetch Rewards
This is the laziest way to earn grocery cashback, and I mean that in the best way:
- How it works: Just scan ANY grocery receipt, and no you don’t have to activate any offers
- Typical earnings: 25-50 points per receipt (325 points = $3)
- Best feature: Earn points on every receipt, regardless of what you buy
- Payout: $3 minimum for gift cards
I scan every single grocery receipt into Fetch. It takes 10 seconds and adds up to about $50-60 per year with zero effort.
Best Receipt-Scanning Apps
These work differently than traditional cashback sites because you’re earning from ANY purchase, not just specific retailers or offers.
Think of them as getting paid for your shopping data.
Receipt Hog
- How it works: Scan any receipt from anywhere and earn coins
- Earning rate: 5-20 coins per receipt (1,000 coins = $5)
- Best feature: Accepts receipts from gas stations, restaurants, retail stores
- Reality check: Very slow earning – maybe $20-30 per year
I still use Receipt Hog because it literally takes 5 seconds to scan a receipt, but don’t expect to get rich.
By the way, if you are looking for Shopium cashback site, it is now part of Receipt Hog.
Tada (Former Shop at Home)
They offer some of the highest cashback I have ever seen. This is a great site for getting cashback on groceries even milk and bread!
Here are a few current offers:
- Amazon.com: 14%
- JCPenny: 9%
- Walmart: 6%
One great feature of Tada is that during the holidays they offer extra cash back.
For example, currently they have this:
- Extra $5 when you spend $150
- Extra $10 when you spend $250
- Extra $15 when you spend $350
And this is on top of the normal cashback you get for shopping through them.
CoinOut
- How it works: Scan receipts and earn the “change” from rounded-up totals
- Example: $23.67 purchase = 33¢ earnings
- Reality: Extremely slow earning, maybe $10-15 per year
Honestly, I stopped using CoinOut because the earnings are so minimal it’s not worth the time.
Best for Online Shopping Only
If you want to focus purely on online shopping without the receipt-scanning hassle, these sites offer competitive rates:
GetPaidTo
Similar to Swagbucks but focused more on shopping:
- Cashback rates: 1-6% at most stores
- Other earning: Surveys, videos, games (500 points = $1)
- Payout: $1 minimum via PayPal or gift cards
- Best feature: Very low payout threshold
I use GetPaidTo occasionally when they have exclusive offers, but the rates usually aren’t competitive with the big players.
Honey Comparison
I should mention Honey here because people always ask about it.
Honey is mainly a coupon browser extension that automatically applies promo codes. And yes, they are owned by PayPal and yes I know about some of the controversy surrounding the browser add on but I am not gonna get into that now since it requires a totally separate article.
They do have a cashback program called Honey Gold, but the rates are typically lower than dedicated cashback sites. I use Honey for coupons and stick with Rakuten/TopCashBack for cashback.
Best for Travel & Hotels
Travel cashback is tricky because loyalty programs often conflict with cashback sites. Here’s what actually works:
Upromise
- Travel rates: Up to 5% on hotels and travel bookings
- Unique angle: Earnings go toward college savings or loan payments
- Best for: Parents or students with education expenses
- Reality: Rates are decent but not spectacular
I recommend Upromise if you’re already saving for college expenses. Otherwise, the rates aren’t compelling enough.
Honestly, for travel I’ve found better value in these approaches:
- Credit card travel portals: Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards often beat cashback sites
- Hotel loyalty programs: Direct booking bonuses usually exceed cashback rates
- Airline shopping portals: Airlines often offer 2-3x miles vs. 2-3% cashback
Here’s the thing though…
Travel cashback sites rarely beat credit card portals or direct hotel loyalty programs. I’ve tested this extensively, and the math usually favors traditional travel rewards over cashback sites.
I use cashback sites only for travel gear and accessories (luggage, travel gadgets, etc.) but book actual travel through credit card portals or directly with hotels/airlines for loyalty benefits.
Problems with Cashback Sites
Like anything that has to do with tracking things, cashback tracking isn’t prefect either. While I personally haven’t lost out on anything, I have seen pole complain about not getting credited for certain shopping sessions.
Now, I think a lot of times the problem may be the technology and on the cashback site’s side, but I also thin sometimes the problem is the user (not clicking the store link directly from the cashback site, etc.). So I think understating how this whole tracking things works can help you not lose out on any credit.
Why Cashback Sometimes Doesn’t Track
About 90% of tracking fails come down to cookie or browser issues (old cookies, ad blockers, etc), using incognito mode, using VPNs or even clicking around during checkout.
To make sure you always get credited, follow this guide:
Before shopping
Close all tabs, clear cookies from the past hour, turn off ad blockers, and always start from the cashback site, not directly from the store.
While shopping
Click through from the cashback site, shop in one browser window, finish your order right away, and don’t click other links or ads during checkout.
After checkout
Take a screenshot of your confirmation page, check your cashback account within 24 hours, and hang onto your receipt and order number.
Filing Missing Cashback Claims
If you do all of that and for some reason you still don’t get the cashback credit, you can actually file a claim.
Here’s how:
You’ll need your order email, receipt, a screenshot of your cashback click, and your cashback account email.
Wait about 48 hours and if you don’t see credit in your account, file a claim using the website’s own support system or contact page.
Now, each site has a different time line for processing claims and even responding.
Typical Claim Times:
- Rakuten: 5–10 days
- TopCashback: 3–7 days
- Others: 1–3 weeks
Hopefully, you will get credit quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cash Back Sites
I get a lot of questions about cashback sites, so I’ve put together answers to the most common ones. These are based on my 10+ years of experience using these sites.
Are cashback sites safe to use?
Yes, legitimate cashback sites are safe. I’ve used sites like Rakuten, TopCashBack, and Swagbucks for years without issues.
How much can you realistically earn from cashback sites?
It really depend on your shopping habits. But an average person could earn a few hundred dollars a year easily.
Do cashback sites affect credit scores?
No, cashback sites don’t affect your credit score at all.
Can you use multiple cashback sites?
You can join multiple sites, but you can only earn cashback from one site per purchase.
What’s the difference between cashback sites and credit card rewards?
Cashback sites give you rebates for shopping through their links, while credit card rewards are based on your payment method. The great news? You can stack them! I earn cashback from Rakuten AND credit card rewards on the same purchase. It’s like double-dipping legally.
How do cashback sites make money?
Retailers pay cashback sites a commission for sending customers their way. The cashback site keeps a portion and gives you the rest.
Are there any fees for using cashback sites?
Legitimate cashback sites are completely free. If a site charges membership fees or asks for money upfront, it’s probably a scam.
How long does it take to receive cashback?
It varies by site, but usually you will see it credited in your account within a few days.
Can you use cashback sites with coupons?
Usually yes, but stick to coupon codes found on the cashback site itself. Using codes from other sites can void your cashback. Many cashback sites have their own coupon sections. I always check there first before looking elsewhere.
What happens if I return an item I got cashback on?
The cashback gets deducted from your account, which makes sense. If you return a $100 item that earned you $5 cashback, that $5 gets removed. Some sites will even charge you back if you’ve already been paid out.
Which cashback site pays the most?
It depends on the store. TopCashBack often has the highest rates, but Rakuten has better tracking and more stores. I compare rates between my top 2-3 sites for each purchase and go with whoever’s paying more that day.
Do cashback sites work on mobile?
Yes, most sites have mobile apps, though I’ve found desktop browsers tend to track more reliably.
Can I use cashback sites for in-store purchases?
Some sites offer in-store cashback by linking your credit card to your account. Rakuten, Swagbucks, and a few others have this feature. You shop normally and get cashback automatically when you use your linked card at participating stores.
What stores don’t work with cashback sites?
Most major retailers work with at least one cashback site, but some exclusions include: Amazon (very limited cashback), Costco (membership restrictions), and some luxury brands that don’t allow affiliate marketing.
Why didn’t my cashback track?
Usually it’s due to ad blockers, old cookies, or shopping through mobile apps. Follow my tracking guide above which gets rid of 90% of tracking issues.
Cash Back Sites That Are No Longer Available
When I originally published this post, the list was different. Since then some sites have merged, some got bought up by bigger companies. And some just went out of business. They weren’t necessarily scams, they just couldn’t compete with the bigger companies.
If you’ve been wondering “whatever happened to FatWallet?” or other sites you used to hear about, here’s the story.
FatWallet (1999-2017)
FatWallet was one of the original cashback sites. They started as a coupon site in 1999 and added cashback later, building up over 3 million users and paying out $45 million over their lifetime.
What killed them? Competition from bigger players like Rakuten, plus they never really adapted to mobile shopping. Their interface felt dated, and they couldn’t keep up with the marketing budgets of newer companies. They officially shut down in 2017, giving users about 6 months notice to cash out.
Paribus (2014-2016)
Paribus was actually pretty innovative, they automatically scanned your email for receipts and got you refunds when prices dropped after you bought something. Capital One saw the potential and acquired them in 2016, eventually integrating the technology into what’s now Capital One Shopping.
BigCrumbs/MainStreetSHARES (2005-2018)
BigCrumbs was another early player that offered decent cashback rates and had partnerships with major retailers. Around 2015, they tried to reinvent themselves as MainStreetSHARES with some complicated profit-sharing model that promised users would get equity in the company.
The new model was confusing and never took off. They struggled financially and eventually shut down in 2018.
Lemoney
I came across Lemoney last year and was impressed with their “Turbo Cashback” promotions. But they always seem to have some issue. Their Chrome extension has a warning on the Chrome Store saying it was removed because it no longer follows best practices. Their website is down most of the time. So while it’s not officially dead, I just can’t recommend it because of all the complaints and reliability issues.
Other cashback sites that no longer work:
- Ebates before Rakuten: Technically Ebates didn’t close, Rakuten bought them in 2014 for $1 billion. All users got transferred seamlessly.
- BerryCart: Focused on organic/health foods, couldn’t achieve enough scale
- Punchcard: Receipt-scanning app that never gained traction
- CashCrate: Changed business models several times before essentially giving up on cashback.
The sites I recommend in this guide have all been operating successfully for 5+ years with consistent payouts. That said, I still recommend cashing out regularly rather than letting large amounts accumulate, just in case.
Final Thoughts on Cashback Sites
As you can see, these days there are a ton of cashback sites and apps out there all claiming to be the best. But really, the bets one for you is the one that you actually use nd that it gets you the most cashback at stores where you shop from.
That said, if I were a beginner, I would start with these three sites:
- Rakuten for the most reliable tracking,
- TopCashBack for higher rates,
- and Ibotta for groceries.
Sign up for Rakuten first, install their browser extension, and make your next purchase through them to get that $30 bonus.
Also, be realistic. getting paid to shop isn’t a job. You are not gonna make a full time income with cashback sites.
That said, if you are going to buy something (hopefully things you actually need can afford), you may as well get paid for it by using one of thee top cashback sites!
Try CashBackCat.com. although only 18 months old, we have 1,500 stores and many with the highest cash back, when compared to others. We have 10 new double cash back stores each week and payout to customers on the 1st and 15th of each month, providing funds have closed. We offer a $5 Welcome Bonus as well as a $5 referral fee.
Thank you for your consideration,
John Freeland
CashBackCat.com
Thanks for the addition John. Will check it out.
While eBates have been around the longer, there is no way those guys are the best, I would rank FatWallet and Mrrebates higher, MyPoints is not a cash back site, so i would say they don’t belong to the list either
Thanks for the comment, James. What do MrRebates and FatWallet have or do differently that makes them better for you?
As for MyPoints, the site is not entirely focused on Cashback, it rewards users for other stuff as well, but they have one of the largest selections of companies in their shopping portal that you can shop from. So, I’d say they are a cash back site, but not an exclusive one.
My favorite cashback site is rebatecodes.com They have a great site, the best cashback rates, and their referral program is the best because they pay 10% of every referrals’ earnings for the life of the account. They also have a browser extension that totally automates the process plus ads icons to google search that tell you what stores give cashback.
Thanks for the heads up, Gene.
How long have you been using that site, and have you ever gotten paid?
This is currently down to 3% payback (11.19.24)
In one year I made over $800 using Swagbucks, but there it can be frustrating. I would love to share the tips I have learned with your readers. They really work! Do you accept guest articles? I have samples of my articles that I couldsend to you. I love your articles! Thank you for helping us to save money!
That’s awesome, Kimberly.
And yes, we do accept guest posts. Please see our Contribute page (link in the footer section of this page) for guidelines and how to get started.
Always good to get a rebate back! Thanks for the sites. How about someone listing a place to print rebates on groceries or other stuff, the only site I know to do this is refundsweepers but there must be other sites….
I found this article to be very informative. Do you know off hand who offers the largest discount for shopping on AliExpress as many don’t offer a discount at all. EBates discount is very small between 1-3%. I did find a company that offered a nice 6-9% but I have lost track of them.
I am glad you find this post helpful, Cynthia. That makes my day every time I hear it from an awesome reader like you.
Yeah, with bigger sites like AliExpress or Amazon, the rebates are usually low. Mainly because those sites already have a huge customer base, so they don’t have to spend too much on advertising and offering incentive to shoppers.
Fat Wallet has been out of business for years, you may want to update your site
Thanks for the post for a complete list of cash back sites broken down by category. I think Paribus is really interesting. Might want to check this one out.
My current cashback program requires a copy of the receipt listing all the items purchased. Why do they need to see everything I buy at, say, the grocery store? As long as they can see where, when, and how much I paid, that should be enough. Is there information being “analyzed” regarding my choices?