Turn Your Phone into a Money-Saving Tool: Cashback and Rewards Explained

Thanks to smartphones, the way we shop has changed. You can buy almost anything no matter where you are. And that’s not all – with cashback and rewards apps available on your phone, you can make what you buy work harder for you, too.

Cashback apps can help you earn money back on your purchases. From buying gift cards to homeware and insurance policies, you can earn rewards back on almost anything. Many apps also can direct you to the best deals or find money-off codes, helping you save even more.

How Cashback and Rewards Apps Work

If you buy something online and you go through a rewards app, the company tracks this and rewards you with cashback, points or vouchers. These apps use affiliate links so each retailer knows the apps brought them the business. The retailer gives money to the app, which in turn gives some of this to you. This can be earned in various ways: by clicks, transactions and traffic.

The app will ask you to sign up – this is usually free. However, some will charge you a subscription fee, in exchange for increased rewards. Then you can search the retailer you’re looking for, and click through to their site. If you buy something, the app will add those points or cashback to your account. 

Some apps have a threshold you have to meet before you withdraw. Depending on the rewards, you can withdraw money directly to your bank account, Others allow you to send money to companies like PayPal.

What Rewards and Cashback Apps Are There?

There are different types of reward programs you can use to earn points or cashback. You can mix these of these to maximise how much you earn:

• Retailer-specific apps: offered by retailers themselves to benefit loyal shoppers and keep you returning to their platform. Rewards can range from earning points on purchases to benefitting from perks like free delivery
• Third-party platforms: offer rewards or cashback when you go through them to shop with various retailers – TopCashback is a popular option. Others, like Honey, save money by scanning for discount codes and applying them to your shopping basket
• Survey and rewards apps: these reward you for completing surveys, watching ads, or engaging in activities other than shopping. Popular ones include Google Opinion Rewards and Swagbucks

How to Maximise the Cashback and Rewards You Can Earn

Look Out For Special Offers

Many cashback apps offer limited-time deals like an extra percentage off at certain times. You can set up notifications and alerts on your phone so you’re always in the know. You can also be notified when your favourite retailers have discounts.

Make Use of Referral Programmes

Maximise your rewards on apps by making use of the referrals on offer. You can earn extra points, rewards or cashback by referring friends to some apps.

Set Up Automatic Cashback Tracking

Many reward apps make it easy to keep track of your cashback. You can sign up and link your credit cards, Google Pay, and Apple Pay, to them. You can also set up alerts to let you know when you’ve earned cashback.

Combine with Other Discounts

Use gift card promotions or sales in combination with your cashback apps for even better savings.

Make Use of Regular Payments

If you use subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify, you can set up automatic cashback for your recurring payments. Once you link them, they’ll automatically reward your ongoing payments.

How to Combine Cashback with Google Play Gift Cards

Buy a Google Play Gift Card Through a Cashback App

When you buy a Google Play Gift Card, you can use cashback apps to get discounts or rewards on your purchase. This is a great way to increase value on the money you spend. Search on your cashback app for retailers which offer Google Play Gift Cards.

Pay for Purchases With a Google Play Gift Card Through a Cashback App

Redeem your Google Play Gift Card in your Google Play account. This adds credit to your account. If you’re using a third-party service like Rakuten or TopCashback, you can go through these apps to spend your gift card in the Google Play store. This means you’re earning rewards on your apps, games and subscriptions, too.