Best Cashback Apps to Earn Rewards on Every Purchase

How we picked these apps

We evaluated dozens of cashback apps and narrowed the list based on what actually matters: earning potential, how easy they are to use, the breadth of their partner networks, and payout flexibility. We also prioritized apps that deliver consistent rewards for everyday shoppers, not ones that promise the moon and hand you pocket change. As a rewards platform with 600+ brand partners, we have a front-row seat to what makes these apps work (and what doesn’t).

How cashback apps actually work

Not all cashback apps play by the same rules. Understanding how they earn you money is the first step to picking the right one, or better yet, stacking a few together. Here’s how the three main earning mechanics break down.

Receipt scanning is exactly what it sounds like. You shop anywhere, buy anything, then snap a photo of your receipt when you get home. The app scans for eligible products and credits you points or cashback. No need to pre-select offers or shop at specific stores. This is the broadest and easiest method. If you have a receipt, you can earn.

Linked cards work differently. You connect your debit or credit card to the app, and when you shop at partner stores, rewards are applied automatically. It’s the most passive option. No photos, no extra steps. The tradeoff? You’re limited to the app’s partner network, so it won’t cover every purchase.

Browser extensions are built for online shopping. Install the plugin, and when you visit a partner retailer’s site, the extension activates your cashback automatically. Great for planned purchases, but less useful for brick-and-mortar shopping.

So which method wins? Receipt scanning offers the broadest coverage and works everywhere. Linked cards are the most hands-off. Browser extensions shine for online shopping. The real power move? Some apps, like Fetch, combine multiple channels, so you can earn from receipts, online shopping, and even mobile games, all in one place.

Think of it this way: linked cards catch what you forget, receipt scanning catches everything else, and browser extensions handle your late-night online orders. The best setup uses all three.

Best cashback apps at a glance

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick comparison of the top cashback apps and what each one does best.

Now let’s dig into the specifics.

Best cashback apps for groceries

Groceries are most people’s biggest recurring expense, which makes them the biggest opportunity for rewards. These apps help you save money grocery shopping every single week.

Fetch Rewards

Fetch makes earning on groceries ridiculously simple. Snap your receipt from any grocery store (Walmart, Kroger, Costco, your local corner market, literally anywhere) and you’ll earn Fetch Points. There’s no pre-selecting offers or checking boxes before you shop. Just buy what you were going to buy anyway, then snap the receipt when you get home.

But here’s where it gets even better. Fetch partners with 600+ brands, so when you buy products from featured partners, you earn bonus points on top of your base earning. Check the app before you shop to see which brands are offering extra points that week. Your regular grocery list might already be full of them.

Points add up fast, and when you’re ready to treat yourself, you can redeem them for gift cards from places like Starbucks, Target, and Amazon. The earning doesn’t stop at receipts, either. Fetch’s Shop tab and Chrome extension let you earn on online purchases, and Fetch Play rewards you for playing popular mobile games. It’s a full rewards ecosystem, and groceries are just the starting point.

The vibe? Your Tuesday grocery receipt just became your next coffee treat.

Upside

Upside is best known for gas (more on that below), but it also works at select grocery stores. The catch is that its grocery network is smaller, and not every store participates. But if yours does, Upside delivers solid cashback, especially when stacked with a receipt-scanning app.

Here’s how it works: check the app for nearby grocery offers, claim one, shop and pay normally, then either link your card for automatic credit or submit your receipt manually. Cashback typically ranges from a few cents to a few dollars per trip, depending on the offer.

Payouts are flexible. You can cash out via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. Pro tip: pair Upside with a receipt-scanning app like Fetch. Upside rewards the purchase; Fetch rewards the receipt. Same trip, two layers of earning. That’s what we call a win-win.

Best cashback apps for gas

Gas is one of those expenses that just… never stops. The good news? You can earn something back every time you fill up.

Upside

Upside is the standout app for gas station rewards, and it’s not even close. The app shows you nearby participating gas stations, each with a specific cashback offer, usually between $0.05 and $0.25 per gallon, sometimes higher during promotions.

Here’s the process: open the app, claim an offer at a station near you, fill up and pay like normal, then either link your card for automatic credit or snap your receipt. The cashback hits your account shortly after.

Upside also works at some restaurants and grocery stores, so it’s worth keeping on your phone even if gas is your main focus. Payouts come via PayPal, gift cards, or direct bank deposit, your choice.

One more thing: Upside doesn’t conflict with receipt-scanning apps. Fill your tank, earn with Upside, then snap that gas receipt in Fetch for extra points. Your commute is now a double-dipping opportunity. (The legal, encouraged kind.)

Best cashback apps for online shopping

Online shopping is where browser extensions really shine. These apps sit quietly in your browser and activate automatically when you visit a partner retailer, so you never miss a deal.

Rakuten

Rakuten is the heavyweight of online shopping cashback. With over 3,500 partner stores, including big names like Nike, Sephora, Macy’s, and Best Buy, it covers pretty much anywhere you might be shopping.

The setup is simple: install the browser extension, and it’ll pop up whenever you visit a partner site, showing you the available cashback rate. Click to activate, shop as usual, and your cashback gets tracked automatically. Rates typically range from 1% to 10%, but during sales events, they can climb much higher.

The main downside? Rakuten pays out quarterly via PayPal or check. So you’ll need patience. But for planned purchases, especially bigger ones, it’s one of the best ways to earn.

Quick tip: Rakuten doesn’t track in-store purchases the way receipt-scanning apps do. For maximum earning, use Rakuten for online orders and Fetch for everything you buy in person.

RetailMeNot

RetailMeNot combines two things shoppers love: coupons and cashback. The app and browser extension surface coupon codes when you’re checking out, and participating retailers also offer cashback through linked cards or automatically via the extension.

The stacking potential here is real. Apply a coupon code at checkout, earn cashback on the same purchase, and you’ve just layered two rewards on one transaction. RetailMeNot also works for in-store purchases at select retailers when you link your debit or credit card.

Payouts go through PayPal or Venmo, and the app regularly features limited-time deals that bump up earnings. It’s a solid choice for shoppers who like the thrill of hunting down a deal, and getting paid for finding it.

Best cashback apps for everyday spending

Some apps make earning so passive you barely have to think about it. If hands-off is your style, this one’s for you.

Pogo

Pogo takes the opposite approach: maximum passivity. You link your debit or credit card, and the app automatically tracks your purchases at partner merchants. No scanning. No clicking. No remembering anything.

The partner network is smaller than some competitors, as Pogo is still growing, but for the purchases it does cover, the experience is completely effortless. Rewards come as gift cards or direct deposits to your bank.

If “set it and forget it” is your preferred earning style, Pogo is worth adding to your rotation. Just don’t expect it to cover every purchase. Pair it with a receipt-scanning app to fill the gaps.

How to stack cashback apps for maximum rewards

Here’s the secret most people miss: cashback apps don’t compete with each other. They stack. Different apps use different earning mechanics, which means you can layer rewards on the same purchase without breaking any rules.

This is where the real money is made.

Grocery trip example:

1. Before you shop, check Fetch for bonus offers on brands you’re already planning to buy.
2. Open Upside to see if your grocery store has an active offer. Claim it.
3. Shop and pay with a cashback credit card (hello, layer three).
4. When you get home, snap your receipt in Fetch.

That’s three layers of rewards on one trip: Upside for the store offer, your credit card for the purchase, and Fetch for the receipt. Same groceries. Triple the earning.

Online shopping example:

1. Activate the Rakuten or RetailMeNot browser extension before checkout.
2. Check if the retailer is in Fetch’s Shop tab or use the Fetch Chrome extension.

Now you’ve got two layers on one online purchase. Rakuten handles the retailer cashback; Fetch earns points on eligible brands.

The golden rule: Start with one receipt-scanning app as your always-on base layer. Fetch works for this because it earns on any receipt from any store, no activation required. Then add specialized apps for gas (Upside), online shopping (Rakuten), or passive earning (Pogo) to multiply rewards in specific categories.

Stacking isn’t cheating. It’s just paying attention. And attention pays.

How to earn even more rewards with Fetch

Fetch isn’t just a receipt-scanning app. It’s a full rewards ecosystem designed to fit into what you’re already doing. Here’s how the earn loop works:

Snap receipts: This is the foundation. Any receipt from any store. Grocery runs, pharmacy trips, quick stops at the gas station: they all earn Fetch Points. Bonus points stack on top when you buy from featured partner brands. Learn how to get the most points on a single receipt with these simple tricks.

Check the Offers tab: Before you shop, browse current offers to see which brands are running bonus point promotions. Your usual shopping list might already qualify for extra rewards without changing a thing.

Use the Shop tab and Chrome extension: Shopping online? The Fetch Shop tab shows you where to earn points on your purchases. Install the Chrome extension, and it’ll alert you to earning opportunities while you browse. Your late-night online orders now count toward your next gift card.

Play mobile games: Fetch Play lets you earn points by playing popular free games. Study break, meet side hustle.

Redeem for gift cards you actually want: When you’re ready, browse a wide catalog of gift cards: retail, food, travel, digital services. Starbucks, Target, Amazon, Nike, Airbnb, and more. Your Tuesday grocery receipt becomes your Friday coffee treat. Your weekend Target run gets you closer to that thing you’ve been eyeing. Pick what fits your life. With the right strategy, you can earn 10,000 Fetch Points faster than you think.

The emotional payoff is real. Your everyday purchases (the groceries, the coffee runs, the things you were buying anyway) start adding up to treats. And treats you choose yourself? Those just hit different.

Tips for choosing the right cashback app

With so many apps available, picking the right one (or the right combination) comes down to a few practical questions.

1. Match the app to your biggest spending category. If groceries are your largest expense, prioritize receipt-scanning apps like Fetch. If you’re filling your tank twice a week, Upside should be on your phone. Heavy online shopper? Rakuten and browser extensions are your friends.

2. Consider effort vs. reward. Receipt-scanning apps require a quick photo after each trip. Linked-card apps are more passive but cover fewer purchases. Decide how much you’re willing to do for each dollar earned.

3. Check payout options. Some apps pay in gift cards only. Others offer PayPal or direct deposit. Make sure the payout method works for you before you invest time earning.

4. Start with one app, then build up. Don’t download six apps at once and burn out. Start with one that covers your biggest spending category, then add others once you’ve built the habit.

5. Look for apps that offset all your spending. The best rewards app earns on purchases across your whole life, not just one store or category. Fetch works here because any receipt counts: groceries, home improvement, pet supplies, restaurants, you name it.

Frequently asked questions

How do cashback apps work?

They reward you for purchases through three main methods: receipt scanning, linked cards, or browser extensions. The mechanic differs, but the outcome is the same: points or cashback on spending you were already doing.

Which app gives the most cashback?

It depends on your spending. Fetch offers the broadest coverage for in-store purchases since any receipt earns points. Upside delivers the highest per-transaction value for gas. Rakuten typically offers the best percentage cashback for online shopping.

Can you use multiple cashback apps at once?

Yes, and you should. Different mechanics mean no conflicts. Claim an Upside gas offer, pay with a cashback credit card, then snap the receipt in Fetch. Same purchase, three reward layers.

Are cashback apps safe?

Reputable apps earn money through brand partnerships, not by selling your data. Stick with well-reviewed apps (the ones in this guide are all established players) and read privacy policies if you’re linking a card.

How much can you realistically earn with cashback apps?

Casual users earn $5–$15 per month from a single app. Stack multiple apps, check bonus offers regularly, and that number can climb higher. Consistency beats the hacks. (But definitely still use the hacks.)

Ready to turn your everyday purchases into rewards? Download Fetch and start earning on the stuff you already buy.