Prices keep rising—but your total at checkout doesn’t have to. These cashback apps and browser extensions help you earn money back on groceries, travel, dining, and everyday shopping. Use the stacking strategies and 7-day plan below to start saving real cash—fast.
Top Browser Extensions (Online Shopping)
Rakuten
Automatic cashback at thousands of stores with frequent bonus promos. Simple click-to-activate at checkout; pays via PayPal/check.
PayPal Honey
Auto-tests coupon codes and offers “Gold” rewards redeemable for gift cards. Great for price tracking and a quick extra rebate.
Capital One Shopping
Compares prices, applies coupons, and gives credits redeemable for gift cards. Strong at finding cheaper sellers.
TopCashback
Often among the highest rates; slower payouts sometimes, but excellent for big purchases (electronics, travel).
RetailMeNot
Blend of promo codes + cashback offers. Handy as a backup if other extensions show no rate.
Microsoft Edge Coupons
Built into Edge; finds coupons and cash rewards with minimal setup. Useful if you already browse in Edge.
Best Mobile & Grocery Apps
Ibotta
Item-specific grocery offers you add before shopping. Redeem via receipt scan or linked loyalty accounts.
Fetch
Scan any receipt to earn points; frequent brand bonuses. Low effort “always-on” rewards.
Shopkick
Earn “kicks” for walking into stores, scanning items, or shopping online. Convert to gift cards.
Fluz
Buy instant gift cards at a discount/cashback, then pay with them. Works well for dining & coffee chains.
Card-Linked & In-Store Cashback
Dosh
Link your credit/debit card; get automatic cashback at participating stores and restaurants—no scanning.
Upside (Fuel & Food)
Great for gas stations and some local restaurants. Claim offers in the app, pay with your linked card, and earn.
Travel & Experiences
Rakuten & TopCashback (Travel Tabs)
Cashback for hotel portals, car rentals, and booking sites. Check both—rates vary daily.
Groupon + Cashback
Stack cashback on top of discounted activities/dining. Always compare final price after both discounts.
How to Stack for Maximum Savings
- Start with price comparison: Capital One Shopping/Edge finds better base prices.
- Activate the highest cashback portal: Compare Rakuten vs TopCashback vs RetailMeNot.
- Layer coupons/promo codes: Let Honey auto-test at checkout.
- Pay with a category bonus card: e.g., 3–5% on groceries/restaurants/online.
- Use gift cards when better: Buy via Fluz for extra rebate, then pay.
Choosing the Right App for You
| Goal | Best Picks | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Online shopping | Rakuten, TopCashback, Honey | High rates + auto coupons |
| Groceries | Ibotta, Fetch | Receipt scans & brand bonuses |
| Hands-off in-store | Dosh | Card-linked → auto rewards |
| Gas savings | Upside | Claimed offers on fuel & food |
| Price drops | Capital One Shopping | Alerts + alternative sellers |
Set It Up in 15 Minutes
- Install two extensions: Rakuten + Honey (turn only one “on” at checkout to avoid tracking conflicts).
- Create accounts in Ibotta and Fetch; link a grocery loyalty account if available.
- Link a credit/debit card to Dosh for passive, in-store cashback.
- Optional: Install Upside if you drive; Fluz for regular restaurants/coffee.
Prevent “Tracking Lost” Problems
- Disable ad-blockers on shopping sites or whitelist your portal.
- Only activate one cashback extension per order.
- Avoid switching devices or opening new tabs after activation.
- Keep cookies enabled; don’t use incognito for portal purchases.
Missing Cashback? Use These Scripts
Portal Support Ticket
Hello, I purchased at [Store] on [Date] via your portal. Order #[____], amount $____. Extension was active (screenshot attached). Could you please investigate and credit the cashback? Thank you!
Store Chat (Coupon/Price Match)
Hi, I found this item for $___ at [Competitor]. Do you offer price match? If not, could I get a courtesy coupon to complete the order today?
7-Day Cashback Action Plan
| Day | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Install Rakuten + Honey; create Ibotta, Fetch, Dosh accounts. | Core stack live. |
| Day 2 | Link cards to Dosh; add 10 grocery offers in Ibotta. | Passive + targeted savings. |
| Day 3 | Make a test online order (low cost). Confirm tracking posts. | System check. |
| Day 4 | Scan 3 receipts in Fetch; try a Fluz gift card for coffee. | Daily habit. |
| Day 5 | Fuel up with Upside at a participating station. | Gas cashback. |
| Day 6 | Audit subscriptions; buy via portal if renewing. | Lock in long-term savings. |
| Day 7 | Set monthly reminder to compare portal rates before big buys. | Repeatable process. |
Privacy & Security Tips
- Use a dedicated shopping email and strong, unique passwords.
- Review extension permissions; disable on non-shopping sites if you prefer.
- Opt out of data sharing where platforms allow; check settings quarterly.
Advanced Stacking Examples
- Grocery: Ibotta offer + store loyalty price + card category bonus + Fetch receipt scan.
- Online apparel: Capital One Shopping price check → Rakuten cashback → Honey coupon → rewards credit card.
- Dining: Dosh card-linked % back + Fluz gift card rebate + restaurant loyalty points.
FAQ
Can I use multiple extensions at once? Install several, but only activate one cashback portal per purchase to avoid conflicts. You can still let Honey test coupons after activating a portal—just verify the portal remains “on.”
How long do payouts take? Varies by store: a few days to several weeks; travel can take months until your stay completes.
Are gift cards worth it? Yes when the extra rebate is ≥ the card’s usual category bonus and you’ll use the balance quickly.
This guide is for educational purposes. Always compare final prices and terms before purchasing.