Updated: Jun 26, 2025

Most people swipe their cards every day without realizing they could be getting a little something back each time. Discover easy ways to earn cashback on your everyday spending—even on bills you’re already paying.

The Basics of Cashback Programs

Cashback programs reward you with money or points when you make purchases. This can come from credit cards, apps, browser extensions, or even your bank. In most cases, you’ll earn a small percentage of your purchase amount, usually between 1% and 10%, depending on where and how you shop. Over time, this adds up—turning your routine grocery run or streaming subscription into a mini rebate.

Unlike coupons or promo codes, cashback deals don’t usually affect your upfront price. You pay the full amount, then receive a portion back as a deposit, check, or digital reward.

Use a Cashback Credit Card Wisely

One of the simplest ways to earn cashback is by using a cashback credit card for purchases. These cards typically offer a fixed percentage back on all purchases or bonus rates for categories like groceries, gas, or dining.

For example, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card gives you 5% back on travel booked through Chase, 3% on dining and drugstores, and 1.5% on everything else.

If you pay off your balance each month, the cashback becomes free money. But if you carry a balance and pay interest, it can wipe out your rewards—so only charge what you can afford to pay in full.

Stack Cashback Apps and Portals

You can combine credit card rewards with cashback apps and shopping portals for double or even triple the rewards.

Apps like Rakuten, TopCashback, and BeFrugal partner with major retailers and give you money back just for clicking through their sites before you shop. You’ll often see offers like 5% back at Walmart or 10% back at Sephora.

Once you make a purchase through the link, the cashback is tracked and added to your account. Payouts come via PayPal, check, or gift cards, usually every few months. Some sites even offer signup bonuses or referral bonuses when you invite friends.

Use Cashback Apps for In-Store Shopping Too

Not all cashback requires online shopping. Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Receipt Hog reward you for uploading receipts from grocery stores, convenience stores, or even restaurants.

Ibotta, for example, offers specific cashback offers on items like bread, milk, snacks, or cleaning supplies. You buy the item, upload a picture of the receipt, and get cash in your account. Fetch works a bit differently—it gives you points for any receipt, which you can later redeem for gift cards.

These apps don’t interfere with coupons, store loyalty cards, or credit card rewards, so you can combine all four for serious savings.

Activate Bank Cashback Offers

Many banks and credit unions offer hidden cashback perks you may not even know about. These are often tied to your debit or credit card and can be activated in your online banking dashboard.

For example, Chase Offers and Bank of America Deals give you cash back when you activate offers and use your linked card at certain retailers or restaurants. You might get 10% back at a coffee shop or 5% at a clothing store.

Check your bank’s app to see what’s available. The key is to activate the offer before you shop, and then use your card normally.

Look for Cashback on Bills and Subscriptions

Yes, you can get paid for paying your bills. Some cashback credit cards offer bonus rewards for recurring payments like phone bills, streaming subscriptions, or internet service.

Certain portals like Dosh automatically give you cashback for things like your Netflix subscription or phone plan—without uploading receipts. You just connect your card and let it run in the background.

Some prepaid phone services and utility companies even partner with apps or portals for seasonal promotions that offer cash or gift card incentives when you pay through certain methods. It’s worth checking with your service provider for any current deals.

Combine Offers Strategically

To get the most out of your purchases, think of cashback like a layering game. Start with a rewards credit card. Then add an activated offer from your bank. Shop through a cashback portal. And finally, upload your receipt to an app.

Say you buy groceries at Walmart. You could get 3% back on your credit card, 5% back through Rakuten, and a few dollars more through Ibotta for specific items. That’s triple rewards on stuff you were already going to buy.

It takes a few extra minutes, but once you get into the habit, it becomes second nature. And over the course of a month or year, those little bits can add up to hundreds in extra cash or gift cards.

Watch Out for Pitfalls

While cashback is a great way to earn, don’t let it push you to spend more than you planned. Stick to your list and your budget—chasing rewards isn’t worth it if you’re buying things you don’t need.

Also, always read the fine print. Some offers require a minimum spend or only apply to certain brands or stores. And make sure the cashback you earn is actually tracked and paid out—keep receipts just in case you need to follow up.

Finally, be cautious with apps or websites you haven’t heard of. Stick to well-reviewed platforms and avoid linking financial information with any company that seems untrustworthy.

Final Thoughts

Cashback isn’t just for coupon pros or big spenders. With a little planning, anyone can start earning extra money on their regular purchases. Whether it’s a few bucks from a receipt app or a big payout from a holiday shopping spree, these cashback hacks can make your money go further—without changing your routine.