These Top Cashback Apps Helped Seniors Save $50 Monthly!
Saving money doesn’t have to be complicated. Cashback apps offer an effortless way to earn cash back on things you’ve already bought. It’s like getting a small discount on almost everything you purchase.
These apps are helpful for seniors looking to stretch their budgets further. Many are incredibly easy to use, even for the non-tech-savvy.
We’ll explore the top user-friendly cashback apps and show you how to save $50 or more each month with minimal effort.
Jan 21, 2025
Rakuten
Expensive retailer network with high cashback rates
Easy-to-use website, app, and browser extension
In-store cashback and travel rewards available
Multiple payout options (PayPal, check, AmEx points)
Cashback is paid quarterly, so there’s a waiting time for earnings
Some retailers have restrictions on cashback eligibility
Requires activation before making a purchase
Ibotta
Works with major grocery stores and online retailers
Multiple earning methods: receipt scanning, linking loyalty accounts, and online shopping
Wide variety of offers, including percentage-based and brand-agnostic details
Bonus incentives for extra earnings
Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards
Minimum $20 cashout threshold
Offers expire quickly, requiring frequent app checks
Some rebates are brand-specific, limiting flexibility
TopCashback
Typically offers higher cashback rates than competitors
No minimum payout requirement in most cases
Offers multiple cashout options (bank transfer, PayPal, gift cards)
100% cashback pledge, passing all commissions to users
Excellent customer service and cashback tracking
Payout processing can take longer compared to other apps
Some merchants have restrictions on cashback eligibility
Requires shopping through the portal for tracking
Checkout 51
Can be used at any grocery store, not just major chains
Offers rebates on both branded and generic items
Gas cashback is available in some regions
Weekly updated deals ensure fresh saving opportunities
Receipt-based system allows for flexible shopping
Minimum $20 cashout threshold
Limited number of offers compared to other grocery cashback apps
Some rebates have quantity restrictions, making them harder to redeem
Fetch Rewards
Accepts receipts from almost any store, including restaurants and gas stations
No restrictions on where you shop–earn rewards on daily purchases
Easy-to-use receipt scanning system
Points can be redeemed for popular gift cards
Digital receipt support for online shopping
Rewards are in points, not direct cash, limiting redemption flexibility
Points system means it takes longer to accumulate significant rewards
No direct PayPal or bank withdrawal option
RetailMeNot
Combines cashback and coupons for maximum savings
Works both online and in-store
Browser extension applies coupon codes automatically
Offers real-time deal alerts for nearby stores
Cash out via PayPal or Venmo
Cashback rates are sometimes lower than competitors like Rakuten
Some offers require receipt uploads, adding an extra step
Coupons may not always work as expected
Upside
Specializes in fuel discounts, helping offset rising gas prices
Works at numerous gas stations and some restaurants/grocery stores
Easy-to-use app with a map interface for finding deals
Allows stacking with credit card rewards and loyalty programs
Multiple cashout options, including PayPal, bank transfer, and gift cards
Requires uploading receipts or checking in at gas stations for cashback
Limited to participating locations, which may not be available everywhere
Cashout minimum may take time to reach if not using the app frequently
How Cash-Back Apps Work and Why They’re Worth It
Cashback apps partner with retailers to give you back a percentage of the amount you spend on a purchase. Your savings will depend on how often you shop, which stores you use, and how you spend.
Occasional users could save $5-$20 monthly, while strategic or regular shoppers could save $50 or more.
Other benefits of using cash-back apps include:
- Earn money back on daily purchases: This is the core benefit. You get a percentage of your spending returned to you in cash, points, or gift cards.
- Discover exclusive deals and coupons: These apps often provide unique deals, coupons, and promo codes you might not find elsewhere.
- Easy to use: Most cashback apps are user-friendly with intuitive interfaces.
- Wide range of participating retailers: You can often earn cashback at various stores, from major retailers to local businesses.
- Potential for significant savings: Cashback apps can help you substantially save money over time depending on your spending habits.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Cash-Back Savings
Be Consistent: Always check for cashback opportunities before shopping or buying anything online or in a physical store.
Combine Strategies: Use multiple apps to “stack” savings on a single purchase. For example, you could use Rakuetn for online shopping and Ibotta for in-store grocery deals.
Leverage Promotions: Watch for limited-time offers, higher cashback percentages during holidays, and other special promotions.
Track Your Savings: Regularly monitor app balances to stay motivated and see how much you’ve accumulated.
Example Calculation:
- A $200 monthly spend through Rakuten with a 5% average cashback rate can earn you $10 in savings.
- A one-time $1,000 electronics purchase with a 10% cashback offer results in $100 savings.
Common Concerns and How To Overcome Them
“It’s too complicated.”
- Apps like Dosh offer a completely automated experience for those who find managing multiple apps daunting.
“I don’t shop online often.”
- Ibotta and Upside are only a couple of the apps that offer significant savings for in-store purchases of groceries and gas, respectively.
“Is it worth the effort?”
- Small cashback amounts can add up over time. The process becomes effortless once you establish the habit of checking the apps before shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Retail partnerships: Cashback apps partner with various online and in-store retailers.
Track Purchases: The apps track your purchases when you shop at participating retailers through the apps or by linking your payment card.
Earn Cash Back: Retailers pay cashback apps a commission for referring customers, and the apps share a portion of this commission with you.
Online Purchases: Most apps support online shopping through their website or browser extensions.
In-Store Purchases: Some apps allow you to earn cashback on in-store purchases by uploading receipts.
Travel Bookings: Many apps offer cashback on travel expenses like flights, hotels, and car rentals.
Dining: Cashback is often available for dine-in and takeout at restaurants.
Direct Deposit: Cashback is usually deposited directly into your linked bank account.
Gift Cards: You may have the option to redeem your cashback app to your PayPal account.
Check: In some cases, you can request a check by mail.
No Fees: Most cashback apps are free to download and use.
Potential Fees for In-App Purchases: Some apps may offer premium memberships with enhanced features, but these are usually optional.
Data Security: Reputable cashback apps prioritize user data security and employ measures like encryption to protect your information.
Review App Privacy Policies: Carefully review the privacy policy of any app before sharing your personal information.
Consider Your Spending Habits: Analyze where you spend most of your money and choose an app that offers high cashback rates at those retailers.
Read App Reviews: Check user reviews and compare features to find the app that best suits your needs.
Try Different Apps: Many apps offer sign-up bonuses, so you can experiment with a few to see which one you prefer.
Start Saving Through Cashback Apps Now
Cashback apps provide a simple and effective way for seniors to put extra money back into their pockets that doesn’t require significant effort. Saving $50 or more monthly is achievable with strategy and regular use.
Download and try using at least one app, like the widely-loved Rakuten or easy-to-use Ibotta, and start earning cashback today. Find the most up-to-date versions of these apps on the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. It only takes one step to get closer to additional monthly savings.
