Shop Smarter, Not Harder: How Cash Back Platforms Can Turn Everyday Purchases into Savings

Adulting is rough. Between rent, that never-ending avocado toast habit, and those concert tickets you just had to get, your bank account can feel like it’s on constant alert. But what if we told you there was a way to get some cash back on all that spending? Enter cash back platforms: your key to turning shopping sprees into, well, saving sprees.

Here’s the deal: these platforms partner with a ton of stores you already frequent, from fashion haunts like Urban Outfitters to your fave pizza delivery place. How it works is simple:

• Find Your Cash-Back Partner: Signing up for a cash back platform is free and takes the time it takes to scroll through your Instagram feed (seriously, minutes).
• Shop Like Normal: No need to become a couponing grandma (although, major props to them). Just head to the platform, find your store, click their link, and shop as usual.
• Watch That Cash Flow Back: Once you checkout, the platform tracks your purchase and gives you a percentage of your total back. Basically, it’s like getting a refund you didn’t even know you deserved.

These Platforms Got More Moves Than You Think: These platforms aren’t just about the green. Many offer bonus features to make you a shopping superstar:

• Leveling Up Your Rewards/Discounts: When you pair this up with the right credit card, not only do you rack up spending points, but you also double-dip with returns by getting extra money back.
  • *My favorite reason why I always check my cash-back apps is to make sure I can max my return, since a 5% cash back from a platform and a 2% cash back card would end up resulting in a completely passive 7% discount on a purchase I was already expecting to make!*
• Coupon Codes Galore: Stack your cash back with exclusive coupons and promo codes found on the platform. Think double the savings, zero buyer’s remorse.
• Silent Assassin for Deal Alerts: Get notified about limited-time offers and hidden deals you won’t see anywhere else. Basically, becoming a cash back platform pro makes you a shopping ninja with a sixth sense for discounts.

Trouble Finding Your Cash-Back Partner? Here are some top cash back platforms to check out:

• Rakuten (formerly eBates): This OG platform offers up to 40% back at major retailers like Macy’s and Sephora. Treat yo’ self (with a discount, of course).
• Honey: This browser extension is your shopping BFF. It automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout, plus offers cash back at tons of stores. Basically, it’s like having a magic shopping assistant (without the creepy vibes).
• TopCashback: This platform boasts a massive selection of stores, from tech giants like Apple to your favorite streaming service. There’s a good chance they have cash back for whatever you’re buying.
• Dosh: Link your debit or credit card to Dosh and earn cash back at restaurants, bars, and even gas stations. Because adulting shouldn’t mean sacrificing all the fun stuff.

The How-To Hack to Put to Action:

• Find a reliable cash-back platform and create an account
  • Create multiple, you’ll be surprised at which ones might offer a better cash back return!
• To help add this to your everyday process either:
  • Download the plug-in for your favorite browser on your device, whichever you tend to use more for online purchases
  • Strategically place the apps next to the others you use most when shopping
  • Personally, I have a folder of the cash-back platforms in a folder next to my banking apps and my Safari, since it’ll be harder to avoid checking when it’s right in my face
•  
• Click through the portal and begin your usual shopping
  • Make sure you use that portal that the cash-back platform gives you through their app to make sure it’s captured
  • I typically will search the vendor on my two different apps to see which one is higher cash back and then go for it
  • It would all be a waste if you did this effort for nothing, so make sure you check back on the app after the associated website’s turnaround times and see if you can check that the “shopping trip” was captured. If its checked off, most likely you’ll see the cash back hit your account in a few weeks.
  • *Sometimes, you’ll have to place a request if you see its missing- trust me its not that bad and they wont usually fight you on it*
• Circle Back on the App For Capture

Remember: It’s all about finding the platform (or platforms!) that work for your shopping style. Download a few, compare features, and see which one helps you stretch your budget further. Happy shopping (and earning)!