Earn While Shopping: How Cash-back and Loyalty Sites Can Make You Money

Do you like shopping but hate spending money? You’re not alone! If you’re anything like me, it may pain you to spend money on wants, even when you’ve been eyeing it for months! Fortunately, in this digital age, there are fantastic opportunities to earn extra cash and rewards simply by shopping smart. Today, I’m going to spill the tea on how cash-back and loyalty sites can help you put some extra bucks back in your wallet for when you decide to purchase.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you click on these links and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you!

Cash-back Programs: Turning Spending into Earnings

Let’s start with the star of the show: cash-back programs. These ingenious platforms offer you a portion of your purchase price back as cash, making every shopping trip feel like a winning one where you make money (aka girl math). Here are a few leading cash-back sites to get you started:

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates): Rakuten is a giant in the cash-back world, offering cash rewards for shopping at popular retailers. Their user-friendly app and browser extension make earning cash back a breeze. I always check Rakuten before purchasing anything online, especially during holiday shopping season. I’ve gotten up to 20% cash-back on purchases but even the standard 2% adds up! Sign up today and get $30 when making a $30 qualifying purchase within 90 days of joining.
2. Ibotta: Ibotta is perfect for grocery shopping and everyday purchases. Scan your receipts, and watch the cash roll in as you earn rebates on specific items or entire shopping trips. I can almost always find grocery store offers, even when it’s an “any item” offer! In this economy, every cent or savings count. Get $5 when you sign up and redeem any offer!
3. TopCashback: As the name suggests, TopCashback offers some of the highest cash-back rates available. They have partnerships with thousands of stores, so you can earn money back on nearly everything you buy. I’ll typically double check this site and compare to Rakuten before purchasing, you never know who has the better offer! Plus, it’s free to sign up!

Extra tip: always read disclaimers/exclusions and compare other cash-back sites. Some may seem like a better offer but may only be available to new customers or have a max discount. It pays to read the fine print!

Loyalty Programs: Staying Loyal Pays Off

Now, let’s talk about loyalty programs. These reward you for your repeat business and brand loyalty, making them a fantastic complement to cash-back programs where you’ll end up saving money in the long run by shopping with them. Here are a couple of leading loyalty programs:

1. Amazon Prime: If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, Amazon Prime is a no-brainer. With free shipping, exclusive deals, and access to Prime Video and Music, it’s well worth the annual fee. This is especially true for me in Chicago with most of my essentials costing way less on Amazon than stores like Target and Walgreens near me. Amazon offers a free 30-day trial, discounted student pricing, and discounted pricing for those receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying government assistance.
2. Target Circle: Target’s loyalty program offers personalized deals and discounts based on your shopping preferences. You can also earn 1% back on every purchase to redeem on future Target shopping trips. My favorite deals include getting a $15 Target gift card when buying household items, I always stock up on essentials then and use the gift card on future trips!
3. Sephora Beauty Insider: Skincare and beauty girlies, this one’s for you! Sephora’s Beauty Insider program showers you with rewards like free samples, discounts, and even birthday gifts based on your purchases. At the very least, I always redeem my birthday gift to try brands I’ve been eyeing.
4. CVS ExtraCare: If you frequently shop at CVS for health and beauty products, their ExtraCare program is worth considering. Earn ExtraBucks Rewards on select purchases and receive personalized coupons. Their app especially has great deals, manufacturer coupons, and buy one, get one offers!

How to Get Started Saving Money Shopping

Getting started with cash-back and loyalty programs is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

1. Sign Up: Create accounts on your chosen cash-back and loyalty platforms. Many of them offer a sign-up bonus or initial discount just for joining.
2. Install Browser Extensions: Install browser extensions like Rakuten’s Cash Back Button to ensure you never miss a cash-back opportunity when shopping online.
3. Link Payment Methods: Link your credit card or PayPal account to your cash-back platform for seamless cash-back transactions.
4. Browse Deals: Explore the available deals and offers on the platform’s website or app. Look for your favorite stores or products.
5. Shop as Usual: Start shopping as you normally would. When you shop through the cash-back site or use your loyalty program account, you’ll automatically earn rewards.

Reminder: use these strategies to save or make money shopping you’re already budgeting for and would purchase otherwise. Do not just purchase because you see a deal you like if you had no intention of buying things before! Let’s keep on track of our financial goals 🙂

Maximizing Your Earnings

To make the most of these programs, follow these tips:

• Stack Your Savings: Combine cash-back and loyalty rewards for extra savings. For instance, use Rakuten to earn cash back on your Amazon Prime purchases. Check your cards for additional card-linked offers too! I’ll have a whole post on these coming soon.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on your chosen platform for special promotions and limited-time offers.
• Refer Friends: Many cash-back platforms offer referral bonuses, so invite your friends to join and earn extra rewards together.

Potential Pitfalls

While cash-back and loyalty programs can be fantastic, it’s essential to be aware of potential pitfalls:

• Overspending: Don’t let the lure of rewards encourage you to overspend. Stick to your budget. Don’t have a budget? Learn about my favorite budgeting method: zero-based budgeting.
• Expired Rewards: Keep track of your rewards’ expiration dates to ensure you don’t miss out.
• Scams: Be cautious of websites or apps that promise unrealistically high rewards or ask for sensitive information. Do your research and stick to the players you know and trust!

In conclusion, cash-back and loyalty sites are like the secret sauce of smart spending. They’re a win-win, helping you save and even make money while indulging in retail therapy shopping. So, why not give it a shot? Sign up, shop wisely, and watch your earnings grow. Happy shopping, and even happier saving!

With the right strategy, you’ll be amazed at how quickly those cash-back dollars and loyalty rewards add up. So go ahead, make your next shopping spree a lucrative one!