I’m Katherine, a self-proclaimed ‘savvy shopaholic’. I love shopping, but my real thrill comes from finding discounts and saving money. I’d walk around the supermarket at eight years old working out whether the ‘family pack’ sizes actually saved you money, and watching America’s ‘Extreme Couponing’ in awe. Times have changed, but my love of saving money certainly has not!
I do all I can to maximise my savings, especially in today’s world of online shopping, and cashback is one of my favourite ways to do so. Cashback websites and apps are an easy, hands-off way of making a bit of money on things you were already going to buy. A lot of people write it off, thinking it’s too much hassle for not a huge saving. In actual fact, it takes mere seconds to claim cashback on your shopping, and you can easily rack up a few hundred pounds a year.
Today, we’ll explore some of the best ways to earn cashback, and navigate the common pitfalls and leverage lesser-known options to maximise your earnings.
Table of Contents
What is cashback and how does it work?
Cashback websites and apps offer you a percentage of your purchase back when you shop through their links. Essentially, these platforms get a commission from retailers for referring customers, and they share a portion of that commission with you. It’s a win-win!
Top cashback websites in the UK
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TopCashback
TopCashback is one of the UK’s leading cashback websites, offering high rates and a vast range of retailers. Signing up is free, and they offer a ‘Plus’ membership for even higher rates. Sign up today, and new members will receive a free £10 sign-up bonus: www.topcashback.co.uk.
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Quidco
Quidco is another major player, similar to TopCashback. They’ve paid out over £500 million to their members, who earn an average of £300 a year. QuidCo also offers a ‘price match guarantee’, and will not only match another website’s higher cashback offer, but give you a little bit more on top. Sign up today: www.quidco.com/join-quidco.
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Swagbucks
Swagbucks is mostly known as a survey site, but did you know you can also earn cashback? As Swagbucks is an American-owned site, the range of UK shops tends to be a tad smaller than the above two sites, but it’s always worth checking. I’ve often found the cashback rates for online travel companies has been higher on Swagbucks than other cashback sites. Sign up today: www.swagbucks.com.
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MyVoucherCodes
This site combines voucher codes with cashback offers, helping you maximise your saving opportunities from one place. Sign up today: www.myvouchercodes.co.uk.
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KidStart
KidStart is a great option for parents, offering cashback that can be directly saved into your child’s savings account. It’s a fantastic way to save for your kids while shopping for everyday items. Sign up today: www.kidstart.co.uk.
Lesser-known cashback routes
Beyond the major cashback sites, there are other ‘hidden’ options that can help you maximise your savings:
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Airtime Rewards
Airtime Rewards offers cashback on purchases, which is automatically applied to your phone bill if you’re with a supported network. This is a great payment option aside from the usual PayPal/gift card options, and it’s a great thrill to see a £0 phone bill for the month!
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Cashback banks
Some banks, such as Chase, offer cashback on card purchases. Check if your bank provides this feature and consider using these cards for everyday shopping to earn additional cashback.
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Retailer loyalty programmes
Many retailers offer their own loyalty programmes, which include cashback or points that can be converted into discounts or rewards. Signing up for these programmes can add another layer of savings.
Avoiding common pitfalls
To maximise your cashback, it’s essential to avoid the common pitfalls that can result in rejected or lost earnings. Here are the top things to watch out for:
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Browser extensions
While some cashback sites offer browser extensions to make earning easier, these can sometimes interfere with tracking. If you encounter issues, try disabling other extensions or clear your cookies and cache before making a purchase.
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Ad blockers
Ad blockers can prevent cashback tracking from working properly. Disable any ad blockers before shopping through a cashback site to ensure your purchase is tracked.
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VPNs
Using a VPN can sometimes disrupt the tracking process, leading to lost cashback. For best results, disable your VPN when making purchases through cashback sites.
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Cookies and tracking
Ensure your browser cookies are enabled, as they are necessary for tracking your purchase. Regularly clear your cookies and cache to avoid any tracking issues.
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Returns
Returning an item usually voids the cashback for that purchase. This can’t be avoided sometimes, so just keep it in mind if you’re wondering why your cashback was declined!
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Terms and conditions
Always read the terms and conditions of the cashback offer. Some purchases, such as gift cards or sale items, might be excluded from earning cashback. Cashback may also not be awarded if you went through a price comparison site, or tried to combine it with online discounts. Double-check what you’ve agreed to before lodging a claim for lost cashback!
Top cashback tips and tricks to maximise your earnings
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Compare cashback offers
Different cashback sites often offer varying rates for the same retailer. Before making a purchase, compare rates across multiple sites to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
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Combine cashback with sales and vouchers
Stack your cashback with sales and voucher codes for maximum savings. Check if the cashback site offers exclusive discount codes to save you trawling through expired discount codes.
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Use cashback debit or credit cards
Some debit and credit cards offer cashback on purchases. Using these cards to pay for your shopping can double your cashback earnings.
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Refer friends and family
Many cashback websites offer referral bonuses when you invite friends and family to join. Share your referral link and earn extra cashback when they start shopping.
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Stay updated with offers
Cashback rates and offers can change frequently. Subscribe to newsletters or follow your chosen cashback websites on social media to stay updated with the latest deals, and coincide these with your upcoming purchases.
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Keep your eyes open at key shopping periods
Cashback rates often increase during Christmas and Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Plan your shopping around these times to take advantage of boosted rates.
Cashback hacks: worth it?
Deploying these cashback hacks can turn your everyday spending into a rewarding experience, but it requires a bit of strategy to maximise your earnings. By avoiding common pitfalls, comparing cashback offers, and exploring lesser-known options, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of every purchase. Whether you’re booking a holiday, doing the weekly shop, or indulging in some retail therapy, make sure to leverage these tips to make your money go further. Happy saving!
