1. Rakuten

Rakuten is a free app and browser extension that helps you find coupons and earn cash back on your purchases by shopping through its affiliate link. You can earn cash back at over 3,500 stores, including popular retailers like Target, Macy’s, and Walmart. Rakuten has paid out over $1 billion in cash back to its users¹. The app is easy to use: simply activate a cash back offer, make a qualifying purchase, and you’ll see your earnings in your Rakuten account. Payments are made quarterly via check or PayPal².

2. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards allows you to earn points by scanning your grocery receipts. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers. Fetch Rewards partners with over 600 brands, making it easy to earn points on everyday purchases³. The app also supports eReceipts, allowing you to link your email and Amazon accounts for automatic point collection³. While some users report issues with receipt scanning, many find it a convenient way to earn rewards⁴.

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a versatile rewards platform where users can earn points (called SBs) for shopping online, watching videos, taking surveys, and more. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon and Walmart⁵. Swagbucks has paid out over $935 million to its users since its launch⁵. The platform offers various ways to earn, including cash back shopping, completing offers, and participating in surveys⁶.

4. Upside

Upside offers cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurant purchases. Users can earn up to 25¢ per gallon on gas and up to 35% at participating restaurants⁷. The app is easy to use: simply activate an offer, make a purchase, and upload your receipt to earn cash back. Upside also allows you to cash out via PayPal, bank deposit, or gift cards⁷. While the app is praised for its high cash back rates, some users find the receipt submission process cumbersome⁸.

5. Honey

Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies the best coupon codes at checkout. It also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold, where users can earn points on their purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash⁹. Honey works with over 30,000 online retailers and provides features like price tracking and drop alerts⁹. While it’s great for online shopping, it doesn’t support in-store purchases¹⁰.