Cashback apps like Quidco and TopCashback are popular tools for saving money in the UK. These apps allow users to earn money on everyday purchases by routing their online shopping through the app. They are simple to use and can help you make a passive income without significant effort.
This guide explains how cashback apps work, reviews some of the best apps available, and highlights tips for maximizing your savings.
A cashback app allows users to earn money back on purchases made online or in physical stores. Instead of shopping directly with a retailer, you access the retailer through the cashback app to activate a cashback offer.
How it Works:
Sign up: Register on the cashback app or website.
Shop through the app: Select a retailer and click through the app to visit their website.
Complete your purchase: The app tracks your visit and records your cashback amount once the purchase is made.
Get paid: Cashback is credited to your account, usually within a month.
Some apps allow cashback for physical store purchases by linking your debit/credit card or uploading a receipt. Terms may vary based on the product or service purchased, especially for financial products like insurance.
TopCashback is one of the UK’s leading cashback platforms, offering 6,000+ retailers and flexible membership options.
Features:
Membership Options: Free or Premium (£5/year).
Earnings: Premium members earn up to 16% more cashback and can access payout bonuses up to 25%.
Snap & Save: Upload receipts for cashback on in-store purchases.
Comparison Tools: Compare prices for insurance, broadband, and more.
Referral Bonus: Earn £35 (Premium) or £30 (Free) per referral.
Example Offers
TopCashback Rates
Sainsbury’s
Up to £10 off groceries
Domino’s
Up to 6% cashback
Morrisons
Up to £8 cashback
Quidco
Quidco works similarly to TopCashback and includes 5,000+ retailers.
Features:
Membership Options: Free or Premium (£1/month).
Earnings: Premium members enjoy top-up bonuses up to 10% and payout bonuses up to 20%.
Exclusive Features: Ad-free experience and “double the difference” cashback guarantee for Premium members.
Comparison Tools: Compare costs for loans, broadband, and more.
Example Offers
Quidco Rates
eBay
4% cashback
Lego
Up to 12% cashback
Levi’s
10% cashback
KidStart
KidStart is designed for parents and carers to save money for children. Cashback earned goes directly into savings for your child or can be donated to charities.
Features:
Retailers: 2,000+ participating stores.
Free to Use: No membership fees.
Savings Accounts: Transfer cashback into a child’s savings account or a KidSave account.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is primarily a survey platform but also offers cashback options.
Features:
Earn “Swagbucks” for purchases, redeemable as gift cards or PayPal cash.
Additional earnings through surveys, videos, and games.
Quick Comparison Table
App
Free Membership
Paid Membership
Retailers
Notable Features
TopCashback
Yes
£5/year
6,000+
Snap & Save, payout bonuses up to 25%, referral bonuses
Quidco
Yes
£1/month
5,000+
Ad-free premium, “double the difference” cashback guarantee
KidStart
Yes
N/A
2,000+
Direct savings for children
Swagbucks
Yes
N/A
Varied
Earn Swagbucks for purchases, surveys, and more
By effectively leveraging cashback apps, you can turn everyday purchases into a steady source of savings, making these tools a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
Tips for Maximizing Cashback
Compare Offers: Cashback rates vary; check multiple apps to find the best deal.
Don’t Overspend: View cashback as a bonus, not a reason to shop unnecessarily.
Combine Offers: Use cashback credit cards for additional savings on every purchase.
Monitor Payouts: Ensure purchases are tracked and cashback is credited.
Look for Bonuses: Many apps offer incentives for new users or referrals, such as TopCashback’s £6 bonus for setting up an Experian account.
FAQs
1. Do cashback apps really work?
Yes, cashback apps like Quidco and TopCashback are well-established platforms. As long as purchases are tracked properly, cashback is credited to your account.
2. Can I use cashback apps for in-store purchases?
Yes, apps like TopCashback allow in-store cashback by linking your card or uploading receipts.
3. Are there any fees for using cashback apps?
Most apps have free membership options. Paid memberships (e.g., £5/year for TopCashback Premium) offer higher cashback rates and extra perks.
4. How long does it take to receive cashback?
Typically, cashback is credited within a month, but certain purchases (like insurance) may take longer.
5. Which cashback app offers the most cashback?
Quidco and TopCashback generally provide the highest rates. However, offers change frequently, so it’s worth checking both before making a purchase.
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