Cashback Apps – Earn Money Back on Everyday Spending
Cashback apps pay you money for things you’re already buying. They won’t make you rich, but they’re one of the easiest side hustles to start because you can earn passively in the background.
Best for: beginners, busy people, low-effort extra money
What Are Cashback Apps?
Cashback apps give you money back when you shop online, scan receipts, or activate offers before buying. You earn small amounts per purchase, which add up over time.
- Earn money on shopping you already do
- No special skills required
- Works alongside other side hustles
- Payouts via PayPal or bank transfer
Different Types of Cashback Apps
Not all cashback apps work in the same way. Some are passive, meaning you link your card or account and earn cashback automatically in the background. Others require receipt scanning, where you upload a photo of your receipt after buying certain products in-store. You can also earn cashback by clicking a link before shopping online, or by using gift card cashback apps, where you buy discounted digital gift cards for shops you already use. Many people combine a few types to maximise their cashback on everyday spending.
Who Are Cashback Apps Best For?
Busy people
If you’re short on time, cashback apps run quietly in the background.
Beginners
No setup, no learning curve, just install and use.
Budget-conscious shoppers
Helps stretch your money further on everyday spending.
Transparency
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose sign up and make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I genuinely believe are helpful for beginners.
Top 3 Cashback Apps for Beginners (UK)
These apps are the easiest ways to start earning cashback on everyday spending. Perfect for beginners, they combine strong rewards with simple, low-effort setup.
Best Overall Cashback
TopCashback
TopCashback offers cashback at thousands of UK retailers. It’s beginner-friendly, reliable, and consistently offers some of the highest rates in the UK.
Best for Passive Cashback
Airtime Rewards
Airtime Rewards earns cashback automatically when you shop at participating retailers using your linked card.
Best for Long-Term Savings
Sprive
Sprive is a unique cashback app that helps you earn rewards when buying gift cards and channels cashback directly toward your mortgage overpayments.
Cashback Apps (UK)
Click-A-Link Cashback Apps
Click-through cashback apps pay you when you start your online shopping journey through their website or app. You click a link to your chosen retailer, shop as normal, and earn cashback on your purchase. This takes a tiny bit more effort but usually offers higher cashback rates than passive apps. These apps are my top-tier recommendations.
TopCashback
TopCashback gives you cashback when you shop online at thousands of UK retailers, including supermarkets, fashion, travel, and utilities. You simply click through their site before shopping and earn money back on purchases you were already planning to make.
Time vs Money: Low time – medium money
Pros
- Huge range of UK retailers
- Cashback rates are often higher than competitors
Cons
- Cashback can take time to track and become payable
- You need to remember to click through before shopping
Quidco
Quidco works in a very similar way to TopCashback and is one of the most well-known cashback platforms in the UK. You earn cashback when you shop online, switch utilities, or take out services like broadband or insurance.
Time vs Money: Low time – low to medium money
Pros
- Very beginner-friendly interface
- Good bonuses for switching services
- Browser extension reminders
Cons
- Cashback rates can be lower than other platforms
- Some offers take months to pay out
Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping online at selected retailers. You click through from the Rakuten app before making a purchase and earn cashback on qualifying spend, which can be paid out to you once it’s confirmed.
Time vs Money: Low time – low to medium money
Pros
- Simple, easy-to-use app
- Occasional bonus offers and promotions
- Works well alongside other cashback platforms
Cons
- Smaller range of UK retailers compared to bigger platforms
- Cashback rates can be lower than alternatives
Passive Cashback Apps
Passive cashback apps earn you money automatically in the background once you’ve linked your card or account. There’s nothing to activate and no links to click before shopping. They’re ideal if you want a low-effort way to earn a little extra on everyday spending without changing your habits. Passive cashback rewards can also be available through some banks, it is worth checking if your bank offers this.
Airtime Rewards
Airtime Rewards links to your bank card and gives you cashback automatically when you shop at participating retailers. Instead of paying out cash, your rewards are used to reduce your mobile phone bill.
Time vs Money: Very low time – low money
Pros:
- Fully automatic once set up
- No need to click through links
- Works in physical shops as well as online
Cons:
- Rewards can only be used for mobile phone bills
- Retailer list is more limited
Receipt Scanning Cashback Apps
These apps reward you for something you are already doing, getting receipts with your shopping.
Instead of clicking through to a store, you take a photo of your receipt (or upload it) after you shop. In return, you earn cashback, points, or vouchers on specific products or everyday purchases.
This type of cashback takes a little more effort than fully passive apps, but it can be great for:
- Grocery shopping
- Household essentials
- Earning small amounts regularly with minimal planning
Think of these as “after you’ve shopped” cashback. They work best when you get into the habit of quickly snapping your receipts before throwing them away. These apps work well for everyday shoppers who are fine with snapping receipts.
GreenJinn
GreenJinn is a cashback app that pays you for buying specific products in supermarkets. You buy the items in-store, scan your receipt, and get cashback paid into your account. Offers change regularly and are often available at major UK supermarkets.
Time vs Money: Low to medium time – higher rewards on specific items
Pros
- High cashback on selected products (sometimes close to free)
- Works with most big supermarkets
- Easy to stack with other cashback apps
Cons
- You have to buy specific products to earn cashback
- Not useful for every shop
Shopmium
Claim cashback on popular branded items by activating offers before you shop, then scanning your receipt. Great for cutting the cost of everyday groceries.
Time vs Money: Low to medium time – higher rewards on specific items
Pros
- Some generous offers on branded products
- Simple app with clear instructions
- Works well alongside supermarket shopping
Cons
- Only pays out on featured products
- You may buy items you would not normally choose
CheckoutSmart
Claim cashback on specific grocery items by uploading your receipt after purchase. Often overlaps with Shopmium and GreenJinn, making it useful for stacking deals.
Time vs Money: Low to medium time – higher rewards on selected items
Pros
- Can stack with other supermarket cashback apps
- Occasionally very high cashback offers
- Simple claim process
Cons
- Offers can be limited
- Not consistent earnings
RunnyHoney
RunnyHoney lets you snap photos of your receipts to earn points and unlock games and win prizes.
Time vs Money: Low time – low money
Pros
- Very easy to use, just scan your receipts
- Works alongside cashback and reward apps
- No special shopping habits required
Cons
- Rewards vary per receipt
- Payouts can take time to build up
Shoppix
Snap photos of your shopping receipts and earn points you can exchange for vouchers or cash. No need to buy specific products.
Time vs Money: Low time – small, steady rewards
Pros
- Accepts receipts from many different retailers
- Very easy and quick to use
- Good “set and forget” habit builder
Cons
- Rewards are small
- Takes time to build up to cash-out
Snap My Eats
Get rewarded for uploading food and grocery receipts, even when you are not buying specific promoted products.
Time vs Money: Low time – small regular rewards
Pros
- No need to hunt for specific items
- Simple upload process
- Can be used alongside other receipt apps
Cons
- Lower payouts compared to offer-based apps
- Focused on food-related receipts
Gift Cards Cashback Apps
Gift card cashback apps let you earn cashback by buying digital gift cards for shops you already use. They work really well alongside normal cashback sites, and some even give instant cashback, making them a great option for everyday spending.
Sprive
Sprive helps you pay off your mortgage faster, but it also includes cashback and rewards when you buy gift cards through the app. The cashback you earn goes towards your mortgage overpayments or it can be withdrawn to your bank account.
Time vs Money: Low time – low to medium money
Pros
- Competitive cashback rates
- Works well alongside normal shopping habits
- Helps build better financial habits
Cons
- You need to remember to buy the gift card before shopping
JamDoughnut
JamDoughnut lets you buy digital gift cards for popular retailers and earn instant cashback. You pay for the gift card in the app, then use it to shop online or in-store, making it an easy way to earn extra cashback on everyday purchases.
Time vs Money: Low time – low to medium money
Pros
- Instant cashback after purchase
- Works with supermarkets, fashion, and high street brands
- Easy to stack with sales and discounts
Cons
- A minimum of £10 is needed to cash out
Custard
Custard offers cashback when you buy gift cards for well-known UK brands. You purchase the gift card through the app and then use it as normal, earning a percentage back on your spend.
Time vs Money: Low time – low to medium money
Pros
- Simple way to earn cashback on everyday brands
- Digital gift cards delivered instantly
- Works alongside other cashback apps
Cons
- Smaller retailer range compared to bigger platforms
- Cashback rates can be lower than those of competitors
EverUp
EverUp combines cashback, rewards, and prize-linked savings. You can earn cashback when shopping at selected retailers and use the app’s games and boosts to increase your rewards, making saving and earning feel more fun.
Time vs Money: Low time – low money
Pros
- Cashback plus extra rewards and bonuses
- Encourages saving habits
- Easy to use app
Cons
- Cashback rates are usually small
- Some features feel more like gamification than guaranteed earnings
Cheddar
Cheddar is a gift card cashback app that lets you earn rewards when you buy digital gift cards for popular UK retailers. You purchase the gift card in the app and then spend it online or in-store, earning cashback on everyday shopping.
Time vs Money: Very low time – low money
Pros
- Cashback on everyday brands
- Digital gift cards delivered instantly
- Cash earnings, not points
Cons
- Limited list of retailers
- Cashback amounts are usually small
Top tip: You can often “stack” cashback by using a gift card cashback app alongside a cashback site and store discounts. Just check the terms so your purchase still tracks properly.
How Much Can You Really Earn With Cashback Apps?
Cashback apps won’t replace a job, but many people earn £50–£200+ per year just by using them consistently on normal spending.
The key is stacking: using cashback apps alongside vouchers, discount codes, and sales.
Tips to Maximise Cashback
- Always activate offers before shopping
- Stack cashback with discount codes
- Check multiple apps for the same retailer
- Withdraw cashback regularly so it doesn’t get forgotten
Final Verdict: Start Earning Cashback Today
Cashback apps are one of the easiest ways to earn extra money on the shopping you’re already doing. Whether you prefer click-through apps like TopCashback and Quidco, passive cashback apps like Airtime Rewards, or gift card cashback apps like Sprive, there’s something for every type of shopper.
For beginners, we recommend starting with the Top 3 apps:
- TopCashback – best overall cashback for most purchases
- Airtime Rewards – easiest passive earning with minimal effort
- Sprive – turn everyday spending into long-term mortgage savings
Once you’re comfortable, you can explore other apps to stack cashback, claim receipt offers, or use gift card rewards. Even a few minutes of planning your purchases can result in real savings over time. The key is consistency: choose a few apps that fit your shopping habits, stick with them, and watch your cashback grow.
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