The ultimate guide to cash back apps for savvy shoppers
I know it’s not just me! Saving money is a priority for many of us who are always on the lookout for ways to make their pounds go further. One of the most effortless ways I have found to do this is by using cashback apps.
Here, I’ll take you through four of my top favourites: Top Cashback, Jam Doughnut, Cheddar and everup. Each app has unique features that can help you get a little something back on your everyday purchases. Let's get started!
1. Top Cashback
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How it works: Top Cashback is a fantastic platform available both as an app and online. To start, you'll need to register for an account here. You have the option of a free membership so you can enjoy all the basic benefits without any cost, or you can opt for the Plus membership which offers higher cashback rates for just £5 a year (you don’t pay this up front, it’s taken out of your cashback earned).
After registration, you'll gain access to cashback offers from an amazing selection of over 6,000 retailers so you can save money on your weekly shop, insurance, utilities, holidays and clothes.
My experience: I often use Top Cashback for larger purchases where the cashback amount will be more substantial. For instance, I got significant cashback when I bought my laptop from Very. While the cashback takes some time to clear (think of it as a long-term savings account rather than a quick discount), it's a simple extra step to put money back into your pocket. Just remember to check the site before making big buys!
Things to note:
Cashback clearing can take a while, so it's better suited for long-term savings
Perfect for big purchases where the cashback amount will be more!
For more information, visit the Top Cashback website.
2. Jam Doughnut
How it works: Jam Doughnut is an instant cashback app that rewards you right away. After registering and using my code - EUWC (this will give you a £3 bonus) - you can buy pre-paid digital gift cards and vouchers through the app from hundreds of retailers, including supermarkets and restaurants.
You will then receive a percentage of that gift card value back to your JamDoughnut account as points. Your cashback points will immediately be added to your Jam Doughnut account and once you reach 1000 points you can cash out (equivalent to £10).
Any gift cards you purchase are stored in your Jam Doughnut wallet so you never forget which ones you have and it makes them really easy to access when you are out and about.
My experience: I use Jam Doughnut for all my food shopping. It's a no-brainer because I’m spending that money anyway, so why not get a few pounds back? The cashback is instant and can be transferred straight into your bank account (although it can take a few days to clear). The app is user-friendly, and gift cards are available almost instantly.
My top tip: Use the "scan as you shop" feature to sort your gift card before you get to the checkout.
Things to note:
If you need a refund this will be processed back onto the gift card.
Ideal for frequent, everyday purchases like groceries.
For further details, visit the Jam Doughnut website.
3. Cheddar
How it works: Cheddar offers a blend of instant cashback through gift cards (like Jam Doughnut but a smoother user experience in my opinion) and automatic cashback straight to your bank account once you spend. When you sign up, use my code BMSAVES for boosted rates for 15 days after registration.
My experience: I love the dual functionality of Cheddar. For the best deals, I usually compare rates between Cheddar and Jam Doughnut and go with the one offering the highest cashback. Cheddar’s automatic cashback feature is especially cool because it’s instant and transferred straight to your bank account. And like Jam Doughnut, the gift cards are available almost instantly so again, you’ll often catch me at the self check out quickly buying a giftcard before I pay if I haven’t sorted my gift card before getting to the checkout.
Things to note:
Great user experience with quick access to gift cards
Automatic cashback is a game-changer - it makes saving effortless!
For more information, check out the Cheddar website.
4. everup
How it works: everup is a free cashback app where you earn cashback on your everyday purchases (online or in-store) by allowing you to purchase gift cards to spend at their partnered retailers. They’ve got over 140 brands to choose from, including all the top supermarkets with varying amounts of cashback. If you pay with an everup giftcard for purchases you’d be making anyway, you’ll be quids in as you’ll be getting some cash back in your pocket!
If you’re already sending £150 a week on food, you could switch out to pay with a giftcard instead and be getting over £350 back in your pocket a year, just from doing your food shop!
Sometimes, there are promotions that offer even higher rates of cashback, with a handful of retailers offering you as much as 20% back!
My experience: I use everup a lot! The cashback is instant and if I’m spending the money anyway, it’s worth having a few pounds back. The app is user-friendly, and some retailers offer really high cashback amounts during a promotion - sometimes up to 20%!
Things to note:
It’s very easy to use
Instant cashback straight into your account giving you instant savings
Some of the highest cashback rates can be found on here
If you’re returning the item, buying with a giftcard will mean that the refund is processed onto the giftcard. Something to consider before purchasing
For more information, visit everup’s website.
In summary
So there you have it! Integrating cashback apps into your everyday shopping is a smart way to save money on purchases you’re making anyway. Add the ritual of checking these apps into your shopping routine, and you'll see those savings add up in no time. I tend to save up all of my cashback and use whatever I make as an overpayment on my mortgage. Happy saving!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
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