What is cashback and how does it work?

Hey there! If you're looking to save some serious cash while shopping, then you've come to the right place. Cashback is a fantastic way to put money back in your pocket and make your purchases even more rewarding. Let me break it down for you.

Cashback is a type of reward program offered by retailers, credit card companies, and online platforms. When you make a purchase through a cashback program, you receive a percentage of the purchase amount back as a cash reward. It's like getting a little bonus for every dollar you spend. How awesome is that?

Now, let's dive into how cashback works. There are a few different types of cashback programs, so I'll cover the most common ones.

1. Retailer Cashback: Many online retailers offer their own cashback programs. When you shop through their website or app, they give you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It's as simple as clicking through their link and completing your purchase. The cashback amount can vary, but it's usually a percentage of the total purchase price.

2. Credit Card Cashback: Credit card companies often have their own cashback programs. When you use a cashback credit card for your purchases, you earn a percentage of the purchase amount back as cash. Some credit cards offer a flat cashback rate on all purchases, while others have different rates for different categories like groceries, gas, or dining out. It's a great way to earn rewards on your everyday spending.

3. Online Platforms: There are also online platforms that aggregate cashback offers from various retailers. These platforms partner with retailers to offer exclusive cashback deals. All you have to do is sign up for an account, browse the available offers, and click through to the retailer's website to make your purchase. The cashback amount is usually a percentage of the purchase price.

Now, let's talk about how to maximize your cashback rewards. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your cashback experience:

Maximizing Your Cashback Rewards

StrategyDescriptionBenefitsExample
Use Cashback Credit CardsThese are cards that offer a percentage of the amount spent back to the cardholder.Maximize cashback rewards, save money on purchases.Citi Double Cash Card offers up to 2% cash back on all purchases.
Shop Through Cashback WebsitesWebsites like Rakuten, Swagbucks offer cashback for shopping through their platform.Earn extra cashback on top of your credit card rewards.Shopping on Amazon through Swagbucks can earn you up to 5% cashback.
Take Advantage of Cashback AppsApps like Ibotta, Dosh offer cashback for shopping at specific stores or for certain products.Save money on everyday purchases, stack rewards with other cashback strategies.Ibotta offers $1 cashback on any brand of bread at participating grocery stores.
Utilize Store Loyalty ProgramsMany stores offer loyalty programs that provide cashback or points for purchases.Earn rewards for regular shopping, can be combined with other cashback strategies.Target's RedCard offers 5% cashback on all purchases in-store and online.
Pay Attention to Cashback PromotionsCredit card companies and cashback platforms often run promotions offering extra cashback.Maximize earnings during promotional periods, stack with other cashback strategies.Chase Freedom card often runs quarterly promotions offering 5% cashback on rotating categories.

- Compare cashback rates: Different retailers and credit cards offer varying cashback rates. Before making a purchase, compare the rates to ensure you're getting the best deal.

- Stack cashback with coupons: Some cashback programs allow you to combine your cashback rewards with coupons or promo codes. This can lead to even bigger savings, so keep an eye out for these opportunities.

- Use cashback credit cards strategically: If you have multiple cashback credit cards, use them strategically based on the categories that offer the highest cashback rates. For example, use a card that offers higher cashback on groceries when shopping for groceries and a different card for other categories.

- Stay updated on cashback promotions: Retailers and credit card companies often run special promotions with increased cashback rates. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to maximize your savings.

Remember, cashback is a fantastic way to make your purchases more rewarding. Whether you're shopping online or using a cashback credit card, you can earn cash rewards on your everyday spending. So why not put some extra money back in your pocket? Happy shopping and saving!

Daniel Kim is a fitness enthusiast and a dedicated bargain hunter who loves to share his knowledge on health, wellness, and sports gear. As a regular contributor to GreatBuyz, Daniel helps readers find the best deals on fitness equipment, supplements, and activewear. His passion for staying active and living a healthy lifestyle inspires readers to make smart choices while shopping for their fitness needs.