Cashback apps provide Cashback or rewards on purchases such as groceries, household items, online shopping, and travel. Different apps operate in different ways, including receipt-based rewards, browser extension tracking, or a combination of both.
Below is a comparison table, selection criteria (“how we chose”), and a list of Cashback apps available in the US, along with a guide to choosing a Cashback app for groceries and everyday purchases.
Comparison table: Cashback apps at a glance
| App | Use case | Payout | Payout method | Eligible categories | Key exclusions / watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ShopBack US | Online retail, travel, and games | Typically ~10 calendar days; can take longer | PayPal or ACH | Online retail including Amazon + travel + games | Cashback may not track if unapproved coupon codes, external Cashback links, or device switching occur |
| Rakuten | Online retail with scheduled payouts | Payouts on a quarterly cycle; timing may vary | PayPal or check (points options available) | Online retail + travel | Requires confirmed balance before payout; portal terms apply |
| TopCashback | Online retail with flexible withdrawals | After withdrawal request and merchant confirmation | PayPal or ACH (plus gift cards) | Online retail + travel | Cashback becomes payable based on merchant confirmation |
| Capital One Shopping | Coupon application at checkout | After reward redemption | Gift cards | Online retail | Rewards are issued as gift cards; tracking depends on retailer reporting |
| RetailMeNot | Promo codes and deals | After confirmation and eligibility checks | Cashback (transfer options available) | Online retail | Payout terms depend on offer conditions |
| Fetch | Grocery and everyday receipt scanning | After reward redemption | Gift cards (points-based) | Grocery, gas, convenience, others | Rewards are not paid as cash; eligibility depends on receipt and offer rules |
Note: Cashback is rarely instant. Most apps have a pending or verification phase where the merchant confirms the purchase, checks for returns, and validates eligibility before rewards become payable. This process can take days to weeks depending on the merchant and app.
How we chose these Cashback apps
These apps represent different reward structures and earning methods available in the US. The selection is based on the following criteria:
- Payout: How payouts are processed (for example, after withdrawal request or fixed schedule)
- Payout method: Cashback, gift cards, or points
- Category coverage: Availability across categories such as retail, travel, groceries, and others
- Use case: What the app is suited for (e.g. online retail, groceries, coupon application)
- Common exclusions: Tracking conditions, returns, coupon restrictions, activation requirements
Cashback apps in the US (2026)
ShopBack US — Cashback for online retail, travel and games
ShopBack is a Cashback platform available via web, mobile app, and browser extension. It supports Cashback earning on eligible online purchases across multiple merchants.
How you earn
- Start a shopping session through ShopBack (web or app) or activate Cashback using the browser extension
- Complete checkout within the same session for tracking
Payout method
- Cashback can be withdrawn via PayPal or ACH after meeting the minimum confirmed balance requirement
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Cashback goes through a pending phase while the merchant confirms the purchase. It becomes withdrawable after confirmation.
- Cashback may not track if unapproved coupon codes are used, external Cashback links are clicked, or devices are switched during checkout
- Returns or cancellations may result in pending Cashback being reversed
Use case
- Online purchases across retail, travel, and games
- Use with browser extension, mobile app, or web
Rakuten — Cashback with a quarterly payout schedule
Rakuten is an online Cashback platform. It supports Cashback earning on eligible purchases when users shop through its platform or activate Cashback via the browser extension.
How you earn
- Start a shopping session through Rakuten or activate Cashback using the browser extension before checkout
Payout method
- Cashback is paid on a quarterly schedule; timing may vary
- Payout options include PayPal and check
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Cashback tracking depends on completing checkout within the tracked session and following platform and merchant conditions
Use case
- Online retail purchases
- Scheduled payout cycle
TopCashback — Cashback portal with multiple payout options
TopCashback is an online Cashback platform. It supports Cashback earning on eligible purchases when users shop through its platform or activate Cashback via the browser extension.
How you earn
- Start a shopping session through TopCashback or activate Cashback using the browser extension before checkout
Payout method
- Cashback can be withdrawn via PayPal, ACH, or gift cards after merchant confirmation
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Cashback becomes payable after merchant confirmation and applicable return or validation periods
- Tracking depends on completing checkout within the tracked session and following platform and merchant conditions
Use case
- Online retail purchases
- Portal based Cashback earning
Capital One Shopping — coupon application with gift card rewards
Capital One Shopping is a browser-based shopping tool. It applies coupon codes at checkout and provides rewards on eligible purchases that can be redeemed for gift cards.
How you earn
- Shop online with the browser extension enabled
- Activate eligible offers where available
Payout method
- Rewards are redeemed as e gift cards
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Rewards depend on retailer reporting and offer conditions
- Using multiple coupon or Cashback tools during checkout may affect tracking or eligibility
Use case
- Coupon application during checkout
- Rewards issued as gift cards
RetailMeNot — coupon platform with Cashback offers
RetailMeNot is a platform that provides promo codes and deals. It also includes Cashback offers on eligible purchases, depending on the merchant and offer.
How you earn
- Activate Cashback offers and complete purchases through tracked links
Payout method
- Cashback is provided through in platform balance with available transfer options
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Cashback eligibility and payout depend on the terms of each offer and merchant
- Tracking requires completing checkout within the tracked session and following offer conditions
Use case
- Promo code search with optional Cashback offers
Fetch — receipt based rewards with points
Fetch is a rewards app based on receipt submissions. Users scan eligible receipts to earn points, which can be redeemed for rewards.
How you earn
- Scan eligible receipts from participating stores
- Earn points based on receipt eligibility and available offers
Payout method
- Points are redeemed for gift cards and other rewards
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Rewards are issued as gift cards, not cash payouts
- Receipt eligibility and reward amounts depend on offer terms
Use case
- Receipt based rewards for everyday purchases
Where ShopBack fits
ShopBack US pays Cashback (not points) on eligible online purchases across retail, travel, and games. It offers:
- Withdrawals to PayPal or ACH
- Multiple ways to shop: web, app, and browser extension
If you’re ready to cash out or need help with tracking, these official guides explain the process:
- Withdraw your Cashback
- Report missing Cashback
- Make tracking more reliable (especially for larger purchases)
FAQ: Cashback apps
What is a cashback app and how does it work?
A cashback app pays you back a portion of what you spend when you shop through it. The app earns a commission from the merchant and shares part of that with you. Some apps track purchases through browser extensions or tracked links, while others work by scanning receipts.
Are cashback apps legit or a scam?
Cashback apps are legitimate. They earn affiliate commissions from merchants and share a portion with users. Rewards depend on offer terms, tracking, and merchant confirmation. Returned or cancelled purchases may result in cashback being removed.
What is the difference between cashback, points, and gift cards?
- Cashback is withdrawable money, typically paid out via PayPal, ACH, or check
- Points are an internal currency redeemed for rewards within the app
- Gift cards are a redemption option tied to specific retailers and are not the same as cash
Can I use more than one cashback app at the same time?
You can have multiple cashback apps installed, but tracking is typically attributed to one source per transaction. Activating multiple cashback links or tools during a single checkout may prevent any of them from tracking.
Why didn’t my cashback track?
Common reasons include switching devices during checkout, using ad blockers or VPNs, clicking another cashback link after activation, or applying an ineligible coupon code. Tracking also depends on merchant and platform conditions.
How long does cashback take to show up?
Cashback typically goes through a pending or verification phase before it becomes payable. The timeline depends on merchant confirmation, return windows, and the platform’s processing schedule.
How do I withdraw cashback from ShopBack?
Once your cashback is confirmed, you can withdraw it to PayPal or ACH. Follow ShopBack’s withdrawal steps here.
What should I do if my ShopBack cashback is missing?
If your cashback didn’t track after a purchase, you can report it through ShopBack’s missing cashback process here.