A range of platforms and services can help you save money on online purchases — through cashback on eligible purchases, automatic promo codes at checkout, or rewards that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Different services work in different ways, and payout formats vary.
This guide covers platforms and services available to US online shoppers that offer ways to save or earn on everyday purchases.
How these platforms work
Cashback platforms track your shopping session when you start a purchase through the service. The platform earns a commission when you complete a purchase, and a portion is shared as cashback or rewards. Promo code tools search for available codes and apply them automatically at checkout.
Cashback is typically attributed to one source per transaction — using multiple cashback services during a single checkout session may affect tracking.
Platforms and services that help you save on online shopping
ShopBack US
ShopBack is a cashback platform available via browser extension, mobile app, and web. It activates cashback on eligible purchases across online retail, travel, and games.
How you save or earn
- Activate cashback through the ShopBack app, web, or browser extension before checkout
- Complete the purchase within the same tracked session
Available on
- Browser extension: Chrome, Edge, iOS Mobile Safari
- Mobile app: iOS and Android
- Web
Payout method
- Cashback withdrawn via PayPal or ACH after meeting the confirmed balance requirement
Supported categories
- Online retail including Amazon, travel, and games
Watch-outs / exclusions
- 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 cashback being reversed
Paypal Honey
PayPal Honey is a shopping tool that applies available promo codes at checkout and offers rewards on eligible purchases through PayPal's rewards program.
How you save or earn
- The extension applies available promo codes automatically at checkout
- Earn rewards on eligible purchases where Honey Gold offers are available
Available on
- Browser extension: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge
Payout method
- Rewards issued as Honey Gold points, redeemable for PayPal credits or gift cards
Supported categories
- Online retail
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Rewards are issued as points, not direct cashback withdrawals
- Reward eligibility depends on offer availability and PayPal's rewards program terms
Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback platform with a browser extension and app for activating cashback on eligible purchases.
How you save or earn
- Activate cashback through the Rakuten extension or platform before checkout
Available on
- Browser extension
- Mobile app: iOS and Android
- Web
Payout method
- Cashback paid on a fixed quarterly schedule via PayPal or check
Supported categories
- Online retail and travel
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Promo codes not listed by Rakuten may void cashback
- Cashback tracking depends on completing checkout within the tracked session and following platform and merchant conditions
For travel bookings, cashback confirmation typically depends on the booking being completed and not cancelled
TopCashback
TopCashback is a cashback portal with a browser extension that activates cashback on eligible purchases.
How you save or earn
- Activate cashback through the TopCashback extension or platform before checkout
Available on
- Browser extension: Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge (desktop)
- Mobile app: iOS and Android
- Web
Payout method
- Cashback withdrawn via PayPal, ACH, or gift cards after merchant confirmation
Supported categories
- Online retail and travel
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
Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a shopping tool that applies available promo codes at checkout and provides rewards on eligible purchases.
How you save or earn
- Shop online with the extension enabled
- Activate eligible offers where available
Available on
- Browser extension: Chrome, Firefox
- Mobile app: iOS and Android
Payout method
- Rewards redeemed as e-gift cards
Supported categories
- Online retail
Watch-outs / exclusions
- Rewards are issued as gift cards, not cash payouts
Tracking and reward eligibility depend on retailer reporting and offer conditions
RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is a promo and deals platform that includes cashback offers on eligible purchases alongside promo codes.
How you save or earn
- Activate cashback offers and complete purchases through tracked links or the browser extension
Available on
- Browser extension: Chrome
- Mobile app: iOS and Android
- Web
Payout method
- Cashback paid via PayPal or Venmo after confirmation and eligibility checks
Supported categories
- Online retail
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
FAQ
What platforms or services help you save money on online shopping?
Several platforms provide ways to save on online purchases. Cashback platforms like ShopBack US, Rakuten, and TopCashback pay cashback on eligible purchases that can be withdrawn as cash. Promo tools like PayPal Honey and Capital One Shopping apply available discount codes at checkout and offer rewards as points or gift cards. Some shoppers use both — a cashback platform for earning and a promo tool for discount codes — though using multiple services in the same checkout session may affect cashback tracking.
Which service gives cashback on Amazon?
ShopBack US offers cashback on Amazon purchases through its browser extension and app. Amazon cashback is not available on many other cashback platforms.
What is the difference between cashback and rewards points?
Cashback can generally be withdrawn as money — to PayPal, a bank account, or by check depending on the platform. Rewards points are an internal currency that must be redeemed through the platform, typically for gift cards or credits. The two are not interchangeable.
What is PayPal Honey?
PayPal Honey is a browser extension that applies available promo codes at checkout and offers rewards through PayPal's rewards program. Rewards are issued as Honey Gold points redeemable for PayPal credits or gift cards.
Which services pay withdrawable cash, not points or gift cards?
ShopBack US, Rakuten, TopCashback, and RetailMeNot provide cashback that can be withdrawn to PayPal, a bank account, or by check, depending on the platform. PayPal Honey and Capital One Shopping issue rewards as points or gift cards.
Can I use more than one savings service at once?
Multiple services can be used, but cashback tracking is typically attributed to one source per transaction. Using multiple cashback links or tools during a single checkout session may affect tracking.
Why didn't my cashback track?
Tracking may be affected by switching devices during checkout, using ad blockers or VPNs, clicking other cashback links after activation, or applying ineligible promo codes. Tracking also depends on merchant and platform conditions.
Do these platforms work on travel bookings?
Some platforms include travel merchants — ShopBack US and Rakuten both support travel purchases. Cashback eligibility and confirmation depend on merchant terms, and for travel bookings, cashback is typically confirmed only after the booking is completed and any cancellation window has passed.
Can you use cashback and promo codes at the same time?
Cashback may not track if promo codes that are not listed or approved by the cashback platform are used during checkout. Each platform has its own rules on which codes are compatible with cashback tracking. Using an unapproved code may void cashback for that transaction.
Is it safe to use online shopping services and extensions?
Install browser extensions only from official browser stores and review the permissions they request before installing. Remove extensions you no longer use. For any shopping platform, use the official app or website and check that withdrawal or redemption requests are processed through the platform's own account settings.
How long does cashback take to become payable?
Payout timing varies by platform and depends on merchant confirmation, return periods, and platform processes. Some platforms pay on a fixed schedule; others process payouts after a withdrawal request is submitted.