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Writer's pictureEmma

How Cashback Sites Can Save You Money: My Personal Journey and Best Cashback Apps UK

Updated: Oct 17

In today’s digital age, saving money while shopping online has never been easier, thanks to cashback sites. These platforms offer a safe and simple way to earn cash back on your purchases. I’ve been using them for years, and to date, Quidco has given me back £3931.03 since 2007, when I was a student. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences, savings, and tips to help you maximize your cashback.



Disclaimer!

Just a heads-up: some of the links on this page are referral links. This means if you click through and sign up to get cashback/deals yourself, I may get a referral bonus. This is at no cost to you – and what's even better? Most referral bonuses I get, you get too! 🎉

Please check the details for each one for the current rates.


Happy shopping and cashback hunting!


           

How I Discovered Cashback Sites

My journey with cashback sites began as a student, when I had time to look around for every deal and voucher possible! Seeing the results, I kept using them and added a few new ones to my money-saving arsenal. To date, Quidco has given me back £3931.03 since 2007. I want to share these tips with you now :-) They also come with refer-a-friend bonuses, so find some you like and refer your friends too – win-win. Combine cashback sites with cashback cards for even more savings!


My Favourite Cashback Sites

Over the years, I’ve tried several cashback sites, but a few have stood out for their reliability and generous offers: Some have optional browser extensions so you never have to miss cashback again!


  • TopCashback: Known for its high cashback rates and user-friendly interface.

  • Quidco: Offers a wide range of retailers and frequent special promotions.

  • Rakuten: Another great option for earning cashback.

    Airtime Rewards: This app helps you earn cashback on your everyday purchases, which you can use to reduce your mobile phone bill.



  • Cheddar: My latest find! Keep an eye on my blog to see how I review it. It looks like it's going to be an (award-winning) app that tracks your spending and offers instant cashback on everyday purchases.


  • Debit card: Unlike Airtime Rewards, which focuses on reducing your phone bill, this debit card provides cashback on energy, broadband and SIM bills. Its 1-10% on all spending and can be combines with other cashback and reward sites.🎉




To give you an idea of how much you can save, here are some examples from my own experience:


  • Groceries: By shopping through cashback sites, I’ve saved around £50 annually on my grocery bills. That’s like getting free snacks for a whole month – who doesn’t love free snacks?


  • Utilities: Using cashback sites for utility bill payments, subscriptions and switching providers has saved me over £350 annually. That’s enough to not worry about the lights for a bit!


  • Online Shopping: From electronics to clothing, I’ve accumulated over £100 in cashback over the past year. It’s like getting paid to shop – my wardrobe and wallet both thank me.


  • Home DIY: Purchasing tools and materials for home improvement projects through cashback sites has saved me around £250 annually. Whether it’s painting supplies, hardware, or garden tools, the savings add up quickly. Now I can fix up my home and still afford to buy a victory pizza!



Tips for Maximising Cashback


Sign Up for Multiple Sites

Different cashback sites offer different deals, so it’s beneficial to sign up for several. This way, you can compare offers and choose the best one for each purchase. Cashback debit card and cashback apps work well!🤫


Use Browser Extensions

Many of the best cashback sites and apps offer browser extensions that alert you to cashback opportunities while you shop online. This ensures you never miss out on potential savings.


Combine Cashback with Other Deals

Maximize your savings by combining cashback with discount codes, sales, and other promotions. For example, using a discount code along with cashback card can significantly reduce your overall cost.


Be Patient

Cashback can sometimes take a while to process, but it’s worth the wait. Keep track of your pending cashback and follow up if necessary.


Check Savings at Set Intervals

Set up auto payments when your savings reach a certain threshold, or set a calendar reminder each quarter to check your amounts and transfer the money. You don’t want unspent cash sitting there and not in your account 😉


Screenshot of my calendar showing how I set quarterly reminders to ensure my cashback goes into my account and doesn’t stay in the app account
I set quarterly calendar reminders














Common Pitfalls Even with the Best Cashback Apps in UK


Tracking Problems

Occasionally, purchases may not track properly. To avoid this, clear your browser cookies and follow instructions - e.g. some sites won't track through an app, they like the website instead.


Minimum Payout Thresholds

Some cashback sites require you to earn a certain amount before you can withdraw your cashback. Be aware of these thresholds and plan your shopping accordingly to reach them faster.


















Conclusion

Using cashback sites has saved me both time and money – it’s like finding a fiver in your jeans pocket! Give them a try and see how much you can save. I’d love to hear your success stories too. Plus, with a cashback debit card, you can double your rewards on everyday spending. Who wouldn’t want that?


Ready to start saving?

Sign up for a cashback site today using my referral links below and start earning cashback on your purchases. Then refer your friends too! Happy saving!



Thanks for Reading!

I hope you found this post helpful and inspiring. If you enjoyed it, be sure to check out my other posts for more reviews, discussions, and links. Your support means a lot and helps keep this blog going strong. 🎉


The reason I do this is simple: when I find a product or system that just works – making life easier by saving time and money or enhancing daily tasks – I want to tell everybody so they can benefit too! Life can be hard at times, so why not try to make it a little easier and increase our productivity, so we have more time for the enjoyable things? 😊


Stay savvy, stay informed, and happy reading!


Got a friend who’d appreciate some life hacks? Spread the word! The more, the merrier! 🌟






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