Everyone loves saving money, and one of the smartest ways to do that is by earning cashback on everyday purchases. Whether you’re buying groceries, paying for gas, or shopping online, cashback allows you to get a percentage of your spending back. Over time, these savings can really add up. In this guide, we’ll walk you through several effective strategies to maximize cashback and make the most of your everyday expenses.
1. Use Cashback Credit Cards
One of the most straightforward ways to earn cashback is by using a cashback credit card. These cards reward you with a percentage of your spending back in the form of cash, points, or statement credits.
Cashback credit cards typically come in two types:
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Flat-rate cards: These offer the same percentage (usually 1.5% or 2%) back on every purchase.
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Tiered or rotating category cards: These offer higher cashback (often 3%–5%) in specific categories like groceries, gas, or dining, either year-round or on a rotating basis.
When choosing a card, consider your spending habits. If you spend heavily in certain categories like groceries or travel, look for a card that rewards those purchases. Also, pay attention to annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and interest rates. To truly benefit from cashback, it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
2. Shop Through Cashback Portals
Another excellent way to earn cashback is by using online cashback portals. These are websites or browser extensions that partner with retailers to offer you a percentage of your spending back when you shop through their links.
Some popular cashback portals include:
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Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
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TopCashback
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Honey
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BeFrugal
Using these portals is simple: you log in, find the store you want to shop at, click through to the retailer’s website, and make your purchase. The portal tracks the transaction and credits your account with cashback. Over time, you can cash out via check, PayPal, or gift cards.
To maximize rewards, combine cashback portals with credit card cashback. For example, if your card offers 2% cashback and the portal offers 5%, you effectively earn 7% back on your purchase.
3. Take Advantage of Grocery and Gas Rewards
Groceries and gas are consistent monthly expenses, so why not earn cashback every time you fill up or shop for essentials?
Many grocery store chains offer their own reward programs or partner with credit card companies to provide cashback. Additionally, some apps and services are specifically tailored to offer cashback for these types of purchases:
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Fetch Rewards: Earn points by scanning grocery receipts, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
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Upside: Offers cashback on gas purchases; just check the app before you fill up.
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Ibotta: Gives cashback on select grocery and household items when you upload your receipt.
For gas, consider getting a credit card that provides extra cashback at gas stations. Some cards offer up to 3% or more back, which can result in significant savings over the course of a year.
4. Stack Rewards for Maximum Savings
One of the most powerful strategies for maximizing cashback is stacking multiple rewards. This involves combining various cashback opportunities to boost your total savings.
Here’s how a typical stack might look:
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Step 1: Start by clicking through a cashback portal like Rakuten.
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Step 2: Use a rewards app like Ibotta for any additional promotions or item-specific cashback.
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Step 3: Pay with your cashback credit card to earn even more.
If you’re shopping at a store with a loyalty programs or you’re using a store-branded credit card with special perks, those can be added to the stack as well.
Just make sure you’re staying organized. Keep track of your rewards and be mindful of offer expiration dates. Some tools and apps can help you automate parts of this process, making it easier to track and redeem your cashback efficiently.
Earning cashback doesn’t require major lifestyle changes—just a little planning and awareness. By using cashback credit cards, taking advantage of shopping portals, focusing on grocery and gas rewards, and stacking benefits, you can make every dollar work harder. With consistent use of these strategies, you’ll find that your everyday spending can quietly turn into a powerful tool for saving money over time.
