The best cash back sites and apps can help you save money when shopping for groceries, clothes, kids’ stuff, and other household items.
Rakuten is easily the biggest name when it comes to earning cash back while shopping online. Formerly known as Ebates, the company was recently rebranded under the Rakuten banner with more than 1.4 billion members across the world.
In addition to Rakuten, cash back sites and apps such as Neo Money, KOHO, Ampli, Checkout 51, and Great Canadian Rebates work just as well, and savvy shoppers would love that they are all free to use.
Learn more about the best cash back sites like Rakuten in 2024 below.
Best Cash Back Sites Like Rakuten
1. Neo Money
Neo Money pays you to pay for purchases using a debit (prepaid) card in Canada. You earn an average of 5.00% cash back on purchases and also enjoy access to:
- Budgeting features
- Automatic savings
- 15% welcome cash back on first-time purchases
When you sign up for a new account here, you receive a $20 welcome bonus after funding your account with your first $50 or more.
You can also get more details about how the Neo Money card and prepaid Mastercard work in this review.
2. Great Canadian Rebates
Great Canadian Rebates is Canada’s homemade version of Ebates/Rakuten. The site is affiliated with over 700 merchants, including Amazon, eBay, Staples, Home Depot, Lowe’s, and many others.
After registering an account, you can visit your favourite store and earn cash back rebates on purchases using their online platform.
Easily cash out your earnings through:
- E-gift cards (minimum of $10)
- PayPal (minimum of $12), or
- Direct deposit (minimum of $12)
Great Canadian Rebates members who refer friends earn a 25% referral bonus on all cash back earned by their referrals for three years. You also receive a bonus when you first join.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks pays users to shop online, search the internet, play games, and complete surveys. You also get a $5 welcome bonus.
The currency on Swagbucks is Swagbucks (SB), and you can redeem your points for PayPal cash, gift cards, or Visa Prepaid cards when your balance is $3 or more.
Swagbucks has paid its members over $923 million, and about 7,000 gift cards are sent out daily. Learn about the ten different ways to earn with Swagbucks in this review.
4. Checkout 51
The Checkout 51 app is popular for its weekly coupons and discount offerings on grocery purchases.
If you want to get paid to upload receipts, this cash back app is currently one of the best.
To get started, download the app, and create a free account. Check the weekly offers and add what you need to your shopping list.
After you complete your shopping at any store (e.g. Walmart, Superstore, Sobeys, and Costco), simply upload your receipt and earn cash back.
5. Ampli
Ampli is a Canadian cash back app that is backed by RBC Ventures. Users earn real cash back when they shop at participating retailers, and it is automatically tracked – no receipt uploading required.
To get started, sign up and link the credit and debit cards you usually use to pay for your shopping. You can cash out using Interac e-Transfer when your balance reaches $15 or more.
In addition to cash back offers, Ampli users can also participate in the monthly Dreamstakes with opportunities to earn monetary prizes and gift cards.
Best Cash Back Sites in Canada
Rakuten
Rakuten Canada offers opportunities to earn cash back at more than 750 stores, while in the U.S., the company is affiliated with over 2,500 stores.
To get started, simply sign up for free (includes a $30 bonus) and visit Rakuten when you want to shop. Click on your favourite store, and you will be redirected to their website.
Cash back is automatically credited to your account after you complete a purchase.
You can install the Rakuten cash back button on your browser, and it will notify you to activate cash back offers when you visit a partner store.
Rakuten pays out the cash back earned every quarter if you have $5.01 or more. Redemption options include PayPal, Amazon e-gift cards, and a physical cheque.
New members receive a $30 welcome bonus after completing their first purchase of $30 or more.
Here’s a detailed Rakuten review for more information.
How Cash Back Sites Work
Cash back sites partner with brands and retailers to drive sales.
When you proceed to an online store via a cash back rewards site and make a purchase, the retailer pays them a commission. They, in turn, share this commission with you as cash back.
Depending on the site, there are various ways to redeem your cash back, including:
- PayPal direct deposit
- Cheque
- Gift cards, e.g. Amazon and Starbucks
- Electronic fund transfer
As an extra incentive, many cash back sites also pay you to refer friends and family.
Cash Back Sites/Apps Like Rakuten FAQ
If you shop online regularly, Rakuten can save you a couple of hundred dollars yearly. The fun part is that you get money back from purchases you will make anyway, and the site is completely free.
Yes, I have used Rakuten (formerly Ebates) for several years, and I’ve experienced no problems. The company is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds a 4.2/5 rating on Trustpilot.
Rakuten has an iOS and Android phone app you can download.
The best cash back sites for you will depend on your location and the types of purchases you make online and in the store. For online shopping, Rakuten and Great Canadian Rebates are great. For online and in-store shopping, Neo Money works great with up to 5% cash back.
For general shopping in Canada and the U.S., Rakuten offers more cash back than Ibotta. You can also use both platforms to maximize your cash back rewards.
Here are the best money making apps for smartphones.
What is the best cash back app?
I have written about the popular cash back apps available in Canada, and you can learn more by visiting the articles below:
