How to Use Cashback and Reward Sites to Save Money in the UK
If you shop online regularly and are not using cashback sites, you are leaving money on the table. Cashback and reward platforms give you a percentage of your purchase back when you click through their links before buying. Over a year, this can add up to hundreds of pounds in savings. This guide explains how cashback sites work, which ones are worth using in the UK, and how to maximise your earnings without changing your spending habits.
What Are Cashback Sites and How Do They Work?
Cashback sites act as a middleman between you and the retailer. When you click a retailer link on a cashback site and then make a purchase, the cashback site earns a commission from the retailer. They share a portion of that commission with you. The process is straightforward:
- Sign up for a free cashback account
- Search for the retailer you want to shop with
- Click through the cashback link to visit the retailer
- Shop as normal and complete your purchase
- Wait for the cashback to track and then be confirmed into your account
- Withdraw your earnings once you reach the minimum payout threshold
The commission comes from affiliate marketing. Retailers pay affiliates for sending customers their way, and cashback sites pass some of that payment back to you. It is a win-win for everyone except the retailer, who is effectively giving a discount to acquire your business.
Top UK Cashback Sites Worth Using
TopCashback
TopCashback is the UK’s most popular cashback site, and for good reason. It passes back up to 100% of the commission it earns from retailers, meaning you often get the best available rates. Membership is free, and the site covers thousands of retailers across categories including fashion, electronics, travel, groceries, and insurance. Payout options include bank transfer, PayPal, and gift cards with bonus values.
Quidco
Quidco is the other major player in the UK cashback market. It offers a free tier and a premium tier that charges an annual fee in exchange for higher cashback rates. Quidco also features in-store cashback, where you link your payment card and earn cashback automatically when you shop at participating high street retailers. This is ideal for people who still shop in physical stores.
Complete Savings
Complete Savings operates on a monthly subscription model, but the cashback rates can be significantly higher than free sites. It is worth considering if you shop online frequently and can earn more in cashback than the monthly fee. Always do the maths before signing up for any paid cashback service.
Reward Apps and Browser Extensions
Beyond dedicated cashback sites, several tools can help you earn rewards with minimal effort.
Cashback Browser Extensions
Both TopCashback and Quidco offer browser extensions that alert you when a cashback rate is available for the site you are browsing. This means you never forget to activate cashback before checking out. The extension will notify you with a small popup, and you simply click to activate. It takes seconds and can save you a significant amount over time.
Reward Apps
Apps like Shopmium and CheckoutSmart offer cashback on grocery shopping. You buy the product from any supermarket, upload your receipt, and receive cashback into your account. These are particularly useful for trying new products at a discount or even for free. Combine these with supermarket loyalty schemes for double savings.
Maximising Your Cashback Earnings
Stack Cashback with Other Offers
The best savers do not stop at cashback. They stack multiple offers together. For example, you can use a cashback site in combination with a retailer’s own discount code, a cashback credit card, and a loyalty scheme. Here is how stacking might work:
- Find a discount code for the retailer on a voucher site
- Click through the cashback site to the retailer
- Apply the discount code at checkout
- Pay with a cashback credit card
- Earn loyalty points if the retailer has a scheme
Not all retailers allow stacking, and some may void cashback if you use an external voucher code. Always read the terms on the cashback site before proceeding.
Focus on Big-Ticket Purchases
Cashback rates on everyday purchases might be 1-3%, but larger purchases like insurance policies, holidays, electronics, and mobile phone contracts can offer significantly higher rates. An insurance policy might offer 50 to 100 cashback, while a holiday booking could earn you 20-50. Plan your larger purchases around cashback opportunities and you could see big returns.
Compare Rates Across Sites
Before making a purchase, check both TopCashback and Quidco. Rates can differ between the two sites, and the one offering more for one retailer might offer less for another. A quick comparison takes seconds and ensures you always get the best rate available.
Watch for Special Promotions
Cashback sites regularly run promotions where rates are boosted for a limited time. These might include double cashback weekends, seasonal bonuses, or new retailer launch offers. Sign up to email newsletters from your cashback sites so you never miss a boosted rate.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Cashback Not Tracking
Sometimes cashback does not track automatically. This can happen if you have ad blockers running, if you navigate away from the retailer before completing the purchase, or if cookies are blocked. To minimise tracking issues:
- Disable ad blockers when clicking through cashback links
- Clear your browser cookies before clicking through
- Complete the purchase in the same browsing session
- Do not use other voucher sites that might override the cashback tracking
If cashback does not track, both TopCashback and Quidco have claim processes. Keep evidence of your purchase including order numbers and screenshots.
Buying Things You Do Not Need
The biggest trap with cashback is spending money on things you would not otherwise buy. Cashback is a saving on a purchase, not free money. If you buy a 100 jacket you did not need just to get 5 cashback, you have spent 95, not saved 5. Always stick to your budget and treat cashback as a bonus.
Forgetting to Withdraw
Cashback sitting in your account is not real money until you withdraw it. Some sites have minimum payout thresholds, and if you stop using the site, you might forget about your balance. Make a habit of withdrawing your cashback regularly once you hit the threshold.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn?
The amount you can earn depends on how much you shop online and how disciplined you are about clicking through cashback links. Casual users might earn 50-100 per year, while dedicated users who route all their online shopping through cashback sites can earn 300-500 or more. The key is consistency. Make clicking through a cashback site part of your shopping routine, and the earnings will compound over time.
Getting Started Today
Signing up for a cashback site takes two minutes and costs nothing. Start with TopCashback or Quidco, install the browser extension, and make your next online purchase through the cashback link. You can also check the deal store on Freebies for the latest discounts and offers to combine with your cashback earnings.
For more money-saving tips, browse our latest deals and start stacking your savings today.
