I’ll admit it, I love a good deal. Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the easiest ways to stretch my budget is by using cash back apps. It’s not about chasing every offer or spending hours clipping coupons; it’s about making the most of the shopping I already do.
Once I realized I could save a couple of dollars here and there (without significantly changing my habits), I was hooked. Each year I cash out in November, by the end of the year, those “little” savings really added up.
My Go-To Cash Back Apps
Here are a few apps I keep on my phone and actually use:
- Checkout 51: I snap a picture of my grocery receipt and claim offers. It takes less than a minute, and I usually earn a few bucks a week. Once you hit $20, they send you the money.
- Rakuten: Any time I shop online (Amazon, Old Navy, Sephora—you name it), I check if the store is on Rakuten. I’ve had cheques show up in the mail for shopping, just like normal. To join Rakuten and get $30 when you spend $30. Make sure to use my invite link: CLICK HERE
- Caddle: This one has surveys too, so even if I’m not shopping, I can earn a little here and there.
- eclipsa: The offers are limited but often include some generic cash back offers for fresh produce and other food items.
How I Make the Most of Them
The trick is stacking. For example, if I buy groceries at a Loblaws company, I’ll:
- Pay with a PC Financial Mastercard (earning PC Optimum points).
- Scan the receipt into Checkout 51 or Caddle for extra cash back.
- Watch PC Optimum offers for bonus points that week.
It doesn’t feel like “work”, just a habit. And when I check my balances or get a payout, it feels like a little bonus for doing nothing extra.
Why It’s Worth It To Me
I used to think this kind of thing was too much hassle. But honestly? I’d rather let apps and cards do the heavy lifting than leave money on the table. Last year, just from points and cash back, I saved enough to cover part of our holiday shopping. That’s a big deal when budgets are tight.
If you haven’t tried it yet, start small. Pick one app and work in that one step of checking offers to your shopping routine. Once you see the rewards adding up, you’ll be glad you did.
More Cash Back Apps & Options
You can find cash back offers, as well as printable coupons, on websaver.ca, GoCoupons.ca, and save.ca.
Additionally, there are numerous cashback credit cards and loyalty apps available to help you earn or save.
