Who doesn’t love getting money back on purchases they were going to make anyway? It’s like finding cash in your pocket that you forgot about, except this time, it’s not a surprise. You planned it. You earned it. And now you’re going to learn how to maximize it.
Ready to make your money work harder for you? Download the MoneyLion app today and start earning cashback on purchases you’re already making! No credit card required!
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What is cashback shopping?
Cashback shopping is where you get a percentage of your purchase amount back into your wallet when you shop through specific platforms, cashback apps, or by using certain credit cards. It’s essentially a rebate that rewards you for shopping through a particular channel.
For example, let’s say you need to buy a $100 pair of sneakers from Nike. If you shop directly on Nike’s website, you pay $100 and that’s it. But if you access Nike through a cashback app or with a cashback credit card that offers 3%, you’ll still pay $100 upfront, but you could also get $3 back.
Same sneakers, same price, but you’ve just made your money work smarter by getting $3 back that you wouldn’t have otherwise. It may not sound like much, but over time, these rewards add up, especially on bigger purchases like electronics or travel.
Types of cashback rewards
The most common way to access cashback rewards is through a cashback credit card, a cashback app (like MoneyLion), or through store-specific programs.
Credit card cashback: Many credit cards offer between 1% to 5% back on specific purchases, like groceries or gas. These rewards typically come as statement credits or points you can redeem. While credit cards are a popular way to earn cashback for online shopping, they can also have significant drawbacks, including high interest rates and the potential to fall into credit card debt.
Cashback apps and online shopping portals: These are websites or apps that provide links to retailers. When you click through and purchase, you earn cashback. Some popular ones include Rakuten, TopCashback, and MoneyLion.
Store-specific programs: Some retailers have their own cashback or rewards programs, like Target Circle or Amazon’s cashback credit cards.
Why MoneyLion is one of the best cashback apps for online shopping
At MoneyLion, we’re keen on helping you spend smart and making your money go the extra mile. That’s why we’ve made it easier than ever to earn real cashback on the purchases you’re already making, all through the MoneyLion app.
Whether you’re shopping for everyday essentials or splurging on something special, you can now unlock cashback from top brands you know and love. With top cashback offers of up to 15%, you could boost your savings just by shopping as usual.
MoneyLion’s teamed up with trusted names to bring you exclusive deals, personalized offers, and rewards that actually add up.
Here’s what’s waiting for you on the MoneyLion app
🛒 Everyday must-haves
From groceries to go-to essentials, earn cash back at places like:
- Walmart – 4.2% for Flash Purchases, 0.5% on selected categories
- Instacart – $2.25
- Safeway – 1.35%
- Temu – 15.8% for new users, and 2.6% for existing users
- CVS – 1.6%
- Olay
- Clinique
👚 Style essentials
Give your wardrobe a refresh — and get rewarded for it:
- American Eagle, UNIQLO, Gap, Old Navy
- Madewell, Free People, Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s
💄 Beauty favorites that give back
Makeup and skincare that come with a bonus:
- Sephora, Fenty Beauty, MAC, Kylie Cosmetics, IT Cosmetics
- Charlotte Tilbury, Huda Beauty, Bobbi Brown
🧳 Travel smarter
Book your next getaway and earn while you do:
- Expedia, Booking.com, Hertz, Avis, TripAdvisor, Samsonite, Tumi
🎮 Entertainment & fun
Turn binge-watching and playtime into pay time:
- Hulu, Marvel, Peacock TV, Paramount+, LEGO
📚 Personal growth pays off
Learning and financial wellness now come with rewards:
- Udemy, edX, DataCamp, Babbel
- Robinhood, Credit Karma, TransUnion
How to get cashback for online shopping with MoneyLion
No gimmicks, no hoops. Just real value for the shopping you already do. Here’s how easy it is to get cashback for shopping online with MoneyLion:
- Shop a deal through the MoneyLion app
- Earn cash rewards in your MoneyLion Rewards account for every eligible purchase
- Once your rewards account accumulates $1, you can redeem your cash rewards. Learn how to redeem them here.
And that’s just the beginning. Activate your rewards in the MoneyLion app and start earning cash back from everyday purchases at brands like Temu, SHEIN, DollarTree, and Best Western.
How does online cashback shopping with MoneyLion compare to Rakuten?
Both MoneyLion and Rakuten offer fantastic cashback deals from popular brands and retailers, helping you save on everything from everyday purchases to big-ticket items. But here’s where MoneyLion pulls ahead: while Rakuten makes you wait for quarterly payouts and requires a $5.01 minimum, MoneyLion lets you cash out instantly with just $1. Why wait months for your money when you can have it right now?
Tips to maximize your cashback earnings when shopping online
Want to get the most from cashback programs? Here’s how to turn small rewards into meaningful savings:
Always start through a cashback portal or app: Before checking out, log into a cashback site or app (like MoneyLion) so your purchase gets tracked. It’s also smart to compare multiple cashback sites to see who’s offering the highest rate.
Pay with a rewards credit card when possible: Pair your cashback portal with a credit card that also earns rewards. This way, you earn portal cashback and credit card rewards from the same purchase.
Be mindful of seasonal promotions: Cashback rates often spike during big sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school). Check your portal for temporary boosts before you buy.
Clear your browser cookies before you shop: Cashback tracking can fail if your browser has old cookies from competing portals. Clear them or use a dedicated “cashback browser” window.
Check cashback rates before every purchase: Rates can change daily, so even if you checked yesterday, confirm the offer before clicking “buy.”
Mistakes to avoid when using cashback for online shopping
Don’t sabotage your cashback potential with these rookie errors:
Forgetting to activate offers: Many cashback programs require you to activate offers before shopping. Set a reminder or make it a habit to check for available offers before making a purchase.
Chasing cashback for unnecessary purchases: Remember, the goal is to earn cashback on things you would buy anyway. Focus on positive financial outcomes, not spending more just to get rewards.
Not tracking your cashback rewards: Keep tabs on your expected cashback to ensure you’re getting what you earned. Most platforms have a tracking system, but it doesn’t hurt to keep your own records for big purchases.
Start Earning Cashback for Online Shopping Today!
Ready to make your money work harder for you? Download the MoneyLion app today and start earning cashback on purchases you’re already making. Your future self (and wallet) will thank you.
Remember, it’s not about spending more – it’s about getting more from every dollar you spend.
FAQs
Are cashback apps worth it?
Yes, cashback apps are absolutely worth it if you’re already making purchases, as they provide free money back on things you would buy anyway.
What is the best app to get cash back?
MoneyLion offers exceptional cashback rates from plenty of popular retailers, with seamless integration into broader financial tools like budgeting insights, credit score monitoring, and more!
How can I get cashback without a credit card?
MoneyLion allows you to earn cashback on qualifying online purchases without needing a credit card, as rewards are earned directly through the app. Learn about how to deposit your rewards here.
