How to Get 5-20% Cashback on Pretty Much Everything

Earning

5-20% cashback

on everyday purchases is achievable through a combination of cashback portals, rewards credit cards, browser extensions, apps, and high-yield bank accounts. This guide covers all strategies to maximize returns on shopping, travel, groceries, bills, and more, potentially saving thousands annually.

1. Cashback Shopping Portals: The Foundation of High Returns

Cashback portals act as intermediaries between you and retailers, offering

5-20% back

on purchases. Sites like Rakuten, TopCashback, and Swagbucks track your shopping and credit your account after confirmation.

• Rakuten (formerly Ebates): Pays up to 15% at 3,500+ stores like Walmart, Target, and Macy’s. Quarterly payouts via check or PayPal.
• TopCashback: Often higher rates (10-20%) with no minimum payout. Ideal for Amazon (up to 5%).
• BeFrugal: Competitive rates plus 25% bonus on first $10 earned.

Pro tip: Always search for deals on multiple portals using Cashback Monitor to pick the highest rate. Stack with credit card rewards for 20%+ total.

2. Rewards Credit Cards: Turbocharge Your Cashback

Pair portals with

cashback credit cards

for compounded returns. Top cards offer 1-6% base rates, stacking to 10-25%.

Card	Best Categories	Rewards Rate	Annual Fee
Chase Freedom Unlimited	All purchases	1.5-5% (with Ultimate Rewards)	$0
Citi Double Cash	All purchases	2% (1% + 1%)	$0
Blue Cash Preferred (Amex)	Groceries, streaming	6%/3%/1%	$95 after year 1
U.S. Bank Cash+	Customizable categories	5%/2%/1%	$0

Rotate quarterly bonus categories (e.g., Chase Freedom Flex: 5% at rotating merchants like grocery stores up to $1,500/quarter). Use cards without foreign transaction fees for travel.

3. Browser Extensions: Effortless Cashback Reminders

Extensions like Honey, Capital One Shopping, and Rakuten automatically apply the best cashback and coupons.

• Honey: Alerts for unactivated cashback; auto-tests coupons at checkout.
• Rakuten Button: One-click activation for 600+ stores.
• CamelCamelCamel: Amazon price tracking with cashback integration.

Result: Never miss 5-15% back. Install on Chrome/Firefox for passive earnings.

4. Cashback Apps for Groceries and Gas

Apps target high-spend categories like food and fuel.

• Ibotta: Scan receipts for 5-25% at 2,000+ stores (Walmart, Kroger). Stack with cards.
• Fetch Rewards: Upload any receipt for points redeemable as gift cards (average 1-5% value).
• Upside: 10-25¢/gallon gas cashback; 5-15% groceries.
• Dosh: Automatic 1-10% at linked cards’ merchants.

Grocery example: Rakuten (5%) + Ibotta ($2) + 4% card = 15%+ total.

5. Travel Cashback: Flights, Hotels, and Rideshares

Travel yields highest rates (10-20%).

• Portals: Rakuten/TopCashback: 5-15% hotels (Expedia), 2-10% flights.
• Cards: Chase Sapphire Preferred: 5x travel via portal; Capital One Venture: 2x miles (1.25-10¢/pt value).
• Apps: Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights): Alerts + portal links; HotelTonight cashback.

Book rideshares via portals (Uber: up to 10%).

6. Bank Accounts and Debit Cashback

Earn on non-credit spending. High-yield accounts now offer cashback-like bonuses.

• Chime: $425 portal bonus + SpotMe overdraft.
• SoFi Checking & Savings: Up to $675 signup bonus; 0.50% APY.
• Discover Cashback Debit: 1% unlimited on up to $3,000/month debit.
• Upgrade Card: 1.5% debit cashback; builds credit.

Direct deposit unlocks extras. Wise offers up to

2.20% annualized cashback

on GBP/USD balances (EEA-eligible; min ~£54/month).

7. Gift Cards and Everyday Bills

Buy discounted gift cards for 5-15% effective cashback.

• Raise/CardCash: 2-20% off gift cards (use on portals for stacking).
• PayYourRent (RadPad): Cashback on rent payments.
• Billshark: Negotiates bills for savings share.

Insurance/utilities: Truebill/Trim automates refunds.

8. Advanced Stacking Strategies

Layer for 20%+:

1. Portal (10%) + Card (5%) + App (5%) + Coupon.
2. Amex Offers: Targeted 10-50% statement credits.
3. Chase/Amex portals: 5x multipliers.
4. Manufacturers: HP/Newegg rebates stackable.

Track with AwardWallet or Excel. Avoid manufactured spending to prevent shutdowns.

9. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

• Clear cookies; use incognito for best rates.
• Confirm purchases tracked (portals email).
• Pay cards in full; ignore low-value offers.
• Check return policies (cashback may claw back).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What’s the easiest way to start earning cashback?

A: Install Rakuten/TopCashback extensions and shop through portals for instant 5-15% on Amazon/Walmart.

Q: Can I get cashback on groceries and gas?

A: Yes, Ibotta/Upside offer 5-25%; stack with 4-6% grocery cards for 20%+.

Q: Are cashback sites safe and legit?

A: Top portals are trusted (BBB A-rated); millions paid out yearly. Use secure connections.

Q: How much can I realistically earn yearly?

A: $500-$2,000+ on $20k spend via stacking (e.g., 5% average).

Q: Do bank bonuses count as cashback?

A: Yes, like SoFi’s $675 or Chime $425—easy money for direct deposit.

Q: Is Wise cashback available everywhere?

A: EEA residents get up to 2.20% on balances (GBP/USD/EUR); monthly payouts after tax.

Implement these today for effortless savings. Track progress monthly to optimize.