How to Shop Smart on Black Friday with Cashback Apps

My experience with cashback apps started after I researched savings on Facebook. I came across various groups where it was discussed and joined some of them, driven by my desire to save money given the current economic situation. Instagram also proved to be a valuable source, as I found content creators who provided information on cashback. 

I discovered how cashback apps have revolutionized the way we shop, allowing consumers to turn their purchases into savings that last long after the shopping bags are tucked away. A recent study by NerdWallet revealed that over 70% of consumers plan to use cashback programs during their holiday shopping this year.

Incorporating these apps into my shopping routine opened my eyes to smarter buying decisions. As I sifted through the enticing “exclusive offers” flooding my inbox, I weighed the choices between online shopping and in-store deals. By comparing prices and checking for cashback opportunities, I felt empowered to shop wisely and maximize my budget.

In this blog post, I will share how to prepare for Black Friday and shop smart using cashback apps. From understanding how they work to finding the best deals, these tips will ensure you make the most of your shopping experience this holiday season.

1. Understanding Cashback Apps: What do they Really Mean

Before going into the details of Black Friday shopping, it’s essential to understand what cashback apps are. These applications give you a percentage of your purchase back when you shop at participating retailers. Cashback can range from 1% to 15% or more, depending on the retailer and the app. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular cashback apps:

Popular Cashback Apps

1. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
   • How it works: Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers. When you shop through their platform or browser extension, you earn a percentage of your purchase as cashback.
   • Unique feature: Rakuten offers quarterly payments via check or PayPal, and sometimes double cashback deals for specific stores.
   • Best for: Online shoppers who want an easy-to-use interface and multiple payout options.

1. Ibotta
   • How it works: Ibotta is primarily used for grocery shopping but also offers cashback for online purchases. Users must activate offers before shopping and can earn by scanning receipts or linking store loyalty accounts.
   • Unique feature: Ibotta often provides bonuses for reaching certain spending thresholds, and its cashback applies to in-store and online purchases.
   • Best for: Grocery shoppers and those who want cashback for everyday items.
2. Honey
   • How it works: Honey is a browser extension that automatically applies the best coupon codes when you shop online. In addition, it offers Honey Gold, which accumulates as cashback when you shop at participating stores.
   • Unique feature: Honey combines coupon savings with cashback, making it a double-saving opportunity.
   • Best for: Bargain hunters looking for coupon codes and cashback in one app.
3. TopCashback
   • How it works: TopCashback offers cashback from retailers when you shop through their portal. Unlike some apps, TopCashback passes almost 100% of commissions back to the user, resulting in higher cashback rates.
   • Unique feature: Higher cashback rates than many competitors, with payouts available via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.
   • Best for: Those looking for maximum cashback on purchases.
4. Dosh
   • How it works: Dosh links directly to your debit or credit card. Whenever you shop at participating retailers, cashback is automatically credited to your Dosh account.
   • Unique feature: No need to upload receipts or activate offers manually; just shop, and Dosh tracks your purchases.
   • Best for: People who prefer automatic cashback without any extra steps.
5. Swagbucks
   • How it works: Swagbucks offers cashback in the form of points called SB, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash. You earn SB by shopping through their platform or completing other tasks like surveys or watching videos.
   • Unique feature: Swagbucks offers a variety of ways to earn cashback, not just through shopping.
   • Best for: Users who want flexibility in how they earn and redeem cashback.
6. Fetch Rewards

• How it works: Fetch Rewards is another app primarily for groceries, allowing users to earn points by scanning receipts from any store, which can be converted into gift cards.
• Unique feature: Fetch Rewards partners with specific brands, so you can earn extra points when you buy participating products.
• Best for: Shoppers who want an easy way to earn points on everyday purchases.

8. Checkout 51

• How it works: Checkout 51 offers cashback on grocery and household purchases. After buying qualifying items, users simply upload a photo of their receipt to the app to claim cashback rewards.
• Unique feature: It doesn’t require a loyalty card or linked account—just upload your receipt from any store. New offers are updated every Thursday.
• Best for: Grocery shoppers who prefer to shop at different stores but still want to save money.

9. Caddle

• How it works: Caddle is a Canadian cashback app where users earn money by completing surveys, reviewing products, and submitting receipts for purchases made in-store or online. The app offers cashback on various everyday products.
• Unique feature: In addition to receipt-based cashback, Caddle offers daily surveys, allowing users to earn extra money without making a purchase.
• Best for: Canadians looking to earn cashback on grocery purchases and those interested in completing surveys for additional rewards.

10. Field Agent

• How it works: Field Agent connects brands with consumers to perform simple tasks like price checks, product audits, and in-store reviews. Users complete these tasks using the app and get paid once verified.
• Unique feature: Tasks are often location-based, meaning users earn money for physically visiting stores to complete assignments.
• Best for: People who enjoy being out and about and are looking to earn extra money by completing quick tasks at local stores.

By understanding these apps and choosing the one that fits your shopping habits, you can start stacking your savings as Black Friday approaches.

2. Preparing for Black Friday

Preparation is key to success on Black Friday, especially when using cashback apps. Begin by downloading the cashback apps you plan to use well in advance. Many of these apps require you to create an account and link your credit or debit card for seamless transactions.

Additionally, research the stores that will offer cashback on Black Friday. Popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often feature significant cashback offers. According to RetailMeNot, over 75% of major retailers planned to offer cashback promotions during the Black Friday weekend in 2023.

Sign up for email notifications from your favorite stores and cashback apps to stay updated on their exclusive offers.

3. Finding the Best Deals and Offers

Once you’re set up with your cashback apps, the next step is to find the best deals. Most cashback apps have a section dedicated to Black Friday offers, where you can see which retailers are providing cashback and how much.

A recent study by Statista found that 34% of shoppers stated they used cashback apps to find the best deals during Black Friday sales in 2023. By combining cashback offers with store discounts, you can potentially save a substantial amount on your purchases.

• Example: If you plan to buy a new laptop priced at $1,000 with a 10% cashback offer, you would receive $100 back through the cashback app. This brings your effective cost down to $900!

4. Stacking Discounts and Cashback

One of the smartest strategies for maximizing savings on Black Friday is stacking discounts. This means combining cashback offers with other discounts such as coupons, store promotions, and sales.

A 2023 report by RetailDive indicated that 56% of Black Friday shoppers sought to combine multiple deals to save more. Many cashback apps allow you to upload your receipts or connect directly to retailers, making it easy to access all applicable discounts.

For instance, if you find a store offering a 20% off coupon on top of a 10% cashback offer, you can double your savings. Use the coupon at checkout, then receive the cashback on the purchase price after the discount.

• Pro Tip: Look for coupon codes on sites like Honey or Rakuten before completing your purchase. Many cashback apps also have features that automatically apply coupon codes for you.

5. Timing Your Purchases

Timing can significantly impact your cashback rewards. Many cashback apps offer limited-time promotions, especially during high-traffic shopping days like Black Friday. It’s essential to keep an eye on these time-sensitive offers to maximize your cashback potential.

Research by The Checkout revealed that 63% of shoppers believe they can get better deals by shopping earlier rather than waiting until the actual Black Friday date. Some retailers start their sales days or even weeks in advance, which means you could potentially stack cashback rewards on top of early bird deals.

Plan to shop early in the morning or even the night before Black Friday when many retailers go live with their deals.

6. Utilizing Multiple Cashback Apps

Don’t limit yourself to just one cashback app! Many savvy shoppers use multiple apps to ensure they get the best deals possible. Different apps may have varying cashback rates for the same retailer, allowing you to compare and choose the most lucrative option.

In 2023, a survey by Bankrate found that 29% of consumers used multiple cashback apps for their Black Friday shopping. Using several apps can help you maximize your savings on each purchase.

• Example: If one app offers 5% cashback at Target while another offers 7%, make your purchase through the app with the higher rate.
• Pro Tip: Keep a list of the stores you plan to shop at and check each cashback app for the best rates before making a purchase.

7. Securing Your Transactions

As you navigate your Black Friday shopping spree with cashback apps, keeping your financial information secure is crucial. Cybersecurity threats are prevalent during the holiday shopping season, and hackers often target online shoppers.

According to a Cybersecurity Ventures report, online shopping fraud is expected to reach $25 billion by 2027. Therefore, ensure that you’re using secure networks and trusted apps. Always check that the website is secure (look for “https” in the URL) and be cautious when entering personal information.

• Tip: Enable two-factor authentication on your cashback apps to add an extra layer of security.

8. Maximizing Returns with Cashback

After the shopping frenzy subsides, the returns process can become overwhelming, especially when using cashback apps. Make sure you keep your receipts and review the return policies for items purchased through cashback offers. Some apps may require you to return items through specific methods to qualify for cashback.

A 2023 study from the National Retail Federation revealed that 25% of Black Friday shoppers planned to return at least one item purchased. To streamline the process, keep your cashback app open during returns, as some retailers allow you to initiate returns through the app.

• Tip: Check if the cashback app provides a way to track your return, ensuring you receive your cash back once the item is returned.

9. Learning from the Experience

As you complete your Black Friday shopping, take the time to reflect on your experience. What worked well, and what could be improved for next time? Analyzing your shopping habits can help you become a smarter shopper in future sales events.

Recent research by McKinsey found that 75% of shoppers plan to adjust their shopping strategies based on previous experiences. Learning from your Black Friday shopping can lead to even greater savings in future years.

Keep a record of your purchases and cashback earned to track your progress and savings over time.

Conclusion
Shopping smart on Black Friday doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By leveraging cashback apps, preparing in advance, and utilizing strategic shopping tactics, you can maximize your savings while enjoying the thrill of the hunt. With a little planning and the right tools, this Black Friday can become not just a day of spending but a rewarding financial opportunity.

See this amazing deal on amazon.

Citations:

• NerdWallet Survey on Cashback Apps, 2023
• RetailMeNot Report on Black Friday Promotions, 2023
• Statista Study on Black Friday Shopping Trends, 2023
• RetailDive Analysis on Deal Stacking, 2023
• The Checkout Research on Shopping Timing, 2023
• Bankrate Survey on Multiple Cashback Apps, 2023
• Cybersecurity Ventures Report on Online Shopping Fraud, 2023
• National Retail Federation Return Statistics, 2023
• McKinsey Research on Shopping Strategies, 2023

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