Best Cashback Sites UK

Feeling annoyed about spending money and not getting anything back? If you want a simple way to increase your income with minimal effort, the best cashback sites in the UK are a great option. These platforms give you rewards just for shopping like you usually do, helping you save money on your purchases and putting a little extra cash back in your pocket. You can actually make your regular spending work for you with the best cashback sites, turning it into a nice little side hustle that just keeps paying off.

What Are Cashback Sites?

Cashback sites are these cool online platforms that give us a little reward, like a percentage back, when you shop using their links. These sites team up with tonnes of retailers, so you can earn some cash on the purchases you’d make regardless. So, when buying something, the retailer gives a commission to the cashback site for sending you their way, and then that cashback site passes some of that commission back to you as cashback.

Why Use Cashback Sites as a Side Hustle?

Cashback sites are one of the easiest side hustles you can try out. Since you're already shopping online, why not earn some cash on the way? It's an easy way to make some extra cash without having to change the way you spend money. Also, it takes almost no time once the accounts are set up, which makes it a fantastic way to boost your income with minimal effort.

One great thing about cashback sites is that you can stack rewards. Picture this: you’re earning cashback from a site like Rakuten, stacking up points on your rewards credit card, and grabbing a coupon code for extra savings. How great is that? These little victories really pile up, transforming everyday shopping into a real side income source. What's the best part? It's passive—you're making some extra cash on stuff you would buy anyway.

Why Do Cashback Sites Pay?

Cashback sites team up with retailers using affiliate programs. So, when you buy something through a cashback site, the retailer gives the site a commission for sending you their way. The cashback site shares a bit of that commission with you. It's a win-win-win situation: retailers attract more customers, cashback sites make some commission, and you get a little something back in your pockets.

This model has proven successful for many companies, as it drives traffic and sales to their websites, often from users who might not have considered shopping there otherwise. Cashback sites are effectively acting as marketing partners for retailers, providing them with a steady stream of potential customers. In return, you benefit by getting a portion of the commission earned by the cashback site — a reward for your loyalty and smart shopping.

How Much Money Can I Make with Cashback Sites?

The money you can earn from cashback sites really depends on how you shop and how frequently you use those platforms. Many users say they earn around £100 to £300 each year just by doing their regular shopping. If you tend to make bigger purchases or shop often, that number can really add up quickly.

For instance, Rakuten often has cashback rates that can reach 10% or even higher at specific retailers, and Ibotta gives you great cashback chances on groceries. Some clever shoppers are racking up over £500 a year by combining cashback offers with sales and credit card rewards. Also, special events such as double cashback days, holiday sales, or exclusive partnerships can really help boost your earnings. Staying in the loop about these offers is key! Make sure to sign up for email alerts from cashback sites and keep an eye out for new promotions regularly.

These rates were last updated in November 2024, and they tend to vary based on promotional events and retailer participation, so staying updated is key to maximising your earnings.

Top Cashback Sites to Join

Rakuten

  • Overview: Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten offers cashback from over 2,500 stores.
  • Features: Easy-to-use browser extension, in-store cashback options, and regular promotional offers.
  • Why We Love It: Rakuten often provides higher cashback rates during special events and offers a generous referral bonus. The platform is user-friendly and offers a wide range of partner retailers, making it one of the best options for online shoppers.

Swagbucks

  • Overview: Swagbucks isn't just a cashback site; it's a comprehensive rewards platform that allows you to earn points (known as Swagbucks) for a variety of activities, including shopping, taking surveys, watching videos, and even playing games.
  • Features: Multiple earning avenues, gift cards, and PayPal cashouts.
  • Why We Love It: Multiple ways to earn means you can boost your income even when we're not shopping. Swagbucks is perfect for those who like to multitask and earn extra cash through daily activities. The flexibility to earn through surveys and video content makes Swagbucks a versatile option for boosting income.

TopCashback

  • Overview: TopCashback is known for offering some of the highest cashback rates available.
  • Features: They pass 100% of the commission back to users, have no minimum payout threshold, and feature an extensive list of retailers, including both major brands and smaller niche stores.
  • Why We Love It: More money back in your pockets! Plus, they offer frequent bonuses and promotions. TopCashback provides a fantastic way to maximise your earnings by allowing you to claim a larger share of the commission compared to other cashback sites. This site is especially popular for frequent shoppers who want to maximise every penny.

Ibotta

  • Overview: Ibotta is a mobile app focused on cashback for groceries and everyday essentials.
  • Features: Earn by uploading receipts, linking loyalty cards, and shopping through the app.
  • Why We Love It: It's perfect for earning cashback on in-store purchases, especially groceries. Ibotta makes saving on the weekly shopping trips a breeze by offering real-time rebates and rewards for products you already purchase. This is a must-have app for anyone looking to make their grocery shopping more rewarding.

Honey

  • Overview: Honey is a browser extension that automatically finds and applies coupon codes at checkout.
  • Features: Earn Honey Gold (points) on purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards. The extension also helps you find the best prices for products across multiple retailers.
  • Why We Love It: It simplifies savings by combining coupon hunting with cashback rewards. Honey takes the hassle out of saving money by automating the coupon search process, making it easy to earn rewards while also reducing the cost of purchases.

My Side Gig

  • Overview: My Side Gig is the UK's no.1 free money site, offering users cashback in exchange for completing simple online tasks, making it an easy way to earn extra money.
  • Features: Competitive cashback rates, straightforward tasks, and a user-friendly platform that allows you to earn money effortlessly.
  • Why We Love It: The site offers a one-of-a-kind way to make money by doing different online tasks. It can help you quickly and easily make more money from your side job. My Side Gig is popular with people who want to make as much money as possible without putting in a lot of work. The tasks are easy, and the cashback rates are high.

How to Boost Earnings with Cashback Sites

  • Stack Cashback Offers: You can use a cashback credit card along with cashback sites for double the rewards. By layering these benefits, you maximise the savings potential, making your purchases even more rewarding.
  • Refer Friends and Family: Many sites offer bonus rewards when you invite others to join. Referral bonuses are an easy way to boost our earnings without spending anything.
  • Stay Updated on Promotions: Regularly check for special events like double cashback days or exclusive retailer offers. These promotions can significantly boost your earnings, so staying in the loop is key. Subscribing to newsletters or notifications from cashback sites ensures you never miss a great deal.

Tips and Tricks for Effective Cashback Earnings

  • Install Browser Extensions: Tools from Rakuten, Honey, and others ensure you never miss out on cashback opportunities. These extensions will alert you when cashback is available, making it easy to click through and start saving immediately.
  • Compare Rates: Before making a purchase, let's check which site offers the highest cashback for that retailer. Sites like Cashback Monitor can help you compare rates, ensuring that you get the most out of every purchase.
  • Read the Fine Print: Some sales, like gift cards or certain types of products, might not be eligible for cashback. Knowing the rules helps you avoid any surprises and make sure you get the most cashback on things that qualify.

Start Earning Today

Turning everyday shopping into a profitable side hustle is easier than ever. By signing up for these cashback sites, you're well on your way to earning extra money with minimal effort. Whether you're grocery shopping, buying clothing, or treating yourselves to something special, cashback sites help you save and earn money at the same time. But why stop here?

There are many other side hustles that can help you boost your income even further. Check out opportunities like matched betting, taking paid surveys, freelancing on Fiverr, or even starting a small online business.

FAQs

Yes! Most reputable cashback sites are safe and secure. Always make sure you're using well-known platforms like Rakuten, Swagbucks, or MySideGig. These sites have solid reputations and provide secure transactions to ensure your data remains protected.

Cashback sites earn a commission from retailers for referring customers. They share part of this commission with you as cashback, allowing you to benefit from their partnership with retailers.

Typically, you can only use one cashback site per transaction, but you can combine it with other discounts like credit card rewards or coupon codes. By stacking different rewards, you can increase your overall savings.

4. How Long Does It Take to Receive Cashback? Cashback usually takes a few days to several weeks to appear in your accounts, depending on the retailer's policies. Some sites provide estimated timelines for cashback, which can help you keep track of your expected earnings.

Most cashback sites are completely free to use. Some may offer premium memberships, but those are optional and often provide additional perks like higher cashback rates or faster payout times.