Cash-back websites have become an increasingly popular money-saving tool for savvy online shoppers. Picking the right site to use can be a challenge given the multitude of choices each with distinct benefits and drawbacks. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the individual consumer’s circumstances.
Five cash-back sites stand out from the rest. They each offer unique value propositions so the following analysis can assist in determining which program best matches your shopping needs.
EBATES
Since its establishment in 1998, Ebates has remained a significant player in the cash-back site sector. The site is simple to use; shoppers browse through 1,800 partnered stores via the site, make purchases and earn cash back, which depends on the store and can fluctuate. Essentially, Ebates shares a fraction of the commission it gets from sales with its users in the form of cash back.
Pros
Its straightforward system is easy to use and understand, thus avoiding the confusion some intricate cash-back sites cause. A broad range of partnered stores gives users extensive options and its reputation is robust, having an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.
Cons
Cash back payments are processed quarterly, hence, payout is not instantaneous. You also need to earn at least $5.01 within three months to receive any cash back. Occasionally, the cash-back percentages offered by Ebates are not the most competitive.
Bottom line on Ebates
Ebates is ideal for casual shoppers looking for cash-back rewards without complex requirements. However, serious deal hunters seeking more immediacy and flexibility in their payments may need to consider other options.
TOPCASHBACK
Founded a decade ago in the UK, TopCashback has gained popularity in the US since its introduction in 2011. Unlike Ebates, TopCashback promises to give back the entire commission to users as cash back. As a result, better rates can be earned at times, but the site’s reliance on banner ads for revenue generation can create some user experience issues.
Pros
TopCashback covers an impressive 3,500 merchants, generally offering competitive cash-back rates. It allows users to earn cash back without making purchases by participating in surveys, signing up for free trials or performing web searches. It also provides exclusive offers for its users featuring increased cash-back rates and one-of-a-kind discounts on sale offers.
Cons
Despite boasting about exclusive offers, they are not always superior. For instance, a 6% cashback offer for Sakes OFF 5th which TopCashback claims as exclusive, can be outdone with an 8% cashback offer for the same on Ebates. The process to earn the “Free” cash back is not always straightforward and can require a purchase. In addition, their payment process can be ambiguous, and irksome ads can be a deterrent. The ambiguous payment process might have veered towards its C- Better Business Bureau grade.
Bottom line on TopCashBack
TopCashback is most suitable for consumers looking for the best cash-back rates from a wide range of stores. However, consumers who prefer a better user experience with fewer ads and more direct service might be better off with a different service.
SWAGBUCKS
Introduced by the digital services company, Prodege, Swagbucks operates on a different model compared to traditional cash-back sites like Ebates or TopCashback. Instead of just cash back on purchases, Swagbucks grants users a variety of ways to earn “SwagBucks,” which can be traded for gift cards, coupons, or entries into “Swagstakes.”
Pros
Among the pleasurable ways to earn SwagBucks include taking surveys, watching videos, voting in polls, playing games, and searching the web, in addition to shopping. There’s a wide range of gift card redemption options. A handy web browser extension alerts you about potential cash-back opportunities with partnered retailers.
Cons
Its diverse cash-back options can be quite overwhelming for new users. These actions also require more effort compared to traditional cash back sites. Actual cash back is not given, only gift cards. There have been multiple complaints across online forums about the unresponsiveness of Swagbucks’ customer service.
Bottom line on SwagBucks
Swagbucks is perfect for those seeking a more game-oriented cash-back experience and are fine with receiving gift cards instead of cash. However, for customers wanting to earn cash back simply by making purchases without any other complications, it’s not the ideal choice.
INBOX DOLLARS
Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, InboxDollars started earning cash back by focusing on emails. It now also lets users take surveys, watch video ads, play games, browse the web, and shop online. In terms of offering cash back instead of gift cards, InboxDollars functions more similarly to Ebates and TopCashback than Swagbucks.
Pros
Like Swagbucks, InboxDollars gives cash back for various other activities besides making purchases. Only cash amounts are provided, clearly showing what can be earned by each action. Actual cash back can be received via a check, a visa gift card, or an InboxDollars eCard. Users can also earn from redeeming manufacturer coupons from its partnership with Coupons.com.
Cons
The user experience is let down by navigation issues, unattractive design, and intrusive ads. The minimum cash-back payout threshold is $30, excluding a $3 processing fee. This service may not be the best fit for users who would rather not have their inboxes cluttered with advertising emails.
Bottom line on InboxDollars
InboxDollars will be a hit with users who enjoy spending time earning small amounts for performing various tasks. Users in search of a quick payout or those not interested in being bombarded with advertising emails may want to pick another option.
DEALSPOTR
A recent addition to the sector, Dealspotr is a hybrid of a coupon community and rewards/cash-back system. It relies on community participation, not on buying items or task-completion to base its cash-back program. Users earn “Karma Points” for posting and discussing coupons or deals on the site which can be traded in for Amazon gift cards.
Pros
Dealspotr’s user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Payouts can be processed in just a few days and active users can earn enough Karma Points for their first cash-back within days of commencing activities.
Cons
Currently, cash-back payouts are restricted to Amazon gift cards. The service is mostly targeted at deal hunters and couponers and the fact it’s a young site means users will have to constantly adapt to frequent updates and enhancements.
Bottom line on Dealspotr
Dealspotr is a perfect match for avid deal seekers and shoppers who just want to quickly access a coupon. Other sites can provide better for users who prefer to earn cash-back directly through purchases or get credit for participating in surveys and viewing ads.
