Earning money through cashback websites
Last Modified 16th of February 2021
Did you know that you could save money on everyday items just by purchasing them through a cashback websites? Let’s jump straight in!
How do cashback websites work?
Cashback websites work by directing you to the product website you require instead of you clicking directly on that particular website – essentially they’re referring you as a customer.
There’s no need to pay any subscriptions with the majority of cashback websites; they make their money by taking a commission payment from the retailer you’re clicking through to. Any cashback websites that charge you for membership should be avoided.
In order to claim cashback you will need to register your details. When you sign into the website it tracks where you click and will make a note if you go on to purchase something. When you’ve paid for that transaction it will calculate a small cashback fee as thanks for using their website as a referral system.
How much can I earn?
How much cashback you claim depends on the website and the product you buy. White goods such as fridges and washing machines, electrical devices and financial products including insurance policies are all common purchases yielding a significant cashback return, perhaps as much as £100, but you can get a few pennies back on just about anything.
A quick warning: not all cashback applications result in payment. It’s worth approaching cashback with a ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’ attitude and view any financial repayment as a bonus.
If you do receive cashback, payments tend to be made by online bank transfers or PayPal, however some may prefer to send you a cheque. Some sites may store your credit in an online account – it’s a good idea to withdraw this into your bank account as soon as possible, just in case the worst happens and the website goes bust.
Some cashback websites may offer points schemes, which can be converted into vouchers that can be spent with their retail partners. Others may offer discount vouchers rather than cash; shop around to find out what deals are on offer.
Major cashback websites may also offer you the opportunity to redeem cashback on purchases made in high street stores, providing you register your credit or debit card with them in advance.
When will I receive my cashback?
Be warned: cashback is not a quick way to make money! It can take a few weeks, sometimes even months, to receive your repayment. So don’t become reliant on it to pay the bills…
Where can I get cashback?
There are many sites offering cashback facilities, however here are a few of the most popular:
Cash Back To You – although not as big as some sites (it has links to 1,200 retail partners) you can boost your total by taking part in surveys or getting a credit report online
Fat Cheese – in addition to offering cashback deals from 2,000 retailers, Fat Cheese will give you £5 for every friend you recommend that signs up to the site.
Quidco – links to more than three thousand retailers. Although there is no joining fee, Quidco keeps the first £5 that you earn each year.
RPoints – offers deals from 2,500 retailers, extra points can be gained by taking part in trial offers, entering competitions and completing surveys through the website.
Top Cashback – in addition to the cashback you earn from the retailer, Top Cashback adds 1% to each cashback payment you receive.
These are just a few of the websites available. It’s worth shopping around between cashback sites as the amount of money you can reclaim varies between them, so certain sites might offer you a better deal depending on the item you are buying.
Anything else I need to know?
If you’re a member of a cashback website it’s worth signing up to their member newsletters, as these often reveal exclusive deals and incentives. Some websites offer daily specials that are only valid for a short period of time.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on cashback website forums in case other members are swapping tips about great deals. When you’re hunting for something using a cashback website, make sure you clear the cookies on your internet browser so that it’s clear you were redirected from the cashback site.
Finally, although cashback can be a nice little money saver, it’s important not to lose sight of why you logged on in the first place: to get the best deal on the item you’re buying. Make sure you’re getting the best value on your purchase and treat any cashback you earn as the icing on the cake.
