How to Get Money Back When You Shop: A Guide to Australian Cashback Sites
Who doesn’t love getting a little something back when they shop? If you do a lot of online shopping, using a cashback website or app is a no-brainer. These services let you earn money back on everyday purchases, turning routine spending into extra savings.
Whether you’re looking to boost your retirement income or just stretch your budget further, Australian cashback sites can be a smart way to save money on the things you’re already buying.
Related reading: The Best Shopping in Melbourne: A Guide to Iconic Spots and Hidden Gems
Best Australian Cashback Websites and Apps
How They Work
At first, the idea of a retailer giving you money back after a purchase might sound too good to be true. But here’s how it actually works:
- Retailers partner with cashback websites and apps to attract more customers.
- When you shop through these platforms, the cashback provider earns a commission from the retailer.
- The cashback provider then passes a portion of that commission back to you as a reward.
This concept is similar to loyalty programs like Flybuys and Everyday Rewards, where you accumulate points on purchases that can later be redeemed for gift vouchers, discounts or other rewards. However, with cashback services, you receive actual money back rather than points.
To receive your cashback, you’ll need to create an account and link your bank or PayPal details. Some services even offer options to deposit cashback directly into your superannuation account.
How to Use Cashback Services
Using a cashback service is simple, but you need to follow the right steps to ensure you receive your savings:
- Sign Up: Create an account with a cashback website or app of your choice.
- Start Your Shopping Journey Through the Cashback Site: Instead of going directly to a retailer’s website, access it via the cashback platform to ensure your purchase is tracked.
- Use Browser Extensions: Some cashback services offer browser extensions that notify you when cashback is available on a site you’re visiting.
- Wait for the Cashback to Be Processed: Payments aren’t instant—most take between 30 and 100 days as retailers need to confirm purchases weren’t returned or refunded.
Best Cashback Sites in Australia
If you’re ready to start earning money back on your purchases, here are some of the best cashback sites Australia has to offer:
Cashrewards
Cashrewards partners with over 2,000 well-known Australian and international brands, including Apple, Myer, Amazon, and Liquorland. The average cashback rate is around 7%, meaning a $100 purchase could earn you $7 back. Cashrewards offers mobile apps for iOS and Android, plus browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Many consider it the best cashback website available in Australia.
“I’ve been using Cashrewards for over a year, and I’ve saved hundreds of dollars on purchases I would have made anyway. It’s simple to use, and the cashback adds up quickly!” — Julie, Melbourne.
ShopBack
ShopBack features more than 1,500 retailers, including Big W, Chemist Warehouse, and eBay. With cashback rates sometimes reaching up to 20%, it’s one of the most rewarding options.
ShopBack also provides frequent promotions and daily specials, and it has a user-friendly app for iOS and Android, along with a browser extension.
“I was sceptical at first, but ShopBack has been fantastic! I’ve received cashback on everything from groceries to travel bookings. It’s like getting paid to shop.” — Mark, Sydney.
Why Not Use Both?
A common question is whether you have to choose between Cashrewards and ShopBack. The good news? You don’t! Many savvy shoppers use both platforms to maximise their cashback.
Since retailers may offer different cashback rates on each site, checking both before making a purchase can help you get the best deal. Some users also take advantage of special promotions that vary between platforms, further increasing their savings.
Full disclosure: the links in this post are referral links, which means we may earn a small amount if you sign up—at no cost to you.
Privacy and Security Considerations
While cashback apps offer fantastic savings, they do come with some privacy trade-offs. Many of these services collect data on your purchases, browsing habits, and even your location. This information is often used to target ads more effectively.
Before signing up, take time to read the privacy policy and decide if you’re comfortable with the data being collected.
Is Cashback Worth It?
If you’re already making purchases from participating retailers, cashback services are an easy way to earn a little extra money. However, the key is to use them wisely—don’t buy things you don’t need just to get cashback, and always compare prices to ensure you’re still getting the best deal.
Have you tried any of these Australian cashback sites? Share your experiences in the comments!
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