Rebate apps are one of the most underrated ways to save money—especially when you use them with coupons, digital offers, and store rewards. These apps don’t just help you save—they literally pay you back. And when you stack those rebates with other discounts? That’s when the magic happens.
Dive into the world of rebate apps and discover how to use them alongside other savings tools to get the most cash back possible.
Rebate Apps 101: What They Are and How They Work
Rebate apps reward you after you buy something. Unlike a digital coupon you apply at checkout, rebate apps give you cashback by scanning your receipt, linking a loyalty account, or using a connected credit or debit card.
Once verified, the app deposits money into your account, and when you hit a certain threshold, you can cash out via PayPal, Venmo, gift cards, or direct deposit.
💡 Good to Know: Most rebate apps work with both in-store and online purchases.
Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the most popular rebate apps for groceries, household items, and even online shopping. Just browse available offers, add them to your list, and scan your receipt after shopping.
You can also link store loyalty accounts to earn without uploading receipts at stores like Walmart, Kroger, and Publix.
💰 Stacking Tip: Combine Ibotta offers with digital store coupons and manufacturer coupons for triple-layer savings.
🔗 Get started: https://www.ibotta.com/
Fetch Rewards
Fetch is one of the easiest rebate apps to use. Just scan your receipt—no offer activation needed—and earn points toward gift cards. You’ll earn bonuses for specific brands and products, and extra points during promotional events.
Fetch works well for families buying from big brands like Kellogg’s, Pepsi, and Huggies.
🎯 Stacking Tip: Use paper or digital coupons, then scan your receipt for Fetch Rewards points on the same purchase.
🔗 Get started: https://www.fetchrewards.com/
Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback powerhouse for online shopping. Simply activate a deal before you shop or use the browser extension to track your purchases. Stores like Best Buy, Old Navy, and Sephora often offer 5%–15% cashback.
💰 Stacking Tip: Use Rakuten with coupon extensions like Honey or Capital One Shopping, and layer in credit card rewards if you pay with a cashback card.
🔗 Get started: https://www.rakuten.com/
Dosh
Dosh gives you cashback automatically when you pay with a linked credit or debit card at participating stores, restaurants, and services. There’s no scanning—just shop, swipe, and earn.
Popular stores include Sam’s Club, Instacart, and hotel chains like Marriott.
🍔 Stacking Tip: Use Dosh on top of in-store sales, coupon codes, and loyalty perks for dining, travel, and delivery services.
🔗 Get started: https://www.dosh.com/
Shopkick
Shopkick gives you points (called “kicks”) for walking into stores, scanning barcodes, watching videos, or buying certain products. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, Target, and more.
It’s more passive than other rebate apps, making it great for casual couponers.
🎉 Stacking Tip: Scan qualifying items for kicks, use a coupon at checkout, then scan your receipt in another app like Fetch for even more rewards.
🔗 Get started: https://www.shopkick.com/
Maximize Your Rewards with These Stacking Strategies
To make rebate apps really work for you, try these smart stacking moves:
Use a manufacturer coupon + store sale + rebate
Use a store digital coupon + Fetch receipt scan
Activate Rakuten or Dosh + pay with a rewards credit card
Scan the same receipt in multiple apps (e.g., Ibotta + Fetch + Shopkick)
💳 Example: Buy toothpaste on sale at CVS with a digital coupon. Scan the receipt with Ibotta for cashback and with Fetch for points. If you paid with a card linked to Dosh at a participating store, you’ll earn there too.
Final Insights
Rebate apps make it easier than ever to get real money back on things you’re already buying. And when you pair them with coupons, loyalty programs, and digital promos, the savings add up fast. Whether you’re grocery shopping, dining out, or buying tech online, there’s a rebate app out there ready to pay you back.
So don’t leave money on the table—download a couple of these apps, stack your deals, and start getting paid to save.
