Top Cashback Sites in the UK to Earn While You Shop
The Best Cashback Sites UK: How to Earn Cashback and Save Money
If you're looking to save money while shopping, cashback sites in the UK are a great way to earn rewards on everyday purchases. These platforms allow you to receive a percentage of your purchase back, which adds up over time and helps you maximise your savings. In this guide, we’ll explain how cashback works, the different types of cashback options, and how to make the most of these opportunities to earn cashback and save money on your shopping.
What is Cashback?
Cashback is a reward you receive after making a purchase, usually in the form of a percentage of the amount spent. This cashback is either credited to your account or paid out to you as cash, helping you save money on your purchases. By using the right cashback methods, you can earn cashback on almost everything you buy, whether it’s online or in-store.
Types of cashback:
1. Traditional Cashback (Browser-Based)
Traditional cashback platforms like TopCashback, Quidco, and Rakuten are browser-based services that allow you to earn cashback on online purchases. Here's how they work:
Visit a cashback website and search for the retailer you want to shop with.
Click through to the retailer's website from the cashback platform. Your purchase will be tracked, ensuring that you receive cashback for the transaction.
After completing the purchase, the cashback site receives a commission from the retailer and passes a portion of that commission to you.
While this is an easy way to save money, it may take a few days or weeks for your cashback to be confirmed and paid out.
2. Instant Cashback (Pre-Paid Gift Cards)
Instant cashback is a newer method that lets you earn cashback immediately when purchasing pre-paid gift cards. These gift cards can be used online or in-store, and they offer instant cashback, so you don’t have to wait for your reward.
Platforms like Jam Doughnut, Tuck, and Widilo let you buy pre-paid gift cards for retailers, giving you immediate cashback at the point of purchase.
Why Do Companies Offer Cashback?
Retailers collaborate with cashback platforms to drive traffic to their sites and encourage purchases. For pre-paid gift cards, brands benefit by receiving payment upfront, which improves their cash flow. In return, they reward customers with cashback for shopping with them.
Maximise Your Savings: Combining Cashback Methods:
To make the most of cashback offers and save money, here’s how to combine both traditional and instant cashback methods:
Step 1: Check for a Student Discount
If you're a student, look for student discounts before you begin shopping. These extra discounts can be applied:
Online: Apply your student code during checkout for an extra discount.
In-store: Show your valid student ID to receive an in-store discount.
Step 2: Use a Traditional Cashback Site
When shopping online, use a traditional cashback site like Top Cashback, Quidco, Rakuten, or NX Rewards:
Search for the retailer on the cashback site.
Compare available cashback rates and special offers.
Click through to the retailer’s website to ensure your purchase is tracked and eligible for cashback.
Step 3: Pay with a Pre-Paid Gift Card
Once you’ve checked out your total, see if the retailer accepts gift cards. If so:
Purchase a pre-paid gift card from an instant cashback platform, such as Everup, Jam Doughnut, or Tuck.
Use a cashback credit or debit card (like Trading 212, which offers 1.5% cashback) to buy the gift card, adding another layer of savings.
Tip: Use our free tool to compare the best gift card cashback rates across platforms.
Step 4: Upload Your Receipt for Extra Cashback
For additional savings, upload your purchase receipt to receipt-scanning apps:
Amazon Shopper Panel gives you £5 in Amazon credit for submitting 10 receipts a month (50p per receipt).
This easy step can squeeze a little extra cashback out of every transaction.
Cashback Sign-Up Bonuses: Earn Cashback Right Away:
One of the best ways to get started on your earn cashback journey is by taking advantage of sign-up bonuses from cashback platforms. Here’s a list of the top cashback sign-up bonuses:
Traditional Cashback Sites:
Top Cashback: £10 sign-up bonus
Quidco: £15 sign-up bonus
Rakuten: £10 sign-up bonus
NX Rewards: £16.87 bonus
Virgin Red: 2000 points
Pre-Paid Gift Card Providers:
Cheddar: £2 sign-up bonus
Everup: 10 million coins (redeemable in the app)
Jam Doughnut: £3 sign-up bonus
Tuck: £1 sign-up bonus
Widilo: £5 sign-up bonus
By signing up for these cashback platforms, you can earn cashback instantly while benefiting from a generous sign-up bonus.
Example Transaction: How to Maximise Savings:
Here’s how combining multiple cashback methods can save you big on a £90 pair of Adidas trainers:
Purchase Adidas trainers for £90.
Unidays offers 15% student discount – saving £13.50.
Top Cashback offers 9% cashback – saving £8.10.
Cover the £76.50 bill with a £77 gift card from Everup, which offers 12.5% cashback – saving £9.62.
Submit your receipt to Amazon Shopper Panel for an additional £0.50 bonus.
Your £90 trainers now cost just £58.28 – a total savings of over 35%!
By combining traditional cashback methods, instant cashback gift cards, and receipt-scanning apps, you can save money on almost every purchase you make. Cashback offers might seem small individually, but they add up over time, helping you earn cashback on the items you buy regularly. Start signing up for the platforms mentioned above to begin saving right away!
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