Cash-back apps can help consumers in the U.S. earn rewards, find coupons and save money on everyday purchases. Platforms such as Rakuten, Ibotta and Capital One Shopping offer different ways to earn cash back or find better prices, while rewards programs and credit cards require attention to fees, eligibility and terms.
Cash-back apps can help consumers in the United States recover part of the money they spend on eligible purchases while also taking advantage of coupons, promotions and retailer-specific rewards.
Love getting cash back, earning rewards and finding better prices? For Brazilians living in the United States, apps and digital shopping platforms can make it easier to save money on purchases you are already planning to make.
The rewards market has grown significantly in recent years. According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), consumers earned US$ 47.5 billion in credit card rewards in 2024, including US$ 16.6 billion in cash-back rewards.
But earning rewards does not necessarily mean spending more. The key is to understand how each program works, check its terms and use rewards as a complement to your normal spending.
Here are three options that can be useful in the U.S. today:
1. Earn Cash Back When You Shop with Rakuten
Rakuten is one of the better-known cash-back platforms for online shopping in the United States.
The basic idea is simple: you start your shopping trip through Rakuten, complete the purchase at an eligible retailer and receive a percentage of the qualifying purchase back in your Rakuten account. Rakuten says shoppers can use its website, browser extension or mobile app.
Cash-back rates vary by retailer, category and promotion, so it is worth checking the current offer before completing a purchase. Rakuten says payments can be made through PayPal or by check, with the timing depending on the account and payment cycle.
For someone who already shops online in the U.S., the important habit is to check the cash-back rate before clicking through to the retailer. The reward is not a reason to buy something you do not need.
2. Get Cash Back on Groceries and More with Ibotta
Ibotta is another option, particularly for groceries and everyday purchases.
The app allows users to add eligible cash-back offers before shopping and then redeem qualifying purchases. Depending on the retailer and offer, users may submit a receipt or link a loyalty account so eligible purchases can be matched automatically.
Ibotta also offers cash back for some online purchases. Users need to activate the offer and follow the platform’s shopping instructions, while checking the exclusions and eligibility requirements.
Ibotta currently says its savers earn an average of US$218 per year, although individual results vary significantly depending on shopping habits and available offers.
The important point is that cash back is generally tied to specific offers and qualifying purchases. Always check the conditions before buying.
3. Find Coupons, Price Drops and Rewards with Capital One Shopping
A useful modern alternative to the price-protection concept described in the original article is Capital One Shopping.
The free shopping tool searches for coupon codes, compares prices at participating retailers, provides price-drop notifications and can offer rewards on eligible purchases. It is available as a browser extension and mobile app.
Capital One says the service can compare prices, including shipping costs and membership pricing in certain cases, and notify users when prices drop on items they have viewed. Rewards can be redeemed for digital gift cards from participating retailers.
This makes the platform particularly relevant for online purchases where you want to check both the price and available coupons before paying.
What happened to Birch Finance and Earny?
The original version of this article mentioned Birch Finance and Earny. Those references are now outdated.
Birch Finance, which recommended credit cards based on spending habits, is no longer operating and its former app is archived rather than available for download.
Earny was known for automatically tracking purchases and seeking refunds when prices dropped under eligible price-protection policies. That service is no longer available in the form described in the original article.
The original links were:
- BirchFinance.com — historical reference; service discontinued.
- Earny.com — historical reference; original price-protection service discontinued.
MoneyLion remains active, but its rewards program has changed considerably since the original article was published. Its current Rewards Program allows qualifying users to earn points through designated activities and certain cash-back offers, with the current terms stating that 100 points equal US$1 and that redemption options can include cash credits. Eligibility and offers can change.
A reminder about credit card rewards
Cash back and rewards can be useful, but they should not encourage unnecessary spending or carrying an expensive credit-card balance.
The CFPB’s latest market report found that consumers earned US$47.5 billion in credit-card rewards in 2024, while its research has also highlighted consumer complaints involving devalued rewards, complicated redemption rules and unclear terms.
For Brazilians living in the U.S., the basic strategy remains simple: compare the reward, read the conditions and avoid paying interest just to earn points or cash back.
Happy Rewards!
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a cash-back app?
A cash-back app rewards users with money, credits or other benefits after qualifying purchases. The amount and conditions vary according to the platform, retailer and offer.
2. Are cash-back apps free?
Many major cash-back platforms are free to join. However, users should always check the terms, eligibility requirements and any fees associated with financial products connected to a rewards program.
3. Can I use more than one cash-back app?
Sometimes. Different types of rewards may be combined, but using multiple shopping portals or coupon systems on the same purchase can interfere with tracking. Always check the specific terms before completing a purchase.
4. Is Rakuten available in the United States?
Yes. Rakuten currently offers cash back through its website, browser extension and mobile app, with participating retailers and rates that can change over time.
5. Can Capital One Shopping find lower prices?
Capital One says its shopping tool compares prices at participating retailers, searches for coupons and can send price-drop notifications for items users have viewed.
