How to Use Cashback Sites Like Rakuten & Great Canadian Rebates

If you shop online or in-store regularly, cashback sites like Rakuten and Great Canadian Rebates can help you earn money back on purchases you’re already making. Learning how to use cashback sites effectively can turn your everyday spending into small but consistent savings over time. From clicking through shopping portals to using a browser extension or scanning receipts, there are plenty of ways to earn.

What are cashback sites?

Cashback sites are platforms that reward you with a percentage of your purchase when you shop through their links, browser extension or mobile app. Some platforms also let you scan receipts after you make an eligible purchase to claim cashback.

These platforms partner with retailers and earn a commission for referring customers. A portion of that commission is then shared with you as cashback.

Are cashback portals actually legit?

Yes, most major cashback sites are legitimate. Platforms like Rakuten, Great Canadian Rebates, TopCashback and BeFrugal have millions of users and long track records of payouts. I’ve even used a few of these platforms myself and have successfully withdrawn my cashback.

However, there are a few caveats:

• Cashback can take weeks or months to confirm
• Purchases may not track properly if specific conditions aren’t met
• Some offers have exclusions, like you can’t combine a cashback promotion with a store promotion

As long as you use well-known cashback platforms and read the terms and conditions carefully, cashback sites are a safe and reliable way to earn a little extra cash.

How much can you earn?

Earnings vary widely depending on your spending habits and how many platforms you use. Most platforms offer , but many have promotions where cashback rates can go up to .

You won’t get rich from using cashback sites, but you may earn some extra coffee money.

Ways to earn using cashback sites

Shop through cashback portals

How it works: Just head to the cashback website, search for a retailer you want to shop with, and you should be able to see the cashback rate as well as the terms and conditions required to qualify. Once you complete the purchase on the retailer’s website, the cashback will typically appear in your account within a few days or weeks, although it may take longer to become available for withdrawal.

Download a mobile app

How it works: Download the cashback platform’s mobile app to look for deals and shop on the go. You should be able to see all the same information on the app, including cashback rates, terms, your transaction history and account details.

Install the browser extension

How it works: Some cashback platforms offer a browser extension you can download that will automatically activate cashback when you visit participating retailers. You may even be able to see the cashback rate on search results pages before you click on the retailer, so you can quickly compare offers.

Link your card

How it works: You can link an eligible debit or credit card to your cashback account, so rewards will be automatically applied when you shop in-store or online. Not all cashback platforms offer this, but Rakuten does.

Scan receipts

How it works: Cashback apps like Swagbucks and Checkout 51 reward you after you upload or scan receipts from eligible purchases. After you make a qualifying purchase, you simply take a photo of your receipt or scan it in the app, and it verifies the items before crediting your account with cashback.

What are the popular cashback sites?

Some of the most widely used cashback platforms in Canada include Rakuten, Great Canadian Rebates, Checkout 51, Swagbucks and TopCashback. These platforms offer a mix of online or in-person shopping and receipt scanning to earn cashback. While each works slightly differently, they all follow the same basic model of sharing referral commissions with users.

Tips to earn the most cashback

• Activate cashback before every purchase. Make sure you visit a retailer’s site through a cashback platform’s website or app or use its browser extension so your cashback is tracked properly.
• Disable ad blockers before shopping. Another way to ensure your cashback is tracked properly is to disable any ad blockers, as they can interfere with tracking.
• Use a cashback credit card. Complete your eligible purchases with a cashback credit card to earn extra rewards.
• Stack cashback with coupons and promo codes. Try to combine deals from the cashback site and retailer to increase your total savings on each purchase. Not all cashback platforms and retailers allow this, so be sure to read the terms and conditions first.
• Use multiple cashback platforms. You can sign up for multiple cashback sites, but you can only activate one deal at a time, so check which platform has the best cashback rate before completing your purchase.
• Refer friends to earn bonuses. Most cashback sites offer extra rewards when you refer friends and they complete a qualifying purchase.
• Check for temporary promotions. Some cashback sites offer weekly or monthly promotions with higher cashback rates. You can often sign up for app or email notifications so you don’t miss any deals.

How long do payouts take?

Cashback isn’t instant because cashback platforms must wait for confirmation from the retailer, often once the return period has passed. And if you’re earning cashback on travel bookings, you’ll have to wait until your trip is complete to see your rewards.

Generally, it takes anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months for cashback to become payable. Once it does, you may still have to wait until the platform’s next withdrawal period. For example, Rakuten only pays out rewards quarterly, while on TopCashback you can withdraw your rewards as soon as they’re payable.

How do cashback sites treat your data?

Cashback sites typically collect your data to track purchases, verify cashback eligibility and improve their services, which means they may monitor your shopping activity, click behaviour, and purchase history through cookies or tracking links. They can also see data like your IP address, operating system and the type of device or browser you use.

These platforms have security measures in place to keep your data safe and typically only retain it for as long as necessary to provide cashback or meet legal requirements.

They may share your data with third parties like affiliates and business partners with your consent, but you can request that your data be deleted at any time or amend what data the platform has access to.

Verdict: Are cashback sites worth it?

Cashback sites are free to use, so they’re definitely worth it, especially if you shop online regularly and want to save money on purchases you’re already making. While the earnings won’t be huge, using cashback platforms consistently can add up to meaningful rewards over time. And if you use a browser extension or link your card, you can earn cashback without even having to go to a cashback site or app.

Frequently asked questions

• Who gives out 5% cashback?

  Most platforms offer 1% to 10% cashback, so it should be easy to find 5% cashback offers. However, these rates vary by platform and retailer, and many platforms only offer higher rates during promotional periods.

• How do cashback sites make money?

  Cashback sites earn commissions from retailers for sending them customers through affiliate links. They then share a portion of that commission with users as cashback and keep the rest as revenue.

• Why didn't I receive my cashback?

  Cashback may not track if you don't follow the proper steps, use other links during checkout or if the retailer has exclusions you didn't notice. It can also be delayed while awaiting retailer confirmation. If you don't see your cashback after the estimated timeframe, you can usually submit a missing cashback claim or contact customer support for assistance.

• Is there a minimum amount to withdraw cashback?

  Yes, most platforms require you to reach a minimum balance before withdrawing your cashback. Payout thresholds vary by platform but range from $5–$20.

• How do I get paid from cashback platforms?

  Each cashback platform has different payout methods, but you can typically withdraw your rewards as cash via PayPal or bank transfer, gift cards, or Mastercard or Visa cards.

To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Leanne Escobal as part of our fact-checking process.

Written by

Rebecca Low

Writer

Rebecca Low is a writer for Finder. She has contributed to a range of digital publications, including income.ca, Indeed, and Expatden, writing on topics like personal finance, career development, and travel. See full bio