Woman using cash back sites to earn her thousands per year

Cash back sites are an awesome way to save a significant amount of money and earn some extra cash too. You save and earn money just for using their link to shop and use coupons. Some programs have additional ways to earn money by using their search engine or taking surveys. There are literally dozens of programs out there that can help you save and earn even more.

Each one of the programs listed here is free and easy to join, has an active social media presence, and most importantly, pays as promised. So bookmark this article, take your time to review each opportunity, and take advantage of all that work for you.

Tips on Using Cash Back Sites

Cash back sites save you money by sharing the wealth. They earn a commission each time you click through to an online store from their site and make a purchase. In return for doing so, you receive a piece of that commission. The percentage can range from as little as 1% to as high as 25%, 30%, sometimes as much as 40%. The concept and process is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind for maximum cash back savings.

Coupons

Most sites only allow you to use coupons and promo codes listed on their site. Using others may invalidate your cash back.

Gift Cards

Most programs do not allow you to receive cash back when using a gift card.

Don't Jump Around

Make sure you start your shopping through your favorite cash back site. There are cookies that track how you got to the store site and if your first visit is from somewhere other than your cash back site you may not get credit.

Cash Out Threshold

Be aware of the cash out threshold. Some programs let you cash out at as little as $1 or $5 while other program cash out points are as high as $25. A high threshold may still be worth it if the cash back rate is high and you're making a large purchase, so don't automatically disregard them.

Have a Few Favorites

Check them all out, but don't spread yourself too thin or you'll never accrue enough to cash out. Have two or three favorites and rotate among them depending on which one offers the best rate. With that said, a number of sites offer sign-up bonuses that are enticing enough to use them at least once.

Get the Most Savings

Sometimes you can save more by not using a cash back site. Have a special promotion, coupon, or gift card that will save you more? Use that instead!

1. Ebates

Ebates is probably the most well-known of any of the cash back sites. They even have television commercials, which I haven't seen for any of their competition. Their emphasis is on customer service as one of the best features as well as offering some of highest cash back rates around. Their rates are almost always competitive and sometimes much better, but it's always worth comparing with one or two other cash back or rewards site to be sure. A low cash out threshold and $10 gift card sign-up bonus make it worth joining and trying.

Where Available: USA, CAN, CHN, KOR, RUS.

Number of Merchants: More than 1800.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 which is sent quarterly or rolls over until threshold is met.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal. You can also send payment to a friend of your choice.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $10 cash bonus after making $25 in qualifying purchases within 90 days.

Sign up with Ebates and get $10 cash bonus!

2. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is another well-known program with members earning close to a combined 100 million dollars in gift cards and cash. In addition to an extensive cash back shopping section, members can earn points called "Swag Bucks" by watching videos, taking surveys, playing games, and completing offers. It's the only site where members can earn $25 a month doing nothing more than using their mobile apps to watch videos.

Where Available: USA, AUS, CAN, IRL, UK.

Number of Merchants: More than 1500.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 for gift cards, $10 Visa e-card (no fee), or $25 for cash via PayPal (no fee).

Payment Methods: Gift card, Visa e-card, or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: Yes — multiple.

Sign-up Bonus: $5 after earning 2,500 SB within the first 60 days of membership.

Sign up with Swagbucks and get $5!

3. InboxDollars

The InboxDollars rewards program has been around for 15 years and has close to 1.5 million Facebook likes. Right now their cash back shopping program only has eight stores including Walmart, Kohl's, and Kmart. On the plus side, the cash back rates are competitive, and it's easy to earn extra money just for for clicking on emails they send, taking surveys, playing games, watching videos, and completing offers. They also have printable coupons and an internet search program that pays 15 cents per day just like the Bing Rewards Program, which doubles to 30 cents a day after you cash out your earnings for the first time and automatically become a part of their Gold Member program. At $30, their cash out threshold is on the high side, but they offer a $5 sign-up bonus. Even if you don't do anything more than use their search and earn function, you can reach the cash out amount.

Where Available: US, UK.

Number of Merchants: Eight.

Cash-Out Threshold: $30 which will be paid within two weeks of being requested.

Payment Methods: Check, which incurs a $3 processing fee, pre-paid Visa card (currently for US only) which incurs a $3 processing fee, pre-paid Visa e-card which has no fees, InboxDollars e-card which is connected to Tango, a company that offers a least 50 different gift cards.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $5.

Sign up with InboxDollars and get $5!

4. Ibotta

Ibotta is probably the most robust and diverse of the cash back apps. They have the most cash back product ability of all of the apps included here and members have saved over 27 million dollars. In addition to getting cash back for grocery shopping, Ibotta offers cash back on apparel, electronics, wine and spirits, restaurants, home and office, travel, and entertainment. Most of the cash back opportunities are for in-store purchases, but there are some that can be redeemed online.

In addition, Ibotta offers small rebates for staples such as bread, milk, and fresh fruit and veggies. Most items have to be purchased at approved stores, but their list is vast and the names are easily recognizable. Ibotta also offers incentives like bonus cash for redeeming a certain amount of rebates per month. Some offers can be redeemed multiple times. Ibotta also created team spirit cash back earning opportunities by encouraging members to join through Facebook, or create a team with referrals. The more everyone in the group earns, the more cash back bonuses each member gets. If you like mobile cash back apps, Ibotta is definitely one to have in your arsenal.

Where Available: USA.

Number of Products: More than 100.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10.

Payment Methods: PayPal, Venmo, or gift card (Amazon, Starbucks, Best Buy).

Sign-up Bonus: $1 after completing your first cash back rebate within 14 days.

Sign up and start saving with Ibotta today!

5. Giving Assistant

Giving Assistant refers to itself as the "double cash back" site because it passes along 100% of the commission to its customers. That is, there is no splitting like with the other sites. What's unique about this site, however, is its focus on giving. For every purchase that qualifies for cash back, Giving Assistant donates a meal to a family in need. They have donated more than 250,000 meals so far.

In addition, users can elect to donate part or all of their cash back savings to one or more of the thousands of charities available to choose from on their site. I did some rate comparisons and found that Giving Assistant did often offer significantly higher (up to double) cash back rates than other sites. Their rates matched the best of those at TopCashBack, a site outlined below which also passes along its full commission. Plus they offer a referral program, a $5 sign up bonus, and a low cash out threshold which makes this program appealing.

Where Available: USA as well as other countries, although they are not specified.

Number of Merchants: More than 1,000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5, paid weekly.

Payment Methods: U.S.- based Bank Visa/Mastercard Debit card or check, PayPal

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: $5 through our sign up link. Sign up now and get $5!

6. TopCashBack

TopCashBack passes along 100% of the commission it makes to its members. Billed as the "most generous cashback site," they make money by driving traffic to the store websites and through advertisements. When looking at the "latest offers" section on their homepage, the cash back rates were generally higher, sometimes more than two times higher than other sites. They have something called the "Highest Cash Back Guarantee," and there is no minimum needed to cash out. Bonus: Members can earn free cash back by completing surveys, free trials, or requesting free samples.

Where Available: USA, CAN, AUS, IND.

Number of Merchants: Over 3500.

Cash-Out Threshold: None. As soon as you have money in your account.

Payment Methods: Direct deposit, PayPal, Amazon gift card code.

Other: Earn additional cash back from their "Free Offers" section.

App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: None at this time.

Sign up and start saving with TopCashBack today!

7. SavingStar

SavingStar is a hybrid site that offers both traditional cash back shopping like Ebates, and grocery shopping mobile app cash back like Ibotta. The traditional cash back shopping works exactly like the other programs with users clicking through to a retailer to make a purchase and receive a percentage of SavingStar's commission. The rebate rates are competitive and worth comparing to other sites. In some cases the rate may be better.

The mobile app for grocery shopping works a little differently than the other ones listed here. Once joining, you will be asked to link your store loyalty cards to SavingStar. They will provide a list of stores which includes many local supermarkets as well as national chains, such as CVS and Rite Aid. From there you choose from among the offers available and they are loaded onto your cards. Before purchasing the item, scan your store card, as that information will be sent to SavingStar and that's how you will qualify for your cash back. They also offers "receipt scan" stores for specific retailers like Target and Walmart that don't have loyalty cards. Check their offers regularly because they have a "Healthy Offer" every week on items like fresh produce and occasional freebies where you are reimbursed the full purchase price.

Where Available: USA.

Number of Traditional Cash back stores: More than 500.

Number of Mobile Cash Back Offers: Varies but between 32 and 50.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5.

Payment Methods: Bank transfer, PayPal, or donate to charity.

Mobile App: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: No.

Sign up with SavingStar and start saving today!

8. Dollar Dig

Dollar Dig is a newer cash back site, having launched sometime in 2013. They have thousands of stores to shop through for cash back, coupons, and featured deals. Their cash out threshold is on the high side with members needing to reach $25 before being allowed to claim it. Their cash back rates are competitive, with some good deals thrown in now and again.

Where Available: USA, CAN, and numerous other countries.

Number of Merchants: More than 3200.

Cash-Out Threshold: $25.01 which can be requested immediately and is paid monthly, usually on the first of the month.

Payment Methods: Check (U.S. and Canada only) and PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: No.

Sign up and save with Dollar Dig today!

9. FatWallet

FatWallet is similar to Ebates in look and in feel. In addition to receiving cash back from purchases, FatWallet offers coupons, promo codes, free shipping offers, and special bundles. Their cash out threshold is reasonable at $10, and it's awesome that you can request payment immediately instead of waiting on their schedule.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Merchants: More than 1600.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 which can be requested immediately.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: No.

Sign up and start saving with FatWallet today!

10. Coupon Cactus

Coupon Cactus has a mascot named Cody, and as the name suggests, the site provides coupon codes (U.S. and international) as well as cash back offers. You can explore their offers by category, popularity, free shipping, clearance, and more. They have thousands of online merchants to choose from and an easy sign-up bonus.

Where Available: USA-based, but it looks like people from any country can join as long as businesses delivers there and users are able to cash a U.S. check or receive PayPal payments.

Number of Merchants: Almost 4000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 which is paid quarterly or rolls over until members reach $10.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: $3 bonus for signing up and liking their Facebook page.

Sign up for Coupon Cactus and get a $3 bonus!

11. BeFrugal

BeFrugal started out as a coupon only site back in 2009 and expanded into cash back territory in 2011. In addition to offering cash back, coupons, freebies, and sweepstakes, they are one of the few sites to offer a "Coupon Guarantee" and "Guaranteed Savings." They guarantee that a coupon on their site will work or you'll receive a $5 bonus. In addition, they guarantee to have the best cash back rate or they'll match the rate at 125%. That's cool, but their cash out threshold is on the high side at $25. Still, if you're going to make a large online purchase it could be worth a go as they offer $5 sign-up bonus.

Where Available: USA, UK. In addition, people from more than 100 counties can join and earn as long as they have a PayPal account.

Number of Merchants: More than 4000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $25, which is sent on the 15th of the month your funds are available. For example, if you reached $25 on the 17th of this month, you could request your money that day and it would be sent out on the 15th of next month.

Payment Methods: Check, PayPal, or gift card. Users outside of the U.S. will be paid via PayPal.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $5.

Sign up with BeFrugal and get a $5 bonus!

12. MyPoints

MyPoints has been in business for almost 20 years. Members earn points, which can be exchanged for gift cards or cash. These points are earned by making purchases through the MyPoints cash back portal, or participating in one of their other activities — surveys, games, searching the internet, reading email, watching videos, and printing and using coupons.

This rewards/cash back program has a couple of aspects that could potentially make it less desirable than other sites. First, the cash back rates. I compared MyPoints with other sites and looked at 10 merchants. In eight instances, the cash back rate was about half a percent lower, and in two cases it was about half a percent higher. Second, members who use the site earn points. Many sites do this and it's not a bad thing as long as points are equivalent to currency (i.e. one point = one penny, so 100 points = $1). In the case of MyPoints, the value of the points varies, and all are worth less than a penny each. For instance, a $10 Applebee's gift card is 1650 points, the equivalent of $16.50 if each point were worth a penny. Still, with a $10 gift card bonus for signing up and making a cash back purchase of $20, it's worth a shot just for that.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Merchants: More than 1900.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 gift card or $25 PayPal.

Payment Methods: Gift card or PayPal when enough points have been accrued.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $10 gift card when a purchase of $20 or more is made through their cash back shopping portal.

Try MyPoints and get a $10 gift card!

13. Upromise

Upromise is a cash back site whose mission is to help people save for college (for themselves or someone else). It's not, however, like a 529 Plan, which is designed to help families save money for college through interest bearing accounts. Nor does it have tax benefits like a 529 Plan. In fact, the money saved with Upromise does not have to be used for educational purposes at all and can be withdrawn at any time as long as the minimum cash out balance is met.

Like its competitors, Upromise offers cash back for online shopping. In addition, users can earn cash back when they register their credit card and dine out, book travel through their website, or acquire a Upromise branded credit card. Users also have access to grocery and drugstore e-coupons when they register their loyalty cards with the site.

Where Available: USA.

Number of Merchants: More than 850, plus more than 8,000 restaurants.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 which can be requested immediately online. For security purposes, amounts of $1000 or greater must be accompanied by a notarized form which can be printed from their website.

Payment Methods: Check.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: No.

Click here to start saving for college with Upromise!

14. Panda Cash Back

This Better Business Bureau A+ rated cash back program is another one that allows people from dozens of countries to join and save money. Panda Cash Back offers double cash back deals and local daily deals. Their cash out threshold is a tad on the high side, but your money is automatically sent 24 hours after it is requested. It has a $5 sign-up bonus.

Where Available: USA and more than 100 other countries.

Number of Merchants: More than 3000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $15, which once attained will be sent out automatically the next day.

Payment Methods: PayPal. Note that the first payment for U.S. and Canadian residents will be via check. Anyone residing outside of these two countries will be contacted by Panda Cash Back asking for information to verify identity.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: $5.

Referral Program: 25% of each referral's rebate for life.

Sign up with Panda Cash Back and get $5!

15. Hoopla Doopla

This cash back site with the funny sounding name (which apparently has the same name as a television show in Australia) has been in business since 2009. Hoopla Doopla gives back more than half of the commission they receive to their members. In addition to cash back they offer exclusive coupons and daily deals, as well as fundraise for cancer research. Their low cash out threshold and competitive cash back rates makes it an attractive option to try.

Where Available: USA. Also, while the site says that anyone with internet access, an email address, and a PayPal account is eligible to join, the cash back retailers appear to be U.S.-centric.

Number of Merchants: More than 2000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 for PayPal or $10 for check, paid quarterly or rolled over until threshold is met.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: No.

Click here to start saving with Hoopla Doopla!

16. Mr. Rebates

Mr. Rebates is an established cash back site that has been in business for more than a dozen years. They offer cash back rates up to 30%, and deals such as free shipping. With a reasonable cash out threshold, a sign-up bonus that is available after your first purchase, the ability to request payment immediately, and an enticing referral program, it's worth an add to your list of sites to try.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Merchants: More than 2000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 which can be requested immediately.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No app, but they have a mobile site.

Sign-up Bonus: $5 sign-up bonus available after your first purchase.

Referral Program: Members earn 20% of each referral's cash back for life.

Sign up for Mr. Rebates and get your $5 bonus!

17. CashCrate

CashCrate launched in 2006 and has paid out close to four million dollars to its members who earn cash by completing offers (many free), taking surveys, completing CrowdFlower tasks, watching videos, and shopping through their cash back store. Their shopping (cash back) section is newish and small right now with only 62 stores like Walmart, Macy's, and Lowe's. However, their rebate rate is competitive with other cash back programs.

One unique aspect of Cash Crate's earning program is that members can earn two ways. One section is devoted to earning cash, and the other to earning gift cards (think Starbucks, Amazon, Visa, and more). Just decide what you're interested in earning and complete the tasks in that section.

Where Available: All countries are eligible although the U.S. and other English speaking countries will have the greatest number of offers.

Number of Merchants: 62 and growing.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20 in the cash earning section, which is redeemable immediately. Gift cards can be redeemed immediately upon earning enough points in the prizes section of the site.

Payment Methods: Check. PayPal is an option once members have lifetime earnings of $500.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $1. In addition, members earn monthly bonuses for meeting an optional daily goal.

Sign up with CashCrate and start earning today!

18. MainStreetShares

This cash back program offers an interesting proposition and incentive to join and use their site because members are shareholders. At MainStreetShares not only do members earn a percentage of the site's sales commission when making purchases from stores everyone knows and loves, they earn a portion of the advertising revenue as well in the form of shares called "MsShares." From their site:

"…A large share of member shopping commissions is placed in a pool each month. We also add a share of other company revenue, such as advertising to this pool. At the end of the month, you are paid a percentage of the pool based on your percentage of total member spending for the month."

Why do they do this? To attract users, of course. However, their larger goal is for someone to acquire the company, at which time members receive a portion of the sales price based on the number of MsShares they own. Until then, with competitive rates and a one dollar cash out threshold (though there is a 2% PayPal transaction fee), MainStreetShares is worth a look.

Where Available: USA, CAN, AUS, IRL, UK.

Number of Merchants: More than 1100.

Cash-Out Threshold: Paid monthly. Minimum $1 required.

Payment Methods: PayPal. There is a 2% processing fee up to one dollar charged. The fee is from PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: Members who earn MsShares "will be entitled to a specially reserved additional 10% share of acquisition proceeds."

Click here to learn more about MainStreetShares!

19. Cashback House

Cashback House has a simple and straightforward looking site. It doesn't have the bells, whistles, and flash of many cash back sites, but it offers the basics like rebates for purchases, handpicked deals, and coupons. At $10.01 their cash back threshold isn't outrageously high and you can earn a little extra by sharing how much you've saved on Facebook.

Where Available: USA, CAN, UK.

Number of Merchants: More than 1000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10.01 which is processed weekly once a request has been made.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: No. However, if you share how much you have saved on Facebook you will earn a $1 credit.

20. ExtraBux

Similar to the other cash back sites, Extrabux is one of several sites that is available to people worldwide. Offering cash back ranging from 1-30%, Extrabux also offers coupon codes, promo codes, and comparison shopping. They have an attractive sign-up bonus and reasonable cash out threshold.

Where Available: Everywhere. Extrabux states that people from any country can join and earn cash back. Checks will only be mailed to those with a U.S. mailing address. However, people living outside of the U.S. can receive their cash back via PayPal.

Number of Merchants: 2500.

Cash-Out Threshold: $10 which can be requested immediately.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: Yes, specifically for Black Friday.

Sign-up Bonus: $8.

21. Gyft

Gyft is different from the other traditional cash back sites because their sole focus is selling gift cards. Most cash back sites do not allow, or strictly limit, the eligibility of cash rebates when purchasing gift cards or using them to pay for products. At Gyft, when you purchase gift cards, you earn points which can then be used for discounts on future gift card purchases.

Better yet, for a limited time they'll give you a $5 gift card of your choice (in the form of a promotional code) to be used towards a gift card purchase of at least $15, on the spot just for signing up. In other words, you can get a $15 Amazon gift card (or Starbucks, Target, Walmart, Home Depot, whichever of the more than 200 you choose) for $10 just for trying them out. You can even store your gift card in your mobile wallet so you have it on the go and never forget it. Even if you never buy a gift card through them again, the immediate bonus is sweet. (Note that your free gift card bonus expires 24 hours after you sign up so use it right away.)

Where Available: USA.

Number of Merchants: More 200.

Cash-Out Threshold: 100 points — to be used as a discount on future gift card purchases.

Payment Methods: You can pay for your gift cards with Google Pay, PayPal, Bitcoins, or credit/debit card.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: $5 gift card of choice to be used on a gift card valued at $15 or more.

22. Paribus

Paribus is a new endeavor unlike the other cash back sites listed here. It's a price adjustment cash back program, not a rebate program. Basically, they will search for a better price on any product that you have purchased online and get the difference back for you. Their business is hunting price reductions for you, filing a claim on your behalf and getting you a refund for the difference.

Paribus works with stores like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Banana Republic, Macy's, Best Buy, and others that have price matching and adjustment policies. Currently only online purchases are eligible. How it works is that you sign up with the email address that you use for online shopping and they scan the receipts of your online purchases.

The email scanning sounds creepy, right? They never have access to, or know your passwords. Review their security measures to learn exactly what they do. Is it worth it? To the extent that you may get money back for doing nothing, yeah. Is there a catch? Signing up is free, but when they get a refund for you they will take a 25% cut. Still, not a bad deal for something you may not have otherwise known about.

Where Available: USA.

Payment Methods: PayPal or Venmo.

23. Retail Cashback

Another newer program, Retail Cashback started in 2013. It offers the expected complement of cash back stores, coupons, and featured deals. When comparing the rates of six retailers available on their site with three competitor sites, I found Retail Cashback to generally have rates that were the same as or slightly lower than those competitors. They do not offer a sign-up bonus and their cash out threshold is on the high side, but you can request your money immediately when it's reached.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Merchants: More than 4000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20 which can be requested immediately. Cash outs allowed once every 30 days.

Payment Methods: Check or PayPal.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-Up Bonus: No. However, their site states that regular members will sometimes get "additional bonuses."

24. Simply Best Coupons

The Simply Best Coupons website feels almost soothing compared to some of the others with colorful carnival colors. It must be the mellow sky blue background making everything softer. They offer thousands of cashbook stores, grocery, and printable coupons, as well as a couple of unique payout methods, including Western Union. Their cash out threshold is on the high side but they have a decent sign up bonus.

Where Available: USA and internationally. They have cash back stores for USA, AUS, CAN, IND, IRL, NZ, POL, UK, and RUS. Anyone can join and earn cash back if retailers ship to their country.

Number of Merchants: 1000s per their site.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20 for checks and Western Union. $15 for PayPal and Amazon gift certificates.

Payment Methods: Check, Western Union, PayPal, and Amazon gift card. When the cash out threshold is met by the 15th of the month, payment is sent at the end of the month.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: $5 available after first purchase.

25. GiftHulk

Started in 2011, GiftHulk is six million members strong. In addition to the typical ways to earn (watching videos, completing surveys, searching the internet, etc.), GiftHulk has a cash back shopping section with about 140 well known stores. Their cash back rate is competitive, but be sure not to be fooled by their currency which they call "Hulk Coins." On GiftHulk, 1000 Hulk Coins equals $1. So when you see GiftHulk offering 40 Hulk Coins per dollar in the cash back shopping section, the rate to compare is 4% (40/1000). GiftHulk has a low cash out threshold which makes it attractive.

Where Available: USA, CAN, UK, AUS, DEU, FR, NZL.

Number of Merchants: About 140.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 for cash and many gift cards.

Payment Methods: PayPal or gift cards.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: Not as of this writing. However, members earn bonuses for meeting an optional daily goal.

26. InstaGC

InstaGC, which stands for Instant Gift Cards, has been in business since 2011. This rewards program has some ardent fans so it might be worth checking out even if you use other sites for your cash back shopping. Their shopping section includes about 70 stores with rates that are competitive. Ways to earn include listening to music, taking surveys, CrowdFlower, and the other usual suspects. The site layout is a little bland, but it's functional, and most importantly, pays.

Where Available: USA, AUS, CAN, UK.

Number of Merchants: About 70.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 for cash or as little as $1 for gift cards.

Payment Methods: Check which incurs a 25 cent fee, or direct deposit which incurs a 15 cent fee. You may also redeem for one of 260 gift cards which have no fee starting at $1.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: A lofty 10 cents.

27. Sunshine Rewards

As their site states, "Sunshine Rewards is a loyalty program dedicated to paying you back for taking surveys, visiting websites, and shopping on the internet. Get coupons, promo codes, discounts, free shipping, and cash back shopping." Members get cash back and earnings in the form of credits, where one credit equals one dollar. Their cash back shopping rates are competitive, with some being higher or lower than other sites at different times. The cash out threshold is on the high side at $20, but if you participate in the reward activities regularly it should not take long to reach it.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Merchants: Close to 1000.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20 and being a member for at least 45 days. Cash outs are limited to $500 a month.

Payment Methods: PayPal, Amazon gift certificate, or Disney gift card.

Mobile App Available: No.

Sign-up Bonus: $2 sign up bonus.

Mobile Grocery Shopping Apps

What's better than using coupons for grocery shopping? Cash back mobile apps, that's what! Why? With these mobile apps, no coupons are needed, so there's no hunting or clipping. But, if you like coupons, you can combine them with cash back apps to increase your savings (and sometimes even get stuff for free). Plus, unlike traditional cash back programs, you can use gift cards to pay for items and still receive your rebate. Cool, huh?

Here's how it works. Sign up online using a computer/tablet or going straight to the app. Download the app to your mobile device, review the cash rebates available, purchase the products you want, scan the product barcode, and/or upload the receipt to the site. Once your receipt is approved (typically within 24 to 48 hours), you get your rebate. Once you meet the cash out threshold, withdraw your money. That's it!

Cool features include some apps offering cash back on products you rarely find coupons for like fresh fruit, veggies, bread, and dairy. And unlike traditional cash back sites there are no rates to compare. Best of all, because it's so little effort it's worth downloading all of them.

28. Shopmium

Shopmium has cool features like the ability to purchase items at any store that provides an itemized receipt, and immediate pay out, no matter the amount, after it's approved. It is very easy to join, requiring only an email address to get started. Members can choose to receive payment through PayPal or direct bank transfer. Even if you use it the app only occasionally, the fact that you can cash out immediately makes it worth using.

Where Available: USA, Canada.

Number of Products: About 15.

Cash-Out Threshold: No minimum. As soon as receipt is accepted you're paid.

Payment Methods: PayPal or bank transfer.

Mobile App Available: Yes.

Sign-up Bonus: 50 cents after completing welcome activity.

29. BerryCart

BerryCart is the mobile cash back site for people who like organic, gluten free, non-GMO, and natural foods. If you regularly eat organic, natural foods you will probably recognize many of the brands offering cash back. With the increasing popularity of eating whole foods, you won't be limited to just being able to find the products listed within BerryCart at expensive stores like Whole Foods. In fact, while their list of cash back items hover around 50, users can purchase the products at any store that carries them as long as the receipt is itemized and includes the price.

BerryCart also offers subscription boxes where cash back rebates are available for every item in the box. Keep an eye for sales and coupons to combine with your BerryCart rebates to make pricey organic foods much more affordable.

Where Available: Site does not specify, though the stores are all U.S- based. However, some items can be purchased through Amazon, which is international.

Number of Products: About 50.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5.

Payment Methods: Check.

Sign-up Bonus: Not at this time.

30. Checkout 51

Checkout51 offers a variety of grocery cash back rebates ranging from a "pick your own" offer for fruits and vegetables, to specific food and beverage brands. Some products are well known, others are up and coming. Some are organic and/or gluten free. Some offers may be redeemed multiple times. Checkout51 offers are available for a week, and then they expire and are replaced by new ones. Many times, however, you'll see popular products remain for a few weeks.

One neat opportunity is the ability to join their "brand program, "which means you'll receive extra offers for products within a specific brand. To participate in their brand program, members simply select the "join" button that pops up on the product cash back list.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Products: About 25–30, some may be redeemed multiple times.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20.

Payment Methods: Check.

Sign-up Bonus: Not currently, though users do earn something for completing their profile.

31. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is interesting because it's a cash back mobile app that pays you even though you don't have to redeem any rebates through them. At Receipt Hog, you earn points by uploading pictures of receipts from just about any retailer. When you upload receipts from grocery stores, club stores, health and beauty retailers, pet stores, convenience stores, dollar stores, and more, members receive points according to the amount spent (i.e. earn five points when the total is less than $10).

When receipts are uploaded from retailers that don't sell grocery items (think Staples or Macy's), members earn chances to spin their virtual slot machine where winners receive bonus points or $100. Receipt Hog also offers monthly challenges, like uploading receipts every week of the month for extra points. It sounds silly but it does pay.

Why would they pay you? They're a market research company that has discovered an innovative way to collect data about consumer spending for the brands and retailers that enlist their services. Those retailers pay Receipt Hog and Receipt Hog pays its members. How much? The more points you earn before cashing out, the greater the value. For instance, 1000 points will get you $5 in cash or an Amazon gift card, while 1800 points will get you $10 cash or a $10 Amazon gift card. Most people who use the system regularly can probably easily earn $25–$50 a year. Not a lot, but it's not bad given you're not buying anything extra. Think of it more as an entertainment app that pays you for your shopping receipts.

Where Available: USA.

Number of Products: Just about everything qualifies.

Cash-Out Threshold: $5 (or 1000 points).

Payment Methods: PayPal or Amazon gift card.

Sign-up Bonus: No, but you do receive points for completing your profile.

32. Shrink

Shrink is similar to BerryCart in that they specialize in all natural, organic food. Like a few of the sites listed here they also offer small cash back amounts on fresh food, even fresh seafood! Their unique twist is helping brands create customer loyalty. They do this by offering cash back rebates to try new and up and coming products like snacks, beverages, and frozen foods. If you like the product, become a "brand ambassador" by unlocking additional coupons. Continue to buy the product and be rewarded with points that can be turned into cash. Products can be purchased at any store that provides itemized receipts. Shrink is the only mobile app included here where you're unable to join from a computer or tablet. You must download their app to join.

Where Available: USA.

Number of Products: About 60.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20.

Payment Methods: PayPal.

Sign-up Bonus: No, but you do receive $1 for completing your profile.

33. Snap by Groupon

Who knew Groupon had a cash back mobile app? This program is owned by Groupon, but is a separate entity. Even if you already use Groupon, you'll need to set up a separate account to use Snap.

Snap has a bit of a twist as offers need to be "snapped up" before they are gone. You'll see warnings next to items when the number of rebates available for specific products is running low as well as a "GONE" sign when they are… well, gone. Snap offers an assortment of products from food and beverages, organic options, magazines, and personal care products. Many products can be redeemed more than once and can be purchased from any store that provides an itemized receipt. They also offer bonus activities, like three times the cash back when purchasing certain items, and they have a $100 giveaway for posting pictures of payment on their Facebook page.

Where Available: USA, CAN.

Number of Products: About 40, many can be redeemed multiple times.

Cash-Out Threshold: $20.

Payment Methods: Check.

Sign-up Bonus: Not at this time.

Whew! That's an extensive list with lots of saving and earning options. How many are you likely to try? Let me know in the comments.

This article is from Kim Owens of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

30+ Cash Back Sites to Earn You Thousands Per Year