Students in college spend on essentials such as food, tech, clothes, travel, etc. Imagine earning shopping rewards for free without lifting a finger!
On average, students can earn up to $300 a year using cashback apps. That money could fund weekend trips, Netflix, or textbooks!
The best cashback apps make saving easy. Students can use cashback apps to save money and get the most bang for your buck, whether you’re picking up groceries, purchasing something online, or getting food delivered. They integrate with your regular spending habits so you can earn while shopping for what you already buy.
Using student budget apps that offer cashback is a smart choice. These apps work with major brands and retailers to give you a percentage back on your spending. You get rewarded just for buying what you planned.
With Blitz, saving is simpler. This AI-powered app helps you shop smarter by finding the best student discounts, cashback offers, and exclusive deals.
This guide will explain how these apps work, the best cashback apps for students, and how to maximize your savings without overspending.
How Cashback Apps Work & Why They’re Free
Cashback apps may seem too good to be true, but they follow a simple idea: retailers want more shoppers, so they pay cashback apps for referrals. The app then shares part of that commission with you as cashback. You can earn while shopping without spending extra. Here’s how it works:
Shop Through a Cashback App
When you shop at partner stores using a cashback app, it tracks your purchase. You might click a link, scan a receipt, or use a linked card. Many cashback apps run smoothly in the background while you shop as usual.
Retailers Pay the App a Commission
Retailers partner with cashback apps to attract more customers. Each time you shop through the app, the retailer pays a small commission to the app. It helps both the store and the app while letting students save on essentials.
Cashback is Credited to Your Account
Once you accumulate sufficient cashback, you can cash out to your bank account, PayPal, or redeem for gift cards. Some offer automatic payouts too, so funds are easily applied to future purchases.
Some cashback apps need you to scan receipts, while others connect directly to your debit or credit card. Either way, it’s a simple way to save without altering your shopping habits. If you’re going to spend money, you might as well get some of it back.
Best Cashback Apps for Students (Ranked)
Not all cashback apps are the same. As a student, you want the best apps for your spending habits. Whether you shop online, buy groceries, or dine out, there’s a cashback app to help you save. Here are the top picks to maximize your cashback savings easily.
1. Rakuten — Best for Online Shopping
Rakuten is perfect for students who shop online often. It partners with more than 3,500 stores, including Walmart, Target, Nike, and Amazon, with cash back up to 10 percent. Simply shop through the Rakuten app or website, and your cash back is credited automatically.
Automatic Cashback and Discounts
The Rakuten browser extension helps you never miss cashback. It automatically applies discounts and activates cashback at checkout, so you don’t have to hunt for deals.
$10 Sign-Up Bonus
New users get a $10 bonus when they sign up and make a purchase through Rakuten. This gives you instant savings and helps you start earning cashback for future buys.
Quarterly Payouts
Rakuten pays out cashback every three months, either through PayPal or a check. This way, you get your cashback regularly without tracking small payments.
Referral Program for Extra Earnings
Simply refer friends to Rakuten and earn additional cashback once they make their initial purchase. Bonus cashback that you can earn grows with the number of friends that you refer.
Read: Best Deals on Tech Gadgets for Students: How to Get Hidden Discounts with AI
2. Ibotta — Best for Grocery Cashback
Ibotta is the best cashback app for students earning on groceries. Earn $5-$10 per trip by scanning your receipt after shopping at retailers such as Walmart, Kroger, and CVS. You can also connect your store loyalty accounts so that you automatically get cashback for purchases.
Applies to Online and In-Store Purchases
Ibotta lets you earn cash back when you shop in stores or online. You can get easy cashback by linking your store accounts or scanning your receipts.
Bonus Offers and Challenges
Regular bonus challenges provide extra ways to earn cashback. Simple tasks or referring friends can help you unlock more rewards.
No Clipping Coupons
Ibotta automatically finds and applies offers, unlike regular coupons. This not only saves you time, but also gives you great deals on groceries and essentials.
Cashback on Everyday Essentials
From fresh produce to personal care items, Ibotta helps you save on daily needs. It’s perfect for budget-conscious students wanting to lower grocery costs.
Read: Student Life on a Budget: Your Ultimate Guide to Thriving Without Breaking the Bank
3. Dosh — Best for Automatic Cashback
Dosh is an easy way to earn cash back. All you have to do is link your debit or credit card. Cashback is automatically added when you shop at eligible retailers. There’s no scanning receipts or activating offers—just shop like normal, and Dosh takes care of the rest.
Hands-Free Cashback
Once your card is linked, Dosh takes care of the rest, automatically applying your cashback every time you shop at an eligible store. Seamless and no need to upload receipts or activate offers.
Cashback on Dining and Travel
Works with thousands of restaurants, hotels, and local businesses. You can get cash back at places like Dunkin’, Uber Eats, and your local cafe. This is especially ideal if you constantly eat out or travel.
Direct Bank or PayPal Transfers
Unlike some apps that only offer gift cards, Dosh lets you transfer your cashback directly to your bank or PayPal once you reach $15. It gives you real money to use as you like.
Bonus Cashback for Hotel Bookings
Dosh partners with hotels to offer higher cashback rates on bookings. If you’re planning a trip, you can save significantly just by booking your stay through the app.
4. Blitz — AI-Powered Student Discounts
Blitz is a cashback app just for students. And since it uses AI to find the best deals, it focuses on student discounts in tech, food, and entertainment, so it’s ideal for anyone who wants to save money on basics.
AI-Driven Savings
Blitz automatically finds and applies student discounts and cashback deals. You’ll always get the best price on tech, food, and entertainment without searching for promo codes.
Exclusive Student-Only Deals
Unlike other cashback apps, Blitz offers deals specifically for students. This means the discounts are always relevant to everyday college expenses.
Stack Cashback with Student Discounts
Blitz not only applies cashback but also combines it with student discounts. It means you get the maximum savings every time you shop.
Best for Tech and Subscriptions
If you need a laptop, a streaming subscription, or other digital services, Blitz finds exclusive deals for students, helping you save on big purchases.
5. Fetch Rewards — Best for Scanning Receipts
Turn grocery and restaurant receipts into cash back with Fetch Rewards. You do not have to activate offers before shopping. All you do is take a picture of your receipt and earn points. Redeem these points for gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and others.
No Offer Activation Needed
No need to activate deals before shopping, as you do with some other apps. Just scan your receipt after you shop, and the app automatically rewards you with points. It makes it one of the easiest cashback apps to use.
Works with Any Receipt
Fetch Rewards allows users to submit receipts from any grocery store, restaurant, gas station, or retail store. You can receive rewards no matter where you shop. It is ideal for students with other commitments.
Redeem for Popular Gift Cards
Fetch Rewards allows you to redeem points for gift cards at top-name retailers, like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks. It provides students ample choice to redeem their cashback rewards for products they require.
Daily Streaks and Special Promotions
With Fetch Rewards, you can also earn extra points with daily streak bonuses and special promotions. Just scan them regularly, and you can reap extra savings for this shopping.
Check this out: Best Coupons & Cashback Apps = Broke Student’s BFF in 2025
Maximizing Cashback Without Overspending
Cashback apps can help you save but only work if you use them wisely. Do remember to make smart purchases while you can maximize your cashback. Read on for tips on how to stretch your student budget and make every dollar count.
Stack Discounts
Combine cashback apps with student discounts and credit card rewards. For example, using Rakuten, an Amazon student discount, and a cashback credit card can triple your savings. Always check if you can stack deals before you buy.
Don’t Buy Just for Cashback
It can be too tempting to buy just for cashback, which can cause us to overspend. You’re still losing money even if you weren’t going to buy something. Do use cashback apps for predetermined expenses, such as grocery shopping, textbooks, and travel, but never for impulse purchases.
Use Multiple Apps
Various cashback apps partner with various stores. Ibotta for groceries, Rakuten for online shopping, and Dosh for restaurants. That way, you earn cashback on a lot of categories without much work.
Track Your Earnings
Set a monthly cashback goal and track your progress. This will show you how much you save and keep you motivated. You might save enough for travel, gifts, or other important expenses.
Look for Extra Bonuses
Many cashback apps will have referral bonuses, seasonal promotions, or even enhanced cashback at select brands. Snooze on these limited-time offers to earn more without spending more. Login to your app regularly to score on these deals.
Use Cashback for Necessities
Instead of using cashback money on extras, spend that on essentials like groceries, rent, or school supplies. Cashback should be treated as a bonus to help you make your student life a bit more affordable.
Withdraw Your Cashback Regularly
Transfer your cashback to your bank account or redeem it for gift cards often. Some apps have minimum withdrawal limits, so check your balance and cash out regularly to avoid losing your savings.
Avoid Expiring Cashback
Some cashback rewards expire, so depending on when you use them, you might be leaving money on the table. Check your cashback app’s expiration policy and cash in your rewards before they disappear.
Conclusion: Reduce Travel Costs Starting Today
Cashback apps for students are an easy way to earn extra on your shopping and maximize your spending. So whether you’re shopping online, making grocery runs, or dining out, the best cashback apps make sure you’re compensated for purchases you were already making. You can earn it in your everyday life easily with apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh.
The key to maximizing savings is stacking discounts, using multiple apps, and setting a monthly cashback goal. Pairing student budget apps with cashback rewards helps you stretch your college budget. Plus, tracking your earnings keeps you motivated and shows how you save over time.
Start today! Download Blitz, make your first cashback purchase, and set a savings target. Every dollar saved adds up to cover travel, textbooks, or weekend fun.
