Hey fellow millennials, let’s talk about making your money work for you while you shop online. We all love snagging a good deal, and cashback offers are like the cherry on top of the discount sundae. Here’s how to maximize those sweet, sweet cash returns.
1. Understand the Cashback Basics
First thing’s first: what’s cashback? It’s pretty much what it sounds like—buy something, and get a small percentage of the price back. But it’s important to know the difference between instant cashback and deferred cashback, so you’ll know when to expect that money to hit your account.
2. Sign Up for Cashback Websites
There are a bunch of websites dedicated to cashback. Think Rakuten (formerly Ebates), Swagbucks, or TopCashback. These sites partner with online retailers to offer you a percentage of cashback when you shop through their platform. All it usually takes is a free account, and boom, you’re ready to start earning.
3. Use Cashback Credit Cards
For the double dip, consider a cashback credit card. These cards give you a percentage of cashback on your purchases—online and in-person. When you use a cashback card on top of a cashback site offer, you’re optimizing your rewards. Just be mindful to pay off the balance to avoid interest that could negate your cashback earnings.
4. Keep an Eye Out for Special Offers
Retailers and cashback platforms often have special promotions where they ramp up the cashback percentage for a limited time. Subscribe to newsletters and enable notifications from cashback sites and your favorite stores to stay in the know. Timing is everything—wait for these deals to make bigger purchases.
5. Read the Fine Print
Not all that glitters is cashback gold. Sometimes offers come with strings attached or exclusions. Always read the terms and conditions before you click “buy.” It’s a bummer to expect cashback only to find out your purchase category wasn’t eligible.
6. Track Your Cashback
To ensure you’re earning what you should, keep tabs on your cashback. Sometimes transactions don’t track properly. If that happens, reach out to customer service. Be your own advocate—after all, it’s your money we’re talking about.
Alright, savvy shoppers. Use these tips to make the most of your online shopping. And remember, cashback is basically free money for purchases you were gonna make anyway. So why not get a little something back? Happy saving!
