How can I get cash back?

You can get cash back by making purchases with a cash back credit card, by using a debit card to get cash back at the register at certain retailers, or through a credit card cash advance. Cash back apps and websites such as Ibotta and Rakuten that offer rewards for online purchases are also an option.

4 Ways to Get Cash Back

Cash back credit cards

Cash back credit cards are a practical choice, as they give people of all credit levels the chance to earn a percentage of their purchases back as a statement credit, check or bank account deposit. To maximize your cash back, be sure to pay your balance in full by the due date every month. Otherwise, interest and possible late fees could cancel out your earnings.

One of the best cash back credit cards is the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card because it offers 2% cash rewards on every purchase and has a $0 annual fee. For more options, check out our editors’ picks for the best cash back credit cards.

Cash back at the register

Cash back could also refer to money that you get at a store register when you’re checking out with a debit card. The money is added to your purchase amount and debited from your bank account. Not every store will allow you to do this, and those that do may have limits on the amount of cash back you can get in a single transaction.

Cash advances at an ATM or bank branch

A cash advance allows you to withdraw money against your card’s credit limit, but it’s a very costly transaction. Cash advance fees are usually 3% to 5% of each transaction amount, and there’s also a separate APR, which is generally higher than the card’s regular rate. In addition, interest on a cash advance accumulates daily starting on the transaction date.

Cash back apps and websites

Cash back apps and websites provide discounts, rebates, or points redeemable for cash when you use these platforms for specific purchases. Popular cash back apps include Ibotta, Rakuten, and Coupons.com, among others.