Gas:
Upside – use app to claim offer get cash back on gas purchases and restaurants
Pro: Can be used with any credit/debit card of choice (so it can stack with a gas rewards credit card)
Con: Occasionally a receipt is required to verify a purchase which can be inconvenient to obtain
Link: https://upside.app.link/3kDVxHCXPBb
(Use promo code 7EKJW5 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase)
Exxon Mobile Rewards – use phone number at the pump to earn rewards
Pro: emails offer $1 or $1.50 in rewards on fill up which are usually good for 7 days or 14 days
Con: without a special offer, the rewards are minimal (however, these rewards can be stacked with any credit card and the Upside app)
Link: https://rewards.exxon.com/welcome/enrollment?ctid=e_emrp_3stepbn_text
(No referral program)
Online Shopping:
Swagbucks – earn cash back online by visiting Swagbucks shop before going to the online retailer.
Pro: multiple ways to earn “swagbucks” which can be redeemed for gift cards, debit cards, and PayPal cash.
Con: Some reward activities can seem enticing but can be a poor use of time.
Link: https://appm.swagbucks.com/?cmd=sb-register&rb=889803&cmp=197&cxid=2001-app
Raketun – earn cash back by visiting the website or app before shopping online
Pro: easy to use website and app
Con: occasionally cash back is missed and a support request must be submitted
In Store Offers:
Ibotta – earn cash back by claiming offers and submitting receipts
Pro: savings can add up quickly on essential items at Walmart and grocery stores
Con: sometimes the savings from purchasing a store brand is better than the savings provided by Ibotta
Link: https://ibotta.onelink.me/iUfE/1005cd3f?friend_code=agyenik
Fetch – earn rewards points redeemable for gift cards for buying from name brands
Pro: great for those who have brand loyalty
Con: like Ibotta, it is possible to spend more than by buying private label products.
Link: https://referral.fetch.com/vvv3/referraltext?code=5KFWHE
Key to using these money saving programs:
Companies have big marketing budgets to achieve a goal of getting consumers to BUY MORE than they planned. The phase “buy more to save more” exemplifies the objective of marketers.
Smart customers can take advantage of discounts for products and services THEY ALREADY PLANNED ON BUYING. In others words, know what you want and need and then find the best way to get it with the best offer; don’t be swayed to buy a product simply because “it is a good deal.”