Cash back is not just for credit cards. More apps and websites are offering ways to earn money on the stuff you buy – as long as you’re willing to sign up and make a few taps or clicks.
Groupon, RetailMeNot and others work with restaurants and retailers to offer cash back for their users. In return, they get a cut of the sales made.
But shoppers have to do some work for the money. You may need to link a credit or debit card, or visit the app before you shop to unlock the deal. And then there’s the fine print to read: Some will offer money back, but only up to a certain amount. And in most cases, debit card purchases need to be processed at the register as a credit card; typing in a personal identification number won’t earn you the cash back.
It’s not a way to make a quick buck: It can take days or even weeks for a purchase to be verified before the money is added to an account. But the money can add up over time. Here’s a look at some cash back apps:
– RESTAURANTS: Deal site Groupon launched its cash back offering last fall for local restaurants and chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts, Panda Express and Starbucks. Called Groupon+, a credit or debit card needs to be linked and then a deal for a specific store has to be claimed. When the card is used at that restaurant, the cash back amount is refunded to the card’s account. Groupon+ is available in 25 metro areas, and the company plans to expand it.