Apps to Save on Holiday Shopping: Cashback and Discounts

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, let’s be honest, a lot of spending. Between buying gifts, decorations, and all the extras that make the holidays special, the expenses can add up quickly. Fortunately, there are numerous apps designed to help you save money through cashback offers and discounts. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best apps to use for holiday shopping and share tips on how to maximize your savings.

Top Cashback Apps

1. Rakuten Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is one of the most popular cashback apps. By shopping through the Rakuten app or website, you can earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash from hundreds of retailers. The app also features special holiday deals and double cashback offers, making it a great tool for holiday shopping.
2. Ibotta Ibotta offers cashback on groceries, household items, and even online shopping. Simply upload your receipts or link your loyalty accounts to earn cashback on eligible purchases. During the holiday season, Ibotta often partners with retailers to offer additional bonuses and exclusive deals.
3. Dosh Dosh automatically gives you cashback when you shop, dine, or book hotels through their app. Just link your debit or credit card, and Dosh will do the rest. The app also offers special holiday promotions and increased cashback rates at select stores.
4. Honey Honey is well known for its browser extension that finds and applies coupon codes at checkout. But did you know it also has a cashback program called Honey Gold? You can earn Honey Gold points on your purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards. Honey also provides price tracking and alerts for the best deals.
5. TopCashback TopCashback works similarly to Rakuten by offering cashback on your online purchases. The app partners with thousands of retailers and often provides higher cashback rates than its competitors. During the holidays, look out for exclusive offers and increased cashback rates.

Top Discount Apps

1. RetailMeNot RetailMeNot is a comprehensive app for finding coupons and deals from a wide range of retailers. The app aggregates coupon codes, printable coupons, and cashback offers, making it easy to save on holiday shopping. RetailMeNot also features a “Deal Finder” tool that automatically applies the best available discounts at checkout.
2. Coupons.com Coupons.com is a go-to app for grocery coupons, but it also offers deals and discounts for online shopping. You can print coupons, link them to your loyalty cards, or use the app’s digital coupons for savings at the checkout. The app also provides exclusive holiday offers and discounts.
3. Groupon Groupon is famous for its deals on local activities and services, but it also offers discounts on products. The app features limited-time offers and flash sales, perfect for finding unique holiday gifts at reduced prices. Check Groupon for holiday-specific deals on experiences and items.
4. Flipp Flipp aggregates weekly ads and coupons from your favorite stores, making it easy to find the best deals in one place. You can search for specific items or browse by store to see what’s on sale. Flipp is particularly useful for holiday shopping, as it highlights seasonal discounts and promotions.
5. Slickdeals Slickdeals is a community-driven app where users share the best deals they find online. The app features deal alerts, a hot deals section, and a forum where you can discuss and vote on deals. During the holiday season, Slickdeals is an invaluable resource for discovering hidden gems and exclusive discounts.

Tips for Maximizing Savings

Now that you have a list of the best apps for cashback and discounts, here are some tips to help you get the most out of them during your holiday shopping:

1. Stack Cashback and Coupons

Many apps allow you to use cashback offers in conjunction with coupon codes, maximizing your savings. For example, you can use Rakuten to get cashback and then apply a coupon code from RetailMeNot for additional discounts.

2. Plan Your Purchases

Before you start shopping, make a list of the items you need and check the apps for the best deals. Planning ahead can help you take advantage of limited-time offers and avoid impulse purchases that aren’t on sale.

3. Monitor Price Drops

Apps like Honey and Slickdeals offer price tracking features that notify you when the price of an item drops. This is especially useful for holiday shopping, as prices can fluctuate during sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

4. Use Loyalty Programs

Many cashback apps allow you to link your loyalty accounts, earning you additional rewards. For example, you can earn cashback from Ibotta while also accumulating points through your store’s loyalty program.

5. Check for Bonus Offers

During the holiday season, many apps offer bonus cashback and exclusive deals. Keep an eye out for these promotions and take advantage of them to maximize your savings.

6. Refer Friends

Some apps, like Rakuten and Ibotta, offer referral bonuses when you invite friends to use the app. This can be an easy way to earn extra cashback or rewards during the holiday season.

7. Stay Organized

With so many deals and offers available, it’s important to stay organized. Use apps like Flipp to keep track of weekly ads and create shopping lists. This will help you ensure you’re getting the best deals and not missing out on any savings opportunities.

Conclusion

Holiday shopping doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right apps, you can save money through cashback offers and discounts, making the season more enjoyable without the financial stress. By planning ahead, stacking offers, and staying organized, you can make the most of your holiday budget. So, download these apps, start shopping smart, and enjoy the festive season with a little extra cash in your pocket!