What is TopCashback and how can it save you money?

What is TopCashback?

Most of us are regular online shoppers but what many people don’t realise is that retailers are willing to pay a commission to websites that refer customers to them. TopCashback is a cashback site that collects that commission on your behalf and passes it back to you as cash. You don't pay anything extra for the things you buy, the cashback comes out of the referral fee the retailer was going to pay anyway.

TopCashback works with over 6,000 retailers, covering everything from everyday shopping to bigger purchases like car insurance, holidays, broadband and energy.

How does TopCashback work?

Getting started is really easy. You create a free account on the TopCashback website or app, then every time you want to shop online, you search for the retailer on TopCashback first. When you find them, you click the pink "Get Cashback" button, which opens the retailer's website in a new tab. From there, you shop as normal, the process is identical to going to the retailer directly. TopCashback tracks your purchase in the background and adds your cashback to your account, usually within seven days of your purchase being confirmed.

Your cashback sits in your account until the retailer's returns period has passed and the commission has been paid to TopCashback, at which point it becomes payable which means you can withdraw it. You can withdraw your money in several ways, including directly to your bank account, via PayPal or as a gift card. Some gift card options offer a bonus of up to 20%, which is great if you regularly shop at a particular retailer.

How much can you earn on TopCashback?

The amount you earn varies depending on how much you use it and the cashback on offer. TopCashback says that members earn an average of £300 in cashback each year. Not bad for making purchases they were already going to make, just using a different starting point.

How does TopCashback make money?

TopCashback makes money by offering advertising to sponsors on their website and app. Retailers will sometimes pay a bonus if TopCashback sends them lots of shoppers.

How do you use TopCashback?

The TopCashback app is available on iOS and Android and works in exactly the same way as the desktop site. You search for your retailer, if they’re listed on TopCashback, you tap through to their site and then shop as normal.

In the app, you can track your cashback transactions and withdraw your earnings. There's also a browser extension available for Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Safari which alerts you automatically whenever you visit a website that's eligible for cashback. This is really useful if you sometimes forget to start on TopCashback.

TopCashback offer for Smart Money People readers

If you're not already a TopCashback member, we have an offer for new sign-ups*. Join TopCashback through our link and you’ll receive a £15 bonus. This offer is available to new TopCashback members only and each member may only receive this bonus, or any other sign-up incentive once. Full terms and conditions are available on our sign-up page.

TopCashback tips from our community

One of our Smart Money People community members is a seasoned TopCashback user and has shared their top tips for getting the most out of it:

Turn notifications on

TopCashback regularly shares exclusive cashback deals that are only available for a limited time. With notifications enabled on the app, you'll be alerted as soon as a new deal goes live including how long it lasts. If you'd prefer not to have notifications on, make a habit of checking the site daily so you don't miss anything that’s time sensitive.

Always start your shopping journey on TopCashback

For your cashback to track correctly, you must find the retailer on TopCashback first and click through to their website from there. Going directly to a retailer's site and then trying to claim cashback afterwards won't work.

Use gift cards for in-store shopping

If you want to shop in a physical store, you can still earn cashback by purchasing a gift card for that retailer through TopCashback first. Even major supermarkets and restaurant chains offer gift card options, so you can still earn cashback on your weekly shop or a meal out.

Use TopCashback Compare before renewing policies or switching suppliers

TopCashback has its own comparison tool called TopCashback Compare. This lets you compare quotes for car insurance, home insurance, travel insurance, pet insurance, broadband, energy and mobile, then earn cashback from the deal you choose. Our community member used this to earn £62 cashback on a new insurance policy.

Sell your old phone through TopCashback

If you have an old mobile handset sitting in a drawer, TopCashback's Sell Your Phone feature lets you trade it in and receive the value into your TopCashback account, plus a £25 bonus on top. Run in partnership with WeBuyAnyPhone.com, you search for your device, get an instant quote and send it in. Once it's been reviewed and approved, the funds are paid into your account within three days.

In a nutshell

TopCashback is an easy way to earn money back on things you're buying anyway. If you're not already a member, our exclusive new member offer gives you a £15 bonus when you sign up.

*This offer is available to new TopCashback members only. Each member may only receive this bonus, or any other sign-up incentive, once. Full terms and conditions apply.