10 Best Cashback Apps in the UK for 2026 — The ultimate guide
November 11th, 2025
UK Deals Finder > 10 Best Cashback Apps in the UK for 2026 — The ultimate guide
Quick summary (pick the right app fast)
10 Best Cashback Apps in the UK, If you want the simplest answer right away:
Best overall for UK shoppers:TopCashback — huge retailer coverage, strong rates, multiple payout options.
Best alternative with strong brand deals:Quidco — long-established, great travel & utilities offers.
Best browser + app combo for automatic deals:Honey — applies codes and offers Honey Gold rewards (available in UK).
Best for in-app card-linked offers:Curve — activate retailer offers and earn automatic cashback on linked card spend.
Best for grocery freebies and barcode scanning:Shopmium — supermarket-specific offers and product trials.
In the complete guide created by our expert saving team at UKDealsFinder.com, you’ll discover a detailed breakdown of each cashback app, including real-life examples, key advantages and drawbacks, and a comprehensive side-by-side comparison. We also provide practical, step-by-step tips to help you maximise every pound of cashback, along with an FAQ section that explains everything about safety, payment methods, withdrawal limits, tax implications, and app reliability. This guide is your ultimate roadmap to earning smarter and saving more on every purchase.
Why cashback apps still matter in 2026
Inflation, tighter budgets, and increased online competition make every percentage point back worth attention. Cashback apps have evolved from simple browser add-ons to full ecosystems (apps + cards + referral networks) that can return meaningful sums on everyday spend — groceries, utilities, travel, fashion, subscriptions and more.
Key reasons to use cashback apps:
They offer true cash or vouchers for purchases you’d make anyway.
Stacking: use cashback apps + retailer codes + card rewards for compound savings.
Many apps now track in-store purchases or link with cards for automatic rewards.
They’re free to join and simple to use — a few taps per purchase can pay off across a year.
(Throughout this article we’ll show practical ways to stack offers and calculate realistic annual earnings.)
How I chose the 10 apps in this list
To make a practical list for 2026 I filtered apps by:
Reliability & brand history (years in market, transparency).
Utility for a range of users (students, families, frequent travellers, side-earners).
I verified each app’s UK support and key features from official sites and recent UK consumer guides. Where possible I compare rates and redemption methods. Key source examples include official app pages and recent UK comparison guides.
The 10 Best Cashback Apps in the UK (Detailed profiles)
Note: order is roughly from most broadly useful to more niche — all are strong choices depending on your spending.
1) TopCashback — Best overall for high rates & wide coverage
What it is: TopCashback is one of the UK’s largest cashback platforms — mobile app + website — that tracks purchases across thousands of retailers and pays members cashback.
Why it’s great
Very large retailer network (thousands of UK merchants).
Competitive rates often matching or beating rivals on big-ticket categories (travel, insurance, electronics).
Multiple payout options (bank transfer, PayPal, vouchers, or gift cards).
Regular promotions and limited-time boosts (seasonal events, retailer partnerships).
How it works
Open the TopCashback app or site and search for the retailer.
Click through to the retailer from the app (tracking cookie records the purchase).
Complete purchase as normal — cashback gets tracked to your TopCashback balance.
After the retailer confirms the sale (weeks to months), cashback becomes “payable” and you can withdraw.
Typical use-cases
Booking holidays (flights, hotels).
Buying electronics or appliances.
Subscribing to utilities or switching providers (sometimes special switching bonuses).
Potential drawbacks
Pay-out timelines vary — some purchases can take months to confirm.
You must always start your purchase via the app or site (miss clicking = no cashback).
Pro tip: Use TopCashback for big purchases and compare rates with Quidco before you buy. Combining a quick rate-check between the two can net an extra percent or two on large spends.
2) Quidco — Best established alternative with unique deals
What it is: One of the original UK cashback sites, Quidco offers cashback on thousands of retailers and has membership tiers that can boost earnings.
Why it’s great
Strong on travel, utilities, and comparison services.
Offers both free and paid premium memberships (premium sometimes has enhanced rates/bonuses).
Flexible payout options and regular bonus events.
How it works
Click from Quidco to the retailer, shop as normal. Quidco tracks and confirms cashback, then you withdraw. Premium members have extra perks (but check whether the premium fees are worth it for your spend).
Changes & caution
Quidco has evolved offers and removed some guarantees in recent years; check current terms and promotions. (Always read the small print on premium features.)
When to use Quidco
When Quidco’s bonus or a travel/utility-specific cashback rate beats TopCashback. Always compare both before big purchases.
3) Honey — Best for automatic promo codes and “Honey Gold” rewards
What it is: Honey started as a coupon-finding browser extension and expanded into a mobile app that also offers rewards (Honey Gold) on eligible purchases. Honey supports the UK market.
Why it’s great
Automatically finds & applies discount codes at checkout for many sites.
Honey Gold rewards on qualifying purchases — redeemable for gift cards (availability varies).
Easy to use — ideal for people who want “set and forget” savings (browser extension + app combo).
How it works
Install Honey extension or app, shop as normal; Honey will attempt promo codes and show Honey Gold-earning opportunities. For eligible stores, you earn a small percentage back as Honey Gold, which can later be redeemed.
Limitations
Cashback rates (Honey Gold) tend to be modest compared to specialist UK cashback sites. Honey is best used for the extra convenience of automatic code application and occasional bonus earnings.
4) Curve — Best for automatic, card-linked cashback on everyday spending
What it is: Curve is primarily a card-aggregator that lets you use many cards through one smart card/app. Curve’s Rewards/Cashback program offers in-app retailer offers you can activate and earn automatic cashback on purchases you make with your Curve card. Many offers target UK customers.
Why it’s great
Link your existing credit/debit cards and still earn app offers — no multiple loyalty apps needed.
Activate retailer offers in-app; cashback is tracked automatically when you use Curve. No need to click through a tracking link.
Good for frequent card users who want minimal friction.
How it works
Add your cards to the Curve app.
Browse Curve’s cashback offers and activate the one you want.
Pay as usual with Curve — cashback is applied automatically and credited.
Good for
Busy people who don’t want to remember starting purchases from a cashback site.
Frequent in-store and online card users.
Watchouts
Offer selection rotates; some offers are time-limited and have activation/eligibility restrictions.
5) Swagbucks (UK) — Best multi-task rewards + cashback
What it is: Swagbucks combines cashback shopping with surveys, microtasks and gift card redemptions. It operates internationally and supports the UK.
Why it’s great
Multiple ways to earn (surveys, watching videos, offers, shopping).
Cashback shopping via its rewards marketplace in addition to survey income.
Good for people who want to combine active earning (surveys) with passive cashback for online shopping.
How it works
Earn SB points for activities (including cashback shopping) — points redeemable for PayPal or gift cards. For cashback purchases, click through Swagbucks’ shop offers as with other platforms.
Limitations
Some offers and surveys are region-dependent; gift card options may vary for UK users. Check availability before committing time.
6) Shopmium — Best for groceries, in-store barcode claims & freebies
What it is: Shopmium focuses on supermarket product offers — buy the item, scan the barcode and submit your receipt to claim cashback or free items. A popular app for UK grocery shoppers.
Easy process: buy, scan barcode, send receipt, get cash back. No need to plan ahead for online click-throughs.
How it works
Browse the Shopmium app for current product offers.
Buy the product from any qualifying UK retailer.
Scan the product barcode and upload the receipt in the app.
Cashback is paid to your Shopmium balance for withdrawal.
Best for
Families and grocery shoppers who regularly try new or branded products.
Those who prefer instant, in-store redemption rather than waiting months for online confirmations.
Limitations
Offers rotate and are product-specific; you need to buy the promoted product to claim.
Smaller categories of spend (non-grocery) are not covered.
7) CheckoutSmart — Best for receipt-based supermarket cashback
What it is: CheckoutSmart is a UK app where you claim cashback by buying selected supermarket products and uploading your receipt. It’s similar to Shopmium but often complementary — different brands and offers appear on each.
Why it’s great
Regular supermarket offers and occasional freebies.
Simple workflow (buy eligible items, upload photo of receipt, get cashback).
How it works
Check the app for current offers, purchase qualifying items in-store, take a photo of your receipt and submit. Cashback is credited once validated.
Best for
Shoppers who want to squeeze extra savings from everyday grocery buys without using coupon codes.
Limitations
Product-specific — you must buy the exact item(s) listed. Offers vary weekly.
8) Aklamio — Best for refer-a-friend style & passive cashback
What it is: Aklamio provides cashback via “recommendations” (referral-style) and partner offers; users earn cashback for recommending retailers or for participating in partner campaigns. It’s active in multiple European markets including the UK. (Note: availability and partner list can change; check the app.)
Why it’s great
Can earn passively by sharing referral links or through partner promotions.
Useful if you buy services where referral bonuses are common (insurance, utilities, subscriptions).
How it works
Share your Aklamio referral link or claim partner offers; when the action completes, you earn the posted cashback.
Best for
People with networks who can use referral discounts or for those making purchases where Aklamio partners operate.
Limitations
Less immediate for in-store grocery savings; works best with online services and partner retailers.
9) Cashback World (Loyalty & card-linked offers) — Best for cross-channel loyalty
What it is: Cashback World is a loyalty program that partners with retailers to provide cashback (and shopping points) both in-store and online. UK availability depends on partner stores. It’s especially useful if your local high-street shops participate. (Check current UK partner list.)
Why it’s great
Can earn both cashback and loyalty “shopping points” that convert to vouchers.
Works well when local retailers or service providers participate.
How it works
Create an account, check participating retailers (in-app or website), and either pay via linked card/scan or shop online via links to earn cashback.
Best for
Those who shop locally and want to support shops while earning cash back.
Limitations
Coverage varies by region and partner list; best to check app for current UK partners.
10) Swappable / niche & regional apps — Where to look for extra savings
Beyond the big names, there’s a rotating list of niche and regional cashback apps worth knowing (and they can add up):
Regional receipt apps or supermarket-specific clubs — sometimes supermarkets run their own targeted cashback or club deals.
Bank or card apps with in-app offers — many banks have offers similar to Curve (e.g., certain bank apps run partner cashback). Always check your bank’s offers page.
New entrants & seasonal apps — new cashback startups can offer high introductory rates to gain users.
When planning a savings strategy, don’t ignore smaller apps — they often feature high-value product trials or sign-up bonuses that bigger players don’t.
Side-by-side comparison at a glance (quick table)
App
Best for
Main cashback style
Payouts
UK coverage
TopCashback
Big online purchases, travel
Link-through online tracking
Bank/PayPal/vouchers
Very broad.
Quidco
Travel & utilities
Link-through online tracking + premium
Bank/PayPal/vouchers
Very broad.
Honey
Automatic coupons + small rewards
Extension/app promo codes + Honey Gold
Gift cards
Available in UK.
Curve
Card-linked automatic offers
Activate & spend with Curve
In-app credit/cashback
UK offers present.
Swagbucks
Surveys + shopping
Multi-earn (surveys + cashback)
PayPal/gift cards
Global incl UK.
Shopmium
Supermarket product cashback
Barcode + receipt claims
Bank/PayPal
UK-focused grocery offers.
CheckoutSmart
Supermarket cashback
Receipt upload
Bank
UK supermarket offers.
Aklamio
Referrals & partner cashback
Share links/partner deals
Bank/voucher
European incl UK partners.
Cashback World
Local & online loyalty
Card-linked & merchant offers
Varies
Partner-dependent
Niche apps
Product trials, sign-ups
Receipt/barcode/referrals
Varies
Regional/rotating offers
(Use TopCashback/Quidco for big ticket and online, Shopmium/CheckoutSmart for groceries, Curve for frictionless card-linked offers, Honey for code automation.)
How much can you realistically earn? — Example scenarios
Earnings vary by habits, but here are realistic examples:
Light saver (occasional online shopper)
Uses TopCashback/Quidco occasionally, Swagbucks for surveys: £50–£150/year.
Smart saver (regular online & grocery shopper)
Uses TopCashback/Quidco for major purchases, Shopmium/CheckoutSmart for groceries, Curve for card offers: £200–£600/year (mixing vouchers & cashouts).
Shops strategically (switches utilities, times purchases for double cashback days, shares referral links): £500–£1,500+/year — on big ticket purchases this can climb quickly. Recent platform guidance suggests average members often earn a few hundred per year, with power users earning more.
Example calculation (family):
Annual groceries: £6,000. Using Shopmium/CheckoutSmart freebies/£0.50–£1 offers weekly, approx £100/year.
Holidays & electronics: £2,000 (book via TopCashback or Quidco at 3% avg) = £60.
Card offers via Curve/bank: £300/year. Total ≈ £484–£560/year — conservative but realistic.
Practical tactics to maximise cashback (that actually work)
Compare TopCashback vs Quidco for each big purchase. Even 1–3% difference matters on big buys.
Stack where possible: cashback site + discount code (Honey) + card rewards + retailer loyalty (e.g., Nectar/Avios). Example: use TopCashback link → apply Honey code at checkout → pay with a bonus card.
Use receipt apps for tried-and-tested groceries. Keep Shopmium & CheckoutSmart for brand trials and freebies.
Activate Curve/bank offers before you spend. If you use Curve or your bank’s app offers, activate the merchant offer before purchase so cashback registers automatically.
Watch for seasonal bonus days and flash events. Both TopCashback and Quidco run double cashback or retailer events—time big purchases to match them.
Track payout thresholds & times. Some apps have minimum withdrawal or pay-out delay. Plan for when you need the money.
Keep records of eligible purchases. Screenshots of confirmations and transaction IDs help if an app needs proof.
Use referral programs carefully. They’re great for bonuses, but check terms to ensure you won’t void others’ cashback (some merchants penalise incentive traffic).
Safety, privacy & common pitfalls
Is my data safe?
Reputable cashback apps follow standard privacy rules and data processing but read privacy policies and only provide necessary details. Major apps (TopCashback, Quidco, Honey, Curve) operate in the UK and have public privacy terms.
Can apps “steal” my affiliate commission?
Some controversy exists (e.g., community threads discussing Honey’s affiliate practice), but public complaints rarely mean the app is unsafe — they often concern commission allocation practices or perceived transparency. If you’re concerned, use platforms you trust and check user reviews.
Why cashback sometimes doesn’t track
Common causes: using third-party payment methods (e.g., PayPal, Klarna) that break tracking; clicking a retailer’s non-tracked link; cookies blocked; using different devices. Always start your purchase from the app/extension and avoid third-party redirects.
Beware of subscription/premium fees
Some platforms offer paid tiers (Quidco Premium) — calculate whether the boost justifies the fee for your yearly spend. Quidco
Tax implications
Cashback is normally treated as a discount or rebate against outlay (not income) for personal shoppers. If you run a business and claim cashback, or if cashback is significant and part of business revenue, consult an accountant. (Tax rules change; treat large, business-related cashback differently.)
Step-by-step: setting up your cashback stack in 15 minutes
Install TopCashback and Quidco apps; create accounts and verify email.
Install Honey browser extension and sign up (links codes will auto-apply).
Download Curve and add your main card to use for card-linked offers.
Install Shopmium and CheckoutSmart for grocery freebies.
Bookmark or pin the retailers you use most on TopCashback/Quidco to check rates before buying.
Before any online purchase: check TopCashback/Quidco for offers → ensure Honey attempts codes → purchase through the selected cashback link → pay with Curve or your rewards card for extra stacking.
App-by-app advanced tips (short list)
TopCashback: Use their browser reminder tool and set alerts for specific retailers. Track high-ticket categories (travel/insurance).
Quidco: Evaluate whether Premium is worth it for your planned spend; use their travel offers for big savings.
Honey: Check Honey Gold eligibility before buying — sometimes the extension only finds codes, not cashback. Honey
Curve: Always activate merchant offers before payment; double-check eligible cards.
Shopmium / CheckoutSmart: Save receipts and product barcodes until cashback clears. Some promos have first-come limits.
Real user scenarios — which app to pick
Student on a budget
Shopmium + CheckoutSmart (grocery freebies) + Honey for student discount codes + Swagbucks (surveys) for extra vouchers.
Family with busy grocery & utility bills
TopCashback and Quidco for big bills and switching utilities; Shopmium/CheckoutSmart for everyday grocery savings; Curve for incidental card offers.
Frequent traveller
TopCashback or Quidco for flights/hotels, plus bank cards with travel perks. Compare both for travel category rates.
Occasional shopper who hates fuss
Honey (auto codes) + Curve (activate & forget) offers a low-effort approach with small returns.
What’s changed recently (2024–2026 trends to know)
Card-linked & in-app activation (Curve and bank apps) is increasingly common — less friction, more automatic rewards. Curve
Receipt-based grocery cashback remains valuable for product trials and freebies (Shopmium & CheckoutSmart).
Platforms consolidating & changing guarantees — check the small print: some long-standing features (e.g., “highest cashback guarantee”) have changed on platforms like Quidco in recent years, so always confirm current terms.
FAQs — Everything else you’ll want to know
Q: Which app is the fastest to pay out? A: It varies by merchant and purchase type. Receipt-based apps (Shopmium/CheckoutSmart) often clear faster for supermarket product claims (days to weeks). Online tracking through TopCashback/Quidco can take weeks to months depending on retailer confirmation.
Q: Can I use multiple cashback apps on the same purchase? A: Usually no for the same online purchase — you must click through one cashback link for tracking. But you can stack across different layers (cashback site + discount codes + card rewards).
Q: Are there any apps that pay instantly? A: In-store receipt apps can be very fast for eligible items. Card-linked offers (Curve) can also credit quickly depending on terms. Most online tracking requires retailer confirmation, which is not instant.
Q: Do cashback earnings count as income? A: For personal shopping, cashback is generally treated as a refund/discount rather than taxable income. If you receive cashback as part of a business or as a reseller, seek tax advice. (This is general guidance, not tax advice.)
Q: What should I do if cashback doesn’t appear? A: Keep screenshots, order numbers, and transaction IDs. Contact the cashback app’s support with evidence — most reputable platforms have disputes procedures.
Final verdict — which 3 apps to install today (fast pick)
TopCashback — best for overall coverage and competitive rates.
Quidco — excellent alternative with strong travel/utility offers; compare with TopCashback before big purchases.
Shopmium (or CheckoutSmart) — download one receipt-based grocery app for regular family grocery savings. Save the Student
Add Honey and Curve if you want low friction (automatic codes & card-linked offers) — they’re excellent complements rather than replacements.
