Cash-back apps are rewarding grocery shoppers

Your next trip to the grocery store could end with you getting money. Some apps are now offering rewards programs. And that reward is money back in your bank account.

We looked at what you need to know before you sign up.

Start with reviewing your credit cards. Figure out which one has the highest return on groceries or take-out orders, and make sure the offer is activated.

Cash-back apps, such as Ibotta and Rakuten, work both online and in stores depending on the offer.

Think of these apps as free, supplemental rewards programs to your credit card.

Just click the offer, and it’ll redirect you to the store.

“It’s all about how you place the order and making sure you’re logged into the platforms that you’re getting the cashback from,” said Kimberly Palmer with NerdWallet.

While Rakuten is known for retail savings; right now, they’re offering cash back on purchases made at Sam’s club, Uber Eats, Groupon and Petco.

As for Ibotta, they not only offer you cash back on certain grocery items but delivery services too. Users can save a percentage on DoorDash, Grubhub, Shipt and Instacart orders.

Once the purchase clears, the money you saved is deposited into your account.

Other grocery savings apps include Checkout 51 and Coupons.com.

“They actually have a special section for the pandemic,” Palmer said. “And you can see all sorts of items that people want right now, where you can buy them, which store which is, the best coupon available, and you can make sure you apply to the coupon you see through Coupons.com.

Groupon is offering membership deals for Sam’s club and BJ’s. Sam’s club offers customer’s curbside pickup, and BJ’s delivers through Instacart.

Some of you have told us that you’re unable to get delivery time slots because of the demand. Be sure to keep hitting refresh and check for new times during the early morning.