I used to hear people talk about a tight budget all the time, but, to be honest, I didn’t really realize what being on a tight budget meant until I became a full-time college student. Between my classes, my internship, and trying to have some sort of social life, I just don’t have much time to get a real job that can support my love of shopping. Luckily, I’ve found a solution…or three. They’re called cashback apps, and they’re fantastic.
Cashback apps are exactly what they sound like—apps that you can use to get cashback. I don’t know about you, but I love this idea. So, I’ve been trying out as many of them as I can, and I’m proud to say that I’ve nailed down a list of some of the most legit cashback apps for shopaholics on a tight budget, whether they’re in college or not. And today it’s my pleasure to share them with all of you!
3 Legit Cashback Apps
Check out this list below. I’ve got three very different types of apps that do different things, but I hope you’ll find them all to be as totally legit as I do.
1. SurveyJunkie
Okay, so this first one on my list of legit cashback apps is actually one that you can use during downtime while you’re shopping. It’s called SurveyJunkie, and you can use it from your smartphone to take surveys that give you cashback. My friends and I like to use SurveyJunkie while we’re waiting in line, taking a break somewhere and grabbing a coffee, or anywhere else we have a few free moments between classes.
One thing to keep in mind is that you have to be at least 18 years old to use it. How much cash you get back from this app really depends on how much you use it. There are some days I’m really busy with classes and whatever else, and I only end up getting $5 from it, but there are other days when I have plenty of time to use it to shop. During those weeks, I’m able to get as much as $50 cash back just for taking surveys. It’s great, and it’s so nice to have that extra money. I highly recommend it, even if you only use it while you’re standing in line to check out!
2. PayPal
This sounds funny, but the most important cashback app is the one that literally gives you cash back. I’m talking about PayPal, which is the site you can use to move cash around online, get gifts from your relatives (always the best), and do whatever other financial business you have on the internet. There is one thing to note: In order to receive cash back, shoppers must use the PayPal Cashback Mastercard which offers 2% back on everyday purchases as opposed to other apps that give you free gift cards.
An added bonus with this one is that my parents are totally cool with it too, because it’s known for being secure. I can already tell this is going to be an invaluable app for me, especially when it comes to shopping online. Plus, most of my favorite online stores accept PayPal. So, if you don’t have a PayPal account, I highly recommend creating one, because it’s one of the easiest ways to get cashback.
3. Shopkick
Don’t get me wrong, the last two legit cashback apps I discussed are great, but this one is my absolute favorite. It’s called Shopkick, and I use it any time I do any shopping, which, if I’m being honest, is a lot. Shopkick is great because you can use it for both your online and in-person shopping to get cashback or free gift cards.
Shopkick is pretty simple and actually a lot of fun. This legit cashback app basically turns every trip to the store into a fun scavenger hunt for points called “kicks.” You can get your kicks in all kinds of ways, but the ones I like the best are walking into stores, scanning certain items, and, of course, making purchases. You can then trade your kicks in for gift cards to your favorite stores, which given how much I like to shop, is just as good as cash. In addition, with Shopkick you can also earn money shopping online, get kicks for making purchases, or even just for watching videos. It’s great, and, after Instagram, it’s probably the app that my friends and I have been using the most lately. I can’t recommend it enough!
On a Tight Budget? Try Shopkick
It can be hard to find the most legit cashback apps. Some apps don’t have as many great benefits as others, while some apps might not suit your personal tastes. Take it from me, a certified self-declared shopaholic, these are three of the best out there, and I’ve been using them all quite a bit lately.
Take it from me, a certified self-declared shopaholic, these are three of the best out there!
As I said above, though, Shopkick is easily my favorite cashback app. I love it, and not just because I can use it at so many awesome stores, but also because it turns all of my shopping trips into fun scavenger hunts for kicks. I also love that on the days when I don’t feel like going out—or when classes are too hectic—I can still get my kicks by shopping online. Basically, it makes being a shopaholic even more fun than it already is!
It’s time to get your kicks! Shopkick is one of the most legit cashback apps, and it just makes shopping such a rewarding experience. Download the app today and start getting your kicks ASAP!
Image courtesy of Dean Drobot