In a Nutshell: Saving money is an exciting concept to most consumers, and TopCashback makes it simple and convenient. The platform offers members an easy way to earn cash back rewards simply by shopping online as they normally would. TopCashback partners with retailers and when a customer clicks through to a retailer from the TopCashback website, the retailers provide TopCashback with a commission. But unlike other cash back websites, TopCashback passes on 100% of that commission to the member who earned it. Members save an average of $345 per year using TopCashback. And some members have earned thousands over the years.
Saving money doesn’t always come easy, especially if you’re not already in the habit of it. But there’s no denying the benefit of having some extra cash stored away for a rainy day or to help pay down debt.
There’s also no getting around the fact that millions of Americans struggle with finances and debt. In fact, about 40% of U.S. residents would not be able to afford an unexpected expense of $400 without going further into debt.
So, saving is good. But saving doesn’t necessarily mean opening a savings account and putting a predetermined amount of money into it each month, although that’s certainly a wise strategy if a person is able to do it.
Folks have an array of options when it comes to saving money. TopCashback helps people save money in the form of — you got it — cash back on purchases.
The company’s straightforward model is simple and easy to understand, and, most importantly, it works.
TopCashback was founded in 2005 with a mission to become the most generous cash back company in the world. Within just two years the platform had 10,000 members. Today, the company has more than 15 million members all over the world.
We recently spoke with Rebecca Gramuglia, TopCashback’s Consumer Expert, about the innovative platform. Gramuglia also provided some valuable insights on how to save money while shopping online.
A Platform That Gives Users Cash Back on Purchases
The basic premise of TopCashback is simple. Anybody can create a free TopCashback account in minutes and immediately begin saving.
When members make a purchase from a retailer that is featured on the TopCashback website — after clicking through from the site — the retailer gives TopCashback a commission in exchange for sending them business.
TopCashback then passes on 100% of that commission to the consumer, who can then redeem the cash by having it deposited directly into his or her bank account, PayPal account, or added to gift cards with a cash back bonus on top.
“We’re different from other cash back websites because we are the most generous, so what that means is we really are giving 100% of that commission rate back to you in the form of cash back,” Gramuglia said. “Other competitors typically keep a portion of that commission rate, which is why consumers may find lower cash back rates than ours.”
She said being fair and transparent plays a big role in how TopCashback operates, including how it treats both its members and employees.
“We’re here to help people save money in their everyday life,” according to the company. “It’s about making it easy for you to get a little back on your everyday spending. We’re there from the moment you upgrade your closet to your Friday night takeout.”
TopCashback partners with more than 4,400 retailers across nearly every industry, including hotels, car rental agencies, fashion brands, electronics retailers, and home improvement stores.
One common question the company receives is, if it passes 100% of the commission on to the user, how does TopCashback make money?
“We’re simply supported by sponsored advertisements and promotions dotted around the site, and sometimes retailers will also pay us a bonus if we send a lot of shoppers their way,” according to the company.
Valuable Tips on Shopping Online and Saving Money
Gramuglia also offered some expert advice on how to save money while shopping online.
“In the past year, more people have been shopping online for safety purposes and finding more options for purchasing their everyday necessities,” she said. “While you can always go into a store and use a coupon, shopping online is a great option for anyone who is looking to earn additional savings on top of already great deals you may find.”
Gramuglia said when someone is shopping for a particular item online, taking the time to compare prices from different retailers is often worth the effort.
“For example, if you are looking for something for your home and you find the item online at its lowest price point, always look to see if you can stack on any additional coupon codes, cash back, and deals on top of that. You may knock a zero or two off of your total,” she explained.
And TopCashback will include coupon codes on specific merchant pages if that merchant has any available, she said. The company also offers a browser extension that identifies coupon codes and allows shoppers to easily apply the codes at checkout.
Gramuglia said consumers can boost savings even more if they are using a credit card with cash back perks. And taking advantage of credit card rewards to save money or avoid debt is certainly something we endorse here at BadCredit.
“I think it’s so important to sweeten those savings with rewards your credit cards may offer,” she said. “And if you have a card that may be defaulted to a category that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, I always recommend taking a look and seeing if you can change it to something that makes more sense for you to earn the most money back possible.”
Gramuglia advises shoppers to always be aware of a company’s return policy as well.
“I think it’s something that often gets overlooked,” she said. “Being aware of the return policy is valuable. Can you return the item? How long is the return window? Do you have to mail it back? Sometimes these things are just frustrating and not realizing them ahead of time can lead to added stress.”
TopCashback Members Save Hundreds of Dollars Each Year
TopCashback members earn on average about $345 cash back per year, according to the company website.
Of course, by shopping smart and using some of the savvy tips suggested by Gramuglia, some users have saved even more money.
The TopCashback website highlights how much some members have saved and how they chose to use their extra cash.
“Since he started using the site, Mark has saved $4,000, and he uses this cash back to fund charity donations to Blind Veterans UK and Sightsavers,” according to the company.
Another member, Debra, used a portion of the $1,400 cash back she earned to fund a surprise visit to her family and her best friend in Canada.
In keeping with its ethos of treating people fairly and with kindness, TopCashback also works to make the world a better place using cash back and donations.
“In the past year, we launched a payout method where members can donate their payable cash back to Direct Relief, which is an organization that provides necessary equipment and supplies to doctors and nurses who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re currently matching up to $10,000 in donations, so this is a great option if you want to do some good with your cash back.” — Rebecca Gramuglia, TopCashback Consumer Expert
Speaking of cashing out, members can cash out at any time, Gramuglia said.
“There’s no minimum payout threshold,” she said. “So, even if you have $1 or $100 in your account, you can cash out once it’s payable, which is a really nice benefit.”
TopCashback also gives members chances to save even more through a site-wide game that runs several times a year, Gramuglia said.
“It’s called ‘Treats Game’ and our members absolutely love it,” she said. “It gives them an opportunity to search for and click on the flying hummingbird wherever it appears on the site, which they can earn money from. And by participating in the game, members are entered into a big prize drawing at the end of the competition.”
She said it’s not only a great way to provide members with even more savings but it motivates them to engage with the TopCashback website and become more familiar with the retailers that are featured on the website.
If you’re looking for a way to earn some extra cash to help pay down debt or stash away for a rainy day, TopCashback makes saving about as easy as it can be.
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