Rakuten is one of the most well-known cashback apps out there, with more than 17 million members earning a percentage back when they shop online. But it’s not the only way to earn cash back.
Maybe you’re tired of waiting for Rakuten’s quarterly Big Fat Check. Maybe your favorite brand isn’t on the platform. Or maybe you just want to stack rewards across multiple apps to maximize what you get back.
Whatever your reason, there are plenty of apps like Rakuten where you can get paid to shop online. Some focus purely on cashback. Others, like KashKick, combine cashback with extra ways to earn so you’re never stuck waiting on a single income stream.
Below, find the seven best apps like Rakuten, a quick-reference comparison table and how to pick the right one for you.
Key Takeaways
- Apps like Rakuten pay you cashback when you click through their site or extension before shopping online.
- KashKick stands out by combining cashback with surveys, games and deal offers—all in one app.
- Faster payouts, lower minimums and PayPal or Venmo cashouts are key features to look for.
- Stacking two or three apps together can significantly boost your total rewards.
What Are the Best Apps Like Rakuten?
The best apps like Rakuten are cashback shopping platforms that pay you a percentage back when you click through to an online retailer. KashKick, TopCashback and BeFrugal lead the pack for direct cashback, while Capital One Shopping, Ibotta, Swagbucks and MyPoints round out the top 7 with added features like coupon codes, grocery cashback and points-based rewards programs.
How Do Cashback Apps Like Rakuten Work?
Cashback apps earn commissions when you shop through their links. When you click through the app or browser extension to a partner retailer, the app tracks your purchase and pays you a percentage of what you spent—typically 1% to 15%, depending on the store and current offers.
The money isn’t instant. Most retailers have a “pending period” of 30 to 90 days to make sure you don’t return the item. Once confirmed, the cashback hits your app balance, and you can cash out based on the platform’s minimum threshold and payout methods.
Different apps use different models. Some pay directly in cash (like KashKick and BeFrugal). Others use a points system (Swagbucks, MyPoints). And some, like Capital One Shopping, only pay out in gift cards. All are free to use. They make money from retailer commissions, not from you.
Why Look for Apps Like Rakuten?
Rakuten works well for online shoppers who don’t mind waiting for a quarterly payout. But it has real drawbacks. Earnings are paid out four times a year, cashback rates fluctuate and some stores you shop at regularly may not be on the platform.
If any of that sounds limiting, you’ve got options. The best Rakuten alternatives offer:
- Faster payouts (think days, not months)
- More ways to earn beyond just shopping
- PayPal, Venmo or direct deposit cashouts
- Better coverage for the stores you actually use
A quick note on some names you might see in older roundups: Dosh shut down in February 2025, and Drop ceased to function as of 2026. Skip those and stick with apps that are actively paying out today.
Apps Like Rakuten at a Glance
Here’s how the top 7 Rakuten alternatives stack up on the basics. Offer amounts are subject to change and may vary.
| App | Cashback type | Minimum payout | Payout speed | Payout methods |
| KashKick | Online cashback + surveys, games, deals | $10 | 1–3 business days | PayPal, Venmo, gift cards, charity |
| TopCashback | Online cashback portal | None | Up to 5 business days | PayPal, Venmo, bank transfer, gift cards |
| BeFrugal | Online cashback portal | $0.01–$25 | Next business day | PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, Zelle, check, gift card |
| Capital One Shopping | Online cashback + coupon codes | Varies | 24-72 hours | Gift cards only |
| Ibotta | Online cashback + grocery receipts | $20 | 1-3 business days | PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards |
| Swagbucks | Online cashback + surveys, games | Varies ($3+ for gift cards) | Up to 10 business days | PayPal, gift cards |
| MyPoints | Online cashback + surveys, games | Varies | Up to 10 business days | PayPal, travel miles, gift cards |
7 Best Apps Like Rakuten
From pure cashback portals to full rewards platforms, here are the 7 best apps like Rakuten worth downloading in 2026—starting with the one we think is the most well-rounded.
1. KashKick

KashKick is more than just a cashback app—it’s a full rewards platform that pays you for shopping, taking surveys, playing games and trying new apps. That means you’re not limited to one earning method like you are with Rakuten.
For cashback specifically, KashKick partners with major retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, DoorDash and Dick’s Sporting Goods. If you already have KashKick, start earning cashback on online purchases through the Shopping tab.
Members can also explore deal offers that pay anywhere from a few dollars to $300+ for trying products and services. See all the ways to earn money on KashKick.
The cashout minimum is just $10, and payouts hit your account within one to three business days through PayPal, Venmo, gift cards or even charity donations. Compare that to Rakuten’s quarterly schedule, and you can see why many users prefer KashKick for fast payouts and easy cashout options.
One KashKick member, Eric, earned more than $500 in less than a year by combining cashback, surveys and games. That’s what makes KashKick different—you’re not relying on just one earning method. Read more KashKick reviews from real members.
Key features:
- Cashback on online purchases at major retailers
- Multiple ways to earn (surveys, games, deals, shopping)
- $10 cashout minimum
- Payouts in one to three business days via PayPal, Venmo, gift cards or charity
- 4.6 stars in the App Store; 4.4 stars on Google Play
👉 Sign up for KashKick today and start earning real cash.
2. TopCashback
TopCashback is one of the closest direct competitors to Rakuten, and many users say its cashback rates are often higher because the platform passes the commission back to members. Its Highest Cash Back Guarantee also promises to match 110% of any higher cashback rate you find at a competitor.
There’s no minimum payout, and you can cash out via PayPal, Venmo or direct deposit. Gift cards are also an option, though there’s a minimum threshold for those.
The interface is a bit dated compared to Rakuten, but the higher payouts and flexible cashout options make it worth a look if online cashback shopping is your main goal. TopCashback also runs frequent “boosted” offers that temporarily raise cashback rates at popular retailers—worth checking before any big purchase.
Key features:
- No minimum payout for cash
- Highest Cash Back Guarantee
- Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit or gift cards
- Thousands of participating retailers
- Frequent boosted cashback promotions
3. BeFrugal
BeFrugal is another strong Rakuten alternative that works the same way. Click through to a retailer from BeFrugal’s site or browser extension, shop and earn a percentage back.
The platform advertises up to 40% cashback across participating stores. Like TopCashback, it promises to match any higher rate you find elsewhere—at 125%. That means if you find a better rate on another site, BeFrugal will match it, then add an additional 25% in cash back.
Cashout options are flexible, including PayPal, Venmo, direct deposit, Zelle, check and gift cards. The minimum to cashout depends on how you want your earnings. It’s $25 for a check, or $0.01 for direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo and Zelle. Payouts are processed next business day.
Key features:
- Cashback at 5,000+ retailers
- $0.01 minimum for PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or direct deposit payouts
- Browser extension for automatic activation at checkout
- Cashback match guarantee for 125%
4. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a free browser extension and app that automatically applies coupon codes at checkout and offers cashback rewards at thousands of retailers. You don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it.
Rewards come in the form of gift cards rather than direct cash, which is the main downside compared to Rakuten or KashKick. But the automatic coupon feature is genuinely useful—it scans for the best available promo code so you don’t have to go hunting through Google.
Key features:
- Automatic coupon code application at checkout
- No Capital One account required
- Built-in price comparison tool
- Gift card rewards at retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon and more
- Free to install as a browser extension or app
5. Ibotta
Ibotta is best known for grocery receipt scanning, but it also has an online cashback portal and browser extension that work just like Rakuten. You click through to your favorite retailer from Ibotta, shop and earn cashback on qualifying purchases.
The cashout minimum is $20, paid out via PayPal, bank transfer or gift cards. If you’re a regular grocery shopper, Ibotta doubles as a way to earn on in-store purchases—just snap a photo of your receipt after you check out. It typically takes 1-3 business to process payouts.
Key features:
- Online cashback portal and browser extension
- Bonus grocery cashback through receipt scanning
- $20 cashout minimum
- PayPal, bank or gift card payouts
- Browser extension for automatic online tracking
6. Swagbucks
Swagbucks has a cashback shopping portal that works similarly to Rakuten, plus additional earning methods like surveys and games. The catch is that earnings come in points (called SBs), which can make tracking how much you’ve actually earned a bit confusing.
The cashout minimum varies by reward, but most gift cards start at $3 worth of SBs. PayPal cashouts can take up to 10 business days to process—the slowest on this list. Still, if you like having multiple ways to earn beyond shopping, Swagbucks is a solid pick.
Key features:
- Cashback shopping portal with thousands of retailers
- Points-based system (SBs) instead of direct cash
- Multiple earning methods beyond shopping
- PayPal and gift card payouts
- Slower processing (up to 10 business days)
7. MyPoints
MyPoints is owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks (Prodege) and offers a similar mix of shopping cashback, surveys and games. Similar to Swagbucks, you earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, travel miles or PayPal cash.
The platform has been around since 1996, so it has a long track record. Cashout minimums vary by reward, and the points-to-dollars conversion can be confusing at first. If you’re already shopping at a retailer that pays well on MyPoints, though, it can be a useful addition to your rewards stack.
Key features:
- Cashback at thousands of online retailers
- Multiple ways to earn (surveys, games, shopping)
- PayPal and gift card payouts
- Long-running, established platform
- Confusing points system compared to direct-cash apps
How to Choose the Best App Like Rakuten
With seven solid options, it helps to narrow down based on what matters most to you. Here’s what to look for.
- Match the app to your spending habits. If you mostly shop online at big-name retailers, any of these will work. If you also do a lot of grocery shopping, Ibotta adds receipt-scanning on top of online cashback. Heavy online shoppers will get the most out of Capital One Shopping or BeFrugal’s extensions, which automatically flag cashback and coupons at checkout.
- Pay attention to payout terms. Some apps pay quickly (KashKick, TopCashback) while others make you wait (Rakuten’s quarterly schedule, Swagbucks’ 10-day PayPal processing). If cash flow matters, prioritize fast payouts.
- Look at minimum cashout thresholds. TopCashback has no minimum, KashKick is $10, Ibotta is $20. That difference can determine how often you actually see your money. If you shop infrequently, a low minimum matters a lot more.
- Points vs. cash matters. MyPoints and Swagbucks pay in points, which can feel like a moving target. KashKick and TopCashback pay in dollars, which is easier to track and budget around.
- Stack apps for maximum earnings. These apps all work independently. You can use a rewards credit card, shop through a cashback portal like Rakuten or KashKick, then scan your receipt with Ibotta. That’s multiple layers of rewards on a single purchase. (More on this below!)
- Think mobile vs. desktop. If you do most of your shopping on your phone, look for apps with strong iOS and Android presence. Most of these work on both, but browser-extension-heavy apps (Capital One Shopping, BeFrugal) are easier to use on a computer. Shoppers on iPhone have some extra options worth exploring, too.
How to Spot a Legit Cashback App
Not every cashback app is worth your time—and some are downright shady. Here’s how to vet a new app before you sign up.
- Check the reviews. Look at App Store and Google Play ratings, plus Trustpilot and Reddit for real user experiences. A few bad reviews are normal; consistent complaints about non-payment are a red flag.
- Verify the cashout process. Legit apps clearly explain how to get paid, what the minimum is and how long it takes. If that information is buried or vague, be cautious.
- Watch for fees. You shouldn’t have to pay to sign up for a cashback app or pay a fee to withdraw your earnings. Any app that charges a membership fee for cashback access is worth skipping.
- Look for transparency around how the app makes money. Cashback apps earn commissions when you shop through their links, then pass a portion back to you. That’s how they can afford to pay you. If an app’s business model is unclear, dig deeper before committing. Here’s how KashKick’s model works—it’s a good benchmark for what transparency should look like.
- Avoid apps that ask for sensitive info upfront. You shouldn’t need to hand over your Social Security number, full bank details or a copy of your ID just to sign up for a cashback app.
Stack Apps to Maximize Cashback
Here’s a real-world example of how stacking works.
You want to buy a $100 pair of shoes from a major retailer. You click through to the retailer from KashKick or Rakuten for online cashback—say, 6%. Then you pay with a rewards credit card that earns 1-2% back. Over the same week, you take a quick survey or try a deal offer through KashKick to add a few more dollars to your account.
That single purchase just earned you $8-10+ in stacked rewards instead of just $6 from one app alone. Over a year of regular shopping, the difference adds up fast—and you didn’t change what you bought, just how you paid for it.
The key to stacking successfully is using apps that don’t overlap. Two cashback portals on the same purchase won’t work (only one will get credit), but a portal + credit card + receipt app often will. Check each app’s terms if you’re unsure.
Want to go deeper? Here’s our full guide on https://kashkick.com/guide/save/how-to-stack-cash-back-rewards/ , including which combinations earn the most and the mistakes most people make along the way.
Find the Best Rakuten Alternative for You
Rakuten is a solid cashback app, but it’s far from your only option. Whether you want faster payouts, more ways to earn or just lower minimums, there’s an app on this list that fits.
If you want one platform that covers cashback AND adds surveys, games and deal offers so you’re earning even when you’re not shopping, KashKick is hard to beat. With a $10 minimum, fast PayPal or Venmo payouts, and multiple ways to put extra cash in your pocket, it’s a smart addition to your earning routine. If you shop online often, our guide to the best cashback for online shopping breaks down even more ways to earn on every purchase.
👉 Sign up for KashKick today and start earning real cash.
FAQs: Apps Like Rakuten
What app is better than Rakuten?
It depends on what you want. For pure cashback at higher rates, TopCashback and BeFrugal are strong picks for their highest cashback match. If you want a platform that pays you for shopping AND offers surveys, games and deal earnings all in one place, KashKick is the most well-rounded option—plus you’ll get paid in one to three days instead of waiting for Rakuten’s quarterly payout.
Can I use multiple cashback apps at once?
Yes, and you should. These apps all work independently, so you can stack rewards by using a cashback shopping portal, a rewards credit card and a receipt-scanning app on the same purchase. Just make sure you read each app’s terms—a few don’t allow stacking with direct competitors.
Do cashback apps actually pay?
The legit ones do. Apps like KashKick, Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal and Ibotta have all paid out millions to users. The key is sticking with apps that have strong reviews, clear payout terms and a history of paying members on time.
Are there cashback apps that pay through PayPal?
Yes—KashKick, Rakuten, TopCashback, BeFrugal and Ibotta all offer PayPal payouts. KashKick also pays out via Venmo, gift cards and charity donations, with a low $10 minimum and fast one to three business day processing.
What happened to Dosh and Drop?
Both apps are no longer operating. Dosh shut down in February 2025, and Drop ceased to function as of 2026. If you see them in older roundups, skip ahead to the apps still actively paying out—like the ones on this list.
How much can you realistically earn from cashback apps?
It depends on how much you shop and how well you stack apps together. Casual users typically earn $5-20 a month from a single app. More strategic users who stack a cashback portal, rewards card and receipt app can earn $50-100+ a month without changing their spending. Think of it as a rebate on things you were going to buy anyway—not a side hustle replacement.