What Is Cashback?

Cashback is a reward where you earn a percentage of your purchase amount back as real money.

For example:

• You buy a $100 item online
• The store offers 5% cashback
• You earn $5 back — paid to you later

Cashback is not a coupon or discount at checkout. Instead, you get money back after your purchase is tracked and confirmed.

How Does Cashback Work?

Cashback works through a simple partnership between retailers and cashback platforms.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. You visit a cashback website or app
2. Click through to a store (like Walmart, Nike, or Sephora)
3. Shop and complete your purchase as usual
4. The store pays the cashback platform a referral commission
5. The platform shares part of that commission with you as cashback

You don’t pay extra — the retailer funds the cashback.

Are Cashback Websites Legit?

Yes — legitimate cashback websites are safe and widely used by millions of shoppers.

Major brands work with cashback platforms because:

• They only pay when a sale happens
• It’s performance-based marketing
• It drives loyal customers

That said, not all cashback sites are the same. A trustworthy platform should offer:

• Clear tracking and terms
• Transparent payout rules
• Secure payments
• No hidden fees

How Do Cashback Sites Make Money?

Cashback sites earn money through affiliate commissions.

When you make a purchase:

• The retailer pays a commission to the cashback site
• The cashback site gives a portion to you
• The remaining portion supports the platform

This model allows cashback sites to stay free for users.

How Much Cashback Can You Earn?

Cashback rates vary by store and promotion, but typically range from:

• 1%–5% on everyday shopping
• 10%–20%+ during special deals or holidays
• Sometimes even higher for limited-time offers

Over time, frequent shoppers can earn hundreds of dollars per year just by clicking through a cashback site first.

When Do You Get Paid?

Cashback is not instant.

Most platforms follow this timeline:

• Purchase is tracked within hours or days
• Cashback becomes “pending”
• Cashback is confirmed after the store’s return window
• You can withdraw once you reach the minimum payout

Payout methods often include PayPal or bank transfer.

What Is CashbackGoat?

CashbackGoat is a cashback and deals platform that helps shoppers earn money back at thousands of online stores.

With CashbackGoat, users can:

• Earn cashback on everyday purchases
• Discover top deals and promotions
• Get paid via PayPal or Venmo
• Earn referral bonuses by inviting friends

CashbackGoat is free to join and designed to make saving simple and transparent.

Is Cashback Worth It?

If you shop online, cashback is one of the easiest ways to save money.

You’re not changing your buying habits — just clicking through a cashback site before you shop. Over time, those small percentages add up.

How to Start Earning Cashback

Getting started is easy:

1. Sign up for a cashback platform
2. Browse available stores and deals
3. Click through and shop as usual
4. Track your cashback and withdraw when ready

That’s it.

Final Thoughts

Cashback is a proven, legitimate way to save money online. Once you understand how it works, it becomes a habit that pays you back every time you shop.

If you’re new to cashback, start simple, stay consistent, and always read the terms — your future self will thank you.