Cashback FAQs
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Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. Some links are referral links — we may earn a commission.
Quick answer
Short answers to the cashback questions we’re asked most: how sites make money, why cashback sometimes doesn’t track, how long payouts take and how cashback apps and cards differ.
Who it’s for
- Anyone new to cashback sites, apps or cards
- People chasing missing cashback
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You’re tempted to spend more than you planned just to earn cashback
The catch
Cashback isn’t guaranteed until the retailer confirms it, which can take weeks or months. Tracking can fail if cookies are blocked, if you use a voucher code the retailer didn’t approve, or if you leave and return to the retailer’s site. Returns cancel the cashback, and dormant accounts can lose their balance.
Full explanation
Cashback works well as a habit attached to spending you’d do anyway. Start from the cashback site, keep receipts and order confirmations, and check pending cashback until it confirms.
You can compare the main sites in our cashback hub and estimate yearly earnings with the cashback calculator.
FAQs
How do cashback sites make money?
Retailers pay the site a commission when you buy through its link, and the site passes some or all of it to you.
Why didn’t my cashback track?
Common causes include blocked cookies, unapproved voucher codes, leaving the retailer’s site part-way through, or an ineligible purchase. Most sites let you submit a claim.
How long does cashback take?
It’s usually tracked within a few days, then confirmed once the retailer’s return period has passed. That can take weeks or months.
What’s the difference between cashback sites and cashback apps?
Sites track online purchases through links. Apps may also offer in-store offers through linked cards, receipt scanning or tasks. See cashback and rewards apps.
How do cashback credit cards work?
They pay a percentage of your card spending back, often with tiers or caps. They only make sense if you clear the balance each month. See cashback credit cards.
Is cashback taxed?
For most people, cashback on personal purchases is treated as a discount rather than income. If you’re unsure about your situation, check with HMRC or a tax adviser.
Do cashback balances expire?
Some sites treat accounts as dormant after a period without logging in. TopCashback and Quidco both mention 6 months in their terms (as of 3 October 2026).
Can I use cashback with a voucher code?
Sometimes. Only codes listed or approved by the cashback site are safe to use without risking tracking.
Join a cashback site to start earning on purchases you were going to make anyway.
Some links in this table are referral links. We may earn a commission if you use them, at no extra cost to you. Rankings are based on our review methodology, not commission.
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