Christmas cashback: The money saving hack that helps one man pay for Christmas
Free money amid a cost of living crisis is something that sounds too good to be true, but one man from Scarborough swears by a site that has earned him 拢2,200 since 2016.
Wednesday 21 December 2022 09:15, UK
Free money amid a cost of living crisis is something that sounds too good to be true, but one man from Scarborough swears by a site that has earned him 拢2,200 since 2016.
When Glenn Broadbent wants to buy something, the first thing he does is check if the retailer is available on Top Cashback.
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This tactic earns him around £400-a-year, which he is now using to buy Christmas presents for his two children.
"If you are going to buy something anyway, you might as well do it this way," he said.
"I got £100 cashback buying a phone, £25 buying insurance - everyone needs insurance."
Cashback websites pay you when you go through them to spend with an online retailer. Used properly they can be a way to make hundreds a year, but caution is always advised to keep yourself safe.
The amounts you accrue per purchase are relatively small - although promotions and bonuses may be available - but a few clicks before you buy can quickly build into a substantial sum.
The trick, Glen said, is to get into the habit of going through the app every single time you want to make a purchase.
How does it work?
When you make a purchase, you click through to the retailer from the cashback site. The retailer then gives a commission for sending you to their website. Sites like Top Cashback share this with the consumer - and it is made payable to them.
You can withdraw the money to your bank account, or sometimes you get a bonus if you take it as a voucher.
The site itself makes money through sponsored adverts and promotions - and sometimes retailers will offer a bonus if they send a lot of shoppers their way.
How to stay safe
Beware of dodgy sites promising cashback. Exercise extreme caution if you have found it via an Instagram post or Facebook link. Sites like Top Cashback are verified and if you are ever in doubt, check the Trust Pilot reviews.
Most cashback sites set a threshold before you can withdraw, and the best practice would be to withdraw when you hit that level. There is always a risk of leaving hundreds of pounds stored in a site because if it goes bust your money is lost.
Think of cashback as a bonus - it is never guaranteed. Tracking problems can occur and you can be expecting to get paid and the money not materialise. Clear your cookies before buying to make sure the tracking works.
Equally, don't use cashback as the main factor when making a purchase - it may not actually be the cheapest option. Always do your research. Consider if your purchase is still a good deal, even without the cashback. That way, if the tracking doesn't work, you haven't lost out.