With the cost of living rising, every penny counts. Cashback apps are a popular way to get money back on everyday spending, but are they actually worth it in 2025? Let’s break it down and show you how to use them smartly (and how I’ve earned hundreds doing just that).
🧠 What Are Cashback Apps?
Cashback apps pay you a small percentage of your purchases when you shop at certain retailers. Think of it like a digital loyalty reward — except you earn actual money, not points.
There are two main types:
- 🛍️ Click-through cashback apps (e.g. Quidco): You visit a retailer through the app and complete your purchase as normal.
- 💳 Linked-card cashback apps (e.g. Airtime Rewards, Curve): You link your debit/credit card once, then get automatic cashback when you shop at supported stores.
🎯 Why Do Retailers Offer Cashback?
Retailers pay cashback apps a commission for referring customers. The app shares a portion of that commission with you — the shopper. It’s a win-win: they get the sale, you get a reward.
🏆 My Top Cashback Apps for 2025
Here are the apps I personally use (and recommend). They’re free to join — and I’ve included referral bonuses so you can start with a boost 👇
🟣 Airtime Rewards – Pay Less on Your Phone Bill
Airtime Rewards links to your card and automatically gives cashback at 200+ UK brands like Boots, Greggs, Argos, and more. Cashback is applied directly to your phone bill (EE, O2, Vodafone, etc.).
🎁 Get started with my code: PFUJVPCQ
📖 Read my Airtime Rewards review
💰 Quidco – The Original Cashback Site
Quidco offers cashback at over 4,000 retailers when you shop via their app or site. Great for online purchases, insurance, broadband, fashion and more.
🎁 Join Quidco with this link and get a free bonus
📖 Read my Quidco review
🌍 Curve – Stack Cashback from All Your Cards
Curve combines your cards into one smart card and app — and earns you cashback at select retailers. Best part? You can stack this cashback on top of Quidco or Airtime Rewards if used right.
🎁 Use code “JENZO” and get £10 free
📖 Read my Curve review
🔍 Are Cashback Apps Worth It in 2025?
In short: yes — if you use them properly.
They’re best for people who:
- Shop at common UK stores (Boots, Argos, M&S, etc.)
- Are happy to wait for cashback to clear (can take 30–90 days)
- Don’t let cashback dictate their shopping habits
Tip: Combine cashback apps — for example, shop through Quidco, pay with a card linked to Airtime Rewards, and use Curve as your payment card. Triple win!
⚠️ Cashback App Tips & Warnings
- ✅ Cashback is never 100% guaranteed — use it as a bonus, not a reason to buy
- 🔁 Always check terms for each offer (e.g. not valid with discount codes)
- 💳 Link all your debit and credit cards to Airtime Rewards and Curve to avoid missing cashback
- 📆 Stay active — Airtime may expire your rewards after 6+ months of inactivity
💬 Final Thoughts
Cashback apps in 2025 are more advanced, easier to use, and can genuinely save you money. I’ve earned over £1,500+ with Quidco alone, and £25+ with Airtime, without changing my shopping habits.
If you’re not using at least one cashback app, you’re leaving free money behind.