Josh Elledge - CEO, UpMyInfluence
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Last week I shared how to get cash back when shopping online. Cash back websites give you a rebate in exchange for shopping through affiliated websites you may already be shopping with.
Rewards sites are a bit different than the cash back sites I shared – and if you aren't using them, let me be blunt. You're leaving money on the table.
Best rewards websites for online shoppers
The following websites are some of the most popular ones for online shoppers who want to be rewarded not only for their purchases but for other activities as well. Some work similarly to cash back sites while others give points or the equivalent every time you shop. Those points can then be redeemed for rewards, prizes, gift cards or, yes, even cash.
Here are my top choices.
One of the original rewards websites, MyPoints lets members earn points for taking surveys, reading emails and searching the web. In addition, online shoppers get rewarded for shopping through the site. Simply go to MyPoints.com, search for your favorite store and click the link to go shopping. You can then redeem your points for the gift cards, cash or travel miles.
Swagbucks is newer, but it's arguably the hottest rewards site on the web now. Members earn Swag Bucks by searching the web, taking surveys, voting in polls and completing special offers. In addition, they earn bucks by shopping through the website. Swag Bucks can be redeemed for gift cards or sweepstakes entries. If you're planning to shop through Swagbucks, remember each Swag Buck per dollar spent roughly equals a one percent rebate on your purchase. So, for example, if a store gives you 3 Swag Bucks per dollar spent, that's about a 3 percent rebate.
In addition to shopping, you can take surveys, play games or search the web on InboxDollars. The site is something of a cross between a rewards website and the cash back site, like the ones I shared last week. InboxDollars doesn't dole out points or bucks. Instead it gives members cash, including cash rebates on purchases. However, since it offers ways to earn other than simply shopping, I've included it with the rewards sites.
My final pick, Cash Crate, is similar to InboxDollars in that it's a combination of rewards and cash back. You earn money for completing offers and taking surveys. In addition, the site offers cash back on purchases from participating retailers. Cash Crate pays out each month to those who reach at least a $20 balance the previous month. One nice bonus on Cash Crate is its online community forum where you can connect with other users for tips and advice on completing offers and maximizing rewards.
Between the cash back sites I shared last week and these rewards sites, there is no excuse for not getting a rebate virtually every time you shop online.
