The Ultimate Comparison of Top Cashback Websites in North America (2025 Update)

Introduction

With 72% of Americans using cashback platforms regularly (Statista 2023), choosing the right rewards website can mean hundreds in annual savings. We’ve analyzed 8 major players - Rakuten, TopCashback, Extrabux, RebatesMe, BeFrugal, GoCashBack, Swagbucks, and Mr. Rebates - across 12 critical metrics to help you maximize every dollar.

Core Comparison Table

Data compiled from platform TOS as of July 2024. Rates vary by merchant.

Detailed Platform Analysis

1. Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)

Best For: Mainstream shoppers & brand loyalists

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Key Features:
  • Exclusive “Cash Back Multipliers” during holidays
  • $30 referral bonus (highest in industry)
  • Physical check nostalgia option
• Standout Stats:
  • Partners with 3,500+ stores including Sephora (8%) and Nike (4%)
  • 12-week payout cycle (longest in our comparison)
• Watch Out: Lower rates on Amazon (1% vs competitors’ 3%)

2. TopCashback

Best For: Maximizing returns on big purchases

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Pro Tip:
  • Often beats Rakuten by 0.5-2% on same merchants
  • Price Match Guarantee within 7 days
• Payment Flexibility:
  • Withdraw to 50+ gift cards at 5% bonus value
  • Instant PayPal transfers (vs Rakuten’s quarterly)
• Drawback: 60-day tracking period (industry average: 45)

3. Extrabux

Best For: International shoppers & students

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Unique Perks:
  • 300% bonus on first cashback (up to $30)
  • Supports 200+ non-US stores like ASOS UK
  • Student discount stacking verified
• Community Aspect:
  • User-generated deal sharing with upvotes
• Caveat: Higher $20 threshold for non-PayPal withdrawals

4. RebatesMe

Best For: Luxury & travel purchases

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Premium Offers:
  • 10% back on Louis Vuitton (rare in industry)
  • 8% on Four Seasons hotels
  • Cruise specials up to $500/sailing
• Security Focus:
  • Military-grade encryption claims
  • No data selling per privacy policy
• Downside: No browser extension

5. BeFrugal

Best For: Coupon enthusiasts

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Toolkit:
  • Automatic coupon code testing
  • Price history charts (180-day window)
  • Local grocery cashback maps
• Hidden Gem:
  • 100% cashback “mystery deals” weekly
• Limitation: Cluttered interface

6. GoCashBack

Best For: Tech early adopters

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Innovations:
  • Crypto payouts (Bitcoin/ETH)
  • NFT marketplace rewards
  • Metaverse store integrations
• Youth Appeal:
  • TikTok-style deal videos
  • Gen-Z focused merchants
• Risk: Newer platform (founded 2021)

7. Swagbucks

Best For: Earning beyond shopping

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Multi-Method Earning:
  • Surveys: $0.50-$5 each
  • Video watching: $0.02-$0.10/clip
  • Game rewards: Up to $50/game
• SB Points System:
  • 100 SB = $1
  • Daily login streak bonuses
• Tradeoff: Lower pure shopping rates

8. Mr. Rebates

Best For: Old-school users

• Your Exclusive Pass
• Simplified Model:
  • No apps or extensions needed
  • Flat 1-12% across all categories
  • Lifetime referral earnings
• Niche Strength:
  • 18% back on ProFlowers
  • Consistent 5% Amazon rate
• Warning: 90-day payout delay

Critical Considerations

Tax Implications

• IRS Rule: Report cashback over $600 as “other income”
• Exception: Rebates on personal purchases are tax-free (IRC §109)
• Platform 1099 Policies:
  • Rakuten: Issues 1099 at $600+
  • Swagbucks: $600+ via Form 1099
  • Others: Mostly honor IRS exception

Tracking Failures

Common Causes:

1. Using ad blockers
2. Multiple extension conflicts
3. Merchant cookie policies

Protection Steps:

• Always click through platform links
• Screenshot transaction confirmations
• Use dedicated cashback browsers

Honorable Mentions

• Capital One Shopping: Auto-applies codes + price alerts
• Honey Gold: Best for Amazon frequent shoppers
• Drop: Linked card passive earning
• iBotta: Grocery receipt scanning specialist
• Dosh: Hotel booking leader

Final Recommendations

• Maximizers: TopCashback + Rakuten combo
• Passive Earners: Capital One Shopping + Dosh
• Students: Extrabux + Swagbucks
• Luxury Shoppers: RebatesMe exclusively

Disclaimer:

1. This article contains referral links for some platforms. Clicking these links won’t cost you anything, but the author may earn referral rewards from the providers
2. Cashback rates and policies are subject to change - always verify offers before purchasing
3. This content doesn’t constitute tax advice. Consult a CPA for personal guidance
4. All recommendations are based on objective data with no sponsored partnerships