Should I use cashback sites?
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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
Cashback sites pay you a share of the commission retailers pay them when you click through and buy. If you were going to buy anyway, it’s a way to get some money back — often most worthwhile on bigger purchases like insurance, broadband or travel.
They’re less useful if the cashback tempts you to spend more, or if you often use voucher codes or ad blockers that can stop the purchase tracking.
TopCashback and Quidco at a glance
| Site | Membership | Dormancy rule |
|---|---|---|
| TopCashback | Classic is free; Plus costs £5 a year, taken from earnings | Log in at least every 6 months or the account may be disabled |
| Quidco | Basic is free; Premium keeps £1 in months you earn | Balances may be removed after 6 months without logging in (can be reinstated on request) |
As of 3 October 2026, from each site’s own terms. Membership options and rules can change.
Who it’s for
- People who shop online and are happy to start purchases from a cashback site
- Anyone switching insurance, energy or broadband, where cashback can be larger
- Patient savers who don’t mind waiting for cashback to confirm
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You’re likely to buy things just for the cashback
- You need the money quickly — confirmation can take weeks or months
- You’d rather not create accounts or allow tracking cookies
Full explanation
To give purchases a good chance of tracking, start from the cashback site each time, accept cookies, avoid unapproved voucher codes and complete the purchase in one go. Keep your order confirmation in case you need to make a claim.
Cashback usually shows as “pending” or “tracked” first, then “confirmed” once the retailer’s return period has passed. Only confirmed cashback can be withdrawn.
Using more than one site is fine. Compare the rate on each before you buy, and use our cashback calculator to see what a year of cashback might add up to.
Want more ideas? Our cashback sites guide, TopCashback review and Quidco review go into more detail.
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.
If you decide to try a cashback site, check the current joining offer.
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.
FAQs
Are cashback sites worth it?
They can be if you use them for purchases you were going to make anyway and you don’t mind waiting for cashback to confirm.
Are cashback sites safe?
Established UK cashback sites are widely used. Use a strong, unique password and check the site’s terms and privacy policy.
Why didn’t my cashback track?
Common reasons include blocked cookies, unapproved voucher codes, leaving the retailer’s site part-way, or a purchase that isn’t eligible.
How long does cashback take to pay?
It usually has to be confirmed by the retailer first, which can take weeks or months depending on the purchase.
Can I use more than one cashback site?
Yes. You can join several and pick whichever pays more for each purchase.
Do I pay tax on cashback?
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.
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