Is cashback all it’s cracked up to be?

Cashback is essentially a provider paying you money, to spend money with them. The percentages returned are relatively small but having cash in your pocket is better than not having cash in your pocket! It’s worth noting that cashback is not “free money”; sites/providers cleverly entice you to spend more money than you would have in the first place, and the product you’re buying in order to get the cashback, might be available more cheaply through another provider. However, if you know you need to make a specific purchase and can find it available with cashback offered, then it’s a fantastic way to boost your income.

With choices and decisions regarding your finances, Mr Financial advises that you always make a pros and cons list or spreadsheet and fully understand any risks involved.

Is cashback all it’s cracked up to be?

There are five main ways of getting cashback:

CURRENT ACCOUNTS 

There are a few banks that offer cashback of between 1% and 3% on your household bills, or bonus cashback with specific shops/restaurants. As with credit cards, those accounts do have fees, so you need to do your sums and work out which is the best option for you.

SPECIALIST CASHBACK CREDIT CARDS

These cards usually offer between 0.5% and 3% cashback for every £1 you spend. That cashback can be an annual payment, or in a points system that you can trade in for vouchers. Every credit provider has its own rules – for example some have set rates on any purchases while others only apply their rates to specific purchases. These cards usually have a fee attached to them too so that can cancel out the cashback you’ve attained.

As with any credit card – you should be able to pay off the balance monthly (or definitely within set promotional periods) as if you get charged hefty interest that will also wipe out revenue from cashbacks.

CASHBACK WEBSITES

Some websites are created to be intermediaries between you and online retailers. As a thank you for shopping through their site – they give you a portion of their commission as cashback. The problem with cashback sites is that they sometimes do not fulfil their end of the bargain as the money “is not guaranteed”.

Mr Financial recommends exercising caution with cashback sites and do not spend money you think you’ve earned via cashback until it’s actually in your account.

However, if you follow the guidelines and buy what you would have on another site without cashback being offered, you have the potential to build up a good amount of cashback.

SWITCHING UTILITY PROVIDERS 

There is another page on Mr Financial’s website about switching, but another plus point to switching (whether that’s your energy, phone, broadband or TV services) – is that as well as probably saving you a lot of money, you can make some extra cash on top, by searching for deals that include cashback.

LOAN / MORTGAGE CASHBACK

When you decide to take out a loan or mortgage, there are some providers that offer a lump sum cashback (can be useful for moving costs etc.). However, do be aware that there may be other providers / products that are better suited to you. Do not be swayed by cashback promises until you have done your sums and comparison checks.

For whichever deal you’re searching, be it credit card / current account / switching / online purchases / loan cashback, Mr Financial urges you to do your due diligence, research and maths, and take everything into account before you make your decision.

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