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In this day and age, everyone (or at least close to everyone) has made a purchase online.

It’s easy, convenient and often times less expensive than shopping at a physical store. And, when free shipping is offered…

… it’s way too easy to justify clicking on that “CHECKOUT” button.

All the pros certainly outweigh any drawbacks associated with digital shopping.

But, what if I told you there was a way to make shopping online even better?

It turns out there IS a way to improve your online shopping experiences.

The best part is:

It’s super simple!

In this post, I’m going to show you how to save money online – no sales or promo codes needed – by using cashback websites. Which will thereby make shopping online that much more awesome.

Plus, I’m going to share with you my favorite websites to use. They’re favorites because they’re the best ones.

Also Read: 10 Easy & Unconventional Ways to Save Money Right Now

First, let’s talk a little bit about what cashback websites are and how they save you $$$.

Whenever you shop online, you should always use a cashback site.

Why?

Because it’s basically like getting PAID to shop. (I know I can always use more wiggle room in my budget for retail therapy.)

How it works:

You start by going to a cashback website. Once you’re there, you find the online retailer you were planning on shopping at and then click through.

You will be taken to the website for that retailer, where you can shop as you would normally.

Once you make a purchase, the cashback website pays you a percentage back of what you spent.

And…

That’s it. It’s really that simple.

The money goes into your account where it accumulates until the next scheduled payday.

What’s the catch?

When a cashback website pays you the money you have earned varies, but payouts are typically quarterly. (I go over all the details for my favorites)

That means you get a check, or Paypal transfer, every 3 months.

While this does not give you instant cash back, you’re still making a nice buck every time you make an online transaction. Which is honestly, crazy easy to do.

There are lots of different websites that can be used to get cash back on online purchases, but I personally use three specific websites.

Why do I use more than one?

These websites all offer cash back for the (mostly) same stores, but (depending on the day) one website may be offering a HIGHER percentage of cash back than the others.

Here’s what I do:

When I want to make an online purchase I check each site to see who is paying the highest and use that one.

I have never had ANY issue with being paid by these cashback sites; they are all reliable and legitimate.

Plus, they are all free to join and have no fees or costs associated with using them.

1. Ebates

Ebates offers cash back at hundreds of stores.

You’ll like this:

At different times of the year, Ebates also offers DOUBLE cash back!

When do they pay?

Every quarter you can opt to have a check mailed or your money put into your PayPal account.

Additionally, with Ebates you can earn incentives (like more money) when you refer others to use their website.

2. Shopathome

Shopathome has hundreds of stores you can earn cash back – just by doing your normal shopping, too.

Sometimes the site offers special incentives to get you to shop (eg. $10 back on a $20 item).

How often can you cash out?

Shopathome mails you a check with your earnings quarterly.

3. TopCashBack

TopCashBack again has a wide variety of retailers that you can earn cash back from.

NOTE: Topcashback is slower to confirm your purchases than the other two websites.

Your money will start out at pending and eventually move to payable, but this can sometimes take up to 21 days.

The good news:

Whenever you have money payable you can opt to have it sent to your Paypal account or turn it into an Amazon Gift Card. No need to wait quarterly to cash out!

What’s the bottom line?

If you plan to make any online purchases, it PAYS to take an extra minute to start your shopping at cashback sites.

Personally, I bookmark them to my toolbar making them easy to remember and access.

Have you used a cashback website before? Let me know which one is your favorite in a comment below.

Also Read: 5 Must Have Apps That Will Save You a Ton of Money