You’re at the checkout line, ready to make a purchase, but you can’t shake the feeling that you could score some cash back if you played your cards right. Enter the world of cash-back apps: Ibotta, Rakuten, and Fetch. But which one deserves a spot on your phone? Let’s break it down.

Cash Back Versatility

Ibotta and Rakuten both offer cash-back options for online and in-store purchases, but they approach it differently. Ibotta is more versatile if you frequent physical stores, thanks to its receipt scanning feature. Rakuten shines online, offering cash back directly through partner sites, making it seamless for habitual online shoppers. Fetch, meanwhile, is straightforward but limited to in-store receipt scanning. If you want a one-stop app, Ibotta edges out due to its dual capabilities.

User Experience

Rakuten wins the UX battle with an intuitive interface that integrates effortlessly into your online shopping routine. You hardly notice it working, which is the best part. Ibotta’s simplistic design is functional but requires more manual input, like scanning receipts, which can feel like a chore. Fetch keeps it bare-bones, which is fine if you’re not looking for frills but falls short on user engagement compared to its competitors.

Benefit Redemption

Ibotta and Fetch allow you to convert your earnings into gift cards, offering a flexible spending option. Rakuten, however, keeps things cash-centric, paying out via check or PayPal. If you prefer tangible rewards like gift cards, Ibotta and Fetch have your back. But if you want cold, hard cash, Rakuten is your go-to.

Ibotta and Fetch require you to submit receipts regularly, which can be off-putting if you don’t keep track of them. Rakuten’s strength is its simplicity, but it limits you to online purchases, so if you’re not much of an online shopper, your gains will be minimal. All three apps have varying payout minimums, so you might not see your earnings immediately.