How to use cashback to reduce travel costs

With cost-of-living expenses hitting our wallets hard, going on a holiday seems like a dream. What if I told you it could be a reality? How about using cashback to reduce the cost of your trip?

So, let’s explore cashback, how it works and how it’ll save you loads of money.

This post provides information only and does not offer financial advice. Please contact your relevant bank or financial institution before making any financial decisions.

What is cashback?

Cashback is a reward program where you receive money back, a discount or refund on your purchases. Most travel itineraries have enormous expenses such as flights, accommodation and tours. By using the cashback option, your trip will cost less. So what are the cashback options?

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What are cashback options?

There are a few ways to get cashback. The most popular ones are:

• Cashback websites
• Credit and debit cards
• Airline miles or loyalty points

Let’s dive into each of these.

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Sign up for ShopBack here

This page contains affiliate links.

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Cashback websites

Cashback websites are a great way to save money on travel. Most of these websites have travel partners that offer cashback for trips booked. The offers are usually for a limited time – 24 hours or a few days and have terms and conditions.

Once you have chosen the cashback website you want to use, do the following:

Sign up – Create an account on the cashback website and subscribe to receive regular emails about the current cashback offers.

Browse – Visit the website and browse listed travel companies.

Shop – Click on the travel company link through the cashback platform to make a purchase.

Earn – The platform tracks the purchase and puts cash back into your account.

Redeem – Earn a certain amount in your account and then redeem via a bank transfer.

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Sign up with Cashrewards here

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How does cashback websites work?

After you click on the travel company in the cashback portal, it directs you to the travel website. The host cashback website receives a commission for referring you to the travel company. Once you have completed your trip, you’ll receive cash back into your account.

Be aware, there is usually a delay in receiving cash back. Each company has different rules and timeframes.

Credit and debit cards cashback

If you’re in the market for a debit or credit card, it’s worth looking at whether these product offers cashback.

How does the cashback work?

Most have ‘sign-up offers’ where you receive cashback on account opening or as an ongoing arrangement. Refer to your bank or financial institution for terms and conditions.

Airline miles/loyalty points

Using your airline miles or loyalty points is the ultimate cashback. You don’t theoretically get cash back but you don’t need to spend money so this is a saving.

How do airline miles work?

To earn and build airline miles or loyalty points you usually need to take flights, use an airline branded credit card or buy products or services from the airline partners. Once you have enough miles or points, you can redeem them for a free flight.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to build airline miles and fly for free, buy my book on Amazon.

The Smart Travelista’s Guide: How to increase your airline loyalty points & fly for free” available here

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Worldwide cashback

Here is a breakdown of some cashback schemes from around the world. This is not a full list but includes the most popular ones.

Continent	Cashback websites	Cashback debit & credit cards
Australia	Cashrewards and ShopBack	Various bank and financial institutions
New Zealand	ShopBack, LetyShops, My Cashback	Visa debit cards and others
UK	TopCashBack & Quidco	Debit cards such as W1TTY
Europe	Rakuten, Revolut and Trust	Debit cards such as W1TTY
Asia	ShopBack, Quidco and TopCashback	Asian banks and financial institutions
USA	Rakuten, TopCashBack, ShopBack and Mycashbacks.com	Various credit cards

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So, if you don’t need cashback in a hurry, cashback websites are worth signing up for. With each purchase you make, you get cash back. For an international itinerary, the cash refunded back to you can really add up.

Savvy travellers use this method to reduce their travel costs, and it’s easy when you know how. Check out this option next time you’re booking travel for an instant boost to your wallet.

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Suggested posts:

How to build airline points and fly for free sooner

Is exchange rate travel the way to save money?

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