Supermarket Cashback Apps: My Real Experience After Years of Daily Use

I've been using supermarket cashback apps for years, earning around £10 per month per app while discovering products I now buy regularly. Here's everything I wish I'd known when I started - including my costliest mistakes and biggest wins!

Important Parts From This Post!

• Average earnings: £10 per month per app (can vary dramatically based on available deals)

• Time investment: 1 minute per app when checking before shopping

• Biggest mistake: Not reading terms properly - it's cost me multiple cashback opportunities!

• Best discovery: Found my go-to healthy meal through a 50% cashback deal

• Essential strategy: Check apps daily for 24-hour flash deals

• Major downside: Withdrawal minimums mean waiting ages if you don't use apps regularly

  
  

Supermarket cashback apps have become such a normal part of my routine that my family doesn't even blink when I'm photographing receipts anymore. But it wasn't always smooth sailing. After years of using these apps daily, I've learned what works, what doesn't, and most importantly, how to avoid the costly mistakes that can leave you empty-handed despite following what seemed like simple instructions.

What Supermarket Cashback Actually Means (And Why It's Different)

When I tell people about supermarket cashback, they often think I mean getting 3-5% back on my entire weekly shop. That's not what these apps do at all; that's traditional and gift card cashback, which is different from supermarket cashback!

Unlike traditional cashback sites that give you 3-5% back on your entire shop, supermarket cashback apps offer much higher rates (25-100%) on specific branded products. The catch? You only earn cashback on selected items, not your whole basket.

Key difference: Instead of earning £2 on a £100 shop, you might earn £3 back on a single £3 jar of coffee - essentially getting it free.

The trade-off is simple: higher rates, fewer products.

The Top 3 UK Supermarket Cashback Apps You Need to Know

Before diving into my experience, let me introduce you to the three main players in the UK supermarket cashback space. Each has its own personality and approach:

Shopmium: Probably The Best Known App

Why I recommend it: It consistently offers decent cashback rates and decent, varied deals.

Shopmium feels like the most "premium" of the three apps, and it shows in both the deals and the interface. When you open the app, you'll see a clean layout with product images, but here's the catch: you can't see the cashback amount until you tap into each individual product. This can be annoying when you're quickly browsing, but it does mean you end up looking at more products, which is probably intentional.

What you'll typically find: The deals are a complete mix across all categories - branded cereals, household cleaners, ready meals, snacks, drinks, personal care items, and everything in between. In a typical week, I might see offers on Hellmann's mayo (£2 back on a £4 jar), breakfast cereals (often 50% back), washing powder, chocolate bars, and sometimes more unusual items like speciality sauces or international foods. The cashback rates are genuinely impressive, often 50% to 100% of the product cost.

The barcode scanning requirement: This is Shopmium's biggest quirk. After you buy a product, you need to scan its barcode using the app before you use or consume it. This means if you buy chocolate and eat it immediately, you can't claim the cashback because you've thrown away the wrapper. I've made this mistake more times than I care to admit. You literally need to scan the actual product packaging, not just upload your receipt.

The Gold membership system: Start at Silver level, then after five successful claims, you move to Gold. Gold members get notified about new deals first, receive cashback faster, and get a birthday treat (usually decent chocolate). It's a nice touch that makes you feel valued as a regular user.

User experience: The app is polished but requires more clicks than others. Finding your preferred supermarket's deals means filtering or scrolling through everything. The geolocation feature is handy, though; it shows you which nearby stores have your selected products in stock.

Minimum payout: £10, but no fees. Once you hit the threshold, money goes straight to your bank or PayPal.

Best for: People who don't mind the extra scanning step and want access to the highest-value individual deals.

Getting started: Use referral code G2AG3 for a free bag of Cadbury Buttons as a welcome gift.

CheckoutSmart: The User-Friendly Choice

Why I recommend it: Easiest interface and no barcode scanning required.

CheckoutSmart feels like the most straightforward app to use. When you open it, you immediately see a grid of products with clear images, the cashback amount, and percentage savings displayed prominently. No clicking into individual products to see what you'll earn - it's all right there. This makes it perfect for quickly scanning deals while you're actually in the supermarket.

What you'll typically find: CheckoutSmart tends to focus on everyday household essentials. In a typical week, I'll see washing powder (£1.50 back), breakfast cereals (often free), ready meals, and they're brilliant for alcohol deals. There's almost always beer or wine available with decent cashback. They also frequently feature personal care items, pet food, and cleaning products. The deals feel more practical and mainstream compared to some of the more unusual items that appear on other apps.

The interface advantage: This is where CheckoutSmart really shines. You can filter deals by "highest cashback first" which immediately shows you all the free (100%) products. You can also filter by specific supermarkets, so if you're heading to Tesco, you can see only Tesco-eligible deals. The browsing experience is genuinely pleasant and quick.

No barcode scanning: Unlike Shopmium, you select the products you want from your list in the app, buy them, then upload your receipt. No scanning individual products afterwards. This makes it much more convenient, especially for items you consume immediately.

The Checkoutsmart RRP scheme: This is CheckoutSmart's secret weapon. Selected users get invited to their Review Rewards Program, which gives access to significantly more deals - often exclusive 100% cashback offers. In exchange, you write honest reviews that get posted to supermarket websites. I'm part of this scheme, and it's genuinely transformed how much I can earn from the app. You can't apply; they invite people based on app usage patterns.

User experience: Fast, intuitive, and reliable. The app rarely crashes, receipt uploads are quick, and approvals usually happen within hours. The deal notifications are well-timed without being annoying.

Minimum payout: £5, but there's a 5% fee on withdrawals under £20. This means if you cash out £15, you'll pay 75p in fees. Wait until you have £20+ to avoid this.

Best for: People who want maximum convenience and don't mind waiting longer to avoid withdrawal fees.

Getting started: No referral program, just download the Checkoutsmart app and start browsing deals.

GreenJinn: The Eco-Conscious Option

Why I recommend it: This app has a focus on sustainable products and the lowest minimum payout option.

GreenJinn has a completely different feel from the other two apps. The interface is clean and features a green theme, reflecting their environmental focus. When you browse deals, you'll notice the products lean heavily toward organic, sustainable, and healthier options. This isn't just a marketing angle - it genuinely affects what appears on the app.

What you'll typically find: Think organic vegetables, plant-based alternatives, eco-friendly cleaning products, and sustainable brands. In a typical week, I might see free organic carrots, 50% off plant-based milk alternatives, eco-friendly washing up liquid, or organic ready meals. They've expanded beyond just "health food" recently and now include more mainstream products, but the sustainable angle remains strong.

The "add to basket" system: GreenJinn works differently from the others. Instead of selecting individual products, you add items to a virtual basket within the app, similar to online shopping. Once you've "checked out" in the app, you then go shopping for real, buy the products, and upload your receipt. It's an extra step, but it helps you keep track of what you're claiming.

Fresh produce focus: This is where GreenJinn really stands out. They regularly offer cashback on fresh fruits and vegetables, which the other apps rarely do. Getting money back on organic bananas or free-range eggs feels great and encourages healthier shopping habits.

User experience: The app is pleasant to use, but sometimes feels slower than CheckoutSmart. Deal notifications are less frequent, which makes sense given their smaller product range. The approval process is reliable, though it sometimes takes a day or two, although my most recent claim (yesterday!) was approved in minutes, and money hit my PayPal account the next morning!

Geographic limitations: While available at major supermarkets, I've noticed GreenJinn deals work best at Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Waitrose. They have fewer Asda and Morrisons deals compared to the other apps.

Minimum payout: £1.50 - by far the lowest threshold. This means you can cash out much faster, which is perfect if you're starting or don't use cashback apps frequently.

Best for: People interested in sustainable products, those who want to try organic alternatives without the full cost, and anyone who prefers quick cashouts over higher individual earnings.

Getting started: Try using code thepennypincher2024 for a £1 sign-up bonus. It's an old code, but it might still work!

How Supermarket Cashback Apps Work

The process is simple and takes about 2 minutes per product:

Step 1: Browse Available Offers

Open the app and scroll through current deals. Some are in-store only, others work for online orders too. Check first, though, as just because it says Morrisons, for example, it may not be accepted if you shopped at Morrisons.com!

Step 2: Shop Normally & Keep Your Receipt!

Add the product to your regular shop. Keep your receipt!!! No receipt means no way to claim your cashback.

Step 3: Claim Your Cashback

• Shopmium: You'll need to take a photo of your receipt and then scan the product's barcode with the app as part of your cashback claim, so don't dispose of the packaging before you make your claim!
  

• CheckoutSmart: Select products from a list of current deals for the retailer you shopped with, and then upload your receipt.
  

• GreenJinn: Add items to the app's basket, checkout, then upload a picture of your receipt to finalise the cashback claim.
  

Step 4: Upload Receipt

You'll always need to take a photo of your receipt within the app. For longer receipts that won't fit into the picture, the apps will allow you to upload multiple images, so take photos of different parts of the receipt. Ensure the receipt text is clear and legible; otherwise, it won't be accepted, and you'll have to redo the entire process.

Step 5: Get Paid

Approval takes minutes to days. Once approved, cashback appears in your app wallet. Cash out when you hit the minimum threshold.

Quick Comparison: Which App Is Right for You?

This is a bit of a tricky one, choosing which supermarket cashback app is best for you. The answer is simple, though: if you can deal with multiple apps, get them all, as then you have three times the opportunities to grab a bargain!

Feature	Shopmium	CheckoutSmart	GreenJinn
Minimum Payout	£10	£5	£1.50
Withdrawal Fee	None	5% (under £20)	None
Barcode Scanning	Required	Not required	Not required
Referral Bonus	£3 + free chocolate	None	£1 (possibly!)
Best For	Highest cashback rates	Easy browsing	Eco-friendly products

My Real Monthly Earnings (The Honest Numbers)

I average about £10 per month per app, but this fluctuates wildly depending on what's available. Some months I'll barely find anything I need, then suddenly there'll be loads of deals I can actually use. It genuinely changes week by week based on what brands are running promotions.

For context, I use three main apps: Shopmium, CheckoutSmart, and GreenJinn. So that's potentially £30 monthly, though it rarely hits that maximum.

The keyword here is "potentially", and that brings me to my biggest learning curve.

My Costliest Mistakes (Learn From My Pain)

The Energy Drink Disaster: My worst mistakes commonly involve not reading the offer's terms and conditions properly! Such as the time I saw cereal on offer and assumed it was the standard "buy one, get cashback" deal. Wrong. It required purchasing two items on the same receipt to qualify for any cash back. I only bought one and couldn't make a claim.

This happened again recently with big-brand energy drinks: the same mistake, the same disappointment. So, don't speed-read the deal; take a minute to make sure you understand it.

The Pack Size Trap: I've bought the wrong pack size several times and couldn't claim any cash back. The deal might specify "500ml bottle" but I grabbed the 330ml thinking it was close enough. It wasn't.

My Screenshot Strategy (Born From Poor Phone Signal)

I've learned to check apps before leaving for the supermarket, especially at stores with poor mobile reception. There's nothing more frustrating than wanting to check deals in-store and having no signal or wifi.

Now I take screenshots of the products I want, noting the exact pack sizes. This prevents the wrong-size mistakes that cost me cashback multiple times.

Most supermarkets offer free wifi, but if I know a store has poor reception, I do my homework first.

How I Discovered My New Favourite Meal

One of my best finds was Merchant Gourmet 3 bean and lentil chilli, which appeared as a 50% cashback deal. I was drawn to it because it was lower in calories and packed with beans, aligning perfectly with my weight loss goals.

I've bought it at least a dozen times since, always looking for promotions in-store. That one cashback deal introduced me to a product I now regularly buy; exactly what these apps are designed to do for both consumers and brands.

This is the magic of supermarket cashback: pushing you to try things you'd normally walk past.

My Christmas Savings Strategy

I've developed a system for spreading Christmas costs throughout the year using these apps. When I spot deals on Christmas essentials like gravy granules, stock cubes, mustard, or interesting drinks (flavoured waters, wines, beers), I grab them months early.

These aren't mainstream Christmas deals; those actually become rarer during December. Instead, I'm buying the building blocks of Christmas dinner when they appear on apps throughout the year.

It's hard to quantify exact savings since it depends on annual offers, but I estimate around £20 saved each Christmas through this strategy.

The CheckoutSmart RRP Insider Track

I'm part of CheckoutSmart's RRP (probably "Review Rewards Program") scheme, which gives me access to significantly more deals than regular users. The trade-off is writing honest reviews for products across multiple supermarket platforms via CheckoutSmart's system.

The reviews are automatically posted to various supermarket sites, and you're expected to tell the truth - if you didn't like something, you say so.

This insider access is why CheckoutSmart has become my favourite app currently, offering a wider range of mainstream, everyday items that actually suit my shopping needs.

My Daily Checking Routine (Yes, Daily)

I check each app most mornings, often first thing or sometimes before leaving work, so I can grab items on the way home. Deals can appear at any time of day, and 24-hour flash offers disappear quickly.

I'll be honest: I don't check every single day. Life gets in the way, or I know I won't be supermarket shopping, so there's no point. However, I've missed many deals that I later saw people discussing on social media, and by then, it was too late.

You snooze, you lose with these apps!

Sometimes I'll see a cracking deal and make a special trip just for that item, though, unless it's genuinely excellent, the petrol cost probably isn't worth it.

The Same Products Might Be On More Than One App At The Same Time!

I've noticed that major product launches often appear on multiple apps simultaneously, which is brilliant for maximising cashback. You might claim from two apps using the same receipt, or find that when one app's deal finishes, another app starts offering the same product.

This gives you multiple opportunities to try new products at reduced prices or even for free!

The Biggest Myth About Supermarket Cashback

The biggest message I want to share is simple: these apps can save you money, and everyone should be using them.

The biggest downside isn't the time investment or learning curve; it's the withdrawal minimums. Most apps require you to accumulate £5-10 before cashing out, and if you don't use them regularly, it can take ages to reach that threshold.

I know what it's like to check apps regularly but not see anything you actually want, meaning you can't buy anything and have to wait even longer to cash out your existing balance.

This is why I recommend downloading all three main apps and checking them consistently, even if briefly.

Which Apps I Use and Why

Ok, so I use them all, in case you hadn't already twigged that!

CheckoutSmart: Currently my favourite due to RRP scheme access and more mainstream product deals Shopmium: Still valuable, but I find their app layout frustrating, you have to click into each deal separately to see cashback rates, which takes too long GreenJinn: Much improved over recent years, now offering more mainstream products alongside their eco-friendly focus.

I used something from each app just last weekend, so despite having preferences, they're all worth having, checking and using to save money!

The Real Time Investment

Checking each app takes about one minute when I'm scanning for deals before shopping. The receipt uploading process takes maybe two minutes per product claimed.

The apps have become significantly more user-friendly over the years, with faster approvals and improved interfaces (except for Shopmium's click-heavy design).

My 10 Tips to Maximise Your Earnings

1. Download All Three Apps

Different products appear on three of the cashback apps. Having all three maximises your opportunities.

2. Check Daily

Some offers last just 24 hours. Quick daily checks ensure you don't miss 100% cashback deals.

3. Focus on Your Shopping List

Only claim cashback on products you'd buy anyway. Don't be tempted by deals you don't need. It's free, then great, but if it's just a discount on something you won't ever use, then it's not a saving, it's an unnecessary expense!

4. Look for Double Opportunities

Occasionally, the same product appears on multiple apps. Buy once, claim twice! .

5. Stack with Loyalty Cards

Always scan your Tesco Clubcard or Nectar card. You can earn loyalty points AND cashback.

6. Use Multiple Household Accounts

If you get your other family members to get the apps too, you can get more discounts! Each person will need a different receipt, but if there is a freebie on an app, you can get one for each person on separate receipts, and each person can then also claim the cashback. The only downside is that all of you will have to wait to earn enough cashback to cash out.

7. Combine with Gift Card Cashback

You can still pay for your shopping with a gift card from a gift card cashback service such as JamDoughnut; after all, it doesn't matter how you paid for your products, and this way you'll earn cashback on everything you buy!

8. Upload Receipts Immediately

Don't delay, receipts get lost or accidentally thrown away. Upload as soon as you're home.

9. Target 100% Cashback Deals

These essentially give you free products. Jump on them quickly as they disappear fast.

10. Set Realistic Expectations

You won't save hundreds per month, but £10-30 monthly savings add up to £120-360 annually.

Real-World Example: My Last Shop

Here's exactly what I earned on my last grocery trip:

• Shopmium: £1 back on Laughing Cow chilli cheese spread (50% cashback)

• CheckoutSmart: £1.15 back on Peperami chicken tikka skewers (50% cashback)

• GreenJinn: £1.08 back on Florette salad (100% cashback) and £1.50 back on Doughlicious chocolate chip cookie dough, which should have been 50% off, however the supermarket had the item on a loyalty card offer, at £1 off, so after cashback and the loyalty card offer, it meant I only paid 48p, instead of £3!
  

Total earned: £6.23 cashback on products I was buying anyway, or swapped to, knowing I'd use them, to save some money on our household food expenses.

As you can see, I used all three of the supermarket cashback apps, which allowed me to save even more money!

Frequently Asked Questions About Supermarket Cashback Apps

How much money can you actually make with supermarket cashback apps?

I average about £10 per month per app, but this varies dramatically based on available deals. Some months, I barely find anything useful, then suddenly there are loads of deals I can actually use! I've earned over £400 from individual apps over the years, but it's not a consistent weekly saving; the amount fluctuates based on which brands are running promotions and how relevant they are to me.

Are supermarket cashback apps actually worth the time?

Absolutely, if you're already grocery shopping regularly. I spend about 1 minute per app checking deals before shopping, and maybe 2 minutes uploading receipts afterwards. For the £30+ I can potentially earn monthly across three apps, that's excellent value for about 10 minutes of weekly effort.

Do you really get free products or is it a scam?

Yes, you genuinely do receive free products and real cash back. I've gotten hundreds of pounds back over the years. The "scam" perception comes from people not reading terms carefully I've made this mistake myself, buying one item when I needed two, or getting the wrong pack size. Follow the rules exactly and you'll get paid.

Which supermarket cashback app pays the most?

In my experience, Shopmium often has the highest individual cashback rates, but CheckoutSmart currently offers more deals I actually want to buy. Through their RRP scheme, I get access to significantly more exclusive offers than regular users. The "best" app changes based on weekly deals, which is why I use all three.

Can you use multiple cashback apps for the same product?

Sometimes yes, but it's much rarer now than it used to be. When it does happen, you can buy the product once and claim cashback from multiple apps using the same receipt. I've done this several times, essentially getting paid to take products. But don't count on it - treat it as a bonus when it happens.

How long does it take to get your cashback?

It varies by app. Some approvals occur within minutes, while others take a day or two. The real wait comes from reaching minimum withdrawal thresholds: £10 for Shopmium, £5 for CheckoutSmart (with fees under £20), and £1.50 for GreenJinn. If you don't use the apps regularly, it can take months to build up enough for withdrawal.

Do online grocery deliveries work with these apps?

Yes, all three main apps accept email receipts from online shopping (AS LONG AS IT STATES IT IN THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS!), including delivery services such as Ocado, Tesco Online, and some Deliveroo orders. Just upload the PDF receipt instead of photographing a paper one. The process is actually easier than in-store shopping.

What's the biggest mistake people make with these apps?

Not reading the small print carefully. I've lost out on cashback multiple times because I assumed the deal terms without reading them properly. Common errors include buying the wrong pack size, buying one item when you need two, or buying different varieties when you need specific ones. Always screenshot the exact requirements before shopping.

Can you stack cashback apps with store loyalty cards?

Yes, absolutely! Always scan your Tesco Clubcard, Nectar card, or other loyalty cards when shopping. You'll earn loyalty points AND cashback from the apps, plus pay with a gift card from a cashback app! I've sometimes made a profit on products this way - paying less due to loyalty discounts while still getting full cashback from apps.

Are there seasonal patterns to the deals?

Yes, I've noticed deals are often less mainstream around Christmas, focusing more on gift-specific items. But throughout the year, I grab Christmas essentials like gravy granules, stock cubes, and special drinks when they appear on apps, spreading Christmas costs and saving money.

What happens if you can't find the product in-store?

This is frustrating but a common occurrence, especially with niche products. Some deals are for items that are genuinely hard to locate in stores. I've been to multiple Waitrose locations looking for certain drinks that were on offer, but never found them. Check the app's store locator feature, or ask staff; sometimes products are in unexpected aisles!

Do you need to scan barcodes for all apps?

No, only Shopmium requires barcode scanning. CheckoutSmart and GreenJinn let you select products from a list instead. This is one reason I prefer CheckoutSmart's interface: you can see deals and cashback amounts at a glance, while Shopmium makes you click into each product individually.

What if your receipt photo is rejected?

Keep your original receipt until cashback is approved and paid out. If your photo is unclear or missing information, you can usually resubmit. Take clear, well-lit photos that show the entire receipt, including store details and all purchased items. For long receipts, apps allow multiple photos.

Is it safe to upload receipts and personal data?

These apps use your shopping data for market research and brand insights, similar to supermarket loyalty cards. They track purchasing patterns to help brands understand consumer behaviour. While this means sharing shopping habits, it's the same data sharing that happens with most loyalty schemes you're already using.

Can you get cashback on alcohol?

Yes, CheckoutSmart is particularly good for alcohol deals; there's almost always an offer on beer or spirits. Perfect for stocking up before social events while saving money. Other apps occasionally feature alcoholic beverages too, but CheckoutSmart has the most consistent selection. Be aware that this might be applicable for users of the apps in Scotland, so double-check the deals terms and conditions!

What's the CheckoutSmart RRP scheme?

The RRP (Review Rewards Program) scheme is an invitation-only program that grants selected users access to numerous exclusive deals, including 100% cashback offers. In exchange, you write honest reviews for products that get automatically posted to multiple supermarket websites. You must tell the truth about products - if you didn't like something, you say so.

How often should you check the apps?

I check daily because some deals only last 24 hours. Flash offers can appear and disappear quickly, and if you're not checking regularly, you'll miss excellent opportunities. I've seen people discussing amazing deals on social media that I missed because I didn't check that particular day.

What if you live in an area with poor mobile signal?

I've learned to check apps before leaving for the supermarket, especially at stores with poor reception. Now, I take screenshots of the products I want, noting the exact pack sizes and requirements. Most supermarkets offer free WiFi, but doing homework first prevents the frustration of wanting to check deals in-store with no signal.

Are these apps suitable for families?

Absolutely. You can set up apps on multiple phones in your household. I sometimes buy two of the same product in separate transactions and claim on different accounts. This maximises earnings from good deals while staying within each app's terms of service.

How do withdrawal fees work?

CheckoutSmart charges 5% on withdrawals under £20, so I wait until I have £20+ to avoid fees. Shopmium and GreenJinn don't charge withdrawal fees. Factor these fees into your calculations - sometimes it's worth waiting longer to cash out fee-free rather than paying the percentage.

So, should you use these supermarket cashback apps?

Supermarket cashback won't make you rich, but it's genuinely free money for products you're buying anyway. The key is consistency, attention to detail, and managing expectations.

After years of daily use, I can confidently say these apps have saved me money, introduced me to products I now love, and cost me nothing except a few minutes of time and occasional frustration when I mess up the terms.

If I were starting from scratch again, I'd download Shopmium, CheckoutSmart, and GreenJinn today and begin checking for deals before my next supermarket trip.

These apps will save you money and help you try different products you might have never tried otherwise, so get involved and start saving money on your grocery shopping today!