Three rewards apps come up in almost every list: Fetch, Ibotta, and Rakuten. They all promise cash back, but they pay you in very different ways and at very different speeds.
If you only download one, the right pick depends on whether you mostly shop online, mostly buy groceries, or want the absolute lowest effort. The good news is you can run all three together without breaking any rules.
Here is a clear comparison, plus the case for adding a broader earner like Copper or Swagbucks to fill the gaps.
Quick verdict
For pure ease, Fetch wins. Snap any receipt and earn points, no offers to activate, no portals to remember.
For the highest payout per item, Ibotta wins. Per-product rebates of 25 cents to several dollars beat Fetch on the items you actually buy.
For online shopping, Rakuten wins. Cashback rates of 1 to 10 percent on big retailers add up fast, even if the payout schedule is slow.
If you want one app that replaces several, jump down to the alternatives section. Copper and Swagbucks each do a little of everything.
How each one works
A quick refresher on the mechanics, because the differences matter.
Fetch
Fetch is the receipt-scanner. You take a photo of any paper or emailed receipt within two weeks of buying, and the app awards points based on the store and any partner brands.
For a deeper look, see our Fetch Rewards app review. The headline is that Fetch is the lowest-effort app on this list.
Ibotta
Ibotta is rebate-driven. You browse offers by store, click the ones you want, then either link a loyalty card or scan your receipt after the trip.
Our Ibotta rewards app review goes deeper on the offer flow. The short version is that Ibotta pays more per item, but you have to do the prep work first.
Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback portal for online shopping. You install the browser extension or start every shopping session at the Rakuten site, then click through to the retailer.
The Rakuten cash back app review covers the quarterly payout cycle. The key thing is that Rakuten only earns when you click through first.
Payout speed comparison
This is where the apps split hard. If you want money fast, the order is Fetch, then Ibotta, then Rakuten.
Fetch points convert to gift cards almost instantly once you hit the threshold. PayPal cashouts usually take a few days.
Ibotta processes most cashouts to PayPal or your bank in a day or two. Some users report same-day on small amounts.
Rakuten pays out only four times a year, in February, May, August, and November. A purchase made in April will not pay you until August.
Cashout minimums
Minimums shape how realistic each app feels in the first month.
Fetch lets you redeem gift cards starting at 3,000 points, which is about $3. PayPal usually requires more points.
Ibotta requires $20 in your balance before you can cash out to PayPal or a bank account. Gift card redemptions start at lower amounts.
Rakuten requires $5.01 in earnings before the quarterly Big Fat Check goes out. If you do not hit it in a quarter, the balance rolls forward.
What each one is best for
Think in categories of spending, not just stores.
Groceries and household
Ibotta wins for specific brand rebates. Fetch wins for getting any value from store brands and produce that Ibotta ignores. Run both at once on the same trip.
Online shopping
Rakuten is the default. Department stores, beauty sites, electronics retailers, and travel bookings all pay through Rakuten.
If the store is not on Rakuten, check Swagbucks Shopping for the same retailer. Sometimes the rate is better there.
Restaurants and gas
None of the three are great for these. Gas needs a specialized app, and restaurants need a card-linked rewards program. This is a real gap to fill with another app.
The case for using all three together
Nothing in any of these apps blocks you from running the others. Stacking is the cheat code.
A single Target trip can earn Fetch points, Ibotta rebates, and credit card cashback at the same time. Online, Rakuten cashback layers on top of any sale price the store is already running.
The one tradeoff is mental load. Activating Ibotta offers, remembering to click through Rakuten, and scanning the receipt afterward takes a minute or two. Decide if the extra cash is worth that minute on each shop.
Alternatives worth running alongside
The big three all pay only when you spend money. If you want rewards for things you already do for free, the next two apps fit better.
Copper combines receipt scanning, surveys, and quick games in one app. It also has a checking account that pays bonus cash for everyday debit spending. For people who like the Fetch model but want more ways to earn, Copper is the upgrade.
Copper
Copper
Earn real rewards just by playing games, completing surveys, and scanning receipts. Copper turns your downtime into cash with PayPal payouts, Venmo transfers, and gift cards — all from your phone.
Standout feature
Earn real cash playing mobile games with fast PayPal payouts
Fees
Free
Pros
Easy-to-use interface with multiple earning methods. Fast initial payouts (under 17 minutes). Works on both iOS and Android.
Cons
Limited game selection that rarely updates.
Swagbucks has been the everything-app for over a decade. You earn for surveys, videos, searches, sign-ups, and shopping cashback that often beats Rakuten on the same store. Cashouts start as low as $1 for select gift cards.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks
Join 20+ million members earning rewards for things you already do. Swagbucks pays you for taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and watching videos — with over $669 million paid out since 2008.
Standout feature
10+ earning methods. $669M+ paid out. BBB accredited.
Fees
Free
Pros
Legitimate platform with $669M+ paid out. Multiple earning methods including shopping cashback. BBB accredited with strong track record.
Cons
Survey disqualification can be frustrating after spending time answering questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Fetch and Ibotta on the same receipt?
Yes. Fetch reads the whole receipt and gives you points for shopping plus brand bonuses. Ibotta only pays for the specific items you preselected. Running both at once is allowed and is the standard play for grocery trips.
Does Rakuten work in stores?
Rakuten has limited in-store cashback at certain partner restaurants and shops if you link a card. The vast majority of its earnings come from online clicks through the extension or the website.
Which app has the best signup bonus?
The bonuses change, but Fetch and Ibotta usually run referral or first-receipt bonuses worth a few dollars. Rakuten typically offers a welcome bonus after your first $30 purchase. Always check the current promo before you sign up.
Are these apps available outside the United States?
Fetch and Ibotta are mostly United States only. Rakuten has versions in Canada and several other countries with different store lists and payout schedules. Always download the version that matches your country.
