Imagine this: you buy your weekly groceries, a new pair of shoes, or even a flight to visit the grandkids—and a little pile of cash quietly returns to your pocket*.

Sounds too good to be true? It isn’t. Millions of Australians are discovering a simple trick called cashback shopping*, and it’s changing the way we spend.

What is Cashback, Really?​

Cashback* is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of just paying for something outright, a portion of what you spend comes back to you as cash. Not points, not vouchers, not complicated rewards programs you forget to use—actual money.

Platforms like ShopBack* make this incredibly easy. When you shop through ShopBack, the retailer pays a commission for referring you. Rather than keeping it, ShopBack passes most of that commission back to you.

Over time, these small amounts can really add up*, letting you save without changing your shopping habits.

Cashback vs Rewards Points vs Promo Codes​

You may have heard of reward points or promo codes. They all aim to save you money, but they’re very different from cashback.

• Reward points* often require you to reach a certain threshold before you can redeem them—and the conversion to actual dollars can be confusing.
  
  
• Promo codes give you a one-off discount at checkout, which is handy but doesn’t give you anything afterwards.
  
  
• Cashback*, however, keeps giving. Once your cashback is confirmed, you can withdraw it straight into your bank account. It’s real money for real spending.

Think of it this way: reward points are like collecting stamps in a book, promo codes are a one-time free coffee, and cashback is someone handing you a small bundle of notes after every purchase*. And who doesn’t like a little extra cash?

How You Can Start Earning Cashback​

Getting started is easier than you think. Here’s a quick guide:

1. Sign up for ShopBack*. It’s free and takes only a few minutes through their website or app.
   
   
2. Browse 4,000+ partnered retailers*. From Amazon*, eBay*, and The Iconic* to Woolworths*, Uber Eats*, and Booking.com*, ShopBack covers almost everything you already buy.
   
   
3. Activate cashback before shopping*. Click through the ShopBack website, or use the browser extension or app to make sure your purchase is tracked.
   
   
4. Shop as usual*. Complete your purchase just like you normally would—no extra steps at checkout.
   
   
5. Watch the money roll in*. A percentage of your spend goes straight to your ShopBack account. Once confirmed, transfer it to your bank.

It’s shopping without the guilt*—and a nice little reward for simply doing what you already do.

Where Cashback Makes the Biggest Difference​

The real magic happens when you realise cashback works across categories most seniors spend on:

• Groceries & Essentials*: Woolworths, Coles Online, Chemist Warehouse, Uber Eats, DoorDash
  
  
• Fashion & Beauty*: The Iconic, Myer, Target, Sephora, Style Runner
  
  
• Travel & Experiences*: Booking.com, Expedia, Trip.com, Virgin Australia
  
  
• Electronics & Tech*: Apple, Lenovo, JB Hi-Fi, Bing Lee, The Good Guys
  
  
• Lifestyle & Subscriptions*: Disney+, Kayo Sports, HelloFresh
  
  
• Giftcards & Vouchers*: Ampol, Uber, Airbnb, Ikea, Event Cinemas

Even small savings add up. Buy your weekly groceries through ShopBack*, grab a discounted flight, and maybe a new pair of shoes—and you could be hundreds of dollars ahead by the end of the year.

Tips for Maximising Your Cashback​

• Shop during sales events*. Big periods like Black Friday or Boxing Day often come with higher cashback rates.
  
  
• Stack gift cards*. Buy gift cards through ShopBack and use them for everyday purchases—earning cashback twice.
  
  
• Check for upsized offers*. Retailers sometimes boost cashback rates temporarily. For example, The Iconic’s base rate is 3.5% but can jump up to 18% during promotions.
  
  
• Use the browser extension*. Never miss cashback opportunities while shopping online.
  
  
• Track your rewards*. Regularly check your ShopBack account to see how much you’ve earned.

Why It Works So Well​

As seniors, balancing a fixed income with rising costs can be a huge hurdle to saving, so any chance to save without extra effort is valuable. Cashback doesn’t require learning complicated apps, joining subscription services, or changing shopping habits. It’s straightforward, trustworthy, and backed by big-name retailers* Australians know and love.

Plus, it’s a bit of fun. There’s a quiet satisfaction in seeing cashback build up—like a reward for being organised, savvy, and just generally clever. Who said grocery shopping couldn’t be a little exciting?

Getting Started is Simple​

The best part? It’s completely free. There’s no risk, no commitment, and no hidden fees. You continue shopping like you always do—and get a little bonus every time*.

So why not join the millions of Australians already discovering how to get paid for shopping? Sign up for ShopBack today and start earning cashback on the things you already buy.

Get started with ShopBack now*


With cashback making everyday shopping more rewarding, what will you spend your first bonus on? Share your plans in the comments.

*Please note, members, that this is a sponsored article. All content with an asterisk next to it means we may get a commission when you click on a link—at no cost to you! We do this to assist with the costs of running the SDC. Thank you!