Cashback isn’t just a nice little bonus—used properly, it can be a serious source of passive income. Over the past 10 years, I’ve earned more than £10,000 from Quidco, £245 from Airtime Rewards since 2023, and I collect hundreds of Avios points every month via their eStore. And the best part? It all comes from purchases I was going to make anyway.
If you’re new to the world of cashback, or you’ve signed up but haven’t really dived in yet, this post will show you exactly what’s worked for me—and how you can start stacking up your own rewards.
My Top Cashback Platforms (And Why I Use Them)
1. Quidco – My Biggest Earner
Quidco is the original cashback site I signed up to back in 2013. Fast-forward to today, and I’ve earned over £10,000 just by clicking through their platform before I shop online.
How it works: You visit Quidco, find the retailer you want, click through, and shop as normal. Once your purchase is confirmed, cashback is tracked and added to your account.
Tip: Use their browser extension—it’ll alert you when cashback is available without needing to remember to check.
Pro tip: Keep an eye out for bonus offers—they often run “£2 for a £5 spend” or high-rate flash deals.
It’s my go-to for car insurance, travel bookings, broadband renewals, and even everyday shops like Boots or Argos. Those bigger purchases really add up over time.
👉 Real result: I once earned over £120 cashback just by switching broadband providers—something I was planning to do anyway.
2. Airtime Rewards – Cashback for Doing Nothing
Airtime Rewards is one of the easiest passive cashback apps I’ve used. Since 2023, I’ve earned £245—all credited directly to my mobile phone bill.
How it works: You link your debit or credit card once. Every time you spend at a participating retailer, cashback is added automatically.
Where it works: I’ve earned cashback at Greggs, Wilko, Boots, and even Halfords.
Bonus: You can cash out your balance once you hit £10, or £5 if you’re on the Ignite plan.
It runs in the background, so there’s no need to click or scan anything—just spend as usual.
3. Avios eStore – Earning Airmiles While You Shop
If you like travelling (or just saving on flights), the Avios eStore is a hidden gem. I use it regularly to collect hundreds of Avios points every single month—which I later redeem for flights, upgrades, or hotel stays.
How it works: Similar to Quidco—click through from the eStore before shopping with brands like John Lewis, eBay, Apple, ASOS and more.
Perks: Double dip by using a cashback credit card AND earning Avios.
What I love: I once paid for an entire return trip to Spain using points I racked up from just regular online shopping.
Bank & Card-Linked Cashback
In addition to standalone cashback platforms, a few banks are getting in on the action too.
Revolut: I use this as a backup card when travelling. If you’re on one of their paid plans, you can get a small percentage back on purchases—even abroad.
Chase UK: Currently offering 1% cashback on all purchases for 12 months for new customers.
Santander Edge: 1% on groceries, bills and travel—ideal if you’re spending regularly in these categories.
These bank-linked perks are great because they’re automatic. Set it up once and forget about it.
How I Stack Cashback for Maximum Benefit
One of the best parts of using these platforms together is stacking—here’s how I do it:
Use Quidco to click through to a retailer.
Pay with a cashback debit/credit card (e.g. Chase).
If that store is also on Airtime Rewards, cashback is triggered again.
For flights or travel gear, I switch over to the Avios eStore instead.
That means I’m often earning from two or even three different platforms for a single purchase.
My Cashback Tips
Don’t forget to activate: Always use browser extensions or mobile apps so you never miss cashback.
Big purchases = big rewards: Use cashback for travel bookings, insurance renewals, phones, and broadband contracts.
Check both Quidco and TopCashback: Sometimes one has better rates than the other.
Be patient: Some cashback takes a while to clear, but once it does, it’s cash in your pocket.
Final Thoughts
Cashback has genuinely become part of my financial routine. It’s not a trick or a gimmick—it’s simply a way to be smarter with your spending. Over the last decade, these tools have helped me fund holidays, pay bills, and earn money I’d otherwise never have seen.
If you’re not already using cashback sites, you’re leaving money on the table.
Let me know in the comments how much you’ve earned from cashback or if you’re just getting started—always happy to share tips.
