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Every gamer knows to look for a good sale, but there's another layer of savings you might be missing out on: cashback. By using cashback apps and websites, you can get a percentage of the money you spend on games, hardware, and accessories returned to you. It's a simple way to make your gaming budget stretch further.

Think of it as a rebate you get for shopping online. It takes a tiny bit of effort to set up, but once you're in the habit, it becomes an automatic way to save money on purchases you were already planning to make.

How Do Cashback Services Work?

It might sound too good to be true, but the business model is straightforward. Cashback services, like Rakuten or the cashback feature in extensions like Honey, have affiliate partnerships with thousands of online retailers.

When you click through their special link to a store's website and make a purchase, the store pays the cashback service a commission for sending a customer their way. The cashback service then shares a portion of that commission with you. It's a win-win-win: the store makes a sale, the service earns a commission, and you get money back.

How to Get Started with Cashback for Gaming

Getting set up is easy and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a general guide that applies to most cashback platforms.

Choose a Service and Sign Up: Pick a reputable cashback service. Many offer a sign-up bonus after you make your first qualifying purchase.
Install the Browser Extension: This is the most important step. The browser extension will automatically detect when you're on a partner retailer's website and pop up with a notification to 'Activate Cashback.' This saves you from having to remember to visit the cashback site first.
Shop Like Normal: Browse your favorite stores for gaming hardware, digital storefronts that sell PC game keys, or even retailers that sell console gift cards. When you see the pop-up, click to activate the offer.
Check Out: Complete your purchase as you normally would. The cashback service will track your purchase in the background and credit the amount to your account, usually within a few hours or days.
Get Paid: Most services pay out your accumulated cashback quarterly, either through PayPal, a direct deposit, or a physical check.

Where Can You Use Cashback for Gaming?

While you typically can't get cashback directly from Steam, the PlayStation Store, or the Nintendo eShop, you can be creative.

Hardware and Accessories: Major electronics retailers and manufacturer websites are almost always partnered with cashback services. This is perfect for buying a new mouse, keyboard, monitor, or internal components.
PC Game Key Retailers: Many official third-party sellers of Steam keys are on cashback platforms. You can often save on new PC releases this way.
Retailers Selling Gift Cards: Some cashback sites offer rewards for purchases at stores that sell Xbox, PlayStation, or Nintendo eShop gift cards. You can buy a gift card, get cashback on that purchase, and then use the gift card on the console marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a catch to using cashback sites?

The main 'catch' is that you have to remember to activate the offer before you buy. This is why using the browser extension is so helpful. Also, the business model relies on encouraging you to shop, so it's important to only use it for purchases you were already going to make.

Can I use a coupon code and get cashback?

Sometimes, but not always. If you use a coupon code that isn't provided or approved by the cashback service itself, it may void your cashback offer. The browser extensions are usually good at managing this for you.

How much money can you actually get back?

Cashback rates typically range from 1% to 10%, but can be higher during special promotions. It might only be a few dollars per purchase, but over a year of buying games and hardware, it can add up to a significant amount.

Key Takeaways

Cashback services share their affiliate commission with you when you shop at partner stores.
The easiest way to use them is by installing their browser extension, which reminds you to activate offers.
You can earn cashback on gaming hardware, PC game keys, and sometimes even console gift cards.
Only use cashback services for planned purchases to avoid the temptation of overspending.
Payouts are typically made every few months via PayPal or check once you reach a minimum balance.

A Guide to Using Cashback Apps and Sites for Gaming Purchases