Where can you get the best cashback in Europe? Cards, apps and reward programs

This article gives you a clear overview of cashback apps, credit card programs and the most important providers in Europe - including a practical cashback comparison.

What is cashback and how do cashback programs work? 

Note: This article does not constitute financial advice. Many people ask: What is cashback?
Briefly explained: For every purchase, you receive a small percentage of the purchase amount back. This can happen via an app, a credit card or a reward program.

Cashback works in three steps:

1. The provider receives a commission from the shop.
2. A portion of this commission is paid out to the user.
3. The payout is made as cash or bonus points.

Important: Cashback is legitimate, but not “free money” - it is a rebate system that slightly reduces your expenses.

The best cashback apps in Europe: overview and evaluation

The market is growing quickly, but not all apps are equally good. A short comparison shows the best cashback app depending on your needs.

Popular cashback apps (Europe-wide)

• Shoop (DE) - strong online shop partners, high rates; however, many look for a Shoop alternative because some merchants are missing.
• Payback (DE/AT) - can be combined with many supermarkets, pharmacies and gas stations; not classic cashback, more of a points system.
• TopCashback (UK, EU) - high cashback rates, large e-commerce selection.
• Revolut and Finom Cashback (EU-wide) - cashback on card transactions, especially attractive for business customers.

This list is a neutral summary; exact rankings depend on individual usage patterns.

Which cashback app is the best?

The answer depends on how you shop:

• Online shoppers → Shoop, TopCashback
• Supermarket & drugstore → Payback (many partners)
• Frequent travelers & digital users → Finom / Revolut cashback
• Price-conscious online shoppers → apps with high online cashback

A pure cashback comparison shows: There is no single best provider - there is a best option for each type of user.

Cashback via credit cards: often the underrated advantage

Many people don’t know that a credit card with cashback often offers higher rebates than apps. Particularly popular are:

• European fintech cards with 1–2% cashback
• Business cards such as Finom
• Cards with bonus points that can be converted into cash

Advantages:

• Cashback is automatic
• No extra steps
• Worldwide use

Disadvantages:

• sometimes fees
• some cards only pay off with high spending volumes

If you combine a credit card + app, you get double effects - many call this “cashback stacking.”

Cashback systems compared: apps, cards or reward programs?

Each system has its own strengths:

Apps (e.g., Shoop, TopCashback)

• high online cashback rates
• large selection of shops - payouts sometimes take longer

Reward programs (e.g., Payback)

• many offline partners
• usable in supermarkets - points instead of direct cash

Credit cards

• instant cashback
• ideal for frequent travelers - not all merchants accept credit cards

In the European cashback comparison it becomes clear:
combinations work best.

Is cashback even worth it?

Many ask: Is cashback worth it?
The honest answer: Yes - if you’re spending money anyway.

Cashback is not a reason to spend more.
But if you make purchases anyway, you save real money over time:

• Online shopping: often 2–10%
• Travel bookings: 5–15%
• Insurance / contracts: €20–€80 per contract
• Credit cards: 0.5–2%

The key is choosing the cashback program that fits your lifestyle.

The best cashback providers by category

Based on typical user profiles:

For online shopping

• Shoop
• TopCashback

For supermarkets & everyday purchases

• Payback
• sometimes national programs per country

For business & digital freelancers

• Finom Cashback

For frequent travelers

• Credit cards with cashback

There are many cashback providers, but these cover most needs.

Europe offers a wide range of apps, cards and platforms for cashback. There is no universal “best provider” - what matters is how you shop.

Quick recommendation:

• If you shop online a lot → cashback apps
• If you shop offline → reward programs (Payback type)
• If you travel a lot / have business expenses → credit card cashback
• If you want maximum savings → combination of several systems

Cashback is worthwhile when used strategically - without unnecessary purchases and with the right app for your shopping habits.