What is cashback and how does it work? Understand it’s benefits

Modak
March 13, 2025

Main takeaways

😎 Cashback rewards return a percentage of spending, helping consumers save money when using certain credit cards or shopping at select retailers.

💡 There are different cashback structures, including flat-rate, tiered, and rotating category rewards, each offering unique benefits.

🪪 Maximizing cashback requires strategy, such as using the right card for purchases, paying balances in full, and activating bonus categories.

Imagine getting rewarded for buying things you already want or need. This is the magic of cashback. But what exactly is cashback, and how can you make the most of it? In this guide, we'll break down the concept of cashback, explain how it works, and show you why it's a valuable financial tool. We'll also explore how Modak Makers1 can help you earn rewards and manage your money effectively.

What is cashback?

Cashback is a reward program offered by credit card companies and certain retailers where a percentage of the money spent on purchases is returned to the customer. It’s like getting a small rebate every time you make a purchase. This concept is designed to encourage spending by providing a financial incentive for using a specific card or shopping at certain stores.

VISA debit cards inside a wallet

How does cashback work?

When you make a purchase with a cashback credit card or through a cashback retailer, a percentage of the purchase amount is credited back to your account. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Make a purchase: Use your cashback credit card or shop through a cashback retailer.
  2. Earn cashback: A percentage of your purchase amount is calculated as cashback and credited to your account.
  3. Redeem cashback: Accumulate your cashback and redeem it for statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or other rewards, depending on the card issuer or retailer.

Types of cashback programs

Flat-rate cashback

Flat-rate cashback programs offer a fixed percentage of cashback on all purchases. For example, if your card offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases, you’ll earn 1.50 cents for every dollar you spend.

Tiered cashback

Tiered cashback programs provide different cashback percentage rates based on spending categories. For instance, you might earn 3.00% on dining, 2.00% on groceries, and 1.00% on all other purchases.

Rotating category cashback

Some cards offer higher cashback percentage rates on categories that change every quarter, like 5.00% on gas or groceries. You usually need to activate these categories to earn a higher percentage.

What is 5.00% cashback reward system?

When a card offers 5.00% cashback, it means you earn 5 cents back for every dollar spent in certain categories. For example, if you spend $100 on groceries and your card offers 5% cashback on groceries, you’ll earn $5 back.

Is cashback free money?

Cashback might feel like free money, but it’s actually a reward for spending. Here’s why:

  • Encourages spending: Cashback programs are designed to encourage you to spend more with specific cards or at certain retailers.
  • Not completely free: You still need to spend money to earn cashback. It’s a percentage of your spending returned to you, not an outright free gift.
  • Credit card fees: Be mindful of any fees or interest charges on your credit card. If you don’t pay your balance in full, the interest could outweigh the cashback earned.

How Modak helps with rewards

🤓 Teens earn MBX points instead of cashback, teaching them financial responsibility through rewards for smart money habits.

🪄 Modak scratch cards reward purchases, helping teens use their Visa® Debit Card wisely and build good spending habits.

📝 Parents can set up chore-based earnings, allowing teens to manage money while learning the value of work and financial planning.

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Benefits of cashback

Financial rewards

Cashback provides a direct financial benefit by returning a portion of your spending. Whether it's cashback, points, or other incentives, these rewards can add up over time, especially when used strategically for everyday purchases.

Encourages smart spending

Knowing you’re earning cashback can motivate you to use your card for specific purchases, helping you maximize your rewards.

Flexible redemption options

Many Cashback reward programs offer flexible ways to use what you've earned. Depending on the program, rewards may be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or even converted into cash on a debit card.

Gift tied with red ribbons

How to maximize cashback rewards

Use the right card for each purchase

Choose a card that offers the highest cashback rate for the category you’re spending in. For example, use a card with high grocery cashback when shopping for food.

Pay your balance in full

To truly benefit from cashback, avoid carrying a balance. Paying interest can negate the value of your cashback rewards.

Take advantage of bonus categories

If applicable, be sure to check and activate them each quarter to maximize rewards within your budget. Terms may apply.

Cashback vs. other rewards programs

Cashback vs. points

Cashback is straightforward—you earn money back on your purchases. Points programs can be more complex, with points having varying values depending on how they’re redeemed.

Cashback vs. travel rewards

Travel rewards offer points or miles for travel-related purchases. These can be more valuable than cashback if you travel frequently, but cashback is more flexible since it can be used for any type of spending.

🧐 Common questions about cashback

What is cashback and how does it work?

Cashback is a reward program where you earn a percentage of your spending back as cash. You make a purchase, earn a portion back, and can redeem it later.

Is cashback free money?

Cashback feels like free money, but it’s a reward for spending. You still need to spend money to earn cashback, and fees or interest can reduce its value.

What does 5.00% cashback mean?

5.00% cashback means you earn 5 cents back for every dollar spent in eligible categories. For example, spending $100 in a 5% category earns you $5 back.

How Modak helps you earn and manage money

While Modak does not offer traditional cashback, it provides teens with unique ways to earn rewards through MBX points and scratch cards, which offer a chance to win additional rewards after making purchases. These features help teens develop financial responsibility while being rewarded for their actions.

Kid holds her modak

Earning MBX points

Modak Makers allows teens to earn MBX points, which convert to dollars, by completing challenges and engaging in positive financial behaviors. Through features like "Walk to Earn," teens can earn up to 70 MBX per week, adding up to an extra $36.40 per year just by staying active.

Scratch cards: Rewards after purchases

Modak rewards users for making thoughtful financial decisions by offering digital scratch cards after purchases with the Modak Visa® Debit Card. These scratch cards provide an opportunity to win additional MBX points, reinforcing the habit of using the card for everyday expenses in a responsible way. This feature encourages teens to manage their spending wisely while benefiting from rewards.

Managing chores and finances

With Modak, parents can assign chores and set monetary rewards, allowing teens to earn money while learning the value of hard work and financial planning.

A smart financial app for families

Modak provides a single platform where parents and teens can track spending, set savings goals, and gain hands-on money management experience in a structured, engaging way.

Conclusion

Modak Makers goes beyond traditional cashback programs by rewarding smart financial habits. Teens earn MBX, scratch cards, and rewards for completing challenges, tracking spending, and setting savings goals. This unique approach blends financial education with engaging incentives, helping teens build lifelong money management skills.

Start your journey to financial independence today! Download the Modak app and start earning rewards while building smart money habits.

  1. Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
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