What is Cashback? Definition, functionality & secure starting bonus
Cashback portals like Shoop (€10 bonus), iGraal (€5 welcome bonus), TopCashback (€15 welcome bonus) or ShopMate mediate between you and online shops. If you click through the portal to the shop, the portal receives a commission and gives you part of it back as cashback. This is not a voucher code, but real money that is paid out to your account - in addition to the new customer bonus when you register.
Example calculation: This is how cashback works
You buy electronics for €100. The shop pays the portal €5 commission. The portal gives you €3 back as cashback. So you will receive a 3% refund on your purchase - without an upfront discount, but as a real payout after the confirmation phase.
Note: The actual cashback rates vary between 1% and 15% depending on the shop, product category and current portal offer.
Who is cashback worthwhile for?
- You regularly shop online (fashion, electronics, travel, household) and want to save effortlessly on every purchase.
- You are ready to follow simple tracking rules (use browser extension, click via portal).
- You combine cashback with sales promotions or permitted vouchers for maximum savings.
Start now and secure a new customer bonus: In our Cashback comparison 2026 Find out which portal offers the best rates for your favorite shops and where you can get the highest starting bonuses. You can find technical details about cookies, affiliate tracking and commission models in the guide How does cashback work technically?
Shoop vs. iGraal: Which cashback app for beginners?
Both apps reliably remind you of cashback - the crucial difference lies in daily use. Especially if you're new to cashback, you don't want to have to think about it all the time. Here you can get a quick overview. You can find more detailed analyzes in our Shoop test report and in iGraal Review.
Shoop app & browser extension
The Shoop app impresses with a clear structure and focus on German online shops. The design is calm and clear, ideal for users who value simplicity. The browser reminder for Chrome and Firefox reliably helps you not to forget cashback. Waiting times until confirmation vary, but are displayed transparently in the app.
Ideal for: Clarity & control
iGraal app & browser extension
iGraal relies more on gamification with points, levels and small challenges. The browser reminder responds quickly - practical for spontaneous purchases. The colorful design appeals to users who like things a little more lively. Payouts work reliably, but may vary slightly depending on the method (bank, PayPal, voucher).
Ideal for: Challenges & Extras
If you value peace and quiet, a clear interface and German shop depth, check it out Shoop to. Suitable for playful elements and challenges iGraal better. If you're looking for international deals, you'll find them here TopCashback the best rates while ShopMate as a versatile all-rounder. Our more detailed Cashback comparison shows you all portals at a glance – with rates, bonuses and tracking quality.
Avoid cashback tracking problems – the most common mistakes
The biggest frustration with cashback: your purchase is not displayed and the credit remains. So that you don't lose any cashback, we'll show you the most important points here to avoid tracking problems. You can find a detailed guide in ours Tracking Guide.
Set browser correctly
Ad blockers, tracking blockers or VPNs can block cookie tracking. Explicitly allow cookies for the cashback portal and the shop, or set up a separate cashback browser profile - this way purchases remain properly tracked.
Maintain a direct click path
Click on “Go to Shop” in the portal and complete your purchase directly. Do not open price comparison sites, voucher portals or other browser tabs for the same shop from time to time - otherwise the association will be lost.
Pay attention to special cases
In-app purchases via shop apps, deactivated JavaScript or certain payment methods (e.g. purchase on account with some providers) can prevent tracking. Check the information on our Comparison page for each provider.
If a purchase was not recorded, you can submit it later using the portal's support form. Have your order number, purchase amount and time stamp ready. You can find more information in our FAQ: “What to do if cashback is missing?”
Four main providers at a quick overview
In Germany, Shoop, TopCashback, iGraal and ShopMate are particularly relevant. Below you will find core features. Details, payment methods and recommendations by user type can be found in the respective detailed articles and in the Cashback comparison.
Shoop
Focus on German shops, clear app, solid browser recall. Recommended for structured beginners who like a calm structure.
Get a €10 bonus*
TopCashback
Internationally strong, often lots of special deals. Good for people who like to travel or who also shop at international shops.
Get a €15 bonus*
iGraal
Lively app with challenges, strong browser reminder. For everyone who values playful motivation.
Get a €5 bonus*
ShopMate
All-rounder with easy entry. Interesting for users who want quick setup and a clear interface.
To ShopMate*
Getting started: How to get started in 10 minutes
- Register for free with a cashback portal (e.g. Shoop with €10 bonus or iGraal with €5 welcome bonus).
- Install the browser extension for automatic cashback reminders while shopping.
- Before making major purchases (electronics, travel, fashion), compare the current cashback rates in our Portal comparison.
- Start with an empty shopping cart, click through the portal to the shop and complete the purchase without any detours - no additional tabs or voucher pages need to be opened.
- Write down your order number and check the tracking status in the portal. If you don't have cashback, you can find help in our Support FAQ.
Quick jump to the new customer bonus
Still unsure? The article How does cashback work? explains the technology for beginners. You will receive the new customer bonuses mentioned via the partner links.
When cashback is not worth it – 3 clear warning signals
You buy more because of cashback
Cashback only saves you money if you had planned to make the purchase anyway. If products that you don’t need end up in your shopping cart because of “10% back,” cashback will ultimately cost you more than it brings. Use cashback as a bonus, not as a reason to buy.
You rarely shop online
With 1-2 online purchases per year, the administrative effort outweighs the benefit. In this case, classic vouchers or sales campaigns are sufficient. Cashback portals are only worthwhile if you make regular online purchases.
You need instant discounts
Cashback confirmations take 30-90 days. If you want to see the price advantage directly when purchasing, vouchers are the better choice. You can combine both if the shop allows it - more on this in ours Combination strategies.
Cashback should optimize your existing purchase, not trigger additional purchases. All guides on this page – from Portal comparison up to ours Saving strategies – help you make an informed decision as to whether and how cashback fits your purchasing behavior.
Practical example
Cashback for students: 30 days test
Typical purchasing behavior: 2 fashion orders, 1 electronics purchase, 1 train ticket. Goal: Maximum cashback with minimal effort, no impulse purchases.
Result after one month
On average 15-25€ cashback for 4 tracked orders. After the confirmation phase (6-12 weeks) full payment without additional costs or additional expenses.
This setup can be easily adapted for savings goals such as a semester budget, shared accommodation or a semester abroad.
Here's how it works in 6 steps
- 1
Select suitable portalsShoop for German shops, TopCashback for international electronics retailers.
- 2
Prepare browserInstall cashback extension, deactivate ad blocker when purchasing. Details in our Tracking checklist.
- 3
Compare ratesBefore every purchase Portal comparison Check who is currently offering the best cashback rate or bonus promotion.
- 4
Click through cleanlyClick on the shop portal, fill your shopping cart and pay without any detours. Do not open additional tabs or coupon pages. Save order confirmation.
- 5
Control trackingAfter purchasing, check the portal to see whether the order appears as “open” or “pending”. Write down open amounts with dates.
- 6
Pay off creditAfter the confirmation phase (usually 30-90 days) request a payout via PayPal or bank transfer. If you have any problems, contact support.