What is Cashback?

What Is Cashback? A Simple Guide to How It Works

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Imagine buying something and getting a little money back after you pay. Sounds like a win, right? That's exactly what cashback is, boss.

Whether you’re shopping, eating out, paying bills, or buying groceries, cashback gives you a small percentage of what you spent. It feels like a little reward every time you make a purchase.

In this guide, we’ll explore what cashback is, how it works, tips to maximize your rewards, and how you can earn cashback on your QR Ph purchases.

What is cashback?

Let’s start with the basics: What is cashback? Cashback is a reward that gives you back a percentage of what you spent when you make a purchase, whether through in-store or online shopping. As the name suggests, you get “cash back.” Depending on the program, your cashback may be credited as cash to your account, cashback balance, or reward points that can be redeemed later. Cashback rates can range from 1% to 8% or even higher.

Earn cashback rewards

Many credit cards, digital credit lines, and e-wallets offer cashback programs to reward customers for using their services. Depending on the program, cashback may apply to all purchases, or only to selected categories, such as groceries, bills, or fast food.

How does cashback work?

Now you might wonder, “How do I get cashback?” The answer depends on the cashback program, as each has its own terms and conditions. It's always a good idea to check out the rewards program or promo mechanics before making a purchase. Once you understand the requirements, earning cashback is usually simple.

In most cases, cashback works like this:

  1. Use a payment method that offers cashback
  2. Make an eligible purchase.
  3. Wait for your cashback to be credited based on the program or promo mechanics.

Some cashback offers apply to all purchases, while others are only available for selected merchants, categories, or promotional periods. For example, many banks partner with restaurants, gas stations, and retailers to offer higher credit card cashback rates or exclusive promotions. These deals are usually available for a limited time only and may be exclusive to certain credit cards.

Meanwhile, some digital credit lines offer cashback on everyday purchases all year round, though you may be able to score a higher cashback percentage during special campaigns or promotional periods.

Cashback reward

How to maximize cashback rewards

Want to earn more from every purchase? Here are a few simple tips to help you maximize your cashback rewards and get the most value from your everyday spending.

1. Choose payment methods that offer cashback

Start by choosing payment methods that reward your everyday purchases. Many e-wallets and digital credit lines offer cashback when you pay using QR Ph, the Philippines' national QR payment standard.

Why QR Codes Became Popular in the Philippines

Accepted by over 1 million merchants nationwide, QR Ph makes it easy to pay by simply scanning a QR code using your QR Ph app, such as your banking, e-wallet, or digital credit app. No need to pay with cash, boss! For example, Skyro offers 1% cashback on all QR Ph purchases worth ₱100 and up when you pay with SkyroCredit.

2. Look out for cashback promotions

Now that we’ve covered “what is cashback” and how it works, it’s time to help you choose the best cashback program. During special promotions, you may find offers like 3% cashback on gas or 5% cashback on groceries for a limited time. By planning your purchases around these promotions, you can save more on everyday essentials.

If you regularly pay your bills or shop at the same stores, check your app for promos first. It only takes a few minutes and could help you earn more on purchases you usually make. Have more than one payment app? Make sure to compare their cashback offers and terms before paying to get the best value.

3. Check the cashback terms

Some cashback offers have minimum spend requirements, monthly limits, or expiry dates. Reading the terms early on can help you maximize your rewards and avoid missing out.

Understanding what is cashback is one thing, but making it part of your everyday spending is where the real value comes in. The more you use cashback on purchases you already make, the more those small rewards can add up over time.

Earn 1% cashback on all purchases with SkyroCredit

Unlike some cashback programs, SkyroCredit lets you earn cashback all year round. No need to wait for special promotions or limited-time offers. Every QR Ph purchase worth ₱100 and up earns you 1% instant cashback, making this digital credit line the perfect companion for everyday spending.

Scan to pay

Your cashback is automatically added to your cashback balance in the Skyro app. Every ₱1 cashback is worth ₱1 off, just like a discount. Once your balance reaches ₱100, you can redeem it right away or save it for a future purchase.

Why wait for the next promo, boss? Apply for SkyroCredit and start earning cashback today.

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