ShopBack promises a new way to shop online. This cashback platform lets you save while shopping and discover exclusive offers at the same time. With thousands of partners and a wide range of features, it attracts many users. But how do you use ShopBack efficiently? What advantages and disadvantages are there? Is the referral program worthwhile? Let’s dive into the world of ShopBack to explore how it works and what makes it unique.
The history and development of ShopBack
The story of ShopBack begins in 2014 in Singapore. Two entrepreneurs, Henry Chan and Joel Leong, were looking for a way to optimise online shopping. Their idea: reward consumers by refunding part of their spending. The concept quickly caught on, and the platform expanded. As early as 2015, ShopBack grew into Malaysia and the Philippines. A year later came Indonesia. In 2017, expansion continued with Thailand and Taiwan. In 2018, ShopBack reached Australia and introduced cashback for in-store purchases.
The year 2020 marked a turning point with the opening of offices in South Korea and Vietnam, bringing ShopBack’s presence to nine countries. In 2021, the platform expanded its offering by acquiring Hoolah, a provider of instalment payments. This led to the creation of ShopBack Pay and PayLater. In 2023, ShopBack Germany marked its entry into Europe—a clear sign of further growth. Today, the platform operates in 12 countries and counts over 50 million users. Since its founding, ShopBack has paid out more than €515 million in cashback.
Registering with ShopBack Germany
Creating an account with ShopBack Germany is quick and easy. The platform offers two sign-up options to suit users’ preferences. Both provide immediate access to offers but require additional information to unlock all features. The fastest method is signing in with a Google account. With just a few clicks, promotions and special offers are enabled. However, you must provide a phone number to make withdrawals. This security measure ensures account authenticity and protects transactions.
Signing up via email involves a few additional steps. First, the user must pass a security check to confirm they’re not a robot. Then they enter their name and phone number. Regardless of the method chosen, it’s necessary to accept ShopBack’s Terms and Conditions (T&Cs) and privacy policies to complete registration.
How does ShopBack work?
ShopBack makes cashback accessible through a user-friendly interface. After registering, users gain access to a large network of partner stores. They can find offers via the search bar or browse the different product categories. Before purchasing, cashback must be activated—either directly on the website, via the mobile app, or using the browser extension. This ensures the purchase is properly tracked and the reward credited.
After an order is placed, ShopBack records the transaction. The cashback initially appears as “pending” in the user account. Confirmation time varies by retailer and can take from a few days to several weeks. Once the amount is confirmed, users can withdraw their savings via PayPal. To maximise savings potential, it’s advisable to use the ShopBack browser extension. It automatically activates cashback offers and applies available discount codes. In addition, ShopBack offers several ways to earn cashback—online, via the extension, or in-store (the latter is not yet available in Germany). Thanks to its broad partner network, users can easily save on their everyday purchases.
The different ways to earn cashback with ShopBack
ShopBack offers various methods to receive rewards for purchases. Whether online or via a browser extension—users benefit from attractive rebates. Thanks to an extensive partner network, cashback is just a few clicks away.
Cashback online
Online cashback enables savings on every purchase. ShopBack partners with thousands of stores across fashion, technology, travel, and more. Before buying, users compare offers and activate cashback via the website or app. This ensures the reward is credited. After ordering, ShopBack records the transaction and the cashback status changes to “pending.” Processing time varies by retailer. Once the credit is confirmed, users can withdraw their balance.
Payouts are made via PayPal, and users have access to a detailed transaction history to track their savings in real time. By combining multiple purchases, high rebates can be accumulated quickly. This method is the most popular way to save easily and efficiently online with ShopBack.
In-store cashback (not available in Germany)
In-store cashback also allows users to get a portion of their spending back. To use this feature, users first create a ShopBack account and link a credit card. They can then search for partner stores in the app or look for the ShopBack logo in-store. At checkout, they simply use the linked card.
After the transaction, ShopBack automatically records the amount spent and credits the corresponding cashback to the user’s account once the process is completed. In some cases, a further purchase at the same store is required to validate the credit. This system makes it easy to collect rewards for everyday spending. However, this feature is currently not available in Germany. German users who want to use in-store cashback can turn to alternatives such as myWorld. More information on this cashback platform is available here.
The ShopBack Button: earn cashback automatically
The ShopBack browser extension makes online shopping even more convenient by automatically detecting cashback and discounts. After installing it in Chrome or Firefox, it runs in the background and flags savings opportunities. Users no longer need to navigate manually via the website or app—ShopBack informs them in real time as soon as a cashback offer is available.
Once an offer is detected, a notification appears on the screen. With a single click, cashback can be activated and the transaction tracked. This automation prevents missed activations and ensures every eligible transaction generates cashback. The extension not only provides cashback but also automatically applies the best available discount codes at checkout. Users just need to click the ShopBack button—and save instantly.
The ShopBack referral program: earn an extra €10
ShopBack rewards users for every friend they invite. Through the referral program, you can earn a €10 bonus. Signing up via a referral link also allows new members to benefit from this perk. To invite a friend, users share their personal referral link or code. Once the invitation is accepted, the referred friend must register and make a purchase of at least €10 through ShopBack. After the cashback is confirmed, both the referrer and the referred friend receive a bonus.
To ensure the bonus is credited, the new member must meet certain conditions. They must use the link or invitation code during registration, complete their first purchase, and add their payment details. This referral program lets users quickly collect additional rewards. The more friends a user invites, the more they can earn. ShopBack encourages members to share their saving opportunities and spread the platform within their network.
The advantages and disadvantages of ShopBack
ShopBack enables savings on many purchases thanks to a large network of partners. Its ease of use and intuitive tools make it simple to navigate. However, there are some limitations, particularly around the waiting times for cashback confirmation. Let’s take a look at ShopBack’s strengths and weaknesses.
The advantages of the platform
ShopBack offers numerous advantages for bargain hunters. Its partner network includes over 1,000 well-known retailers such as Nike, Expedia, Lidl, and Media Markt. Thanks to this variety, users can receive cashback on a wide range of products and services.
The user-friendly interface makes it easy even for beginners. Registration takes just a few clicks, and navigation remains clear. The platform also provides a mobile app and a browser extension. These tools make it possible to activate cashback with one click and automatically apply discount codes.
Another highlight of ShopBack is that payouts are made in real money. Unlike some programmes, earnings aren’t limited to vouchers. Users can freely transfer their balance to their PayPal account—an ideal way to save with minimal hassle.
The disadvantages of the platform
Despite its benefits, ShopBack has some drawbacks. The biggest is the long wait for cashback confirmation. It can take up to 60 days for earnings to be validated and available for withdrawal. This process varies by retailer and can be frustrating for some users.
Another drawback is the inactivity rule. If an account remains inactive for more than a year, the user loses their accumulated cashback. This rule requires a certain regularity in using the platform to avoid losses.
In addition, not all purchases qualify for cashback. Depending on the retailer, exclusions may apply to certain products or ongoing promotions. Therefore, it’s important to check the terms before each purchase to maximise savings.
User experiences
Many users appreciate the simplicity and the ability to get a portion of their spending back. The strong reputation is reflected in a rating of 4.3/5 based on over 340 reviews on Trustpilot. A user named Christiane highlights that all her purchases were tracked correctly and that cashback is a welcome extra saving. Manuela also admits she was initially sceptical, but after her second order she received her earnings. Normand finds the offers interesting and the cashback rates attractive, but criticises the sometimes long wait for transaction confirmations.
Other reviews point to areas for improvement. Jan had difficulties with customer service, particularly regarding his referral bonus, but after a complaint his account was eventually credited. Louise Wave, meanwhile, criticises the strict conditions of the referral program, saying it makes it difficult to receive the promised reward. Some users also regret that certain well-known retailers aren’t on the platform or that cashback isn’t always credited immediately. Despite mixed feedback, ShopBack seems to be a valued way for many to save when shopping online.
ShopBack has established itself in the cashback market by providing attractive offers. Its development since 2014 demonstrates ambition and expansion in Europe. Between saving opportunities and certain conditions, each user can assess individually whether this service is of interest. The referral program and the broad partner network further increase the platform’s appeal.
