Cashback sites and voucher codes explained
Last checked November 2026. Offers and rules change: confirm with the provider before you rely on them.
A voucher code takes money off at the checkout when you type it in, and a cashback site pays you back a small part of what you spend, weeks or months later. Both are genuine and free to use, and both are worth a minute of your time on larger purchases, as long as they never tempt you to buy something you did not need.
Voucher codes
What they are
A voucher code, also called a discount code or promo code, is a short word or string of letters and numbers, something like SAVE10. During the online checkout there is a box labelled "discount code", "promo code" or "voucher". Type the code in, press Apply, and the total should drop before you pay. If it does not change, the code has not worked and you have lost nothing.
Where to find them
- The retailer itself. Many shops offer a code for signing up to their emails, often for a first order. You can unsubscribe afterwards.
- Voucher websites. These list current codes for hundreds of retailers. Search for the shop's name and "voucher code". Stick to the large, well-known sites.
- Newspapers, magazines and leaflets. Printed vouchers and codes still appear, particularly for supermarkets, restaurants and garden centres.
- Membership schemes. Loyalty schemes and discount cards send codes to members; see discount cards for over-60s.
What to watch for
- Many listed codes have expired or apply only to certain products or a minimum spend. Expect some to fail.
- Usually only one code can be used per order.
- A code never needs your bank details or a payment. A site asking for either to "unlock" a voucher is not genuine.
- "Free £100 supermarket voucher" messages on social media or by text are scams designed to collect your details; see spotting scams.
Cashback sites
How they work
Retailers pay a commission to websites that send them customers. A cashback site passes some or all of that commission on to you.
- You join a cashback site, which needs your name, email address and a password. The main sites are free to join, though some also offer a paid membership level; the free level is all most people need.
- When you want to buy something, you go to the cashback site first, search for the retailer and click its link through to the shop.
- You shop and pay on the retailer's own website exactly as normal.
- The purchase is "tracked", and the cashback appears in your account as pending, usually within a few days.
- Once the retailer confirms the sale, which can take from a few weeks to several months, the cashback becomes payable and you can withdraw it to your bank account, PayPal or as gift cards.
What it is worth
Rates vary by retailer and change often. On everyday shopping the amount is typically small, a few per cent. The larger sums tend to be on things like insurance policies, broadband and mobile contracts and holidays, where a single purchase can earn a worthwhile amount. Check the current rate on the cashback site before relying on it.
The golden rules of cashback
- Treat it as a bonus, never a certainty. Tracking sometimes fails and the cashback never appears. Do not choose a dearer deal because of the cashback promised on it.
- Compare the final price first. The cheapest deal without cashback can still beat a dearer one with it. Use our price comparison guide.
- Withdraw your money regularly. Cashback sitting in an account is not protected like money in a bank.
- Check the terms. Using a voucher code that is not listed on the cashback site can cancel the cashback.
- Never pay to receive cashback, and never give a cashback site your bank login. To be paid, it needs only your account number and sort code, or a PayPal address.
Cashback from your bank or card
Some bank accounts and credit cards pay cashback or rewards on spending, or offer money back at particular shops through their app. These need no extra website, though the offers usually have to be switched on in the app first. If you have a relative who helps with your banking, ask them to show you where the offers are. For impartial help choosing an account or card, see MoneyHelper.
Is it worth the effort?
| Purchase | Voucher code | Cashback |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly food shop | Occasionally, mainly first online orders | Rarely worthwhile; a loyalty card does more |
| Clothes and household goods online | Often worth a quick search | A small bonus |
| Insurance, broadband, mobile contracts | Uncommon | Can be worthwhile, but compare the total cost first |
| Holidays and travel | Sometimes | Can be worthwhile on larger bookings |
For the weekly shop, supermarket loyalty prices do far more than either; see loyalty cards compared. For bills, a phone call often beats both; see the haggling guide. And many discounts need no code at all, simply proof of age; see over-60s discounts.
Common questions
Are cashback sites safe?
The large, long-established ones are legitimate businesses. Join by typing the site's address yourself, use a password you do not use elsewhere, and never pay a fee you did not knowingly choose.
Why did my voucher code not work?
Most often it has expired, the order is below a minimum spend, or the items are excluded, sale goods especially. Try another code or carry on without.
Can I use a voucher code and cashback together?
Sometimes, but only with codes the cashback site itself lists. Using a code from elsewhere often means the cashback is declined.
Do I have to pay tax on cashback?
Cashback on your own personal shopping is generally treated as a discount on what you bought, not as income. If you are unsure about your own circumstances, check with HMRC or Citizens Advice.