Paying the entire amount is only necessary if it is truly necessary.
It goes without saying that purchasing with your iPhone is a quick, simple, and practical process. However, you can make your online shopping far less expensive with these iPhone apps and Safari browser extensions.
PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a browser extension and software that simplifies online shopping cost savings. Honey was first released as a stand-alone app and was later acquired by PayPal in 2019.
When you check out, the app quickly searches for active discount codes and adds them to your cart immediately. You can avoid having to look for coupons and test codes yourself by using this easy approach.
While the Honey app allows you to shop at thousands of online stores, the platform is significantly more useful when downloaded as a Safari browser extension. Once added, all it takes is one tap at checkout to swiftly find discount codes.
Additionally, the app offers a free rewards programme called Honey Gold that allows you to earn cashback at thousands of stores, such as Microsoft and Apple. You can use any rewards cash you earn as gift cards, but in order to cash out, you’ll need at least $1,000 in Honey Gold, or roughly $10.
Capital One Shopping
Another app that can help you save money when buying online is Capital One buying. It is an app and plugin that automatically locates and applies the best available coupon codes, much to PayPal Honey.
Similar to Honey, you can quickly locate the greatest coupons for the websites you already purchase at by installing its Safari browser extension. It also features a more powerful deal finder, making it easier for you to get the best value.
The programme, like other apps on our list, allows you to earn cashback rewards at particular stores. Gift cards are one way you can pay out your rewards. Even better, the cash-out thresholds for many gift cards are lowered. For instance, all it takes to get a Walmart gift card is $0.01.
Rakuten
Another software that can help you reduce costs when you shop online is called Rakuten. Because it prioritises cashback over coupon codes, it varies from Capital One Shopping and Honey.
The application operates in the background as you browse various stores. Basically, you’ll receive a set amount of cashback for purchases made at a storefront within Rakuten’s network. Additionally, you can look up available retailers on the desktop website or the Rakuten app.
You have the option to get payment by cheque or PayPal when redeeming your cash. Because of this, Rakuten has an advantage over systems that solely use gift cards to distribute rewards. But Rakuten doesn’t give out prizes instantly; instead, it does so on a quarterly basis.
Shopkick
An other kind of online shopping programme is called Shopkick, which pays you for doing things like scanning barcodes and making purchases. Because of this, it functions as a cross between a rewards website like Swagbucks and a cashback app.
Shopkick pays you for both in-store and online purchases, in contrast to many other applications on our list. When you enter certain stores with location services enabled, you can use the app to earn rewards points, or “kicks”.
Other actions, including watching films on the app or scanning the barcodes of particular products at a physical store, can allow you to earn prizes. For individuals who shop both in-store and online, the variety of cashback options and gamified chores make it a compelling choice.
Libby
For anyone who purchases physical books or ebooks online, Libby is an indispensable programme. You can obtain them for free by using a library card in place of paying for them. Libby differs slightly from other digital libraries that provide free ebooks because of the library tie-in.
You can basically check out any book that your local library has “in stock.” Most libraries have a large collection, ranging from classics to best-sellers right now, and they also post lists that have been hand-picked by librarians on the app. In addition to books, Libby also has audiobooks.
In addition to having an integrated audio player for audiobooks and a reader mode for ebooks, Libby allows you to link your accounts and borrow books to read on your Kindle or other e-reader.
Keepa
Amazon is frequently the first place to look when making an online purchase, particularly if you have Prime membership. In addition to being less expensive than other retailers, Amazon provides daily specials to find the greatest prices on almost anything you can imagine, as well as same-day or next-day delivery for a number of products.
An excellent companion for Amazon shoppers is an app like Keepa. Although Amazon occasionally has lower prices than other stores, prices are subject to change. You are not really able to tell if the price has increased or decreased over time without the use of a third-party programme.
That’s the role of Keepa. Any Amazon product’s price history, including the highest and lowest prices as well as price fluctuations over time, is provided by the app.
Your Local Store App
The majority of the applications on this list are geared towards online shopping, but if the app is accessible, it’s a good idea to download it for the physical store you currently frequent. Depending on where you live in the US and which retailers are closest to you, this will vary.
For instance, the Vons app is a fantastic method to receive incentives for regular food purchases here in Southern California. Companion apps are available for national businesses like as Walgreens and CVS, many of which allow you to rapidly scan for bargains or earn rewards points.
These apps focus on everyday and required purchases, so even while they’re usually not as exciting as cashback or coupon apps, they can actually save you some money over time. For example, contrast the frequency of your online apparel or cosmetics purchases with the frequency of your food purchases.
Naturally, not every grocery store chain will have an app available on the App Store. To find out what’s available, it’s still worthwhile to do a fast Google search for your neighbourhood grocery store.
With only a few taps, you may save a significant amount of money using any one or all of these apps, depending on your needs.