Best Free Apps To Save Money On Everyday Purchases
You’ll Wish You’d Started Using Them Sooner
by Cervante
There was a time in my life when I’d look at my bank account after a shopping trip and cringe. I wasn’t overspending on luxury items—I was simply buying everyday necessities and wondering where all my hard-earned money was going. That’s when I decided it was time to do something about it.
I started researching ways to stretch my dollars further, and I stumbled upon a whole world of money-saving apps. While I haven’t used all of them yet, I’ve dug deep into reviews, features, and how these apps can help people save money effortlessly. Here are some of the best free apps to help you save on everyday purchases—no strings attached.
Target App: The Ultimate Shopping Companion
Target has always been one of my happy places. You walk in for toothpaste, and somehow, you walk out with a cart full of home decor and snacks. The Target app is a game-changer for anyone who loves this store as much as I do.
With the app, you can access exclusive deals through Target Circle, clip digital coupons, and even earn cash back on your purchases. One of my favorite features (and one I can’t wait to try more often) is the price-matching tool—if Target’s price isn’t the lowest, they’ll match a competitor's price. Plus, the app lets you stack Target Circle offers with manufacturer coupons, maximizing your savings.
If you’re already shopping at Target regularly, downloading this app is a no-brainer. It doesn’t just save you money; it gives you peace of mind knowing you’re getting the best deal.
Capital One Shopping: Your Online Shopping Sidekick
Have you ever made a big online purchase, only to find out later that there was a coupon code you missed? I’ve been there, and let me tell you—it stings. Enter Capital One Shopping.
This app (or browser extension) is like having a personal shopping assistant. When you’re about to check out online, Capital One Shopping automatically searches for promo codes to apply to your order. And it doesn’t stop there—it also compares prices across different retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal.
What I really love is how effortless it is. Once you set it up, it works in the background. Even though I’m just starting to explore all its features, the potential savings are incredible. You don’t need to be a Capital One customer to use it, which makes it accessible to anyone.
Rakuten: Cash Back Without the Hassle
Rakuten is one of those apps that makes you wonder why you didn’t start using it sooner. While I haven’t fully embraced it yet, I’ve seen how it works for others, and I’m impressed.
Here’s the deal: Rakuten gives you cash back for shopping at your favorite stores. All you need to do is use the app or browser extension to start your shopping trip. The app partners with thousands of retailers, from clothing stores to travel booking sites, so there’s always an opportunity to earn cash back.
What’s even better? They pay you quarterly, so those little savings add up to a nice surprise in your PayPal account or as a check in the mail. If you’re shopping online anyway, Rakuten makes it easy to get rewarded for your spending.
Ibotta: Grocery Shopping Just Got Better
Grocery shopping used to be one of my biggest budget busters, but Ibotta has changed the game for so many people. While I’m just starting to explore this app, its concept is simple and brilliant.
With Ibotta, you earn cash back on grocery purchases by redeeming offers in the app. Before you shop, you browse the app for deals on items you plan to buy. After your trip, you scan your receipt, and voilà—cash back appears in your account.
One feature I can’t wait to try is the option to link your grocery store loyalty card, so you don’t even have to upload receipts. Plus, it’s not just limited to groceries—there are offers for beauty products, clothing, and even restaurants.
Fetch Rewards: Turn Receipts Into Rewards
I stumbled across Fetch Rewards during my research, and I’m so intrigued. With this app, you can scan your receipts from just about any store and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards.
What I love about Fetch is how easy it seems. You don’t have to plan ahead or search for specific deals—just snap a picture of your receipt, and the app does the rest. It’s a low-effort way to make your everyday purchases work for you.
Honey: The Coupon King
Honey is another app I’ve been meaning to dive into. Similar to Capital One Shopping, Honey is a browser extension that finds coupon codes and applies them automatically when you shop online.
But Honey goes one step further—it tracks price drops and lets you know the best time to buy. This is perfect for big purchases you’ve been eyeing but don’t want to splurge on right away.
Why These Apps Matter
The truth is, managing your finances isn’t just about cutting back—it’s about being smart with the money you do spend. These apps make saving money feel effortless, even on the little things that add up over time.
While I haven’t personally tried every app on this list, the research speaks for itself. Each one offers a unique way to stretch your dollars further, whether it’s through cash back, coupons, or better prices.
So, if you’re tired of feeling like your money disappears too quickly, give one (or all) of these apps a try. They might just become your secret weapon for financial success.
What are your favorite money-saving apps? Let me know—I’m always on the hunt for new ways to save!
This is an excellent piece & some other helpful apps I've found are Good to go ( for unclaimed or leftover restaurant food sold at a discount ) , Study.com ( where you can take courses in several categories in exchange for college or university credit which lowers tuition costs a bit ) , & Shippin ( where you can shop a variety of international products local shops and niche boutiques. Your able to shop in a variety of categories and save money through certain discounts or simply by using your American dollars which stretch further in other countries )