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Short answer: you often don't have to choose. Shopping portals and card rewards come from different sources, so many purchases can earn both.
How cashback portals work
Portals like Rakuten and TopCashback earn a commission when you click through them to a store, and share part of it with you. Rates vary by store and change often. Cashback usually shows as "pending" for weeks and can be denied if you return the item or if tracking fails (ad blockers and other extensions can interfere).
How credit card rewards work
Cards pay a percentage back or points on spending, commonly around 1% to 2% on everything, with higher rates on some categories. Value depends on how you redeem.
Stacking them
- Start at a cashback portal and click through to the store.
- Apply any store coupon code (check the portal's terms, since some codes not listed by the portal may void cashback).
- Pay with your rewards card.
Some card issuers also run their own shopping portals and targeted card offers. Don't assume these stack with a different portal; check the terms.
Which saves more?
- Everyday small purchases: card rewards usually matter more, because portals don't cover groceries or most local spending.
- Big online purchases at participating stores: portal rates can beat card rewards, especially during bonus-rate events.
The big pitfall
Card rewards are worthless if you carry a balance. Interest rates on credit cards are far higher than any reward rate, so pay in full each month. And never buy something just for the cashback.
Related: best times of year to buy.
Want all of this on one page? Our printable savings checklist sums up the 12 core tips. It unlocks after you try a sponsored app, so skip it if you'd rather not. Unlock the checklist (sponsored).