Guide
What is cashback? A complete guide
Everything you need to know about cashback: what it is, how it works, and why you should use it.
Cashback simply means that you get money back when you shop. It may sound too good to be true, but it is a well established model used by millions of consumers around the world. Let us explain how it works.
What is cashback?
When you shop in an online store via a cashback service such as Sparebørsen, the store is told that the customer came from us. The store pays Sparebørsen a commission for passing the customer on. We share that commission with you, and that is your cashback.
How does Sparebørsen work?
The process is simple:
- Register for free: create an account at Sparebørsen.
- Find the store: search among our partners or browse the categories.
- Click and shop: click through to the store via Sparebørsen and complete the purchase as usual.
- Receive cashback: the money is registered automatically and added to your account.
How much can you earn?
The cashback percentage varies from store to store. Some give 1-2%, while others reach 10% or more. On expensive purchases, such as travel, electronics or furniture, even a low percentage can mean a real saving.
Is there a catch?
No. Cashback costs you nothing. You pay exactly the same price in the online store as you would without cashback. The only difference is that you click through via Sparebørsen first. It takes a few extra seconds, and gives you money back on purchases you would have made anyway.
When do you get the money?
Cashback is usually registered within 24-48 hours of the purchase. It is finally confirmed after the store's return period, typically 30-90 days. Once it is confirmed, you can withdraw the money to your bank account.
Tips for getting the most out of cashback
Always check Sparebørsen before you buy anything online. Add a bookmark for easy access. Over a year you can save several thousand kroner without changing your shopping habits.
Frequently asked questions
- What is cashback?
- Cashback is money back on a purchase you were going to make anyway. When you go to the online store via Sparebørsen, the store pays us a commission for sending you there, and you receive a share of that commission as money. It is not a discount on the item and not points in a scheme: it is kroner that land in your account afterwards.
- What does cashback mean in Norwegian?
- Cashback means money back. There is no established Norwegian word that covers it precisely, so the English term is used as it is. You will also see «pengetilbake» and «tilbakebetaling» used for the same thing.
- How does cashback work?
- You start the purchase with us instead of going straight to the store. The click is given a tracking ID that follows you to the online store, so the purchase can be linked back to you. You shop exactly as usual, same price, no discount code. Once the store has confirmed that the order is valid and has not been returned, the cashback is approved and can be withdrawn.
- Does cashback cost anything?
- No. You pay exactly the same price as if you went straight to the store, and the service is free to use. We earn from the commission the store pays, and give you a share of it. That is the whole business model.
- Is cashback the same as a cashback credit card?
- No, and the difference is worth knowing. A cashback credit card gives a fixed percentage back on everything you use the card for, wherever you use it. Cashback via Sparebørsen is tied to the individual store, varies with where you shop, and requires no credit agreement. The two do not rule each other out: you can have both on the same purchase.
- How much cashback can I get?
- At most stores the rate lies between 4 and 8 per cent. Some categories and campaigns are higher, and some partners give a fixed amount in kroner instead of a percentage. The rate shown on the partner page when you click through is the one you get: it is stamped on your purchase.
- When do I get the money?
- The store must first confirm that the order is valid and has not been returned. That typically takes between 30 and 90 days, depending on the store's return deadline and how quickly the network reports. The cashback then becomes payable, and you can transfer it to your bank account.
- Why do I get no cashback if I go straight to the store?
- Because there is no trail linking the purchase to you. The tracking ID is created the moment you click through from Sparebørsen. If you go directly, or use another link along the way, the purchase is registered to someone else, or to nobody.