There are so many ways to save money. Which is a plus. But it can be hard to determine which apps are for you, and which apps won’t fit your needs. Which is a bummer.
One of the questions often fielded in the SavEars is, “What do you guys think of _____ app?” Or, its popular cousin, “What are you favorite apps for earning?” In the spirit of filling our savings lives with more pluses and less bummers, I’m going on an app investigation! Every two weeks, I’ll be reviewing a new app here, in the App Spotlight. What will I be doing during those two weeks? Trying out the app, of course! I want to make sure that I learn the ins and outs of the app before I report back here to ya’ll.
This week’s app is….
What is it?: A cash back app for grocery shopping.
Checkout 51 is a popular grocery app, like Ibotta or Saving Star, that provides cash back for certain products with the submission of a receipt. Like most rebate apps, it’s fairly straight forward: it’s free to download, free to use, and available on both iPhone and Android.
Checkout 51 stands out from similar apps due to unique aspects, like working with online grocery shopping and being available on the computer as well as mobile devices. It may just be the most user friendly, versatile app I’ve covered so far.
Who is it for?: Grocery shoppers, especially ones that buy multiple items or brand name foods.
Rebate offers change on a weekly basis and there are literally dozens of options. That’s the good news. Some of the rebates are for a certain amount off of multiple products, while some are for solo items. Each rebate can only be redeemed once. Same things goes for receipts. Once a receipt is submitted, that’s it, so make sure you are checking all valid offers for your receipt before you submit.
Even more good news is that Checkout 51 can be used with additional apps, so if you find the same rebate on both Ibotta and Checkout 51, you can get double credit. You can also submit that same receipt to Fetch Rewards and then you’re really having a cash back party.
A unique perk is that Checkout 51 can be used with online grocery purchases, as long as you have some kind of receipt or order form that can be uploaded. This is a unique feature among cash back apps and adds additional rebate revenue.
Where do I use it?: On your smart phone or on your computer.
Unlike some competing apps, Checkout 51 is accessible to non-smart phone users. The process remains the same. You download the program from the website and upload your receipt pics for cash back. Smart phone users can download the app from your favorite app store.
When do I use it?: Offers go live every Thursday at 12am and expire the following Wednesday at 11:59pm. Deals must be live to earn cash back, so you have seven days to submit your receipt.
However, on Checkout51 there is a limited amount of each offer available. The app doesn’t tell you what the offer quantity is, so it’s better to submit your receipt as soon as possible.This will help you take advantage of as many offers as possible.
Why do I use it?: To earn cash back on your groceries. Your earning speed will depend on the type of products you buy. If you stock up on shelf stable or popular brands, you could see a quick return.
There aren’t a lot of protein or Any Item offers, but they do pop up occasionally. For produce heavy shoppers, like me, this is a slow earner. But those slow earnings are offset by perks mentioned above, and additional little things, the occasional bonus for a quick commercial watched, or an entry into the weekly sweepstakes for receipts over $60.
You can redeem your cash back once you hit $20. Simply make a request via the “Cash Out” button and a check will be sent to you.
Final Verdict: Recommended. This app is user friendly and easily accessible, and offers a wide selection of deals. Use Kristin’s referral and start off with a $5 bonus!
Think you’ll give Checkout 51 a try? Have you already? What is your reaction so far? Tell me all about it in the comments.
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!