How to Choose a Cashback Site: 7 Comparison Points and Pitfalls
There are so many cashback sites that it is hard to know what to base your choice on.
The short answer: do not choose by the size of the rebate alone. Compare how reliably you actually get paid and how transparent the operator is.
This article walks through 7 comparison points and common pitfalls. By the end, you can build your own comparison table.
Short answer: compare cashback sites on 7 points
- Payout method: automatic credit from the broker, or manual payment from the site
- Payment frequency and minimum payout: when and from what amount you can receive money
- Also check supported brokers, operator transparency, clear terms and support
- Choosing only by the size of the rebate can cause trouble when you try to receive it
7 points for comparing cashback sites
| Point | What to look at | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| Payout method | Automatic credit, or application and manual payment | How-it-works page |
| Payment frequency | Daily, weekly or monthly | Help / FAQ |
| Minimum payout | From how many dollars you can receive | Terms / FAQ |
| Supported brokers | Whether the broker you want to use is covered | Broker list |
| Operator transparency | Whether the operator name and contact are stated | Operator information page |
| Clear terms | Whether eligibility and expiry conditions are written | Terms of use |
| Support | Whether there is a contact method and expected reply time | Contact page |
Payout method: automatic credit or manual payment
The payout method directly affects how much effort it takes to get paid. With an auto rebate, the broker's system credits your trading account automatically.
Traditional sites tally the rebate themselves and may require a separate application or withdrawal procedure. Check the effort involved and the payment timing in advance.
- Automatic credit: no application needed; the amount is credited to your trading account as balance
- Manual payment: requires the site's tally and your application, and payment can take time
Check payment frequency and minimum payout
Payment frequency varies by site: daily, weekly, monthly and so on. The more frequent it is, the smaller the gap between trading and receiving.
A high minimum payout means some months you will not receive anything if you trade small volumes. Work backward from your own trading volume to see when you could be paid.
How to judge operator transparency, terms and support
- 1
Look for operator information
Check whether the operator name and contact details are stated. Be cautious with sites that give little information.
- 2
Read the terms through
Check that eligibility conditions, expiry conditions and how changes are announced are clearly stated.
- 3
Check the support channel
See whether a contact method and an expected reply time are shown.
Pitfalls of sites that advertise "high rebates"
A larger rebate looks better, but it only has value once you actually receive it. Read the conditions behind the number.
- Payments are late or often postponed
- Eligibility conditions are unclear, and you are later declared ineligible
- The minimum payout is high, so it is hard to actually receive
- Terms are changed unilaterally and the notice is hard to find
- No operator information or support channel can be found
See the list of auto-rebate brokers and how you receive the rebate.
View supported brokersFAQ
Q.What should I base my choice of cashback site on?
A good guide is the 7 points: payout method, payment frequency, minimum payout, supported brokers, operator transparency, clear terms and support. Do not decide by the rebate amount alone.
Q.Are cashback sites safe?
It differs by site, so it cannot be said in general. Check whether the operator information, terms and an explanation of payment records are clearly stated.
Q.Can I use several cashback sites at the same time?
As a rule, only one referral link can be tied to one account. Decide on a single referral source before you open the account.
This article is for information purposes only and is not investment advice. Conditions may change, so please check each broker's official page for the latest information. Offshore FX and CFD trading carries a risk of losses exceeding your principal.
