A 40-year-old man from Reading has revealed that he uses cashback websites to pay off his mortgage. Simon Lavender, a data insights consultant, reckons he receives money back from 99 per cent of all the purchases he makes and estimates that he has pocketed £4,000 alone from the Topcashback company over the last 15 years.
His biggest single cashback payment was £200 as an incentive for taking out an ISA and, while some sites require proof of a receipt, Simon believes such minor inconvenience is well worth the rewards. He told The Mirror : "I just think it’s a no brainer, especially in the current circumstances where everyone is trying to save a little bit of money whenever they can.
"It’s very simple and quick to use but it gives you the option to save money on something you were going to buy anyway. It’s also surprising how much stuff you can get cashback on."
Simon was introduced to cashback by his money-savvy parents and admits that he checks if he can get it on "absolutely everything" and, in his opinion, you pretty much can, having made qualifying purchases on his energy provider and phone insurer, as well as for booking holidays online and buying clothes. "It’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for special offers and increased cashback rates, especially if you are planning on buying an expensive item or looking to take out a new utility contract," he advises.
"Sometimes it’s only a couple of quid that you get back, but it all makes a difference in the long run." He added that the only real drawback is that it can take several weeks or even months for some cashback companies to transfer the money into your bank account but, if you are making constant transactions, that becomes less of an irritant.
"I’ve had different experiences throughout the years," he explains. "Sometimes I get the money fairly quickly, others it takes a few weeks but as long as it gets there, I don’t mind."
For more stories from where you live, visit InYourArea
