I Asked ChatGPT for the 5 Best Apps and Rewards Hacks To Fight Inflation
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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Inflation persists, with the CPI for all items rising 0.3%, seasonally adjusted, in February, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. In the past 12 months, the CPI has risen 2.4% across all items, with food climbing 3%.
With this in mind, I asked ChatGPT for the best apps and rewards to fight inflation.
“If your goal is 3% or more effective cash back to fight inflation, the trick is usually stacking reward apps with a good credit card,” ChatGPT said. “Most apps alone give 1% to 10% on specific purchases and when stacked with a 2% to 3% card, you often end up with 4% to 10% total.”
Here are some favorites for shoppers across the U.S.
Best for Everyday Online Shopping: Rakuten
ChatGPT mentioned Rakuten as a recognizable industry leader for cash back when you shop online. Rakuten uses an online portal or browser extension, allowing shoppers to snag cash-back deals and still have a seamless experience. It works at over 3,500 stores, according to the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot and generally delivers between 1% and 10% cash back.
Best for Bonuses: BeFrugal
ChatGPT was holding back, initially, sharing some of the more well-known apps. When prompted further, it revealed that BeFrugal is “extremely competitive” on cash back. It often matches or beats Rakuten rates. Right now, there’s a $10 bonus for new users. The app supports over 5,000 stores.
Best for Amazon: ShopBack
ShopBack is a newer cash-back app in the U.S., with a loyal following across Asia. It often delivers higher percentages of cash back compared to Rakuten. It’s also one of the only cash-back app partners with Amazon, where you can earn 1.5% cash back on most purchases. That’s especially helpful if you’re making big-ticket purchases.
ChatGPT said is strongest for “travel bookings, large online purchases and occasional big promotions.”
Best for Groceries: Ibotta
Ibotta delivers cash back online and in stores when you scan your receipt or use your linked store loyalty card. You can withdraw cash once your account reaches $20. “It’s basically digital coupon rebates that stack with sales, loyalty discounts and credit-card rewards, which is why couponers love it,” ChatGPT said.
Best for Gas and Dining: Upside
Upside is a handy app that can help you find the lowest gas prices in your neighborhood, load a cash-back offer and then pay with the app using your linked debit or credit card.
Upside also has cash back offers for restaurants, grocery stores and convenience stores. For instance, at the time of writing, users can earn 31% cash back at Applebee’s or 34% cash back at Panera Bread.
Then, ChatGPT shared a secret it said that “power users” rely on. “People who really maximize rewards usually install multiple cash back portals and check them before a purchase,” it said.
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