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TLDR: Sign up for these cashback platforms, and use them to purchase gift cards at the stores you were planning to buy from anyway. That way you get the cashback rewards without wasting money on unnecessary things.
I was a bit sceptical when I first saw them, but I’ve been a fan of cashback sites for a while now. Let’s be honest though, the options in New Zealand have always been a bit… meh.
Until now.
ShopBack has officially launched in New Zealand, and I’m genuinely excited to share my thoughts.
I started using ShopBack Australia a while ago and regularly collect cashback through them. The other day I received $50 AUD into my Wise account from a booking I made (we’re going to see Oasis in Sydney!). No delays. No drama.
And girl math is telling me that’s at least 2 free margaritas.
So yes – they’re legit.
Every time I book a hotel, buy a gift, or do a grocery shop online, I check ShopBack or Cashrewards first. I switch between the two depending on which one’s offering the best cashback rate on the day.
For hotel bookings especially, it’s worth waiting for Upsized Cashback days. Sometimes you can get 10% back, which adds up quickly.
Both platforms offer generous sign-up bonuses:
Hot tip: To trigger the ShopBack bonus, buy a gift card for a store you were planning to shop at anyway. That way, you don’t waste money on random stuff.
You can also shop online at New World, which offers 1% cashback on online orders through ShopBack NZ.
Honestly, I was too. If you’ve never used a cashback site before, it’s totally normal to be a bit sceptical.
Here are some common questions people ask (and honest answers based on my experience/research while I was a sceptic).
Yes, 100%. ShopBack is a well-established business that operates across Asia-Pacific, including Singapore, Australia, and now New Zealand.
They partner directly with big-name retailers like TheMarket, Booking.com, AliExpress, and Amazon, and earn a commission when you shop through their links, then pass a portion of that back to you.
They’re not a scam, they’re just using affiliate marketing (without the “hey babe” DM’s) – a completely normal online business model.
ShopBack (and Cashrewards) make money through affiliate partnerships. When you make a purchase after clicking through their site, the retailer pays them a referral commission. They share a cut of that with you. Win-win!
Yes. I’ve personally been paid multiple times. including $50 AUD into my Wise account for a hotel booking. Payments usually arrive once the return/refund window has passed, which can take a few weeks depending on the store.
You can cash out once your balance hits the minimum (ShopBack NZ is currently $10 NZD).
Nope! It’s basically:
For extra convenience, install the Chrome extension so you never miss a cashback opportunity.
No – ShopBack clearly states they do not sell your personal data. They use cookies to track your transactions (which is how cashback is verified), but your data is kept secure and used only for your account and rewards.
| Feature | ShopBack NZ | Cashrewards AU |
| Best for | NZ-based retailers, global sites | AU-based retailers, travel bookings |
| Payout currency | NZD | AUD |
| New user bonus | $10 NZD (after $20 spend) | $30 AUD (after $20 spend) |
| Travel cashback | Yes (e.g. Booking.com, Agoda) | Yes (great for AU travel + attractions) |
| Gift card cashback | Yes | Yes |
| Best used for | NZ online shops, gift cards, groceries | Hotel bookings, AU activities |
Use both.
They’re both free, legit, and easy to use. And when you’re already spending money – especially on travel, gifts, or groceries – why not make some of it back?
I’m really looking forward to making ShopBack NZ a regular part of my toolkit. Cashback has become a natural part of how we shop, whether it’s grabbing groceries, buying birthday presents, or treating myself.
And when you’re already spending the money, getting a little of it back just makes sense. It’s one of the easiest wins for side hustlers and budget-conscious households alike.
Plus I like free margaritas.
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Hey, I’m Rachel! I started Side Hustles NZ in 2021 with the goal of helping Kiwi’s start and grow small businesses in New Zealand. During the week you’ll find me discussing side hustle ideas in our Facebook group, working in my website design business, or riding my horses.
