How does cashback work?
Cashback looks like a discount, but the underlying mechanism is usually an affiliate commission shared with the shopper.
The simple version
A cashback platform refers a shopper to a retailer. If the shopper completes an eligible transaction and the retailer or tracking network confirms it, the platform receives commission. The platform can then credit cashback to the shopper. TopCashback says earnings can appear after tracking, but payout normally waits for retailer validation and receipt of commission.
The commission chain
A retailer or affiliate network pays commission for referred customers. The cashback platform can pass some or all of that commission to the shopper under its own terms.
Why tracking matters
The platform needs the retailer or tracking network to identify that your purchase came through the cashback route. Cookies and other tracking technologies can be involved.
Why cashback can be delayed
A retailer may need to validate the transaction after its returns or cancellation period. TopCashback says cashback can remain pending until the retailer confirms it and the commission is received.
What can break tracking
TopCashback identifies issues such as cookies, merchant-side tracking and unauthorised voucher codes as possible reasons a purchase may fail to track.
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