Are you looking for ways to save money while shopping online? Look no further than browser extensions! These handy tools can help you find the best deals, discounts, and cashback offers without having to do any extra work. In this article, we’ll be sharing the top 5 best money-saving browser extensions in the UK and how they can help you keep more money in your pocket.
What are browser extensions?
Before we dive into the details, let’s start with a quick overview of what browser extensions or plug-ins are and why they’re so useful for saving money. Browser extensions are small software programs that add extra functionality to your web browser. They can do a variety of things, from blocking ads to managing passwords, but in this case, we’re interested in extensions that can help you save money while shopping online.
The great thing about browser extensions is that they can automatically scan for discounts, coupons, and cashback offers while you’re shopping online, without you having to lift a finger. This means you can save money without having to spend hours scouring the web for the best deals. Plus, many extensions are free to use, so you can save money without spending any extra cash.
Best browser extensions to save money in the UK
To get the most out of your money-saving browser extensions, it’s good to understand the features of each extension and their unique pros and cons. Here are some of the most popular browser extensions and what they can do for you:
1. Quidco
First on our list is Quidco. This browser extension is specifically designed to help UK users earn cashback on their online purchases. Quidco has over 10 million members and has paid out over £1 billion in cashback since its launch in 2005.
Quidco works by partnering with over 5,000 retailers in the UK, including popular brands like Tesco, Boots, and eBay. When you make a purchase through Quidco, you earn cashback that can be transferred directly to your bank account or PayPal account. You can also earn bonuses for referring friends to Quidco.
One of the benefits of Quidco for UK users is that it offers exclusive cashback rates for many popular retailers. Plus, the Quidco app makes it easy to earn cashback on-the-go. With so many retailers and cashback options available, Quidco is one of the top contender for the best money-saving browser extension in the UK.
When it comes to Quidco’s drawbacks, some users have reported issues with cashback not being tracked or credited correctly. Although you can easily raise a claim if you notice missing cashback, it requires you to keep track of your purchases yourself. Also, while the basic version is free, the cost of Premium is £1 every month that you earn cashback. This means it may not be worth it for users who don’t make frequent online purchases.
2. TopCashback
This browser extension is similar to Quidco in that it offers cashback on online purchases. But TopCashback also offers a few unique features that make it stand out.
TopCashback partners with over 5,000 retailers in the UK, including popular brands like eBay, Just Eat, and Currys PC World. With 11 million members, TopCashback is UK’s largest cashback site.
When you shop through TopCashback, you earn cashback that can be transferred to your bank account or PayPal account. You can also also choose to get a payout via an e-gift card. This payment methods tops up your Reward Wallet by around 2-15%, depending on the retailer whose gift card you choose.
One of the benefits of TopCashback for UK users is that it offers the highest cashback rates of any UK cashback site. TopCashback also offers a price comparison feature, so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal before making a purchase. This feature can be specifically helpful when shopping for contract deals such as mobile contracts, home insurance or pet insurance. With its high cashback rates and money-saving features, TopCashback is a top contender for the best money-saving browser extension in the UK.
But similar to Quidco, not all cashback tracks automatically, which means you need to stay on top of the missing ones to ensure you raise a claim when this happens.
3. Honey
Honey is a PayPal-owned browser extension that has over 17 million users worldwide and is a must-have for anyone looking to save money while shopping online in the UK. So, how does Honey work?
Honey automatically searches for and applies the best coupon codes it can find online for the items in your cart. It also provides a handy price history feature, so you can see if the item you’re interested in has recently gone on sale or if the current price is a good deal. Honey also offers a cashback feature, which means you can earn money back on your purchases.
One of the benefits of Honey for UK users is that it supports a wide range of UK retailers, including Amazon, Argos, and John Lewis. Users have reported saving hundreds of pounds a year by using Honey, making it a top contender for the best money-saving browser extension in the UK. However, some users have also reported that it may not always find the best deal or coupon for your purchase. While members can share information about deals and prices, it can be frustrating that the best coupons are not always automatically applied.
4. Pouch
If you’re tired of constantly searching for coupon codes, Pouch might be the browser extension for you. Similar to Honey, Pouch automatically scans for and applies coupon codes at checkout, so you don’t have to spend time searching for the best deals.
Pouch works with over 3,000 UK retailers, including popular brands like ASOS, Nike, and Booking.com. Pouch also offers a price drop alert feature, so you can be notified when the price of an item you’re interested in drops.
One of the benefits of Pouch for UK users is that it’s completely free to use. Plus, Pouch offers a referral program, which means you can earn money by referring friends and family to the extension. Overall, Pouch is a great choice for anyone looking to save time and money while shopping online in the UK.
5. The Camelizer
The Camelizer is a free browser extension that helps shoppers compare prices on Amazon. By simply clicking the Camelizer button on your browser, you can view a price history chart for any Amazon product, allowing you to see how prices have changed over time. This information can help you decide whether to buy a product now or wait for a better price. This can also be an extremely helpful feature during Black Friday and other sales periods as it allows you to avoid deal traps. You’ll be able to see whether you’re getting a good deal, or if the price was increased and then reduced to make it seem like you are saving money.
Another great feature of The Camelizer is that you can set up price alerts to receive notifications when the price of your desired item drops to a specific level.
This can be a handy browser plug-in for those that shop on Amazon regularly. But naturally, the Camelizer is only helpful for saving money on purchases made on Amazon, so it’s not quite as versatile as the other money-saving browser extensions.
Tips for maximising your savings using browser extensions
Now that you know about some of the best money-saving browser extensions available in the UK, here are some tips to help you make the most of them:
1. Understand the features of each extension
Start by going to your browser’s webstore, such as Chrome Web Store, and add the extensions to your browser. There is no limit in how many extensions you can have, so there’s no harm in trying them all. Once activated, take the time to explore each extension and experiment with their different tools and features, such as price comparisons, coupon codes, and cashback offers. Enable notifications for price drops or when a coupon becomes available.
2. Ensure you use the extension correctly
To maximise your savings, make sure you’re using the cashback extension correctly. Here are some tips:
- Ensure you’re logged into your account and that your offer or cashback is activated. Some extensions may require you to manually activate cashback offers before making a purchase. Be sure to check if this is the case and activate the offer before making your purchase.
- Disable ad-blockers and other browser extensions that may interfere with the cashback tracking process.
- Clear your browser cookies before making your purchase.
- Check the terms and conditions of each cashback offer to ensure you’re eligible for the cashback.
- Compare cashback rates before making a purchase. Cashback rates can vary by retailer and extension, so be sure to check the rates before making a purchase. Some extensions, like Top Cashback and Quidco, have a useful Google search function that shows you the cashback available for each retailer in your search results. If you are looking to buy a product that is the same price across different sites, this function can help you find where to get the best cashback for it.
3. Combine different extensions
One very effective strategy for maximising your savings is to combine different browser extensions for the same purchase. For example, use a price comparison extension to find the cheapest price for a product, then use a coupon code extension to apply a discount code at checkout.
You might also be able to stack different cashback offers from different extensions. However, be sure to check the terms and conditions of each cashback offer to ensure they can be stacked. In some cases, using multiple cashback offers simultaneously may result in only one cashback being credited or even none at all. If you are unsure, only activate the extension with the highest cashback to ensure you’re still getting the best possible cashback offer.
4. Referral bonuses
Many browser extensions offer referral bonuses when you invite friends to sign up and use the extension. These referral bonuses can be a great way to earn additional cashback on your purchases and save money on future purchases.
To take advantage of referral bonuses, you can share your referral link with friends and family via email, social media, or messaging apps. When someone signs up using your link and makes a qualifying purchase, you’ll receive a bonus.
5. Top-up payment methods
Bank account or PayPal payments are often the most convenient payment methods for users. However, some extensions offer top-up payments when you choose a payment as an e-gift card for a selected retailer instead. The top-up payments are often anywhere between 5%-15% of your original payout amount. This can be a great way to earn additional cashback when cashing out your payments.
For instance, if you have accrued £20 cashback on your Top Cashback account, you can choose to cash it out as an e-gift card for Pizza Hut that will give you an 11% bonus. Therefore, you’re gift card would be worth £22.20.
Conclusion: Best money-saving browser extensions
If you’re looking for a simple and effective way to save money while shopping online in the UK, money-saving browser extensions are the way to go. With extensions like Honey, Pouch, Quidco, Amazon Assistant, and TopCashback, you can find the best prices, apply coupon codes, and earn cashback on your purchases. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you can maximise your savings and get the best deals possible. So what are you waiting for? Install these browser extensions today and start saving!
Related: 10 psychology tricks online retailers use to make you spend more
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This is such a helpful post! Definitely worth to try out some of these browser extensions to save money online purchases. Thanks for doing the research and sharing your insights.