TopCashback vs Quidco vs Rakuten: cashback comparison test

You're probably using one of these cashback sites already, but are you with the right one? We tested TopCashback, Quidco and Rakuten on identical £500 travel bookings to find out which actually pays you more.

The deal

We booked the same hypothetical spend across each platform:

• £200 Hotels.com 3-night stay
• £180 Trainline London–Edinburgh return
• £40 GetYourGuide Stonehenge tour
• £80 TUI airport transfer

Results: TopCashback earned £18.40. Quidco earned £17.80. Rakuten earned £19.20.

All three offer sign-up bonuses (£20–£25), free or low-cost payouts, and browser extensions that auto-prompt you at checkout.

Why we like it

The honest answer: the difference is marginal. You're looking at roughly £18–20 cashback on a typical £500 travel spend, no matter which you pick. What matters is sticking with one rather than chopping and changing—the admin isn't worth the extra quid.

TopCashback wins on interface simplicity and free bank transfers. Quidco edges ahead for Holiday Extras and IHG rates. Rakuten is your play if you're loyal to Hilton and Marriott.

One catch: don't stack voucher codes with cashback on the same booking. Most merchants' terms prohibit it, and you'll lose the cashback.

How to book

Pick your platform based on where you book most often, sign up via the referral links, and install the browser extension. Log in before you book your next flight or hotel—that's it. If you're genuinely torn, TopCashback's cleaner interface and fee-free withdrawals make it the easiest entry point.

#ad — we earn a small commission at no cost to you when you book through our links.