Dosh Review 2024: A Solid Choice or Time to Move On?

In a crowded landscape of cash-back apps, it can be tough to know which ones truly deliver value. Having spent years using and reviewing various platforms for DollarSprout, I’ve seen firsthand the rise and fall of many. Dosh, with its promise of automatic cash back on everyday purchases, caught my attention seven years ago.

Over that time, I’ve personally earned over $2,000 using the app, experiencing its highs and lows — observing how it has evolved and how it stacks up against competitors in the ever-changing fintech space. If you’ve been wondering whether Dosh is still worth your time, I’m here to share my insights from both personal experience and extensive research.

How Does Dosh Work?

To get the most out of Dosh, it’s important to understand not just how the app works but also the features that make it stand out. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started with Dosh, from downloading the app to earning cash back and beyond, along with a closer look at the key features that have made it a historically popular choice for cashback enthusiasts.

1. Download and Sign Up

To get started with Dosh, you’ll need to download the app, which is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play. Once installed, the sign-up process involves entering your email address and creating a password. The app’s interface is user-friendly, making it straightforward to navigate from the moment you open it.

A key feature of Dosh is its automatic cash back system. Unlike some other apps that require manual activation of offers, Dosh auomatically tracks eligible purchases once your card is linked, allowing you to earn cash back without additional steps.

2. Link Your Card

After setting up your account, the next step is to link a debit or credit card. This is an important feature of Dosh, as it enables the app to automatically track your spending at participating merchants and credit your account with cash back accordingly.

Dosh uses bank-level encryption to protect your card information, and it does not store card data on its servers. This card-linking feature is integral to how the app operates, allowing users to earn cash back automatically at thousands of merchants, which include a range of retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. In order to earn cash back, you have to link a card. 

3. Earn Cash Back

Once your card is linked, Dosh automatically tracks your purchases at participating merchants and credits your account with cash back. There is no need to scan receipts or manually activate offers, as the app handles this process in the background.

Dosh partners with over 1,000 merchants, offering cash back on a variety of purchases, including retail stores, restaurants, and hotels. Cash back rates vary by merchant, typically ranging from 3% to 10%, with some offers reaching up to 20%. The app also includes a hotel booking feature that allows users to earn cash back on accommodations booked through the app.

4. Get Paid

Accumulating cash back with Dosh is great, but the best part is getting paid. Once your Dosh balance reaches a minimum of $15, you can choose from two payout options: withdrawing your cash via PayPal or Venmo. These are the only methods currently available for cashing out your earnings.

The cash-out process is designed to be straightforward, with most users reporting timely receipt of their funds. Personally, I’ve cashed out to PayPal over a dozen times, totaling more than $2,070, and each transaction has been smooth and timely.

My Experience with Dosh

I first joined Dosh in 2017, right out of college, during a time when I was keen to find ways to make extra money and boost my savings wherever possible. Pairing Dosh with my cashback credit card felt like a smart move — it was satisfying to see a few hundred dollars roll in each month between the two. These earnings were enough to cover my basic utilities like the electric bill, phone, and internet, which was a huge help at the time.

It seamlessly integrated into my routine, offering automatic cashback on purchases I was already planning to make. The fact that the offers were card-linked meant no scanning receipts or manually activating offers — just easy rewards. With cashback rates often ranging between 3% to 10%, sometimes even reaching 20%, Dosh consistently offered some of the best rates in the industry.

However, over the years, I’ve noticed some significant changes:

 Concern #1:  Small Merchant Pool. While Dosh claims to offer cashback at over 10,000 places, I’ve noticed what seems like a significant reduction in the number of available merchants. This wasn’t the case when I first started using the app, but the variety has inexplicably dwindled over time, making it harder to find relevant cashback opportunities.

 Concern #2:  Lack of Innovation. The app’s feature list has remained virtually unchanged since 2017. While the core functionality is reliable, it’s concerning that Dosh hasn’t evolved much in a competitive industry that’s constantly innovating.

 Concern #3:  Affiliate Offer Wall Feel. The app is beginning to feel more like an affiliate offer wall rather than a genuine cashback experience, which has me concerned about its future direction.

 Concern #4:  Discontinued Referral Program. Dosh’s decision to end its referral program is another red flag. Most competing apps continue to offer referral incentives, and the removal of this feature could be a sign of deeper issues, whether it’s competition, liquidity, or overall market saturation.

General Trend

Over the seven years I’ve used Dosh, I’ve seen it shift from a promising newcomer in the cashback world to an app that seems to be losing momentum. While it still offers decent cashback rates, the shrinking list of participating merchants, lack of new features, and the shift in focus suggest that Dosh may be struggling to keep up with its competitors.

It’s still a useful tool, but I can’t help but wonder if its best days are behind it. For now, I still use Dosh where it makes sense, but I bias toward apps and extensions that offer broader merchant coverage, and an even more passive user experience.

Related: 12 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

Benefits and Drawbacks

Based on my experience and broader user feedback, here’s where Dosh stands out and where it may fall short.

What We Like

1. Automatic Cash Back: One of Dosh’s standout features is its ability to automatically track purchases and apply cash back without requiring users to scan receipts or manually activate offers.
2. High Cash Back Rates: Users often highlight the competitive cash back rates offered by Dosh, with many appreciating the ability to earn between 3% to 10%, and occasionally up to 20%, on qualifying purchases.
3. Ease of Use: The app’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for users to navigate and find relevant offers. Many users appreciate how straightforward it is to link their cards and start earning cash back.
4. Security Measures: Dosh’s use of bank-level encryption and its policy of not storing card information on its servers are frequently mentioned as positives, giving users confidence in the app’s security.
5. Hotel Booking Cash Back: The ability to earn significant cash back on hotel bookings through the app is a feature that travelers often find valuable, adding an extra layer of savings for those on the go.
6. Timely Payouts: Users generally report that the process for cashing out via PayPal or Venmo is quick and reliable, with funds typically received promptly.

What We Don’t Like

1. Limited Merchant Availability: A frequent complaint is the decreasing number of participating merchants. While Dosh claims to offer cash back at thousands of locations, users have noted that the selection seems to have diminished over time.
2. Lack of Innovation: Many users have expressed disappointment that Dosh’s features have remained largely unchanged since its launch. The app has not introduced significant updates or new functionalities, making it feel stagnant compared to more dynamic competitors.
3. Affiliate Offer Wall Feel: Some users have observed that the app is starting to feel more like an affiliate offer wall rather than a genuine cash-back platform, which detracts from the overall user experience.
4. Discontinued Referral Program: The removal of Dosh’s referral program is a significant drawback for many users. This program was popular and its discontinuation has left some users feeling that the app is less rewarding.
5. Inconsistent Cash Back Tracking: A number of users have reported issues with cash back not being credited as expected. These inconsistencies can lead to frustration, especially when trying to track down missing rewards.
6. Limited Cash-Out Options: With PayPal and Venmo now being the only cash-out options, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of alternative payout methods, such as direct bank transfers.

Who Should Use Dosh?

Dosh is best suited for individuals who want a hassle-free way to earn cash back on everyday purchases without the need to scan receipts or manually activate offers. If you frequently shop at major retailers, dine out, or travel, Dosh’s automatic cash-back feature can be particularly beneficial. The app is also a good fit for those who prefer simplicity and convenience, as it links directly to your credit or debit card and tracks purchases in the background.

Dosh may not be ideal for those who primarily shop at smaller or local businesses, as the app’s cash-back opportunities are largely limited to a specific set of major retailers and brands. Users who prefer more interactive or customizable cash-back experiences, such as those offered by apps that allow manual offer activation or receipt scanning, might also find Dosh less appealing.

Alternatives to Dosh

If Dosh’s limitations leave you wanting more, there are several other cash-back apps that might better suit your needs. Based on our reviews, here are some alternatives that offer broader merchant coverage, more flexible payout options, and additional features to enhance your cash-back experience.

• Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a well-established cash-back platform that offers a wide range of participating merchants, both online and in-store. With generous cash-back rates, a seamless shopping experience, and multiple payout options—including PayPal, check, and gift cards—Rakuten is a strong alternative for those seeking more variety and flexibility.

• Ibotta is ideal for users who enjoy earning cash back on groceries and everyday purchases. Unlike Dosh, Ibotta allows you to earn cash back by scanning receipts or linking loyalty accounts, making it a versatile option for in-store and online shopping. It also offers a wide range of participating retailers and frequent bonuses, making it a solid choice for maximizing savings.

• Fetch Rewards offers a unique approach to earning cash back by allowing users to scan receipts from any store. The app awards points for every receipt scanned, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. Fetch is perfect for those who prefer a no-hassle way to earn rewards on a broad range of purchases.

The Verdict

Dosh offers a convenient, automatic cash-back experience, making it a good fit for those who shop at major retailers, dine out, or travel frequently. Its ease of use and competitive cash-back rates are appealing features.

However, the app’s shrinking merchant pool, lack of new features, and limited payout options may leave some users wanting more. If you’re looking for a more dynamic cash-back app with broader options, Dosh might not fully meet your expectations. For alternatives, consider apps like Rakuten for a wider selection of retailers, Ibotta for good deals on grocery items, or Fetch Rewards for earning on a broader range of purchases.

If you do decide to use Dosh, here are a few tips to help you maximize your earnings:

• Link Multiple Cards: By linking all of your frequently used debit and credit cards, you’ll ensure you never miss out on cash back from eligible purchases.
• Use the Hotel Booking Feature: If you travel often, book your stays through Dosh to take advantage of significant cash-back opportunities.
• Monitor Your Cash Back: Keep an eye on your transactions to ensure cash back is credited properly, and report any discrepancies to Dosh’s customer support for quick resolution.

By following these tips, you can get the most out of Dosh and make sure you’re maximizing your cash-back potential.

Related:

• 15 Best Cash Back Apps to Earn Rewards in 2024
• 18 Best Passive Income Apps to Earn Extra Money
• 42 Easy Ways to Make Money Fast

FAQ

Methodology for Rating Dosh

Our rating system evaluates Dosh on a 1-5 scale across five key categories, with 5 being the highest score. These categories reflect the app’s overall performance, usability, and value to users, based on both personal experience and broader user feedback.