Cash-back Shopping on Amazon? Yup

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I’m a big fan of cash-back shopping sites, which offer rebates for buying through the stores you always use.

If you use Amazon, certain deals just got a little better.

Sister companies Ebates and FatWallet.com now offer 3 percent cash-back on Amazon purchases in specific categories. Those categories will change regularly, says spokesman Brent Shelton, but always with a focus on “helping consumers save a little more when shopping for seasonal items.”

FatWallet and Ebates both currently offer cash back on:

  • Amazon Instant Video
  • MP3 downloads
  • Exercise and fitness
  • Motorcycle and ATV

As of last week, the Ebates categories have changed to:

  • Sports and outdoors
  • Toys
  • MP3 downloads
  • Automotive

FatWallet’s cash-back categories changed just yesterday, and I haven’t even had a chance to check them out yet. But I surely will.

Getting started

To join either cash-back site, click on the above hyperlinks. Incidentally, Ebates is sweetening the pot a bit: After making a $25 purchase through the Ebates network, new members will receive their choice of a $5 Ebates card or a $10 card for Barnes & Noble, Home Depot, Target, or Magazines.com.

(Note: FatWallet.com’s site forums are an excellent way to save money on planned purchases. Its members are total dealhounds who sniff out and post hot prices.)

How to cash in your funds

Ebates sends its checks out quarterly upon request. FatWallet cuts checks on request once you’ve hit $10, or they’ll send any amount at any time to a PayPal account.

Even though I don’t buy a lot, cash-back shopping has made a noticeable difference in my purchasing power. I’ve used it to get better deals on Groupons, plane tickets, used books, floral deliveries, rental cars, toiletries, discounted gift cards, wool socks, and business cards.

Now I’ll be keeping an eye on those Amazon categories. I’d suggest you do the same.

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