I recently learned about a new cash back app called Drop. I wanted to see if this app is legit or scammy.
This money-saving app, Drop, claims to track your purchases when you link up your credit cards and debit cards.
Then, it automatically adds Drop points to your account when you spend at certain merchants you’ve picked from their list.
When you reach a certain threshold, you can redeem Drop points for gift cards to popular retailers, like Amazon, Dunkin Donuts, Whole Foods, JC Penney, and many more.
But, has Drop changed too much since it came out? Let's dig in on my honest Drop app review.
What is Drop?
Drop is a fintech platform that allows you to earn rewards by shopping online at various retailers. When you shop through the Drop app or its browser extension, you're rewarded with points that can be exchanged for gift cards at popular stores. The app is tailored to your shopping habits, offering personalized deals to increase the amount of cashback you can earn.
My favorite thing about this app is that it lets you earn cash back when you shop, answer surveys, or play games. So you'll receive rewards for things you're going to buy anyhow, so there are no added costs but still plenty of benefits.
Drop is a new kind of rewards program created so you can earn cash back and rewards on everything you buy: from your morning coffee to your late-night food delivery.
A lot of people might be thinking that they have to download another app and take time to set it up. But Drop makes it pretty simple.
How Does Drop Work?
It's easy to earn points as you shop at top brands with Drop (really). You can also redeem your points for cash rewards, once you reach $25.00 (takes a while to reach, honestly).
But the app is totally free and it lets you make every day more rewarding since you are earning points from shopping at your go-to brands – like Uber, Amazon, and Starbucks – all without a clumsy loyalty card.
Then redeem those points for gift cards at all your favorite brands, directly from the app. It’s that simple.
Here's how the process works:
- Sign up: Create an account with Drop to start.
- Link cards: Securely link your credit and debit cards.
- Shop: Browse through the app to shop online or in-store at participating retailers.
- Earn points: For each purchase, you'll earn points depending on the amount spent and the current offers.
- Redeem rewards: Accumulate points to redeem for gift cards from a range of retailers.
By integrating with your credit card, Drop ensures that every purchase you make accrues points automatically without additional steps. Whether you're making a big purchase or buying your everyday necessities, you'll be able to collect rewards effortlessly.
Utilizing Drop can be especially beneficial if you frequently shop online since it allows you to make the most out of your transactions. Instead of only acquiring what you buy, you harness the opportunity to earn extra value back from your spending.
How To Earn Drop Points
Earning Drop points is straightforward when you engage with various activities within the app. These points can then be redeemed for rewards, making your everyday purchases more rewarding.
Play Drop Spin Weekly
You have the opportunity to earn points every week with Drop Spin. Each spin grants you a chance to win a varying number of Drop points. Make sure to partake weekly to maximize your points accumulation.
Earn Points with In-App Purchases
When you make purchases through the Drop app at partnered brands, you earn points. The number of points varies depending on the current offers and the amount spent. Keep an eye out for special deals to earn more points per purchase.
Earn Points Playing Games
Drop features a variety of games within the app. By playing these games, you can earn points. Be on the lookout for any bonus points available for specific games or during certain time periods. However, it doesn't compare with the best game apps to win real money.
Earn Points Completing Surveys
If you complete surveys within the Drop app, you'll earn points. Survey availability can vary, and the points awarded depend on the survey's length and complexity.
Drop Premium Points
Drop Premium members earn additional points on top of the regular points. The premium status typically requires a subscription, but it's free, which in turn offers 1,000 “Monthly Point Drops” just for linking a card.
How Much Does Drop Cost?
Drop is completely free to use, which is great news. That's the beauty of this whole system. You're earning free rewards points without having to spend any money.
Because you're earning points for purchases you'll make anyhow, it's essentially free money. People looking to earn additional spending money will appreciate using Drop.
Pros
They have very useful free features for you if you are looking for new ways to save. They include:
- Earn points while shopping — It’s easy – no receipt scanning or coupon clipping. Earn gift cards at top brands across the country – Uber, Starbucks, Amazon, Walmart & more.
- Get points on points on points — Double dip or even triple dip by earning points on top of your loyalty programs and credit cards. Enjoy more ways to earn – collect points by unlocking fun achievements within the app.
- Get special personalized offers just for you — Check out offers and rewards tailored to your unique lifestyle. Discover your next favorite brand.
Cons
- Have to link debit or credit card — Despite the fact that Drop has put in place high-security restrictions, two-factor authentication, and other security measures, anyone concerned with security will grow uneasy at this warning.
- Doesn’t work with VoIP — Drops asks you to verify your account using a phone number. However, the service does not function with Skype, Google Voice, Freedom Pop, Vonage, and other VoIP numbers.
- Gift card redemption — You cannot redeem gift cards at any time… you have to wait every Thursday. Drop's loyalty program drops gift cards every Thursday. The gift cards are limited and capped at $25.
Is Drop App Safe to Use?
Drop is very safe to use uses the same encryption technology as popular financial services like Acorns, Rakuten, and Robinhood.
In fact, Drop utilizes Transport Layer Security, or TLS, to ensure that any information transmitted through Drop is secure and protected from interception.
This saving app uses industry-leading security practices to ensure your data is safe, all the time.
Drop has over 12,314 reviews in the Google Play Store with an average rating of 1.2/5 (not good) and 65,294 reviews on the App Store with an average rating of 4.7/5.
The main concern is redeeming gift cards has become a lot more difficult.
How to Refer Friends to Drop
Drop makes it easy to earn extra points by referring your friends with the Dosh referral program. If you invite a friend you can earn 5x points.
Get a head start towards your first reward. Get 5,000 points ($5) for every friend you invite to Drop. Share the Drop love, get rewarded for it.
How it works
- Open Drop
- Tap settings icon on Home or the invite icon
- Share your invite code!
- You get the points when your friend links a card to Drop
Drop is the first flexible, consumer-led, intelligent mobile rewards platform focusing on the user experience.
With over 1 million members, Drop is one of the fastest-growing apps and recently hit top 3 in the App Store under Lifestyle.
My Review On Drop?
I'll be honest…Drop is a legit rebate app — I have redeemed a $20 Amazon gift card in the past…but I've been making a lot of referrals to friends and through my blog — so it may be harder for you for just normal shopping.
Since they changed the gift card redemption method… I've disliked using the app. I have to put an alert for next Thursday, in order to cash out my points. It's just annoying.
However on a positive note, through the Drop app, I linked my credit card and started automatically earning points, eliminating the need to scan receipts, enter promo codes, or sign up for additional loyalty programs.
My credit card/debit card was supported, as are all the major ones:
- American Express
- Bank of America
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citi
- Discover
- TD Bank
- USAA
- US Bank
- Wells Fargo
What am I using more often? My favorite cash back app is Fetch, but I don't see the problem with using both of them if they work.
Fetch is one of the top apps for scanning receipts that we've tried. It's great because it always gives you the same amount of points for each receipt, at least 25 points, and you only need to earn a little ($3) before you can take your money out. You can scan up to 35 receipts every week, so if you shop a lot and keep using the app, you could get a few free gift cards each year. Get 250 points when you use the code C1JAV during sign-up.
Drop vs. Competitors
There are lots of different cash back apps and programs out there. While Drop is without a doubt one of the best I've seen so far, if you like options, here are a few more apps to consider:
| Drop | Capital One Shopping | Fetch Rewards | Dosh | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redemption minimum | 25,000 points ($25) | Varies by brand | 3,000 Points ($3) | $25 |
| How to save | Purchases made through your linked card In-app offers Power boosts games | Purchases made through browser Product price comparison | Earn points when scanning receipts | Purchases made through linked credit and debit cards |
| Major partner brands | Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, Uber, Dunkin Donuts | Amazon, Walmart, Kohl’s, Microsoft, Ulta, Verizon | Walmart, Trader Joe's, Aldi, Whole Foods | Walmart, Instacart, Dunkin’ Donuts, GNC, Sephora |
Capital One Shopping is a free browser extension that optimizes your online shopping experience. It automatically searches for coupons and deals across 100,000+ retailers, showing you incredible deals, including tax and shipping. Plus, you can earn Shopping Rewards on purchases, redeemable for gift cards at top stores.
Fetch is one of the top apps for scanning receipts that we've tried. It's great because it always gives you the same amount of points for each receipt, at least 25 points, and you only need to earn a little ($3) before you can take your money out. You can scan up to 35 receipts every week, so if you shop a lot and keep using the app, you could get a few free gift cards each year. Get 250 points when you use the code C1JAV during sign-up.
Dosh is the easiest cash back app to use because you can just set it and forget it. Just link a debit or credit card and you can start earning cash back today.
Drop Invite Code
If you aren't a current Drop user and plan on downloading it, consider using a Drop invite code so you can add quick points to your account.
Is Drop Legit?
When you're exploring rewards apps like Drop, it's essential to confirm their legitimacy. You want assurance that your time will be well-spent and that you'll indeed receive the rewards promised.
On platforms such as Trustpilot, Drop reviews can offer insight into user experiences and satisfaction levels.
As of 2024, users have shared their interactions with Drop, providing a mixture of experiences:
| Positive Feedback | Critical Reviews |
|---|---|
| Efficient point accumulation | Issues with reward redemption |
| Diverse merchant options | Customer service responsiveness |
| User-friendly interface | Point earning rate |
In your use of Drop, you can typically earn points through shopping at partnered brands and completing various offers. However, are there better cash back apps? Probably. I prefer Fetch.
In summary, Drop has established itself as a reputable player in the rewards app landscape. Its presence on review platforms and consistent user feedback support its status as a legitimate cash back app.
