Photo courtesy of RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot has launched its 20th annual National Cash Back Day, giving shoppers until Nov. 7 to earn up to 30% cash back at more than 3,500 retailers. The three-day promotion also introduces a holiday travel giveaway, offering 10 shoppers $1,500 each to help cover the cost of getting home.
The event targets consumers preparing for the holiday season, especially those looking to reduce spending on gifts, household purchases and travel. Participating retailers include Walmart, Ulta, Dyson, adidas, Expedia and SharkNinja.
What changed with RetailMeNot’s Cash Back Day?
This year’s event combines the company’s regular cash back promotion with two additional opportunities. First, shoppers can earn cash back on eligible purchases across thousands of participating retailers. Second, the company has introduced a travel initiative that gives 10 selected shoppers $1,500 each toward holiday journeys.
The event also features Appy Hour, a limited-time promotion inside the RetailMeNot Rewards app. During the Nov. 5 window, app users could access higher cash back rates and exclusive offers. Some featured deals included 30% cash back at SharkNinja, 28% at Expedia and 26% at adidas.
RetailMeNot says its annual event has returned more than $110 million to members since its creation in 2019. The 2026 edition also marks 20 years since the company began helping consumers find shopping deals.
Who can benefit from the promotion?
The offers are aimed at RetailMeNot members who shop through participating retailers. Holiday shoppers can use the promotion for purchases across categories such as fashion, beauty, electronics, home products and travel.
The travel initiative also targets people planning to visit relatives during the holiday season. However, only 10 shoppers will receive the $1,500 travel contribution.
RetailMeNot’s September 2026 consumer survey offers some context for the timing. It found that 63% of shoppers begin holiday shopping in October or earlier. In addition, 58% now consider Black Friday a month-long shopping period rather than a single weekend.
How shoppers can access the cash back offers
To participate, shoppers must sign in to RetailMeNot.com or open the RetailMeNot Rewards app. They then need to activate an eligible cash back offer before completing a qualifying purchase through the participating retailer.
The promotion runs from Nov. 5 through Nov. 7. Shoppers can check the company’s website for participating retailers and their individual cash back rates.
However, the advertised 30% rate does not apply to every retailer. Each merchant has its own offer, and the amount varies. Some retailers offer considerably lower rates.
What are the limitations?
The promotion has a short redemption period, so shoppers must complete eligible purchases by Nov. 7. They must also activate the relevant offer and follow its requirements.
Appy Hour had an even shorter window. Its special offers ran from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time on Nov. 5, meaning shoppers who missed that period could not access those particular deals during the event.
The travel contribution is also limited to 10 recipients. Therefore, shoppers should not assume that making a purchase guarantees travel assistance.
RetailMeNot’s announcement presents the event as an opportunity to reduce holiday shopping costs. Still, consumers should compare offers and consider their actual needs before making purchases simply to earn cash back.
About the Author
