Huge cashback site ‘sneakily' axes key perk for thousands of customers leaving them furious

The Sun

4 days ago

QUIDCO customers have slammed the service for 'sneakily' removing a key perk which has left thousands of customers furious.
Cashback sites like Quidco pay users a percentage of the cost of an online purchase.
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Retailers use services like these in a bid to win over customers, by giving them something back in return for their custom.
Up until this month, Quidco offered a ' Highest Cashback Guarantee ', which offered to match any other rates from a UK-based competitor.
The pledge meant they not only matched the top rate available, but also added more on top, so the customer would get the highest rate of cashback.
Basic users could get an extra 2 per cent of the competitor's rate as a bonus, while Premium users could get double the difference.
This was a significant perk for users, typically adding a few more pounds back on a big ticket spend.
If for example a Premium member found Quidco's rate was 10 per cent on a purchase, while a competitor was offering 15 per cent, then the site would take the difference - 5 per cent - and then double it to 10 per cent.
This would then be added to Quidco's advertised rate of 10 per cent, meaning they would have got a total 20 per cent cashback.
So on a £100 spend - £20 would be given back.
Basic members got an extra 2 per cent of their rate on top.
So in the example above, they would have got the top rate of 15 per cent, plus 2 per cent of that, which works out to 0.3 per cent. The final rate on a £100 spend would have been 15.3 per cent, or £15.30.
Switch bank accounts for free perks
To claim the difference, users had to submit a form within 72 hours of making the purchase, and supply a dated screenshot showing the competitor's rate.
But members, who pay £1 of their cashback earnings per month to be a Premium member, have recently discovered that any mention of Quidco's guarantee and the claim form has disappeared from its website.
One said on HotUKdeals.com: 'It appears Quidcon have sneakily removed the "Highest Cashback Guarantee" and the double the difference for Premium members.
'I think they're very dishonest since as far as I know they have not notified me of this fact even though it is a significant change in their terms.'
Another added: 'I am surprised they pulled it though because that was the only thing good about them but I gave up on them many months ago & only used them if there was a significant difference but I still lost more than I benefited.'
Discussing the same issue on Reddit.com, another Quidco fan said: 'It's been removed completely, and the chatbot confirms they do not offer it.
'Like it never existed, they could have given a notice to say no longer offered. I have paid premium too, not worth it imo.'
Quidco said: "We regularly check to make sure we're giving Quidco members the best possible value.
'As part of this ongoing review, the cashback guarantee has recently been withdrawn and we've introduced new rewards, including double cashback days, flash rewards and increased bonuses, that are even more tailored to our members' shopping needs.
"We value the feedback from our members, which plays a vital role in helping us improve our offers and products.'
Quidco's Premium service still includes higher cashback rates, with a 10 per cent top-up at over 4,500 retailers, and bigger payout bonuses of up to 20 per cent more if you withdraw your money as an e-gift card.
What is cashback?
CASHBACK is a type of reward offered by banks, credit card providers, and retailers where customers receive a percentage of their spending back as cash.
Essentially, it's a way to earn money while making purchases.
For example, if your card offers 1% cashback and you spend £100, you'll earn £1 back.
Cashback can be credited to your account, deducted from your balance, or saved up for future use, depending on the provider's terms.
It's often offered on everyday purchases, such as groceries, fuel, or online shopping, and may be part of a promotional deal or an ongoing benefit of your account.
However, remember to check the terms and conditions, as some transactions may not qualify for cashback rewards.
By using cashback offers wisely, you can usually make your money go further on purchases you'd already be making.
The news comes after a major bank axed its cashback scheme.
Customers were fuming when Santander announced its Santander Edge or Edge Up account will no longer earn 1% cashback on certain spending from September 9.
The bank confirmed it's cutting this perk due to increased costs.
The Santander Edge account currently gives 1% cashback on certain household bills and spending with a debit card on supermarket shopping, fuel, and travel.
Best cashback cards available
Many major banks and credit card providers now include cashback rewards as part of their account perks—helping you stretch your money a little further every time you spend.
These rewards work by refunding a percentage of your spending back to you, essentially giving you a small rebate on everyday purchases.
One of the most competitive options is the Chase debit card, which gives users 1% cashback on most purchases, capped at £15 per month.
It's simple to sign up as just an ID check is required and while a few exclusions apply, the overall offer is easy to use and rewarding.
Another solid contender is the Amazon Barclaycard.
Regular Amazon shoppers will benefit most here, earning 1% cashback on Amazon purchases, which increases to 2% during special events like Prime Day and Black Friday.
You'll also receive 0.25% cashback on all other spending (rising to 0.5% in the first year), and there's usually a £20 Amazon voucher just for being approved.
Do note, however, that after the first 12 months, you'll need to deposit £1,500 monthly to keep the cashback coming.
If you're leaning toward a credit card, the American Express Cashback Everyday Credit Card is ideal for higher spenders or those planning a big purchase.
It offers a generous 5% cashback for the first five months, capped at £125.
Once the intro period ends, ongoing cashback of up to 1% is available, but only if you spend over £10,000 annually.
If you're unlikely to meet that spending threshold, the American Express Cashback Credit Card might be more suitable.
It also starts with 5% cashback for three months (again, up to £125), then shifts to 0.75% cashback on the first £10,000 per year, and 1.25% on anything above that.
There is, however, a £25 annual fee to consider.
For online shoppers, particularly those loyal to Amazon, the Amazon Barclaycard continues to be a standout choice for its consistent and event-based cashback boosts.