Drop Review 2025: Why Better Cash Back Apps Exist (2026)

If drop review why better is on your radar, this short guide cuts through the noise. Here is what is worth knowing, and how to put it to work today.

Key Takeaways

• Drop Review 2025: Why Better Cash Back Apps Exist Drop has evolved over the years, but not necessarily for the better.
• Here's everything you should know about the rewards app before signing up.
• Written by Zina Kumok Last Updated: April 2, 2025 Reviewed by Jana Lynch Home Side Hustles Side Hustle Apps We’ve reviewed the Drop cash bac...

Drop Review 2025: Why Better Cash Back Apps Exist

Drop has evolved over the years, but not necessarily for the better. Here's everything you should know about the rewards app before signing up.

Written by Zina Kumok Last Updated: April 2, 2025 Reviewed by Jana Lynch

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We’ve reviewed the Drop cash back and rewards app every year since its United States launch in late 2017.

Much has changed about the app over the past seven years, and almost none of it for the better. Here are what remain of the pros, the notable cons, and why we think you’re better off using other popular cash back apps.

Drop Review summary Platforms iOS, Android Cost Free Features Automatic cash back at 500+ brands. User Rating 4.3 stars on the App Store (55k reviews), 1.2 stars on Google Play (12k reviews) Our Rating 3.5 stars (2023)  →  1.5 stars (2024) (see methodology) Best For Users who want to earn automatic cash back without scanning receipts or loading offers. Verdict Several red flags exist; users are better off using other cash back apps. In This Review show What Is Drop? Why We’re Concerned About Drop How Drop Works Pros & Cons Alternatives to Drop Verdict FAQs Rating Methodology

What Is Drop?

Drop is a popular loyalty rewards app designed to help users earn points for their everyday purchases. By linking your debit and credit cards to the app, you can accumulate points automatically whenever you shop at partnered retailers.

These points can be redeemed for free gift cards from a wide range of popular brands, making Drop a seemingly effortless way to get rewarded for the shopping you’re already doing.

In addition to its seamless integration with your payment methods, Drop offers a variety of ways to maximize your earnings. Users can also participate in activities such as paid surveys, playing games, or referring friends to the app to rack up even more points.

Why We’re Concerned About Drop

Drop is the only cash back app we’ve ever reviewed that can claim they provide fully automatic cash back to users. It was, and remains, an enormous perk, as all competing apps require receipt scanning, offer loading, or some form of manual offer activation.

Drop is theoretically as simple as linking a preferred payment method and earning free cash back , or so it was.

There are several red flags that have arisen since our last annual review which have prompted us to drop our rating from 3.5 to 1.5 (out of 5 stars):

 Concern #1:  Users must manually opt-in to earn cash back each Wednesday, despite their card information already being linked. Drop is plausibly receiving attribution and payment from merchants for qualifying user purchases, but not distributing points to users if they haven’t opted in that week.

 Concern #2:  Users , myself included , report extreme difficulty redeeming gift cards for earned points during “drop” periods. Drop seems unable to fulfill on-demand withdrawals from users for earned points, resorting instead to periodic withdrawal windows where users can try and redeem a seemingly small number of valid gift cards.

 Concern #3:  For the small percentage of users able to successfully redeem their points for a gift card, there is now a company-stated [up to] 60-day waiting period for gift card delivery, with few users ever reporting card arrival.

While we’re not privy to the inner workings at Drop, we’re concerned users are being left little in the way of options for redeeming rightfully earned points. Our experience isn’t isolated, with hundreds of Reddit users reporting similar experiences.

How Drop Works

Understanding how Drop works is essential to making the most of its features and maximizing your rewards. Here are the app’s key features and tips for maximizing your earnings.

Signing Up for Drop

To begin using Drop, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Follow the prompts to create an account by providing your email and setting up a password. After verifying your email, you can complete your profile, which lets you tailor the app’s features to your preferences.

Completing all the steps can unlock up to 8,800 points , equivalent to an $8.80 Welcome Bonus.

Select five merchants to earn ongoing points

Drop will ask you to choose the retailers you use most. My list included Safeway, Urban Outfitters, Lyft, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.

Once you log in for the first time, you’ll be able to see the wider list of Drop retailers which includes:

• Starbucks
• Sephora
• Old Navy
• adidas
• Groupon

• Gap
• Chewy
• PetSmart
• Booking.com
• Carter's

This initial setup is straightforward and prepares you to start earning rewards on your everyday purchases.

Linking Your Cards

Once your account is set up, the next step is to securely link your debit and credit cards to the Drop app. This process is crucial as it allows Drop to track your purchases and award you points automatically.

To link your cards, navigate to the card linking section in the app and follow the instructions to enter your card details. With your cards linked, you can start earning points on eligible purchases without any extra effort.

Earning Points

With your cards linked, you can start earning points on your everyday purchases. Drop automatically tracks your spending at partnered retailers and awards you points for every eligible transaction. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for various rewards.

Drop offers personalized deals based on your spending habits, allowing you to earn bonus points for shopping at specific stores or purchasing certain items.

In addition to earning points through purchases, Drop offers a few other ways to boost your earnings: Games, Surveys, and Refer Friends.

Related: 17 Legit Ways You Can Get Paid to Shop

Games

Currently, the only available game on Drop is called “Pets.” In this game, users are awarded a virtual pet to care for. The experience begins with watching your pet hatch from an egg.

To keep your pet happy, you need to interact with it daily, which includes tasks like feeding and playing with it. Consistent care rewards you with gifts from your pet, such as points and other surprise perks.

Our Experience: I was eager to try the Pets feature on Drop, but it’s currently locked because I don't have the required Games Master Collectible.

Unfortunately, the Games Master Collectible is "Sold Out," and I had to join a waitlist to be notified when it becomes available again. This situation again raises concerns about the app.

Surveys

Drop also offers paid surveys as a method for users to earn additional points. These surveys are provided both by Drop and through partnerships with market research companies like Tap Research. They cover a wide range of topics, allowing users to share their opinions and insights on new or established products or services.

By participating, users can accumulate points for each completed survey. Occasionally, you’ll encounter Boosted Surveys, which offer double the usual points, making them ever-so-slightly more worth your time. Engaging in these surveys regularly can modestly boo

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check drop review why better against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at dollarsprout.com.