#Rakuten app clone development

[skillbabu]

How to build a cash back app like cash karo or rakuten in 2025: full development guide

In 2025, cash back apps like Cash Karo and Rakuten continue to thrive as users seek smart ways to save while shopping. This guide walks startup founders and entrepreneurs through building a cash back app step-by-step covering the business model, niche selection, must-have features, affiliate integrations, tech stack, UI/UX tips, cost breakdown, and marketing strategies.

 Introduction: why best cashback apps are still booming in 2025

Imagine getting paid just for shopping sounds like a dream, right? Cash back apps like Cash Karo, Rakuten, and best Cash back have made this possible. As digital commerce continues to explode in 2025, these platforms are winning user trust by giving something extra cash back on purchases.

The good news? This model isn’t just effective, it's also replicable.

If you're a startup founder or entrepreneur looking to build a cashback app like Cash Karo or clone Rakuten's model, this detailed guide will walk you through every step from idea to launch.

What is a cash back app?

A cash back app rewards users with a percentage of money back when they shop through partner brands. These apps work by leveraging affiliate marketing and commission-based business models, offering a win-win for users, brands and app owners.

Example:

A user shops via your app at Amazon → Amazon pays you a commission → You share a part of it back with the user as cashback.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Cashback App Like CashKaro or Rakuten

 Step 1: Define your business model

There are three core monetization options for cashback apps:

Affiliate Partnerships (Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra)

Paid Brand Promotions

Subscription for Premium Cashback Deals

Tip: Start with affiliate integration. It’s the easiest and most scalable option.

 Step 2: Choose Your Niche (optional but powerful)

While Rakuten is broad, niche cashback apps have also gained traction:

Grocery Cashback Apps (e.g., Ibotta)

Fashion Only Apps

Local Services Cashback

Going niche = lower competition + higher retention.

 Step 3: Key Features to Include

Here are must-have features that every cashback app like CashKaro or Rakuten should offer:

👤 For Users:

Easy Sign-up/Login

Partnered Store List

Cashback % for Each Brand

Live Cashback Tracking

Withdrawal via UPI/Bank/Wallet

Referral Program

 For Admin:

Partner Management

Commission Settings

User Management

Cashback Payout Reports

CMS for Offers & Banners

Bonus:

Push Notifications for Offers

Cashback Tier Levels (Gamification)

Live Chat Support

 Step 4: Cashback tracking and affiliate integration

This is the heart of your app.

 How It Works:

Use affiliate tracking links with unique user IDs.

Partner with affiliate networks like Commission Junction, Admitad, or Impact.

Track conversions via Postback URLs or Cookies.

Tools/API Providers:

Trackier

HasOffers

PartnerStack

 Step 5: Choose the Right Tech Stack

 Frontend:

Flutter or React Native (for cross-platform apps)

Swift/Kotlin (for native apps)

 Backend:

Node.js or Django

Firebase or AWS for real-time data

PostgreSQL or MongoDB for storage

 APIs:

Razorpay/Stripe for payouts

Twilio for OTP/login

Google Analytics + Firebase for tracking

 Step 6: UI/UX Design Strategy

Make it user-first. Cashback users care about:

Clear offer visibility

Fast tracking

Simple redemption

Pro Tip: Study apps like CashKaro & Rakuten and note how clean and intuitive their flows are. Mimic what's working.

 Step 7: MVP or Full-Scale App?

If you're bootstrapped, go MVP:

Core features only

Single affiliate network

Manual cashback approval

Scale later with:

Auto cashbacks

Tiered rewards

Multiple affiliates

 Marketing strategy for launch

Here’s how top cashback apps grow:

Influencer Marketing: Especially effective for finance, shopping, or deal-hunting influencers.

Referral Bonuses: Give ₹50-₹100 for every new user.

SEO + Blog: Create content around “best cashback deals,” “how to save money online,” etc.

App Store Optimization (ASO)

 Legal & Compliance Checklist

Partner agreements with affiliate networks.

Terms & Privacy Policy.

GDPR/CCPA compliance if targeting global users.

RBI-complaint payout gateways.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Steps

Building a cashback app like CashKaro or Rakuten isn’t just possible, it's practical. With the right tech partner, strategy, and vision, you can launch an app that not only earns but adds real value to your users.

 Ready to build Your Cashback App?

Whether you're starting small or planning to disrupt the cashback space, our team can help you design, develop, and launch a Rakuten-style cashback app tailored to your business.