
The Kudos app and browser extension helps you earn extra cash-back while shopping. Unlike typical cash-back portals, Kudos uses a unique setup and monetization model, and offers features not found in other options.
They have also made a bold move by offering users 100% of the referral fee paid by merchants as cash-back.
How is this possible? What’s behind the change?
Here’s what you should know.
#1. Kudos Gives You 100% of the Cash-Back the Merchant Pays Them
Kudos launched with a unique concept: matching credit card rewards at “Boost-eligible” stores with rewards multiplied up to 5X.
For example, if your credit card offered 2% cash-back and a 5X “Boost” was available, you’d earn 10% from Kudos and 2% from your card (for a total of 12%). However, this only applied to Boost-eligible stores, limiting the program’s reach and adding complexity.
In January 2025, Kudos simplified things. Instead of the more complex credit card matching system, they now simply pass 100% of the merchant’s commission directly to you.
For instance, if a merchant pays Kudos a 10% referral fee for sending customers to their website, you’d get the full 10% — plus your credit card’s reward points, and sometimes a Boost multiplier.
However, Boosts are now simply limited-time deals and are not related to the rewards earned on your credit card.
While the new model is more straightforward, the old one occasionally offered bigger payouts.
For example, stacking a 5% cash-back card with a 5X Boost could deliver 25% from Kudos and 5% from your card for 30%. These deals were rare but valuable.
At some merchants (like Walmart) where Rakuten or similar sites offer little or no cash-back, Kudos matching just your credit card rewards often beat other programs. So while the 100% cash-back model is great, and ranks Kudos among a short list of must-have cash-back apps, the change took away some lucrative ways to earn.
#2. They Don’t Always Have The Best Rate
Rakuten has been my go-to cash-back site (read my Rakuten review) because I’ve always found it reliable and because it allows me to cash out in Amex Membership Rewards Points.
To compare it with Kudos’ new model, I analyzed the cash-back rates available on the publication date of my last five Rakuten purchases. I then checked the current best rate available, according to Cashback Monitor (a site that aggregates cash-back amounts from dozens of apps and platforms).
Merchant | Rakuten | Kudos | Best Rate |
Dell | Up to 5% | Up to 7% | 6% |
Hertz | 2.50% | 3% | 5.30% |
Hollister | 2% | N/A | 2% |
Nike | 6% | 1% | 8% |
Pact | 2% | 5.20% | 6% |
Walmart | Up to 4% | Up to 1.3% | 3% |
Some takeaways:
- Kudos rates are not on Cashback Monitor. Although, SaveWise, a new cashback comparison site similar to CashBackMonitor, displays Kudos rewards rates.
- Even with Kudos’ 100% cash-back model, platforms like Rakuten and others listed on Cashback Monitor may offer higher rates through promotions or better-negotiated commissions.
#3. Kudos Makes Money Through Credit Card Approvals, Not By Selling Your Data
Kudos operates differently from most cash-back platforms, with a more advanced and user-focused front-end. You can sign up with just basic information, but syncing your credit cards unlocks unique features, including:
- Optimized card usage. Kudos tells you which card to use for the best rewards at checkout.
- Missed rewards tracking. Shows you where you could have earned more rewards on past transactions (online and offline).
- Personalized credit card recommendations. Based on your actual spending habits, Kudos suggests cards to maximize your rewards.
Kudos explicitly states they don’t sell user data. Instead, their revenue comes from credit card approvals.
By analyzing your purchase history, Kudos provides tailored credit card recommendations that generate affiliate revenue for the company.
In my experience, Kudos’ recommendation engine worked well.
It suggested that the Capital One Quicksilver Rewards card is a solid choice (other credit card recognition engines, such as Credit Karma, haven’t been as spot on).
That said, with my American Express Gold card earning 4X points on groceries, I didn’t feel the need for another card at this time.
Other Quick Thoughts on Kudos
- Kudos offers a browser extension and is available on iOS, but Android support is still pending. I’ve found the app’s main benefit is deciding which card to use offline.
- Redemption options are restricted to Amazon gift cards, with a $10 minimum. So in that sense, it’s not a true “cash-back” platform.
- The modern, user-friendly interface stands out compared to older cash-back platforms, making the overall experience more intuitive.
- Kudos does not allow portal stacking, meaning you must choose between Kudos and other cash-back services for each purchase. You could, however, stack with credit card offers (i.e., Amex or Chase offers).
- The credit card perk tracking feature, which shows all your available credits for each of your cards, provides excellent value. My dashboard shows $1,767 in available perks for 2025!
- A feature I’d like to see them add is being able to upload the same card twice, which is helpful if both you and your spouse have the same card and want to track rewards and offers from the cards.
Kudos Referral Program
The Kudos referral program lets you and your friends earn rewards when they sign up and shop using the Kudos extension. You both receive 2,000 Boost points (worth $20) after your referral makes a $30 purchase, with additional bonuses for multiple referrals.
You can get that $20 bonus by using our referral code. Clicking this link should apply it automatically, but if you need to enter the code manually, use WEALTH_KUDOS.
And, of course, thank you!

Verdict: A great option for those looking for an app to maximize cash-back and optimize their card usage at checkout. While it doesn’t always offer the highest rates (even with its 100% payout model), it consistently ranks among the top cash-back options.
- Accurately tracked transactions in my tests.
- $20 sign-up bonus and referral rewards using the code WEALTH_KUDOS.
- You can still earn cash-back without syncing credit cards.
- No Android app.
- $10 minimum and only Amazon gift cards.
- To use full features, you need to sync credit cards.