What's the catch?

Question

What's the catch?

Accepted Answer

The honest answer: there's no catch in the way most people fear there is. You don't pay anything to use Kick, you don't pay extra at the retailer, you don't sign up for anything that auto-renews, and you don't have to clear a high minimum balance before you can withdraw. The cashback comes out of the marketing commission the retailer was already going to pay someone to bring them new customers — Kick just takes that commission and shares the majority of it with the shopper. The economics, explained simply Retailers spend serious money on marketing — Google Ads, Meta ads, influencer partnerships, TV. Partner marketing (which is what cashback platforms do) is one channel within that. Instead of bidding on a search keyword, the retailer pays a commission for actual confirmed sales. That commission is a percentage of the order value that varies by retailer and category. When Kick refers you and you buy, the retailer pays Kick the commission, and Kick passes the majority of it to you. The retailer treats it as a marketing cost, the same as if they'd paid Google. "But why would the retailer give me money?" They're not giving you money — they're giving Kick money for sending you their way, and Kick is choosing to share most of it with you instead of pocketing it all. From the retailer's point of view, you're a paid acquisition. From Kick's point of view, sharing most of the commission with shoppers is what makes shoppers come back next time. From your point of view, you get money for doing something you were going to do anyway. What's the catch if there isn't one? There are some real trade-offs, just not catches: You have to remember to start at Kick. If you go straight to the retailer, no cashback. More on tracking . The cashback isn't instant in every category. Travel and insurance take longer because of the retailer's confirmation rules; the timing shown on the live offer applies. Some categories pay a low rate. Groceries and electronics tend to be 1-3% — useful, but not life-changing. Returns void the cashback. Industry-standard — see returns and refunds . Tracking can fail if your browser strips tracking cookies. Ad blocker setup guide . What's NOT the catch Kick doesn't charge a membership fee — see is Kick really free . Kick doesn't sell your shopping data to retailers. Kick doesn't add anything to the price you pay at checkout — the price is the same as if you'd gone direct. Kick doesn't lock your money behind a high minimum withdrawal. Is the cashback taxable? For most Australian shoppers using Kick for personal purchases, cashback is treated as a discount or rebate rather than assessable income — but the rules are nuanced. See our note on cashback and Australian tax for general information (this isn't tax advice — talk to a registered tax agent for your situation). How to know Kick is legitimate Verify the ABN, check the company on ASIC, read the privacy policy. Full legitimacy checklist here .

What's the catch?

The economics, explained simply

"But why would the retailer give me money?"

What's the catch if there isn't one?

What's NOT the catch

Is the cashback taxable?

How to know Kick is legitimate

About Kick Cashback