Most of us use our phones for the basics - replying to messages, checking the weather or scrolling social media. But your smartphone can actually be one of the handiest money-saving tools you own.
From tracking spending and finding cheaper fuel to unlocking discounts, rewards and cashback offers, there are plenty of simple ways to use your phone to stretch your budget further. And the best part is many of these tools only take a few minutes to set up.
1. Use cashback apps for purchases you were already going to make
Cashback apps have become incredibly popular over the past few years, and for good reason. They allow you to earn a percentage of your spending back when shopping through participating retailers.
Whether you’re buying clothes, booking travel, ordering takeaway or shopping for household items, cashback apps can help you get a little money back on purchases you were already planning to make.
While the savings might seem small at first, they can add up surprisingly quickly over the course of a year. A good tip is to check cashback apps before making any online purchase. Even a quick five-second search could save you money.*
2. Compare fuel prices before filling up
Fuel prices can vary dramatically between suburbs, sometimes by 20 cents or more per litre. Using a fuel price app can help you find the cheapest nearby petrol station before you fill up.
These apps use real-time pricing information to show where fuel is cheapest in your area, helping drivers avoid paying more than they need to. If you fill up regularly, this is one of the easiest ways to reduce weekly expenses without changing your lifestyle. Even saving $10 a week on fuel could add up to more than $500 over the year.
3. Keep track of subscriptions and recurring payments
It’s surprisingly easy to lose track of streaming services, app subscriptions, gym memberships or free trials that quietly roll into paid plans.
Budgeting apps can help you monitor recurring payments so you know exactly where your money is going each month. Some apps categorise your spending automatically, making it easier to spot subscriptions you no longer use or duplicate services you forgot about. You might discover you’re paying for three different streaming platforms while only watching one of them.
4. Take advantage of loyalty and rewards programs
Gone are the days of carrying around dozens of loyalty cards in your wallet. Most major retailers, supermarkets and cafes now offer digital rewards programs through their apps. These programs can provide:
- member-only discounts
- points that convert into rewards or gift cards
- personalised offers
- birthday freebies
- bonus point promotions
If you already shop somewhere regularly, it usually makes sense to join their rewards program and scan your app when purchasing. The key is to use these programs strategically rather than spending extra just to earn points.
5. Use grocery apps to plan smarter shops
With grocery prices still feeling painfully high for many, it’s worth using every tool available to make shopping a little cheaper. Many supermarket apps allow you to:
- browse weekly specials
- compare prices
- create shopping lists
- access digital coupons
- check reward point offers
Planning meals around what’s on special can help reduce the overall cost of your weekly shop, especially when food prices seem to keep climbing. Shopping with a list on your phone can also help cut down on impulse purchases, something many households are trying to avoid during the cost-of-living crunch.
6. Sell unused items through marketplace apps
Your smartphone can also help you make money, not just save it. Marketplace and resale apps make it easier than ever to sell clothes, furniture, electronics or household items you no longer use.
Have a look and you might find that you have hundreds of dollars’ worth of unused items sitting around that you no longer need or use. Even selling a handful of unused items could help cover bills, groceries or fuel costs for the week.
7. Coupon and deal apps
If you enjoy hunting for bargains, deal and coupon apps can help you find discounts across dining, entertainment, retail and travel.
Many apps notify users about flash sales, promo codes or nearby offers. However, it’s important to remember that a deal only saves money if it’s something you genuinely needed or planned to buy anyway. A discounted impulse purchase is still impulse spending.
8. Use your calendar to avoid late fees
One underrated money-saving tool already sitting on your phone is your calendar. Setting reminders for bill due dates can easily help you avoid late payment fees.
It’s also a good idea to add reminders for free trials, introductory offers or subscription discounts before they expire. That way, you have time to cancel before you’re automatically charged the full ongoing amount if you decide the service isn’t worth keeping.
You can also schedule reminders for annual memberships or policies so you have time to compare prices before renewing. Sometimes saving money is less about earning more and more about avoiding unnecessary costs.
TIP: Be mindful of “saving” apps that encourage spending
While money-saving apps can be useful, it’s also important to use them carefully. Some shopping apps and rewards programs are designed to encourage more spending through constant notifications, limited time offers or personalised deals.
A good habit is to turn off unnecessary shopping notifications and unsubscribe from marketing alerts that tempt impulse purchases. The goal is to use your phone intentionally, not let it pressure you into buying things you didn’t originally want.
TIP: Stay scam-smart and protect your accounts
Your smartphone can help you save money, but it’s also important to use it safely. Many money-saving apps require you to create accounts, link payment methods or store personal information. Taking a few simple security precautions can help protect your finances and reduce the risk of scams or fraud. Some good habits include:
- using strong, unique passwords for each account
- storing passwords in a reputable password manager rather than reusing the same password across multiple apps
- enabling multi-factor authentication where available
- keeping your phone and apps updated
- only downloading apps from trusted app stores
- checking reviews and verifying an app’s legitimacy before signing up
A few minutes spent securing your accounts today could save you from significant financial losses and headaches down the track.
This information provides general advice only. We do not provide advice based on any consideration of your personal objectives, needs or circumstances. *Cashback rates vary and may involve conditions.
