6 of the Best Money-Saving Apps For College Students

No matter which way you slice it, college is expensive. And it doesn't matter if you're working part-time to help pay your tuition or are a full-time student, saving money is always a priority. You want to enjoy yourself in college, and that means having extra cash for things like sporting events, parties, and decent food (although ramen is truly very good). Fortunately, there are lots of great money-saving apps that can help you.

You're not going to save thousands of dollars overnight, but by using these apps, you'll be able to start a savings account that can fuel your weekend fun or give you a head start on loan repayment postgraduation. Install these apps and reward programs to simplify earning that extra cash!

01
Ibotta
Ibotta

Ibotta

Ibotta is an app that makes it easy to save on everyday purchases like groceries, toiletries, and even online shopping. Users can scan through the app and search for a particular product or retailer, then add rebates to their account. After you've shopped in-store, simply scan your receipt to redeem those rebates.

Users can also link a debit or credit card to their Ibotta account to automate the savings process. If you purchase an item that the app is offering a rebate for, the transaction will automatically be added into your account.

Once you've reached a balance of $20 or more, you can cash out in the form of a PayPal payment or a gift card to the retailer of your choice. Ordering that venti latte just got a little easier!

02
Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards

Like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards is an app that allows you to accumulate points for everyday purchases. With Fetch Rewards, all you have to do is scan your receipt after you shop — there's no hunting around for relevant deals and rebates. Once you've accumulated enough points (every 1,000 points are worth $1), you can redeem them for gift cards at retailers like Chipotle, Target, Ulta, and more. Unlike other rewards apps, Fetch Rewards allows you to cash out with as little as 3,000 points, making it easy to get your hands on some late-night grub or that pre-test caffeine fix.

03
Honey
Honey

Honey

Honey is a browser extension that allows you to test dozens of coupon codes without having to look them up. Simply click the "Savings Finder" to make sure you're getting the best deal at hundreds of retailers, including Amazon. Already have the best deal? You can still earn rewards while you shop with Honey Gold. This point system will accumulate a percentage of your purchase and can be redeemed for gift cards to various retailers once you've reached 1,000 Honey Gold or more.

Yet another benefit of using Honey is that it will track price drops for you. You don't have to constantly check the price of that big ticket item you've had your eye on. When the price drops, you'll get a notification from Honey.

04
Chegg Books
Chegg

Chegg Books

No college experience is complete without textbooks, but they're also so expensive. Chegg has a suite of apps that are helpful to college students, but the one that will save you the most money is Chegg Books. Search textbooks by title or ISBN, and find them at discounted rates! You can also rent textbooks to save a significant amount of money (up to 90 percent!). When you're done with your rentals, simply mail them back with the prepaid shipping label provided.

05
Amazon Student
Amazon

Amazon Student

Amazon Prime Student is the Prime membership designed to make college easier. New users can receive a free six-month trial with free two-day shipping on hundreds of items. What's more, a Prime Student membership also comes with unlimited streaming of Prime movies and television. Whether you're bored between classes or heading home for the weekend, there's plenty to stream through the Amazon Prime Student app.

06
WiFi Finder
Apple | WiFi Finder + Map

WiFi Finder

Whether you're tired of paying for WiFi or you never signed up for a plan that included internet, this app makes it easy to find free WiFi in your area. Maybe you just need a change of scenery to put the finishing touches on your thesis but you can't focus in your dorm. Regardless of your situation, WiFi is critical to a college student's success. Find it with ease using the WiFi Finder app. Search by geographical location (perfect for students who are traveling) or by the type of venue you're headed to (library, cafe, bar, etc.).