In an era where every penny counts, one money-savvy individual has managed to shave more than £300 off her mobile phone expenses over four years, and she credits a simple, free app for making it happen.
What is Airtime Rewards and how does it work?
Airtime Rewards is a completely free application available for smartphones. The process is straightforward: you download the app, link your everyday debit or credit cards, and then carry on shopping as normal. The app automatically tracks your spending at participating retailers and brands, accruing cashback into a dedicated pot within the app.
This accumulated cashback can then be used to directly reduce your monthly mobile phone bill, or you can choose to gift the balance to another user. The writer, Dayna Farrington, has been a dedicated user since 2021 and reports that some months she has paid practically nothing towards her phone bill thanks to the savings.
Everyday shopping that adds up to big savings
While individual cashback rates typically range from 1% to 5%, the savings compound significantly over time with regular spending. The app partners with a wide and frequently updated list of high-street and online brands.
Some of the major retailers currently featured include Argos, Boots, New Look, Lego, Waterstones, IKEA, and The Range. The writer specifically highlighted how useful the app was during her maternity leave, with purchases of nappies, formula, and other baby essentials from Boots generating considerable cashback.
She also combined this with the Recycle at Boots scheme for maximum benefit. Past partnerships have included major supermarkets like Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Morrisons, as well as popular bakery chain Greggs, turning small, routine purchases into meaningful bill reductions.
Boosting your balance and network compatibility
Users can accelerate their savings through several methods within the Airtime Rewards app. The platform runs monthly challenges where completing a set number of transactions or spending a certain amount earns cash bonuses. There is also a referral scheme; using a unique code to invite a friend nets you £5 once they make their first qualifying purchase within seven days of joining.
The service is compatible with most major UK mobile networks, making it accessible to a vast audience. Supported providers include O2, EE, Vodafone, Three, giffgaff, and Tesco Mobile.
For the writer, the app has been a financial lifeline, consistently knocking at least £10 off her phone bill, which is especially welcome when budgets are tight. The key advantage she notes is that the savings come from retailers she already uses, without requiring her to alter her shopping habits. A trip to Boots here and a sausage roll from Greggs there all contributed to her total saving of £310.41 between 2021 and December 2025.
Examples of current cashback rates on the Airtime Rewards app include:
- Karen Millen - 10%
- Levi's - 8%
- Lego - 6%
- Boohooman - 6%
- New Look - 3%
- Boots - 2%
- Argos - up to 2%
