Cashback terms explained
Pending, qualifying purchase, base rate, “up to,” exclusions, and clawbacks — the phrases that decide whether you get paid.
Published August 14, 2026 · Last updated August 14, 2026
DailyRewardSpot Editorial · 6 min read
Cashback copy is written to be exciting. The contract is written to be narrow. If you only remember one idea: the advertised rate applies to qualifying purchases after tracking, after returns, after the pending window — and often not to the items you thought.
| Term | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Pending | Not yet paid; can still be reversed |
| Qualifying purchase | A subset of SKUs, not the whole cart |
| Up to X% | A headline rate on a small category |
| Base rate | What most of your spend actually earns |
| Clawback | Cashback removed after a return or unmatched order |
| Increased rate | Often requires activation before the click |
Educational content only. Programs change their terms. Verify details on the official issuer or merchant page before you spend or share data.
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