Britons planning meals out over the New Year period have a chance to make their spending work harder for them, thanks to a popular cashback application. The Kaldi app allows users to earn money back on purchases at more than 130 well-known high street brands, with the potential to then invest those returns.
How the Kaldi cashback scheme works
The app partners with a vast array of food and drink retailers, turning everyday spending into potential savings or investment capital. Users can earn up to 7.5% cashback at participating restaurants, coffee shops, and pubs. The funds accrued can either be spent or, notably, automatically invested through Kaldi into products like a Stocks and Shares ISA, a Junior ISA (JISA), or a General Investment Account (GIA).
Justin White, chief operating officer at Kaldi, emphasised the simplicity of the proposition. "If you’re already eating out, grabbing coffees or heading to the pub, it’s worth choosing the places Kaldi partners with," he said. "Everyday spending can really add up... and watch those small amounts grow over time, without changing your habits."
Major restaurant chains offering cashback
The scheme includes some of the UK's most popular dining chains. Shoppers can secure 5% cashback at both Pizza Express and Nando's, while Bella Italia offers a slightly higher rate of 6%. Other notable rates include 5.5% at Pizza Hut and 4% at Zizzi.
For coffee lovers, the returns are even more attractive, with Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, and Starbucks all offering a top-tier cashback rate of 7.5%. The full list of participating food and drink retailers is extensive, including:
- All Bar One - 6.00%
- Ask Italian - 4.50%
- Belhaven - 5.00%
- Browns - 6.00%
- Deliveroo - 2.50%
- Greene King - 7.00%
- Harvester - 6.00%
- Just Eat - 2.50%
- Miller & Carter - 6.00%
- Prezzo - 5.00%
- Toby Carvery - 6.00%
- Uber Eats - 2.00%
Upcoming changes for savers and investors
The news comes alongside a reminder of significant forthcoming changes to ISA rules, which are relevant for those considering investing their cashback. Currently, savers can deposit up to £20,000 per year into ISAs, splitting this allowance across different types like Cash ISAs and Stocks and Shares ISAs.
However, from April 2027, the rules are set to change. Under the new system, only £12,000 of the annual allowance will be available for any type of ISA, with the remaining £8,000 required to be placed into a Stocks and Shares account. It is important to note that these new rules will not apply to individuals aged 65 and above.
For consumers, leveraging cashback apps like Kaldi represents a practical method to incrementally boost savings or investment pots, effectively getting a discount on regular purchases that can then be put to work for the future.
