Six hidden money-saving tools Australians are using in 2026

With household budgets under pressure and everyday costs still climbing in 2026, Australians are turning to smarter digital tools to keep their spending in check.

While budgeting apps remain popular, a wave of niche money-saving platforms is helping consumers slash costs on groceries, petrol, tech, dining and even airline bookings.

Here are six lesser-known apps and websites that can help you save more this year.

1. EatClub

Discretionary purchases like takeaways and meals out might be the first to face the chopping block for those looking to cut their spending, but for anyone not ready to do away with eating out entirely, there are ways to save.

EatClub, for instance, is an app that showcases discounted dining and takeaway offers from close to 5000 participating restaurants, bars and cafes across Australia.

The idea behind EatClub is to get customers in the door during days and times when venues might otherwise be quiet, like earlier in the week.

To do that, it's not uncommon for diners to be able to take advantage of offers on EatClub of 20%, 30% and even as high as 50% off.

2. Half Price

Given the extent of grocery price rises in recent years, it's fair to assume that many Australians will be looking for ways to cut back on the cost of their weekly shops.

One way is to take advantage of special offers, which is what Half Price is all about. Unlike other grocery apps, Half Price focuses on the really large specials (items that are 50% off) from Coles and Woolworths.

The Half Price app also allows users to compare item prices, set price alerts and create shopping lists.

It's worth noting that the app only includes specials from the two major supermarkets, so those looking to compare a broader range of items across more supermarkets might benefit from apps like WiseList.

3. JB Buddy

As anyone who shopped online during the Black Friday or Boxing Day sales will know, it's easy to end up lost in a sea of open tabs and windows when comparing prices from different stores.

That's where JB Buddy comes into its own. The website is specifically designed to compare the best price available on phones, laptops, wearables and other electronic goods across major retailers like JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and The Good Guys.

Take a pair of Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones, for instance. JB Buddy shows that prices vary from as low as $625 to as high as $698 across five retailers.

The website also features a price history graph, which can help users determine whether they are getting a decent price on an item now, or whether they may be better off waiting for a drop in the cycle.

4. Petrol Spy

As many drivers will be aware, it's common for the price of petrol to vary wildly across different retailers and locations - sometimes by as much as 45 cents per litre across a city.

The trick to avoiding paying more than you need to is being prepared and being willing to shop around, which is where Petrol Spy comes into its own.

Available via website or app, Petrol Spy can help drivers fill up their tank for less by showcasing real-time petrol prices at petrol stations near them.

Users can filter for different fuel types and search by suburb or postcode across major cities and the regions in both Australia and New Zealand.

5. Rewardist

The number of cashback platforms available to Australians was dealt a blow last year with the closure of Cashrewards, but that doesn't mean that there aren't other options.

One that might prove handy for shoppers looking to earn the most cashback they can on a particular purchase is Rewardist. That's because Rewardist isn't a regular cashback platform - it's a cashback comparison website.

Let's say you're looking to book flights to Japan for a holiday later in the year.

Rewardist showcases the specific cashback deals (e.g. 3% or 5%) being offered by different cashback platforms (like ShopBack, TopCashback and more) for customers who book flights through various airlines or travel companies.

6. Surcharge.com.au

Have you ever looked down at a restaurant menu or gone to pay the bill only to learn that you'll have to fork out more money on surcharges than you bargained for? It can leave a sour taste in the mouth.

The surcharge.com.au website is trying to take away the mystery by allowing would-be diners to see the card and weekend surcharges charged by restaurants and cafes before they leave home.

Because it's still in its infancy, the website is only showcasing establishments in Melbourne and Sydney so far, but the plan seems to be to expand to other cities going forward.

Looking for other financial tips to start the year? Take a few minutes to check for any unclaimed money you may be eligible for or any lost superannuation you may have been separated from.  

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