CashKaro’s Ghibli-style ad slams coin cashback gimmicks

Cashback platform CashKaro has unveiled a Ghibli-style advertisement that takes a cheeky dig at coin apps, emphasising that ‘Coins are all bakwas, real cashback is CashKaro ke paas’ (Coins are rubbish, real cashback lies with CashKaro).

In an era where many platforms lure users with virtual coins that often have complex redemption value, limited usability or expiry dates, CashKaro reinforces its promise of real cashback—directly credited as real money via UPI that users can transfer to their bank accounts. The ad, inspired by Studio Ghibli animation style, sets a new benchmark in digital advertising with its unique storytelling approach and vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetics.

Swati Bhargava, co-founder of CashKaro and EarnKaro, said, “People are tired of earning Cashback coins that feel more like a gimmick than real savings. Today’s consumers see through marketing fluff and focus on the real value, not just flashy cashback coins that are hard to use. At CashKaro, we give users ‘Real Cashback’—real money that can be transferred to the bank accounts and actually spent, rather than being stuck with coins and points that have restrictions. Over the years, we have returned more than INR 1,000 crore in real cashback to our users, proving that savings should be tangible and beneficial.”

Ishan Agarwal, director–brand and creative at CashKaro and EarnKaro, added, "We are always looking out for creative ways to connect with our audience, and this campaign is a perfect example of how storytelling can make an impact. The idea behind this campaign was to blend art with advertising. In a market flooded with apps that offer coins with limited usability, we wanted to highlight how CashKaro stands apart by providing real cashback that users can spend. This campaign cuts through the noise, grabs attention, and helps in connecting with the audience with more lighthearted and visually striking content.”

With this campaign, CashKaro aims to resonate with today’s digital-savvy consumers who prefer tangible, real-world benefits over complicated reward structures. The brand continues its mission of helping users save effortlessly while shopping across platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and more.

Campaign’s take: When it comes to cashback, CashKaro isn’t mincing words—or coins. The brand’s latest ad, steeped in Studio Ghibli’s dreamy aesthetics, playfully trashes coin-based cashback schemes, positioning itself as the go-to for real savings. But beyond its animated charm, does the ad hit the mark?

With OpenAI’s GPT-4o making waves for its Ghibli-style image generation, social media has erupted with AI-crafted anime visuals. By jumping on this trend, CashKaro ensures its ad isn’t just visually stunning but also instantly relatable to a global audience enamoured with this nostalgic yet fresh aesthetic.

The campaign’s storytelling, wrapped in a whimsical, hand-drawn universe, makes its message crystal clear—coins are a gimmick, real cashback is king. While the ad leans on the fun side, it subtly underlines consumer frustration with restrictive, expiring virtual coins, making a compelling case for cold, hard cash.

Ultimately, CashKaro’s bet on the Ghibli craze isn’t just a creative flex—it’s a strategic move to cut through clutter and reinforce its brand as the one delivering actual savings, not digital breadcrumbs. A playful jab, but a hard-hitting one nonetheless.