With smartphones and apps dominating modern life, there’s virtually an app for every activity imaginable. From money management apps to rewards apps, and even apps that pay you to exercise, the possibilities seem endless. But what about apps that reward you for shopping—one of your favorite pastimes?
Great news for fellow shopping enthusiasts—apps that pay you to shop absolutely exist! You’ll find several options that offer cash back on purchases, plus a couple that actually pay you to shop for others. Which shopping apps deserve your attention? Let’s explore the best options available!
Top Apps That Pay You To Shop
The majority of shopping apps reward you with a percentage of your spending, but remember—only use them for purchases you’d normally make anyway. Buying unnecessary items defeats the purpose and wastes money. These apps work best when they provide cash back on your regular purchases.
Below, you’ll discover twelve excellent apps that reward your shopping habits. Pro tip: Always compare cashback percentages across multiple apps to maximize your earnings on each purchase.
1. BeFrugal
BeFrugal ranks among the premier cashback shopping apps, offering up to 30% cashback on purchases made through their platform. New users receive a $10 sign-up bonus, and with over 5,000 participating stores, earning money back on everyday purchases is effortless. BeFrugal’s commitment to competitive rates is impressive—if you discover better cashback rates elsewhere, they’ll match those rates and add an extra 25 percent to your account!
The app also features coupons and deals across 50,000+ stores! Cash out flexibility is excellent—you can withdraw funds anytime via PayPal or direct deposit (minimum $0.01) or check (minimum $25). BeFrugal even incentivizes gift card redemptions with bonus cash back rewards.
2. Rakuten
Rakuten stands out as another excellent cashback app for online shopping. Rakuten (previously Ebates) delivers up to 25% cashback plus a $10 sign-up bonus. Their network includes over 2,500 online retailers and stores, featuring popular names like Kohl’s, Macy’s, Walmart, and Groupon, with partnerships constantly expanding.
Individual eBay purchases also qualify for cashback, so check the app regularly for special deals on items you’re considering. Beyond earning from purchases, you’ll access various coupons and promo codes for additional savings.
Cash out options include check or PayPal once you’ve earned $5. Payments are distributed quarterly on the 15th of February, May, August, and November.
The Rakuten app also features a handy price comparison tool—simply scan product barcodes to compare online versus in-store pricing.
3. TopCashback
For those who prefer earning from in-store shopping, TopCashback provides an excellent solution! Simply photograph your receipt after shopping and upload it through the app for payment. The check-in feature displays daily store specials, and you can show these offers on your phone at checkout for instant discounts! TopCashback partners with thousands of retailers offering exclusive deals for app users.
TopCashback’s standout feature is their commitment to passing all affiliate commissions from stores directly to users. This approach often results in higher cashback percentages compared to competitor apps at the same retailers.
With no minimum payment requirements, you can cash out unlimited times through direct deposit, PayPal, or gift cards. Gift card redemptions earn an additional 3% bonus cash back.
4. iBotta
iBotta enjoys popularity as one of the most widely-used and highly-rated shopping apps. New users receive a $10 sign-up bonus. iBotta offers multiple earning methods: uploading purchase receipts, linking loyalty cards for automatic credit at participating retailers, and making in-app purchases.
Redemption options include PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
5. Shopkick
Shopkick rewards your in-store shopping with double benefits—you earn points both when entering stores and when making purchases. With partnerships spanning over 250,000 stores, earning opportunities are abundant. Product scanning while shopping generates extra rewards, and the app provides current deals at participating locations during your visit.
Redeem your “Kicks” for gift cards from popular retailers including Target, Starbucks, and Best Buy. The conversion rate is 250 Kicks per $1.
Online earning opportunities include visiting partner stores, viewing specific products, making mobile purchases, and watching promotional videos.
6. CheckOut 51
Checkout 51 excels for grocery and household item savings. New users receive a $5 sign-up bonus. The process is simple—shop, scan your receipt, and earn. Weekly offer updates occur every Thursday, and you can request payment via check once you’ve accumulated $20.
7. Dosh
Dosh eliminates receipt scanning entirely. Simply link your credit card or banking account, shop normally, and earn automatically. In-store purchases with your linked cards at participating stores generate automatic cashback on qualifying purchases. Online shopping through the Dosh app also earns rewards.
Travel rewards make Dosh particularly appealing—select your destination and preferred hotel type to discover accommodations offering nightly cashback rates.
Their referral program provides additional income: earn $5 for each friend who signs up and completes their first cashback offer.
Cash out through PayPal or direct deposit once you’ve earned $15.
8. Swagbucks
The Swagbucks app includes a dedicated shopping section for earning cashback on purchases. New users enjoy a $5 sign-up bonus, plus access to coupons and promo codes for additional savings.
Earnings come as Swagbucks points (100 Swagbucks = $1), redeemable for gift cards including PayPal options!
9. ShopAtHome
ShopAtHome provides another excellent earning opportunity with a generous $10 sign-up bonus. Cashback is available at over 2,000 popular retailers including Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, and Kohl’s. Redemption options include check, PayPal, or gift cards, with occasional gift card discounts that increase your money’s value.
10. Drop
Drop operates similarly to Dosh—link your credit card or bank account without scanning receipts. The key difference: you select just five brands for earning, so choose wisely since changes aren’t allowed after selection.
Purchases from your selected brands generate fixed points per dollar spent. Accumulate enough points for gift card redemptions, with 1,000 points equaling $1.
11. Instacart
Instacart offers actual payment for shopping—with one caveat: you’ll be shopping for others.
Think of Instacart as grocery shopping’s version of Uber. It’s an innovative way to serve your community while earning money. Instacart provides prepaid cards for purchases, eliminating any personal financial investment.
Full-service shoppers work flexible schedules, shopping for and delivering groceries to customers’ homes. Vehicle ownership is required.
12. Shipt
Shipt functions identically to Instacart. Depending on your location, one platform may offer more opportunities than the other. Consider working for both services to maximize your earning potential.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Your Shopping Rewards
Numerous money-making apps reward your shopping habits. While most provide cashback deals, others pay you to shop and deliver groceries for customers. To maximize earnings, compare deals across multiple apps and take advantage of sign-up bonuses—that’s free money! Gift card redemptions often provide enhanced cashback rates with certain apps.
Consider this: USAToday reports the average American spends approximately $12,000 annually on food, apparel, services, and entertainment. Earning just 2% cashback on that spending could save you $240 yearly—a conservative estimate. While this may seem modest, it’s certainly better than earning nothing on purchases you’re already making.
Continue enjoying your shopping adventures—just ensure you’re earning money while indulging in your favorite pastime!
