One of the easiest ways to make free money is to get some of your money back while shopping. By using shopping apps that pay you to shop Online and In-store, you can make and save more money!!
Using cashback or shopping apps is like getting paid for shopping that you already do.
Ways By Which Apps Pay You To Shop
You get a cashback on your purchase, or the discounts are applied during checkout. Some of the different ways by which shopping apps pay you for shopping include:
- Shop through the app. Some apps may require activating the offer.
- Link your debit/credit/loyalty cards to the app and shop as you usually do.
- Cashback apps with receipts: Submit the scanned receipts of your purchase.
- Cashback apps with coupons: Discount coupons are applied to your shopping cart automatically or manually.
I have compiled a list of some of my favorite highly-rated apps that pay you to shop!!
While shortlisting the apps, I kept in mind that these sites offer you good cashback on multiple categories, sign up bonuses, and cashout options with minimum thresholds.
Best Apps That Pay You To Shop In 2024
Here is the list of the 21 Best Shopping Apps for you to check out and get paid for shopping:
#1. Rakuten: Get $10 Sign Up Bonus
| Average Cashback in 2020: | $63.50 |
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $10 |
| Cashout Options: | PayPal, Check |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $5.01 |
Rakuten is a free cashback app that pays you to shop. It is one of the most popular money-making apps.
Rakuten offers cashback for all popular categories.
You can earn cashback on both online and in-store shopping:
- For online shopping: Download the Rakuten app and shop through the app or the Rakuten Cashback button to receive free money.
- For in-store shopping: Link your debit or credit card to the Rakuten account. Select the In-Store Cash Back offer of your choice. Shop using the same card in the store. You will receive your cashback in your account after the confirmation of your purchase.
You can receive cashback payments every three months via PayPal or check.
Note: A minimum of $5.01 is needed in your Rakuten account to request payment.
Rakuten also offers a free $10 sign up bonus. Simply sign up with Rakuten for free using this link and get your free $10. Another way to earn free money is by referring your friends to Rakuten.
#2. Ibotta: Sign Up And Get $10
| Cashback rates: | Up to 30% cashback |
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $10 |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift Cards, Bank transfer |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $20 |
Ibotta is one of the most frequently used cashback apps that pay you to shop and offer exciting deals on everyday purchases. The company has paid over $1.2 billion in cashback to its members for online and in-store shopping.
You can get up to 30% cashback, depending on the brand.
For new users, Ibotta offers a sign up bonus of $10. Simply sign up with Ibotta using this link. $10 will be credited to your account after an eligible purchase of $30.
Ibotta offers cashback on online and in-store shopping:
- For online shopping, download the Ibotta app and visit the site you want to shop. After you make the purchase, your earnings will be added to your Ibotta account.
- For in-store shopping, choose the retailer and the offer you want from the Ibotta app. After the purchase, submit a photo of your receipt on the app. You will get the cashback in your Ibotta account within 24 hours.
You can also compare the prices of the items at top retailers to get the best deal!!
#3. InboxDollars: Get $5 Instantly
| Average Cashback Rates: | 1.5% to 15% |
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $5 Instantly |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift cards |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $15 |
InboxDollars is a free online survey and rewards site. Since 2000, the company has paid over $1.8 million to its members for cashback shopping.
You get cashback deals on both online and in-store shopping. InboxDollars generally offers cashback at a rate of 1.5% to 15%, depending on the brand.
Cashback shopping deals include clothing retailers, hotels and travel, department stores, payment plan retailers, supermarkets, health and beauty, subscription box services, and auto insurance.
New users get a free instant $5 welcome bonus by signing up on InboxDollars using this link.
To claim cashback deals on online shopping:
- Select the store in the Shop & Earn section
- On clicking the “Earn Cash Back” or “Get Deal” button, you will be directed to the merchant site
- After the purchase, your credit will appear under pending within 30 minutes to 7 business days
- Approved credits will be rewarded within 30-75 days
For in-store cashback shopping deals:
- Browse live offers on the Magic Receipts page of InboxDollars
- Read the details about the offer carefully. Like redemption stores, the expiry of the offer, quantity of the product, and more
- After purchase, scan your receipt and submit it with a click or two
- Receipts are processed within minutes of uploading
Note: There is a limit on the number of receipts you can submit. Check carefully!!
Pro-tip to earn more: Refer your friends and family to InboxDollars. You will receive 10% of the cashback amount they made from Shopping. Every time!!
You can also earn money by playing super exciting games on InboxDollars.
Learn More: Read about the 25 Best Money Earning Game Apps to Win Real Money!!
#4. BeFrugal: $10 Sign Up Bonus
| Average Cashback: | Up to 40% |
| Available: | Online and free printable coupons |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $10 |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Direct Deposit, Venmo, Check, Zelle or Gift cards |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $0.01 |
BeFrugal is another online app that pays you to shop online and in-store.
BeFrugal is one of the highly-rated apps because of its guaranteed highest cashback rates, multiple payment options, fast and low minimum payout, and a generous $10 welcome bonus.
Here is how it works:
- Sign up for BeFrugal for free using this link
- A $10 welcome bonus will be deposited into your BeFrugal account after you earn a cashback of $10
- Click the “Shop Now” button or select any coupon or deal. You will be directed to the retailer’s website, where you can make the purchase
- You will get the cashback in your BeFrugal account within 7 days of your purchase
Note: There is a BeFrugal coupon guarantee. BeFrugal will credit $5 to your account if an online coupon does not work. Very Assuring!!
#5. TopCashback
| Average Earnings: | $400 per year |
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Bank transfer, Gift Cards |
| Minimum Cashout: | None |
TopCashback is another app that offers cashback on shopping. It is one of the few apps that pass 100% of the commission it gets from the partnered brands to its members. The company guarantees the highest cashback rates.
TopCashback gives deals on both online and in-store purchases:
- For online shopping, once you purchase from the featured retailer site through the TopCashback app, your cashback will appear on your earnings page within 7 days. You can withdraw the earnings after TopCashback receives the commission from the retailer.
- For in-store shopping, register your debit or credit card with TopCashback. Activate the offer you like on the app and shop in the store using your registered store.
- There are also Snap & Save offers. Browse the offers onsite and purchase them at the shop. Just upload the receipt. After the receipt is processed, your cashback will appear within 1 hour.
You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, bank transfer, or redeem for a gift card. There is no minimum payout!!
Learn More: Want to know about apps that cashout to PayPal? Read about the Top 30 Apps that pay free money to PayPal!!
#6. Swagbucks: Get $10 Sign Up Bonus
| Sign Up Bonus: | $10 |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift cards, Prepaid Visa cards |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $10 |
Swagbucks is another online rewards site with many options to get money instantly. Members earn Swagbucks points called SB. 1000 SB are equal to $10.
You can earn cashback on in-store and online shopping.
Cashback for online shopping:
- You can shop online through the Swagbucks site. You can also forward your online shopping receipt from the eligible merchant to [email protected] within 10 days of purchase
- You will receive your SB within 24 hours
Cashback for in-store shopping:
- Select the deals from the Swagbucks app and link them to your card. Purchase at the eligible store using the linked card
- Submit the photo of your receipt on the app
- You will receive the cashback within 10 days
Tip to earn free money: Swag Codes are available on different pages of the site. You can redeem these Codes for FREE SB, which you can withdraw for real free money!!
Another way to earn real money on Swagbucks is by playing games. You can easily withdraw your earnings through PayPal.
Related Article: Want to earn PayPal money by playing games online? I have compiled a list of the Best Game Apps that Pay to PayPal!!
Swagbucks also offers free $10 for signing up. Join Swagbucks for free, and $10 will be deposited in your account after a $25 purchase.
#7. Tada: $20 Sign Up Bonus
| Cashback: | Up to 20% |
| Available: | Online and In-store |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $20 |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift Cards |
| Minimum Cashout through PayPal: | $10 |
Tada is a freely available cashback app that pays you to shop for groceries online and in-store.
For in-store grocery shopping:
- Take a snap of the shopping receipt of your grocery and upload it on Tada. Tada has magic receipts technology that automatically finds the deal and offers you cashback.
- You can link your loyalty accounts of eligible merchants to the Tada app by using the link and scan feature of Tada. After you shop, click the scan button and automatically receive the cashback.
For new users, Tada also offers a generous welcome bonus of $20.
#8. Mr. Rebates: Earn Free $7.5
| Available: | Online through website, Coupons |
| Sign Up Bonus: | $7.5 |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Check, Venmo, Gift Cards |
| Minimum Cashout: | $10 |
Mr. Rebates offers free money in the form of cashback shopping. They also post coupons on their site that you can use to purchase items from the partnered stores.
You can withdraw your cashback monthly via PayPal, Venmo, check and gift cards. However, you need a minimum of $10 to request the payment.
In addition, you also get $7.5 free money as a sign up bonus on making your first purchase.
#9. MyPoints: Free $5 Instantly & $10 Gift Card
| Cashback: | Up to 20 points per dollar |
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Sign Up Bonus: | Instant $5 and $10 gift card after $10 purchase |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift Cards, Visa Cards, Travel miles |
MyPoints is an online rewards site that offers cashback on online and in-store shopping. It is one of the oldest cashback sites. For in-store shopping, you need to upload the scanned receipts to MyPoints to earn cashback.
Members are rewarded with points for completing tasks. Apart from cashback shopping, other ways to earn free money via MyPoints include paid surveys, reading Emails, playing games, booking travels, and much more.
For new users, MyPoints offers welcome free money of $5 and a $10 gift card after a purchase of $10.
#10. Receipt Hog: Get Paid To Shop
| Available: | Surveys on shopping |
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Gift Cards |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $5 |
Receipt Hog is an online company that researches the market. The company works with brands that deal with consumer goods. Receipt Hog rewards its members for sharing their shopping experiences.
On joining Receipt Hog, submit the images of your shopping receipts and answer quick questions regarding your purchases to earn rewards.
Receipt Hog rewards you with coins that you can redeem for gift cards or cash out via PayPal. You can withdraw once your wallet reaches $5.
#11. Shopkick
Shopkick is an online site that rewards you for shopping. You earn reward points called “Kicks” for shopping online or in-store.
You can redeem Kicks for real PayPal money or gift cards. Most rewards are 250 Kicks for $1.
You can earn rewards (Kicks) for shopping in different ways:
- Online purchases through Shopkick
- In-store purchases through debit or credit card linked to your Shopkick account
- Submitting purchase receipts of eligible items from specific retailers
- Scanning the barcode of eligible items using the scan option in the Shopkick app
- “Walk-in” option in which you have to open the app and walk into the participating store. Your mobile will pick up the Shopkick signal present at the entrance of the store and reward you with Kicks
Note: You need a minimum threshold of $20 to redeem your Kicks.
#12. Drop
Drop is another online rewards site that offers cashback on shopping. Shopping categories include beauty, apparel, groceries, dining, travel, and entertainment.
You earn points for shopping called Drop points. You also get points for playing games and filling out surveys.
Related Article: I have compiled a list of the 17 Best Android Game Apps That Pay Real Money. The list also includes apps that pay instantly!!
These points can be redeemed for gift cards, crypto investments, charitable donations, or contest entries. Gift cards start at $25. 1000 points are equivalent to $1.
You can also become a Drop premium member to get more offers. All you need to do is link your debit or credit card to your Drop account.
Note: Payment options like PayPal or Venmo are not available on Drop!
#13. Dosh
| Payment Options: | PayPal, Venmo, Bank transfer |
| Minimum Cashout through PayPal: | $25 |
Drop is an automatic cashback app that provides free cash when you shop online or in-store, dine or book hotels.
You can get a cashback of up to 40% on booking hotels.
To claim cashback through Drop, link your card with your Dosh account. Dosh deposits the cashback automatically into your wallet whenever you purchase through the linked card.
Once your wallet reaches $25, you can transfer the money to your bank, PayPal, or Venmo account. You can also choose to donate a part of your money.
#14. Checkout 51
| Available: | Online and In-store shopping |
| Payment Options: | Check, PayPal, Gift card |
| Minimum Cashout: | $20 |
Checkout 51 is another website that offers cashback on groceries, everyday items, and gas. It is one of the cashback apps that pay you to shop for your gas!!
Note: Cashback on gas is only available in the United States.
For in-store shopping, you need to send a photo of your receipt, and you will get cashback on the eligible items. In case of online purchases, you need to send the packing slip included with the shipment to receive the cashback.
New offers are added every Thursday and expire the following Wednesday. Once your account balance reaches $20, you can easily redeem your free money. You can redeem via check, PayPal, or a gift card.
#15. Groupon
Groupon is an online platform that helps you save money on things you already do and discover new things you can do nearby or far.
On Groupon, you can find vouchers, coupons, and gift cards for goods, services, and experiences, including online ordering, travel, dining in, live concerts, and much more. You can pay through credit or debit cards, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or PayPal.
Note: Groupon deals are available for a limited period only. Before purchasing a deal, make sure to read the fine print!!
Once you have selected the Groupon voucher, you can redeem your Groupon vouchers by:
- Copy the redemption code on the merchant’s site while shopping
- View the voucher to the merchant upon arrival
- If your deal requires booking, book online through Groupon
For new users, Groupon offers an extra saving of 20% on their first purchase.
#16. Honey
Honey is an online rewards site that helps you save money automatically while shopping. In 2020, the members of Honey saved around $126.
You earn PayPal reward points for your eligible purchases via Honey. The reward points can be redeemed for gift cards or shopping credit for your next purchase, or you can transfer real free money to your PayPal account.
There are many ways you can save money and time automatically using Honey:
- Honey extension: Shop normally as you do. Honey will search for the best working coupon applicable to your purchase and apply it to your cart.
- Droplist: Add an item you wish to buy to Droplist, the price tracker. Honey will notify you whenever it detects a price drop at the store.
- Honey on Amazon: Honey compares sellers for you. It even tells the price history so that you can save more money.
Note: Honey is now a part of PayPal: PayPal Honey. You can expect bigger deals and offers to come your way through Honey!!
#17. KashKick
| Payment Options: | PayPal |
| Minimum Cashout via PayPal: | $10 |
KashKick is a rewards and loyalty platform to make and save more money. The site is only available for US residents.
You can complete various tasks, including daily surveys, and completing offers, to earn KashKick “Cash.”
Getting paid for taking surveys is an interesting way to earn extra cash online. I have compiled a list of the LEGIT Survey Apps that pay real money or gift cards in exchange for your opinions. I have also reviewed PayPal Survey Apps that pay instantly with no or low minimum payout. To earn maximum for your time, you can download the Highest-Paying Survey Apps and start making extra cash.
From KashKick, you can withdraw your earnings twice a week through PayPal. The minimum balance required to request payment is $10.
KashKick offers attractive and high-paying deals. Like currently, KashKick is offering a crazy free $100 to open an account on Stash and $50 to sign up for Acorns.
#18. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping gives you good offers, automatically applies the best coupon code available at the checkout, and alerts you when the items you viewed go on sale.
Here is how it works:
- Coupon Codes: On adding the Capital One Shopping extension to your browser, the best coupon codes available are automatically applied to your shopping cart
- Shopping Rewards: While online shopping on the partnered store, you can activate the “Shopping Rewards” (when prompted) to earn shopping rewards. Shopping rewards can be redeemed for gift cards.
- Price Comparisons: Capital One Shopping looks for better offers from different sellers when you browse products from Amazon or directly on Capital One Shopping.
- Price Protection: An interesting feature, so you don’t have to regret any price drop in the items you have already purchased. Capital One Shopping alerts you if your purchase is eligible for a Price Drop Claim (price drop of $3 or more).
You can make payments through all the major debit and credit cards. You need a minimum of $0.01 to redeem your Shopping Rewards.
#19. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is another rewards site that offers cashback on In-store and online shopping.
For In-store cashback shopping, you need to submit the purchase receipt. For online shopping, either shop through RetailMeNot or add the RetailMeNot extension to your browser.
The extension automatically finds the coupon and applies it to your shopping cart. In some cases, you need to copy the coupon code at the merchant’s site to earn rewards.
Most offers give a maximum reward of $50. The shopping rewards are added to your RetailMeNot wallet. You can redeem your rewards for real money through PayPal or a Venmo account.
Note: You can avail a maximum of 20 rewards offer online, and 15 offers In-store MONTHLY!!
Tip to save more: RetailMeNot created Cash Back Day, where you can earn 5X cashback. Recently, it was on 3-4 November 2022. Look out for such crazy cashback-earning days to shop!!
#20. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards lets you earn points by shopping and completing offers, including taking surveys and referring to friends.
You can get a minimum of 25 points for ANY receipt from ANY store. In addition, you also get 1% cashback on the total amount you spend.
You earn points by submitting your physical shopping receipts earned for in-store shopping and eReceipts you earn for online purchases.
In case of online purchases, you have to use the eReceipt feature. For this, you need to connect your Fetch account to your email and Amazon account to be eligible to earn points for your online shopping.
You can redeem your points for available rewards. However, you cannot redeem points for money.
You also get 2,000 free points for referring Fetch Rewards to your friends.
#21. Coupons.com
Coupons.com provides free digital and printable coupons.
The digital coupons include cashback offers and store-specific coupons.
To claim Cashback offers:
- You need to activate the offer before purchasing at ANY store.
- You can link your store account details, link store loyalty cards, or submit your receipt to Coupons.com.
- Your cashback will be directly sent to your PayPal account within a week.
You can redeem Store-Specific Coupons only at specific stores. You need to add the offer to your store loyalty card before purchasing. Discount is automatically applied at checkout, and you pay only the discounted price.
Related Articles: Learn about the 19 Best iPhone Game Apps That Pay Real Money!!
Pointers on Cashback Apps That Pay You To Shop
- Look for the sign up bonuses while registering for an app
- Carefully read the terms and conditions of the cashback deals.
- Check the app’s legitimacy before linking any of your accounts to it.
- Apply as many offers as possible on your shopping cart to SAVE BIG.
Read More: I have compiled a list of the 28 highest money-paying Apps. Join now to earn more!!
Apps That Pay You To Shop FAQs
Are cashback apps safe?
Yes absolutely. Cashback apps are legitimate and safe. But some apps are scams. So, before signing up for any app or linking your cards to any app, check carefully that you are not getting into any scams.
What apps pay you to scan receipts?
Apps that pay you to scan shopping receipts include InboxDollars, TopCashback, Ibotta, Swagbucks, Tada, MyPoints, Receipt Hog, ShopKick, Checkout 51, RetailMeNot, Fetch Rewards, and Coupons.com.
How do cashback app companies make money?
The brands and retailers pay Cashback Apps to send customers to their stores. Cashback Apps pay users a part of that commission as cashback. Win-win for all!!
How to avoid cashback app scams?
To avoid cashback app scams, read the reviews on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store carefully. Research as much as possible before signing up on any app. If the offer seems pretty unbelievable, it might be a scam!!