There was a time when I immediately threw out my receipts after shopping. I couldn’t stand clutter and cringed when I found a crumpled old receipt. Little did I know, there are free receipt-scanner apps that pay you to do your normal shopping.
Now I keep all my receipts and am reaping some serious rewards. Check out my top three cash back receipt-scanner apps:
1. Fetch Rewards
If you like to buy brand name products, this app is for you. Fetch has done away with scanning barcodes; just download the app, register, scan your receipts and then you are on your way to earning gift cards from Amazon, Sephora, and Target, to name a few. If you are interested in the full list, we have a full Fetch Rewards review available.
Loyal to Whole Foods? That’s fine; it doesn’t matter where you buy your products. Just browse the offers ahead of going to the store and figure out your plan of attack. The offers are plenty and are tailored to you.
Each time you scan your receipts, you automatically get rewards earning .25- $2 per offer. You’ll also want to check out the bonus offers, which will help you earn even faster. Whatever you do, though, don’t put your scanning off for a rainy day, you’ve got 14 days to reap your rewards. Do the shopping, put away the shopping, and then scan & cash out. Easy breezy.
2. ReceiptPal
Unlike other cashback apps, ReceiptPal is hands down, the most flexible. You can literally use this app anywhere. Convenience stores, car dealerships, gas stations, & clothing stores are all fair game. The only receipts that don’t count are monthly bills, payment processors (PayPal) or marketplaces (eBay, Groupon). This app allows you to claim any receipt for points that can be turned into cash. You’re also automatically entered into their weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win even more cash!
All you need to do is snap a photo & submit your receipt. You can also sync up your e-mail account & the app will automatically credit you for your e-receipts. You’ve got three days from the end of the month to submit your receipt roundup. Every four receipts will earn you 100 points and you can earn up to 300 points per week.
You can redeem your points for cash or gift cards and are automatically entered into a weekly sweepstake.
3. ReceiptHog
Like a bit of fun while you shop? With Receipt Hog, you are paid for shopping at any store (retail, grocery, pet shops, convenience stores, etc.).
All you need to do is snap a picture of the receipt & your account will be credited with reward coins, which can be converted into cash. There is also an awesome in-app game called Hog Slots, which is basically a virtual slot machine, and each spin rewards you with bonus coins or rewards. Each time you upload a receipt or refer a friend you are given extra spins. You can also earn some extra cash by taking paid surveys or accepting challenges like uploading a certain amount of receipts per month.
Your points will earn you Amazon gift cards, cash through PayPal, magazine subscriptions or sweepstakes entries.
In Summary…
It is important to keep in mind that these receipt-scanner apps are designed to give you some extra pocket change for doing something you’re going to do anyway.