10+ Best Apps to Scan Receipts For Money

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Groceries are one of the biggest variable expenses for most people. To help you offset that cost, there are apps where you can scan receipts for money.

Here are our top apps to check out so you can get rewarded for shopping you already do.

Key Takeaways

  • You can scan receipts with your phone and get paid cash or in gift cards
  • Some apps will work at any store, while others only work at grocery stores
  • There are also apps where you can link a credit card and get rewards for your purchases

Apps to Scan Receipts For Money

Let’s look at these apps and tips below to earn rewards each time you shop.

1. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards app home page

📱Apple 4.8 / Google Play 4.6

If you like to buy name-brand items, you can earn reward points with the Fetch app. Fetch Rewards only requires your store to provide an itemized receipt.

Scan the receipt, and you will earn rewards points for each item you purchase with an active offer. For each dollar spent, you earn ten points.

These points are redeemable for Visa gift cards, retail gift cards, or future grocery visits.

Make sure to enter the referral code C8MNU to get 1000 free points. Get your free sign-up bonus of $1.00 just for scanning your first receipt!

Related Article: 12 Apps Like Fetch Rewards

2. Pogo

pogo app

📱Apple 4.9 / Google Play 4.6

If you’re looking for an app that automatically credits you for purchases without any work, you’ve found it in Pogo.

Link your debit or credit card, and get credit for all purchases from a grocery store, retail store, or restaurant. You can even earn points for paying your bills.

There’s no minimum to cash out; for the most part, they also don’t penalize you for double-dipping with other cash-back rewards programs.

You can cash out via PayPal or Venmo, and the payout is instant. Receive 300 points FREE when you sign up and link your bank card.

Learn More: Pogo App Review

3. Ibotta

📱Apple 4.8 / Google Play 4.5

The largest and most popular receipt rewards app is Ibotta. Maybe your friends or family have talked about it before. This app is one of the quickest ways to make money on grocery trips.

Ibotta makes it easy to earn cash back at over 300 grocery store brands. Some of the national franchises include Walmart, Target, and Walgreens.

Ibotta deposits most cash rewards into your account after 48 hours.

Plus, get a $10 bonus after your first Ibotta purchase.

Related Article: 10 Apps Like Ibotta For The Most Cash Back

4. NCP Mobile

📱Apple 4.3 / Google Play 4.5

NCP Mobile works slightly differently than some of the other apps mentioned here. With most apps, you activate offers before you shop.

But with National Consumer Panel, you activate offers after you’ve paid. This app works for all grocery and non-grocery purchases. All you have to do is scan the barcode of each product you buy along with the purchase price.

With each purchase, you earn points that you can redeem for cash, gift cards, and prizes. They also have cash drawings each week, month, and quarter.

5. Shopkick

📱Apple 4.6 / Google Play 3.8

To get started, download the Shopkick app (available for iOS and Android) to your smartphone and turn on your phone’s GPS within the app. You can earn points just for walking into a store.

Once inside the store, see what product barcodes you can scan and enter price amounts. Shopkick will pay you to scan the barcodes of items you don’t purchase.

Also, you can earn points by scanning items at non-grocery stores. And by browsing online stores and watching videos online.

Get a $5 new user bonus using the code WALLET5.

6. ReceiptPal

receipt pal app

📱Apple 4.5 / Google Play 4.0

One of the most flexible ways to earn money is by scanning receipts with ReceiptPal. Unlike the other apps listed here, you earn points for each uploaded receipt.

The best part is that it can submit receipts from almost any store.

In addition to scanning grocery receipts, you earn points on most other non-grocery purchases, such as oil changes, coffee purchases, or hotel room bookings.

After submitting four receipts, you earn 100 points. You can earn up to 300 points (12 receipts) each week.

7. TopCashback

top cashback home

📱Apple 4.7 / Google Play 3.4

TopCashback is an online app that can help you earn cash-back rewards for your online purchases.

Getting cashback is easy with this app. Type the store name into the app to activate your shopping session. Then, the app routes you to the merchant’s website.

Once you purchase in that shopping session, TopCashback tracks your purchase. Usually, within 24 hours, your cashback is credited to your TopCashback account.

These cash rewards are payable by direct deposit, PayPal, and gift cards including Amazon.

With the potential to earn cash back at over 3,500 retailers, you can use TopCashback for more than just grocery shopping.

8. Rakuten

📱Apple 4.8 / Google Play 3.8

A favorite online cashback portal is Rakuten. You can use them to save money at online grocery stores. Some options include Vitacost, Jet, GNC, and Blue Apron.

You will never have to scan your receipt because Rakuten tracks your online purchases. Within two days, most purchase rewards are credited to your Rakuten account.

Once your rewards balance reaches $5, you can get paid by PayPal or check. Rakuten pays on a quarterly basis.

You can earn between 1% and 40% at over 2,000 retailers. But you most likely won’t earn cashback at your local grocery store.

Plus, first-time users will receive a $10 cash bonus after their first $25 purchase.

9. Checkout 51

📱Apple 4.0 / Google Play 4.2

Checkout 51 is available to U.S. and Canadian grocery shoppers. The offers are updated each Thursday and are available on a “first come, first serve basis.” So, if you wait too long to claim it, the offer may no longer be available.

Also, you must scan all receipts by Wednesday at 11:59 PM in your time zone. Once the weekly offers reset, you can’t claim last week’s offers.

While some offers are store-specific, you can redeem almost all at any store in-person or online.

After activating the offer(s), buy the item and upload a copy of the receipt to Checkout 51. People like using Checkout 51 because you can browse offers from your computer and the mobile app.

10. Receipt Hog

receipt hog app

📱Apple 4.7 / Google Play 4.5

Receipt Hog tries to make grocery and non-grocery shopping fun with its interactive app.

You might consider this app because you get paid to shop at any retail store. Even when you don’t buy a single grocery item, you earn rewards. But most offers are for grocery stores.

After shopping, snap a picture of your receipt and wait for Receipt Hog to credit you with rewards coins. What makes Receipt Hog fun is the multiple ways to earn bonus points.

You get free spins each time you upload a receipt or refer a friend to join Receipt Hog.

You can redeem your reward points for Amazon gift cards, PayPal cash, magazines, and sweepstakes entries. Cash payments are available when you earn 1,000 coins, which is equivalent to $5.

11. Mobee

📱Apple 4.2 / Google Play 3.7

For a unique twist on shopping for groceries, you might download Mobee. It is a shopping app that pays you to shop and review your shopping experience. Also, you might have the chance to mystery shop at a local grocery store.

After answering five to ten questions, your shopping trip review will be complete. Then, you receive your points within 24 hours of completing the mission.

Redeem the points for PayPal cash, gift cards, and merchandise prizes.

12. CheckPoints

📱Apple 4.0 / Google Play 3.4

CheckPoints is a multi-faceted app. You can earn points by scanning the barcodes of your favorite products at your local grocery store.

You can earn points for your other online activities as well.

Ways to earn points:

  • Watch videos
  • Answer surveys
  • Shop online
  • Search the web
  • Play games to win more points

If you currently use Swagbucks, this site will have a familiar platform.

However, with CheckPoints, you can scan product barcodes for points. This is one task that Swagbucks doesn’t currently offer.

13. CoinOut

📱Apple 4.6 / Google Play 3.6

person scanning receipt with CoinOut

Do you buy groceries at Walmart or Sam’s Club? Coinout is a receipt-scanning app that pays you a flat 1.8% back on all food purchases.

Fans of the TV series Shark Tank may well remember CoinOut. You don’t have to redeem any offers. CoinOut only requires you to upload store receipts. Available on IOS and on Android.

If you buy groceries at Walmart or Sam’s Club, CoinOut gives you rewards points. And you can use other apps to redeem single-item offers to boost your earnings.

Right now, it doesn’t work at other stores that sell groceries. But you can also get cash back at non-food retail partners. These include eBay, Office Depot, Hotels.com, and others.

Learn More: Coinout Review: Is This Cash Back App Worth it

Tips to Maximize Earnings Scanning Receipts

Receipt scanning apps are an easy way to make money on every grocery store purchase. However, following the tips below can maximize your efforts.

In some cases, you might only save a few pennies more. Other times, you can save a few extra dollars following these tips.

Get a Grocery Store Loyalty

Most supermarkets offer store loyalty cards. They scan these cards at checkout so you can enjoy instant discounts.

For instance, you get five items for $5 with your card. But you pay $1.25 each without your store loyalty card.

These cards are free and offer exclusive discounts such as in store cash coupons to discounts on gas if they have a gas station associated with them.

Use In-Store Coupons Too

You will need to research the terms and conditions of each app, but you can usually use a “double coupon.” In this case, you can use a store’s coupon plus the app discount.

Of course, not every in-app offer will have a digital coupon. But it still pays to be on the lookout for both.

Double couponing lets you earn an instant cash back discount with the in-store coupon. And earn an additional reward using the digital app.

Shop with a Rewards Credit Card

If you have a rewards credit card, you can earn rewards points for each dollar you spend. And these points are separate from any app offer.

But this advice only applies if you pay your credit card balance in full every month.

Remember, the shopping app doesn’t care how you pay for your purchase. They are looking to see if you purchased the correct product and upload your receipt promptly.

Scan Your Receipt ASAP

Save those receipts and plan your week to include scanning receipts.

Or, instead of putting away your grocery receipt as soon as you unload your grocery bags, scan it right away. Some apps might only give you three days to scan your receipt.

Waiting to scan means you are more likely to forget to submit the receipt. So if you wait too long, you will miss earning any money for that trip.

It only takes a moment to share your grocery purchase and earn cash rewards by using the free apps mentioned here.

Maybe you have already stretched your budget to buy groceries at the lowest price. If so, these apps can return more money to your wallet with each visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really get paid for scanning receipts?

Yes, you can get rewarded for scanning your receipts. The earnings will be based on each app company’s payout process. Some will pay you in points to be redeemed for gift cards. Others may use PayPal.

Is scanning receipts for cash legit?

Yes, however, make sure the company is reputable. Check reviews on the app store or Trustpilot to ensure they are legit.

Are cash-back apps worth it?

Yes, because it is easy to get paid for scanning your receipts. Simply take a photo of your receipt through your favorite app, earn points, and cash out.

What do they do with the information on my receipt?

Many marketing research companies are interested in what you buy. In fact, some apps give you more points for certain products, like brand-name baby products. If you do not mind these companies knowing what you buy at the store, then why not get paid to tell them what cereal you buy?

Summary

As you can see, making money on every grocery store purchase is possible. Some apps pay you to buy certain brands. Others give you reward points regardless of which brand you buy.

So, the next time you shop, take a few seconds to scan your grocery receipts. Because no matter how you shop, these apps put money back into your pocket.

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60 Comments

  1. I bought at Home Depot a grass cutter. Which apps would apply to Home Depot.

  2. Ms reallity says:

    Stay away fromFetch Rewards they will accuse you of fraud and slander your name when you start earning too much money then cheat you out of your cash while selling your info. Scammers and I hope they go to hell where they fry for eternity. Starting a class action

  3. I need an app that also saves the receipts I scan for filing purposes like for taxes. It’s just such a nuisance to have to have multiple apps and my receipts are usually longer than a kids Christmas list so scanning them can be a hassle. Are any of these apps able to do that? I currently use Ibotta, Ebates (Rakutan), Receipt hog and often forget to upload within the time frame because like ibotta does sometimes require you to scan barcode of product and the receipt after shopping in addition to claiming offers before shopping which is kind of a pain.

  4. Michelle l Sohmstoughton says:

    You forgot receiptpal.

    1. Thank you for the suggestion!

  5. Inbox dollars is a great way to earn money by making purchases, playing games, shopping, watching TV, etc.

    1. Thank you for the suggestion!

  6. I am so sorry to hear of those of you that are having such difficulties trying to locate your saved funds. I did see that Walmart was putting the monies on a gift card on the app under the Walmart pay option after one of the changes – or at least that’s where I was able to find what I had accrued. I went ahead and used my funds early on during the changes, so after the additional ones I’m not sure how the monies were adjusted. However, I do agree Walmart does have an issue if those funds are lost, because those were accrued under the previous policies. Therefore, they are yours to keep and to be honored.

    1. michael regan says:

      Gina, I have 2 old Lowes cards. I see no indication of date that they expire on the cards

  7. I’ve been using Receipt Hog for a couple years now! If you scan every week, it gives you bonuses too! I’m considering ibotta. I do most of my shopping in-store, and I really like Receipt Hog because you get PayPal or Amazon. I use PayPal. It does take some time to get enough points to cash out, but I enjoy it!

    1. Those two are a couple of the more popular apps that people use. I am glad to hear they are working well for you! 🙂

  8. Ms. Vetta says:

    Thank you so much for this list! I have never used any of these apps, just the regular store apps and my rewards card. But, I will definitely be downloading a few of these apps. I shop all the time! I have also shared this article with family members!

    1. I’m glad we could help! I hope you save a lot of money and get rewards as well. 🙂

  9. Jackie Smith says:

    Hi. Thanks so much for this list! I will be checking out all of them! I didn’t realize there were so many ways to get cash back! Also, I’m in the same boat as Gary Klimmer – I used the Walmart Savings Catcher and had $120 saved. Now, no one knows where my money is located! This is a shame! It’s actually false advertisement and Walmart could have a big problem if several people are in the boat with myself and Gary Klimmer! I’m just saying!

    1. I’m sorry to hear that you had trouble using Walmart Savings Catcher. I hope you have better luck if you try a different way to save on your groceries.

    2. Walmart put my Savings Catcher money on a gift card. You should see if you have any gift cards in your Walmart app.

  10. Hi! Thanks so much for not only the list but also telling what they require and what they pay. It has saved me tons of research time! I have one question. though. Can you use the same receipt on more than one app? Or, is it somehow voided after it’s been scanned?

    1. One way to find out is to read the policies, terms, and conditions for each of the apps you are using. Some prohibit using the same receipt to collect twice.

  11. Amy Bontempo says:

    Snap by Groupon is no longer active. Also, Savings Catcher is no longer available and neither is Mobisave.

    1. Thanks for bringing that to our attention. We’ll check into it.

  12. Gary Klimmer says:

    I’m a Walmart kind of guy. I shop there for groceries all the time because they have the best prices. I used to use the Savings Catcher App, but then Walmart changed it, and no one at Walmart knows how to use it anymore. As a matter of fact, I had over $350.00 on The Savings Catcher App when they changed the App the first time, and I figured out how to use it the first time. They also stashed my $350.00 somewhere, but I can’t find it, and no one at Walmart can find it. Then they changed it for the second time eliminating the need to scan the receipt to get them to shop for a better price. But now, no one knows how to do that! Now I try to scan the App, but that doesn’t work and I have money in that old App Place Savings Catcher App but also can’t find it. So, they have figured out how to screw everyone out of a lot of money again. I’m very disappointed in Walmart right now. I may go as far as saying they are crooked and know they are cheating people.

    1. I’m sorry you are having bad luck not only using Walmart’s app but also in getting help from anyone. Maybe a different app would work better? You could always try something else. Just because one isn’t working well for you doesn’t mean they’ll all be the same. Good luck!

    2. If you signed up for a bluebird by American Express account your money could be there. Bluebird were doubling the money you saved on the savings catcher and was also connected to the savings catcher. that’s where I found my money. I had forgotten that I had this account connected to savings catcher. When savings catcher was ending you had a limited time to transfer the bluebird money to a Walmart gift card or the money stays in the bluebird account till you close the Bluebird account I closed my account and they mailed me a check

  13. Katie Creech says:

    Mobisave no longer works. Savings Catcher is changing to only being able to use it with Walmart Pay after October 29.

    1. Thanks for updating our readers! We appreciate your feedback!

  14. Michell Webb says:

    I want apps that allow any stores and any items! I don’t have a lot of the big name stores around me to use store specific apps!

    1. Yes, that is one drawback. Not everyone lives near the stores that the apps allow.

  15. Is eBates the only rewards app that lets you manually input your receipt info? I do all of my shopping online and have all digital receipts only.

    Thanks, 🙂
    Tricia

    1. I don’t know if any others allow you to manually enter receipts. However, Shopkick states you can purchase online and earn rewards so it might work for you. I suggest checking each app you are interested in and don’t forget to also look at their FAQ section. If that doesn’t work, try contacting them directly to find out which ones might work.
      I will point out that many will work with mobile apps. You might try this option to get your rewards.

    2. NCP allows manual input if you must tap a button that it won’t scan.

  16. I use many. My favorites are Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Walmart Savings Catcher, and ReceiptPal. I have cashed in many times.

    1. Josh Patoka says:

      That’s great to hear. Using multiple apps to always get cash back is a great strategy.

    2. Thanks for those positive words. It’s great to know someone is using these and getting something from them. 🙂

  17. I am new to these apps. Which one, or ones, should I try first. Do you have any suggestions?

    1. I would suggest starting with Ibotta. That is the primary one that I use as it is intuitive and generally has deals on items I am already going to buy at my local grocery store.

      1. Hi, Deacon. I love your input. Besides Ibotta, do you also use Ebates and any of the other apps? It seems like more apps than my phone can handle.

      2. I have used Ebates before. But you’re right, some phones just don’t have enough space for you to have so many apps on them. That can limit your ability to scan items and get money back.

      3. Ebates is now Rakuten.

    2. Ruthanne Schmeltzer says:

      Get Ibotta, Fetch, Reciept hog and receipt pal… NCP panel is great too but a little more complicated bc you have to scan all of your items but you can also include all of your subscriptions.

  18. Vrimee | EarnFreeDollars says:

    Josh Patoka,
    This is a great list! Thanks! I have not heard about many of these apps before. Is there any validity period for the receipts? Like, I can use only receipts that are less than 6 months old.

  19. Does anyone know of a receipt scanning app that gives cash back or points for receipts from anywhere that don’t expire? I have around 500 receipts, but they are all about 5 to 6 months old. ReceiptPal would be the perfect app if receipts didn’t have an expiration date. Does anybody have suggestions?

    1. I’m not sure about older receipts. Most of them allow a week to two weeks for you to claim them. But, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll start getting cash back.

      1. Michael Regan says:

        Is there a time limit on how old a receipt can be in the way of years and is there a reason why stores like Walgreens and CVS do not allow points to roll over into the next year to save you more money. It would help many of us but as common sense as it may be it just might help someone less fortunate if they could add several years up.

  20. I really like receipt hog. I’ve only had it a month and did pretty well scanning all my receipts for anywhere and everywhere.

    1. Josh Patoka says:

      I’m glad you like it!

    2. I’m glad to know that. Thanks for sharing!

  21. Fetch is the easiest way to earn cash or gift cards. All you have to do is scan receipts and it gives you points.

  22. You totally need to add Caddle. It’s another cash back app for groceries as well, and it also pays you for answering quick questions, too.

    1. Hmm! We’ll have to look into that one. Thanks for sharing!

    2. Is this still available can’t find it

  23. Marcia Doublin says:

    I want to say that a lot of these apps are so useful. Thank you to the creators for making shopping, which I hate, kind of fun. Now, if you could teach me to be a coupon demon queen, like on TV, that would help me too. I suck at using coupons.

    1. Josh Patoka says:

      We’re working on that, too. At least these apps are a good starting point!

    1. Josh Patoka says:

      Ibotta is definitely the largest and one that my relatives use. The other ones can be exciting options too. Since Wal-Mart is one of two grocery stores in my town, we have others that use them and like it as well!

      But, I also encourage you to use some of the others on this list too depending on what type of shopping you do.

      1. Sandra sorto says:

        I think the best apps are Fetch Rewards, Shopkick, Walmart Saving Catcher, Ibotta, and one that pays you for unlocking your phone is called S’more .

      2. I’m glad your using some apps to save money. Thanks for your comments and for dropping by!

      3. Michael Regan says:

        I learned the hard way that quitting Walmarts app is very expensive. They tried to take me for thousands of dollars or stay a loyal member. I did not stay a loyal member. I recommend you legal up

      4. Walmart Savings Catcher no longer available.

    2. Yes! Ibotta is a good one. Let us know if you try any of the others!