In a perfect world, we could shop with unlimited money, and our bank account balances would never change. A perfect world might be all in our imagination, but there are very real ways that you can make money online just for shopping.
How to Earn Cash Back and Rewards Online When You Shop
Get Paid for Scanning Your Receipts
Brands will pay good money to learn more about how you shop. In fact, gathering data on the things you buy (and the things you don’t) helps them serve you better.
While opportunities like mystery shopping, focus groups and online surveys will often pay you for your opinions, finding the right ones (and being accepted) can be challenging. There are digital opportunities you can take advantage of today to earn rewards online instead.
Shopkick
Download the Shopkick app to earn points (called “kicks”) for scanning barcodes–on things you do and don’t buy. Scan barcodes on select items on the shelf to earn kick, and earn more when you purchase items from a variety of brands. When the app is activated, you can rack up points that you can redeem for gift cards to “treat yo’self!” Choose from some of your favorite retailers including Target, Starbucks, and Amazon.
Pros:
- Shop in-store or online through Shopkick retailers
- Earn kicks for just walking into a store (must have GPS and Bluetooth activated)
Cons:
- Earn points, not cash
- Only redeem for digital gift cards
Fetch Rewards
With Fetch, you can earn points for scanning grocery receipts. Every time you shop at a scan your receipt. You’ll earn points that you can redeem for gift cards.
Pros:
- Earn points at hundreds of your favorite grocery stores
- Use print or digital receipts
Cons:
- Earn points, not cash
- Only available for select grocery food brands
CoinOut
CoinOut gives you the opportunity to scan receipts and earn cash. With the app, you can easily see how much cash back you earn with each receipt. Then, you can have your funds transferred to your bank, Amazon, or PayPal account.
Pros:
- Earn cash back, not points
- No minimum required to cash out
- Use print or digital receipts
Cons:
- Funds can take up to 90 days to clear for cash out
How to Get Money Back with Special Offers
Some companies offer special exclusive offers that let you earn money back for your purchases. You can activate an offer to take advantage, or simply use your card and start swiping.
Ebates
Ebates is a giant in cash back retail. Just sign up and shop your favorite stores through their online portal. Discover exclusive cash back offers you can activate anytime to get started. Brands pay Ebates a percentage every time you make a purchase, and they pass that onto you in the form of cash. Then you can redeem for a check or PayPal deposit.
Pros:
- Earn cash back, not points
Cons:
- Receive checks once a quarter
Ibotta
With Ibotta, you can earn cash on your purchases. Take a photo of a receipt, link your supported store loyalty card, or shop brands directly within the app. Be sure to activate relevant offers before you buy to take advantage.
Pros:
- Earn cash back with your receipts, loyalty card, or in-app shopping
- Earn cash back, not points
- Choose payment through PayPal or a gift card to select stores and restaurants
Cons:
- Redeem when you have $20 in your account
- Must activate offers before making a purchase
Dosh
With Dosh, you need to link your bank card to start earning cash back. Dosh regularly updates offers from major retailers, so you don’t have to keep up with online portals or activating offers. The deals change all the time, so you can always take advantage of offers to earn cash back. Just link your bank card and spend as usual. If Dosh has an active offer on something you purchase, they’ll automatically add the amount you’ve earned to your Dosh Wallet.
Pros:
- Just link your bank card and spend as usual
- Redeem to your bank account, PayPal or the charity of your choice
- Earn cash back
Cons:
- Redeem when you have $25 in your account
Be sure to check out these sites for the most current terms and offers. Always read the company’s Privacy Policy to learn about how they handle your personal information.
