Introduction
We’re not talking about extreme couponing or becoming a full-blown influencer. We mean simple, everyday shopping—groceries, clothes, takeout, even online orders—that can earn you real cash or points you can redeem. In this article, we’ll break down the most common and trusted ways you can get paid to shop, share our favorite apps and websites, and help you get started today. Let’s jump in.
1. How Does Getting Paid to Shop Work?
Here’s the deal: Companies want your shopping data and feedback. They use this info to improve their products, understand trends, and make better marketing decisions. Instead of relying on expensive agencies, they now work with apps and services that collect this data from real shoppers like you—and pay you for it.
There are a few main ways you can earn:
- Cashback rewards: You shop like normal, and a percentage of your purchase comes back to you.
- Mystery shopping: You’re paid to visit stores, make purchases, and report on your experience.
- Receipt scanning: Snap a photo of your receipt and earn points or cashback.
- Loyalty programs and referrals: Earn money or bonuses by referring friends or shopping through special portals.
At SurveyBeta, we’ve tested dozens of these platforms—and some of them are surprisingly generous.
2. Cashback Apps and Websites
One of the easiest ways to get paid while shopping is through cashback platforms. These apps and sites give you money back for shopping through their links or uploading receipts. Simple, right?
Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
This is one of the most popular cashback sites out there. You sign up for free, shop through their portal, and earn up to 10% (sometimes more) at stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. Payments come every quarter via PayPal or check.
Ibotta
Ibotta is perfect for grocery and retail shopping. Just scan your receipt after your shopping trip and get cashback for items you purchased. They also offer online deals through the app and browser extension.
Dosh
With Dosh, you link your debit or credit card and earn cashback automatically when you shop at participating stores—no receipt scanning required. Payouts go straight to your PayPal or bank account.
TopCashback
This site often has the highest cashback rates out there. Like Rakuten, you shop through their portal and earn a percentage of what you spend back.
We recommend signing up for more than one to get the best deals. Some people even double-dip by using multiple apps at once!
3. Mystery Shopping Jobs
Mystery shopping is like being a secret agent—with a shopping bag. You’re hired to visit stores, restaurants, or even gas stations and evaluate things like customer service, cleanliness, or product displays. After your visit, you submit a short report and get paid (and sometimes reimbursed for what you bought).
Best Mystery Shopping Companies:
- BestMark
- Market Force
- Secret Shopper
- IntelliShop
These companies post assignments in your area, and you choose which ones to accept. Payouts range from $10 to $50 per assignment, depending on complexity. Some even offer free meals or products in exchange for your feedback.
At SurveyBeta, we love mystery shopping for the variety—no two jobs are the same, and it’s a fun way to break up your daily routine.
4. Scan Receipts for Easy Rewards
If you’re someone who already shops regularly, don’t throw those receipts away—they’re basically money.
Fetch Rewards
This app is incredibly easy to use. Just snap a photo of your grocery receipt (from any store), and you’ll earn points. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and more.
Receipt Hog
Another app that pays you in coins for uploading receipts. It doesn’t matter where you shop—grocery stores, gas stations, even convenience stores count.
CoinOut
Seen on Shark Tank, CoinOut lets you upload receipts and get random cashback amounts added to your account. It’s simple and low effort.
While these apps don’t pay much per receipt, the rewards add up over time—especially if you’re consistent.
5. Get Paid to Shop Online
Shopping online? Good news: There are even more ways to get paid.
Swagbucks
You probably know Swagbucks for their surveys and games, but they also offer cashback for online shopping. Use their search engine, click through their shopping portal, and earn “SB” points for every dollar spent.
Honey (PayPal Rewards)
Honey’s famous for its coupon code browser extension, but it also has a rewards program. You earn PayPal points for shopping through their links, which can later be redeemed for gift cards or cash.
Shopkick
Earn “kicks” (points) not just for shopping, but for walking into stores, scanning items, or buying selected products. Redeem your kicks for gift cards at major retailers.
If you’re already shopping online, why not get a few bucks back in the process?
6. Tips to Maximize Your Shopping Rewards
To really make the most of your shopping rewards, keep these simple tips in mind:
- Stack your rewards: Use a cashback app and a receipt scanning app for the same purchase.
- Check apps before shopping: Some rewards are for specific brands or stores, so make sure your trip qualifies.
- Refer friends: Most of these platforms offer referral bonuses, so share your links with friends and earn extra.
- Watch for promotions: Cashback sites often have “double cash” events or seasonal boosts—great times to stock up.
At SurveyBeta, we always say: If you’re going to spend money anyway, you might as well get a little back.
Conclusion
Getting paid to shop isn’t a fantasy—it’s a real and accessible way to earn extra money or rewards. Whether you’re snapping photos of your grocery receipt, shopping through a cashback portal, or becoming a mystery shopper for a local store, there are plenty of simple ways to turn your everyday spending into real value.
At SurveyBeta, our mission is to help you find legit, no-nonsense ways to earn extra income online. And shopping is one of the easiest and most enjoyable options out there. No special skills required—just your time, a smartphone, and a bit of consistency.
So go ahead—shop smart, stack those rewards, and turn every trip to the store into a money-making opportunity.