Reward apps have become a popular way to earn cash back and points for everyday purchases. With so many options available, finding the right one can help you save money on things you already buy. The best reward apps let you earn significant cash back or points with minimal effort, turning regular shopping trips into money-saving opportunities.
These apps typically work by scanning receipts, linking to credit cards, or offering special deals at partner stores. Some focus on grocery purchases, while others work for online shopping or gas stations. Most reward apps are free to download and use, making them an easy addition to your money-saving toolkit.
1. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is one of the most popular cashback apps available today. It works by giving you points when you upload receipts from any store or restaurant. These points can later be traded for gift cards.
The app is very easy to use. Just snap a photo of your receipt and upload it within 14 days of purchase. You’ll earn at least 25 points for any receipt, regardless of what you bought.
What makes Fetch stand out is that you don’t need to select offers beforehand. You simply scan receipts and get points automatically. This saves time compared to other reward apps.
Fetch partners with hundreds of brands to give you extra points. When you buy products from these partner brands, you’ll earn bonus points on top of the base points for your receipt.
The Fetch app follows a simple three-step process: submit receipts or shop online for points, earn extra on hundreds of brands in the app, and redeem those points for gift cards.
You can redeem your points for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart. The minimum redemption starts at just 3,000 points for a $3 gift card.
Fetch also lets you earn points by shopping online through their app. This gives you more ways to rack up rewards without needing physical receipts.
The app is free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs, making it accessible to anyone looking to save money on everyday purchases.
According to users, Fetch stands out among cashback apps for its simplicity. Other apps often require more steps before you can earn rewards.
The Fetch website describes itself as “America’s Rewards App” where users can get free gift cards for shopping and scanning receipts. They’ve also added games you can play to earn additional points.
For those looking to maximize savings, Fetch works well alongside other reward apps like Ibotta or Shopkick. Many smart shoppers use multiple apps to get the most value from their purchases.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks ranks as one of the most popular reward apps available today. This platform lets users earn points (called SB) by completing various online activities.
Users can make money through surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and playing games. The app offers a user-friendly interface that makes earning rewards simple for beginners.
Swagbucks is an all-in-one rewards app that gives you multiple ways to earn. You don’t need to stick with just one method to collect points.
The app pays in gift cards or cash via PayPal. Many users like that Swagbucks has a low payout threshold, letting them redeem rewards faster than with some competing apps.
Games on Swagbucks can be a fun way to earn extra money. Some users report that games like Bingo Blitz and Klondike are not too difficult to complete and offer decent rewards.
Other games like Cash Billionaire and Club Vegas are similar to each other and relatively easy at lower levels. These typically earn users around $10 for completion.
Shopping through Swagbucks gets you cashback at hundreds of retailers. This feature works like other cashback apps but keeps everything in one place with your other earning activities.
The app offers daily goals and bonuses that increase earnings for regular users. Meeting these targets can boost your points significantly over time.
Survey opportunities are plentiful on Swagbucks, making it one of the best survey apps available. Most surveys take between 5-20 minutes to complete.
The Swagbucks browser extension alerts users to cashback opportunities while shopping online. This handy tool ensures you never miss a chance to earn points on purchases.
Many users appreciate the referral program that pays you when friends join and start earning. This creates an additional income stream beyond your own activities.
3. Rakuten
Rakuten stands out as a versatile cash back app that works with over 3,500 stores. It’s simple to use and offers multiple ways to earn money back on your purchases.
The app lets you earn up to 10% cash back when you shop at participating retailers. This makes it a strong choice for people who shop online frequently.
Getting started with Rakuten is straightforward. You can download the app from Google Play and create an account in minutes.
The earning process follows three easy steps. First, choose a store to shop at. Next, make your purchase. Finally, earn cash back that gets paid through PayPal or check.
Rakuten also allows users to stack cash back rewards with existing sales and promotions. This feature helps maximize savings on everyday purchases.
The app sends notifications about the best deals on the web when you enable push notifications. This helps you never miss an opportunity to save.
Rakuten ranks among the best cash-back apps according to NerdWallet. They specifically praise it for its wide range of participating stores.
For those who prefer shopping on a computer instead of a phone, Rakuten offers a web version too. The website provides the same cash back opportunities as the mobile app.
The app is free to download and use. There are no hidden fees or subscription costs to worry about.
Many users appreciate that Rakuten pays real cash rather than points that need conversion. The payment schedule is predictable, making it easier to plan your budget.
4. Ibotta
Ibotta stands out as one of the most popular cashback apps available today. This free app lets users earn real money when shopping both in-store and online.
Getting started with Ibotta is simple. Just download the app, browse available offers, shop, and then submit your receipt to get cash back. The app works with many major retailers and grocery stores.
Users can earn up to $260 a year with Ibotta according to the company. This makes it a worthwhile option for anyone looking to save on everyday purchases.
One of Ibotta’s strengths is its versatility. The app offers cash back on multiple spending methods, not just in-store shopping. Users can link loyalty accounts and credit cards for even more savings opportunities.
The Ibotta community is large and active. Millions of shoppers use the platform regularly, creating a robust ecosystem of offers and savings.
Withdrawing your earnings is straightforward too. Once you reach the minimum payout threshold, you can transfer your money to PayPal, Venmo, or convert it to gift cards.
For those comparing options, Ibotta often comes up in discussions about alternatives to other rewards apps. Its user-friendly interface and reliable payouts keep people coming back.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. This accessibility means almost anyone with a smartphone can take advantage of the savings.
Ibotta frequently updates its offers, so users should check the app regularly. New deals appear often, especially on grocery items, household essentials, and seasonal products.
First-time users often receive welcome bonuses. These introductory offers provide an immediate reward and help newcomers see the app’s value right away.
5. Shopkick
Shopkick is a popular rewards app that lets you earn points (called “kicks”) for everyday shopping activities. You can collect kicks by simply walking into stores, scanning products, or making purchases.
The app is straightforward to use. After downloading it to your phone, you’ll start earning kicks for various actions. One of the easiest ways to collect points is by walking into participating stores like Target, Walmart, or Best Buy.
Shopkick offers multiple ways to earn rewards without spending money. You can scan barcodes of specific products while shopping to collect kicks. This doesn’t require any purchase, making it a free way to rack up points.
If you do buy something, you can earn additional kicks by uploading your receipt to the app. This feature works at many popular retailers, giving you rewards for purchases you’d make anyway.
Users seem to appreciate Shopkick’s earning potential. On Reddit, one user mentioned that Shopkick is “fantastic” and “one of my top apps to earn with,” noting they could earn about $5 in a couple of hours.
The kicks you earn can be exchanged for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more. This makes Shopkick especially useful for students on tight budgets who want to stretch their spending power.
The app is available for both Android and iOS devices. The Google Play Store description highlights its cash back features and gift card rewards for everyday shopping.
Shopkick stands out from other rewards apps because it rewards the entire shopping process, not just purchases. You earn for entering stores, browsing products, and buying items, creating multiple opportunities to collect points.
For best results, check the app before heading out shopping. This helps you plan which stores to visit and what products to scan for maximum kicks during your regular shopping trips.
6. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a popular cash back app that helps people save money on everyday purchases. The app lets users earn cash back on their favorite brands and products from any store.
Using Checkout 51 is simple. Members browse weekly offers in the app, buy those products from any store, and then snap a photo of their receipt. Cash back is added to their account once the purchase is verified.
One great feature of Checkout 51 is its flexibility. Unlike some reward apps, it doesn’t limit users to specific stores. You can shop at any retailer and still claim your rewards.
The app updates with new offers every Thursday. This regular refresh gives shoppers plenty of opportunities to save on groceries and household items they buy regularly.
Checkout 51 also offers cash back on gas purchases. This feature helps drivers save money at the pump, which is especially helpful when fuel prices rise.
The mobile app is available for both Android and iOS devices. Its user-friendly design makes finding and redeeming offers quick and easy.
Members can cash out once they reach $20 in savings. Payment options include a check mailed to your address.
The offers tend to focus on grocery items, personal care products, and household essentials. This makes Checkout 51 particularly useful for families looking to trim their weekly shopping bills.
According to shoppers, Checkout 51 stands out as one of the best rebate apps in 2026. Its straightforward approach to savings appeals to both coupon enthusiasts and casual shoppers.
The app occasionally features “pick your own offer” categories. These allow users to earn cash back on fresh produce and other items that rarely have traditional coupons.
7. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog turns shopping receipts into cash rewards through a fun, gamified experience. The app works with receipts from any store and any type of purchase, making it very flexible for users.
When you scan a receipt, you earn coins based on how much you spent. These coins can later be exchanged for real money via PayPal or Amazon gift cards. For example, 3,254 coins equals a $15 reward.
The app adds entertainment to the cash-back experience. Users can play slot games for bonus coins and participate in monthly sweepstakes for bigger prizes. This makes saving money more enjoyable than with standard rebate apps.
Receipt Hog accepts receipts from both online and in-store shopping. Just take a photo of your paper receipt or forward your e-receipt, and start collecting coins right away.
NerdWallet recognizes Receipt Hog as the best app for a gamified rewards experience. The playful interface keeps users engaged while they earn money from everyday purchases.
The app is available on Google Play for Android users. iPhone owners can find it in the Apple App Store as well. Downloading is free, so there’s no risk in trying it out.
One nice feature is that receipts don’t expire quickly. You have up to 14 days to upload them, giving you more flexibility than some competing apps that require immediate scanning.
Unlike apps that only reward specific products, Receipt Hog gives points for the total receipt amount. This means you earn rewards no matter what items you buy, which simplifies the process considerably.
The main drawback is that it takes time to earn meaningful rewards. Users typically need to scan many receipts before reaching the minimum payout threshold.
Receipt Hog also collects shopping data, which helps market researchers understand consumer behavior. This explains how they can offer rewards for any receipt – they gain value from your shopping information.
8. ReceiptPal
ReceiptPal stands out as a simple way to earn rewards for your everyday shopping. The app lets you collect points by scanning and submitting both paper receipts and e-receipts from purchases you already make.
How does it work? Just snap photos of your receipts or forward your e-receipts to the app. Each submission earns you points that add up toward gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Visa.
The points system is straightforward. Four receipts complete a card worth 100 points. As your points stack up, you can exchange them for rewards. The app also runs sweepstakes where users can win cash prizes just for participating.
What makes ReceiptPal different from other receipt apps? It accepts receipts from almost any store—not just specific retailers or products. This flexibility means more of your shopping counts toward rewards.
Most regular users earn between $10-25 per year depending on their shopping habits. While not life-changing money, it’s essentially free cash for something you’d throw away anyway.
The app interface could use some improvements. Some users note that the receipt-to-reward ratio is excellent, but the app experience itself sometimes feels clunky.
One drawback is the time limit for uploading receipts. You need to submit them within a certain period after purchase, which requires staying on top of your shopping paperwork.
For best results, many users combine ReceiptPal with similar apps like Receipt Hog, Fetch, or Ibotta to maximize earnings across platforms. Since you can submit the same receipt to multiple apps, this strategy multiplies your rewards with minimal extra effort.
9. CoinOut
CoinOut is a simple rewards app that lets you earn by scanning receipts. Unlike some other apps, it doesn’t require you to shop at specific stores or buy certain items.
The app works with both paper receipts and electronic ones from online orders. You just snap a photo of your receipt or forward your e-receipt, and you’ll get rewards.
CoinOut gives random rewards for shopping, which makes each scan a bit of a surprise. This random element can be fun, though some users might prefer knowing exactly what they’ll earn.
The process is straightforward. After downloading the app from either the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, you create an account and start scanning receipts.
CoinOut accepts receipts from most retailers. This flexibility makes it easy to rack up rewards during your regular shopping trips without changing your habits.
Users can redeem their earnings for gift cards to popular stores. The app offers a clean interface that makes tracking your progress toward rewards easy.
One advantage of CoinOut is its simplicity. There’s no need to browse through offers or clip digital coupons before shopping.
Some users find that CoinOut works well alongside other receipt apps. You can scan the same receipt in multiple apps to maximize your rewards.
According to NerdWallet, CoinOut stands out from other cash-back apps because you don’t need to hunt for specific deals. This saves time and makes earning rewards more accessible.
For those already using Fetch Rewards, CoinOut can be a good addition to your money-saving strategy. Some users on Reddit discuss using both apps together.
The app is free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs to worry about.
Keep in mind that earnings per receipt are typically small. However, the simplicity of the app makes it easy to develop a habit of scanning all your receipts, which can add up over time.
10. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot helps shoppers save money with coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers. The app started as a coupon site but has grown to include many ways to earn rewards on purchases.
You can earn up to 20% cash back at select retailers when using RetailMeNot. This makes it a strong option for people who shop regularly at popular stores.
The app automatically stacks available cash back with eligible codes and coupons. This feature helps users maximize savings without having to do extra work.
RetailMeNot works for both online and in-store shopping. Users can browse deals before heading to physical stores or while shopping online from home.
The cash back earnings go directly to your wallet in the app. This money can then be used for future purchases or withdrawn.
One nice feature is the ability to shop gift cards exclusively in the app. This provides another way to stack savings on top of existing deals.
RetailMeNot offers a user-friendly interface that makes finding deals simple. Users can search by store name or browse through categories to find relevant offers.
The app is available on both Google Play and the App Store, making it accessible for most smartphone users.
Many people appreciate that RetailMeNot combines different types of savings in one place. Instead of juggling multiple apps, users can find coupons, promo codes, and cash back options all in the same spot.
For maximum benefits, shoppers should check the app before making purchases. New deals appear regularly, so checking often pays off.
Understanding Reward Apps
Reward apps help you earn money back on everyday purchases. These digital tools connect with your shopping habits to provide points, cashback, or other benefits.
How Reward Apps Work
Reward apps use different methods to give you benefits for your spending. Most work by tracking your purchases and giving you a percentage back in points or cash.
For example, Fetch lets you snap photos of receipts from any store or restaurant to earn points. Other apps like Capital One Shopping automatically find and apply coupon codes when you shop online.
Some reward apps work with specific stores, while others like Brand Club connect with major retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Most apps require you to reach a minimum amount before cashing out. Rewards typically come as gift cards, PayPal transfers, or direct deposits to your bank account.
Benefits of Using Reward Apps
The biggest benefit of reward apps is simple: they put money back in your pocket. Many users earn $5-$20 monthly without changing their shopping habits.
Reward apps can help you:
- Save on groceries, gas, and online purchases
- Find deals you might have missed
- Track your spending habits
- Stack rewards with credit card points
These apps are usually free, making them a no-risk way to save. Many offer sign-up bonuses too, giving you immediate value.
The best part? You can use multiple reward apps together. For instance, you might use Kashkick for online shopping while scanning grocery receipts with Fetch.
App loyalty programs also keep you coming back to your favorite places, as they recognize and incentivize your engagement.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards
Getting the most from your reward-tracking apps takes strategy and consistency. The right tools and habits can help you earn more points and use them wisely.
Choose the Right App for Your Needs
When selecting a rewards app, think about what cards you use most often. If you have multiple travel cards, AwardWallet might be your best bet since it specifically helps track airline miles and hotel points across different programs.
For everyday spenders with various cashback cards, MaxRewards offers features that recommend which card to use at specific merchants to maximize points.
Consider these questions before choosing:
- Do you need automatic updates or are manual updates okay?
- Is tracking expiration dates important to you?
- Do you want spending recommendations?
- Is a free app sufficient or are premium features worth paying for?
Apps like AwardWallet offer free accounts with basic tracking, while others require subscriptions for advanced features.
Regularly Update and Engage
The most successful rewards maximizers check their apps weekly. Set a specific day—perhaps Sunday evening—to review your rewards balances and check for new offers.
Many apps like MaxRewards send notifications about limited-time promotions. Don’t ignore these alerts! They often contain valuable bonus opportunities that can boost your earnings significantly.
Enable push notifications for:
- Expiring points warnings
- Special category bonuses
- Partner promotions
Take advantage of community features too. Some apps have forums where users share tips about maximizing redemptions. These communities often spot deals before they’re widely known.
Remember to update your card inventory whenever you get a new credit card or close an account. Outdated information leads to missed opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
People want to know which reward apps actually deliver on their promises and how to get the most value from them. Here are answers to common questions about reward apps that can help you earn real money.
What are the top-rated apps for earning cash back on groceries?
Ibotta stands out as one of the best apps for grocery savings. Users can select offers before shopping, then upload their receipt to get cash back on specific items.
Fetch Rewards takes a simpler approach. Just scan any grocery receipt, and you’ll earn points that convert to gift cards. No need to select offers in advance.
Shopkick lets shoppers earn “kicks” (points) just by walking into partner stores. Extra kicks come from scanning product barcodes or making purchases with linked cards.
Which apps offer the highest rewards for playing games?
Swagbucks offers decent payouts for playing games on its platform. Users earn SB points that convert to cash or gift cards.
JustPlay and BestPlay reward users simply for playing games on their phones. The longer you play, the more you earn.
Freecash ranks high on many lists for offering good value on game-based tasks. They provide multiple ways to earn, including playing games and completing offers.
How can I maximize my earnings with app-based reward systems?
Use multiple apps that don’t conflict with each other. For example, scan a receipt with Fetch Rewards, then submit the same receipt to Ibotta for specific item rebates.
Link your credit cards to apps like Rakuten and Shopkick. This enables automatic tracking without scanning receipts.
Set reminders to check for new high-value offers. Most apps refresh their best deals weekly, and early birds often get the most rewarding opportunities.
Can you recommend some legit apps for earning money that are widely trusted?
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) has a long-standing reputation for reliability. They pay quarterly via PayPal or check once you reach $5 in earnings.
Swagbucks has been operating since 2008, making it one of the oldest reward platforms. They’ve paid users over $800 million to date.
Ibotta has processed over $1 billion in cash back payments to users, establishing strong credibility in the rewards app space.
What are the standout features of the most popular payment apps with rewards programs?
Rakuten offers a browser extension that automatically activates cash back at participating sites. The extension also finds and applies coupon codes during checkout.
Ibotta’s teamwork feature lets friends and family work together toward bonus rewards. Completing team challenges unlocks extra cash back for everyone.
Fetch Rewards requires minimal effort compared to competitors. There’s no need to activate specific offers or shop at particular stores to earn points.
Among all the rewards apps available, which ones are user favorites for dining out and food-related perks?
Cash’em All works well for food delivery rewards. Users can earn money while waiting for their food to arrive.
Ibotta partners with many restaurant chains and food delivery services. Users can earn cash back on meals from popular restaurants and delivery platforms.
Rakuten connects with food delivery services like Grubhub and DoorDash. Activating offers before ordering can earn 1-10% cash back on your entire order.
