Here's the truth:
Apps have become necessities in our lives. And then, there are apps that make you money.
Imagine your life with a smartphone but without those. Kind of disappointing and medieval, right. I hear you and I can feel your would-be pain if this ever happens.
If you like to shop (like most people do), you'd find that it's best to use certain shopping apps to help you save and make money. It's the next best thing you could ever do. Why?
Because these applications are FREE and can put cashback in your pocket without exerting extra effort. Seriously!
In this post, you'll learn:
- the online shopping apps that make people money the most
- the grocery list apps that can give you cashback on top of the cashback
- and so many more
If you're ready to see these apps, read on!
FYI: Looking for cash back apps, click here to see what these money making apps are.
27 Best Shopping Apps That Pay You
For convenience, I broke down the best shopping apps the best way I could think of. Some of these apps could land you with thousands of dollars and some not so much, depending on what you use them for.
Some of them are money hacks to make money (disguised as shopping apps…seriously).
One keynote is here that for most of these shopping apps, you can use them all at the same time to make more.
For example, you can use both Ibotta and Checkout51 to earn cashback when both apps have the same items on their list for deals.
- The Honors List
- The Free Mobile Shopping Apps
- The Best Shopping Apps For Coupons and Deals
- The Best Apps To Make Money From Your Receipts
The Honors List
These are the apps that can help you generate the most money at any given point in time. You'll be surprised how they can be so helpful that you wish you knew these before.
1. Swagbucks Android | iOS
Swagbucks is a loyalty and rewards program that allows you, the user, to earn money and free gift cards not only for shopping online for groceries and clothing but also for taking paid surveys online, watching videos, signing up for free offers, etc.
It's called by many as the one-stop-shop app for earning money and cards for just about anything you do. See my Swagbucks review here.
Do This:
Once you download the app, use it as a starting point to get to where you want to go.
For example, use it as a search engine and get points towards cash and gift cards. You can also use that to get coupons, deals, among others to save you money and make you money as well.
You can also download the Chrome extension so you'll never miss out on points (as Swagbucks will remind you that you will earn points when you activate your extension).
Earn this:
As stated above, almost anything you do has an equivalent number of points. So, whether your getting paid to watch videos online, commercials, looking for a keyword, shopping online or doing some other things online, you'll get paid to do those.
You'll also earn free $15 bonus (i.e., $5 sign-up bonus and $10 for Swags Up) as a starter.
You'll get paid in increments of $5. While it may sound difficult to get to $5, the truth is that it's not that hard. That's because you're getting paid on things you do online even without you putting a lot of effort in those.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Swagbucks:
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Swagbucks:
- $5 minimum cash out
2. Ibotta Android | iOS
Ibotta is definitely one of the most innovative apps to help you make extra money. You'll get paid for buying things that you need the most (i.e., groceries). Most stores like Walmart and Target are included in its cash back program. See my Ibotta review here.
Do This:
Shop in your favorite retailers and get real cash. Ibotta pays real cash for buying products listed in its app. Retailers included are Walmart, Target, Safeway, Food Lion, among others.
Earn this:
Depending on the stores and items, Ibotta pays $0.25 and up plus bonus dollars when certain tasks are completed. Sometimes, you will use your Ibotta app as a barcode scanner to make the process of redeeming the cashback fast.
You'll also earn free $10 bonus when you start redeeming some deals.
Note: This is, by far, one of the best shopping apps ever. Over the past year or two, I have gotten over $250.00 in bonuses. That's not a chump change if you ask me. Click here to find other money making ideas that pay a lot.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Ibotta:
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Ibotta:
- $20 minimum cash out
- Some products are not found in store
3. Dosh Android l iOS
Dosh is a smartphone app that easily gives you cashback for every single time you make a purchase at select, participating stores either using your credit or debit card.
Do This:
Download the app and connect your credit or debit cards to the app. Whenever you make a purchase, Dosh will automatically do a search for coupon codes, discounts, promotions, among others. It will automatically apply them to your purchase.
Earn This:
When you get a cashback, that amount is instantly deposited into your Dosh wallet. This money can, then, be transferred to your bank account, charity of your choice, or even your PayPal account.
4. Drop Android l iOS
Drop is a free app that rewards its customers for shopping at their favorite brands. In short, every time you make a purchase, that purchase can make you free money. See more best rewards apps here.
Do This:
Use the app whenever you're buying something online. It's like Ebates in that it issues great cash back for all the purchases you've made.
Just sign up, simply open the Drop app, and click on any link to your favorite store online, and finally, place your order. That's it.
Earn This:
You will earn gift cards. Once you've accumulated over $5,000 points, you can now begin to redeem your points for gift cards. That's it.
You can also refer up to 20 friends to Drop and earn just up to $100 worth of gift cards.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Drop app:
- All you ever need for signing up is 30 seconds
- You'll find almost any stores there are under the sun
- Additional rewards on top of credit card cash back
- Unlimited earning
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Drop app:
- Limited to 5 stores only. So, you'll need to make sure you pick the 5 stores you always like to shop on.
- Takes time for the points to clear and be added in your account.
5. Rakuten Android | iOS
Formerly known as Ebates, is a cashback and shopping rewards app that helps customers get money back every time they make a purchase. It is known as having one of the best coupons and shopping rewards program to date. See more coupon apps here.
Do This:
Shop online at one of at least 1,600 participating stores through the app. You can also find and apply coupons at the store checkout. Other opportunities within the app include 2x cash back and price comparison.
Earn This:
Earn up to 26% cash back for every shopping you do. Earn 2x cash back from stores offering Double cash back. No need for a coupon code or two to save money.
With just a single app, that is, Ebates, you can literally get cash back on just about anything (from home decor to million of products). If you are looking for lightning deals, Ebates is your solution.
Sign up here and get your $5 credit, which you can use towards a discounted gift card.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Ebates:
- It’s 100% free
- It’s so easy to use
- Claim rebates from over 2,500 stores
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Ebates:
- No cashback on Apple products
- Wait time to get cashback sent to you takes a while (i.e., every quarter)
6. Instacart Android | iOS
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that can get customers' order in as little as an hour. You, as the customer, can benefit from Instacart in different ways. Click here to learn how to save money on groceries.
You can either use this shopping app as a way to receive your groceries right in front of your door. Or you can earn money delivery groceries to other people. That's it.
Do This:
Instacart is, by far, one of the best shopping apps to come out lately.
As a consumer, you just the shopping app, select a grocery store, and shop. You, then, submit your order and get your groceries right in your doorsteps.
As a shopper, you basically buy the grocery items people need (of course, at their own money) and deliver the products people ordered.
Earn This:
Typically, Instacart shoppers earn $10 to $15/hr for delivering groceries.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Instacart:
- It’s 100% free
- It’s so easy to use
- Claim rebates from over 2,500 stores
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Instacart:
- No cashback on Apple products
- Wait time to get cashback sent to you takes a while (i.e., every quarter)
7. Shopkick Android | iOS
Shopkick is a shopping app for both tablets and smartphones that offers its users with rewards just for shopping online and in-store.
Rewards are given out when shoppers walk into the store, scan items, make in-app or in-store purchases, and submit receipts.
Do This:
Download and open the app. There are several ways to earn kicks, which are equivalent to points, from this app: (1) walk-in the store, (2) scan products, and (3) purchase products identified in the app.
Earn This:
Earn kicks or points redeemable for gift cards.
Imagine going to the store and getting points right away even without doing anything. That's the mobile app you need from day one.
Pros:
Here are some of the benefits you'll get from using Shopkick:
- Sign up is free
- Gift cards on places/stores that are mostly used by people
- No disclosure of personal information
- Simplicity of the app
Cons:
Here are some drawbacks on using Shopkick:
- No cash or PayPal option
- Not all stores will earn you points
The Free Mobile Shopping Apps
Consider the following applications when you pay for anything, small or big. They will be so helpful in cutting down your bill or even help you make extra money.
8. Flipp Android | iOS
Flipp is a mobile shopping app with such multiple features. You can easily browse for ads, upload receipts to earn cash back, get coupons directly sent to your loyalty card, among others.
Do This:
Download and open the app. Use the Load to Card section to find great deals you can easily and directly into your card. You don't need to do anything when you are in store as the coupons/deals will be applied automatically.
If you choose to redeem the rebates, just scan the receipt and verify that you did make the purchases.
Earn This:
You'll earn money can be sent to PayPal. You can cash out any amount.
9. Brad's Deals Android | iOS
Brad's Deals, an online deal-hunting website, is known for scouring the web in search of the best online deals that range from apparel to consumer electronics. Click here to find online dollar stores that beat the competition.
Do This:
Users can easily search for deals in a variety of categories right from their own favorite stores (online), check out the editor's and featured pages or picks, among others.
Earn This:
You're not really earning anything. That said, you could save big bucks when you know when you can buy the things you want that are on sale.
10. Snap by Groupon
Snap by Groupon is slightly an non-traditional coupon app in that it gives you, the customer, cash back for grocery shopping.
Do This:
Similar to how Checkout 51 works, simply browse and purchased offers listed in the app at any store. Then, snap a picture of your receipt. That's it.
Earn This:
Payment is by check. Earn $20 in cash back and Snap by Groupon will send you a check. Earn more by inviting friends to join the app.
The Best Shopping Apps For Coupons and Deals
Aside from the ones mentioned above, there are apps that are exclusively aimed at giving customers deals and coupons. Click here to find more apps to help you live cheap but have a rich life.
Here are some of them:
11. Slickdeals Android | iOS
It's probably one of the best shopping alert apps out there right now. All you need to do is set up alerts with Slickdeals to get notified of any deals that go live.
Do This:
Once you have the app downloaded, select the items you want to be notified. For example, if you want to get great deals on a Dell laptop, all you need to do is add the word laptop to a new deal alert.
You can also add an alert on big holiday deals like Black Friday or After Christmas deals.
Earn This:
You're not really earning anything. That said, you could save big bucks when you know when you can buy the things you want that are on sale.
12. RetailMeNot Android | iOS
RetailMeNot is the pioneer (or one of the pioneers) for coupons and deals long before Groupon and other deal sites came along.
This site can work both online and inside stores (even in restaurants). It will show you digital coupons or in-store coupons that you can use.Do This:
All you need to do is search through the site to find coupons you need. When you see that coupon, just tap it and RetailMeNot will show you the coupon code. That's it.
Earn This:
You're not really earning anything. That said, you could save big bucks when you use these money-saving coupons. Click here how to save money.
13. Krazy Coupon Lady Android | iOS
Krazy Coupon Lady was once was a website for coupons and deals. Not, it has expanded its reach to include mobile platforms.
With its mobile app, you can now see a ton of discount coupons, codes, and other offers from a wide array of brands and websites.
Do This:
Once the app is installed and working, set notifications for offers from your favorite stores or brands. You can create a shopping list of coupons (store), discount merchandises, and sync the coupon database you created across many devices.
Earn This:
You're not really earning anything. That said, you could save big bucks when you use these money-saving coupons.
13. Shopular Android | iOS
Shopular is a shopping app that allows you, the customer, to get coupons, see current sales and great deals, and even view print ads (weekly) right from your phone. The app currently has over 200 different stores available.
Do This:
You'll consider this as one of the best shopping apps out there.
Here's why? If you happen to be in the mall by yourself or with someone and need to buy important stuff in there, always get Shopular ready.
With Shopular, you never miss a deal with its location-based notifications. You can redeem deals and coupons right from your phone. This means you don't need to cut coupons. Yes to that.
Earn This:
You really aren't earning anything but you are saving money.
The Best Apps To Make Money From Your Receipts
The next time you want to make money, don't throw your receipts because you can easily make money out of it.
Here are some of the best apps to help you make extra from just using your receipts:
14. Receipt Hog Android | iOS
Receipt Hog is a free mobile app that turns your receipts into cash rewards. Basically, it's a rewards app for snapping pictures of your grocery receipts.
Do This:
Similar to Receipt Hog, take a picture of your receipts and submit them via the app.
Earn This:
Earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. To earn more, join the weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win cash bonuses. You don't need a shopping list or two to get something from Receipt Hog.
15. ReceiptPal Android | iOS
ReceiptPal is a free smartphone app that lets you earn free gift cards and cash prizes just for submitting your receipts. That's it. It also stores your receipts, in case you need them later.
Do This:
Similar to Receipt Hog, take a picture of your receipts and submit them via the app.
Earn This:
Earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards. To earn more, join the weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win cash bonuses.
16. Checkout 51 Android | iOS
Checkout 51 is, by far, one of the best rebate apps in the market today. It partners with many brands to bring users cash back offers on things like clothing and groceries.
Do This:
Buy grocery items listed in the app. Once item(s) is/are purchased, just upload your receipt and get cash back. It's that simple. Offers are updated every Thursday.
Checkout 51, is by far, one of the best shopping apps that complement Ibotta.
Earn This:
Earn cash for items listed in the app. There's a minimum of $20 before you can cash out the money. Literally, you can use both Ibotta and Checkout51 and possibly get cash back and more money than what you originally paid for the item.
17. SavingStar Android | iOS
SavingStar saves you money or gives you cash back on groceries. Using it, you'll save at grocery stores like Target, Kroger, and Walmart. When you use SavingStar, your grocery rebates are fully digital with you not having to clip or print coupons or any rebate forms to get money back.
Do This:
Similar to Checkout 51 and Ibotta, you will need to purchase products listed in the app and upload the receipt. The app includes exclusive offers, freebies, and big savings from various brands.
Earn This:
Earn cash for items listed in the app. There's a minimum of $20 before you can cash out the money.
Other ways of earning are through shopping online using the retailer link found on SavingStar.com and using the SavingStar American Express Card.
Combine this with Ibotta, Checkout51, ReceiptPal, and ReceiptHog, and you are looking at great money-making potential.
18. Shopmium Android | iOS
Shopmium is a savings and coupon app that allows its users to try new products at reduced prices or for FREE by giving out cashback on purchases. It's a free app that lets you get those exclusive, highly-priced offers for everyday products that you would see in a supermarket.
Do This:
Similar to Ibotta, SavingStar, and Checkout 51, Shopmium requires that you choose an offer from its list and shop at any store. Request a rebate by scanning the barcode and taking a picture of the receipt.
Earn This:
Earn money that gets deposited straight to your PayPal account.
19. Shrink
Shrink is a brand loyalty app, which makes it easy for its customers to earn cashback and points. Shrink uses the information you provided or uploaded to collect data for market research.
Do This:
Buy products listed in the app, scan the barcodes, and take a picture of your receipts. Please note that the items listed in Shrink are healthy and premium grocery items.
Participating retailers include Whole Foods Market, Safeway, Albertons, Meijer, and others.
Earn This:
Earn points from the product purchased or from completing activities such as watching short clip or inviting friends. The minimum amount required before cashing out is $20. 1000 points = $1.
20. Mobisave
Mobisave is another receipt scanning app that saves you money on groceries and everyday essentials.
Do This:
Similar to Ibotta and Shopmium, you select offers, shop where you shop for offers found in the app, take a picture of the receipt, and submit it.
Earn This:
Get paid cash for every valid offer in your receipt. Payments can be remitted via PayPal with no required minimum payout.
Best Grocery Store Price Comparison Apps
Here are some of the best price comparison apps you'll see in today's market. Before you make any purchase, make sure to check these apps out so you know where to get the best savings for your buck.
21. Instacart
This is, by far, the most comprehensive grocery store price comparison app that lets you pick the cheapest product.
This app lets you compare prices from various stores. These stores include Whole Foods Market, etc. Not to mention, you can also let Instacart deliver you grocery in less than an hour.
The app also offers deals and coupons on certain products. Since it compares prices from different stores, you'd most likely be getting the best price quite often.All of this information makes Instacart a great app to use to save money.
22. Basket Savings
This app finds the prices of items sold in the grocery stores near you and gives you a great comparison of the prices.
It's not like Instacart that delivers your grocery right on your doorstep. It's just a guide book that can help you create a list and get the best prices near you.
The app simply works with the data provided by your fellow community shoppers who constantly let you know when there is a great deal or sale in a particular store.
23. Walmart Grocery
Unlike other grocery apps, this one isn't a price comparison app.
Just like you would do when you order online, Walmart Grocery allows you to pick the products you want.
What's different though is that you have the option of picking your order up from the store right from the app itself.
The app is very simple and you can easily access all the features in less than 5 minutes. You can even create a shopping list you can access later for reordering.
24. Favado Grocery Sales
This app houses a detailed list of all items sold by grocery stores and even pharmacies. This is an app that's literally a one-stop price comparison app.
The best part of this app?
It helps you discover some of the best deals and coupons week after week you may not necessarily find elsewhere.
Users can select a notification on particular brands or items they want. This best works if you're looking for the cheapest or discounted items that you really like.
The app includes over 65,000 grocery and drugstores in the U.S. This means you don't have to worry if you are missing out on great deals and promotions because Favado has it all.
25. Grocery King Shopping List
This app helps you get way ahead of the game by giving you early access to discounts and deals that will run in your area.
If you're the type of person who wants to plan out ahead of time, this is the best app for you. If you're a couponer and needs to be plan ahead, this is the right app for you.
What makes this one so special?
All you need to do is take pictures of everyday consumer items to have them automatically shown on your phone.
You can even save your receipts just by scanning the receipt barcode. This way, if you need to look for specific receipts or items, you can easily use the app to look for those.
26. Price Cruncher
If you just want a basic app, then, Price Cruncher is for you.
Using this app, you can compare prices of items you want to buy from different stores, and you can also track your expenses or give you an idea if one store's deal is better than the other store.
For example, if you're trying to decide whether it's cheaper to buy a 5lb package of beef from store XXX than a current deal of 2lb beef at store YYY, Price Cruncher can do the work for you.
27. SoftShopper
Then there's the SoftShopper.
This price comparison app is as simple as it gets. SoftShopper will look for the best price of items you like to purchase.
For example, you want to know which stores have the best price on Potato Chips of brand XXX. All you have to do is scan the barcode and this app will check and compare prices at stores (not just in your area) but also across the U.S.
This way, if you feel like buying it online, you have that option. That's right, SoftShopper can and will compare prices from thousands of online and physical stores.
Best Shopping Apps: Conclusion
These are the best shopping apps that I have been using for quite some time.
Now:
You don't need customer service or credit cards to get cash back.
All you need is these apps. You can literally list your own items, go to the store (online or brick and mortar), and make money, free gift cards, merchandises, among others.
That's it.
If you have any other shopping apps that you know of, please share them with us so we can share them with our readers and savers as well.
