14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts for Money

Are you looking for the best sites to scan receipts to make extra money? In our busy world, who wouldn’t want to earn some extra money without working hard? One way to do this is by taking pictures of your everyday shopping receipts. There are apps for your phone that can turn your regular shopping…

Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Last Updated: August 9, 2024

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosure for more info.

Are you looking for the best sites to scan receipts to make extra money?

In our busy world, who wouldn’t want to earn some extra money without working hard? One way to do this is by taking pictures of your everyday shopping receipts. There are apps for your phone that can turn your regular shopping (whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothes, gas, or other stuff) into cash and gift cards.

Plus, the process of scanning receipts for money is extremely simple.

I have personally been using receipt scanning apps for years now – I love how easy they are to use and how you can earn points or cash while barely spending any time. Plus, I already have the receipts – so it’s nice to make some extra money by doing almost nothing.

Key Takeaways on the best receipt scanning apps

  • Scanning receipts can earn you cash back and free gift cards.
  • My favorite receipt scanning and cash back sites include Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, and Rakuten.
  • Receipt scanning apps pay people to scan receipts for a few different reasons such as: 1) Because brands and stores give the apps money for gathering information about what people buy from their receipts. Then, the apps give a part of this money back to users as rewards. 2) To reward people for shopping through their referral links.

14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts For Money

Below, you’ll find a list of the best apps to scan your receipts and earn money. I am personally signed up for many of the apps and sites listed below, and they are so easy to use!

Fetch Rewards scanning receipts

1. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is an easy-to-use app that rewards you for scanning your shopping receipts, such as at grocery stores and even gas stations. Just shop as usual, and after your purchase, take a picture of the receipt in the Fetch Rewards app.

You’ll earn points for every receipt you take a picture of, which you can later redeem for free gift cards (such as to places like Target, Visa, and Amazon) and other rewards.

You can sign up for Fetch Rewards here.

I really like this app because it’s super easy to use. I’ve been using it for a while, and it makes getting rewards from your regular shopping easy.

You can also read my review at My Real Fetch Rewards Review.

scan receipts with ibotta

2. Ibotta

Ibotta is one of the most popular receipt-scanning apps. You select the items you want to buy, go to the store, then scan your receipt.

You can redeem rebates while shopping from stores such as Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, Walgreens, CVS, City Market, and more.

You can sign up for Ibotta here.

Also, in case you’re wondering how Ibotta and Fetch differ: Fetch Rewards and Ibotta are very similar. All of the receipt-scanning apps are fairly similar too, but they do have some differences.

For example, Fetch Rewards is easier to use than Ibotta. With Fetch Rewards, you just take a picture of your receipt using the app, and that’s it. Ibotta, on the other hand, is more like using digital coupons and takes a few more minutes. Basically, you go through the Ibotta app and see if there are “coupons” that you want to shop with for a specific item like cereal or bread. However, even though there’s a little more work, you can usually earn more rewards with Ibotta. So, it depends on what works best for you!

The great part is that you can use the exact same grocery receipt for both Fetch and Ibotta.

For me, I go shopping and scan my receipts with both apps. It only takes me probably less than a minute to do so, and I can earn more points for free gift cards this way.

3. KashKick

KashKick is a site where you can get rewards for doing things like shopping, answering questions, and playing games online. You can then turn these rewards into real money through PayPal.

Simply head to KashKick and go to their Offers tab. There, you can see if you can unlock any offers where you can scan a receipt for points.

Please click here to sign up for KashKick.

Swagbucks scan receipts

4. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is not only a receipt-scanning app but also a site to make money by taking surveys, watching videos, and more.

You simply go to the Swagbucks website and go to the “Magic Receipts” tab. You can then scan any receipt from any store (grocery stores, warehouse club stores, drugstores, home improvement stores, clothing stores, restaurants, and more) and earn points.

Swagbucks is a company that I started using years ago, and it has helped me easily earn some extra cash on the side, all from home or while traveling. I exchange my points for Amazon gift cards and have earned over 100 free gifts over the years.

Please click here to join Swagbucks.

5. Rakuten

Rakuten is the best cash back app that rewards you for your online purchases. So, it’s technically not a receipt-scanning app, but you do get cash back for shopping just like how you normally would.

All you have to do is choose a store you want to shop from (they have a wide range like Kohl’s, REI, Toys “R” Us, and many more) and shop just like you normally would online. It’s that simple!

Rakuten earns a commission for sending you to the store you shopped at, and they share some of that money back with you as a reward. It’s a win-win!

Please click here to sign up for Rakuten. You can also get a $40 bonus for spending $40 through my link.

6. Upromise

Upromise is a site that helps you save money for college by scanning your receipts.

When you shop at partner stores and upload the receipts, a percentage of your purchase amount is added to a college savings account or used to pay off student loans.

With Upromise Grocery Rewards, you simply add deals to your Upromise Grocery Rewards shopping list and click the “Add To List” button. Then, you shop at the store (either in-person or in-store), and take a picture of your receipt when done. You can either snap and upload your receipt or email it to Upromise directly.

Please click here to learn more about Upromise.

7. Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog is a fun and easy-to-use app that rewards you for scanning your shopping receipts. All you have to do is take a picture of your receipt using the app, and you’ll earn rewards.

You can shop at any store (grocery store, convenience store, and more) and either in-person or online. You can then upload your paper or digital receipt onto the Receipt Hog app for coins, slot spins, or sweepstakes entries.

You can even link your Amazon account or other loyalty accounts like Walmart, Target, and Costco to earn rewards automatically without having to upload receipts.

8. Checkout 51

Checkout 51 is another site where you can get cash back on your groceries and fuel purchases.

You simply download the free app on the App Store or Google Play Store. Then, look at the app to see what deals are available and make a shopping list – it’s kind of like using a digital coupon.

Click on “Redeem” and mark the items you bought on your receipt. Once you’ve done that, use the app’s camera to take clear, readable pictures of your receipt.

Once your receipt gets approved, they’ll add cash back to your account. You can cash out when you reach $20.

9. Tada

Tada is an app that gives you cash back on everyday purchases such as groceries, clothing, and dining out.

Using Tada is easy and you just shop at the stores that are part of the program. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt and you’ll earn cash back on the items that qualify. You can then exchange this for gift cards (such as to Home Depot, Target, Best Buy, Amazon, and Visa).

10. MyPoints

MyPoints is an app that not only lets you scan receipts for rewards, but you can also make money answering surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. With MyPoints, you can earn points by scanning your receipts, and then redeem them for gift cards or cash.

To get started with MyPoints, just go to their website and the “Magic Receipts” section. You can snap a picture of any receipt from stores like grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drugstores, clothing stores, restaurants, and more.

Please click here to sign up for MyPoints.

inbox dollars magic receipts

11. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is an app that allows you to earn cash by scanning receipts as well as taking surveys and doing other tasks.

To begin using InboxDollars, go to their website and find the “Magic Receipts” section. Then, take a picture of a receipt from stores like grocery stores, warehouse clubs, drugstores, clothing stores, restaurants, and others. Every receipt earns you points, which you can later convert into cash or gift cards.

You get a minimum of $0.01 for any receipt you scan, plus whatever deals you qualify for. For example, I just logged in and some of the deals available to me include $0.50 cash back on eggs (from any store and any brand), $4.00 back on deli meat, $5.00 back on whole milk yogurt, $8.00 back on chicken nuggets, and more.

Please click here to sign up for InboxDollars.

12. ReceiptPal

ReceiptPal is an app that rewards you for uploading your shopping receipts.

With ReceiptPal, you can take pictures of your paper receipts or link your email or Amazon account. This way, you’ll earn points for every receipt you submit.

You can exchange your points for gift cards from popular retailers, and you’ll also be entered into their weekly sweepstakes for a chance to win cash prizes.

13. Shopkick

Shopkick is an app that rewards you not only for scanning your receipts but also for simply walking into participating stores and scanning barcodes.

You earn points called “kicks” that can be redeemed for gift cards to TJ Maxx, Sephora, Walmart, Starbucks, and more.

14. Dosh

Dosh is a fast and easy-to-use app that automatically gives you cash back when you shop at participating stores (such as Disney, Costco, Lyft, AT&T, and over 10,000 other companies).

Simply link your debit or credit card to the app (or even your Venmo or bank account), and the rest is taken care of. When you shop and pay using your linked card, you’ll receive cash back directly into your Dosh account, which can be transferred to your bank or PayPal account.

Please click here to learn more about Dosh.

How Scanning Receipts For Money Works

Many of the receipt-scanning apps mentioned above work the same way:

  1. To begin, just download an app like Fetch or Ibotta. Many of the sites above work whether you have an iPhone, Android, or even just from your computer.
  2. After you finish shopping, open the app and look for the option to upload or scan your receipt. Use your phone’s camera to take a clear picture of the receipt. Typically, the receipt scanner will want to see what you purchased, the store you went shopping at, the order total, as well as the date.
  3. Once you snap a picture of the receipt, the app will usually check and process the receipt. With certain apps like Ibotta, you might need to choose specific items you bought before scanning the receipt. On the other hand, apps like Fetch will automatically scan for eligible products. They each have their own way of doing it!
  4. Your receipt is usually automatically processed, and you will see how many points you have earned within just seconds.
  5. Your points can be turned into PayPal cash, gift cards, and more.

For me, I simply scan every grocery receipt right after I shop. It’s easy to do and only takes me a few moments.

How To Increase Your Earnings From Receipt Scanning

Here are some easy tips to make even more extra money when using receipt-scanning apps and rewards sites:

  • Use multiple receipt scanning apps – To increase your earnings, you can use more than one receipt-scanning app. This way, you can redeem different deals, cash back, and rewards points that each site gives you.
  • Download browser extensions – Some apps, like Capital One Shopping, can be downloaded straight to your computer and it will automatically scan for available coupons.
  • Use store loyalty cards – Most grocery stores have free store loyalty cards. Make sure you are using those to get the lowest prices while shopping, plus you can earn points.
  • Use cash back credit cards – If you are a careful credit card user and know that you won’t go into debt, credit card rewards can be an easy way to earn more free cash.

Frequently Asked Questions About Scanning Receipts For Money

Here are answers to common questions about scanning receipts for extra money.

How do these receipt scanning apps make money to pay users? Why do receipt scanning sites pay people to scan receipts?

Okay, so after reading the above – this may be your top question. Why would they pay you money? What’s in it for them? Are receipt-scanning apps a scam?

Apps that scan receipts make money by working with brands and stores. These brands and stores give the apps money for gathering important information about what people buy from their receipts (they want to learn more about your shopping behavior – such as what you buy and when). Then, the apps give a part of this money back to users as rewards for using their app.

Are receipt scanning apps safe to use?

Yes, many receipt-scanning apps are safe. They protect your personal information by encrypting it and following strict data protection rules. However, I recommend reading the app’s privacy policy and user reviews (such as on TrustPilot).

Can you make money by scanning receipts?

Yes, you can make money by scanning receipts. You can scan receipts for cash back, gift cards, or points that can be redeemed for rewards. Now, of course, this will not be a full-time income. You can simply earn some spare cash and free gift cards.

What types of rewards can I earn by scanning receipts?

When you scan receipts using these apps, you can earn rewards such as cash back, Amazon gift cards (and many other places), or even make donations to charity.

Is it illegal to scan other people’s receipts for Fetch?

Scanning other people’s receipts for Fetch, or any other receipt-scanning app, is almost always against the app’s terms of service and may result in your account being closed, so you should only use your own receipts.

Can I use more than one receipt scanning app per receipt?

Yes, you can usually use multiple receipt-scanning apps to maximize your rewards. However, make sure to read each app’s terms of service to make sure you’re not violating any rules or participating in actions that could result in account termination. Personally, I use multiple apps all the time for the same receipt, such as Fetch Rewards and Ibotta.

How To Scan Receipts for Money – Summary

I hope you enjoyed this article on how to scan receipts for money.

By using the apps and sites above, you can earn money or rewards while shopping, and it’s a simple way to get something extra from your everyday spending!

So, what is the best app to scan receipts and get money back?

My favorite receipt scanning app is Fetch Rewards. I’ve been using it for years! I also like to scan the same receipts with the Ibotta app. And, if I’m shopping online, then my favorite is Rakuten.

But, there are many great apps and sites listed above – find the best one for you and your own personal situation.

Do you scan receipts for money? What’s your favorite receipt scanning app?

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Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Author: Michelle Schroeder-Gardner

Hey! I’m Michelle Schroeder-Gardner and I am the founder of Making Sense of Cents. I’m passionate about all things personal finance, side hustles, making extra money, and online businesses. I have been featured in major publications such as Forbes, CNBC, Time, and Business Insider. Learn more here.

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