In today’s economy, stretching the grocery budget is a priority for many households. While traditional coupon clipping still exists, technology offers new ways to save. Several popular and legitimate smartphone apps reward users simply for taking pictures of their shopping receipts. These apps collect valuable market research data from your purchase history and, in return, give you points that can be redeemed for rewards, often including gift cards to major grocery stores, retailers like Target and Walmart, or even cash via PayPal or Visa gift cards. Here are five well-regarded apps (as of early 2025) known for turning your everyday receipts into potential grocery savings.
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1. Fetch Rewards
Fetch is frequently cited as one of the easiest receipt-scanning apps to use. Unlike some others, you don’t need to clip specific offers beforehand. Simply snap a picture of almost any receipt (from grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, retail stores, etc.) within 14 days of purchase, and you’ll earn points. You earn bonus points for purchasing specific brands featured in the app or completing special offers. Points accumulate relatively quickly and can be redeemed for a wide variety of gift cards, including those for grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, and Albertsons, as well as general retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon, starting at fairly low point thresholds.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta focuses heavily on grocery rewards and offers potentially higher cashback rates than some other apps, but it requires more interaction before you shop. You need to browse offers within the app for specific products at participating stores (major chains like Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, etc.) and add them to your list before making your purchase. After shopping, you scan your receipt (or link a store loyalty card for automatic processing at some retailers). Once you reach the minimum payout threshold (typically $20), you can cash out via PayPal, direct bank transfer, or various gift cards, often including grocery options.
3. Receipt Hog
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Receipt Hog takes a slightly more gamified approach. You earn “coins” for snapping pictures of receipts from stores selling consumable goods (like grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies). You can also earn spins for their “Hog Slots” game or enter sweepstakes. The amount earned per receipt can vary. Once you accumulate enough coins, you can redeem them for cash via PayPal or Amazon gift cards. While potentially slower to earn significant rewards compared to offer-based apps, its acceptance of almost any retail receipt makes it easy to use consistently.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a broad “get-paid-to” platform offering multiple ways to earn points (called “SB”), including scanning receipts through its “Magic Receipts” feature. Similar to Ibotta, you often need to add specific grocery offers to your list before shopping and then upload your receipt. However, Swagbucks also rewards points for online shopping portals, taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games. SB points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or a vast selection of gift cards, including grocery stores and major retailers like Walmart and Target.
5. ReceiptPal
ReceiptPal is another straightforward app that rewards you for simply submitting pictures of almost any consumer receipt (stores, restaurants, gas, etc.). You can connect your email account to automatically capture e-receipts as well. You earn points for each valid receipt submitted, filling up virtual “cards.” Completing cards earns you points redeemable for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Target, Walmart, or Visa prepaid cards, which can then be used for groceries. It also enters you into weekly cash sweepstakes. Like Fetch, its simplicity is a key appeal, though earnings per receipt might be modest.
Turn Trash into Treasure (or Gift Cards)
Scanning your shopping receipts with apps like Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, Receipt Hog, Swagbucks, and ReceiptPal can be an easy way to earn a little extra back on your everyday purchases, including groceries. While you won’t get rich, consistently using one or more of these apps can yield enough points over time to snag free gift cards that help offset your grocery bill or pay for a small treat. Most are free and simple to use, essentially turning something you’d normally throw away into a potential reward. Just be sure to understand each app’s specific rules and redemption options.
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