Did you know you can turn your everyday shopping receipts into real money, gift cards, or exciting rewards? Receipt scanning apps make this possible by rewarding you for snapping photos of receipts or uploading digital ones. Whether you shop in-store or online, these apps help you maximise your purchases. In this guide, we’ll provide detailed insights into the best apps available, how to use them, and tips to earn the most rewards.
What Are Receipt Scanning Apps?
Receipt scanning apps are mobile applications that reward users for uploading receipts from shopping trips, whether in physical stores or online. These apps use receipt data for market research, sharing it anonymously with brands and retailers. In return, they offer users points, cashback, or gift cards as incentives.
How Do They Work?
- Download and Register: Install the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up.
- Scan Receipts: Use your phone’s camera to take a clear photo of the receipt. For digital receipts, upload a screenshot or forward it via email.
- Verification: The app verifies the receipt for essential details like date, store name, and total.
- Earn Rewards: Once approved, users earn points, tokens, or cashback, which can be redeemed for rewards.
Best Receipt Scanning Apps for Shopping Rewards
Below is a detailed comparison of the top apps you can use to earn rewards from your receipts:
| App Name | Earnings | Rewards | Additional Features | Source/Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shoppix | Tokens per receipt; bonuses for same-day uploads | Gift cards (Amazon, iTunes) | Earn tokens through surveys and forward online shopping receipts via email for extra rewards. | Download Shoppix |
| Amazon Shopper Panel | £5 Amazon gift card for uploading 10 receipts | Amazon vouchers | Supports both physical and digital receipts for quick rewards. | Amazon Shopper Panel |
| SnapMyEats | £1 for every 5 food-related receipts; max £5/month | Gift cards for various retailers | Fun, food-focused surveys about your purchases add an interactive element to the process. | More Info |
| Swagbucks | SB (Swagbucks) points for receipt scans | PayPal cash or gift cards | Offers multiple ways to earn points, including surveys, cashback, and online shopping rewards. | Sign Up for Swagbucks |
| GreenJinn | Cashback on specific grocery items | Withdraw to PayPal or bank account | Weekly digital coupons make this app great for grocery shoppers. | Learn More |
| Receipt Hog | Coins for every receipt (online and in-store) | PayPal cash or gift cards | Users can link their email for automatic uploads of online shopping receipts, streamlining the process. | Download Receipt Hog |
| CheckoutSmart | Cashback on selected supermarket items | Bank transfer or PayPal cash | Encourages trying new products by offering up to 100% cashback on specific items. | Try CheckoutSmart |
| Storewards | Points per receipt | Gift cards | Includes surveys and online shopping integrations but will close operations by October 2024. | Learn More |
Deep Dive into Popular Receipt Scanning Apps
Here’s a closer look at the top apps and their unique features:
1. Shoppix
Shoppix allows users to earn tokens quickly by scanning receipts.
- Earnings: Earn tokens for every receipt scanned, with extra bonuses for same-day submissions.
- Rewards: Redeem tokens for gift cards like Amazon or iTunes.
- Additional Perks:
- Answer short surveys to earn more tokens.
- Forward online shopping receipts via email for extra points.
- Best For: Shoppers who want to combine physical and online receipts.
- Download: Get Shoppix.
2. Amazon Shopper Panel
Amazon Shopper Panel offers rewards exclusively for Amazon gift cards.
- Earnings: Upload up to 10 receipts per month to earn a £5 Amazon gift card.
- Rewards: Gift cards are credited directly to your Amazon account.
- Additional Perks:
- Accepts both physical and digital receipts.
- Rewards can be redeemed quickly, making it perfect for Amazon shoppers.
- Best For: Regular Amazon users.
- Sign Up: Amazon Shopper Panel.
3. SnapMyEats
This app is ideal for food lovers who frequently dine out or buy groceries.
- Earnings: Earn £1 for every 5 food and drink receipts, capped at £5 per month.
- Rewards: Choose from gift cards for various retailers.
- Additional Perks:
- Surveys about food purchases make earning fun and engaging.
- Perfect for tracking food spending.
- Best For: Shoppers who focus on food-related receipts.
- More Info: SnapMyEats.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks provides a versatile earning platform beyond just receipts.
- Earnings: Earn SB points for scanning receipts, taking surveys, and shopping online.
- Rewards: Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards for popular retailers.
- Additional Perks:
- Regular cashback offers on specific products.
- Multiple earning opportunities beyond scanning receipts.
- Best For: Users who prefer versatile earning methods.
- Sign Up: Swagbucks.
5. GreenJinn
GreenJinn focuses on grocery shopping rewards.
- Earnings: Cashback for uploading receipts of specific grocery items listed in the app.
- Rewards: Withdraw cashback to PayPal or your bank account.
- Additional Perks:
- Weekly digital coupons help users save even more.
- Best For: Budget-conscious grocery shoppers.
- Learn More: GreenJinn.
6. Receipt Hog
How It Works
- Upload receipts from any store, whether in-store or online.
- Coins are earned for every receipt uploaded.
- Link email accounts for automatic submission of online receipts.
Earnings
- Coins per receipt, with bonuses for consistent uploads.
Rewards
- Redeem coins for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Best Features
- Spin the Hog Slots wheel for additional coins.
- Gamified interface adds an entertaining touch.
Download Link: Receipt Hog on App Store
7. CheckoutSmart
How It Works
- Offers cashback on selected supermarket items.
- Upload receipts showing eligible purchases for cashback.
Earnings
- Cashback varies depending on the item purchased.
Rewards
- Withdraw cashback via PayPal or bank transfer.
Best Features
- Offers up to 100% cashback on new products, encouraging users to try new brands.
Try It Now: CheckoutSmart
8. Storewards
How It Works
- Scan receipts to earn points.
- Points can also be earned by completing surveys or linking online shopping accounts.
Earnings
- Points per receipt scanned.
Rewards
- Redeem points for gift cards or other rewards.
Best Features
- Combines receipt scanning with survey opportunities for extra earnings.
Note: Storewards will shut down operations in October 2024.
More Info: Learn About Storewards
9. CoinOut
How It Works
- Upload any receipt to earn cashback instantly.
- Coins are earned for each receipt, with no specific item restrictions.
Earnings
- Cashback for every receipt, regardless of the store.
Rewards
- PayPal cash or direct deposit into your bank account.
Best Features
- No item or store restrictions—accepts any receipt.
- Easy-to-use interface.
Learn More: CoinOut
10. Ibotta
How It Works
- Browse the app for cashback deals on specific items.
- Upload receipts showing those items to earn cashback.
Earnings
- Cashback on eligible purchases, with regular bonus offers.
Rewards
- Withdraw funds to PayPal or redeem for gift cards.
Best Features
- Integrates with loyalty programs for seamless savings.
- Offers referral bonuses for inviting friends.
Start Saving: Ibotta
11. Fetch Rewards
How It Works
- Earn points by scanning receipts from any store or restaurant.
- Points are awarded based on the brands you purchase.
Earnings
- Points vary depending on the receipt and brands purchased.
Rewards
- Redeem points for gift cards, such as Amazon, Target, and more.
Best Features
- No minimum purchase requirements—any receipt works.
- Special bonuses for purchasing partner brands.
Download Link: Fetch Rewards
12. ReceiptPal
How It Works
- Scan physical or digital receipts to earn points.
- Receipts can be forwarded via email for automatic processing.
Earnings
- Points per receipt, with bonuses for uploading regularly.
Rewards
- Redeem points for gift cards or entries into sweepstakes.
Best Features
- Accepts receipts from virtually any retailer or service.
- Email integration makes it easy to track online purchases.
Learn More: ReceiptPal
FAQs About Receipt Apps
1. Are receipt scanning apps safe to use?
Yes, reputable apps like Ibotta, Swagbucks, and Fetch Rewards use encrypted connections to protect your data.
2. Can I combine these apps?
Absolutely! Uploading the same receipt to multiple apps lets you maximize your rewards.
3. How long do rewards take to process?
Rewards are typically credited within 24–48 hours, though it may vary by app.
4. Are there limits to the number of receipts I can upload?
Yes, some apps have monthly caps (e.g., SnapMyEats allows 5 receipts per month). Check each app’s policy.
5. Do receipts expire?
Receipts usually need to be submitted within 7–14 days of purchase.
Conclusion
Using apps for photos of receipts while shopping is a no-brainer for anyone looking to earn cashback, gift cards, or other rewards. By leveraging multiple apps and uploading your receipts regularly, you can significantly enhance your savings. Download one—or all—of these apps today and start earning rewards effortlessly!