Disclaimer: The content team has tested and tried the apps mentioned in this article. We are not affiliated with them and do not receive commission for recommending them.
Typically, you can’t get physical money from turning in your receipts, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it to catalogue them on the best app you can find. But which app gives you real money for receipts? The answer is that you can find quite a few apps to get cash back or gift cards for turning in receipts for groceries, gas, and more.
Some receipt apps give you points to earn cash back that can eventually be transferred to a bank account or PayPal. The amount you can earn varies based on the app, the purchases you make, available offers, and how often you submit receipts. For some apps, the type of receipt matters. For example, you may only get points for shopping at certain stores, or just for transportation costs, like getting gas.
If you need to get real money for receipt scanning, Max Cash has your back! Check out some of the recommendations to earn money and get the most bang for your buck.
Can you actually make money from scanning receipts?
Yes, you can actually make money from scanning receipts. As mentioned above, a lot of receipt scanning apps pay in gift cards, but some can offer cash back, like Upside.
Are receipt scanning apps actually worth it?
The answer is simply that it depends on the person and their shopping habits. They can be, particularly if you already shop regularly and don’t have to change your spending habits to earn rewards.
The biggest mistake is treating a rewards app as a reason to spend more money, or as a cash advance. If an app offers extra points for purchasing a product you don’t need, the reward may not actually save you money. Instead, consider using receipt apps as a way to get something back from purchases that are already part of your budget.
For example, if you regularly spend money on groceries, you could:
- Check Ibotta for relevant grocery offers before shopping.
- Scan your receipt with Fetch after your purchase.
- Look for other legitimate cash-back opportunities that apply to the same purchase.
- Redeem your rewards once you reach the applicable threshold.
Some apps can be used on the same purchase, although you should always check each app’s current terms and receipt requirements before submitting the same receipt.
There’s another question to ask: How much is your time worth? If you’re spending several minutes every day searching through offers for a reward worth a few cents, the benefit may be relatively small. On the other hand, if scanning a receipt takes a few seconds and you’re already making the purchase, the process may be worthwhile.
Think of these apps as a small budgeting tool rather than a replacement for income.
Receipt scanning apps generally work in one of two ways. Some reward you simply for submitting eligible receipts, while others require you to purchase specific products or activate an offer before shopping. For example, Fetch awards points when you submit eligible receipts. The company says users can earn at least 25 points for an eligible physical receipt, although bonus offers can provide additional points.
Those points can then be exchanged for available rewards, including gift cards. Ibotta takes a different approach. You typically browse the available offers, activate the ones you want, purchase qualifying products, and then submit your receipt or use a linked loyalty account where supported. Ibotta rewards qualifying purchases with cash back rather than simply paying you for every receipt. This distinction is important. Scanning a receipt does not automatically mean you’re receiving cash. In many cases, you’re earning points or qualifying for a specific cash-back offer.
In comparison, for Upside, you may not even need to scan your receipt! If you use the card on file that you regularly use, it will automatically apply the cash back. You can access the funds through direct deposit to your bank account, PayPal, etc.
Ways to Get Real Money for Receipts
There are several ways you can potentially get cash or rewards from purchases you’ve already made.
1. Use Ibotta for Cash Back
Ibotta is one of the better-known cash-back apps for grocery and retail purchases. Rather than simply paying you for every receipt, Ibotta generally works through specific offers. You select eligible offers, make the qualifying purchase, and then receive cash back according to the offer terms. Some supported retailers also allow you to connect a loyalty account instead of submitting a receipt manually. Ibotta’s rewards can be redeemed through available payout methods, which can include bank transfer, PayPal and gift cards. Current redemption requirements can change, so check the app before planning around a specific cash-out amount.
Best for: Shoppers who regularly buy groceries and are willing to check offers before shopping.
2. Use Fetch for Gift Card Rewards
Instead of primarily focusing on cash back, Fetch awards points for eligible receipts and other activities. Those points can be redeemed for available rewards, including gift cards. Fetch says eligible receipts can include purchases from grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores, and other retailers. Fetch also accepts eligible electronic receipts, giving users another way to earn points from purchases made online.
Best for: People who want a simple way to earn rewards from a wide variety of everyday purchases.
3. Get Cash Back on Gas and Other Purchases With Upside
Upside is another established option, although it isn’t strictly a receipt-scanning app. Upside focuses on cash-back offers at participating gas stations, restaurants, and retailers. Depending on the offer, you may receive cash back after completing a qualifying purchase. This can make it useful for people who regularly spend money on gas and want to earn something back from purchases they were already going to make.
Best for: Drivers and shoppers looking for cash-back offers on gas, dining, and other participating purchases.
4. Try Receipt Hog for Receipt Rewards
Receipt Hog is another receipt-rewards option. Instead of expecting a large cash payment from each receipt, users accumulate rewards over time. Receipt Hog has historically offered rewards through options such as PayPal and gift cards, although available redemption methods and requirements can change.
Best for: People who want to submit everyday receipts and accumulate smaller rewards over time.
5. Look at CoinOut for Everyday Receipts
CoinOut is another established receipt-rewards service. It allows users to earn rewards from eligible receipts, with redemption options varying based on the user’s account and current program rules.
Best for: People looking for another option for earning rewards from everyday receipts.
How to Get the Most From Receipt Apps
You don’t necessarily need to download every rewards app available. In fact, using too many can make the process more complicated than it’s worth. Try these strategies instead:
Check Offers Before You Shop
If an app requires you to activate an offer before purchasing an item, check the app before you go shopping. And remember that receipt apps don’t always provide cash back instantly.
Scan Receipts Promptly
Don’t let receipts sit in your wallet or car for weeks. Many rewards programs have receipt submission requirements, including restrictions on how old a receipt can be when you submit it.
Don’t Buy Something Just for the Reward
A $1 reward isn’t a $1 savings if you spent $10 on something you didn’t need. Use rewards apps to reduce the effective cost of purchases you were already planning to make.
Compare the Actual Reward
Points can make an app look more lucrative than it really is. Before spending time on an app, determine how many points you need to receive a $5 or $10 reward. Then compare that with the time and spending required to earn those points.
Protect Your Personal Information
Receipt apps may collect information about purchases and transactions. Before signing up, review the app’s privacy policy and understand what information you are providing. Be especially cautious about apps that request unnecessary financial information, require unusual permissions, or make unrealistic promises about how much money you can earn.
Can You Scan the Same Receipt on Multiple Apps?
Sometimes. Some receipt and cash-back apps may allow you to submit the same receipt, while others can have rules limiting duplicate submissions or specific types of rewards. Some current comparisons indicate that consumers can stack certain receipt rewards and cash-back offers, but you should check the individual programs’ current terms before doing so. If permitted, this can be one of the easiest ways to increase the rewards you receive from a single shopping trip.
For example, you might use one app that rewards you for submitting a general receipt and another that provides cash back on a qualifying product. The important thing is to follow each program’s rules.
How to Find Cash Without Receipts
If you are in the market for a loan and you cannot wait on cash back to make ends meet, a cash advance can help you cover the cost of groceries, gas, and other items until payday. Explore cash advance options with the help of Max Cash today!2 5
