Last updated Jul. 18, 2024 by Peter Jakes
18 Best Apps That Pay You To Shop Online in 2023
Online shopping has become an integral part of our lives, making convenience and variety readily available at our fingertips. But wouldn’t it be phenomenal if you could actually earn money while shopping online? Enter the world of apps that pay you to shop, an avenue where you can get cashback, coupons, discounts, and more, just for making your usual purchases. In 2023, these apps have optimized and streamlined their services, making it even easier to save money and earn extra income. Here’s our take on the 18 best apps that pay you to shop online.
1. Rakuten
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten is one of the most well-known cashback platforms. With thousands of partnered retailers, you can earn cashback on virtually any purchase. The app consistently offers special promotions and double cash-back deals, allowing you to maximize your savings. Rakuten deposits your earnings directly into your PayPal account or sends you a check.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta started as a cashback app for groceries but has expanded to include online shopping. Simply scan your receipt or make your purchase through the Ibotta app to earn cashback. Additionally, you can link your loyalty cards to your Ibotta account for automatic cashback.
3. Honey
Honey not only finds you the best promo codes available but also offers Honey Gold rewards, which can be redeemed for gift cards. This browser extension app automatically searches for and applies the best coupons at checkout.
4. TopCashback
This platform offers some of the highest cashback rates among competitors. With no minimum payout threshold, you can receive your earnings via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. They also frequently offer bonus promotions for extra savings.
5. Swagbucks
Swagbucks allows you to earn SB points through various activities including online shopping, watching videos, and taking surveys. You can redeem your SB points for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
6. Shopkick
Shopkick rewards you with "kicks" for walking into stores, scanning barcodes, and making purchases both in-store and online. Accumulate kicks to redeem for gift cards.
7. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards focuses on rewarding you for your grocery shopping. Simply scan your receipts to earn points which can be redeemed for gift cards. The app is user-friendly and partners with numerous big-brand retailers.
8. Dosh
With Dosh, you earn automatic cashback when you make purchases with linked cards at partner stores and restaurants. The cashback earns automatically without needing to scan receipts or enter promo codes.
9. MyPoints
Owned by Swagbucks’ parent company, MyPoints offers similar benefits. Earn points for online shopping, surveys, and more, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
10. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot is both a coupon finder and cashback app. The platform offers a plethora of coupon codes and cashback opportunities for numerous retailers. You get your cashback via PayPal or Venmo.
11. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog converts your shopping receipts into "coins," which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal. The app gamifies the process, making it fun and easy to earn rewards.
12. CoinOut
CoinOut allows you to earn cashback by taking pictures of your receipts. You can also link your email for e-receipts. The app offers the simplicity of cashing out through Amazon gift cards, PayPal, or direct deposit.
13. Paribus
Paribus monitors your recent purchases for price drops. If a price drop is detected, Paribus helps you get a refund of the difference. This app is perfect for those who want to ensure they’re always getting the best deal.
14. Acorns Found Money
Acorns is a micro-investing app, and its Found Money program offers cashback from selected retailers that is automatically invested into your Acorns account. This way, you’re not just earning money, you’re investing it.
15. Drop
Drop allows you to earn points by shopping at your favorite brands. You can link your credit or debit cards to your Drop account to earn points automatically. Points can be redeemed for gift cards.
16. CouponCabin
CouponCabin offers a diverse selection of coupon codes and cashback opportunities. The app provides cashback through PayPal, Amazon gift cards, or physical checks.
17. Upromise
Upromise aims to help you save for college by offering cashback for purchases at participating retailers. The cashback can be directed to a savings account or used to pay down student loans.
18. BeFrugal
BeFrugal offers cashback for online purchases at over 5000 stores. They also have a “best cashback guarantee,” which matches any higher cashback rate offered by competitors. You can cash out via PayPal, check, or direct deposit.
✓ Short Answer
In 2023, apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, Honey, and Swagbucks have emerged as top choices for earning cashback and rewards while shopping online. These platforms offer a mix of coupon codes, cashback opportunities, and reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. By integrating these apps into your shopping routine, you can effectively maximize your savings and even earn extra income from your everyday purchases.
FAQs
1. Are these shopping apps safe to use?
Yes, most of these apps are safe to use. They have security measures in place to protect your personal information and transaction details. Always check user reviews and terms of service for added peace of mind.
2. How do cashback apps make money?
Cashback apps earn through affiliate marketing. Retailers pay the apps a commission for referring customers, a portion of which is then shared with you as cashback.
3. Can I use more than one cashback app for the same purchase?
Generally, you can use multiple apps for one purchase, depending on their terms and conditions. For example, you can use a coupon from one app and claim cashback from another.
4. How quickly can I get my earnings?
The payout period varies by app. Some might offer instant transfers, while others may take weeks to process payments.
5. Do these apps cost anything to download or use?
Most of these apps are free to download and use. They earn through commissions from partnered retailers, not from the users.
In summary, leveraging these 18 apps can not only make your shopping more enjoyable but also rewarding. By integrating them into your shopping habits, you can maximize your savings and even make a bit of extra income. Happy shopping!
