Yes, you can get paid to scan receipts. But most people earn $5–$10 a month and give up. This guide shows how to actually increase receipt earnings and combine them with other methods to reach $30–$50 a month from shopping you already do.
Receipt scanning apps have been around for years. The pitch is simple: scan receipts and earn cash back.
The reality is more complicated. Most apps pay just a few cents per receipt. Some require specific purchases. Others make you wait months to reach the minimum payout.
We tested 12 receipt apps over 90 days to see which ones actually pay and what you can realistically earn. The results were not what we expected.
Increase Your Earnings While Shopping
Receipt apps reward what you buy. VISU rewards where you go. Using both together helps you earn more from every shopping trip.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.
How Receipt Scanning Apps Work
Receipt apps make money from your shopping data. Brands pay to see what people buy, where they shop, and how prices compare across stores.
When you scan a receipt, the app extracts purchase data and sells aggregated insights to brands. Your payment is a small cut of that data value. After all, your attention has value.
There are three main types of receipt apps:
- Any-receipt apps: Pay for any receipt regardless of what you bought (Fetch, Amazon Shopper Panel)
- Offer-based apps: Pay only when you buy specific products on their offer list (Ibotta, Checkout 51)
- Hybrid apps: Combine both models (Receipt Hog, Shopkick)
Any-receipt apps pay less per scan but require zero planning. Offer-based apps pay more but require you to check offers before shopping.
8 Best Apps That Pay for Receipts (Ranked)
We ranked these based on earnings per receipt, payout speed, and effort required. For more ideas, see our guide to apps that pay real money.
1. Fetch Rewards — Best Overall
Fetch pays for any receipt from any store. No need to activate offers or buy specific products. Just scan and earn points.
- Earnings: 25-50 points per receipt (roughly $0.03-$0.05), bonus points for partner brands
- Minimum payout: $3 (3,000 points)
- Payout method: Gift cards
- Best for: Beginners, low effort
2. Ibotta — Best for Groceries
Ibotta pays higher amounts but requires activating offers before you shop. Best for planned grocery trips.
- Earnings: $0.25-$5.00 per qualifying item
- Minimum payout: $20
- Payout method: PayPal, Venmo, gift cards
- Best for: Grocery shoppers willing to plan
3. Amazon Shopper Panel — Best Passive
Amazon pays up to $10/month just for uploading 10 receipts. No specific purchases required.
- Earnings: Up to $10/month (invite-only)
- Minimum payout: $2
- Payout method: Amazon balance
- Best for: Amazon shoppers, truly passive
4. Receipt Hog — Best for Any Receipt
Receipt Hog accepts any receipt and pays in coins that convert to cash. Includes slot machine bonus spins.
- Earnings: 5-20 coins per receipt (roughly $0.05-$0.20)
- Minimum payout: $5
- Payout method: PayPal, Amazon
- Best for: Casual users
5. Checkout 51 — Best for Canadian Users
Similar to Ibotta with weekly offers. Strong in Canada and US.
- Earnings: $0.25-$3.00 per offer
- Minimum payout: $20
- Payout method: Check
- Best for: Canadian shoppers
6. Shopkick — Best for In-Store + Receipts
Shopkick combines receipt scanning with in-store walks and product scans. More earning opportunities but more effort.
- Earnings: Varies (kicks convert to gift cards)
- Minimum payout: $2
- Payout method: Gift cards
- Best for: Active shoppers
7. Coinout — Simplest App
Coinout pays for any receipt with one tap. Lowest effort but lowest pay.
- Earnings: $0.01-$0.05 per receipt
- Minimum payout: $1 (PayPal), $5 (gift cards)
- Payout method: PayPal, gift cards
- Best for: Minimal effort
8. NCP Mobile (National Consumer Panel)
Scan all purchases for market research. Pays in points for gift cards. Requires scanning everything you buy.
- Earnings: Points vary by participation
- Minimum payout: Varies
- Payout method: Gift cards, sweepstakes
- Best for: Committed users
How Much Can You Actually Make?
Let's be honest about the numbers.
Based on our 90-day test with average shopping habits (2-3 store trips per week), here's what we earned:
| App | Receipts Scanned | 90-Day Earnings | Monthly Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch Rewards | 45 | $8.50 | $2.83 |
| Ibotta | 32 | $24.75 | $8.25 |
| Amazon Shopper Panel | 30 | $30.00 | $10.00 |
| Receipt Hog | 45 | $6.20 | $2.07 |
| TOTAL | $69.45 | $23.15 |
$23/month from receipts alone. Not life-changing, but it adds up to $275/year from shopping you already do.
The key insight: stacking multiple apps on the same receipt multiplies your earnings. One grocery trip can earn from Fetch (any receipt) + Ibotta (specific offers) + your cashback app simultaneously.
How to Maximize Receipt Earnings
Most people scan occasionally and earn little. Here's how to actually make receipt apps worth your time:
1. Stack Multiple Apps
The same receipt can earn from multiple apps. Fetch and Receipt Hog accept any receipt. Ibotta pays for specific items. Use all three on every grocery receipt.
2. Prioritize Amazon Shopper Panel
If you have access, Amazon Shopper Panel pays the most for least effort. $10/month for 10 receipts is unbeatable.
3. Check Ibotta Before Shopping
Ibotta's best earnings come from activated offers. Spend 2 minutes checking offers before your grocery trip. Add items you'd buy anyway.
4. Scan Every Receipt
Gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies. Not just groceries. Fetch and Receipt Hog accept all retail receipts.
5. Don't Chase Offers You Don't Need
Buying something just for $0.50 cashback loses money. Only claim offers on items you'd purchase anyway.
Stack Receipts + Location Rewards
Receipt apps pay after you buy. But what about earning for just showing up?
Location-based apps reward you for visiting stores, whether you buy anything or not. Combined with receipt apps, you can earn twice from every shopping trip.
Here's how a stacked shopping trip works:
- Before shopping: Open VISU, check in at store location
- While shopping: Check Ibotta offers, buy what you need
- After shopping: Scan receipt in Fetch + Ibotta + Receipt Hog
- Result: Multiple earning streams from one trip
This stacking strategy turns a $50 grocery run into $3-$8 in combined rewards instead of $0.50 from receipts alone. For more stacking ideas, see our passive income apps guide.
Users who started early are already building their VISU balance. The sooner you start, the more you'll have accumulated when withdrawals go live.
What to Avoid With Receipt Apps
Some mistakes waste your time or cost money:
- Buying items just for cashback: $0.50 back on a $5 item you don't need = net loss
- Using only one app: You're leaving money on the table
- Forgetting to scan: Receipts expire (usually 7-14 days)
- Chasing high minimums: $20 minimum takes months for light shoppers
- Scanning fake receipts: Apps ban accounts permanently
FAQ: Receipt Scanning Apps
Can you really make money scanning receipts?
Yes, but expectations matter. Realistically, $15-$30/month from receipts alone. Stack with other methods for $50+/month from shopping activities.
Which receipt app pays the most?
Amazon Shopper Panel pays up to $10/month for just 10 receipts. For groceries specifically, Ibotta pays most per item but requires more effort.
Can I use multiple receipt apps on one receipt?
Yes. Apps like Fetch, Receipt Hog, and Ibotta can all scan the same receipt. They track different data and don't conflict.
How long do I have to scan a receipt?
Most apps require scanning within 7-14 days of purchase. Fetch allows 14 days. Ibotta requires 7 days. Check each app's rules.
Do receipt apps sell my data?
Yes, in aggregated form. That's their business model. They sell shopping trends to brands, not your personal identity. Read privacy policies if concerned.
Are receipt apps worth the effort?
For 30 seconds per receipt, earning $20-$30/month is decent. Combined with location rewards and walking apps, it becomes a meaningful income stream.
Ready to Earn More From Every Shopping Trip?
Stack receipt apps with VISU location rewards. Start accumulating now so you have a balance ready when withdrawals launch.
Quick video. Earn your first reward.