Best Receipt Scanning Apps: 7 That Actually Pay Real Money (2026)

Not all receipt scanning apps are worth your time. We tested 7 of the most popular receipt apps for 90 days to find which ones actually pay real money.

Most receipt apps pay pennies and make you wait months to cash out. Scanning receipts is one of the easiest ways to earn extra money, but only if you use the right apps and stack them correctly.

How Receipt Scanning Works

Receipt scanning apps use OCR (Optical Character Recognition) to read your receipts. They extract purchase data like store name, items bought, prices, and date. This data is valuable to brands and market research companies.

When you scan a receipt, the app sells aggregated shopping data to brands. Your payment is a cut of that data value. It's a simple exchange: your shopping data for cash. This is part of a broader trend of getting paid for your attention and everyday activities.

There are two main types of receipt apps. Any-receipt apps pay for any receipt regardless of what you bought, with lower payout per scan but zero effort. Examples include Fetch Rewards and Receipt Hog. Offer-based apps pay only when you buy specific products from their offer list, with higher payouts but requiring planning. Examples include Ibotta and Checkout 51. The best strategy is using both types together on the same receipt.

7 Best Receipt Scanning Apps That Actually Pay

We ranked these apps based on earnings per receipt, payout speed, minimum threshold, and user experience. All of these are legitimate apps that pay real money.

1. VISU — Best Overall

VISU combines receipt scanning with location-based rewards. You earn for scanning receipts AND for visiting stores. This dual earning model beats single-purpose receipt apps. Earnings vary per receipt plus location bonuses, with PayPal and bank transfer payout options. Best for maximum earnings with minimal effort.

2. Fetch Rewards — Best for Any Receipt

Fetch accepts any receipt from any store. No need to activate offers or buy specific products. Just scan and earn points that convert to gift cards. You'll get 25-50 points per receipt (roughly $0.03-$0.05), with bonus points for partner brands. The minimum payout is just $3 (3,000 points) via gift cards only. Best for beginners who want zero planning.

3. Ibotta — Best for High Payouts

Ibotta pays more per receipt but requires activating offers before shopping. Best for planned grocery trips where you check offers first. Earnings range from $0.25-$5.00 per qualifying item, with a $20 minimum payout via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards. Best for grocery shoppers willing to plan ahead. For a detailed breakdown, see our Fetch vs Ibotta comparison.

4. Receipt Hog — Best for Casual Users

Receipt Hog accepts any receipt and includes a slot machine bonus feature. Earnings convert to coins that become cash via PayPal. You'll earn 5-20 coins per receipt (roughly $0.05-$0.20), with a $5 minimum payout via PayPal or Amazon gift cards. Best for casual users who scan occasionally.

5. CoinOut — Simplest App

CoinOut is the simplest receipt app. One tap to scan, instant credit. Lowest effort but also lowest pay per receipt at $0.01-$0.05 per receipt. The minimum payout is just $1 for PayPal or $5 for gift cards. Best for people who want absolute minimum effort. If you're looking for more apps that pay instantly to PayPal, CoinOut is a solid starter.

6. Amazon Shopper Panel — Best Passive

Amazon pays up to $10/month just for uploading 10 receipts. No specific purchases required. It's invite-only but worth joining the waitlist. The minimum payout is just $2 via Amazon balance. Best for Amazon shoppers who want truly passive income.

7. Checkout 51 — Best for Canadians

Checkout 51 works like Ibotta with weekly offers. Strong presence in both US and Canada, making it ideal for Canadian users. Earnings range from $0.25-$3.00 per offer, with a $20 minimum payout via check. Best for Canadian shoppers.

Best Apps for Grocery Receipts

Grocery receipts are the most valuable because they contain detailed purchase data. For any grocery receipt without planning, use Fetch Rewards, Receipt Hog, CoinOut, or VISU. These accept receipts from any grocery store without requiring specific purchases.

For maximum grocery earnings, use the Ibotta + Fetch combo. Activate Ibotta offers before shopping, then scan the same receipt in Fetch for bonus points. For supermarket chains, check if your grocery store has its own app with digital coupons. Stack store app + Ibotta + Fetch on the same trip.

Combine grocery receipt apps with cashback apps on your credit card for triple earnings on every grocery trip. This stacking strategy is covered in more detail in our complete guide to apps that pay for receipts.

Side-by-Side Comparison

How Much Can You Actually Earn?

Let's be realistic about the numbers. Based on our 90-day test with average shopping habits (2-3 store trips per week):

The difference between casual and optimized is 10x. Most people earn $5/month because they use one app inconsistently. Stack multiple apps on every receipt and you'll hit $30-$50/month from shopping you already do. For more ways to earn passively, check our passive income apps guide.

How to Maximize Your Receipt Earnings

Stack multiple apps. The same receipt can earn from 3-4 apps simultaneously. Fetch and Receipt Hog accept any receipt. Ibotta pays for specific items. VISU adds location rewards. Use all of them on every shopping trip.

Scan every receipt. Not just groceries. Gas stations, pharmacies, restaurants, convenience stores. Fetch and Receipt Hog accept receipts from almost any retail location.

Check Ibotta before shopping. Spend 2 minutes checking Ibotta offers before your grocery trip. Add offers for items you'd buy anyway. Don't buy things just for the cashback.

Don't let receipts expire. Most apps require scanning within 7-14 days. Scan receipts the same day you shop. Make it a habit.

Join Amazon Shopper Panel. It's invite-only but worth the waitlist. $10/month for 10 receipts is the best rate in the industry.

Add location rewards. Receipt apps pay for what you buy. Location apps pay for where you go. Using both turns every shopping trip into multiple earning opportunities. Learn how VISU rewards work to maximize this strategy.

What to Avoid

Don't buy items just for cashback. $0.50 back on a $5 item you don't need is a net loss.

Don't use only one app. You're leaving money on the table every time you don't stack multiple apps on the same receipt.

Don't forget to scan. Receipts expire, so scan the same day you shop. Make it a habit right after checkout.

Don't chase high minimum thresholds. $20 minimums take months if you shop infrequently. Prioritize apps with low or no minimums.

Never submit fake receipts. Apps ban accounts permanently. It's not worth the risk for a few cents.

Don't ignore receipt expiration. Most apps reject receipts older than 14 days. The sooner you scan, the better.

FAQ — Receipt Scanning Apps

Which receipt scanning app pays the most?

For single receipts, Ibotta pays the most per item ($0.25-$5.00) but requires specific purchases. For any receipt without planning, Amazon Shopper Panel pays best ($1/receipt) but is invite-only. For overall earnings, stacking VISU + Fetch + Ibotta together beats any single app.

Can I use multiple receipt apps on the same receipt?

Yes. Apps like Fetch, Receipt Hog, CoinOut, and VISU can all scan the same receipt. They track different data and don't conflict. This is called "stacking" and it's the best way to maximize earnings.

How long do I have to scan a receipt?

Most apps require scanning within 7-14 days. Fetch allows 14 days. Ibotta requires 7 days. Receipt Hog allows 14 days. Scan the same day you shop to avoid forgetting.

What types of receipts are accepted?

Most apps accept grocery, retail, restaurant, gas station, pharmacy, and convenience store receipts. Some apps like Ibotta focus mainly on grocery. Fetch and Receipt Hog accept almost any retail receipt.

Is Fetch or Ibotta better?

They serve different purposes. Fetch is easier (any receipt, no planning). Ibotta pays more per item but requires activating offers first. Best strategy: use both. See our detailed Fetch vs Ibotta comparison.

Are receipt scanning apps safe?

Yes, major apps like Fetch, Ibotta, and VISU are legitimate and safe. They sell aggregated shopping data to brands, not your personal identity. Always download apps from official app stores and read privacy policies. Wondering about VISU specifically? Check is VISU legit.

How fast can I get paid?

Payout speed varies. CoinOut and Fetch (gift cards) are instant. PayPal payouts from VISU and Receipt Hog take 1-3 days. Ibotta takes 1-2 days.

Do receipt apps sell my data?

Yes, in aggregated form. That's their business model. They sell shopping trends and patterns to brands and market research firms, not your personal identity. If privacy is a concern, read each app's privacy policy before signing up.

References

• Fetch Rewards — Official Site
• Ibotta — Official Site
• Receipt Hog — Official Site
• Amazon Shopper Panel — Official Site
• NerdWallet — Best Cash Back Apps