Getting paid to shop seems like a dream come true for some people, and there are multiple ways to do it. Some require you to go to physical stores, like shopping and delivering groceries, doing mystery shopping, or becoming a personal shopper. Others (and some of my favorites) let you earn cash or gift cards for purchasing items you’d buy anyway, such as using cash back credit cards, scanning receipts, or taking advantage of store coupons and loyalty rewards.
Over the years, I’ve used some methods like cashback rewards and receipt scanning. While it won’t replace my full-time income anytime soon, getting paid to shop has made me enough extra money to supplement my travel budget and boost my emergency savings.
Let’s look at eight ways you can get paid to shop and how they work.
Sign up for delivery apps
Delivery apps have exploded in popularity recently. They’re often divided into those that require you to both shop and deliver within a set time frame and those that split the tasks between two people. Delivery apps are best suited for when you have the time to shop and deliver orders by a deadline and don’t mind potentially crowded stores, especially around the holidays.
Shipt
Shipt is a Target-owned grocery delivery service that pays you to shop and deliver orders from stores like Petsmart, CVS, Walgreens, Sephora, and, of course, Target. Signing up to shop for Shipt is free, but you must be at least 18, have a U.S. driver’s license and car insurance, be able to lift 50 pounds, and meet some other requirements.
The service pays a base rate per order plus tips and bonuses. However, you’re responsible for covering your gas, data usage, and other costs. You don’t have to own a car to work for Shipt, but you must be listed as an insured person on the insurance policy covering the vehicle used.
You can get your pay once daily using the Stripe platform or receive a direct deposit to your bank account every Friday for the last Monday through Sunday’s work.
Visit Shipt | Learn more in our Shipt review
Instacart
Instacart was one of the first online services to make grocery delivery affordable. The service is in more than 14,000 cities in North America and covers more than 80,000 stores, including both big box stores like Target and Costco and local merchants.
To sign up as a shopper with Instacart, you must be 18 years or older, have permission to work in the U.S., and own a bank account. You must also have access to a smartphone and vehicle and be able to lift 40 pounds (with or without accommodation).
You can cash out your earnings, including tips, within two hours of completing the delivery or sign up for a weekly direct deposit.
Walmart Spark
Similarly, Walmart has its own shopping and delivery service, Walmart Spark.
You must complete an enrollment form and undergo verification before you can sign in to the Spark app and get to work. In addition to meeting other requirements, like being at least 18 and having valid car insurance, Spark requires you to pass a motor vehicle and criminal records background screening.
Earnings are calculated based on the distance and size of the order, as well as any extras like delivering to apartments or handling heavy items. Walmart Spark can pay you through direct deposit or a third-party digital wallet, though that may come with fees.
Use the right rewards credit card
Finally, multiple credit cards provide rewards, including cash back. I use my rewards credit card frequently and have been able to supplement my budget for international trips using rewards.
Rewards credit cards generally offer customers a small percentage of cash back or points on every purchase. You can typically redeem your rewards for a statement credit, get cash deposited into your checking or savings account, or make purchases with them.
However, be careful about overspending just to earn rewards. Be disciplined about only using your card for items you need to purchase. Also, carefully read the rules so you can make the most of your rewards.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Bank has multiple credit cards that offer cash back on purchases. You get higher reward rates of 3% cash back for drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and 5% cash back for travel purchased through Chase Travel℠. The Chase Freedom Unlimited® provides at least 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
In addition, there’s a $0 annual fee, and you can earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). It also offers a 0% introductory balance transfer APR for the first 15 months after account opening. The card then has a regular APR between 19.74% – 28.49% Variable.
Learn more in our Chase Freedom Unlimited review
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day, and you can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. Like Chase, this card has a $0 annual fee and a 0% introductory balance transfer APR for the first 15 months (after that, the APR is 19.49% – 29.49% (Variable)).
This card also has extra perks like no foreign transaction fees. Rewards don’t expire as long as the account is open, and you can redeem them for cash, statement credits, gift cards, and more.
Learn more in our Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards review
Discover it® Cash Back
The Discover it® Cash Back offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter up to the quarterly maximum when you activate and 1% cash back on all other purchases. It has a $0 annual fee and offers a 0% introductory balance transfer APR for 15 months (18.49% – 27.49% Variable *Rates as of December 12, 2024 after that).
In addition, Discover will match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year.. For example, if you earn $50 in cash back, Discover will add $50 to make your total $100.
This card also provides good security features, like a $0 fraud liability guarantee, online privacy protection, and free Social Security number alerts.
Learn more in our Discover it Cash Back review
Complete mystery shopping tasks
If you love to shop in person and try different stores, consider becoming a mystery shopper. Despite sounding like you need to wear a hat and sunglasses as you stealthily take pictures, mystery shoppers are average shoppers who can help stores, restaurants, and other businesses discover and fix problems.
Be careful, however, to only sign up for tasks or jobs that you know are legitimate. Many mystery shopping scams circulate on the internet, so you must ensure you find a legitimate opportunity before providing your personal information.
Field Agent
When you download the Field Agent app (available for iOS and Android), you’ll see jobs like doing store audits, answering surveys, taking mystery shopping assignments, or purchasing products to try and review. After you sign up, you can reserve an available job, and once you complete it, Field Agent will verify your data and then pay you.
When you’re ready to get paid, you can receive a direct deposit to a linked bank account or prepaid card. Field Agent processes payments within 24 hours, but your bank may take three to five business days to make the funds available.
Intellishop
To become a mystery shopper with Intellishop, you must apply by filling out a signup form and taking a 5-minute screening test. You’ll receive notifications about available projects in the app or your email after you’re enrolled. If selected, you’ll receive a confirmation with details about what the particular project and client require.
Once you complete the opportunity and submit your report, Intellishop will score your evaluation, which impacts future opportunities. The company pays via PayPal on the 20th of the month, so this isn’t a way to receive funds quickly like other apps.
Work as a personal shopper
Working as a personal shopper can be a great way to get your shopping fix while earning money and helping others. Various websites can connect you with people looking for help with errands, and the website will handle client billing, scheduling, and logistics.
Using an online platform to start a business as a personal shopper can be an excellent way to get established without expensive start-up costs. Let’s look at some popular options.
Care.com
Care.com is a platform that connects people needing assistance with child and senior care, housekeeping, pet care, or tutoring. The site also helps people find personal shoppers who can help with errands or other shopping tasks.
You’ll need to pass a background test as part of the application process. Once accepted, you can browse the job board, set your rates, and look for clients. Depending on the task and how it’s posted to the site, Care.com may pay you through Stripe or the client may pay you directly.
Care.com charges a service fee on every booking you complete through the site and says it can take between one and three business days for you to receive your funds.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a job marketplace that connects freelancers, called “Taskers,” with customers who need help. While many jobs on TaskRabbit involve home repairs, you can also sign up as a personal shopper or errand runner. You set your rates and get to keep 100% of what you make on the platform. However, there is a one-time $25 registration fee.
To sign up for TaskRabbit, you’ll need to be 18 years or older, have a Social Security number, and be able to work in one of the cities where the platform is active. You’ll also need to pass a background check and have a smartphone, a checking account, and an active credit card (to pay the registration fee).
TaskRabbit processes payments to Taskers through Stripe, and funds usually take two to four days to become available.
Learn more in our TaskRabbit review
Local online job boards
You can also consider advertising as a personal shopper on local online job boards. However, be careful to vet potential clients thoroughly. Use a clearly defined contract detailing your rates, reimbursement expectations, and payment terms. Include the distance you’re willing to travel, the tasks you will or will not do, and your preferred payment method.
Try receipt-scanning apps
If you don’t like the idea of shopping for other people, look for ways to earn money shopping for yourself. Receipt-scanning apps can be an easy way to get money back on purchases. However, before you sign up, do your research carefully. Each app varies in the type of products or amount required to earn money, and some only provide store gift cards rather than cash.
Fetch
Fetch is a popular app that rewards you with points for playing games, shopping online, and uploading physical or email receipts within the app. The points awarded can vary, but each receipt is worth at least 25 points. Fetch accepts receipts from any store, restaurant, or gas station.
When you have enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards at stores like Amazon and Target. You’ll need to earn at least 3,000 points to redeem most rewards. However, if it’s your first redemption, you must wait until you have enough points to cash out at least a $10 gift card. After that, rewards in $3 and $5 amounts become available.
Visit Fetch | Learn more in our Fetch review
Receipt Hog
Similar to Fetch, Receipt Hog is an app that rewards you with coins when you upload receipts or take surveys. You can submit digital or paper receipts and earn spins on a slots wheel or receive entries into a monthly sweepstakes.
Receipt Hog accepts receipts from almost any store, especially for groceries, health supplies, beauty products, and cleaning supplies. After you have 1,000 coins, you can redeem them for Visa or Amazon gift cards or send the funds directly to your PayPal account. Receipt Hog approves and issues your rewards within seven days.
Ibotta
Ibotta offers cash back whenever you shop and submit receipts. Start by browsing the Ibotta site or app and finding the item you need to purchase. Then, add the offer to your list in Ibotta and purchase the item, either online or in the store.
You can photograph and manually upload your receipt or link your store loyalty account to Ibotta. Once you reach the maximum withdrawal amount of $20, you can send your earnings to your bank or PayPal account or redeem them for gift cards to stores like Walmart, Starbucks, or Kohl’s.
Visit Ibotta | Learn more in our Ibotta review
Install other cash back apps and extensions
If scanning receipts isn’t your thing, don’t worry; you can still get paid to shop. One of the easiest and best side hustles is to install a cash back app or browser extension.
I like shopping through a browser extension because it requires no extra work. All you have to do is start at the cashback site and shop as usual. I often save and use my rewards to purchase gifts for birthdays and holidays.
Capital One Shopping
When you shop online using the Capital One Shopping browser extension or app, the site automatically searches for and applies coupon codes, helping you save money. It will also compare the prices of the items you’re looking for against multiple retail sites to ensure you get the best price.
When you shop, you’ll earn rewards that you can redeem toward gift cards at stores like Walmart or eBay. Capital One Shopping calculates rewards based on the eligible purchase total, and they may take a few days to appear on your account. Rewards for travel (like flights, hotels, and car rentals) may take between 60 and 90 days after your trip to appear.
Learn more in our Capital One Shopping review
Rakuten
Once you sign up with Rakuten, you can start shopping by going to its website and choosing the store where you want to shop. You can also use Rakuten’s mobile app or browser extension to shop, and it should track your rewards on all platforms. After the store confirms your purchase, Rakuten will add the cash back to your account.
When you’re ready to redeem your rewards, Rakuten will send you a paper check or make a deposit into your PayPal account. You’ll get your first payment 15 days after you make your first purchase. Future payments arrive quarterly on the 15th of February, May, August, and November.
Visit Rakuten | Learn more in our Rakuten review
PayPal Honey
PayPal Honey is a browser extension that you can install in just a few seconds. Similar to Capital One Shopping, it searches for coupon codes on more than 30,000 sites and compares prices on the items you need.
When you shop and apply coupon codes through Honey, you’ll receive PayPal Rewards, which you can redeem for cash via PayPal or gift cards to popular stores. You need 1,000 PayPal Rewards points to earn a $10 gift card.
Visit PayPal Honey | Learn more in our PayPal Honey review
Check out store loyalty programs
Many stores have loyalty programs that reward you for shopping in stores or online. These programs often pay out via store gift cards or promotions, and they can be an effective tool for learning how to make cash by shopping.
I use loyalty programs to help save money on groceries or personal products and then manually transfer the amount saved each week to my emergency fund.
Target Circle
The popular retailer Target offers a free loyalty program called Target Circle. As a member, you can shop in Target stores or online and receive coupons and bonuses. The deals automatically apply when you check out, and there are additional perks and free trials from partner brands. You’ll also receive 5% off on your birthday and free 2-day shipping through Target.com.
CVS ExtraCare Rewards
If you become a CVS ExtraCare Rewards member, you’ll receive 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards on all qualifying purchases and a $3 reward on your birthday. In addition, you can earn up to $50 in ExtraBucks for opting in to earn rewards at the pharmacy.
You can redeem your rewards by sending them to your ExtraCare card in the CVS app. They’re available to use online or in a store for future purchases.
Kohl’s Rewards
If you shop at Kohl’s, you’re probably already familiar with the Kohl’s Rewards program, which offers Kohl’s Cash, discounts, and other perks to frequent shoppers. You can earn $10 of Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent during the promotional earnings periods. If you’re at a store, you’ll receive a coupon, but if you shop online, you’ll receive Kohl’s Cash via email within 24 hours.
You can use Kohl’s Cash like cash on future purchases. While it’s only redeemable during certain times of the year, it can be helpful around the holidays or back-to-school season when extra costs add up.
Shop for items to resell
If you enjoy hunting for a good bargain and have the patience and space to store things, finding items to resell online can be a fun way to make extra money. Start by browsing yard sales, donation stores, Craigslist, or Nextdoor to find items that have a resale value.
This hobby can be especially fun if you enjoy the challenge of making minor repairs or cleaning up old items so they’re like new. However, do your research to ensure there’s a market for whatever you pick up.
You can resell clothing or home goods on sites like Etsy, Poshmark, and eBay, or you can use your local Facebook Marketplace. Resale sites may charge fees to post and sell items, so understand what you’ll pay before you sign up. For example, Etsy charges a set-up fee, a $0.20 per-item listing fee, a 6.5% transaction fee, and a payment processing fee on all items sold. Other fees may also apply for ads or other services.
FAQs
What are some tips for choosing the best way to get paid to shop?
The best way to get paid to shop is choosing the one that you’ll use the most. If you don’t mind grocery shopping, consider signing up with Shipt or Instacart. Use Rakuten or Receipt Hog to help you earn money by scanning your receipts. Plus, consider signing up for Ibotta or a rewards credit card to earn more for everyday purchases. You can also pick multiple options to use at the same time.
How much can you get paid to shop?
How much you get paid to shop depends on the type of work you’re doing and how much time you dedicate to each platform. Being a grocery or personal shopper will likely earn you more than scanning receipts or using a cash back credit card, but it’s also a more significant time commitment.
How can you avoid falling for paid shopping scams?
Always research the platform before signing up to avoid falling for paid shopping scams. Be cautious of offers that seem too good to be true, and only use secure and legitimate payment methods. If you suspect an offer is a scam, research the parent company to see if there are reviews on app stores or online talking about problems with the service. Don’t provide personal information or banking details without knowing you’re dealing with a legitimate site.
Bottom line
Although some tasks require more time and effort, there are multiple ways to get paid to shop. You can use just one option or combine various methods, such as working through a delivery app while also using a receipt-scanning app, cashback browser extension, and rewards credit card.
Before you go all in, pick one or two options that appeal to you the most and give them a shot. However, watch out for scams and be careful about providing your personal information until you’ve researched and verified that the paid shopping opportunity is legitimate.
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2024-12-19 19:10:14
