I just got a smartphone, and would love to get some saving apps. I have heard that there is one you scan the bar codes at the store and earn cash, and things like that. I would like to know which ones are worth it.
It seems there are new rewards apps appearing all the time – and quite a few have come and gone already. It’s difficult to keep up with all of them, so I’ve listed mobile apps that I know and trust.
Many of these (especially Ibotta, Checkout 51, and Coupons.com) are featured in weekly Meijer and Kroger match-ups here on Bargains to Bounty because their offers line up well with the ads. All of them allow you to stack the savings with sale prices – and some even with other coupons!
All of the apps listed below are FREE. You can use them as little or as much as you’d like, but I’d recommend finding a few you love and using them often (as you can sometimes benefit from bonuses or higher offers).
In most cases, you’ll buy items at the store, then scan in (take photos) your receipt to claim your rebate.
Checkout 51
HIGHLIGHTS: Name brand items + new offers every week. Deals are new on Thursday. Some offers restrict the use of other coupons or rebates.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid receipt
PAYOUT: $20 check mailed to your address, PayPal, etc.
Learn more about Checkout 51 and sign up.
Coupons.com App
HIGHLIGHTS: Name brand items + new offers daily. Offers are similar to those on printable coupons on coupons.com – however, fine print states that you cannot combine the cash back offers with other offers. Some offers are store specific.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid itemized receipt or linked loyalty card.
PAYOUT: NO minimum payout! You get paid after every approved receipt via PayPal.
Learn more about the Coupons.com app and sign up.
Fetch Rewards
HIGHLIGHTS: Scan receipts and earn points (25 point minimum for any grocery receipt). Kraft family food brands are rewarded additional points.
WHERE to SHOP: Any store with a valid receipt.
PAYOUT: $3 Amazon.com gift card at 3,000 points (select others); $5 gift cards as low as 5,000 points from a number of retailers and more.
Sign up for Fetch Rewards.
Flashfood
HIGHLIGHTS: The Flashfood app allows you to buy high quality, surplus grocery items up to 50% off without using coupons. The food sold is approaching its best before date by a few days to a few weeks, so it prevents food waste while saving you money.
WHERE to SHOP: Meijer (or other select stores according to area participation)
PAYOUT: No payout, just around 50% savings on fresh foods
Learn more about Flashfood and get $5 toward your next order.
Ibotta
HIGHLIGHTS: Ibotta was the first major cash back grocery app. “Any brand” offers allow you to earn a rebate on any brand milk, produce, etc. Bonuses allow you to earn more by completing multiple rebates. Earn rebates at movie theaters and retail stores as well. Offer amounts may vary by user.
WHERE to SHOP: Select stores (major chain grocery, drugstores and retail locations), select online retailers
PAYOUT: PayPal or Venmo ($20+) , select gift cards ($25+)
Learn more about Ibotta (it’s my personal favorite).
Shopkick
HIGHLIGHTS: Earn “kicks” (like points) for walking into stores and turning on the Shopkick app, scanning items in the store and more. It’s a fun way to make a little extra spending money!
WHERE to SHOP: Select stores (major chain grocery, drugstores and retail)
PAYOUT: Select digital gift cards once you’ve earned enough points.
Sign up for Shopkick.
More Money-Saving Apps
Don’t forget about apps for the stores you shop: Meijer, Kroger, Fresh Thyme, Whole Foods, Target, Walmart – most stores have their own apps with digital coupons or rewards of some kind.
Other apps you may want to try:
- Box Tops for Education – Clipping Box Tops is a thing of the past. Support your school by scanning receipts and earning Box Tops on participating products.
- ReceiptPal – Submit receipts, including online receipts, by forwarding them to RP.
- Receipt Hog -Take pictures of your receipts from any store, restaurant or cafe. Earn Receipt Hog rewards like coins, spins at the virtual slot machine, and sweepstakes prizes.
Judy says
I love Find&Save. Stores, restaurants and grocery stores (including Aldi) can give you a percentage back if you spend a certain amount.