Are you missing out? Discover the best grocery receipt scanning apps to beat inflation and save big!
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If you’ve noticed your grocery bill creeping up lately, you’re not alone.
Even though food prices have “only” risen 2.3% in the last year, every trip to the supermarket seems to come with a little sticker shock.
And with economic uncertainty and the threat of new tariffs always looming, it’s no wonder so many of us are looking for creative ways to stretch our dollars further.
But what if we told you there’s a simple, almost effortless way to put a little cash back in your pocket every time you shop—without clipping a single coupon or waiting for a sale?
Welcome to the world of grocery receipt scanning apps, your new secret weapon in the battle against inflation!
What Are Grocery Receipt Scanning Apps, and How Do They Work?
Think of these apps as your personal rebate assistant.
After you shop, you simply snap a photo of your receipt (or, in some cases, link your store loyalty card), and the app rewards you with cash back, points, or gift cards. It’s a win-win: brands get valuable shopping data, and you get a little something extra for your trouble.
Most of these apps are free, easy to use, and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
And while you won’t get rich overnight, the savings can really add up—especially if you’re a regular grocery shopper or make the occasional big-ticket purchase.
Why Bother? Do These Apps Really Pay Off?
Let’s be honest: you’re not going to fund your next vacation with receipt apps alone.
But as Kari Lorz, a certified financial education instructor and longtime user, puts it, “All those pennies saved can add up to a big amount over the long haul.”
Also read: Retire the clutter: 16 best apps seniors can use to buy and sell
She typically cashes out a few hundred dollars a year—enough to make a real difference come holiday season or for a special treat.
The key is consistency. Scan your receipts regularly (maybe while watching your favorite show), and you’ll be surprised how quickly those rewards pile up.
And don’t forget: you can often use the same receipt on multiple apps for double—or even triple—the savings!
The Top Grocery Receipt Scanning Apps to Try
Ready to get started? Here’s a rundown of the best apps to help you save at the checkout:
1. Ibotta
One of the most popular and versatile apps, Ibotta partners with over 750 retailers—including grocery stores, hardware stores, and even online giants like Amazon.
You can either scan your receipt or link your store loyalty card for automatic rewards. Offers vary, but once you hit $20 in earnings, you can cash out directly to your bank account. Pro tip: Check the app before you shop to maximize your savings!
2. Fetch
Fetch (formerly Fetch Rewards) is all about simplicity. Snap a photo of any grocery receipt, and you’ll earn points redeemable for gift cards at places like Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and even Hotels.com.
Look for “special deals” in the app to rack up points faster—sometimes just by choosing a different brand of the same product you already buy.
3. ReceiptPal
With ReceiptPal, you can scan paper receipts or link your Amazon account for automatic credit on e-receipts. Points can be redeemed for e-gift cards at major retailers. The more you shop, the more you earn—no need to chase specific offers.
Also read: Bought this meat brand last summer? You may be owed money from a $3.1 million settlement
4. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 updates its offers every Thursday, and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Snap a photo of your receipt by the end of the day, and once you reach $20, they’ll mail you a check. Some offers are store-specific, but many work at any supermarket.
5. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog gamifies the process: upload receipts, complete surveys, and earn 'coins' that can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
The more you spend, the more coins you earn. It’s a fun way to turn your shopping habits into real rewards.
6. CoinOut
CoinOut is refreshingly simple: upload any receipt from almost any retailer, and you’ll earn coins. Connect your email for automatic tracking of digital receipts. Once you hit certain coin thresholds, you can cash out for real money.
7. ReceiptJar
ReceiptJar accepts receipts from over 11,000 stores in the US, Canada, and Australia. Points are awarded based on how much you spend, and you can redeem them for gift cards once you hit certain milestones. It’s especially handy if you make occasional big purchases.
While these apps are generally safe and easy to use, they do require you to share some shopping data. If privacy is a concern, read each app’s policy before signing up.
And remember, the rewards are modest—think of it as a little bonus, not a side hustle.
Read next: A summer treat awaits downtown—here’s how locals are getting rewarded for shopping small
Have you tried any of these apps? Do you have a favorite, or a tip for maximizing your rewards? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
Even though food prices have “only” risen 2.3% in the last year, every trip to the supermarket seems to come with a little sticker shock.
And with economic uncertainty and the threat of new tariffs always looming, it’s no wonder so many of us are looking for creative ways to stretch our dollars further.
But what if we told you there’s a simple, almost effortless way to put a little cash back in your pocket every time you shop—without clipping a single coupon or waiting for a sale?
Welcome to the world of grocery receipt scanning apps, your new secret weapon in the battle against inflation!
What Are Grocery Receipt Scanning Apps, and How Do They Work?
Think of these apps as your personal rebate assistant.
After you shop, you simply snap a photo of your receipt (or, in some cases, link your store loyalty card), and the app rewards you with cash back, points, or gift cards. It’s a win-win: brands get valuable shopping data, and you get a little something extra for your trouble.
Grocery receipt scanning apps give shoppers the chance to earn cash back or rewards by uploading their purchase receipts from American supermarkets and other retailers. Image source: Karsten Winegeart / Unsplash.
Most of these apps are free, easy to use, and compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
And while you won’t get rich overnight, the savings can really add up—especially if you’re a regular grocery shopper or make the occasional big-ticket purchase.
Why Bother? Do These Apps Really Pay Off?
Let’s be honest: you’re not going to fund your next vacation with receipt apps alone.
But as Kari Lorz, a certified financial education instructor and longtime user, puts it, “All those pennies saved can add up to a big amount over the long haul.”
Also read: Retire the clutter: 16 best apps seniors can use to buy and sell
She typically cashes out a few hundred dollars a year—enough to make a real difference come holiday season or for a special treat.
The key is consistency. Scan your receipts regularly (maybe while watching your favorite show), and you’ll be surprised how quickly those rewards pile up.
And don’t forget: you can often use the same receipt on multiple apps for double—or even triple—the savings!
The Top Grocery Receipt Scanning Apps to Try
Ready to get started? Here’s a rundown of the best apps to help you save at the checkout:
1. Ibotta
One of the most popular and versatile apps, Ibotta partners with over 750 retailers—including grocery stores, hardware stores, and even online giants like Amazon.
Some apps let you connect your store loyalty card for automatic rewards, so you don’t always have to manually scan receipts after shopping. Image source: Maria Lin Kim / Unsplash.
You can either scan your receipt or link your store loyalty card for automatic rewards. Offers vary, but once you hit $20 in earnings, you can cash out directly to your bank account. Pro tip: Check the app before you shop to maximize your savings!
2. Fetch
Fetch (formerly Fetch Rewards) is all about simplicity. Snap a photo of any grocery receipt, and you’ll earn points redeemable for gift cards at places like Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and even Hotels.com.
Look for “special deals” in the app to rack up points faster—sometimes just by choosing a different brand of the same product you already buy.
3. ReceiptPal
With ReceiptPal, you can scan paper receipts or link your Amazon account for automatic credit on e-receipts. Points can be redeemed for e-gift cards at major retailers. The more you shop, the more you earn—no need to chase specific offers.
Also read: Bought this meat brand last summer? You may be owed money from a $3.1 million settlement
4. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 updates its offers every Thursday, and they’re available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Snap a photo of your receipt by the end of the day, and once you reach $20, they’ll mail you a check. Some offers are store-specific, but many work at any supermarket.
5. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog gamifies the process: upload receipts, complete surveys, and earn 'coins' that can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
The more you spend, the more coins you earn. It’s a fun way to turn your shopping habits into real rewards.
6. CoinOut
CoinOut is refreshingly simple: upload any receipt from almost any retailer, and you’ll earn coins. Connect your email for automatic tracking of digital receipts. Once you hit certain coin thresholds, you can cash out for real money.
While the cash rewards or points might seem small at first, consistently using these apps can add up to a significant amount over time, especially if you combine them with other savings strategies like coupons or cashback credit cards. Image source: John Cameron / Unsplash.
7. ReceiptJar
ReceiptJar accepts receipts from over 11,000 stores in the US, Canada, and Australia. Points are awarded based on how much you spend, and you can redeem them for gift cards once you hit certain milestones. It’s especially handy if you make occasional big purchases.
While these apps are generally safe and easy to use, they do require you to share some shopping data. If privacy is a concern, read each app’s policy before signing up.
And remember, the rewards are modest—think of it as a little bonus, not a side hustle.
Read next: A summer treat awaits downtown—here’s how locals are getting rewarded for shopping small
Have you tried any of these apps? Do you have a favorite, or a tip for maximizing your rewards? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
