Imagine turning your everyday errands into cash-earning opportunities. That’s right, your smartphone can do more than browse social media or check emails. Read about the Apps that pay you to scan barcodes.
With the right apps, you can make money by scanning barcodes on products you buy or interact with daily.
Scanning Barcodes for Rewards or Cash
Barcode scanning apps reward users for completing simple tasks like scanning product barcodes at stores, uploading receipts, or providing feedback.
These apps often partner with brands to gather data or promote products, and in return, they reward you with cash, gift cards, or exclusive discounts.
Why This Method Is So Appealing
It’s straightforward, quick, and requires no special skills. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, a student, or looking for a side hustle, scanning barcodes fits into any lifestyle.
Plus, it’s a great way to use the time you spend shopping, making it both productive and rewarding.
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What Are Barcode Scanning Apps?
Barcode scanning apps are mobile applications that let users earn money or rewards by scanning product barcodes. These apps leverage the data collected from everyday purchases to create a win-win situation for users and brands.
How They Work
- Collecting Product Data for Market Research
Companies use barcode scanning apps to gather valuable insights about consumer behavior, preferences, and trends. When you scan a product, the app sends the data to brands or market researchers, helping them refine their strategies. - Validating Purchases for Cashback
Many apps require users to scan barcodes as proof of purchase to receive cashback or other rewards. This ensures accuracy in rebate programs and incentivizes users to engage with the app regularly.
Who Benefits?
- Users: Earn rewards, cash, or discounts with minimal effort.
- Brands: Gain real-time insights into customer behavior and preferences.
- Market Researchers: Access accurate, user-generated data to improve product offerings and marketing campaigns.
Barcode scanning apps create a symbiotic relationship between all parties, making it a popular and efficient way to earn and learn.
Top Barcode Scanning Apps That Pay
1. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a versatile app that lets you earn money by scanning barcodes, completing surveys, watching videos, and more.
Its barcode scanning feature often involves verifying product purchases or participating in brand promotions, making it a simple way to earn rewards while shopping.
Payment Methods
InboxDollars allows users to cash their earnings via PayPal or redeem them for popular gift cards to retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
With low payout thresholds and multiple earning options, it’s an excellent choice for those looking to earn extra cash effortlessly.
Sign up with Inbox dollars here.
2. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 is a cashback app that allows users to earn money by purchasing eligible products and scanning barcodes on receipts.
The app provides a list of weekly offers, which can include items from groceries, household goods, and more.
After making a purchase, users upload their receipts to the app and earn cashback for qualifying products. Once users meet the payout threshold, they can redeem their cashback through PayPal or gift cards.
Pros:
- A simple process for earning cashback is scanning receipts.
- Weekly offers include a wide range of products, giving users plenty of options to earn.
- Cashback can be redeemed through PayPal or gift cards.
Cons:
- $20 payout threshold can take a little longer to reach for casual shoppers.
- A limited selection of offers compared to other cashback apps, especially in certain categories.
Checkout 51 is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use app that rewards everyday purchases. With its simple cashback structure and regular offers, it’s an excellent option for those who shop for groceries or household goods regularly.
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards makes it easy to earn points by scanning your grocery receipts. The app automatically identifies participating products and awards points based on the brands and items you purchase.
There is no need to clip coupons or hunt for deals. Shop as usual, scan your receipt and watch your points add up.
Payment Methods
Fetch Rewards allows you to redeem your points for various gift cards, including those from popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.
With no minimum purchase requirements, it’s an effortless way to get rewarded for everyday essentials.
Pros:
- No need to select offers in advance—just scan your receipt and earn points automatically.
- Partners with a wide variety of brands, making it easy to accumulate rewards quickly.
- Low payout threshold ($3), making it accessible for users to redeem rewards sooner.
Cons:
- Rewards are limited to gift cards, so there’s no direct cash-out option like PayPal.
- Points earning is based on specific brands, which might not align with all your purchases.
Fetch Rewards is perfect for shoppers who want a hassle-free way to turn everyday purchases into gift cards for popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
4. Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular cashback app that rewards users for scanning barcodes of eligible items and submitting receipts.
It partners with many retailers, making finding cashback opportunities on groceries and household products easier.
Additional Features
One standout feature of Ibotta is the ability to link loyalty accounts from participating stores.
This eliminates the need to scan receipts manually for purchases made at these stores, allowing cashback to be credited automatically.
Pros:
- Extensive retailer partnerships provide diverse cashback opportunities.
- Linked loyalty accounts simplify earning by automating cashback for certain stores.
- Payout options include PayPal and gift cards, offering flexibility.
Cons:
- $20 payout threshold can take some time to reach, especially for occasional shoppers.
- Requires selecting offers before shopping, adding an extra step.
Ibotta is ideal for shoppers who enjoy stacking savings and want a straightforward way to earn cashback on everyday purchases.
5. Field Agent
Field Agent is a task-based app that pays users to complete various assignments, including scanning barcodes in stores.
These tasks are typically part of in-store audits or market research projects, where brands collect real-time product placements, availability, or pricing data.
Tasks often include taking photos or answering questions alongside barcode scanning.
Payment Methods
Field Agent offers direct cash payments for completed tasks, which can be withdrawn through bank transfers or PayPal. Payments are made quickly, ensuring users can access their earnings without delays.
Pros:
- High-paying tasks compared to other barcode scanning apps.
- Tasks are varied, making it more engaging for users.
- Payments are direct and fast, without conversion to points or gift cards.
Cons:
- Limited availability of tasks in smaller towns or rural areas.
- Requires effort beyond barcode scanning, such as answering questions or taking photos.
Field Agent is perfect for users willing to enter stores and complete slightly more involved tasks for higher payouts.
It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy gig work and want to earn money directly in cash.
6. NCPMobile (National Consumer Panel)
NCPMobile is the National Consumer Panel’s mobile app. It allows users to earn rewards by scanning barcodes on household products they purchase.
By providing this data, users contribute to market research efforts that help brands better understand consumer buying habits.
In addition to earning rewards, NCPMobile offers users entries into sweepstakes for cash prizes and other valuable rewards.
This adds an exciting incentive to regular barcode scanning activities.
Pros:
- Unique sweepstakes opportunities alongside regular rewards.
- Easy-to-use interface for tracking scanned items and accumulated points.
- Supports long-term earning potential for dedicated users.
Cons:
- Reward redemption is limited to gift cards and physical items, with no direct cash option.
- Requires consistent use to maximize rewards as points accumulate over time.
NCPMobile is best suited for users who want to turn their shopping habits into rewards while enjoying the thrill of potential sweepstakes winnings.
It’s an excellent app for those who are patient and consistent in their earning efforts.
7. Shopkick
Shopkick is a rewards app that allows users to earn “kicks” (Shopkick’s in-app currency) by completing simple tasks such as scanning product barcodes in stores, walking into partner retailers, or making purchases.
It’s a great way to earn rewards without making a purchase, making it one of the most flexible apps for users who enjoy earning points while shopping.
Perks
In addition to earning kicks for scanning barcodes, Shopkick rewards users for visiting specific stores and completing other activities, such as watching videos or browsing offers.
These kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers or for PayPal cash.
Pros:
- There is no need to purchase to earn kicks—scan barcodes or visit stores.
- There are various ways to earn, from scanning items to entering participating stores.
- There is a low payout threshold and multiple reward options, including gift cards and PayPal.
Cons:
- Kicks earned per barcode scan may be minimal, requiring multiple scans to accumulate significant rewards.
- Limited to participating stores, which might not always align with your usual shopping habits.
Shopkick is ideal for frequent shoppers who want an easy way to earn rewards without spending money upfront. Whether you scan barcodes or visit stores, it’s a flexible app that helps you earn with minimal effort.
8. TopCashback
TopCashback is a cashback app that allows users to earn money by scanning barcodes and shopping through partnered retailers.
In addition to earning cashback on your purchases, you can upload receipts or participate in special offers to increase your earnings.
Perks
TopCashback provides a straightforward cashback system with some of the highest payout rates in the industry.
Users can earn cashback from a wide range of retailers, from grocery stores to online shopping, making it a versatile option for both in-store and online shoppers.
Pros:
- High cashback rates, often exceeding those offered by competitors.
- Offers multiple ways to earn, including receipt uploads, barcode scans, and online shopping.
- Low payout threshold ($5) and various payment methods, including PayPal, direct deposit, and gift cards.
Cons:
- Limited barcode scanning tasks compared to other apps like Shopkick or Ibotta.
- Cashback from some retailers may take time to reflect in your account, especially for online purchases.
TopCashback is perfect for shoppers who want a reliable way to earn cashback in-store and online.
Its competitive rates and flexible payment options make it an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their savings.
9. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a popular cashback app that offers users money back for shopping online and in-store with partnered retailers.
While its primary focus is online shopping, Rakuten offers in-store cashback opportunities when you link a credit card and make qualifying purchases at specific locations.
Rakuten offers cash back on purchases made through its platform. Users can also earn additional rewards for referring friends or using special promotions.
Cashback can be redeemed via PayPal or check, making it flexible and easy to access.
Pros:
- High cashback rates, especially for online purchases at well-known retailers.
- Easy-to-use platform with both web and mobile app options.
- Additional bonuses for referrals and special promotions.
Cons:
- Limited in-store barcode scanning options compared to other apps like Shopkick or Ibotta.
- Cashback from some retailers may take several days to process.
Rakuten is ideal for those who primarily shop online and want to earn cashback without extra effort.
While in-store opportunities are fewer, the app’s strong online presence and referral bonuses make it a top choice for digital shoppers.
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