From food truck finds to everyday errands, there’s nothing better than treating yourself—especially when it’s free. If you’re looking for easy ways to earn a little extra “fun money” without adding stress to your day, rewards apps are the answer.
Here are 8 of the best apps I’ve used to save money, earn gift cards, and stretch my budget—no coupon clipping required.
1. Shopkick – Best All-Around App
Why it’s great:
Shopkick makes earning rewards feel like a game. You can collect kicks (aka points) for everyday actions—just walking into stores, scanning barcodes, uploading receipts, and shopping online.
How to earn:
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Walk into select stores
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Scan products in-store
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Upload receipts
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Shop online through the app
Perks:
Redeem kicks for gift cards to stores like Target, Amazon, and Ulta. You can even stack Shopkick with other cashback apps for double the rewards.
Best for: Versatility, gamified savings, and stacking with other apps
2. Starbucks Rewards App
Why it’s great:
Skip the line, order ahead, and earn stars for every purchase. Redeem for free drinks, food, and exclusive merch.
Best for: Coffee lovers who like freebies fast
3. Instacart (Shopper)
Why it’s great:
Get paid to shop for others. It’s a flexible way to earn income while running errands—and yes, you can still earn Shopkick kicks while doing it!
Best for: Side income and friends who love to shop together
4. Checkout 51
Why it’s great:
Weekly cash-back offers on groceries and household essentials. Just upload your receipt and collect the cashback when your purchase matches an offer.
Best for: Strategic shoppers who check deals before hitting the store
5. Google Opinion Rewards
Why it’s great:
Quick surveys = free Google Play credit. It’s perfect for Android users with a few minutes to spare between tasks.
Best for: Easy earnings through opinions
6. Foap
Why it’s great:
Sell your smartphone photos to brands or individuals. If your photo sells, you earn $5—and you can sell the same image multiple times.
Best for: Hobby photographers or creatives looking for passive income
7. CoinOut
Why it’s great:
Snap photos of nearly any receipt—from grocery stores to gas stations—and earn coins. The app has one of the lowest cash-out thresholds.
Best for: Casual earners who want simplicity and speed
8. Upside
Why it’s great:
Originally built for gas savings, Upside now offers cashback at restaurants and grocery stores too. Link a card or upload a receipt to start earning.
Best for: Drivers and foodies looking to save on the go
Final Thoughts: Stack, Save, and Earn More
There’s no single “best” app for everyone—but if you want one that checks all the boxes, Shopkick is the standout. Whether you’re walking into stores, scanning products, or shopping online, Shopkick turns everyday errands into opportunities to earn gift cards—without spending a dime.
Download Shopkick today and start earning free gift cards just by doing what you already do.
And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for savings tips, bonus kick alerts, and more!