When I was a kid, my mom always had one rule when we went shopping: check the clearance rack first. If I found something full price, she’d raise an eyebrow and ask, “Did you look for a deal?” Then she’d remind me of her favorite saying: “Save money now, spend dollars ahead.”
“Dollars ahead” was her way of saying that smart shopping leaves you with more to enjoy later. We’d clip coupons, browse the Sunday paper, and compare prices—and honestly, I loved it. Those little savings felt like a win every time.
Now, I still hunt for great deals—but the tools have changed. Instead of newspaper coupons and store punch cards, I use mobile loyalty rewards apps. They’ve made saving money easier (and more fun) than ever.
Why Mobile Loyalty Rewards Apps Are a Game-Changer
Today’s couponing doesn’t require scissors or binders. Retail rewards apps live right on your phone and let you earn points, perks, and free gift cards just for doing what you already do—shop.
One of my favorites? Shopkick. It’s a mobile rewards app that turns errands into an adventure. Whether you’re walking into stores, scanning barcodes, or uploading receipts, Shopkick gives you points (called kicks) for simple actions—and those kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to top stores like Target, Amazon, and Starbucks.
You can even earn rewards when you’re not shopping. Just open the app to:
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Watch short videos
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Find surprise kicks (like a digital scavenger hunt)
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Shop online at places like Walmart and Ulta
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Refer friends for bonus rewards
It’s like turning your everyday errands into a game—with real prizes.
Double Up: Coupons + Rewards = Bigger Savings
Mobile loyalty rewards apps don’t replace old-school couponing—they enhance it. You can still use store promos and manufacturer coupons, then layer Shopkick rewards on top for double the savings.
In fact, my mom still clips coupons. But now, she also earns Shopkick kicks while she’s at it. I added the app to her phone last year, and she hasn’t looked back.
Pro tip: If you’re shopping at a place like Walmart, CVS, or Target, check both your coupons and your app before you check out. You could be walking out with savings and a free gift card coming your way.
Why Shopkick Tops My List
Of all the retail rewards apps out there, Shopkick stands out for a few key reasons:
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No purchase necessary: You can earn kicks just for scanning products in-store.
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Multiple ways to earn: Walk-ins, scans, online purchases, videos, referrals—you name it.
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Tons of gift card options: Redeem kicks for gift cards to stores you actually love.
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Fun and user-friendly: The app makes shopping feel like a challenge you want to complete.
And unlike some apps that require specific stores or product brands, Shopkick works at a variety of national retailers, making it easy to incorporate into your usual routine.
Dollars Ahead Are Just a Tap Away
My mom’s shopping wisdom still sticks with me — and thanks to mobile loyalty rewards apps, it’s easier than ever to follow her lead. Whether I’m picking up groceries or window shopping with a friend, I know I’m building those “dollars ahead” every time I earn kicks.
If you love the thrill of saving, the fun of rewards, and the satisfaction of earning while you shop, it’s time to download Shopkick.
Join thousands of smart shoppers who are turning everyday errands into rewarding moments—without spending anything extra.
Download the Shopkick app today and see how fun (and rewarding) saving money can be.
