There are so many things I’m grateful for — my family, my friends, and the opportunities I’ve had. But when it comes to shopping, one of my biggest blessings is my lifelong bestie, Laura, who lives in New York City, aka my personal shopping paradise.
Whenever I visit, we shop nonstop: Fifth Avenue’s Henri Bendel, vintage gems in the East Village, and boutique heaven in Brooklyn. It’s always amazing — and a little overwhelming. Funny enough, I felt the same way when I first discovered shopping rewards apps. There were so many options, I didn’t know where to start!
So today, I’m sharing my favorite shopping rewards programs — the ones that feel like having a stylish, savvy best friend by your side (minus the NYC apartment).
Store Brand Rewards Programs: My Top Picks
Just like NYC has high-end boutiques and budget-friendly consignment shops, shopping rewards programs fall into two categories: store-specific apps and multi-store apps. Pro tip: use both to maximize your savings!
Here are my favorite store brand rewards programs:
My Starbucks Rewards
Starbucks is my go-to oasis — especially when I’m wrangling kids at Target. With My Starbucks Rewards, you earn Stars every time you use a registered gift card. Two Stars per dollar spent = free drinks and snacks in no time!
- Use it: Anytime you buy from Starbucks
- Where: Any Starbucks location
- How it works: Register a gift card, earn Stars with every purchase
- Ways to save: Free drinks, birthday rewards, and in-store refills
Target Circle
Target is my happy place — from the dollar section to seasonal décor. Their app is a lifesaver, helping you plan trips, browse deals, scan barcodes, and save big with Target Circle.
- Use it: Before and during Target trips
- Where: In-store and online
- How it works: Combines savings club + shopping assistant
- Ways to save: Cartwheel offers (5–50% off), weekly ads, and exclusive deals
Nordstrom Rewards
If I’m not at Target, I’m probably browsing Nordstrom (or Nordstrom Rack or HauteLook). Nordstrom Rewards is free to join and super simple: earn one point per dollar, and trade 2,000 points for a $20 gift card.
- Use it: Every time you shop
- Where: Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook
- How it works: Earn points, redeem for gift cards
- Ways to save: Early access to sales, bonus points with the Nordstrom credit card
Multi-Store Shopping Apps: The Perfect Pairing
Just like Laura and I complement each other, multi-store rewards apps pair perfectly with store-specific ones. These apps help you earn rewards across multiple retailers—so you save more, faster.
Here are my top picks:
Receipt Hog
The name alone makes me smile. With Receipt Hog, you snap a photo of your receipt after shopping — whether it’s groceries, clothes, or home goods — and earn coins. You can also take surveys or play games for extra rewards.
- Use it: After any purchase
- Where: Any store
- How it works: Upload receipts, earn coins
- Ways to save: Trade 1,000 coins for $5 via PayPal or Amazon gift cards ‘
Shopkick
My favorite app by far is Shopkick. Here’s why:
- Earn kicks for shopping in-store or online
- Scan barcodes while you shop to earn extra points
- Link your retailer accounts and earn kicks automatically on qualifying purchases
- Get inspired with meal ideas in the app’s Discover tab
- Score bonus kicks by shopping online at stores like Walmart — perfect for grocery pickup or delivery
Bonus Tip: Stack Your Rewards!
The best part? You don’t have to choose just one. Use store apps + multi-store apps together to double your savings. It’s like having your own personal NYC shopping spree — without the airfare.
Ready to Shop Smarter?
Download Shopkick today and start earning kicks while you shop your favorite stores. Join a community of savvy shoppers who know how to save while having fun.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@shopkick) for daily shopping inspiration and tips.
