I have a bit of a reputation among my friends—not for anything scandalous, but for being a bargain hunter. I’m the one who always knows about the unadvertised sales, the best times to buy, and how to save money without sacrificing the fun of shopping.
So after a recent spin class (the kind that leaves your legs like jelly), my friend Lisa came to me with a question: “I keep hearing about apps that pay you to shop… are they legit?”
I smiled, held up one finger, and said just one word: “Barcodes.”
Yes, Barcodes Can Actually Earn You Rewards
Lisa gave me a funny look at first, but I explained: there are real apps that reward you just for scanning product barcodes in-store. You don’t have to buy a thing—you simply scan featured products, earn points, and redeem them for gift cards. Yes, really.
We had a free afternoon, so we headed to our favorite outdoor mall and I gave her a real-time demo. Here’s how it works:
How Barcode Scanning Apps Like Shopkick Work
1. Download the app: Start by downloading Shopkick (or another rewards app) on your phone.
2. Head to your favorite store: Most apps work at popular retailers like Target, Walmart, CVS, and more.
3. Scan product barcodes: The app will show you a list of featured items. Open your camera through the app and scan the barcode.
4. Earn points (aka “kicks”): You get rewarded just for scanning—no purchase required.
5. Redeem for free gift cards: Once you’ve earned enough points, trade them in for gift cards to your favorite stores.
Some apps also give you bonus info like product details, prices, and extra points if you decide to purchase the item. But the beauty is—you don’t have to buy anything to start earning.
Make It Even More Fun with These Tips
Lisa was hooked. And of course, she immediately started brainstorming ways to make the whole process even more fun. Here are a few we came up with:
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Set personal records: Track how many kicks you earn each week and try to beat your high score.
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Turn it into a social game: Shop with friends and help each other spot big-point items.
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Create a kick goal: Pick a gift card you want—Target, Sephora, Best Buy—and scan your way toward it.
Why Shopkick Is My Favorite Barcode Scanning App
Out of all the apps I’ve tried, Shopkick is hands-down my favorite. It’s user-friendly, works at tons of stores, and makes errands feel like a scavenger hunt. You can earn kicks not just for scanning, but also for:
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Walking into select stores
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Uploading receipts
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Shopping online
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Watching short videos
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Referring friends
The gift card options are legit—Amazon, Starbucks, Ulta, Walmart, you name it. It’s one of the easiest ways to stretch your budget without changing your routine.
And the best part? It’s fun. Even Lisa, who swears she doesn’t like shopping, thinks it’s a blast.
Start Scanning, Start Earning
Apps that pay you for scanning barcodes are the perfect low-effort, high-reward hack for busy shoppers, parents, or just anyone who loves a good deal. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll love turning your everyday errands into a chance to treat yourself later.
Download Shopkick today and start earning free gift cards just for doing what you already do—shop.
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