Category: blog

I’ve always been a no-frills coffee person. While everyone at work raves about pumpkin spice and seasonal blends, I’ve stayed loyal to a good, classic latte. That is — until I met the flat white. Foamier, smoother, and honestly kind of life-changing. 

But if I’m being totally honest? The best coffee I’ve ever had wasn’t a latte or a flat white — it was the one I didn’t have to pay for. Coffee just tastes better when it’s covered by a free gift card I earned from shopping online. 

And it’s not just coffee. Popcorn at the movies? More buttery. Skincare from Sephora? More luxurious. Even paper towels feel like a win when they’re paid for with rewards points. 

How to Get Free Gift Cards for Online Shopping 

Earning free gift cards while shopping online is way easier than you might think. If you’re already browsing your favorite stores, adding things to your cart, or watching product videos, you’re halfway there. The right rewards app turns those everyday habits into points — and those points into free gift cards. 

Here’s what you can get rewarded for: 

• Visiting online stores 

• Browsing select products 

• Making purchases through the app 

• Watching short videos about products 

No extra work. Just extra perks. 

The Best Shopping Rewards Apps 

Ready to turn your online shopping into free coffee (or whatever you love most)? Here are my go-to picks: 

✅ Swagbucks
Earn points (called SB) for online searches, surveys, and shopping at partner stores. Redeem for gift cards once you hit 450 points — $5 at Amazon, Target, and more. 

✅ Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Earn cash back at hundreds of stores and get promo codes to boost your savings. You’ll even get a welcome bonus when you sign up. 

✅ Shopkick (my personal fave!)
Shopkick rewards you with kicks for visiting online stores, discovering new products, making purchases, and watching quick videos. You can earn both online and in-store, and redeem your kicks for gift cards to places like Starbucks, Target, Sephora, and Amazon. It’s fun, easy, and super rewarding. 

When your cart is full of rewards and your coffee is free, shopping feels a lot more satisfying. 

Ready to earn while you scroll? 

Download the Shopkick app and start racking up kicks today — whether you’re grabbing essentials or just browsing deals in your PJs. 

How to Use Coupon Cactus to Earn Money Shopping Online

Who doesn’t love a good coupon? Coupon Cactus takes the familiar concept of clipping coupons and gives it a digital twist, making it easier than ever to save on your favorite items. It’s simple: shop online at stores offering exclusive deals through the site, and watch your savings stack up. Discounts can range from up to 30% off your total to flat savings like $2 off a featured item.

Once you hit $10 in cashback, you can cash out via PayPal or request a check, sent quarterly. You can even sort deals by most popular or newest, so you can quickly find the offers everyone’s buzzing about or discover fresh deals added since your last visit.

Why Coupon Cactus stands out:

• Digital coupons + cashback in one place
• Option to browse the newest or most popular offers
• Easy cashout via PayPal or check once you hit $10

How to Earn Cashback Online with Rakuten

Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten has been a household name in the cashback world for years. The app and website let you earn cashback for shopping at thousands of top retailers like Macy’s, Walmart, and Target. Cashback percentages vary by store, but the process is always the same: start your shopping trip through Rakuten and earn money back on your purchases.

You can choose to receive your payout via PayPal or check every quarter, and Rakuten often offers bonus cash for new members and referrals. Around big shopping events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Rakuten’s seasonal deal pages make it easy to find all the top offers in one place.

Why Rakuten is a shopper’s best friend:

• Cashback at thousands of retailers
• Quarterly payouts via PayPal or check
• Seasonal shopping guides for major savings events

Shopkick: The Best Way to Earn Money Shopping, Online and In-Store

Ready to take your shopping game to the next level? Meet Shopkick, the app that rewards you for both online AND in-store shopping. Whether you’re browsing your favorite sites or hitting up local stores, Shopkick lets you earn kicks (aka points) for purchases — and even for simple tasks like watching product videos or scanning barcodes.

What makes Shopkick extra special is its versatility. You can pair it with other savings apps for a double dose of rewards, and it works seamlessly with your everyday shopping habits. Save up enough kicks, and you can trade them in for gift cards to your favorite stores — it’s that easy.

And yes, Shopkick even rewards you for grocery shopping. From essentials to little luxuries, you’ll earn while checking off your list.

Why Shopkick is a must-have:

• Use it for both online and in-store shopping
• Combine it with other apps to maximize your rewards
• Earn kicks just for browsing or completing small tasks — no purchase necessary!

I consider myself a solid shopper — efficient, focused, and fast. Grocery runs? I treat them like a personal race. In and out. Cart full. Mission complete. But honestly, shopping has always felt more like an obstacle between me and the fun stuff — work, family, fantasy football. 

That changed when I discovered shopping apps that actually pay you to shop. Suddenly, errands feel more like a game — complete with points, missions, and yes, real rewards. My wife and I even turned it into a friendly competition. Here are three of my favorite money-making apps for iPhone and Android: 

1. Shopkick – Best All-Around App for Earning While You Shop

Available on: iPhone & Android
Why I use it: Shopkick turns every trip to Target, Walmart, or the grocery store into a scavenger hunt. You earn “kicks” just for walking in, scanning items, or making a purchase. Those kicks turn into free gift cards. Easy. Fun. Surprisingly addictive. 

Bonus: I keep Shopkick open while I’m out—push notifications let me know when there’s a chance to earn nearby. It’s the one app I consistently use every week. 

2. Mobee – Mystery Shop for Coffee Money

Available on: iPhone & Android
Why I use it: Mobee gives you “missions” to complete at local stores — things like answering questions about service or snapping a quick photo of a display. Most missions earn 250–750 points, and 500 points = a gift card. I usually cash out for Starbucks. 

Pro tip: It feels like playing Inspector Gadget in real life, and the missions are easy to fit into regular errands. 

3. Slidejoy – Make Money from Your Lock Screen

Available on: Android only
Why I used it: Slidejoy replaces your lock screen with rotating ads. You don’t even have to interact with them — just swipe like normal and earn passive income (up to $10–$15/month). 

Heads up: It’s Android-only. I had to say goodbye when I switched to iPhone, but while I had it, it was a fun, set-it-and-forget-it app. 

Now, my weekly Target runs are part shopping trip, part point-chasing challenge. I use apps for everything — from checking fantasy scores to booking flights — so it only makes sense to add “getting paid to shop” to the list. 

Ready to level up your errands?
Download the Shopkick app and start earning free gift cards with every store visit. 

After years of loyal shopping, I started wondering if I was missing out on anything. Could my regular Target trips lead to rewards? It seemed far-fetched, but guess what? It’s not just a dream. There are apps that let you earn points while you shop, turning everyday visits into opportunities to snag free gift cards. For someone like me who loves a good deal, it’s the ultimate win. My Target trips are now a mix of savings, fun, and a little adventure.

Your Guide to Target Gift Cards: Research Reward Apps First

Want to know how I score free Target gift cards using just an app? Let me share the secret. It’s a simple process that starts with a little preparation. But don’t worry, this ‘homework’ pays off big time. And the reward? Free shopping sprees at Target.

Here’s how it works:

First, install the Target app: If you don’t have it yet, this is your first step. The app helps you organize your shopping, find deals, browse ads, and even place orders online. It’s a powerful tool for any Target enthusiast.

Next, choose a shopping rewards app: Look for an app that’s free, fun, and easy to use. The one I use (Shopkick) makes Target trips even more exciting by turning them into a game. I earn points for scanning new products, and those points convert into free Target gift cards. It’s a win-win.

Finally, use both apps during your trips: Maximize your Target experience by leveraging the features of both apps. Whether you’re tackling your weekly errands or indulging in some retail therapy, you’ll save money and earn rewards effortlessly.

That’s all it takes to transform your shopping routine. Ready to give it a shot? Grab your phone, download the apps, and head to Target to start earning. And if you’re curious about the rewards app I recommend, let me know. I’ll happily share my top pick so you can skip the guesswork and start reaping the benefits.

Unlock Free Target Gift Cards with This Must-Have App

Shopping has become more rewarding (and fun!) thanks to Shopkick. It’s the perfect companion to my Target routine!

Your free Target rewards are just waiting for you — time to start earning! Target has simplified savings by uniting its store app with Target Circle, creating one powerful shopping tool. For die-hard Target fans, this means more convenience and the perfect opportunity to pair it with Shopkick. Honestly, earning points while browsing the aisles is as satisfying as my regular iced vanilla latte. So here’s to smarter shopping, bigger rewards, and raising a green-strawed cup to a little more joy in your day!

Transform your shopping routine at Target with Shopkick’s free rewards app. Download it today and discover a new way to save while shopping smarter.

How Apps That Pay You To Grocery Shop Work

So how exactly do these shopping apps work? Let’s break it down step by step so you can hit the ground running:

1. Download the app – Start with a free app like Shopkick. It’s easy to set up and navigate
2. Head to your favorite stores – Think places you already shop at: Target, Walmart, CVS, or even your neighborhood grocery store
3. Scan product barcodes – Use the app to scan items on the shelf. No purchase necessary! Just scanning earns you points (or kicks)
4. Buy the items you love – When you buy select products, upload your receipt through the app and earn even more kicks
5. Rack up points for online purchases, too – Don’t feel like leaving the house? Shop through the app’s links and earn points for online orders
6. Bonus points – Watch short product videos or invite friends to join. You’ll earn kicks for both

Once you’ve built up enough points, redeem them for gift cards to some of your favorite stores. It’s that simple. Shopkick works with how you already shop — it’s not about creating new habits, but about making your existing ones more rewarding.

Benefits of Using Shopping Apps

Why should you bother with shopping apps? Let us count the ways:

1. Financial rewards – The points you earn can be redeemed for free gift cards. This year alone, I’ve scored over $200 in Target gift cards, and it’s made back-to-school shopping and holiday prep so much easier
2. Fun and engaging – Who said grocery shopping can’t be exciting? Apps like Shopkick turn each trip into a scavenger hunt for points. Whether you’re shopping solo or with friends, it’s a fun way to mix up your routine
3. Flexibility – You can earn points in-store or online. Whether you’re running errands or shopping from the couch, the app fits seamlessly into your lifestyle
4. Ease of use – Even if you’re not super tech-savvy, apps like Shopkick are intuitive and user-friendly. Trust me, if my less tech-inclined friends can do it, so can you!
5. More than groceries – Shopkick doesn’t stop at grocery shopping. You can earn rewards for other shopping categories too — making it a versatile tool for your entire household
6. Shared family fun – Turn your grocery runs into a bonding experience. My husband and I actually compete to see who can earn the most kicks on a weekend outing — it’s brought an unexpected level of fun into our errands

Saving money has never been this simple — or this fun!

Ready to start saving money while having fun with your grocery shopping? I can’t recommend Shopkick enough. It’s the app I’ve trusted to turn mundane shopping trips into something exciting and rewarding.

Here’s the deal: by downloading Shopkick today, you’ll join a community of savvy shoppers who are earning free gift cards for stores they already love. And the best part? You don’t have to change how you shop. Just open the app, scan some products, and watch the points add up.

Think of the possibilities: extra cash for holiday shopping, treating yourself to that coffee you’ve been craving, or even stocking up on essentials — all for free. So what are you waiting for? Take action today and turn every grocery run into an opportunity to save.