Category: Kicks & tips

Your next beauty haul? It could be free.

Whether you’re prepping for a night out or just restocking your skincare faves, Sephora is the go-to for all things glam. But here’s the best part: you don’t always have to pay full price. In fact, you can earn free Sephora gift cards with a few simple moves — and no, we’re not talking about clipping coupons.

Here are three easy ways to turn your everyday shopping habits into Sephora savings.

1. Join the Sephora Beauty Insider Program

If you shop Sephora, you should definitely be a Beauty Insider. This free rewards program lets you earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for samples, exclusive sets, and savings during Sephora’s big annual sales.

The more you spend, the more perks you unlock:

• Free birthday gift

• Early access to events

• Free shipping

• Insider-only discounts

While it doesn’t technically give you gift cards, the rewards are pretty close and definitely worth signing up for.

2. Earn Rewards with Shopkick

If you’re looking for an easy way to earn actual Sephora gift cards, Shopkick is your best bet. Shopkick is a free rewards app that lets you earn points (called kicks) by doing things you already do:

• Walk into popular stores

• Scan product barcodes

• Upload receipts from qualifying purchases

• Shop online

• Watch videos and browse in-app offers

Once you’ve collected enough kicks, trade them in for gift cards to Sephora — and other top retailers like Target, Ulta, and Amazon.

Pro tip: You don’t need to make a purchase to start earning. Even scanning featured products in-store can add up fast.

3. (Optional) Try Survey Apps — If You Have Time

Some apps, like Survey Junkie, offer Sephora gift cards in exchange for completing surveys. These can be a nice supplement to your savings, but keep in mind they often require a significant time investment. If you’re multitasking (say, watching Netflix or waiting in line), they might be worth a few extra points — but don’t rely on them as your primary method.

Shop. Earn. Glow.

Sephora splurges feel even better when they’re free. Whether you’re earning perks through Beauty Insider or racking up kicks with Shopkick, there are plenty of ways to treat yourself — without blowing your budget.

Download Shopkick today and start earning toward your next Sephora haul. It’s fast, fun, and totally free.

Want even more savings inspo? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to discover bonus tips, real user wins, and limited-time kick offers.

Walmart has been a staple in my life since college—from cheap dorm essentials to quick grocery hauls. These days, I’m shopping with a different goal in mind: stretching my tech budget. And the easiest way I’ve found to do that? Earning free Walmart eGift cards with apps I already use while shopping.

Whether you’re into smart home gadgets, need a new streaming device, or just want to offset your next big purchase, here’s how to earn Walmart eGift cards the easy (and free) way.

1. Use Shopkick to Earn Walmart eGift Cards While You Shop

Shopkick is my favorite way to turn everyday errands into rewards. You earn kicks (Shopkick points) for:

• Walking into Walmart

• Scanning select product barcodes

• Uploading your receipt after purchase

• Shopping online through the app

• Watching short videos or browsing content in the app

Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to top retailers—including Walmart.

It’s basically a gamified version of shopping. No spreadsheets, no coupon clipping, no changing your routine. You just open the app, start earning, and enjoy free rewards.

Pro tip: Use Shopkick at multiple stores (like Target, Walgreens, and Sam’s Club) and still redeem your points for Walmart gift cards. Flexibility = more ways to save.

2. Stack Rewards with Other Savings Tools

Want to maximize your earnings? Try these stacking strategies:

• Use manufacturer coupons at checkout for instant savings

• Pay with a rewards credit card for cashback or points

• Combine Shopkick kicks with other rebate apps like Ibotta or Checkout 51

• Join Walmart’s loyalty program (Walmart+) for perks like free delivery and fuel savings

The more layers you stack, the more you save—without doubling your effort.

Why Shopkick Is My Go-To

I’ve tried a lot of rewards apps over the years, but Shopkick stands out because it’s easy, flexible, and—let’s be honest—fun. It turns every shopping trip into a mini scavenger hunt. I’ve earned gift cards for everything from groceries to gadgets, and it’s genuinely changed how I approach errands.

Plus, you can earn from home too. Just open the app to discover ways to earn kicks without stepping outside.

Ready to Start Earning?

Download the free Shopkick app and join a community of savvy shoppers who are already earning rewards at Walmart and beyond. It’s free, it’s easy, and it’ll make your next tech haul (or grocery run) a little lighter on your wallet.

For even more saving hacks and rewards tips, follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

I used to have a kitchen drawer overflowing with coupons, rebates, and special offers — a chaotic but crucial tool for stretching my budget. It was packed with mailers, Sunday clippings, and receipt offers. Sometimes I found what I needed. But often, it was just too much to sort through.

Then I discovered rebate apps — and everything changed. Goodbye, paper chaos. Hello, easy-to-use smartphone tools that actually make saving money enjoyable.

Now that drawer holds glue sticks, old vacation souvenirs, and maybe a banana chip or two — but zero stress.

Can You Use Multiple Rebate Apps at Once?
Short answer: absolutely. In fact, using more than one rebate app is one of the best ways to maximize savings. With a little planning, you can stack rewards across apps and stretch your dollar even further — all without needing scissors or newspaper inserts.

Let’s break it down.

Common Questions About Rebate Apps

What is a rebate app?
Rebate apps give you cash back or points after a purchase, unlike coupons that save you money upfront. You shop like usual, submit your receipt, and earn rewards later — often in the form of cash or gift cards.

Do they cost money to use?
Nope! The best rebate apps, including Shopkick, are 100% free. (Tip: avoid any app that asks you to pay to access deals.)

Do I need to mail anything in?
Thankfully, no. Most rebate apps let you upload a photo of your receipt or scan product barcodes to verify your purchases.

How do I get paid?
Most apps offer flexible payout options: gift cards to top retailers like Amazon and Target, PayPal transfers, or other digital rewards.

What to Look for in the Best Rebate Apps

All rebate apps aren’t created equal. Look for features like:

• Easy receipt uploads

• Fun bonus opportunities (like barcode scanning!)

• Multiple ways to earn rewards

• Flexible redemption options

That’s why my go-to app is Shopkick. With Shopkick, you can:

• Earn kicks just for walking into popular stores

• Scan barcodes for featured products

• Upload receipts after your shopping trip

• Shop online through the app for even more rewards

• Redeem your kicks for gift cards to stores you love

And yes — you can use Shopkick alongside other rebate apps. Double the tools, double the savings!

My Favorite Way to Stack Rewards

Here’s how a single shopping trip works for me:

1. I check Shopkick for bonus kicks on featured products.

2. While in the store, I scan barcodes and walk around to earn kicks.

3. At checkout, I save my receipt.

4. At home, I upload the same receipt to Shopkick and another rebate app.

5. Rewards roll in from both!

It turns errands into a game — my kids even help scan items, and we compete to see who earns more kicks.

Say Goodbye to Coupon Clipping

The old paper coupon drawer may be gone, but my savings have never been better. Now I have a smarter, simpler system that’s fun to use and easy to stick with.

Want to turn your receipts into rewards?
Download Shopkick for free and join a community of savvy shoppers turning everyday purchases into gift cards.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for savings tips, bonus kick alerts, and shopping inspiration.

These days, you can watch just about anything from the palm of your hand — trailers, tutorials, product reviews, and more. But did you know that watching videos can also earn you free gift cards?

It’s true: with the right app, your downtime can turn into reward time. Whether you’re on your lunch break or winding down in the evening, here’s how to turn short video clips into real perks.

The Best App to Earn Free Gift Cards: Shopkick

If you’re looking for a simple, legit way to get rewarded for watching videos, start with Shopkick. This free app gives you kicks (points) for watching short in-app videos about featured products, brands, or shopping deals.

But here’s what makes Shopkick even better: watching videos is just one of many ways to earn. You can also collect kicks when you:

• Walk into participating stores

• Scan product barcodes in the aisle (no purchase required)

• Upload grocery receipts

• Shop online through the app

• Refer friends to join

Once you’ve earned enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to your favorite retailers — like Amazon, Target, Sephora, Best Buy, and more.

🎯 Pro tip: Watch a few videos in the app each day to keep your streak going and earn surprise bonus kicks!

Why Not All Video Rewards Apps Are Created Equal

You may come across other apps that promise gift cards for watching videos or completing offers, but be cautious. Many of them require you to:

• Complete multiple steps beyond just watching (like surveys or downloads)

• Share personal info for third-party offers

• Accumulate very high point totals before cashing out

If you’re looking for a low-effort, high-trust option, Shopkick makes it easy — and fun — to earn without the extra hassle.

Your Screen Time, Upgraded

Whether you’re watching quick videos, browsing deals, or scanning products in-store, Shopkick makes everyday moments more rewarding.

Download Shopkick for free and start turning videos into gift cards today. It’s easy, it’s legit, and you’ll be surprised how fast those kicks add up.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for reward tips, bonus kick alerts, and shopping inspo from the Shopkick community.

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:

• Walk into select stores

• Scan products in-store

• Upload receipts

• 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!

Let’s be honest: sticking to a budget takes work. But with the right tools, you can stretch your dollars a little further — and even earn free stuff while you’re at it. Whether you’re trying to save on everyday essentials or just love scoring gift cards, these seven budget-boosting apps can help you do more with less. Consider them your secret weapons for smarter shopping.

1. Shopkick: Your Go-To Rewards App

Let’s start with the MVP. Shopkick turns your everyday shopping routine into a scavenger hunt for kicks (our version of points). Earn kicks when you:

• Walk into partner stores like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens

• Scan product barcodes (no purchase required!)

• Upload receipts from featured items

• Shop online through the app

• Link your accounts for seamless, automatic rewards

Once you’ve earned enough kicks, trade them in for free gift cards to your favorite stores. It’s easy, rewarding, and even a little addictive in the best way.

2. Your Favorite Store App

Apps from retailers like Walmart, Target, and Walgreens often feature built-in coupons, reward tracking, and weekly deals. Use them alongside Shopkick to double down on savings — check prices, clip offers, and then scan your receipt with Shopkick to earn even more.

3. Receipt Scanning Tools

There are several apps out there that reward you just for uploading receipts. While we won’t name names, combining Shopkick with a receipt-based rebate app can help you layer in extra savings for the exact same shopping trip.

4. Cash-Back Portals

If you’re a frequent online shopper, browser extensions and apps that give cash back for purchases can pair nicely with Shopkick’s online offers. Shop through Shopkick first to earn kicks, and you may be able to stack rewards if your favorite retailer supports both.

5. Fuel & Dining Rewards Apps

Some apps specialize in gas stations, restaurants, or local offers. These can be a smart complement if you’re using Shopkick for grocery or retail runs. Together, you can cover more of your monthly expenses with rewards.

6. Sample & Freebie Aggregators

A few apps and websites offer access to limited-time samples, sweepstakes, or promo codes. They can be a fun way to discover new brands, especially when combined with Shopkick’s featured item scans or product browsing rewards.

7. Your Loyalty Programs

Don’t forget to link or scan loyalty programs at stores where you shop regularly. While these aren’t standalone apps, combining store loyalty perks with Shopkick rewards is a great way to save even more without doing extra work.

The Bottom Line: Start with Shopkick

With so many ways to earn, Shopkick makes it easy (and fun!) to get rewarded for shopping the way you already do. And because you can layer it with other apps and store offers, it’s the perfect foundation for building your own personalized savings strategy.

Download Shopkick today to start earning kicks toward free gift cards — and join a community of savvy shoppers who make every trip count.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily shopping inspiration, user tips, and surprise bonus kicks.

Shopping with friends is already a great way to bond — but what if you could make money while doing it? Good news: you can. And the best part? It doesn’t have to take the fun out of your favorite pastime.

Whether you’re running errands or enjoying a day at the mall, these three tried-and-true methods can help you turn shopping into a rewarding experience — literally.

1. Become a Mystery Shopper

Mystery shopping is a long-standing way to earn extra cash while doing what you already love. As a mystery shopper, you’ll visit specific stores and evaluate everything from customer service to cleanliness, then report your experience in exchange for payment.

You can find gigs on mystery shopping websites or apps, though they vary by location and store. Some may require more detailed feedback, while others are short and simple. The trade-off? You might not always get to visit your favorite retailers. But if you enjoy writing reviews and observing details, it’s worth exploring.

2. Shop for Others

Apps like Instacart and Shipt make it easy to earn money by shopping for people who can’t (or don’t want to) do it themselves. As a shopper, you’ll receive orders, pick up groceries or essentials, and deliver them to the customer’s doorstep.

Want to make it social? Team up with a friend and tackle orders together — it’s a great way to spend time while making money. Just be prepared for a little hustle, especially during busy times.

3. Use Shopkick to Earn Rewards With Every Trip

Looking for the easiest way to earn while you shop — with zero extra work? That’s where Shopkick comes in.

With the Shopkick app, you can earn points (called kicks) for everyday actions like:

• Walking into stores

• Scanning product barcodes

• Making purchases and submitting receipts

• Shopping online through the app

You can then redeem your kicks for free gift cards to places like Target, Walmart, Amazon, Starbucks, and more. No need to take on a side gig — just keep doing what you already do, and let the rewards roll in.

And yes, it’s even more fun with friends. Compare kick counts, swap scanning tips, or turn your next trip into a scavenger hunt to see who can earn the most!

Make Every Shopping Trip Count

Whether you’re mystery shopping, running errands for others, or simply scanning barcodes at your favorite store, there are so many ways to earn while spending time with friends.

The easiest place to start? Download Shopkick for free and start earning kicks today — no special gig required.

Because saving while you shop online is just smart.

Amazon is a go-to destination for everything from last-minute gifts to everyday essentials. And while the convenience is unmatched, earning free Amazon gift cards makes the experience even better. Whether you’re shopping for school supplies, tech, or pantry staples, here are three easy ways to rack up rewards — no coupon clipping required.

1. Trade in Used Items (and Even Coins!)

Got old electronics, video games, or books collecting dust? Turn them into Amazon credit through the Amazon Trade-In Program. Eligible items can be shipped for free, and once they’re received and evaluated, you’ll get an Amazon gift card in return.

Another quick win? Coinstar machines found in most grocery stores let you convert spare change into Amazon gift cards — without the usual processing fee. It’s a great way to cash in on loose coins that might otherwise go unused.

2. Use a Rewards App That Pays You to Shop

One of the most reliable and fun ways to earn Amazon gift cards is by using Shopkick — a free rewards app that lets you earn points (called kicks) for the shopping you already do. You can earn kicks by:

• Walking into featured stores

• Scanning product barcodes

• Uploading receipts from qualifying purchases

• Shopping online

• Watching short videos in the app

Once you’ve collected enough kicks, you can redeem them for Amazon gift cards — or gift cards to dozens of other popular retailers. It’s like turning your regular shopping trips into a game — 3. and the prize is real savings.

3. Skip the Surveys — Stick With Trusted Apps

While survey apps can sometimes offer small payouts, they often require a lot of time for very little reward — and they’re not always reliable. If you’re looking for consistency and simplicity, apps like Shopkick offer a faster path to gift cards without answering dozens of questions. Just shop, scan, and earn.

Shop Smarter, Save More

Earning Amazon gift cards doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, you can turn everyday moments — like walking into a store or shopping online — into real rewards.

Download Shopkick today to start earning free Amazon gift cards and make your next checkout feel a little more rewarding.

Want more tips and savings inspo? Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to join a community of savvy shoppers who know how to make every kick count.

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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:

• Set personal records: Track how many kicks you earn each week and try to beat your high score.

• Turn it into a social game: Shop with friends and help each other spot big-point items.

• 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:

• Walking into select stores

• Uploading receipts

• Shopping online

• Watching short videos

• 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.

Want even more tips, deals, and bonus kicks? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for daily inspiration and the latest updates.