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.

When I was little, my mom had a bright red plastic case filled with coupons she clipped from the newspaper. It looked like a tiny file cabinet, complete with tabs labeled for all the stores we frequented. At checkout, she’d pull out her glasses, flip through each tab, and hunt for the perfect deal to match our purchases.

Even as a kid, I remember thinking, “There has to be a better way.”

Thankfully, now there is.

Today, if you’re a tech-savvy shopper like me, you’ve probably ditched the scissors and paper coupons in favor of shopping apps. While many retailers offer their own apps or loyalty programs, I’ve found something even better — a single shopping rewards app that works at all my favorite stores.

Let me show you how I save (and earn!) with just one app.

Why I Ditched Store-Specific Apps

Store apps are fine — they often come with coupons, loyalty points, or member perks. However, the problem is you have to juggle a different app for every store. It becomes overwhelming fast, and they only reward you for shopping at one place.

That’s exactly why I started using shopping rewards apps instead. These let you earn rewards across multiple retailers by doing things you already do — like walking into stores, browsing, scanning barcodes, shopping online, or even watching videos.

Ultimately, the trick is finding a shopping rewards app that fits your routine.

What I Look For in a Shopping Rewards App

If you’re going to use an app regularly (which is key to earning the most rewards), it has to check a few important boxes:

• Cross-platform compatibility: It needs to work on both Android and Apple devices. I use an iPhone, but I love sharing finds with my mom, who’s team Samsung

• In-store and online earning: I’m about 50/50 with how I shop — so I need an app that covers both

• Ease of use: If an app feels like a chore, I won’t use it consistently. I want something that adds a little fun to my routine

Why Shopkick Is My Go-To Shopping Rewards App

My absolute favorite? Shopkick.

Shopkick rewards you with points — called kicks — for doing everyday shopping activities, such as:

• Walking into stores

• Scanning product barcodes

• Making purchases (in-store and online)

• Watching videos or discovering new products in the app

Once you collect enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers like Target, Walmart, Amazon, and more. Personally, I’ve used mine to stock up on groceries, grab household essentials, and even treat myself to something special.

Shopping Feels Like a Game — And That’s the Best Part

What I love most about Shopkick is that it turns every shopping trip into a mini scavenger hunt. Suddenly, I’m excited to check store aisles and discover new products. Even when I’m at home, I can earn kicks just by watching videos or browsing deals in the app.

In addition, the Discover tab is perfect for finding quick recipes or exploring trending items — especially when I need a little inspiration.

Even better? You can use Shopkick alongside other store apps. That way, you earn rewards from multiple places at once. Total win.

Ready to Start Earning While You Shop?

If you’re ready to simplify your shopping routine and get rewarded for what you’re already doing, download Shopkick. It’s free, available on both Android and iPhone, and works whether you shop online or in stores.

So ditch the coupon clutter and make every shopping trip more rewarding. Trust me — your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Get your kicks. Download Shopkick and start earning today.

We all know saving is smart and overspending isn’t — but putting those simple principles into practice? That’s not always so simple. If you’re wondering how to start a budget that actually works, you’re in the right place. Good money habits take time and intention. And if you’re working toward financial wellness, the best place to begin is with one powerful habit: your budget.

1. Budget Before You Get Paid

Payday feels like a celebration — especially when you’ve been counting down with only a few dollars left. However, if you wait until after your direct deposit hits to think about your budget, you’re more likely to overspend in the first few days. (Looking at you, Target.)

Instead, plan your budget before the paycheck arrives. That way, you’ve already decided where your money will go — and you won’t be left scrambling at the end of the month.

2. Give Every Dollar a Job

Budgeting isn’t about restriction — it’s about intention. When you assign every dollar a job (bills, savings, groceries, fun), you’re making a plan. As a result, you’ll spend with confidence instead of wondering where your money disappeared.

Yes, this includes fun money! Budgeting joy is just as important as budgeting rent. That’s the beauty of it — it’s about making space for what matters most.

3. Use Your Budget as a Daily Guide

Your budget isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it task. It’s a living tool that should guide your daily decisions. Before making a purchase, glance at your budget. Let it help you say “no” when you need to — and “yes” when it aligns with your goals.

In other words, it’s not about deprivation — it’s about freedom, clarity, and confidence.

4. Let It Evolve With Your Life

Your budget should change as your life changes. This is a key part of learning how to start a budget that lasts. What worked in college probably won’t work during a career shift or while raising kids.

Your Budget = Your Power Plan

A budget is more than numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s your power plan. As you learn how to start a budget and stick with it, you’ll reduce stress, spend more intentionally, and make real progress toward your goals.

P.S. Looking for an easy way to stretch your budget even further? Download the Shopkick app to earn free gift cards just for shopping, scanning, and watching videos — all from your phone. It’s a small habit that can make a big impact.

I’m what you might call a Shopkick expert. Earning a free gift card every month? That’s just part of my routine. I usually cash them in for Starbucks treats or combine them with other store rewards for even more savings. Right now, I’m saving up for a Best Buy gift card for someone special.

But here’s the thing: while most people know the basics of Shopkick — shop, get kicks, earn rewards — not everyone knows how to use the app to its fullest. So, I’m here to break it down. Below are the tips, tricks, and best practices for earning more kicks the right way.

Start with the Basics

• First, download the Shopkick app and set up your account

• Next, turn on Bluetooth and notifications so you never miss a kick opportunity

• In addition, open the app daily to catch new products and updated kick offers

• Lastly, update your app regularly to make sure you have the latest features

How to Earn Kicks In-Store

Once your app is up-to-date and your settings are on, you’re ready to earn kicks every time you head to the store. Here’s how:

• Walk into a participating store with the app open and Bluetooth on

• Then, scan featured products in the app

• After that, buy eligible products and submit your receipt

• Finally, link your retailer accounts with Walmart, Target, and more to earn automatically

Pro Tip: Try to complete all four on one shopping trip. That way, you can maximize your earnings.

How to Earn Kicks from the App (Without Leaving Home)

Shopkick isn’t just for in-store shopping — there are tons of ways to earn kicks from home too:

• To start, watch short videos to learn about new products

• Next, tap the Discover tab for surprise kicks and daily bonuses

• Also, shop online through the app at partnered retailers

• Lastly, invite friends and earn bonus kicks after they shop

Bonus Tip: I often load my cart on desktop, then, open Shopkick and complete the purchase through the app to ensure I earn kicks.

How to Earn Kicks the Right Way

To keep things fair — and to protect your ability to earn gift cards — follow these best practices:

• Always scan in-store only. You must be physically in the store, scanning the actual product on the shelf

• Also, stick to one account per person. Don’t sign up for multiple accounts — Shopkick monitors for suspicious activity

• Furthermore, keep your account secure. Don’t share your mobile number or login credentials

• Finally, invite (and shop with) friends. Shopkick is more fun — and more rewarding — when you do it together

Final Thoughts

That’s everything I know about how to earn kicks on Shopkick — and I’ve earned a lot. If you have tips too, share them with us on social. And don’t forget, if you’re not already following Shopkick on Facebook or Instagram, now’s the time — you’ll find inspiration, special offers, and maybe a few surprises.

Happy Shopkicking!

People always say college is a learning experience that goes way beyond lectures and textbooks. And they’re right — I’ve learned how to manage my time, take care of myself, and most recently, how to spend less money as a student.

When you’re responsible for buying all your own essentials, that weekly grocery bill (or dorm decor haul) can sneak up on you. And while I still love surprise care packages from my mom, I know I can’t count on them forever.

So, if you’re also trying to stretch your student budget without sacrificing everything fun, here’s one of my favorite tricks — and it all starts with your phone.

Download a Shopping Rewards App

There are tons of ways to spend less as a college student — stay in more, eat out less, volunteer, live off ramen (we’ve all been there). But even with all that, I found myself going over budget at the store. That’s when I discovered the magic of shopping rewards apps.

The best ones work at a variety of stores, are easy to use, and actually fun (unlike Chem 101). They should fit into your normal routine so that saving doesn’t feel like a chore.

Why I Use Shopkick

After trying a few apps, Shopkick became my go-to. Here’s why:

• You earn points (called kicks) for everyday shopping activities — like walking into stores, scanning items, or making purchases.

• You can also earn kicks online by visiting websites, watching videos, or shopping with your retailer accounts that are linked in the app.

• It works for both in-person and online shopping, so it fits into my busy schedule.

Using Shopkick seriously feels like turning every errand into a mini scavenger hunt — which makes it way more enjoyable than just picking up toothpaste and cereal.

Turn Kicks Into Gift Cards

Here’s where the real savings come in: once you collect enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to major stores like Target, Walmart, and Amazon. That means you can get your dorm supplies, snacks, or next go-to hoodie without dipping into your bank account.

Spend Less, Stress Less

Shopkick has made a big difference in how I manage money as a student. It’s rewarding (literally), fun to use, and a smart way to make your budget go further. I even find myself looking forward to shopping, which is a big shift from seeing it as just another expense.

So, consider this your cram session on how to spend less in college. You might not remember every detail, but if you remember one thing, make it this: Shopkick is your new budget-friendly bestie.

Download the app today and start earning your kicks — because being a student is expensive enough.

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:

• Watch short videos

• Find surprise kicks (like a digital scavenger hunt)

• Shop online at places like Walmart and Ulta

• 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:

• No purchase necessary: You can earn kicks just for scanning products in-store.

• Multiple ways to earn: Walk-ins, scans, online purchases, videos, referrals—you name it.

• Tons of gift card options: Redeem kicks for gift cards to stores you actually love.

• 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.