One of my girlfriends, Janette, is the best at giving it to you straight. She’s proudly no-nonsense, all honesty, and the first to tell you what you need to hear — even if you don’t want to hear it. She’s been my go-to since college for everything from shade-matching foundation to calling out red flags in my love life. (She actually knew my husband was The One before I did.)
So when another one of our girlfriends asked us at brunch for tips on making a little extra money, Janette and I jumped in. “Honestly?” I said. “I use reward apps. And yes — these reward sites actually work.”
I started walking them through my favorites. Some reward you for shopping. Some for scanning items in-store. Others for giving your opinion through surveys. But the best part? All of them are free and totally legit. And you better believe I waited to see if my picks passed the ultimate barometer: The Janette Test. That’s right. Every recommendation here is officially Janette-approved.
The Good: For Sharing Your Opinion
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a great entry-level rewards site. You take surveys and earn points based on your demographic profile. Most surveys pay between 20–200 points, and once you hit 1,000 points (about $10), you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards.
You’re not going to get rich, and surveys can dry up—but if you enjoy giving feedback on brands and have a few minutes to spare, it’s a no-brainer.
Janette Test Says: “Not bad. I could probably stick with it for a bit, but I’d forget about it once the surveys slow down. Still, it’s solid.”
Use it if: You like expressing your opinion and don’t mind a little waiting between opportunities.
The Better: For Background Entertainment
InboxDollars
InboxDollars expands beyond surveys into watching videos, browsing the web, and playing games. You earn real cash (not gift cards), but you’ll need at least $30 to cash out.
That said, if you’re already scrolling or watching random clips during downtime, why not make a little money doing it?
Janette Test Says: “The payout threshold is kind of high, but I love that you can earn while multitasking. I’d put this one above the first.”
Use it if: You enjoy passive rewards while chilling on the couch.
The Best: For Everyday Shopping
Shopkick
This is the one that passed the Janette Test with flying colors. Shopkick is a shopping rewards app that turns your regular store runs into a fun, rewarding experience. You earn points (called “kicks”) for walking into stores, scanning product barcodes, and making purchases. You can even earn kicks online by watching videos or browsing offers.
Once you’ve racked up enough kicks, you can redeem them for gift cards to stores like Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and more.
Why Janette loved it: No extra effort. No surveys to complete or videos to watch. You just shop like you normally would and earn along the way.
Janette Test Says: “Now this is something I’d actually use. It makes errands more fun, and it doesn’t feel like work. Obsessed.”
Use it if: You love the idea of a real-life shopping scavenger hunt and want to earn rewards without changing your routine.
Final Thoughts
Let’s face it—there are a lot of sketchy reward apps out there. But these three? They actually work. And more importantly, they passed the Janette Test.
Of all the reward sites I’ve tried, Shopkick is the one I keep coming back to. It’s the easiest to use, the most fun, and the one that fits seamlessly into my day. Whether you’re running errands, picking up groceries, or just window shopping, you’ll rack up rewards in no time.
Download Shopkick today and join a community of smart shoppers who’ve already discovered the fun in earning rewards just for living their life. Trust me—and Janette—you won’t regret it.
P.S. If you love shopping content and a little inspo on the side, follow Shopkick on Facebook and Instagram for daily tips and deals.
