Have you ever wondered if you could actually get paid real money just to shop? I know it sounds too good to be true, but there are legitimate ways to make extra cash by shopping online or in stores. In this post, I’ll break down 10 popular ways you can get paid to shop.
Cash Back Websites
You sign up for a free account with a cash back website like Rakuten or BeFrugal. Then you click through their site when you want to shop online. The store pays the website a commission, and the website shares that with you as cash back.
For example:
- You want to buy a pair of shoes from Zappos.
- You first go to Rakuten and search for Zappos.
- Click the link to shop at Zappos through Rakuten.
- You buy those new shoes like normal.
- You earn 6% cash back from Rakuten on your $100 purchase = $6.
It takes just a few extra clicks to earn real money back on stuff you’d buy anyway. Popular cash back sites include:
- Rakuten
- BeFrugal
- TopCashback
- CouponCabin
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Cash Back Browser Extensions
You can also earn cash back instantly by using browser extensions like Rakuten and Wikibuy. These work similarly to the shopping sites. Just turn on the extension when you shop online, and you automatically earn cash back at thousands of stores.
Cash Back Apps
Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and Shopkick pay you cash rewards for scanning grocery receipts, buying certain items, checking into stores, and more.
Get Paid to Test and Review Products
Did you know companies will actually send you free stuff just to try it and share your honest review? Here are some legit ways to get paid to test:
- Product testing: TestingTime, UserTesting, and TryMyUI will pay you $10 to $60 per test to give feedback on websites, apps, and other products.
- Consumer panels: Goodside Health will send you at-home health tests like for sleep apnea and at-home fertility tests to try and review. You earn up to $75 per test.
- Reviews: Apps like Shopper Army, brüush, and ReviewingThis pay cash and free products for writing reviews online
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Mystery Shopping
As a mystery shopper, companies hire you to pose as an average customer and report back on your experience. You might evaluate things like customer service, cleanliness, accuracy of orders, quality of products, etc.
Popular mystery shopping companies include Intelli-Shop, Market Force, BestMark, Confero, and more. Pay typically ranges from $8 to $20 per job, plus you usually get reimbursed for any purchases
Get Cash to Scan Receipts
Receipt scanning apps give you ways to earn gift cards, cash, and more just by snapping photos of your grocery and store receipts. Some popular options include:
| App | Reward |
| Fetch Rewards | Gift cards |
| Coinout | Cash via Paypal or gift cards |
| Ibotta | Cash back to Paypal or gift cards |
| Shopkick | Gift cards and discounts |
| Receipt Hog | Cash via Paypal |
| Receipt Pal | Cash via Paypal |
Most work by giving you points when you buy certain items. Points convert into gift cards or cash. Super easy!
Refer Your Friends
Many apps and websites will pay you to refer your friends so they can earn cash back too. Rakuten and Drop give you $30 for each friend who signs up and spends money through their site.
Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, and other apps also offer referral bonuses. So make sure to invite all your shopping buddies!
The Bottom Line
While you may not get rich, legitimate opportunities really do exist to earn extra money by shopping online and offline. Give some of these cash back programs and apps a try the next time you’re buying stuff and see the savings add up!
Happy shopping and happy earning!!
Frequently Asked Questions
How does getting paid to shop online work?
Getting paid to shop online involves using cashback or rewards websites and apps that offer you a percentage of your purchase amount back as cash or rewards points. You shop through these platforms at participating retailers, and they share a portion of their commission with you.
Is it safe to use cashback or rewards websites?
Yes, reputable cashback and rewards websites use secure encryption methods to protect your personal and financial information. Be sure to research and choose well-established platforms with positive user reviews to ensure safety.
Are there any restrictions on what I can buy to earn cashback?
While most purchases are eligible for cashback, there may be some restrictions depending on the retailer or specific products. It’s essential to read the terms and conditions of each cashback offer to understand any exclusions.
Are there any risks or downsides to getting paid to shop online?
While getting paid to shop online is generally safe and beneficial, some potential downsides include forgetting to use cashback platforms for purchases, not reaching the minimum withdrawal threshold, or overspending to earn cashback. It’s essential to shop responsibly and stay within your budget.