Looking to earn cash back, gift cards, or discounts just by doing what you already do—like shopping, walking, or scanning receipts? In 2025, rewards apps have evolved with better user experiences, faster payouts, and more ways to earn. Here are the best ones to use this year:
🏆 1. Fetch Rewards
Best For: Scanning Receipts
Why It’s Great: Simple, fast, and supports all kinds of receipts—from grocery to online orders.
Key Features:
- Scan any receipt for points
- Redeem for Amazon, Visa, or retail gift cards
- Daily bonus offers and brand-specific promos
Standout 2025 Update: Integration with email receipts and real-time e-receipt sync for major retailers.
💸 2. Upside
Best For: Gas, Grocery, and Restaurant Cashback
Why It’s Great: Automatic cashback at thousands of gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants.
Key Features:
- Cash out via PayPal or bank transfer
- High-value gas deals (up to $0.25 per gallon back)
- Uses GPS to find offers near you
New in 2025: Loyalty bonus levels now give you extra % back if you consistently use the app.
📦 3. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Best For: Online Shopping Cashback
Why It’s Great: Massive list of retailers and seamless browser extension for desktop users.
Key Features:
- Up to 15% cashback at major online stores
- Quarterly cash or PayPal payouts
- Chrome extension for automatic activation
2025 Enhancement: Daily Flash Cashback events and exclusive app-only boosts.
👣 4. Sweatcoin
Best For: Earning by Walking
Why It’s Great: Converts your steps into coins you can redeem for real products, donations, or PayPal cash.
Key Features:
- Counts outdoor and indoor steps
- Redeem for fitness gear, gift cards, or charity
- Integration with Apple Health and Google Fit
Big 2025 Feature: Premium plan now includes health insurance perks and subscription discounts.
🧾 5. Ibotta
Best For: Grocery Rebates
Why It’s Great: Offers real cash back for buying select items, both in-store and online.
Key Features:
- Link store loyalty cards or scan receipts
- Cashback on brand-name groceries and alcohol
- Real money payouts, not points
2025 Improvements: One-click browser extension for instant online deal activation and support for same-day payout via Venmo.
🛍️ 6. Shopkick
Best For: In-Store Activities and Online Shopping
Why It’s Great: Earn “kicks” for scanning items, walking into stores, and more.
Key Features:
- Earn without buying anything
- Redeem kicks for free gift cards
- Works at major retailers like Target and Best Buy
New in 2025: Virtual scan challenges and gamified earning streaks.
🔄 7. Receipt Hog
Best For: Passive Receipt Uploading
Why It’s Great: Scan any kind of receipt and earn coins, with additional opportunities through surveys.
Key Features:
- Accepts nearly every type of receipt
- Monthly sweepstakes
- Surveys and spin-the-wheel bonuses
2025 Update: Auto-linking with major grocery loyalty programs for easier uploads.
💳 8. Bilt Rewards
Best For: Rent Payments
Why It’s Great: Earn points on your rent without paying any processing fees.
Key Features:
- Use Bilt card to pay rent without extra cost
- Points can be used for travel (transfers to airlines), fitness, or rent
- Works even if your landlord doesn’t accept cards directly
2025 Upgrade: New partnerships with national apartment chains for built-in rewards.
🔁 9. Dosh
Best For: Automatic Cashback
Why It’s Great: Link your cards once, then forget about it—cashback is automatic.
Key Features:
- Works at stores, restaurants, and hotels
- Cashback directly to your bank or PayPal
- Referral bonuses
New in 2025: Travel portal enhancements with hotel cashback boosts and booking bonuses.
🏪 10. Drop
Best For: Shopping + Microtasks
Why It’s Great: Earn points for shopping, surveys, games, and offers.
Key Features:
- Link debit/credit cards
- Redeem for Starbucks, Amazon, and Netflix gift cards
- Variety of ways to earn beyond just shopping
2025 Addition: Crypto payout option and gamified weekly bonuses.
Honorable Mentions
- Miles App – Earn rewards for every kind of transportation.
- ReceiptPal – Similar to Receipt Hog but with broader survey options.
- Microsoft Rewards – Earn for web searches, daily quizzes, and shopping with Bing.
Looking to save money on everyday purchases? Rewards apps have become a popular way for shoppers to earn cash back and points without changing their shopping habits. These handy apps can put real money back in your wallet just for buying things you already need.
Whether you’re grocery shopping, filling up your gas tank, or making online purchases, there’s likely a rewards app that can help you earn something back. Many of these apps are free to use and require minimal effort. Often, you only need to snap a picture of your receipt or shop through a special link. The best part is you can use multiple apps for the same purchase to maximize your savings.
A Look At The Top Rewards Apps Of 2025
If you’re trying to maximize your rewards this year, combining a few of these apps—like Ibotta + Upside for groceries and gas, or Rakuten + Dosh for online shopping—can easily save or earn you hundreds annually.
1. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is one of America’s top rewards apps that lets you earn points by scanning receipts from any store. Users simply snap a photo of their receipts to collect points, which can later be exchanged for free gift cards.
The app works with receipts from all kinds of places. Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and virtually any other shopping location qualifies for points. This makes it super easy to rack up rewards during your normal shopping routine.
Fetch stands out because it doesn’t limit users to specific stores. Unlike some competing apps, you can earn points no matter where you shop.
The app also offers bonus points for buying certain products. Many grocery items come with special point promotions that boost your earnings when you purchase them. These deals change regularly, giving users more chances to earn.
According to reviews, Fetch is considered one of the best apps for scanning receipts. Its simple interface makes it easy for anyone to use, regardless of tech experience.
In 2025, Fetch continues to rank among the top cash-back apps according to NerdWallet. Its popularity stems from how it turns everyday purchases into reward points with minimal effort.
The points system is straightforward. After collecting enough points, users can trade them for gift cards from popular retailers. This gives shoppers a practical way to save money on future purchases.
Users can find Fetch Rewards on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The app is free to download and use, with no subscription fees.
For people comparing reward apps, Fetch is often mentioned alongside Ibotta and Swagbucks. Some Reddit users suggest it’s worth trying multiple apps to maximize savings, with Ibotta being another popular choice.
The main appeal of Fetch is its simplicity. There’s no need to clip coupons or browse deals ahead of time. Just shop normally, scan your receipt, and watch your points grow.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta stands out as one of the most popular cash back apps on the market today. Users can earn up to $260 a year simply by shopping for everyday items.
The app works with both in-store and online purchases. This flexibility makes it easy for shoppers to earn rewards no matter how they prefer to shop.
Ibotta’s process is straightforward. Users browse offers before shopping, purchase those items, and then submit proof of purchase. The app then deposits cash back into the user’s account.
What makes Ibotta special is its wide range of partner stores and brands. Users can earn cash back on groceries and more at numerous retailers across the United States.
The reward system uses real money, not points. This means users receive actual cash they can transfer to their bank accounts or convert to gift cards.
Millions of shoppers already use Ibotta. The free app is available on both Google Play and the App Store for easy downloading.
Some users enjoy combining Ibotta with other cash back apps. According to discussions on Reddit, many shoppers use multiple apps to maximize savings.
The app regularly updates with new offers. This keeps the experience fresh and gives shoppers more chances to earn rewards on products they already buy.
Ibotta sometimes features bonuses for referring friends or completing certain shopping tasks. These extras help users earn even more cash back beyond the standard offers.
Setting up an account takes just minutes. After downloading, users can start browsing offers right away and begin their cash back journey.
3. Rakuten
Rakuten stands out as a top cash back app that helps shoppers earn money when they buy online. With over 3,500 participating stores, it offers wide coverage for various shopping needs.
Getting started with Rakuten is simple. Users download the app, shop at their favorite stores through the platform, and earn cash back on purchases. The money adds up quickly for regular shoppers.
The app works with a straightforward process. First, choose a store to start shopping. Next, make your purchase. Finally, earn cash back that Rakuten will pay via PayPal or check.
A key benefit of Rakuten is the ability to stack cash back on top of coupons when using their app. This feature helps users maximize savings on every purchase.
Rakuten has been recognized by NerdWallet as one of the best cash back apps of 2025, specifically for its extensive store partnerships. The app continues to grow in popularity among smart shoppers.
The app is completely free to use. New users can often get bonus cash back when they sign up and make their first purchase. These welcome bonuses provide extra value right from the start.
Bankrate has named Rakuten as the best cash back app for shopping in general. Its user-friendly interface makes finding deals quick and easy for both new and experienced users.
For those who prefer online shopping, Rakuten offers a web version too. The platform runs frequent promotions with extra cash back percentages during special events and holidays.
Payment options are flexible with Rakuten. Users can choose to receive their earnings through PayPal for quick digital access or by traditional check for those who prefer physical payments.
The app is available on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, making it accessible to almost all smartphone users regardless of their device preference.
4. Dosh
Dosh was once a popular cashback app that let users earn money when they shopped at partner stores. The app linked to credit and debit cards, making it easy to get rewards without scanning receipts.
Unfortunately, as of February 28, 2025, the Dosh app has officially sunset and is no longer operating. Many users enjoyed its simple approach to earning cashback on everyday purchases.
Before closing down, Dosh was known for its partnerships with restaurants, hotels, and retailers. Users could earn cash back just by shopping and dining at partner locations with their linked cards.
The app gained popularity because it worked in the background. Once you linked your cards, you didn’t need to activate offers or scan receipts like with other rewards apps.
Dosh stood out for its dining and hotel partnerships, which made it valuable for travelers and people who ate out often. These features helped it compete with other cashback apps.
Some users on social media platforms like Reddit noticed issues with the app before its closure. They reported that it had stopped offering cashback via credit card offers.
For those looking for alternatives, several other cashback apps remain active in 2025. Apps like Fetch Rewards, RetailMeNot, Upside, Ibotta, Receipt Hog, and Rakuten continue to offer similar services.
The closure of Dosh reminds us that the rewards app market changes quickly. Users should always have backup options for earning cashback on purchases.
5. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog turns everyday shopping into a fun way to earn cash rewards. This app stands out with its unique approach to receipt scanning and rewards.
The app works with receipts from any store and for any type of purchase. You don’t need to select specific offers before shopping, which makes it very convenient to use.
When you scan receipts, you earn “coins” that can be exchanged for real money through PayPal or Amazon gift cards. The number of coins depends on how much you spent.
Receipt Hog adds a game-like element to the receipt scanning process. Users can spin a virtual slot machine for bonus coins and complete short surveys for extra rewards.
The app is free to download on both Android and iOS devices. It has a simple design that makes it easy to use, even for those who aren’t tech-savvy.
One thing to note is that Receipt Hog has a time limit for scanning receipts. You must upload them within 14 days of purchase for them to count toward rewards.
According to NerdWallet, Receipt Hog offers “the best gamified rewards experience” among cash-back apps in 2025. This makes earning rewards feel more like playing a game than a chore.
The points system is straightforward. Most receipts earn coins based on the total amount spent, regardless of what you bought.
Users can also earn “spins” and “slots” that provide chances to win bonus coins. This adds an element of surprise that keeps people engaged with the app.
Receipt Hog’s App Store page shows positive reviews from users who enjoy the simple process of scanning receipts for rewards.
Unlike some competing apps, Receipt Hog doesn’t require you to buy specific items or shop at certain stores. This flexibility makes it useful for all types of shoppers.
The main drawback is that it can take time to earn enough coins for a significant payout. Patience is needed to see worthwhile rewards.
6. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile rewards app that offers multiple ways to earn. Users can make money through online shopping, watching videos, playing games, and taking surveys.
The app functions as an all-in-one rewards platform where points called “SB” add up quickly. These points can be exchanged for gift cards from popular retailers or cash through PayPal.
One major advantage of Swagbucks is its wide range of earning options. Unlike apps that focus on just one method, Swagbucks lets users pick activities they enjoy.
The shopping cashback feature gives users a percentage back on purchases from partner stores. This makes it easy to earn rewards on things you would buy anyway.
Game lovers can also benefit from Swagbucks. The platform features over 40 games that can earn users points. Some users have created spreadsheets to track which games offer the best return.
Survey taking represents another popular earning method on Swagbucks. The app matches users with surveys based on their profile information. Each completed survey adds more SB to their account.
The mobile app makes earning on the go simple and convenient. Users can earn while waiting in line or during their daily commute.
Swagbucks also offers a search engine function that rewards users for something they do daily anyway. Using their search tool instead of Google or Bing can earn extra points with minimal effort.
Many users appreciate the low payout threshold. Some rewards start at just 300 SB ($3), making it easy to claim earnings quickly rather than waiting to accumulate large amounts.
Referral bonuses provide yet another earning option. When friends join using a referral link, both parties receive bonus points.
The tracking reliability of Swagbucks receives positive feedback from users. Most report that their activities register correctly nearly 99% of the time, ensuring fair compensation for their time.
For maximum earnings, regular users recommend checking daily offers and special promotions. These limited-time opportunities often provide higher rewards than standard activities.
7. ShopKick
ShopKick stands out as a fun rewards app that pays you for activities you already do. Unlike many apps that only offer cash back on purchases, ShopKick rewards users for simply walking into stores.
The app works in a straightforward way. After downloading ShopKick to your phone, you can earn points (called “kicks”) for various shopping activities. These include walking into partner stores, scanning product barcodes, and uploading receipts.
Earning rewards with ShopKick is simple. The app gives you points for scanning products and taking pictures of store shelves. These tasks don’t require you to buy anything.
Many students on tight budgets find ShopKick helpful. It’s considered one of the best rewards apps for students because it rewards store visits even without purchases.
The points you earn can be traded for gift cards to popular stores. This makes ShopKick a practical way to earn extra spending money while doing your regular shopping.
Another benefit of ShopKick is its compatibility with other rewards programs. Users on Reddit mention they use ShopKick alongside apps like Ibotta and Fetch for maximum rewards.
The ShopKick app turns regular shopping trips into opportunities to earn. Many users say it makes going to stores more enjoyable since each visit can result in rewards.
Some users consider ShopKick the best rewards app because of how easily it fits into normal shopping routines. The app doesn’t require changing shopping habits to benefit from it.
ShopKick partners with many major retailers. This wide acceptance makes it easy to rack up points during regular shopping trips to grocery stores, department stores, and other retail locations.
The app is free to download and use. There are no subscription fees or hidden costs associated with earning rewards through ShopKick.
8. Upside
Upside is a popular rewards app that helps users save money on everyday purchases. The app focuses on giving cash back on essential purchases like gas, groceries, and dining.
With Upside, users can earn up to 25¢ per gallon cash back on gas. The app also offers up to 45% back at restaurants and up to 30% back at grocery stores. These savings add up quickly for regular users.
Using the app is simple. After downloading Upside for free, users can find nearby deals on gas, food, and groceries. The app is available on both Google Play and the App Store.
Upside stands out among other cash back apps because it focuses on everyday essentials. Many users appreciate that they can save money on gas, which is a regular expense for most people.
The process works by claiming offers in the app before making a purchase. Users then pay as usual with any credit or debit card and scan their receipt. Cash back appears in their account quickly.
Some users on Reddit discussions mention Upside as one of their favorite cash back apps, especially for gas purchases. It’s often recommended alongside other popular rewards apps.
According to Bankrate, Upside is mainly known for gas station cash back, though it has expanded to include restaurants and grocery stores. This makes it a good all-around option for saving on daily needs.
The earnings can be cashed out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Users can start cashing out once they reach just $1 in earnings, which is lower than many competing apps.
Upside partners with thousands of businesses across the US. This wide network makes it easy for most users to find deals near them, whether at home or while traveling.
9. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot stands out as one of the most versatile rewards apps in the market today. This app helps shoppers find savings through coupons, promo codes, and cash back offers from over 20,000 brands.
The app has won awards for its user-friendly design. Users can easily browse through thousands of offers without getting lost in complicated menus or settings.
Shopping with RetailMeNot can lead to significant savings. The app allows users to earn up to 20% cash back at select retailers, making it a powerful tool for budget-conscious shoppers.
One key feature is the ability to stack savings. This means users can combine different types of discounts—like using a coupon code while also earning cash back on the same purchase.
The cash back earned goes directly to the user’s in-app wallet. This makes the process simple and eliminates waiting for paper checks or complicated redemption procedures.
RetailMeNot works for both online and in-store shopping. Users can access digital coupons for their favorite physical stores or find promo codes for online purchases.
The app covers a wide range of shopping categories. From retail and travel to food and services, RetailMeNot helps users save money across many aspects of their spending.
For regular shoppers, the RetailMeNot app offers verified savings that can be trusted. The company checks all offers to ensure they work, saving users the frustration of trying expired or invalid codes.
The app is available on both iOS and Android platforms. This makes it accessible to almost anyone with a smartphone, regardless of which type they prefer.
RetailMeNot has established itself as a long-standing coupon site that has successfully transitioned to the mobile space. Their experience in finding and verifying discounts shows in the quality of offers available.
Users looking for an all-in-one savings solution will find RetailMeNot particularly valuable. The combination of coupons, promo codes, and cash back features creates multiple ways to save on each shopping trip.
10. ReceiptPal
ReceiptPal is a free app that gives you rewards for your everyday shopping receipts. Users can earn valuable gift cards and win cash prizes just by scanning and sending in paper receipts or e-receipts.
The app works with a simple point system. Users take pictures of their receipts and upload them to earn points. These points add up toward gift cards from popular stores like Amazon, Visa, Walmart, and Target.
ReceiptPal accepts almost any receipt. This includes grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and online orders. The app wants to see what people buy, so they give rewards for this data.
Users report that ReceiptPal is a legitimate cash back app. The points system is fair, though it may take time to earn enough for bigger gift cards.
The app also offers surveys for extra points. These surveys ask about shopping habits and product choices. More points mean faster rewards.
ReceiptPal has a weekly sweepstakes too. Users who submit four receipts in a week get entered to win $250. This adds an exciting chance to win big just for regular shopping.
The app interface is clean and easy to use. Users can track their progress toward rewards and see how many more points they need for their next gift card.
ReceiptPal joins other similar apps in this space. According to some users, it ranks among the best three receipt scanning apps alongside Fetch and Receipt Hog.
For those looking for more options, there are several alternatives to ReceiptPal. These include Ibotta, Swagbucks, CoinOut, and Checkout51.
The main benefit of ReceiptPal is its simplicity. Users don’t need to hunt for specific items or deals. Every receipt counts, which makes earning points easy and stress-free.
Understanding Rewards Apps
Rewards apps help users earn cashback, points, and other benefits from everyday shopping. These mobile applications track purchases and reward loyal customers while saving them money.
How Rewards Apps Work
Rewards apps use different methods to give users benefits. Most scan receipts after purchases to award points or cash. Fetch Rewards, for example, lets users snap pictures of receipts from any store or restaurant to earn points.
Some apps link directly to credit cards or store accounts. This makes tracking automatic. Users shop normally, and the app records their spending without extra steps.
Many rewards apps work with specific brands or stores. Others, like Brand Club, connect with major retailers including Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Points usually convert to gift cards or cash. Apps may offer special deals or bonus points for buying certain items.
Main Features of Rewards Apps
Receipt Scanning: Apps like Fetch let users upload receipts to earn points regardless of where they shop. This feature works at grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations.
Automatic Tracking: Some apps like AwardWallet and MaxRewards connect to credit cards and automatically track spending. This saves time and ensures users never miss rewards.
Reward Variety: Apps offer different types of rewards:
- Cash back directly to bank accounts
- Gift cards to popular retailers
- Points for future purchases
- Travel rewards and miles
Special Offers: Many apps feature limited-time deals for extra points. RetailMeNot and Upside provide bonus cashback on specific products or at certain stores.
User-Friendly Design: The best rewards apps have simple interfaces that make tracking and redeeming rewards easy.
Maximizing Benefits With Rewards Apps
Rewards apps can help you earn more points and cash back when used strategically. The right approach makes a significant difference in the value you get from your credit cards.
Effective Strategies for Earning Rewards
To get the most from rewards apps, set up all your credit cards in one tracking system. MaxRewards helps users manage multiple cards and maximize rewards on every purchase. Many people miss out by not activating special offers.
Check your apps weekly for new promotions. Some cards offer 5% cash back in rotating categories that change quarterly. Apps can send reminders when these categories shift.
Use category-specific spending to your advantage. For example, use your dining rewards card at restaurants and your travel card for flight bookings.
Stack rewards whenever possible. Some store loyalty programs can be combined with credit card rewards for double the benefits.
AwardWallet and similar tools track expiration dates so your points don’t disappear. This feature alone can save hundreds of dollars in lost rewards.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is forgetting to activate bonus categories. Many rewards require activation every quarter, which apps can help you remember.
Paying annual fees for cards you don’t use enough is wasteful. Good tracking apps show which cards provide value beyond their costs.
Letting points expire is a common error. Over 400,000 users rely on apps to alert them before points vanish.
Don’t chase every reward. Focus on programs that match your spending habits. Apps can analyze your patterns and suggest which cards to use for specific purchases.
Ignoring card-linked offers means missing free money. These special deals appear in your app and can add significant savings with minimal effort.
Failing to update your rewards apps after getting new cards leaves potential benefits on the table. Keep your app current for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many users have specific questions about rewards apps before they start using them. These answers can help you choose the right app and maximize your earnings.
Which cash back app offers the highest rate of return for everyday purchases?
Ibotta typically offers the highest rates for grocery purchases, with some offers giving back up to 10% on select items. For online shopping, Rakuten often provides the best returns, especially during special promotion periods when rates can double.
Fetch Rewards works differently, giving points for almost any receipt rather than specific items. This makes it easier to earn consistently even if the per-purchase return is somewhat lower.
What are the highest-rated rewards apps available for iOS devices?
Rakuten maintains one of the highest App Store ratings among rewards apps, consistently earning 4.5+ stars. Ibotta also performs well on iOS with a strong user base and positive reviews.
Fetch Rewards has seen rapid growth in popularity and ratings due to its simple scanning process. Receipt Hog ranks well for its game-like interface that many iOS users enjoy.
Dosh stands out for its automatic cash back system that doesn’t require scanning receipts.
Which rewards app is considered the most trustworthy for earning money?
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) has built strong trust over its long history in the cash back space. They have paid out billions in rewards and have a solid reputation for reliability.
Ibotta also ranks high for trustworthiness with clear terms and consistent payments. They’ve paid out over $1 billion to users.
Fetch Rewards has quickly established trust through transparent point values and straightforward redemption options.
How do rewards apps compare to each other in terms of user satisfaction?
Fetch Rewards scores highly for ease of use since it accepts almost any receipt. Users appreciate not having to pre-select offers before shopping.
Ibotta users report high satisfaction with the actual cash value of rewards but some find the offer selection process time-consuming. Rakuten earns praise for its browser extension that automatically applies deals.
Dosh users like the automatic savings linked to their cards but report fewer available merchants. Receipt Hog gets mixed reviews about the time-to-reward ratio.
What are the most effective strategies to maximize earnings from rewards apps?
Using multiple apps simultaneously is the most effective strategy. Scan the same receipt on Fetch, Ibotta, and Receipt Hog for triple rewards.
Check app offers before shopping and plan purchases around available deals. Many users report using referral links to earn significant bonuses when signing up for new apps.
Stack rewards app savings with credit card cash back and store loyalty programs for maximum returns on each purchase.
Which apps provide the best rewards for linking credit or debit card transactions?
Dosh leads in the card-linking category. It offers automatic cash back at many restaurants and stores. Once you link your card, rewards accumulate without scanning receipts.
Rakuten’s card-linked option works well for in-store shopping at partner retailers. Their system automatically identifies qualifying purchases.
Some store-specific apps like Target Circle combine well with general rewards apps for extra savings. For broader coverage, many loyalty programs now offer card-linking features similar to dedicated cash back apps.
