Do you want to learn how to get paid to shop? It’s absolutely possible. Many companies and apps now reward shoppers for purchases and activities you may already do. Whether you prefer earning cash back, working as a personal shopper, or evaluating stores as a mystery shopper, there are plenty of legitimate ways to turn shopping into extra income.
Some methods let you shop for yourself and receive rewards, while others involve shopping or running errands for other people. Options range from grocery delivery and personal styling to scanning receipts and completing short in-store tasks. Below are practical, proven ways to get paid to shop, along with what to expect from each opportunity.
How To Get Paid To Shop
Here are the best, most reliable ways to earn money or rewards through shopping.
1. Personal shopper
Personal shoppers assist clients by selecting clothing, gifts, groceries, and other items. This role suits people with good taste, strong communication skills, and an enjoyment of trends and styling. Personal shoppers can work in-store for department stores or operate independently, helping clients both in-person and online.
To start, consider applying for a personal shopping or styling position at a retail store or build a client base through local networking and online platforms. Pay varies by client and employer, and many shoppers focus on building repeat clients for steady income.
2. BestMark (mystery shopping)
Mystery shopping companies hire shoppers to evaluate stores, restaurants, and services. BestMark has been a leading name in mystery shopping since 1986. Assignments generally involve acting as a typical customer, noting service quality, product presentation, and staff behavior, then completing a detailed report online.
Pay for BestMark assignments typically ranges between $10 and $20 per task; many assignments reimburse purchases or meals within a specified limit. Mystery shopping is flexible and can be a dependable side gig if you enjoy evaluating customer experiences.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a long-standing rewards site where you can earn points (SB) for shopping online, submitting receipts, completing surveys, watching videos, and more. Points are redeemable for gift cards or PayPal cash. Popular ways to earn include:
- Cash back when shopping through Swagbucks at partner stores, often ranging from a few percent up to higher promotional rates.
- Submitting receipts to earn SB for specific items; both in-store and online receipts submitted within a recent time window typically qualify.
Swagbucks is free to join and beginner-friendly. Points accumulate over time, and many users redeem them for gift cards to major retailers or cash through PayPal.
4. Rakuten
Rakuten delivers cash back for online shopping. After signing up, you start purchases by clicking through Rakuten to partner retailers. Cash back rates vary by store and promotions, often between 1% and 10%, with occasional higher rates. Rakuten pays via PayPal or check on a quarterly basis once you reach their minimum payout threshold.
Rakuten earns commissions from retailers and shares part of that commission with shoppers. It’s a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to earn money on purchases you were already planning to make.
5. Stitch Fix stylist
As a Stitch Fix stylist, you work remotely to curate clothing selections for customers based on style profiles and preferences. The company hires stylists for women’s, men’s, and kids’ styling and provides training, so prior professional experience isn’t always required. This role is suited for people who enjoy fashion and helping others develop a wardrobe that fits their lifestyle.
6. Instacart shopper
Instacart shoppers pick and deliver groceries for customers. There are two types of roles: full-service shoppers (shop and deliver) and in-store shoppers (shop only). You need to be at least 18 and have a smartphone to use the Instacart app. Instacart provides a payment card for in-store purchases, and earnings depend on order volume, tips, and local demand, making it a flexible gig economy option.
7. Shopkick
Shopkick awards points (called “kicks”) for various shopping-related activities, such as scanning products in stores, uploading receipts, and even walking into partner locations. Kicks are redeemable for gift cards. Because you can earn points without purchasing anything, Shopkick can be a simple way to collect rewards during regular shopping trips.
8. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash-back app for both in-store and online purchases. Before shopping, browse Ibotta for offers on items or stores you plan to use. In-store, buy qualifying items, then scan and upload your receipt to claim cash back. For online purchases, start the transaction through Ibotta to earn cash back automatically. Once your balance reaches the payout threshold, you can redeem via PayPal or gift cards.
9. Ath Power Consulting
Ath Power Consulting runs extensive mystery shopping programs across North America. Their network of shoppers conducts in-person evaluations for brands and businesses, providing feedback that helps companies improve products and service. Mystery shopping through reputable firms like Ath Power is a reliable way to earn compensation while assessing real-world retail and service experiences.
10. IntelliShop
IntelliShop offers mystery shopping assignments that usually pay between $5 and $20 per task. Assignments often take less than 15 minutes in-store and require a post-visit report. IntelliShop posts assignments for in-store, online, and phone-evaluation tasks. Keep receipts and documentation from each visit to validate completion and secure payment.
11. Care.com
Care.com connects helpers with families and individuals who need errands and household assistance, including grocery shopping. Helpers set their own rates and can find recurring clients for steady work. Depending on experience and location, helpers often charge between $15 and $25 per hour for errand and shopping services.
12. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a free browser extension and app that automatically searches for coupon codes and compares prices when you shop online. It also awards Shopping Credits for qualifying purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards. While it doesn’t directly pay you cash, it saves money and earns rewards on purchases you were already planning to make.
13. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards awards points when you scan grocery receipts or shop through their portal. You don’t need coupons or special offers—simply buy eligible products, scan your receipt, and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards. The app is quick and easy to use, making it a convenient way to get rewarded for routine grocery shopping.
14. Uber Eats
Delivering with Uber Eats is another way to earn money related to shopping—specifically food delivery. After signing up and completing any required onboarding, you can accept delivery requests. Earnings vary by market and depend on delivery volume, distance, and tips. Drivers should account for expenses like fuel and vehicle upkeep when calculating net earnings.
15. DoorDash
DoorDash offers opportunities to deliver food locally and pay Dashers weekly via direct deposit. For faster access to earnings, Dashers may use Fast Pay for a small fee. As with other delivery services, track your expenses to understand your true take-home pay.
16. Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit connects local people with helpers who complete odd jobs, including shopping and running errands. You choose tasks that match your skills and availability. Popular gigs include furniture assembly, home cleaning, and grocery runs. Taskrabbit provides flexibility and the ability to set your own rates.
17. Walmart personal shopper
Walmart personal shoppers pick items for customers who place online orders through Walmart’s grocery or pickup services. These shoppers typically earn an hourly rate and may work consistent, multi-hour shifts. The role requires speed, accuracy, and familiarity with store layouts to fill orders efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting paid to shop can be a fun and practical way to earn extra income. Below are answers to common questions about how to get started and what to expect.
How to get paid to go shopping?
You can get paid by using cash-back and receipt-scanning apps, working as a personal shopper, delivering groceries, or doing mystery shopping. Each approach has different time commitments and earning models: apps reward purchases and receipts, while gigs like Instacart or Taskrabbit pay per task or hour.
What are the top apps that pay you for shopping?
Top apps include Rakuten for cash back, Ibotta for grocery rebates, Shopkick for in-store activity rewards, and Fetch Rewards for receipt-based points. These apps are free and can meaningfully reduce your spending or convert everyday purchases into rewards.
How can I earn cash by doing grocery shopping for others?
Sign up for platforms like Instacart, Shipt, or local gig sites. Accept orders, shop for the requested items, and deliver them to the customer. Earnings typically include a base fee plus tips, and performance and speed can influence how many orders you can complete.
How much money do people usually make by delivering groceries?
Earnings vary widely by location, platform, and demand. Many grocery delivery shoppers average between $10 and $25 per hour when factoring in base pay and tips. Peak hours and high-demand areas generally increase potential earnings.
Is being a secret shopper a good side hustle?
Secret shopping can be a solid side hustle for people who enjoy visiting stores and restaurants and reporting on their experiences. It’s typically not a full-time income but can provide steady supplemental earnings and often reimbursements or free meals.
What ways to get paid to shop on Amazon are there?
Ways to earn around Amazon include using cash-back portals like Rakuten when you shop, participating in product review programs (where eligible), selling items as a third-party seller, or joining affiliate programs to earn commissions from referrals. Each method requires different commitments and has unique qualifications.
Best Ways To Get Paid To Shop – Summary
Turning shopping into income is realistic and accessible. Whether you prefer simple cash-back and receipt apps, mystery shopping, grocery delivery, or personal styling, there are options that fit different schedules and interests. Over time, these activities can generate meaningful side income, gift cards, or savings.
Choose methods that match your lifestyle—apps for passive rewards, platform-based gigs for task-based pay, or personal and mystery shopping for more interactive roles. Keep documentation like receipts and follow assignment guidelines for reliable payments. With consistency, shopping can become both rewarding and profitable.
What is your favorite way to get paid to shop?
Recommended reading:
- 14 Best Cash Back Apps To Make Extra Money
- 21 Apps Like Ibotta To Earn Cash Back Shopping
- 26 Best Gig Apps To Make Money
- 14 Best Apps To Scan Receipts for Money
- 21 Ways To Get Paid To Do Nothing
- 7 Ways To Get Paid For Amazon Reviews