Best Receipt Apps 2025: Fetch vs Ibotta Review (I've Earned $890!)
Looking for the best receipt scanning apps that actually pay? After using receipt apps for over 10 years, I've earned $890 in cash back and gift cards just by taking pictures of my grocery receipts. No coupons, no planning, just snap a photo and earn rewards.
Today I'm sharing my honest review of the two best cash back apps I use every single week: Fetch and Ibotta. These money-saving apps reward you for something you already do - shopping. All you have to do is scan your receipts.
📲 1. Fetch Rewards Review: Easiest Receipt App
Fetch Rewards is one of the easiest apps I’ve ever used. You don’t need to scan product barcodes or track down special offers. You simply take a photo of your receipt, and the app does the rest.
Why I love Fetch:
-
It requires no preparation.
I don’t have to plan anything before I shop. I just take a picture of my receipt when I get home. -
It rewards me for brands I already buy.
I often earn bonus points for everyday items like Dove, Pepsi, or Breyers. These are things I would be buying anyway. -
The gift card options are great.
You can turn your points into gift cards for stores like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and many others. I like to save mine for the holidays or little treats throughout the year.
If you're new to Fetch, you can sign up using my referral code here to earn bonus points when you scan your first receipt.
I've been using Fetch for three years and have redeemed $230.00 in gift cards in that time. Nothing big, but the extra cash is nice.
💵 2. Ibotta Review: Best for Cash Back on Groceries
Ibotta takes a little more planning, but the rewards are worth it. Before I shop, I look through the app to activate offers. These are often available by store and by product.
How I use Ibotta:
-
I activate offers before shopping.
I check the app before I go to Meijer or Kroger and select the offers that match my grocery list. -
I scan the receipt after shopping.
Once I’m home, I take a photo of the receipt and scan the barcodes of the items I selected in the app. -
I earn real cash back.
The money goes into my Ibotta account. Once I reach twenty dollars, I can transfer it to PayPal or choose a gift card.
The savings add up faster than you might expect, especially on groceries like eggs, bread, frozen meals, and cleaning products. I also like that Ibotta sometimes gives small rewards just for submitting a receipt, even if it doesn't include specific items.
Want to try Ibotta? Sign up using my referral link to earn a welcome bonus after your first offer.
I've been using Ibotta for 12 years now and have received $660.00 in cash back without much effort at all.
🧾 Can You Use Fetch and Ibotta Together?
Yes, you can use both apps on the same receipt, and I do it all the time. Here’s how it works for me:
-
I do my regular shopping.
No special trip or planning needed. -
I scan the receipt with Fetch first.
This takes just a few seconds and gives me points right away. -
Then I scan the same receipt with Ibotta.
If I activated the offers ahead of time, the cash back usually shows up within a day or two.
This process helps me earn both points and cash back without changing my routine.
💸 Receipt Scanning Apps Comparison
| App Name | How It Works | Rewards | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fetch | Snap any receipt to earn points. No need to activate offers. | Gift cards (Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more) | Effortless everyday rewards |
| Ibotta | Activate offers before shopping, then scan your receipt and items. | Cash back via PayPal or gift cards | Grocery savings and online cash back |
| Receipt Hog | Upload any receipt to earn coins or enter sweepstakes. | Cash or Amazon gift cards | Passive receipt uploads |
| Shopkick | Earn "kicks" for walking into stores, scanning products, and uploading receipts. | Gift cards to major retailers | In-store shoppers and explorers |
| CoinOut | Snap receipts for random cash rewards. | Direct deposit, PayPal, or Amazon gift cards | Simple and low-effort savings |
🤔Are Receipt Apps Actually Worth It?
Time investment:
- Fetch: 30 seconds per receipt
- Ibotta: 2 minutes before shopping + 1 minute scanning = 3 min total
- Combined: ~5 minutes per week
Annual earnings (my average):
- Fetch: $75/year
- Ibotta: $55/year
- Total: $130/year for maybe 4 hours of "work"
Hourly rate: ~$32/hour
My honest take: For the minimal effort, yes. If you're already grocery shopping, adding these apps is easy passive income. I wouldn't drive extra or buy things I don't need, but for normal shopping? Absolutely worth it.
Best for:
- People who grocery shop regularly
- Anyone wanting effortless savings
- Those who already track spending
Not worth it if:
- You rarely shop
- You hate apps
- You prefer traditional couponing
❓ Receipt App FAQs
Q: Are receipt scanning apps safe? A: Yes, legitimate apps like Fetch and Ibotta are safe. They don't access your bank accounts, just scan receipt images. I've used both for years with no issues.
Q: Can I use multiple receipt apps on the same receipt? A: Yes! I use both Fetch and Ibotta on every grocery receipt. You can also add Receipt Hog, CoinOut, etc.
Q: How long does it take to earn rewards? A: Fetch: Instant points after scanning. Ibotta: Cash back posts within 24-48 hours after verification.
Q: What stores work with these apps? A: Almost any grocery store - Kroger, Meijer, Walmart, Target, Aldi, etc. Even gas stations and drug stores work.
Q: Is it really worth the effort? A: For Fetch, absolutely - it's 30 seconds per receipt. For Ibotta, depends on if you shop for items with offers.
Q: What happens if my receipt doesn't scan? A: Both apps let you manually enter receipt info or contact support. I've never had a problem getting credit.
Q: Do receipts expire? A: Yes - most apps require receipts within 14 days of purchase. Upload soon after shopping.
Q: Can I earn money from non-grocery receipts? A: Fetch accepts ANY receipt (restaurants, gas, retail). Ibotta is mainly groceries and select retailers.
📝 Simple Wrap-Up
If you’re looking for easy ways to stretch your budget, Fetch and Ibotta are two apps I highly recommend. They’re free to use, simple to learn, and they reward you for shopping the way you already do.
👉 Looking for more simple ways to save?
Explore my other money-saving posts.
Do you have a favorite money-saving app? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Sensibly and simply yours,
Kat
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