Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
We’ve got news: Your grocery receipts are more valuable in your hand than in the trash.
Now, I’ll be honest … I’ve wrinkled more receipts than I can count. I used to keep them all, but the inside of my wallet started to look like something George Constanza would be proud of.
Once it got out of hand (like having years old receipts), I started tossing them.
Here’s why that’s a mistake: Cashback apps make it super easy to earn rewards for purchases you’re already making — and all you need is a receipt.
To give you an idea of how cash-back apps can make your life easier and your wallet a little fuller, we checked out a ton of them and narrowed it down to the best, highest-rated apps that will pay you with your grocery receipts. Are you ready?
1. Bottom line: Save on electricity and food
It’s no secret that the cost of living is rising – especially when it comes to everyday expenses like groceries, dining and gas.
But an app called Upside can help you earn real money back every time you eat or fill up your tank — up to $340 a year for regular users.
The Upside app uses a map feature to show you local gas stations where you can beat the pump price by about 25 cents per gallon. Regular users get an average of $106 a year on gas alone.
Plus, Upside can help you earn an extra $234 each year with cash-back offers at thousands of restaurants and grocery stores, making your everyday expenses even more manageable.
Simply download the Upside app and create a free account, then browse the map to find participating locations.
Claim an offer, pay normally with a physical card linked to your Upside account and follow any additional steps in the app.
2. Tada: Get Cash Back Every Time You Shop at Your Favorite Stores (Get $5 Right Now)
Finding the best grocery deals online is getting harder every day. With thousands of coupon sites and referral codes out there, how do you know you’re getting the best deal?
Leave it to Tada to find you the best cashback opportunities. When you shop at Walmart, Target, Kroger or any of the thousands of other Tada partner stores, you’ll see all the coupons available. again get cash back on your purchases.
All you have to do is pin the deals from your favorite stores and add them to your app’s grocery list before shopping.
You can also scan the receipt after making a purchase at the store. You will see your cash rewards in your account in just a few days. You can then redeem them for gift cards or send the balance directly to your PayPal account.
It only takes a few minutes to sign up and get your $5 first store bonus after your first receipt upload.
3. Download: Cash Out Gift Cards at Your Favorite Retailers
If you’re not picky about getting cash versus gift cards, check out Download.
Redeem lets you scan up to 35 receipts every seven days that turn into Redeem Rewards points. Earn enough points and you can redeem gift cards at many places, including big names like Target, Starbucks or Amazon.
Unlike Upside (which uses a map with certain merchants to give you discounts), Download Rewards is product-focused. This works well if you have products that you will never throw away. That relationship between you and your favorite beauty products can pay off.
Just check the list of eligible brands to get points.
Regular purchases like diapers are one that can really save you a little money on the side.
4. Checkout 51: Let Your Slip Pay You Back, Weekly Savings
Is your shopping style less about loyalty and more about wherever you can find the best deal? Likewise. If so, Checkout 51 is a great way to get cash back.
Use in-app cashback deals on certain products at any retailer (unless the offer states otherwise).
If you prefer to shop online, Checkout 51 makes it easy to earn there, too. Simply claim your offer by taking a photo of your packing slip. There is no need to purchase through the portal.
Checkout 51 updates its offers every Thursday, giving you a week to get your shopping done.
Oh, and the app often focuses on brand-name items, so don’t forget to compare prices. Generic or store-bought products can be more affordable even without a discount.
Once you’ve earned at least $20, you can transfer your Checkout 51 rewards to cash in your bank account.
Maximize Your Rewards With These Tips
Cashback apps are pretty simple, for the most part, but there are still smart ways to make the most of your rewards. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Shop with a rewards credit card
Credit cards are useful (and dangerous) for many reasons.
When it comes to restocking your refrigerator, you can double your rewards by using a cash back credit card that will pay you 1% or more on your purchases.
But don’t be blinded by the good things and sign up for any card. Start by finding out if any of your current credit cards offer this fee, and if not, weigh your options.
While they may be easy to understand (spend money and collect cash), cash back credit cards are also very easy to pick up.
Our advice? Spend wisely, and remember that not all cards are created equal.
2. Don’t wait to scan your receipt
Apps can sometimes limit the validity of a receipt, but other problems may arise if you stop scanning too soon.
Receipts often end up at the bottom of cup holders and bags, where they get wrinkled and stained.
To avoid faux pas like losing prizes because the scanner can’t read your receipt, just load it ASAP.
3. Use grocery store loyalty cards or apps
Most stores offer some kind of loyalty program, whether it’s an app or a card you use to pay for your groceries. Discounts vary, but they’re still discounts, and every little bit helps.
To get the most out of your rewards opportunity, start early and sign up for loyalty programs at the stores and restaurants you use the most.
Scan your receipt at your favorite cashback program, and earn more with one shopping trip! Which brings us to…
4. Stack deals on deals
Have you ever heard of deal stacking? This is where you can stack your rewards by using multiple methods together to lower the price of an item.
You can get cash back for credit card purchases, and then get cash back in the app. Or maybe you get rewards points from a loyalty program.
However you earn, add a stack of deals to your routes and share the love with your cashback app for more rewards.
5. Expand your horizons
Why limit yourself to one cashback app when you can redeem, shop and scan as many apps as you can?
To double (or triple!) your benefits, check all your favorite cash back apps for similar offers before you shop. Search them and upload your receipt in all applications.
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