Image credit: Canva

Did you know you can earn cash or gift cards by scanning your shopping receipts?

We are all trying our best to save money, and also make a little cash on the side where possible. However, making money online can be extremely time-consuming and a little overwhelming if you aren’t sure where to start.

Receipt scanning is one of the first online ‘side hustles’ I ever tried, and years into my money-making journey I still consistently keep it up! It’s so quick to do, I usually scan my receipts while making a cup of tea after work, or while I’m binge-watching Below Deck (don’t judge!)

When I first started I was using an app that is (thankfully) no longer around, as it took so long to build up any rewards! I felt maybe receipt scanning was a waste of time and I considered giving up, until I explored the other apps on offer and have found some really great ones.

In my opinion, you’ve already spent the cash, so you may as well take a couple of seconds to scan your receipts and claw a few pennies back!

What are receipt scanning apps?

Receipt scanning apps offer a simple way to earn rewards for completing surveys and snapping photographs of your shopping receipts.

How much can you earn with receipt scanning apps?

Receipt scanning is never going to make you a millionaire, but it takes a few seconds to do and the rewards really do build up. You could use your rewards on several small treats throughout the year, or save them all up to help pay for Christmas, for example! Every little helps!

Tip: You can scan the same receipts into multiple apps! I keep all of my receipts pinned to my noticeboard, and a few times a week scan them on every receipt app on the list below. Time blocking and scanning them together in one go saves me time, and helps me to stay organised.

Why do companies pay for my receipts?

Companies will often pay for data, and this is a classic example; market research organisations will pay for consumer data obtained from the receipts to better understand customer habits and behaviours.

Tip: The majority of apps will only approve recent receipts, in some cases no more than 7 days old. So get scanning regularly otherwise you will miss out on valuable points!

How do receipt scanning apps work?

For receipt scanning rookies, I’ve outlined the basic steps here:

1. Download the app
2. Take a photo of your receipt and submit it. Make sure the text is clear and easy to read, and that the photo is not blurry otherwise it may be rejected! Tip: The main features that need to be included for the receipt to be accepted are the date, the name of the store, the items purchased, the prices, and the total cost.
3. Wait for the app to verify your submission
4. Receive points that can be exchanged for rewards!

Just to note, some of these apps may have a waiting list if they are super popular. Keep trying and you should be able to join soon!

What are the best receipt scanning apps?

I’ve used every receipt scanning app going, and these five are the best receipt scanning apps in the UK in my opinion:

1. Snap My Eats

Snap My Eats is probably my favourite of all the receipt scanning apps. Users can scan up to 25 receipts per month, and earn a maximum of £5 (so 5 receipts = £1, 10 receipts = £2). This app only rewards foodie receipts (hence the name), so if you are doing your weekly shop, grabbing a pint of milk, or out for a meal, keep those receipts!

If you do scan the maximum amount, that’s £60 per year via just one app!

When cashing out, there are a range of gift cards available including Amazon, Costa, and Ubereats, so plenty of choices depending on your preferences.

The app only accepts receipts for food and drink items and can be a little glitchy at times, but I’ve had no major issues and I have received numerous vouchers now. Definitely one of the best for me!

Snap My Eats is available to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.

2. K-Card

K-Card is a brand new receipt scanning app that’s a little different from the rest; it’s an app that’s built for independent shops. This includes corner shops, newsagents, and off-licences that are often excluded from other receipt scanning apps.

K-Card works in the same way as the majority of receipt scanning apps; ask for a receipt when you make a purchase at your local shop (and make sure to ask for it to be itemised!), open the app and snap your photo, and then wait for your Koins to roll in.

As well as being an easy way to earn some cashback on your every day shopping, you’re also helping to support the high street by shopping small, which is something we should all be getting behind.

Find out more about K-Card and download their app.

3. Shoppix

Shoppix is another quick and straightforward app to use when scanning receipts. There are options to complete surveys and forward e-receipts for additional points if you’d like to earn additional tokens and speed up your path to cashing out.

Earn 25 tokens per receipt, with a bonus 5 tokens if the receipt is scanned on the day of purchase. Trade a minimum of 3200 tokens for a reward, which includes either Amazon, Love2shop or iTunes gift cards, or cash paid via Paypal.

Shoppix is available to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.

4. Amazon Shopper Panel

I have only recently begun using the Amazon Shopper Panel app, but it has quickly become one of my favourites! Although there is a submission cap of 10 receipts per month, you will be rewarded with a £5 Amazon gift card! This is currently the highest-paying receipt app and one you should not sleep on.

Tip: This app allows screenshots of receipts, so when first using this app you can go to your other receipt apps to take photos of your previous submissions, and send them in for points.

I have been really impressed with this app so far and should be on track to make £5 every month going forward. For a few seconds work, that’s nothing to be sniffed at!

Amazon Shopper Panel is available to download on Google Play and the Apple Store.

Looking for more ways to make some quick cash?

You might want to check out the following articles for more side hustle ideas:

• Make some cash by renting out your car
• Download these apps to help you make money
• Take a look at this list of side hustles to make money on maternity leave

Final thoughts: 4 Best Receipt Scanning Apps in the UK

Receipt scanning is a good side hustle to get you started on your online money-making journey. Scanning your receipts is simple, free and those vouchers can really rack up by the time Christmas rolls around!

Check out these free money offers for the best freebies and deals around, and follow me over on Instagram & Twitter for daily money saving tips and tricks! 

You can also sign up to my freebie club newsletter for the latest free stuff, deals and hacks… see you there!