You can get paid to shop while doing your everyday errands. From cash-back apps to grocery gigs, these options let you spend money and still earn money.
This guide covers 19 real ways to start, including pay rates and trusted platforms. Read on to find out how to save money and boost your income.
Top Online Platforms for Micro Jobs
| Provider | Type of Website | Earning Potential | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Freelance Platform | $5-$10,000 | Visit Fiverr |
 | Service Platform | $15-$150+/hour | Visit TaskRabbit |
 | Freelance Platform | $5-$100/hour | Visit Upwork |
Get Paid for Grocery Shopping and Delivering Groceries
Some companies will pay to help others by delivering groceries from their favorite retail stores. As a personal shopper, you’ll pick up items, drop them off, and still work on your own schedule.
Many delivery service apps offer flexible gigs for both full-service shoppers and in-store shoppers. It’s a simple way to earn extra money doing everyday grocery shopping.
1. Instacart shopper
An Instacart gets paid to shop for others. This can be either by delivering groceries as a full-service shopper. Or picking items as an in-store shopper. This flexible grocery delivery job lets you work on your own schedule. You could also earn extra money from everyday purchases at retail stores.
Requirements: To qualify, you must be 18 or older. You should also have a smartphone and a car for full-service shoppers. The application process is simple, but it takes a few days.
Pay: Instacart lets you get paid to shop and deliver groceries to customers. Full-service shoppers earn $7 to $10 per order, often more, with weekly direct deposit.
Process: After signing up, you’ll get a payment card to use during grocery shopping trips. The Instacart app handles grocery shopping assignments, lists items, and tracks each order from store to doorstep.
2. Shipt shopper
Shipt shoppers get paid to shop by delivering groceries and household items to customers. As a personal shopper backed by Target, you work on your own schedule. This makes it a credible and stable platform.
Requirements: You’ll need a valid driver’s license and a car from 1997 or newer. You’ll also need an insulated cooler bag. The signup process includes a background check for all independent contractors.
Pay: Most shoppers on Glassdoor data report earning $15–$22 per hour on Shipt. This often depends on location and demand. You get paid weekly by direct deposit straight to your bank account.
Benefits: You get to set your own schedule. You’ll also choose how you get paid to shop. Plus, you’ll join a network of other shoppers who share tips and support.
3. Amazon Personal Shopper
Amazon has two personal shopper options. You can get paid to shop for Prime customers at Whole Foods. On the other hand, you can work from home, styling outfits for Amazon Personal Shopper services.
Requirements: Grocery shopping roles often start with a hiring event after you apply. Some stylist roles may require you to live in certain states. Always check current openings for availability.
Pay: Personal shoppers doing grocery shopping can earn $15 to $17.25 per hour part-time. Full-time stylists earn around $56,908 a year. This is often with direct deposit and benefits.
Note: Many grocery shopping gigs offer part-time status. This lets you set your own schedule with health benefits.
4. Walmart personal shopper
A Walmart personal shopper gets paid to shop by picking and delivering groceries for online orders. However, you’ll work in retail stores as a company employee, not an independent contractor.
- Requirements: You must first get hired and complete a three-week training. This covers:
- Grocery shopping
- Product quality checks
- Retail store basics
Apply through Walmart careers.
- Pay: As a personal shopper, you earn approximately $15 per hour. You’ll also be working 32 to 40 hours weekly.
- Scale: Walmart employs over 45,000 personal shoppers across its pickup and delivery services nationwide.
5. Care.com
Care.com lets you earn money by helping families and seniors with tasks. These tasks include delivering groceries or running errands. It’s a simple way to work on your own schedule and get paid to shop.
Requirements: To get paid to shop, you’ll need to create a free profile. You’ll also have to complete a background check during the sign-up process. Most shopping jobs also require a driver’s license and a bank account.
Pay: You set your own rates, which are usually between $10 and $25 an hour. Pay depends on the task, like delivering groceries or scanning receipts at retail stores.
Scale: The platform connects you with over 19.8 million families actively seeking assistance.
6. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a popular app where you can earn money by offering help with errands as a “tasker.” You could also perform simple tasks. This platform emphasizes skill-based gig work.
- Requirements: Register online and attend an information session in your city. The application process includes skill verification and background checks.
- Pay: You set your own rates through negotiations with clients. The average shopper on TaskRabbit earns around $22 per hour.
- Flexibility: You choose which tasks to accept. You can also negotiate specific details directly with clients through the app interface.
Become a Mystery Shopper and Get Paid to Evaluate Businesses
Mystery shopping lets you act like a real customer while you get paid to review stores. You could also review restaurants or delivery service experiences. As a mystery shopper, you may also get free meals and earn extra money. You can also be reimbursed for everyday purchases.
What is Mystery Shopping?
Mystery shopping lets you get paid to act like a real customer while checking how a business runs. As a mystery shopper, you visit stores, restaurants, or use a delivery service.
After using these services, you then report what you see. You might rate the service, staff, or cleanliness. However, this depends on the mystery shopping assignment. This service helps businesses maintain quality standards and identify areas for improvement.
Most jobs pay between $5 and $75, and many include free items or meals. It’s a simple way to earn extra money by doing your everyday purchases.
7. BestMark
BestMark has offered mystery shopping since 1986. They send shoppers to evaluate popular stores, restaurants, and other businesses.
Pay: Tasks typically pay $10 to $20 each. You could also get a full reimbursement for purchased items or required meals. Registration is free and straightforward.
Payment Method: BestMark sends payments via check rather than electronic transfer.
BBB Rating: The BBB shows both B- and A+ ratings from different stores and sources. Before you start shopping or try to get paid as a mystery shopper, double-check the current status.
8. Market Force Information
Market Force Information offers mystery shopping assignments in popular stores. This includes restaurants and even movie theaters. You get paid to shop and share feedback as a secret shopper.
Features: Their Eyes:On mobile app allows you to complete assignments efficiently. Apply here to access available opportunities.
Pay: Payment arrives monthly via direct deposit to your designated account.
Industry Range: Assignments span numerous sectors. This provides variety in your mystery shopping experiences.
9. IntelliShop
IntelliShop gives you a chance to get paid for mystery shopping in stores. You could perform shopping online or make phone calls. Most mystery shopping assignments are flexible and can help you earn extra money in your spare time.
Requirements: You must submit your mystery shopping report within 12 hours of each shop. A strong record helps you get more money and mystery shopping assignments faster. Sign up here to begin.
Pay: Most tasks pay between $5 and $20. These payments are processed through PayPal for quick access.
BBB Rating: Research shows conflicting ratings of A+ and “Not Rated” from different evaluation periods.
10. Mystery Shopping Service
Mystery Shopping Service has offered mystery shopping assignments for over 25 years. These services are across retail, healthcare, real estate, and delivery services.
- Assignment Types: These include calling businesses to evaluate phone interactions. You could also be paid to tour apartment complexes as potential renters. Apply here for current opportunities.
- Pay: Payments are sent at month-end via PayPal or traditional check.
- Industry Experience: Their 25-year track record demonstrates stability in the mystery shopping field.
11. Secret Shopper
Secret Shopper hires independent shoppers for secret mystery shopping tasks. It is also a founding member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA). You get paid to visit stores, try services, and give honest feedback.
Requirements: You need computer access and a digital camera or scanner. These tools will help you to submit the required proof of completed shops. Register here to start earning.
Pay: Secret shoppers typically earn $12 to $25 per hour. This, however, depends on assignment complexity and location requirements.
Credibility: MSPA’s founding membership adds legitimacy to its operations and payment practices.
12. Pinnacle
Pinnacle sends email alerts when mystery shopping jobs open near you. You get paid to visit stores and review services as a secret shopper.
- Requirements: Surveys must be submitted within 12 hours of completing assignments. Timely reporting maintains your good standing. Access opportunities here.
- Pay: Mystery shopping assignments pay between $4 and $75 per job. On the other hand, you can get higher rates for complex or time-intensive evaluations.
- Communication: Email-based job notifications keep you informed of new opportunities. Simply put, you won’t have to check the app constantly.
13. Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight sends you quick mystery shopping gigs at restaurants, gyms, and stores. You can get paid in cash for jobs that last 5 minutes to a few hours.
- Pay: Regular users can earn approximately $200 to $300 per week. Payments are processed through PayPal for convenient access. Start here.
- Availability: Thousands of mystery shopping gigs are available across the U.S. and Canada. You can get paid to shop, answer questions, or test a delivery service near you.
- Time Flexibility: Short assignment durations allow you to fit mystery shopping around other commitments easily.
14. Sinclair Customer Metrics
Sinclair Customer Metrics has helped shoppers with mystery shopping in banks, retail, and groceries since 1987. Their services let you earn extra money on everyday purchases at many stores.
- Features: They offer video mystery shopping assignments. These often require hidden cameras for detailed documentation. Learn more here.
- Pay: Monthly payments via check cover all assignments completed in the previous month.
A Word of Warning: Avoiding Mystery Shopping Scams
Real mystery shopping jobs never ask you to pay upfront to start shopping or access job lists. That’s a red flag. According to the FTC, scammers often send fake checks and ask you to deposit them. Then they’ll ask you to keep some of it, and then wire some back.
You lose real money and may owe the bank. Always check with the Mystery Shopping Providers Association for safe services and legitimate shopper programs. Stay smart and protect your money.
Earn Cash Back and Extra Money on Your Own Purchases
You can earn cash just by shopping online at your favorite stores. Apps with cash back and coupon codes return part of what you spend money on as real money or gift cards.
Some even boost your savings with a shopping browser extension that compares prices. Others pay you for scanning receipts. While some pay for linking a PayPal account for quick payouts. This strategy transforms your regular shopping into earning opportunities without changing your buying habits.
15. Rakuten
With Rakuten’s browser extension, you earn cash back at your favorite stores. In this way, you can earn money online every time you’re shopping.
How it Works: Shop through the Rakuten app. You could also install their shopping browser extension to automatically earn cash back from participating retailers.
Pay: You can earn cash back from 1–10% on everyday online shopping, with some offers hitting 20%. Payouts come through your PayPal account once you reach $5. Sign up here.
Bonus: New users frequently receive sign-up bonuses. These bonuses could be a $30 bonus credit after spending $30 within specified timeframes.
16. Ibotta
Ibotta rewards users for scanning receipts after shopping in-store. You also get rewards for making purchases through their online shopping portal.
How it Works: Before you start shopping, open the Ibotta app and add offers from your favorite stores. Then, after scanning receipts, you’ll earn cash or get cash back straight to your PayPal account.
Pay: Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards. However, you can only cash these payments once you reach a $20 minimum balance. Download here to start earning immediately.
Coverage: Ibotta works with major retailers. These include Walmart, Target, and Kroger covering most everyday shopping needs.
17. Swagbucks
Swagbucks operates a comprehensive rewards platform where users earn points (SB) through various activities, including shopping online.
How it Works: Swagbucks lets you earn rewards by shopping online. You could also answer surveys or scan receipts from different stores.
Pay: You can earn cash or redeem SB points into your PayPal account. The standard rate equals 100 SB points per $1 value.
Bonus: New users often receive $10 sign-up bonuses for completing initial activities. Join here to begin earning.
18. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards gives you cash back by simply scanning receipts from many stores. You won’t need any coupon codes or prep. It’s an easy way to save money on everyday online shopping.
How it Works: This popular app awards points simply for scanning receipts from any retail location. No advance preparation or offer activation required.
Pay: Redeem accumulated points for gift cards to many stores, including Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
Additional Perks: Earn bonus points for purchasing products from partner brands. Download here.
19. Shopkick
Shopkick is an app that gives you cash back for simple tasks like walking into different stores or scanning barcodes. It offers multiple earning methods beyond traditional purchase-based rewards. These include location-based activities and product engagement.
How it Works: You can also earn “kicks” (points) by answering surveys, watching videos, or making purchases to get even more cash in your spare time.
Pay: Redeem kicks for gift cards from popular stores and restaurants.
Bonus Features: Use promotional codes like DSFIVE during registration to earn free kicks immediately. Start here.
Comparison of Top Ways to Get Paid to Shop
| Company Name | Type | Avg. Pay Rate/Method | Payment Method | Key Requirements |
| Instacart shopper | Grocery Shopping/Delivery | $7-$10 per order (minimum) | Weekly | Smartphone, Age 18+, Vehicle (Full-service) |
| Shipt shopper | Grocery Shopping/Delivery | $22/hr vs. $11-$14/hr (Conflict) | Weekly | Valid Driver’s License, Reliable Vehicle (1997+), Cooler Bag |
| Amazon Personal Shopper | Grocery/Clothing Stylist | $15-$17.25/hr (Grocery), $56k/yr (Stylist) | Weekly wage | Attend hiring event (Grocery), Specific US states (Stylist) |
| Walmart personal shopper | Grocery/General Merchandise | About $15/hr | Employee Payroll | Work for Walmart, Training program |
| Care.com | Personal Assistant/Errands | $10-$25/hr (Set your own) | Set your own rates | Create profile |
| Taskrabbit | Errands/Shopping/Tasks | $22/hr (average) | Set your own rates | Register online, Attend info session |
| BestMark | Mystery Shopping | $10-$20 per task | Check | Age 18+, Good communication, Timely reports |
| Market Force Information | Mystery Shopping | Varies by gig | Direct deposit | Submit assignments on time |
| IntelliShop | Mystery Shopping | $5-$20 per task | PayPal | Submit reports within 12 hrs, Build track record |
| Mystery Shopping Service | Mystery Shopping | Varies by gig | PayPal or check | Submit assignments on time |
| Secret Shopper | Mystery Shopping | $12-$25/hr | Unspecified | Computer access, Camera/scanner |
| Pinnacle | Mystery Shopping | $4-$75 per job | Unspecified | Submit surveys within 12 hrs |
| Intouch Insight | Mystery Shopping | $200-$300/week (regular users) | PayPal | Register, Submit assignments on time |
| Sinclair Customer Metrics | Mystery Shopping | Varies by gig | Check | Submit assignments on time |
| Rakuten | Cash Back (Online) | 1%-10%+ cash back | Check or PayPal | Sign up, Shop through app/extension, Min $5 balance |
| Ibotta | Cash Back (Receipts/Online) | Varies by offer | PayPal, Venmo, Gift card | Download app, Scan receipts, Min $20 balance |
| Swagbucks | Cash Back/Rewards | Earn SB points | Gift cards or PayPal | Sign up, Shop online, or submit receipts |
| Fetch Rewards | Cash Back (Receipts) | Earn points per receipt | Gift cards | Download the app, scan any receipt |
| Shopkick | Rewards (Scanning/Shopping) | Earn “kicks” (points) | Gift cards | Download app, Scan products, Link cards, etc. |
Start Your Own Shopping Service to Earn More Money
You don’t have to stick to gig apps to get paid to shop. Starting your own personal shopping service gives you more control and higher rates. It also gives you the freedom to choose who you work with.
Many independent contractors begin on Fiverr. Then they build a website to attract steady clients and start making money online on their own schedule.
Create a Professional Website for Your Shopping Service
Creating a professional website helps you stand out, especially if you want to get high-value clients. It works like a digital storefront for your personal shopping or grocery delivery services.
You can list what you offer and add a simple form so shoppers can reach you fast. Website builders like Hostinger or IONOS are great for beginners. They’re easy to use and don’t need coding. A strong site builds trust, which is key for your business, and you’re looking to earn extra cash.
Just make sure you use the best web hosting provider that is fast and secure. Site costs can be low at the start. However, you can upgrade as you grow your delivery service or shop full-time. Keep it simple, then build from there.
Maximizing Your Shopping Earnings
To get paid to shop, you need to pick apps that match your goals and schedule. Some offer cash back, others focus on mystery shopping or answering surveys. Consider these factors when choosing platforms:
- Time Investment vs. Returns: Grocery delivery offers more cash but takes time. Cash back apps are easier in your spare time, though returns are smaller.
- Geographic Availability: Most mystery shopping apps focus on big cities. Rural areas may have fewer chances to get paid to shop or compare different stores.
- Startup Requirements: Delivery services require reliable vehicles and smartphones. Cash back apps work with any smartphone and existing shopping habits.
Building Long-term Success
To build long-term success, treat every get-paid-to-shop task like real work. Professionalism leads to steady cash, loyal clients, and additional perks down the line.
- Track Your Performance: Monitor earnings per hour across different platforms. This will help you identify the most profitable activities for your situation.
- Maintain High Ratings: High ratings help you earn more cash and attract steady clients. Stay polite with customers and pick the right app orders every time.
- Diversify Income Streams: Combining multiple approaches reduces dependence on any single platform. It also helps you maximize earning potential across different activities.
Need to create your own store to make shopping easier? Check out this detailed guide on how to create an online store.
Conclusion
Turning errands into income is now easier than ever. With cash rewards from apps, mystery shopping at different stores, you can earn in your spare time. Some apps need a driver’s license or Social Security number. However, once you sign up, you’re ready to start shopping and get paid.
Next Steps: What Now?
Ready to turn your next shopping trip into a paycheck? Here’s how to start smart:
- Pick your platform.
- Sign up and verify.
- Test the waters.
- Track your earnings.
- Scale it up.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
To grow your online income and explore new business models, check out these helpful guides:
- How to Make Money Online: Discover how you can start earning online today.
- Start an Online Store with No Money: Learn how to launch your store on a tight budget.
- Is Dropshipping Legal?: Understand the rules and risks behind this popular model.
- Best Web Hosting Affiliate Programs: Find top affiliate programs to earn passive income.
