If you’re always on the lookout for apps that can help you make a little extra cash or earn rewards on the side, you might have come across Pogo. This app has been gaining attention for offering simple ways to earn money or gift cards with minimal effort.
But with so many apps making similar promises, it’s worth looking closer to see if Pogo really delivers. Let’s dive in to explore what Pogo is all about, how it works, and if it’s worth your time and phone space.
What is Pogo?
Pogo is a free app available on both iOS and Android that allows users to earn rewards and cashback on their spending and data-sharing activities. The app uses your purchase history and location data to personalize offers, and in return, you can earn points or cash for these activities.
The company behind Pogo aims to create a way for people to monetize their data with full transparency, giving users control over what they share.
While this sounds like many cashback and data-sharing apps out there, Pogo differentiates itself by combining features from several popular platforms. It incorporates data sharing, receipt scanning, and cashback opportunities into one platform, simplifying the experience for those who’d rather not juggle multiple apps.
How Does Pogo Work?
To get started with Pogo, you’ll need to download the app from your device’s app store and sign up. The setup process involves creating an account and linking it to your bank or credit card accounts, so Pogo can analyze your transaction history. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to earn:
- Link Your Accounts: One of Pogo’s main features is the ability to link your financial accounts. By connecting your credit cards or bank accounts, the app automatically detects your purchases, which Pogo uses to create cashback offers. Linking your accounts allows Pogo to give you points for each eligible transaction, saving you the hassle of scanning receipts manually.
- Scan Receipts: If you don’t want to link your accounts, Pogo also offers a more manual way to earn. You can scan receipts for qualifying purchases, and the app will reward you with points. This feature is useful for those who may feel hesitant about linking financial accounts but still want to benefit from the app’s rewards.
- Surveys and Offers: Pogo also provides occasional surveys or specific offers from partner brands. Completing these can earn you extra points, especially if they are sponsored by brands looking to gather consumer insights.
- Data Sharing: Pogo allows users to monetize their data. By permitting Pogo to access your location data or purchase information, you earn points every day, even if you’re not actively using the app. This model rewards users for sharing information that is already commonly shared with larger platforms, with the difference being that Pogo compensates you for it.
What’s Pogo’s Earning Potential?
The earning potential with Pogo can vary, depending on the activities you participate in and how frequently you use the app. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Points for Purchases: Linked account transactions can earn points automatically, but the payout is generally modest. Don’t expect substantial rewards from small or infrequent purchases, but it adds up over time.
- Receipt Scanning: Scanning receipts manually can earn you a few points per receipt, but like most cashback apps, these points tend to be on the lower side unless the purchase is significant.
- Surveys and Offers: Occasionally, Pogo will offer surveys or special promotions where you can earn more points than usual, making it a good idea to keep an eye on these. Points for surveys are typically higher than regular purchases.
- Data Sharing: Pogo rewards users for keeping location data and purchase history enabled. While it’s not a huge amount, it’s a reliable way to accumulate points daily without having to remember to log in or complete tasks.
5 Tips to Maximize Earnings
To get the most out of Pogo, try these tips:
- Link Your Accounts: Linking your accounts is an easy way to earn points consistently. This feature is ideal if you have regular transactions that Pogo can track.
- Scan Receipts for Big Purchases: Since points per receipt may be higher for larger purchases, try scanning receipts from higher-value items.
- Enable Location Sharing: Although it may feel intrusive, allowing Pogo to access location data can increase your daily points.
- Watch for Surveys and Offers: Keep an eye on special offers or surveys within the app. These can provide a faster way to rack up points.
- Use the App Consistently: Like any reward app, consistent use is key. By regularly logging in, checking offers, and scanning receipts, you’ll see more rewards over time.
Turning Points Into Cash
Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can cash out in a couple of different ways. Pogo primarily offers PayPal as a cashout option, making it convenient for users who prefer direct cash rewards.
The minimum threshold for cashing out is typically around 3000 points, which translates to around $3, though this may fluctuate depending on current promotions or policies.
Do They Pay Users?
Yes, Pogo does pay users, and most reviews confirm the app’s reliability in delivering payouts through PayPal.
As with any rewards app, payout times can vary, so it’s best to cash out in advance if you need the money by a specific time. Users generally report that PayPal payouts are prompt, usually processed within a few business days.
Pros:
- Automatic Earning: Linking your accounts enables passive income by automatically tracking eligible purchases.
- Variety of Earning Methods: Pogo combines multiple earning methods (data-sharing, receipt scanning, surveys) into one app.
- Low Cashout Threshold: The cashout minimum is relatively low, making it easy to earn rewards quickly.
- Transparency: Pogo emphasizes transparency in data sharing and allows users to control what they’re sharing, a refreshing approach compared to other data-driven apps.
Cons:
- Limited Earning Potential: Like most rewards apps, Pogo’s payouts are small, so it’s not suitable for those looking to make a substantial income.
- Requires Linked Accounts: For optimal earning, you need to link your bank or credit cards, which may feel invasive to some users.
- Data Sharing Concerns: Although Pogo is transparent about data usage, some users may still feel uneasy sharing location and purchase data.
- Inconsistent Offers: Offers and surveys aren’t always available, which can limit high-earning opportunities.
Is Pogo Worth Installing?
The Pogo app can be worth it for users who enjoy earning passive rewards without too much extra effort. Its automatic earning features, along with options to cash out in small increments, make it a decent choice for people looking to supplement other cash-back or rewards apps.
However, it’s essential to approach it with realistic expectations: Pogo is not a get-rich-quick tool but rather a supplementary income app that compensates you in modest amounts for the data you’d likely already be sharing with other platforms.
If you’re comfortable with linking your accounts and sharing data, Pogo’s convenience and ease of use make it a hassle-free addition to your money-making app collection.
But if privacy is a top priority for you, you might feel more comfortable sticking to Other Methods of earning cashback or rewards that don’t require such personal information.
Final Verdict
Overall, Pogo offers a reasonable way to earn extra cash without much manual effort. It stands out in its effort to be transparent about data sharing and compensate users for it.
The app’s low cashout threshold and multiple earning methods make it a convenient tool for those looking to make small, incremental rewards over time.
While the earnings aren’t significant, Pogo could still be a valuable addition to your app lineup if you’re looking for a low-maintenance way to earn a few extra dollars here and there.