In an age where smartphones have opened up countless ways to earn cash and rewards, the Shopkick app has gained popularity for its fun, scavenger-hunt style of earning.
Marketed as a shopping rewards app, Shopkick allows users to earn “kicks” (points) that can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards simply by completing everyday shopping-related tasks.
But how does it stack up against other money-making apps? Let’s dive into the app’s offerings, earning potential, pros and cons, and whether it’s worth downloading.
What is Shopkick?
Shopkick is a shopping rewards app launched in 2009 by Cyriac Roeding, aimed at giving users a fun way to earn points, known as “kicks,” for various shopping-related activities.
Available for both iOS and Android, Shopkick offers a unique way to earn rewards simply by going to stores, scanning items, making purchases, and even browsing online.
While Shopkick doesn’t directly offer cash rewards, users can redeem their kicks for a wide range of gift cards for popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks. This flexibility makes it a favorite for casual users who enjoy a gamified approach to shopping.
How Does ShopKick Work?
Shopkick works by rewarding users with kicks through various activities that don’t always require spending money. Here’s a breakdown of how you can earn kicks on the app:
- Walk-ins: Simply entering specific stores earns you kicks, provided you have location services enabled. Major retail chains like Target, Best Buy, and Walmart often offer walk-in rewards.
- Scans: Users can earn additional kicks by finding and scanning certain product barcodes. This adds a fun, scavenger-hunt element to shopping.
- Receipts and Purchases: Making a qualifying purchase and scanning the receipt will earn even more kicks. Certain stores also offer direct kicks for online purchases when accessed through the app.
- Watching Videos: The app has short video advertisements or product demonstrations that offer small amounts of kicks.
- Online Shopping: If you prefer shopping online, Shopkick offers kicks for purchases made through affiliated links within the app.
- Inviting Friends: Referring friends to the app can also earn you kicks, which is a nice bonus if you’re able to introduce new users to Shopkick.
These tasks are easy to complete, and most are fairly quick. The variety of ways to earn keeps the app fresh and offers flexibility for both frequent and casual users.
How Many Kicks Can You Earn?
The earning potential on Shopkick is modest and largely depends on the frequency of your shopping trips and the type of tasks you’re willing to complete. Here’s a rough breakdown of Shopkick’s earning categories:
- Walk-ins: Usually range between 10-50 kicks.
- Scans: Can vary from 10-100 kicks per item.
- Receipts and Purchases: Up to 500 kicks or more for higher-value items.
- Videos: Typically around 1-3 kicks per video.
- Online Shopping: Varies based on the retailer and item, with more kicks offered for larger purchases.
To give some context, roughly 250 kicks are equal to $1 in gift card value. This means that accumulating 2,500 kicks will yield a $10 gift card.
While it may take time to build up substantial rewards, consistent users report earning a $5-10 gift card monthly without making purchases, and up to $25 monthly if they make frequent purchases and actively engage with the app’s features.
To increase your earning potential I recommend that you Join Multiple Extra Income Sites.
Tips to Maximize Earnings
- Plan Your Shopping Trips: Check the app before heading to stores to see which locations offer walk-in or scan rewards. This helps you maximize your kicks for each trip.
- Complete Daily Tasks: Try watching the daily videos and browsing the app each day. The kicks might be small, but they add up over time.
- Focus on High-Reward Scans and Receipts: If you’re already purchasing specific items, prioritize scanning or submitting receipts for those items, as they often come with more kicks.
- Refer Friends: Inviting friends to join is a simple way to boost your earnings, as you earn extra kicks when they sign up and begin using the app.
- Use the Online Shopping Feature: If you’re making online purchases, go through Shopkick’s affiliated links for extra kicks. This is especially useful during the holiday season when you may shop more frequently online.
Redeeming Kicks For Cash Or Gift Cards
Cashing out on Shopkick is straightforward. Once you’ve accumulated a minimum of 500 kicks, you can choose from a range of gift cards for stores like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Starbucks.
There’s also the option to redeem kicks for PayPal cash, but this generally requires a higher kick threshold (often around 6,250 kicks for a $25 payout).
Simply go to the “Rewards” section of the app, select your preferred gift card, and confirm your choice. Most users report that gift cards are delivered almost instantly to their email, making it easy to use the rewards quickly.
Does ShopKick Pay Users?
Yes, Shopkick does pay users, though payments are in the form of gift cards rather than direct cash. The app has a good reputation for reliability in rewarding users, and thousands of users have successfully redeemed gift cards without issue.
In terms of security, the app has a well-established track record, and its gift card distribution process is generally smooth.
Pros:
- Free to Use: No fees to sign up or participate.
- Multiple Ways to Earn: Offers variety with walk-ins, scans, receipts, videos, and online shopping.
- Flexible Rewards: Choose from a range of popular gift cards.
- Fun and Engaging: The app gamifies the shopping experience with tasks and rewards.
- No Purchase Necessary: Many kicks can be earned without spending money.
Cons:
- Low Earning Potential: It takes time to accumulate enough kicks for significant rewards.
- Battery and Location Access: The app needs access to location services, which can drain battery life.
- Limited Cash Options: Cash rewards are only available via PayPal, and even then, only at higher thresholds.
- Not All Stores Offer Kicks: Smaller stores or regional locations may not participate, limiting options for some users.
Is ShopKick Worth Installing?
If you enjoy shopping and like the idea of earning a little extra on the side, Shopkick is definitely worth trying out. It’s especially appealing if you frequent popular retail stores or enjoy the thrill of scavenger-hunt-style tasks.
However, it’s important to manage expectations. Shopkick isn’t designed to replace an income or deliver substantial rewards quickly, but rather to provide small perks and discounts through regular use.
For casual users who don’t mind taking a few extra steps during their shopping trips, the app can be a fun, low-effort way to earn rewards. If you’re looking for an app to earn meaningful cash quickly, though, Shopkick may not fully meet that need.
In short, Shopkick is ideal for people who enjoy lighthearted, gamified experiences in their daily routines and want a little bonus for their regular shopping.
Shopkick combines a touch of fun with a simple rewards program, making it a solid choice for those looking to earn modest perks without much hassle.