Your phone can make you money—just by scanning barcodes. Take a second and let that sink in. Now, picture someone from 50 years ago reading that sentence. They’d probably think it was straight out of a sci-fi movie!
A “magical device” that fits in your pocket, makes calls, and pays you for pointing it at a barcode? That’s the future they dreamed about, and guess what…. it’s happening right now, and now you get to be part of it!
It might sound too good to be true, but this fun and obviously easy side hustle is 100% real—and people are jumping aboard!
So, whether you’re a busy parent juggling errands, a college student looking how to earn extra income, or just someone who loves smart ways to boost your income, scanning barcodes could be your new favorite way to earn.
It’s simple, flexible, and fits right into your daily life.
I’m going to tell you:
- What scanning barcodes for money is all about.
- The best apps and platforms to get started.
- Exactly how to earn money scanning barcodes.
- Tips to maximize your earnings.
Let’s dive into this easy side hustle and make money scanning barcodes.
What Is Scanning Barcodes for Money?
Barcode scanning involves using your smartphone or another device to read the black-and-white codes found on product packaging.
These codes contain important product details like price, inventory, and sales data. But did you know they can also be a source of extra cash?
With the right apps, you can scan barcodes for money and earn rewards or cash back. Some platforms pay you for scanning items you’ve purchased, while others reward you for scanning packages you receive in the mail.
It’s an easy way to make money during your regular shopping or from the comfort of your home.
Why Do Companies Pay You to Scan Barcodes?
You might be wondering why companies are willing to pay for something as simple as scanning barcodes. The answer lies in data.
Businesses need accurate data to track inventory, manage logistics, and improve marketing strategies. By scanning barcodes, you’re helping companies gather this valuable information.
In return, they reward you with cash, cryptocurrency, or points that can be redeemed for gift cards or products.
“It’s like being part of a giant data collection team, and you get paid for your effort!”
4 Best Apps to Earn Money Scanning Barcodes
If you’re ready to start earning by scanning barcodes, here are some of the most popular apps to consider:
1. Package Portal
- How It Works: Scan package barcodes from online deliveries to earn cryptocurrency (PORT tokens).
- Earnings Potential: $90–$110/day, depending on token value.

What’s Package Portal?
Package Portal is an app that pays you for scanning barcodes on your online delivery packages. Yes, really. It’s like your boring Amazon package just got a fun, money-making twist.
The app is part of this fancy tech world called decentralized finance (DeFi), but don’t worry—you don’t need to know the techy stuff. You just scan, earn, and cash out.
How It Works
- Download the App:
First, grab the Package Portal app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free, so no excuses. - Scan Package Barcodes:
Got a package from Amazon or another online store? Before you tear into it like it’s Christmas morning, take a second to scan the barcode on the package with the app. Heads up: It has to be a delivery package, not something you grabbed off the grocery store shelf. - Earn PORT Tokens:
Each time you scan, you’ll earn PORT tokens, which are like digital money from the Zilliqa (ZIL) blockchain. Fancy name, but all you need to know is: tokens = money. - Cash Out or Trade Tokens:
You can trade PORT tokens for other cryptocurrencies, convert them into cold hard cash, or spend them where crypto is accepted. Your call!
Why Does Package Portal Even Exist?
Package Portal isn’t just handing out cash for fun. Businesses use the data you provide when you scan packages. They use it to figure out how well their delivery systems are working. The result? Faster, more reliable deliveries. For you, it’s an easy way to make extra cash without breaking a sweat.
How Much Can You Make?
Here’s the fun part: each scan earns you PORT tokens. Depending on the market, people are earning anywhere from $90 to $110 a day just for scanning a barcode. But there’s a catch—you can only scan one package per day. So no, you can’t retire early by scanning every box in your garage.
What Makes It Cool?
- No Big Brother Vibes: The data collection is decentralized, so it’s private and secure.
- Crypto Rewards: Forget boring cashback points—you get paid in cryptocurrency.
- So Easy It’s Silly: Scanning takes about 10 seconds. Seriously, that’s it.
Why You Should Try It
Package Portal turns your regular delivery routine into a fun side hustle. If you shop online often, why not let your packages pay you back? It’s simple, creative, and honestly, kind of genius.
So next time your Amazon package shows up, don’t just rip it open—scan it first and get paid for your excitement!
2. Fetch Rewards
- How It Works: Scan grocery receipts to earn points redeemable for gift cards.
- Earnings Potential: Approximately $5 per 1,000 points.

What’s Fetch Rewards?
Fetch Rewards is an app that turns your grocery shopping receipts into free gift cards. Yep, you read that right. Your crumpled-up grocery receipts are basically gold waiting to be cashed in. It’s simple, fun, and honestly feels like getting paid to shop…. minus the buyer’s remorse of course!
How It Works
- Download the App:
First, grab the Fetch Rewards app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free, so no reason to skip this step. - Scan Your Receipts:
After you hit up the grocery store, take a photo of your receipt in the app. It works for receipts from almost any store—grocery, big-box retailers, even some gas stations. - Earn Points:
Fetch gives you points for every receipt, and certain brands or products will earn you bonus points. Pro tip: Check the app for special offers before you shop. - Redeem Gift Cards:
When you’ve racked up enough points, trade them in for gift cards from popular stores like Amazon, Target, or Starbucks.
Why Does Fetch Rewards Exist?
Fetch Rewards works with brands to encourage customer loyalty. By scanning your receipts, you’re helping brands understand what people are buying and how they can improve. For you, it’s a way to turn your regular shopping into free stuff. Everybody wins!
How Much Can You Make?
Fetch Rewards won’t make you rich, but it’s an easy way to save. Most people earn about $5 for every 1,000 points. Depending on how often you shop and scan, you could easily make $10 to $50 a month in gift cards.
What Makes It Cool?
- No Shopping List: Works with almost any receipt, so you don’t have to plan.
- Bonus Offers: Certain brands give you extra points, making it easier to stack up rewards.
- Gift Cards Galore: Choose from tons of popular retailers when you’re ready to cash out.
Why You Should Try It
If you’re already shopping, why not get rewarded for it? Fetch Rewards makes it ridiculously easy to earn gift cards from your everyday purchases.
All it takes is snapping a quick photo of your receipt, and boom—you’re on your way to free coffee, shopping sprees, or even movie nights. So go ahead, turn those boring receipts into something awesome!
3. Shopkick
- How It Works: Earn “kicks” by scanning items in stores or online and redeem them for gift cards.
- Earnings Potential: Around $2–$5 per hour of scanning.

What’s Shopkick?
Shopkick is an app that pays you in gift cards for doing what you probably already do—shopping! But wait, it gets better. You don’t even have to buy anything to earn rewards.
That’s right, you can get paid just for walking into a store or scanning barcodes. If making money with minimal effort sounds like your kind of vibe, Shopkick is your new best friend.
How It Works
1. Download the App:
First, grab the Shopkick app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free, easy to set up, and ready to turn your shopping trips into a rewarding adventure.
2. Earn “Kicks” (Points):
- Shopkick rewards you with “kicks” for completing simple tasks like:
- Walking into participating stores (yes, just walking in!).
- Scanning barcodes of specific products in the store.
- Watching short videos or browsing products online.
- Buying products and uploading your receipt for even more kicks.
3. Redeem Gift Cards:
Once you’ve racked up enough kicks, trade them in for gift cards to popular stores like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more.
Why Does Shopkick Exist?
Shopkick partners with retailers and brands to promote their products and drive foot traffic to stores. When you engage with the app, it helps businesses get more visibility while you collect rewards. It’s like a win-win deal where you get paid just for being a savvy shopper.
How Much Can You Make?
Most users earn around $2 to $5 an hour by scanning barcodes or completing other tasks. Over time, those kicks add up! With regular use, you could earn $20–$50 a month in gift cards.
What Makes It Cool?
- No Purchase Necessary: You can earn kicks just by scanning products. Period.
- Fun & Interactive: A barcode treasure hunt! Who knew shopping could be this fun?
- Flexibility: Earn kicks at your own pace, even while running errands or shopping online.
Why You Should Try It
Shopkick is perfect for anyone who loves turning everyday errands into extra cash. Whether you’re scanning barcodes for fun or just strolling through a store, this app makes earning rewards a breeze.
So, download Shopkick, start collecting kicks, and make your next coffee run or shopping spree guilt-free—you’ve earned it!
4. Ibotta
- How It Works: Scan grocery barcodes for money and earn cashback on purchases.
- Earnings Potential: $10–$20 per month, depending on activity.

What’s Ibotta?
Ibotta is an app that pays you real money—yes, actual cash—for your everyday grocery shopping. Think of it
How It Works
- Download the App:
First, grab the Ibotta app from the App Store or Google Play. It’s free and super quick to set up. - Check for Offers:
Before you head to the store, scroll through the app to find cashback deals on the stuff you already buy—bread, milk, snacks, and even wine (yes, wine!). Add the offers to your account with a single tap.
Shop Like Normal:
Head to your favorite grocery store and grab the items you added in the app. No need to change your shopping habits; Ibotta works with most major retailers. - Scan Your Receipt:
After your shopping trip, take a picture of your receipt in the app. Ibotta will match the offers to your purchases and credit your account with cashback.
Cash Out:
Once you hit $20, you can cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or choose gift cards to your favorite stores.
Why Does Ibotta Exist?
Ibotta works with brands and retailers to promote their products. When you buy those items and scan your receipt, they pay Ibotta, and Ibotta shares the love by paying you. It’s like a win-win triangle of cashback goodness.
How Much Can You Make?
You won’t become a millionaire, but Ibotta users report earning $10 to $20 a month on average. If you’re a smart shopper who plans ahead, you could earn even more. And hey, every little bit helps, right?
What Makes It Cool?
- Real Cash, Not Points: Unlike some apps, Ibotta pays you in cold, hard cash.
- Works Everywhere: From grocery stores to big-box retailers, Ibotta has you covered.
- Bonus Offers: Earn extra when you refer friends or complete bonus challenges in the app.
Why You Should Try It
Look, you’re already shopping for food—why not get paid for it? Ibotta is like having a cashback buddy in your pocket. It’s fun, easy, and oddly satisfying to watch your account balance grow with every receipt.
So go ahead, download the app, and let Ibotta help you turn grocery shopping into a moneymaking adventure. Bonus: You’ll have more cash for pizza, coffee, or whatever makes you smile.
How to Choose the Right App
Most apps will have different advantages and unique features about them. Basically, you just want to do your research and decide what is the most important to you. For example:
- Do you shop frequently? If so, apps like Ibotta or Fetch Rewards are great for earning rewards on everyday purchases.
- Do you prefer shopping online? Package Portal offers a unique way to earn cryptocurrency.
- Want more flexibility? Shopkick allows you to earn rewards without making a purchase.

How to Make Money Scanning Barcodes
Ready to start scanning? Ok then! Just follow these steps:
1. Download the Right Apps
Choose one or more apps based on your shopping habits. Most apps are available on both iOS and Android.
2. Set Up Your Account
Register with your email or social media login. Some apps may require you to link a payment method for cashouts.
3. Start Scanning
- Scan grocery barcodes for money while shopping.
- Use apps like Package Portal to scan barcodes on packages you receive.
- Explore bonus offers and promotions for additional earnings.
4. Cash Out
Redeem your earnings for cash, cryptocurrency, or gift cards, depending on the app.
“Scanning barcodes is so easy, it doesn’t even feel like work!”
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Scan Frequently: The more you scan, the more you earn. Make it a habit during shopping trips or when packages arrive.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses: Many apps offer sign-up bonuses or extra points for scanning certain items.
- Join Barcode Scanning Communities: Online groups can help you discover exclusive offers and tips.
- Stay Organized: Track your earnings and the items you’ve scanned to avoid duplications.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Scanning the Wrong Barcode: Double-check that the barcode matches the item to ensure rewards are credited.
- Ignoring Terms and Conditions: Read the app’s rules to avoid disqualified receipts or uncredited scans.
- Missing Deadlines: Some apps require you to scan within a certain time frame, so don’t wait too long!
How Much Can You Earn?
Your earnings will depend on how often you scan and the apps you use.
Activity | Estimated Earnings |
Scanning grocery receipts | $10–$50/month |
Scanning packages (Package Portal) | $90–$110/day (limited to one scan/day) |
Scanning in-store items | $2–$5/hour |
What to Expect in 2025
With advancements in technology, the opportunities to scan barcodes at home for money are only growing.
Apps are becoming smarter, rewards are getting better, and more businesses are recognizing the value of this data.
In 2025, we can expect:
- More apps offering cryptocurrency rewards.
- Increased participation from global retailers.
- Easier payout options to withdraw your earnings.
Maya’s Final Scan
Earning money by scanning barcodes isn’t just easy—it’s a game-changer. It’s a simple way to turn everyday tasks into extra income, and the best part? You can start right now.
Whether you’re scanning grocery barcodes or earning rewards for scanning receipts, this side hustle can fit perfectly into your routine without adding stress.
So, pick an app from this guide and start turning those small scans into big wins.
“The future of earning money is in your hands—literally!”