I have been sharing tips on how to use coupons and save money for years. Saving money is just something that is in my blood. I can’t not save.
I’ve shared countless printable coupons, deals, and offers. There are even apps you can use to save. One of them you may want to start using is Shopkick.
You may have heard about this app in the past. You might have started using it but stopped for whatever reason. It is honestly the simplest way to earn money while you are shopping!
What is Shopkick?
Shopick is a Free Mobile app you download to your device. As you shop at your local stores – or online – you earn what they call Kicks. You can redeem those points for free gift cards and offers.
What are Kicks?
Kicks are points or currency used in the app. You cash in your points for gift cards and other rewards.
How do you earn Kicks?
When you walk through the doors of your local store, you may get an alert via the Shopkick app. If you scan or buy the products they recommend, you can earn Kicks.
You can even earn them when you shop online! They recently added Amazon as one of their partners (so if you love Amazon, then this is a no brainer app to use). When you visit select partners as noted in the app, you can earn Kicks for claiming offers or buying products.
What types of rewards can you get when you redeem your Kicks?
There are countless gift card offers available for you to claim. You can find them from partners such as:
- Amazon
- American Eagle
- eBay
- Foot Locker
- Walmart
- Target
- ….. and many, many more
There is more than likely a store that appeals to every person who uses Shopkick.
The Good and The Bad of Using Shopkick
As with all apps, nothing is perfect. Here is the good and the bad that I’ve discovered after using Shopkick myself.
Pros of using Shopkick
It is free to use. There is no fee to join. Just download the app to your device, and you’ll be on your way.
They do pay. You will earn gift cards, unlike many programs that have empty promises.
Learn about store sales. There is nothing worse than missing a store offer. Shopkick keeps you in the know.
Easy to use. Even the least tech-savvy person can use the app with ease.
Easy to earn. Accumulating Kicks is very easy.
Large selection of rewards. When you are ready to cash in your points, there are many offers to choose from.
Cons of using Shopkick
It takes a lot of points to earn a card. You won’t earn a card after a few visits, but they can add up over time.
There is no cash payout – only gift cards. If you want a cash app, then Shopkick is not for you.
Not every store will earn you points. They have a large selection of partners, but it may not be every place you shop.
Honestly, the good outweighs the bad. If you plan to shop anyhow, it is just one small thing you can do and get gift cards to pay for Christmas, birthdays and even your everyday essentials.
How do you get started using Shopkick?
Let’s walk you through the process of getting started!!
Step 1 – Download the app
The first thing you have to do is download the app. Again, it is free to use and works on any device.
Step 2 – Get signed up
Once you download the app,sign up with your Google or Facebook accounts. If you don’t have one (or don’t want to use that), you can also create an account with your email address.
Whichever option you select, follow the prompts to set get signed up.
Step 3 – Select a gift card
You can determine which card you want to earn first. Select from options such as TJ Maxx, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, and more. And, if you change your mind later, you can update the gift card you want to score.
Step 4 – Earn Your Kicks
There are four ways you can earn Kicks. You can walk into a store, scan a product with your phone, make a purchase, or link your rewards card to your account.
The offers that are nearby you will show on your dashboard. For example, on my phone, I had an offer at CVS. When I opened to look at it, I was able to see that I could earn Kicks by walking through the door, scanning products, and purchasing select items.
As you each item is completed Kicks are added to your account. It’s that simple!
Step 5 – Cash in your Kicks
Once you reach the required number of Kicks to cash out (starting at 500), then you can redeem those for a gift card. Log into the app, and you can claim your offer!
How can you earn more Kicks?
It may seem like it takes a while to earn Kicks – and it can. But, by following these simple steps, you can be on your way to racking up Kicks in no time at all!
Check the app daily
When you are out and about check the Shopkick app to see if there is an offer you can claim nearby. By simply walking through the door, you can earn Kicks!
Refer friends
A simple way to get Kicks is to share your referral code with family and friends. Once they sign up using your unique code, you ‘ll get credit!
Look for the Invite Icon at the bottom of the main screen. When you click on this, you will get your code. When friends sign up, have them enter your code, and you’ll get credit! When they do, you will quickly earn 250 Kicks!
Scan away
When you are in the store, find a few extra products that you can scan, and you’ll earn Kicks. It takes very little time and can help you rack up points more quickly.
Use the discover feature
On the dashboard, you will find a Discover button. Click this and watch videos! You’ll be rewarded with Kicks for your time. Watch them while you are in the carpool lane or waiting for the kids to finish soccer practice.
Have the app on before you enter a store
The app can read your GPS location, so you need to have it enabled before you enter the store. That way, the offers will show so you can grab them while you can.
Link your card
If you go ahead and link your credit card to the Shopkick app (which uses high-level encryption), you can earn additional Kicks.
Final Thoughts on Shopkick
It may take some time to build up Kicks so you can cash them in for a gift card, but it works. Even the $2 and $5 gift cards are worth it. These make great gifts for kids and stockings – or even as a thank you for a teacher or coach.
Will you get rich using Shopkick? Nope. But, you can have some fun and earn some free gift cards while you are at it.