12 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

January 04, 2019

Raise your hand if you enjoy the convenience of shopping on your mobile device.

If that’s you, these mobile shopping apps are the perfect addition to your smartphone. You can now easily shop on the go while snagging the best deal with every purchase.

Convenience doesn’t always have to cost more money. In fact, with competition for your online dollars on the rise, many of these companies literally pay you to make your everyday purchases through their shopping app (both online and in-store).

In this complete list of shopping apps, we’re going to share some of our top picks. Not only will these apps help you find what you need when you need it but you’ll also get the best price or cash back value possible if you’re willing to give it a try!

So without further ado, let’s look at the best price shopping apps to download today. If you love all things convenient and saving money, then these are meant for you.

12 Best Shopping Apps to Save Money Online

From purchasing cheap gifts online to saving money on groceries, you’ll find at least one phone shopping app on this list that will make your shopping experience better (and cheaper).

Shopping Apps That Offer Cash Back

In recent years, several cash back apps have hit the market offering a welcome 1 to 3% in earnings on everyday purchases. They’re almost always free to use and there’s very little to no downside to using any particular one of them. It’s literally money back in your pocket that you’d have other wise spent — at no cost to you. 

1. DollarSprout Rewards

To help our readers fight back against inflation, we’ve partnered with over 15,000 merchants to get you between 1 and 100% cash back on purchases you make every day (no really, certain retailers even offer over 100% on certain items). 

How It Works: Once installed, the DollarSprout Rewards desktop browser extension (available on Chrome or Safari) works by automatically recognizing when you’re about to make a purchase on a participating merchant website (think Walmart, Walgreens, Old Navy, etc.) and prompts you to claim cash back.

Simply click once to activate the offer and you’re good to go — check out as normal. In as little as a few minutes to a couple of days, you’ll see your cash back balance update on the extension dashboard. The extension also scours the web for working promo or coupon codes and automatically applies them to your cart on checkout at available merchants. 

DollarSprout Rewards browser extension offering cash back at Walmart

It’s stupid simple to use, free to install, and activates in just one click. There’s no fee, no catch, and no subscription or credit card number required. 

Stores on DollarSprout Rewards: Shop at 15,000+ popular retailers with new ones added every day. These include names Ace Hardware, Chewy, Ebay, Kohl’s, Kroger, Macy’s, Ticketmaster, Walmart, Walgreens and thousands more!

Payout Minimum and Method: If you accumulate $5 in earnings at any given time, we’ll pay it out to your PayPal account the following month, in cash. No gift cards, no sketchy payment processing. Just pure cold hard cash

Download: Available for desktop on the App Store or Chrome Web Store.

2. Capital One Shopping

 Capital One Shopping is an online browser extension and app that applies coupons when you shop, lets you earn credits for shopping locally, and tells you when there’s a better price somewhere else.

You can also add items to your Capital One Shopping watchlist so you can track prices and be notified when there’s a better deal.

Note: Capital One Shopping compensates us when you get the Capital One Shopping extension using the links provided.

How It Works: You can get the browser extension on your computer or download the app via the Google Play or iPhone App Store. Once you have these installed and have created your account, you can shop normally on your regular browser. Capital One Shopping will notify you when there may be relevant coupons or when there’s a better price on a different site. When you use the Capital One Shopping app, you can type in a product you’re interested in and Capital One Shopping will show you available deals. You can also scan item barcodes directly through the app.

You can also link your credit card to Capital One Shopping to get loyalty credits when you shop with a participating store or restaurant. These credits can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers such as Sephora, eBay, and Walmart.

Stores on Capital One Shopping: Most popular retailers partner with Capital One Shopping including Amazon, Groupon, Kohl’s, Walmart, eBay, and Nike.

Payout Minimum and Method: If you use a coupon from Capital One Shopping, it will be applied directly to your order so you’ll save money instantly. If Capital One Shopping tells you where you can find a cheaper version of what you’re buying, then you’ll also save money automatically. But if you earn Capital One Shopping credits, then you’ll have to redeem those for e-gift cards.

3. Dosh

Dosh is a cash back shopping app that rewards you for everyday shopping you’re already doing — both online and in-store. Link your card to the app once and enjoy cash back benefits over and over just by going about your normal shopping habits.

How It Works: Similar to Rakuten, you’ll receive cash back for shopping at your favorite stores. But you’ll want to continue reading about the convenience of Dosh because it currently works differently.

Dosh simply asks you to link your credit card (confirmed secure) and gives cash back for going about your day-to-day shopping. Dosh lets you earn cash back just for walking into a store and swiping your credit or debit card at the checkout.

You won’t be able to use both Dosh and Rakuten on a single purchase, but you can certainly compare cash back offers before making your decision to use one or the other. Plus, Dosh has a much wider selection of in-store cash back opportunities. Basically, you’ll link your pay card once and let Dosh take care of the rest.

Dosh is one of those shopping apps that doesn’t control or pressure you to make purchases you don’t need simply because something is “on sale.” Instead, you truly go about your day and shop for things you need. At the end of the day, you’ll have a nice bonus waiting for you in your Dosh account.

Stores on Dosh:  Nike, Walmart, Gap, Fitbit, Sam’s Club, Callaway, Patagonia, Snapfish, Forever 21, Hilton, and Jack in the Box are a few popular brands that work with Dosh. Use your credit card at any one of your favorite stores and watch your cash back add up in your Dosh account.

Payout Minimum and Method: Like most other shopping apps, Dosh has a minimum balance requirement of $25 before you can cash out your earnings. But once you’ve crossed the threshold, that money goes straight to your bank account via Direct Deposit or your PayPal account upon request.

Refer a Friend Bonus: Dosh will credit you an extra $5 for each friend you refer to the free app. Each friend referred needs only to link their credit/debit card to the app and you’re already $5 richer.

Though the referral rate is lower than Rakuten, it’s often simpler to have a friend link their card than it is to have them spend their first $25. And Dosh is equally as legitimate and safe as Rakuten, so you can rest assured you’re referring only the best free shopping apps on the market.

Download: Try Dosh and get $5 cash back when you link your first card.

Learn More: Dosh Review

4. Rakuten

Rakuten is a popular shopping app that issues cash back for shopping at popular online stores (and a few local stores). It’s one of my personal favorite shopping apps and makes mobile shopping both seamless and rewarding.

How It Works: Shopping on Rakuten is easy and you can do this both on the dedicated Rakuten app and on a computer.

Simply open the Rakuten app on your phone (or visit the website on a desktop or laptop) and search the store of your choice in the search bar. Then click on any referral link to visit the store of your choice and go about your normal shopping at the online store.

By using Rakuten’s link to the store’s website, you’re giving it referral credit for your purchase. In return, Rakuten refunds you a percentage of your purchase in the form of cash back every time. It’s extremely easy to use, convenient, and it pays to shop.

If you’re really ready to commit to earning cash back with every purchase, Rakuten has a fantastic Google Chrome extension that reminds you to use it when shopping through one of its partner sites.

If you install and activate the extension, simply go about your normal day-to-day activity and the extension will prompt you to apply Rakuten to every online purchase that offers cash back.

Stores on Rakuten: You’ll find almost all of the most popular stores on Rakuten (plus the not-so-popular ones). Amazon, Best Buy, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Macy’s, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Priceline, and Target are just a few stores that Rakuten pays cash back to shop on.

Payout Minimum and Method: Rakuten pays your cash back rewards quarterly. It sends your “big fat check” in the form of a paper check, a PayPal deposit, or a transfer to a charitable cause, friend, or family member.

Refer a Friend Bonus: When you find a good thing, it’s always great to share with your friends, right? Well, luckily enough, you can earn a pretty sweet cash back bonus for each friend you refer to Rakuten. You’ll earn $25 per friend that makes their first online purchase of $25 or more.

If you know anyone who shops online and likes to save money, then sign up for Rakuten, use it, love it, and share it for an extra bonus.

Download: Get Rakuten and receive a bonus of $10 (+ cashback percentage) after spending your first $25 through Rakuten’s links.

Learn More: Rakuten Review

5. Drop

Drop is similar to Rakuten in that it issues “cash” back for all purchases made through qualifying links. The main difference is that Drop pays you back in gift cards rather than cash. But if you like the idea of racking up credits toward free gift cards to your favorite stores then keep reading about this unique shopping app.

How It Works: Sign up for a free Drop account to start earning points toward your favorite gift cards. In order for purchases to qualify, simply open the Drop app, click on any referral link to your favorite online store, and place your order. You’ll receive a nice chunk of points in your Drop account.

Once you accumulate at least 5,000 points on Drop, you can redeem them for a $5 gift card of your choice. Though similar to both Rakuten and Dosh, Drop sets the bar high and keeps up by dishing out great offers to popular brands.

You can download all three apps and compare cash back values and shop through the link that gives the best reward for your online shopping trip. Or if it’s too much to keep up with on each purchase, simply commit to one cash back app of your choice.

Stores on Drop: Best Buy, Jet, Walmart, Forever21, Costco, Nike, Krispy Kreme, Gap, Aerie, Adidas, Instacart, and Uber are a few popular stores you can earn points for shopping.

Payout Minimum and Method: The minimum payout on Drop is lower than many similar apps, but it comes with a price. Drop only allows you to redeem rewards for gift cards rather than cash.

Keep in mind that you can only earn up to 5,000 points per week, so having another mobile shopping app like Rakuten or Dosh nearby will help you make sure you never miss an opportunity to earn.

Refer a Friend Bonus: For each friend you refer to Drop, you receive 5,000 points, which equates to a $5 gift card of your choice. You can refer as many as 20 friends to Drop and earn up to $100 toward gift cards.

Download: Get Drop to start earning points toward your favorite gift cards.

Learn More: Drop App Review

Money-Saving Grocery Shopping Apps

Grocery shopping is something that we all do but not many of us enjoy. Crowds, prices — whatever makes grocery shopping your less-than-favorite activity, these shopping apps can help alleviate some of your troubles.

6. Ibotta

Ibotta rewards you in cash for making purchases at popular stores that you already frequent (without linking a card). Simply review the offers before each grocery shopping trip and add the items you need to your list in order to snag the cash back rewards.

How It Works: You’ll have to be a planner in order to make apps like Ibotta work in your favor. It’s not something you’ll get the most out of by simply shopping as you normally would. Instead, the app gives you fresh offers that you can plan ahead for.

To use Ibotta, you’ll need to login to the shopping app and complete simple tasks to add offers to your shopping list. Buy the selected products at a participating store and then upload a photo of your receipt to the Ibotta app. You’ll receive your partial refund credit in your Ibotta account within 24 hours.

You can also earn cash rewards for linking a store loyalty card to your Ibotta account or by making mobile purchasing using the shopping app. Ibotta works hard to make your shopping experience as seamless as possible, but at the end of the day, you’ll need to shop with purpose and save that receipt to make the most of this shopping app.

Stores on Ibotta: You’ll find popular stores that partner with Ibotta such as Walmart, Sam’s Club, Walgreens, Target, Whole Foods Market, and many more. Credits are issued for a wide variety of deals but groceries tend to be the most popular on Ibotta.

Payout Minimum and Method: Once you’ve reached $20 in Ibotta credit, you can request a payout to your PayPal or Venmo account. You can also redeem popular gift cards in exchange for your Ibotta credit earned.

Refer a Friend Bonus: Earn an extra $5 for each friend you refer to the Ibotta grocery shopping app. Ibotta is also a little different when it comes to teaming with your friends on the app. You can actually create a team within the app and set goals together. Once you hit your target, your team will earn extra bonus cash.

Download: Sign up for Ibotta and receive a $10 bonus when you start redeeming deals.

Learn More: Ibotta Review

7. Instacart

Instacart is a fun grocery shopping app that you can participate in from both sides of the coin. Either sign up to receive your groceries on your doorstep or sign up as a shopper and earn money delivering groceries to others.

How It Works: As a consumer using Instacart, you’ll simply open the shopping app, select a grocery store in your area, and shop for the products you’d like to purchase.

You’ll be able to find most items at the store of your choice on Instacart and place them in your online cart. Then submit your order to receive fresh groceries delivered right to your doorstep. This is grocery shopping at its finest. No need to face the shopping crowds to search for the freshest bunch of bananas – have someone else do it for you.

If you sign up for Instacart Express ($99 per year), you receive all deliveries of $35 or more for free! If Instacart is available in your area, you might be able to cross one chore off your list without lifting a finger. Remember that time is money. If you’re stretched too thin as it is, then $99 per year for unlimited grocery deliveries might be a lifesaver.

If you prefer to be on the other side of this unique shopping app, you can sign up to be an Instacart shopper and deliver groceries to your neighbors. As long as you don’t hate grocery shopping, you have your own car for running deliveries, and have the extra time, this could be a good way to make extra money. Instacart shoppers typically earn $10 to $15 per hour delivering groceries.

Stores on Instacart: It’s hard to say exactly which stores you’ll find on Instacart because it’s specific to your location. If you have Sam’s Club, Aldi, Tops, Costco, or other major grocery stores in your area, chances are, Instacart is also available.

Refer a Friend Bonus: If you love Instacart, you can refer friends for an extra $10 in grocery money. When your friend uses your referral link, they can also save an extra $10 on their first $35 minimum purchase.

Download: Try Instacart and get unlimited free delivery for two weeks.

8. Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh is a subscription-based grocery shopping app that offers great deals on fresh produce and meat delivered right to your doorstep. You do all the shopping from your phone and receive high-quality food in a timely manner.

How It Works: As a trusted shopping app for all kinds of products, it’s no wonder that Amazon made its way into the online grocery shopping market. Its availability is still limited to select areas. However, if you have the option to sign up, it’s worth giving it a try.

You can order all kinds of fresh foods with Amazon Fresh and save yourself countless trips to the grocery store. Simply sign up and visit the website. From there, you can peruse the fresh vegetables, deli meats and cheeses, fruits, packaged products, and much more.

Skip the hassle of grocery shopping at your local store. Instead, have your items dropped off at your doorstep while they’re still fresh and ready to eat.

Try It Free: Sign up for Amazon Fresh here to receive a 30-day free trial (available to Amazon Prime members only). Cancel at any time.

Best Apps to Get Unique Deals

If you’re anything like me, you probably want to find the best home shopping apps that offer extra savings, secure transactions, and a user-friendly interface. If that’s the case, you’ll want to give this next set of shopping apps a try.

9. Raise

Raise is an amazing marketplace to shop for discounted gift cards to every store you can imagine. It’s the perfect place to check for discounted gift cards right before placing an online or in-store purchase.

How It Works: If you’re willing to work Raise into your routine shopping habits to actually save you money (rather than cost you extra for something you don’t need), simply download the Raise shopping app and check for discounted gift cards while you shop.

Whether you’re shopping online or in store, you can look up the going rate for a gift card to see if it will help you save money on the purchase you’re about to make. Physical gift cards can take up to two weeks to arrive in the mail, but digital delivery is often instant. Purchase your discounted gift card and use it at checkout to save money every time you shop.

You can even stack your discounted gift card purchases from Raise with cash back benefits from Rakuten . To do this you’ll simply open Rakuten, click any referring link to Raise, and purchase your gift card.

Then turn around and make the final purchase at the store using the gift card you bought on Raise. It may seem confusing at first, but once you’ve saved your first few dollars with Raise and earned cash back with Rakuten, you’ll never want to go back to paying full price!

Stores on Raise: Find great discounts on gifts cards to Regal Cinemas, Outback Steakhouse, Red Robin, IHOP, DSW, Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, Nike, and many more of your favorite retailers.

Refer a Friend Bonus: You can earn some extra credit toward already discounted gift cards by suggesting Raise to your friends and online acquaintances.

Share your link via email, text, or social media and give your friends a $5 credit toward their first purchase. In return, you earn a cool $5 for each friend that takes you up on your offer. It’s a win-win situation for both of you!

Download: Try Raise and get $5 toward an already discounted gift card.

Learn More: Raise Review

10. Groupon

Groupon is not your typical place to shop for something specific, but if you’re looking to try something new in your area, you’ll find the best deals on Groupon.

How It Works: Groupon keeps your life fresh (and cheap) by bringing you the best local deals at the lowest prices. Whether you’re going on a family vacation or simply looking to spice up your Friday night, check out Groupon’s list of deals. There is so much variety on Groupon, it’s a little difficult to categorize!

Just for being signed up to Groupon’s deals newsletter, I’ve scored deals like 50% off Regal Cinemas gift cards and 50% off Starbucks gift cards. Groupon offers mainly event and service-based deals, but you never know what you’ll find.

Groupon is another place you can easily stack multiple discounts and cash back opportunities using Raise, Rakuten, and normal credit card reward points. It’s fun to see how much money you can save by using multiple shopping apps for each online transaction.

Stores on Groupon: It’s hard to peg exactly what businesses you’ll find on Groupon because deals tend to come and go. Some common deals include discounts to theme parks, movie theaters, escape rooms, hotel stays, full package vacation getaways, and more.

Refer a Friend Bonus: You can earn $10 in Groupon Bucks for each friend you refer to Groupon. Once they spend $10 or more on their first deal, you receive your credit. It’s a great way to spread the savings while putting a few more dollars in your own pocket!

Download: Get Groupon to start saving up to 70% on amazing local deals.

Shopping Apps Like Wish

When I want to shop for almost anything, these shopping apps are my final destination. After I’ve scoped out my cash back opportunities and snagged gift cards at a discount, I apply those savings toward these online shopping platforms (or the ones above) to make sure I get the most out of my money.

11. eBay

Trusted by consumers all over the world, eBay is a go-to app for both new and used products of all kinds. I love stacking my cash back perks with Rakuten and discounted Raise gift cards to get even better prices while shopping on the eBay app. It’s the best price shopping app you’ll find and it’s similar to Wish (only better).

How It Works: Download eBay to your phone and shop countless items to have them shipped right to your doorstep. You’ll find clothes, books, toys, household appliances, and consumer electronics of all kinds on eBay.

Type in the item you need on Ebay’s user-friendly shopping app. Then compare prices and seller ratings in one convenient location. I often find that eBay prices are comparable to shopping apps like Wish and the shipping time is typically much more predictable.

Ordering on eBay is secure and reliable. And when something goes wrong, eBay’s Money Back Guarantee protects buyers like you and me from scams. On the rare occasion that I’ve received an item that wasn’t as described on the eBay listing, I’ve received a full refund and a return shipping label at the expense of the seller.

Stores on eBay: Any store can sell items on eBay. However, you’ll find that consumer-to-consumer deals abound. When someone no longer needs their lightly used item, you can score massive savings by purchasing the item through eBay.

Download: Grab the eBay shopping app ( Android | iPhone ) to get started.

12. Amazon

Amazon is another amazing shopping app that brings countless brands and sellers to one platform for an easy shopping experience for consumers.

How It Works: Download the Amazon app to start searching for anything from clothing to electronics. Amazon is another great price shopping app because it allows you to sort and filter results by price. You can see whether an item is new or used and how long until you can expect an item to arrive.

Amazon Prime is an awesome subscription-based membership that allows you to purchase eligible items for free, two-day shipping. When you need something fast and can’t make it to the store, Amazon Prime has you covered.

Stores on Amazon Prime: From large brands to the individual seller, you can find almost anything on Amazon.

Download: Sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Test the perks for free, cancel at any time.

Choose the Best App for Your Situation

If you enjoy saving money on your smartphone, then these shopping apps can help you save hundreds of dollars a year.

Mobile shopping apps are the most convenient way to shop. Finally, convenience has finally met affordability. I can honestly vouch for the fact that you get both with the shopping apps above.

There’s no rule in the book of shopping that says you can’t take advantage of multiple offers at one time. I like to stack cash back, discounted gift cards, store discounts, credit card rewards, and any other deals I can possibly find all on one purchase.

It doesn’t take much effort to work a couple of extra steps into my online shopping routine. I often find that using money-saving apps puts the most money back into my budget without ever clipping a coupon.