Fetch, formerly Fetch Rewards, is a U.S. app that gives you points for photographing your shopping receipts. Any receipt from a store, restaurant or gas station earns a small base amount, and buying products from partner brands earns bonus points on top. You can also link an email account so online order receipts are picked up automatically. Points are redeemed for gift cards, with 1,000 points worth about $1.
At a glance
| What it is | Receipt-scanning rewards app |
| Country | U.S. |
| Base reward | At least 25 points per receipt |
| Point value | About 1,000 points = $1 |
| Minimum redemption | 3,000 points ($3) for most rewards |
| Receipt window | 14 days from purchase |
How it works
After you shop, open the app and photograph the receipt within 14 days of purchase. Fetch reads it, awards the base points and adds bonuses for any qualifying partner products, without you having to activate offers first. E-receipts from a linked email inbox count too. When you have enough points, you choose a gift card in the Rewards tab.
Redeeming
Fetch’s FAQ says most rewards need at least 3,000 points, worth about $3, and its terms let it change the minimum. Reviews say your first redemption is limited to $10, $25 or $50 rewards. Rewards are gift cards from hundreds of retailers, prepaid Visa cards and sweepstakes entries; there’s no direct cash.
Expiry and limits
Points expire after 90 days without earning or redeeming, so scan something at least every few weeks. Reviews mention weekly limits on how many receipts you can submit.
What it’s worth
On standard receipts, earning is slow: at 25 points each, you’d need over 100 receipts for a $3 card. The real value comes from partner brand bonuses, which can be worth hundreds or thousands of points. If you already buy those brands, Fetch pays you for shopping you’d do anyway.
Fetch Play and extras
Fetch also offers games and app offers through Fetch Play, plus referral bonuses. Games take a lot of time for the points they pay.
Getting started
Install the app, turn on receipt reminders and link the email inbox where your online order receipts arrive. Scan grocery receipts right after you shop, before they fade or get thrown away, and check the partner brand list once a week to see which products you already buy carry bonuses.
Your data
Receipts show what you buy, where and when. That shopping data is what Fetch sells to brands, so decide whether you’re comfortable sharing it before you link an email account.
Owen’s take
Fetch takes seconds a day and pays for spending you were going to do anyway. Scan every receipt, but don’t change what you buy just to chase points.
Who it suits
It suits U.S. shoppers who keep their receipts and buy partner brands. It suits less well anyone who wants cash or rarely shops in person.
Similar options
- Ibotta pays cash back on groceries.
- Rakuten pays cash back on online shopping.
- Upside pays cash back on gas and groceries.
- Coupons.com offers grocery coupons and cash back.
More options are in Fast Money.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Any receipt earns points
- Low minimum redemption
- Large gift card catalogue
Cons
- Gift cards only, no cash
- Points expire after 90 days of inactivity
- Slow without partner brands
FAQ
How much are Fetch points worth?
About 1,000 points per $1.
What is the minimum to redeem on Fetch?
3,000 points for most rewards, though Fetch can change it.
How long do I have to scan a receipt?
14 days from the purchase date.
Do Fetch points expire?
Yes, after 90 days without earning or redeeming.
Can I get cash from Fetch?
No, rewards are gift cards, prepaid cards and sweepstakes.
