Is Shopkick Worth It? 2026 Driver Review & Pay Breakdown
By GrindBoss Team • Last updated: January 17, 2026
Shopkick Review Quick Verdict
The Bottom Line: Shopkick is a legitimate gig app that rewards you for everyday shopping activities. It's best for earning extra gift cards, not a main income.
Why We Love It
- Many ways to earn rewards
- Low minimum cashout
- Instant digital gift cards
The Catch
- ✕Low hourly earning potential
- ✕No direct cash payouts
- ✕Requires active shopping
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What is Shopkick & How Does It Work?
Shopkick is a shopping rewards app that pays you in 'kicks' for tasks related to shopping. You can earn rewards just by walking into stores, scanning products, or making purchases.
Unlike traditional survey apps, Shopkick focuses on real-world shopping actions. It offers more ways to earn rewards than many similar apps.
At A Glance
- TypeShopping Rewards / Gig App
- PlatformiOS | Android
- CostFree
- Est. YearN/A
How It Works
Download the App
Get the free Shopkick app on your smartphone. Sign up to create your account and start finding ways to earn.
Earn Kicks in Many Ways
Earn points, called 'kicks,' by walking into stores, scanning product barcodes, uploading receipts, watching videos, or shopping online.
Redeem for Gift Cards
Collect enough kicks and exchange them for digital gift cards to your favorite retailers. These can be used for your purchases.
Is Shopkick Legit? (Company Background)
When considering any app that promises rewards, it's smart to check its background. Let's look at Shopkick's safety and reliability.
- Long-Standing App: Many users report using Shopkick for 10 years or more. This shows a long history of operation and consistent reward payouts.
- Real User Feedback: The app features many positive testimonials from real users. They share how Shopkick helps them earn gift cards for their shopping.
- Clear Privacy Policies: Shopkick has detailed Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies. They also address concerns about selling user data directly in their FAQs.
- Active Support Channels: The app provides clear ways to contact support for issues. This includes help for missing kicks or technical problems.
Verdict: Legit
Shopkick is a legitimate app. It has been around for a long time and has a large community of users. It offers clear ways to earn and redeem rewards.
How Much Do Shopkick Drivers Actually Make?
Shopkick is a way to earn extra money, but it won't replace a full-time job. It's designed for passive earning through everyday activities.
- Multiple Earning Paths: You can earn kicks by walking into stores, scanning specific products, buying items in-store or online, and watching short videos. This variety helps keep earning interesting.
- Realistic Hourly Rate: Earnings are generally low, averaging around $1-3 per hour if you track your time. This makes it a good option for small, passive rewards rather than significant income.
- Inconsistent Availability: The number of available tasks like walk-ins or scans can change daily. Some days might have many opportunities, while others have few. This means earnings can vary.
- Gift Card Focus: All your earnings are converted into digital gift cards. This is great if you regularly shop at stores like Target, Amazon, or Starbucks.
Bottom Line: Shopkick is best for earning a little extra spending money in the form of gift cards. Do not expect to earn a living wage from this app.
How & When Does Shopkick Pay?
Getting your rewards from Shopkick is straightforward. They focus on digital gift cards as the main way to pay users.
- Payment Method: You receive your earnings as digital gift cards. There is no option for direct cash payouts, like PayPal or bank transfers.
- Minimum Cashout: You can cash out your kicks for a gift card with a minimum value of just $2. This is a very low threshold, making it easy to redeem rewards quickly.
- Cashout Speed: Digital gift cards are delivered instantly once you choose to redeem your kicks. This means you get your rewards right away.
- Approval Process: Most kicks, especially for scans and walk-ins, are often credited quickly. For purchases and receipt uploads, there might be a short waiting period for approval.
- Tax Considerations: Shopkick advises users to check with a tax professional. You may need to report your earnings as taxable income, depending on your local tax laws.
Bottom Line: Shopkick offers a simple and fast way to get gift cards. The low minimum cashout and instant delivery are big advantages.
Pros and Cons of Driving for Shopkick
The Good
- Variety of Earning Methods. You can earn kicks by walking into stores, scanning items, watching videos, or shopping online, offering diverse ways to participate.
- Low Cashout Threshold. With a minimum cashout of just $2, you can quickly redeem your earnings for gift cards.
- Instant Gift Card Delivery. Once you redeem your kicks, digital gift cards are delivered instantly to your account.
- Fun and Engaging. Many users find the process of discovering new products and earning rewards enjoyable.
- No Purchase Required to Earn. You can earn kicks for many activities, like walk-ins and scans, without needing to buy anything.
The Bad
- Low Hourly Earnings. The amount of money you earn per hour is generally low, making it unsuitable for significant income.
- No Cash Payouts. All rewards are in the form of gift cards, which means you cannot get direct cash.
- Location Dependent Tasks. Many earning opportunities, like walk-ins and scans, require you to be physically present in stores.
- Inconsistent Earning Opportunities. The number of available tasks can vary daily, leading to unpredictable earning potential.
Shopkick Driver FAQ
Is Shopkick legit or a scam?
Shopkick is a legitimate shopping rewards app. It has been operating for many years and has millions of users who successfully earn and redeem gift cards.
How much money can I make on Shopkick?
Earnings on Shopkick are generally low, averaging $1-3 per hour if you factor in your time. It's best for earning a small amount of extra spending money each month through gift cards.
How do I get paid by Shopkick?
Shopkick pays out in digital gift cards from various retailers. You can redeem your accumulated 'kicks' for these gift cards directly through the app.
What are 'kicks' in Shopkick?
'Kicks' are the points you earn for completing tasks within the Shopkick app. These kicks accumulate in your account and can later be exchanged for gift cards.
Do I need to buy things to earn on Shopkick?
No, you don't always need to buy things. You can earn kicks just by walking into participating stores, scanning product barcodes, or watching short videos in the app.
Are there any requirements to join Shopkick?
To join Shopkick, you typically need to be of a certain age (usually 13 or 18, depending on local laws) and have a smartphone to download and use the app. There are no background or vehicle requirements.
Does Shopkick sell my data?
Shopkick states in its FAQs and Privacy Policy that it does not sell your personal data. They use your data to provide and improve their services and target relevant offers.
