AARP Eye Center
If you’re like many people, you probably dispose of paper receipts right after you make a purchase. But when you toss that receipt in the trash bin, you may be throwing away valuable savings along with it.
A bevy of apps offer savings, coupons and rewards, simply for scanning and sharing your receipts. Why? Finding out where and what customers are purchasing, and which customers are buying certain items, benefits stores and brands in all sorts of areas — from marketing to inventory to price point.
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Most of the apps are free, though you are required to give your email address and, in some cases, additional information such as your birth date and local zip code. For those OK with sharing such personal details with marketers and stores, the apps have an added benefit: Once scanned, your receipts are stored in a photo library, making it easier for you to track and instantly recall your purchases and spending history.
Here are five apps to download now so that you can start to rack up savings. Most require you to scan your receipt within a few weeks of your purchase.
Ibotta
More than 300 retailers, including grocery stores, retail stores, restaurants, movie theaters and convenience stores, support the Ibotta app. You can scan your receipt with the app to earn rewards points that can be converted to rebates at participating stores and businesses. Users can also earn rebates by linking any loyalty cards — the app automatically credits your account with purchases made with the card — or by making purchases from within the Ibotta app itself.
ReceiptPal
