I can’t help but marvel at the fact that our phones today do, well, nearly everything! My phone is also my alarm clock, my calendar, my bank teller, my password keeper…oh, and my phone too. These neat, new apps take “smart” devices to yet another new level by paying you to use your phone as a scanner. When you scan, you earn—check these apps out and try out the ones that sound interesting!
1. Qriket
- Get it for iTunes (free)
Qriket is a Toronto-based operation that has been making waves in the app world for its hefty payouts (more than $1.5 million to date). Payouts are funded by participating businesses who want to engage with customers via the app. All you need to do is download the free app (which is only available for iOS users at the moment), register with Qriket, and start scanning barcodes. The website states that every Qriket user has the chance to earn between $0.05 and $500 daily, depending on how many users are scanning and which products are being scanned.
- Registration: Provide an email or login with your Facebook account
- Payout minimum: $5.00
- Payout method: PayPal (unless balance is $1,000+, at which point other options are available)
2. Scantopia
Scantopia pays you to scan at home, in stores, anywhere and anytime. You can scan things you own or things you want to own. You can scan products requested by the app (“featured products”) and be entered to win extra cash bonuses and prizes. With the new version of Scantopia, you’re also offered special coupons and deals you can redeem at local vendors. Overall, $40,000+ worth of prizes and cash are distributed monthly.
- Registration: Provide an email, plus age/gender/country, or login with your Facebook account
- Payout minimum: $3.00
- Payout method: PayPal
3. Price Spotting
Price Spotting is an app that helps you save and earn. The app is not yet available in every city, but it soon will be (it is currently in beta mode). You can help the app grow by adding stores and scanning products in those stores—and get rewarded with points that convert into cash. In addition to simply scanning products and entering prices, you can participate in weekly and special “missions” to scan particular items. This will earn you extra points and more cash.
- Registration: Provide an email or login with your Facebook account
- Payout minimum: 1000 points (equal to $1)
- Payout method: PayPal
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