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Receipt apps show big point balances, but points aren't dollars. To know what you're really earning, you need the redemption rate: how many points a gift card costs. Here's how to work out the value of your points, with Fetch as an example.
Key takeaways
- Check the redemption rate: how many points a $5 or $10 gift card costs in your app.
- Divide the points you earn per receipt by points per dollar.
- On Fetch, about 1,000 points is roughly $1, so 25 base points is about 2.5 cents.
- Bonuses on specific brands are where most value comes from.
Check the redemption rate
Look at how many points a $5 or $10 gift card costs in your app. Most apps show this in their rewards section. If a $10 gift card costs 10,000 points, then 1,000 points equals $1.
Do the math
Divide points earned per receipt by points per dollar.
- Find the cost of a gift card (for example, 10,000 points for $10).
- Work out points per dollar: 10,000 ÷ 10 = 1,000 points per $1.
- Divide your points per receipt by that number: 25 ÷ 1,000 = $0.025.
- Multiply by how many receipts you scan in a month.
Quick reference for Fetch
| Points | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| 25 (minimum per receipt) | $0.025 |
| 1,000 | $1 |
| 3,000 (smallest gift card) | $3 |
| 5,000 | $5 |
| 10,000 | $10 |
| 25,000 | $25 |
Values are approximate. Fetch rewards and rates can vary by gift card, so check the app.
Be realistic
Base points per receipt are usually small; bonuses on specific brands are where most value comes from. A grocery receipt with a few participating brands can earn far more than the base, which is why checking offers matters.
Comparing different apps
Each app uses a different system, so convert everything to dollars: - Fetch: points, roughly 1,000 per $1, with gift cards from 3,000 points. - Receipt Hog: coins, with 1,000 coins redeemable for $5, according to its help center. - Ibotta: pays in dollars, with a $20 minimum to withdraw.
Converting to dollars per receipt or per month makes comparison easy.
Watch for value differences between rewards
Some apps price different gift cards slightly differently, or offer occasional discounts on certain rewards. Compare the points cost per dollar before redeeming. Gift cards to stores you use regularly give the most practical value.
Points don't earn interest
Points don't grow over time, and apps can change their rates or terms. Redeeming regularly avoids losing value if rules change. Check your app's terms for rules on inactive accounts or point expiration.
Step by step: work out your monthly earnings
- Open your app's activity or points history.
- Add up points earned over the last 30 days.
- Divide by the points-per-dollar rate.
- Multiply by 12 for a rough yearly figure.
This gives you a realistic number for your own shopping, which is better than any generic estimate.
Is the time worth it?
If scanning takes 10 seconds per receipt and earns 2.5 cents, that works out to about $9 an hour from base points alone, before bonuses. It's a quick task, but you only have so many receipts, so the total stays small. See how much are receipt apps worth?.
Getting more value from the same receipts
- Scan every eligible receipt, not just groceries.
- Check offers before shopping.
- Use eReceipts for online orders, if you're comfortable sharing that data.
See the best way to use Fetch.
Points and taxes
In the US, rewards from shopping are generally treated as discounts or rebates rather than income for most people, but referral bonuses and other rewards can be different. If you earn significant amounts, check IRS guidance or ask a tax professional.
Bonus points in dollars
Brand bonuses can look large, such as 500 or 1,000 points. Converted at Fetch's rough rate, 500 points is about 50 cents and 1,000 points about $1. That's useful on products you'd buy anyway, but rarely worth switching to a pricier brand. Always compare the extra cost of a product with the dollar value of its bonus.
Points vs. cashback cards
A cashback credit card that pays 1% to 2% on everything often earns more than receipt-app base points, and it requires no scanning. Receipt apps are best as an extra layer on top of a card you already use responsibly, not a replacement. Never carry a card balance to chase rewards, since interest costs far outweigh any points.
Track your balance over time
Check your app's points history every few months. If your earnings drop, it may be because offers have changed, which is a good moment to reassess whether the app is still worth your time.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Fetch points worth?
Roughly 1,000 points equals $1. Gift cards start at 3,000 points, about $3.
How do I calculate the value of my reward points?
Find how many points a gift card costs, work out points per dollar, then divide your points by that number.
Why are base points so low?
Base points reward any receipt. Apps put most of their value into brand bonuses and offers, which are paid for by partner brands.
Do Fetch points expire?
Check Fetch's current terms. Rules for inactive accounts can change, so redeeming regularly is the safest approach.
Sources
Official sources this article relies on, checked October 15, 2026. Rules and prices change, so confirm details at the source.
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