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Not every receipt earns points, and every app has its own rules. Generally, receipts from grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and other retailers are accepted, while old, duplicate, blurry or partial receipts aren't. Here's what usually counts, using Fetch as an example.
Key takeaways
- Usually accepted: grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies and other retailers. Check your app's rules.
- Often not accepted: old, duplicate, blurry or partial receipts.
- Fetch's rules: the receipt must show the store name, checkout date and total, and be scanned within 14 days.
- E-receipts: some apps accept digital receipts or email links, which means sharing more data.
Usually accepted
Many apps accept receipts from grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and other retailers. Check your app's rules. Fetch says it accepts receipts from any store, which includes:
| Type of store | Usually accepted on Fetch? |
|---|---|
| Grocery and supermarkets | Yes |
| Gas stations and convenience stores | Yes |
| Restaurants, cafes and fast food | Yes |
| Pharmacies and drugstores | Yes |
| Big-box and department stores | Yes |
| Hardware and home stores | Yes |
| Online orders | Through eReceipts from linked accounts |
Other apps can be narrower. Ibotta, for example, focuses on cash back for specific products and offers at participating retailers.
Often not accepted
Old, duplicate, blurry or partial receipts.
What a receipt needs to show
For Fetch, the receipt must show: - the store name - the checkout date - the total spent
Fetch also limits physical receipts to 35 in a rolling 7-day period. If a long receipt doesn't fit in one photo, take multiple photos as prompted.
Common reasons for rejection
- Too old: Fetch requires physical receipts to be scanned within 14 days of the checkout date.
- Duplicates: the same receipt can only be scanned once.
- Blurry or cut off: the app can't read key details.
- Not a receipt: order confirmations, packing slips, bank statements or card slips without item details may not count.
- Altered receipts: edited or fake receipts break the terms.
E-receipts
Some apps accept digital receipts or email links, which means sharing more data. Fetch can collect eReceipts by linking an email account or certain store accounts. That captures online orders but gives the app access to purchase emails. See how private are receipt apps?.
Step by step: check whether a receipt will count
- Make sure it's from within the last 14 days (for Fetch).
- Check the store name, date and total are printed clearly.
- Make sure you haven't scanned it before.
- Flatten it and photograph it in good light.
- If it's rejected, check the reason in the app and contact support if you think it's a mistake.
Receipts people often forget
- Gas station receipts
- Coffee shops and fast food
- Pharmacy and drugstore purchases
- Parking or car wash receipts that show a store name and total
- Hardware, pet and craft stores
Base points add up across these small purchases. See receipt scanning tips.
What about returns?
If you return items after scanning a receipt, apps may adjust or remove points, especially brand bonuses. Check your app's terms.
Rules change
Receipt apps update their rules and offers regularly. Check the help center in your app for the current list of accepted receipts and requirements.
Faded and thermal receipts
Many receipts are printed on thermal paper that fades over time, especially in heat or sunlight. Scanning on the day of purchase avoids problems with faded text that the app can't read.
Getting more from accepted receipts
Once you know what counts, the next step is checking offers before you shop and redeeming regularly. See the best way to use Fetch.
Receipts from outside the US
Fetch is a US app, and its rules are written for US stores and receipts. Receipts from other countries may not be accepted. Check the help center before scanning receipts from trips abroad.
Split purchases and multiple receipts
If you split a purchase into several transactions, each receipt is scanned separately and counts toward weekly limits. Likewise, if someone else pays and gives you the receipt, scanning it may break the app's terms, which are usually written for your own purchases. When in doubt, scan only receipts for purchases you made yourself.
Gift receipts and exchanges
Gift receipts often omit prices and totals, so they usually won't be accepted. Exchange receipts showing a zero balance generally won't earn points either. Scan the original purchase receipt instead, within the time limit.
Keep a backup copy
If you need a receipt for a warranty or return, keep the paper or a photo in a dedicated folder, even after the app accepts it.
Frequently asked questions
What receipts can I scan on Fetch?
Fetch says it accepts receipts from any store, including grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants and pharmacies, as long as they show the store name, date and total and are within 14 days.
Can I scan old receipts?
On Fetch, physical receipts must be scanned within 14 days of the checkout date. Older receipts won't earn points.
Do online order receipts count?
On Fetch, online orders can count as eReceipts when you link an email or store account. That shares more data with the app.
Why won't my receipt scan?
It may be blurry, cut off, too old, a duplicate, or missing the store name, date or total. Retake the photo in good light or check the app's rules.
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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