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Best Secret Shopper Apps [2026]: Earn Money While You Shop
I share the best secret shopper apps that help you earn money on the side without complexity and hassle.
- Written By: Jason Vitug
- Last Updated:
- 33 Comments
Disclosure: The article may contain affiliate links from partners who may compensate us. However, the words, opinions, and reviews are our own. Learn how we make money to support our mission.
Looking for legit ways to earn extra cash while you shop, browse, or run errands?
Mystery shopping apps—also called secret shopper apps—are one of the easiest side hustles to start. You don’t need special skills, and most tasks take just a few minutes.
In fact, I tested the top secret shopper apps myself and earned $224.75 in just over 4 hours. That’s an effective hourly rate of $54.16—not bad for auditing shelves, scanning barcodes, and walking into stores I was already visiting.
Whether you want quick cash, gift cards, or flexible gigs, these secret shopper apps can help.
Best Secret Shopper Apps Quick Comparisons
| App | Best For | Average Pay | Payout Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Agent | Variety & Volume of Shops | $3 – $15 per task | Direct Deposit |
| Gigwalk | Fastest Payouts | $4 – $20 per gig | PayPal (instant) |
| Survey Merchandiser | Scheduled Shifts | $5 – $12 per shop | PayPal |
| Mobee | Gift Card Rewards | Points = $5 – $15 per mission | Gift Cards or Cash |
Our Smile Money Picks Methodology
To find the best secret shopper apps, I personally downloaded, tested, and completed tasks on each platform. Here’s what I looked for:
- Legitimate companies with at least 2 years of history
- Available shops and tasks in multiple locations
- Transparent payouts (cash or rewards)
- Fast approval and payment process
- Ease of use and mobile-first experience
- Helpful customer support when issues arise
Learn more about our methodologies.
In Depth Review of the Best Secret Shopping Apps
The top secret shopper apps help you earn money on the side without too much hassle.
1. Field Agent – Best for Variety and Quantity
Why it’s great: Field Agent offers the most shops consistently. From price checks to display audits, you’ll find multiple options daily.
How It Works:
- Download the app and sign up.
- Browse available shops near you.
- Complete the audit (usually in 2 hours or less).
- Get paid directly to your bank account within 2–3 days.
💡 My take: I made $123.30 in just a few hours using Field Agent. It’s my go-to secret shopper app.
👉 Get Started with Field Agent
2. Gigwalk – Best for Quick Cash
Why it’s great: Gigwalk has some of the fastest payouts I’ve tested—often within hours via PayPal.
How It Works:
- Sign up and verify your account.
- Accept gigs (audits, storefront checks, product placements).
- Upload required photos and submit.
- Payment is sent almost immediately after approval.
💡 My take: I earned $56 in one hour. If you want instant cash, Gigwalk is unbeatable.
3. Survey Merchandiser – Best for Scheduled Shifts
Why it’s great: Unlike apps with fixed rates, Survey Merchandiser offers a payout range for shifts, often higher for quality submissions.
How It Works:
- Apply for shifts at local retailers.
- Complete the audit within the assigned window.
- Get approved in 24–48 hours.
- Paid via PayPal in 2–3 days.
💡 My take: I earned $7.70 for a 15-minute shift. Limited availability, but solid pay when gigs pop up.
4. Mobee – Best for Rewards & Bonuses
Why it’s great: Mobee pays in points redeemable for gift cards or cash. While approval is slower, they offer solid bonuses and challenges.
How It Works:
- Browse available “missions.”
- Complete in-store audits (must be physically at the store).
- Earn points, redeemable for cash or gift cards.
- Approval time: 3–5 days.
💡 My take: Missions don’t pay much, but bonuses add up. I earned $36.75 worth of points in a few sessions.
👉 Signup with Mobee and use referral code CDJR for 300 bonus points.
Honorable Mentions
- iSecretShop – Offers higher-paying professional audits but requires more training.
- BestMark – One of the largest traditional mystery shopping companies with more formal assignments.
- Presto Shopper – Connects with multiple mystery shopping providers for extra opportunities.
Find more Mystery Shopping Apps in the marketplace.
FAQs About Secret Shopper Apps
Are secret shopper apps legit?
Yes. Apps like Field Agent, Shopkick, and Gigwalk are well-established and have paid out millions to users.
How much can you realistically earn?
Most people make $50–$150 a month casually. Power users in busy cities can earn $300+ monthly.
Do I need to spend money?
No purchase is required for most tasks. Some missions offer reimbursement if you do buy an item.
How fast do payments arrive?
Gigwalk pays almost instantly via PayPal. Field Agent and Survey Merchandiser typically take 2–3 days.
Secret shopper apps won’t replace your 9–5 job, but they’re a fun and flexible way to earn extra money.
The best part?
You can do them on your schedule while running errands.
👉 Best overall pick: Field Agent
👉 Best quick cash app: Gigwalk
👉 Best rewards app: Shopkick
Consider using the money you earn to boost your emergency fund, pay off debt, or even start investing with micro-investing apps.
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Author Bio
Jason Vitug
Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things→
Jason Vitug
Jason Vitug is the founder and CEO of phroogal. His writings explore the intersection of money, wellness, and life. Jason is a New York Times reviewed author, speaker, and world traveler, and Plutus-award winning creator. He holds an MBA from Norwich University and a BS in Finance from Rutgers University. View my favorite things→
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33 comments
Leanette
No offense, but most of these apps are laughable. Either don’t work right, or nothing useful far as actual earning gig work. I seriously doubt the actual pay is than $150 a day ? if they’re lucky. Most of the reviews are people getting ripped off by these gigs. But it certainly didn’t hurt for you to share 🙂
Jason Vitug
Thanks so much. If you have any ideas for better apps or services, let us know. If you also want to do your own write-up or reviews of these apps, we do pay freelance writers.
Jamie
Hey Jason I’m interested in the free lance opportunity you mentioned here. I’d love to be able o spread my experiences with different side/gig/free lance/side hustle whatever you may call yours lol and help others as well. I’ll be looking forward to an email from ya hopefully soon! Happy Holidays ☃️🎄🎅
Aolivas
Perfect Response!!!
Leanne Roberts
Excellent list of the best legit apps like these that help you find gig short tasks etc, appreciate you narrowing it down to some of the best!
Jason Vitug
Thanks! We’re always trying to find the best and offer options. If we’ve missed anything you’ve come across, let us know!
Kathryn
The topic of extra income will always be of interest to people. Especially in our time of consumption of goods and services, mobile applications really simplify people’s lives and give them an opportunity to earn money.
You created a great collection of applications!
Jason Vitug
Thank you! Glad you find it helpful.
Darren Krauza
Jason – I’m interested in the Freelance writer opportunity. Since driving for the high end Uber Black/Suv from 2014-2019, I never went back to working at a brick and morter establishment, but instead have only opted to work for app based companies. Everything from scooters to secret shopping. I can vouch for your findings in this article by sending you screenshots of my earnings pages and offer success tips.. there is one you listed where I have made $1000 in about 3 weeks, and another that you don’t have listed where I have made over $12,000 in the past year..
PLUS… I can offer even MORE legit apps that have secret shopper type opportunities. I’m going to include my contact information in the boxes under this section (for privacy…I’m not going to put it here obviously), and ask that you get in touch so we can talk about my contributing to your site. THANKS and oh yeah BOO! Happy Halloween!
Jason Vitug
Thanks for the comment. Will touch base with you via email.
Darren Krauza
Jason thanks for your email, and I have written back. If you haven’t received it, let me know and I will resend it. Thanks!!
D
Jason Vitug
Thanks Darren.
Jamie
Hello I have read your comment and I’m interested in what else you have tried. I’m always open to new ways to make $$ I currently can not worka legit job due to medical reasons (open ❤️ surgery & pacemaker implanted just a couple months ago, and still not medically cleared) so I’d be absolutely very greatful & blessed if you could help me out in a better direction for funds especially since it’s Christmas time, I’ve got a 4 year old who I’m not going to let down & vanish the thought of 🎅 coming ya know!! Thanks in advance and looking forward to hearing back asap…however I’m not sure how to send my email or private info without posting here for the world to see lol…OHHH YA HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU & ALL YOUR 🎅☃️🤶🏻⛄🧑🏻🎄🌲☕🎁🎄🕯️ (had to send all the emojis, too cute not to😁)
Darren Krauza
Jason thanks for your email, and I have written back. If you haven’t received it, let me know and I will resend it. Thanks!!
D
Jennifer Leann Thomas
I work for all these companies and love them all and yes I can provide screenshots of money made or tons of gift cards.
Jason Vitug
That’s great to hear.
Mer
Observa is a task based app that doesn’t pay very much at all ($6/9 per observation) but they pay within 12 hours, no more than 24 hours of completion via PayPal. Having done observations with them for about 5 years, the holidays they usually have more opportunities and higher priced. ($10/15 ea). I also second field agent, approval of payment within 24 hours of completion.
Jason Vitug
Haven’t heard of them but will check them out.
Ms. Tonia
Jason, thank you for sharing different ways to make extra money. I appreciate meeting you at Lake Trust Credit Union in Michigan. I have completed reading your book Saturday. I see how you poured everything into your book to direct people in the right direction. What a wealth of informative ways to prosper and to begin a journey for success. Thank you, for your time and guidance and being open to my situation (listening to me).
Jason Vitug
Thank’s so much! I appreciate you and am glad you reached out. I am here for any more guidance.
Amar Club
Great list! I had no idea there were so many secret shopper apps out there. I’m especially interested in trying those that offer flexible hours since I have a busy schedule. Looking forward to earning some extra cash in 2025!
Jason Vitug
Great to hear. There are a many options for sure.
Dab G
Great post! I had no idea there were so many secret shopper apps out there. I’m excited to try a few of these in 2025 and earn some extra cash while shopping! Thanks for sharing!
Jason Vitug
You’re welcome! Let us know of other apps to add.
vigor
Great list! I never knew there were so many apps available for secret shopping. Can’t wait to try out some of these and make a little extra cash while I shop! Thanks for sharing!
Jason Vitug
Thanks for commenting. Let us know if we missed any.
Buy
Great post! I had no idea there were so many apps out there for secret shopping. I’m definitely going to try a couple of these to earn some extra cash while shopping. Thanks for the recommendations!
Jason Vitug
Thank you and let us know of your best list choices for secret shopping apps.
daman
Great insights on the secret shopper apps! I hadn’t heard of some of these before. Excited to try out a couple and see how much I can earn while doing my regular shopping. Thanks for sharing!
Jason Vitug
Thanks. We do our best. Let us know of any apps we can add to our best secret shopper list.
nit ric
Great list! I can’t believe how much opportunity there is with secret shopping. I’m excited to try some of these apps in 2025 and make some extra cash while shopping. Thanks for the recommendations!
Jason Vitug
Thanks for the comment!
Nerva
This post is super helpful! I had no idea there were so many secret shopper apps available. I’m especially excited to try out the ones that offer rewards for shopping at my favorite stores. Thanks for the detailed breakdown of each app!