Can you use Fetch Rewards in store?

Fetch Rewards is a popular rewards app that allows users to earn points by scanning grocery receipts. The app has gained popularity in recent years due to its generous rewards program and seamless integration with major grocery stores. One common question from new Fetch Rewards users is whether the app can be used to earn rewards when shopping in physical grocery stores. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of how Fetch Rewards functions and outline the ways it can and cannot be used in brick-and-mortar grocery stores.

What is Fetch Rewards?

Fetch Rewards is a free app that gives users rewards points for scanning and submitting photos of any grocery receipt. The app uses technology to read receipt data and identify eligible items that earn points. Points can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers or used for donations. Fetch Rewards partners with hundreds of major grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, and more to allow receipt scanning. Some of their major partners include Kroger, Safeway, Target, Walgreens, and many more.

The app launched in 2017 and has grown rapidly in popularity with more than 14 million active users as of 2022. It appeals to shoppers because it requires no modification of shopping habits – users simply scan existing receipts to earn rewards. The app is free and only takes a few minutes per week for users to earn a significant amount of points.

How does Fetch Rewards work?

TheFetch Rewards process functions as follows:

1. Download the free Fetch Rewards app from the iOS or Android app store.
2. Create an account by linking email or Facebook and allowing receipt scanning permissions.
3. Shop as normal at any participating grocery or convenience store.
4. Save the paper or electronic receipt from shopping trip.
5. Open Fetch Rewards app, snap a photo of the receipt, and submit.
6. Fetch Rewards scans receipt and awards points within 72 hours.
7. Rack up points until ready to redeem rewards.

Points are accrued for any receipt submission from a participating retailer. Fetch Rewards has a database of thousands of eligible items that earn points. Users earn rewards no matter what items they buy.

Can Fetch Rewards be used in stores?

The simple answer is no – Fetch Rewards cannot be used directly within a grocery store to earn instant rewards or discounts on current purchases. The app only grants points after purchase when receipts are scanned. This is because the technology relies on reading entire receipt data to identify eligible items.

However, there are ways Fetch Rewards can still be highly useful during the in-store shopping experience. Let’s explore the key ways shoppers can leverage Fetch while grocery shopping.

Plan purchases around bonus offers

Within the Fetch Rewards app, users will find a Bonus section offering timed bonuses for specific products or brands. Bonuses may include 5x-20x points for certain items. Shoppers can plan purchases around current bonuses to maximize points earned from receipts. Purchasing 2-3 bonus brands per receipt can earn hundreds of extra points.

Refer to past receipts

The app keeps a digital archive of all past scanned receipts. Shoppers can refer back to purchase history to identify frequent purchases that earn substantial points. This information allows efficient planning for high rewards items during future shops.

Compare prices with receipt data

Fetch Rewards receipt history also helps shoppers compare current in-store prices to past purchases. Shoppers can use the app to double check if an item has gone on sale or reference typical pricing at a given store. This allows savvy price comparison without physical access to past paper receipts.

Use points for instant in-store discounts

While Fetch Rewards does not provide instant earning and redemption, users can redeem accrued points for gift card rewards to use for in-store discounts. For example, redeeming for a $10 Kroger gift card would provide $10 off an in-store grocery haul. Similar discounts can be achieved by redeeming points for retailer eGift cards and applying to the transaction.

Why can’t Fetch Rewards be used in stores?

Fetch Rewards is intentionally designed as post-purchase rewards only. There are some key technical and practical limitations that prevent immediate in-store earning and redemption:

Requires full receipt data

Fetch Rewards points are calculated based on analysis of complete receipt contents. Partial receipt data would not provide the item details needed to properly award points. In-store real time rewards would require complex integration of register systems and barcode scanners.

Retailer integration obstacles

Implementing instant rewards would require permission and integration from every retailer. With hundreds of national, regional, and local grocers, this kind of universal partnership is unrealistic.

Reward delays prevent exploitation

By issuing rewards after the trip, Fetch prevents exploitative behaviors like only buying high points items or splitting transactions. Delayed rewards incentivize natural shopping habits for maximum user ease.

App layout optimized for post-purchase

The app interface prominently features receipt scanning and rewards redemption. Reconfiguring for in-store use would involve a major redesign and departure from core function.

Strategies for maximizing Fetch Rewards

While Fetch Rewards does not provide instant in-store functionality, savvy users can still employ strategies to maximize earning potential:

Stack bonuses and promotions

Combing Fetch Rewards bonuses with retailer promotions like sales or coupons results in double discounts. A receipt with bonus items, sale prices, and digital coupons can earn the most points.

Prioritize high points brands

Some product brands consistently offer high Fetch points per dollar spent. Seeking out items from redemption partners like Nature’s Promise, Colgate, Pepsi, and L’Oreal leads to optimal points.

Spread purchases across multiple receipts

Smaller receipts with key items earn more points than massive single transactions. Dividing a large haul into smaller themed receipts nets more points.

Purchase gift cards to redeem rewards

Using points for retailer gift cards essentially erases a portion of grocery costs. $100 of rewards towards a future grocery trip drops net expenditure to $0.

Link household members for shared earning

Connecting other household members to a primary account allows pooling points from everyone’s receipts. This can maximize earning from a shared grocery budget.

The bottom line on in-store use

While Fetch Rewards does not currently allow instant earning and redemption directly in stores, the app still provides immense value to shoppers. Consumers can earn hundreds of dollars annually in rewards with no change in shopping behavior. Strategic shoppers can amplify point earning by carefully selecting items and receipts. In the future, increased retailer partnerships could potentially allow Fetch Rewards integration for instant discounts. But for now, the app excels in its current form as the premier receipt scanning rewards program. By snapping a few pictures of receipts each week, any grocery shopper can easily earn free rewards towards future purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I earn points by scanning products in store?

No, you cannot earn points by scanning products in store. Fetch Rewards requires a complete receipt in order to identify eligible purchases and award points. In-store scanning of individual items is not supported.

Can I use Fetch Rewards discounts at checkout?

You cannot directly apply Fetch Rewards discounts during checkout in store. However, you can use points to acquire retailer gift cards that provide store credit for discounts on future trips.

Does Fetch Rewards work at convenience stores?

Yes, Fetch Rewards works at thousands of participating convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Sheetz, Wawa, and more. Simply save receipts and scan to earn points on convenience store purchases.

What if my store is not listed as a partner?

Even if your retailer is not an official listed partner, you can still scan receipts for many everyday items like drinks, snacks, produce, dairy, bread, etc. Non-partner receipts earn fewer points but many purchases will still be eligible.

Can I earn points for online grocery orders?

Yes, Fetch Rewards works for grocery delivery services and online orders. Digitally access the receipt from the app or email confirmation and upload a screenshot to earn points.

How Fetch Rewards Stacks Up to Other Programs

Fetch Rewards has some key advantages that make it a top choice over alternatives:

Program	Key Benefit	Limitations
Fetch Rewards	– Huge range of national and local retailers – No need to pre-select offers or clip coupons – Amount of points not limited by purchase amount – Easy photo receipt submissions	– No instant in-store rewards or discounts – Reward options less flexible than some competitors
Ibotta	– Instant cash back through linked debit/PayPal – Can selectively choose cashback offers	– Requires choosing offers before shopping trip – Limited to big box national chains – Cashback amounts capped per item
Shopkick	– Earn by walking into stores, scanning shelves – Instant in store rewards/discounts	– Requires active app use in store – Rewards only at major chains like Target, Walmart – Low value rewards

Conclusion

Fetch Rewards stands out through ease of use, expansive retailer network, and ability to earn high value rewards passively. While in-store earning and discounts would be a nice perk, the app already delivers an industry-leading experience for grocery shoppers. Add in referral bonuses for sharing with friends, and Fetch becomes the go-to rewards platform.