12.5 million+ active users is the surprise that hooked me. I use the app for free, yet the company brings in revenue because retailers and CPG brands pay for visibility and performance on the platform.
The model is simple: brands fund the rewards I earn. The app captures value through partner fees, promotional placements, and packaged purchase insights that drive conversions.
I earn points by scanning receipts or linking my email and Amazon for eReceipts. Points convert at 1,000 points = $1, and most redemptions start at 3,000 points for gift cards.
The debit card interchange program has been discontinued, so today the platform leans more on partner payments, Clubs like General Mills Good Rewards, and sponsored deals.
Funding and scale matter: the company raised $50 million in debt in March 2024 and has secured over $500 million total. That momentum explains why brands keep investing in this way.
Key Takeaways
- I don’t pay to use the app; retailers and brands cover costs to gain reach.
- Points convert at 1,000 points = $1, with redemptions typically starting at 3,000.
- eReceipts via email and Amazon link automate rewards for eligible purchases.
- The debit card program ended, shifting revenue toward partner fees and insights.
- Brand-led Clubs and sponsored placements boost monetization and engagement.
- Significant funding and 12.5M+ users give the company durable reach for partners.
How does fetch make money: the quick answer I use to frame the model
The short version: the app sells visibility and performance to brands and partners so they can reward my purchases. I get points and rewards, and those partner payments are the core of the model.
Affiliate-style commissions and sponsored placements pay the bills. Retailers and CPG brands fund featured offers because the platform reaches millions of users and drives measurable conversions.
I also get value from data. Aggregated, anonymized purchase insights are packaged for brands to improve product and marketing decisions. That creates a second revenue stream beyond direct partner fees.
For me, points convert at 1,000 = $1 and most redemptions begin at 3,000 points. I capture purchases with paper receipts or by linking email and Amazon for eReceipts. Power users can earn extra by stacking offers, referrals, and Clubs.
| Revenue Stream | Who Pays | Typical Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Partner payments / Affiliate | Brands, retailers | Sponsored offers that drive conversions |
| Data insights | CPG brands | Aggregated purchase trends for decisions |
| Sponsored ads & Clubs | Partners, advertisers | Incremental revenue and targeted rewards |
Partner payments and affiliate commissions that power Fetch’s revenue
Partner payouts are tied to verified purchases, so brands only pay for real results. I see retailers and CPG brands fund featured offers because the model tracks outcomes. That makes the marketplace efficient for marketing spend.
Why brands spend: access to 12.5M+ engaged users, product visibility at shopping time, and the ability to link payouts to a verified receipt. Partners pay when a qualifying purchase hits the system, so spend maps to conversions.
How offers work inside the app: featured products, bonus deals, and referrals appear in lists I check before a trip. When I buy an eligible item and upload a receipt, affiliate-style commissions trigger points to my account.
Tiered offers reward deeper loyalty. For example, Huggies tiers pay 5,000 points for $150 spent, 10,000 for $350, 15,000 for $550, and 20,000 for $750. At 1,000 points = $1, that structure scales from $5 up to $20 in value.
- I snap a clear photo and the image recognition reads the receipt line items.
- Eligible products trigger points and partners reimburse Fetch via affiliate payouts.
- Deals rotate, so checking offers before shopping saves time and boosts points per trip.
| Action | Who pays | User reward |
|---|---|---|
| Buy featured product | Brands / retailers | Points per item |
| Upload receipt verification | Partners (affiliate fee) | Points credited to account |
| Tiered brand spend | Brands | Large bonus points |
Data insights and market research Fetch sells to brands
My receipts paint a clear picture of what I buy, and that picture powers market reports sold to brands. The platform extracts purchase details and totals, not full sensitive payment data, so my privacy stays protected.
What my receipts reveal (and what they don’t)
Receipts capture: items bought, quantities, price, store and transaction total. These entries help companies spot trends across products and stores.
They do not capture: full credit card numbers or expiration dates. By law printed receipts show only the last five digits of a card number, not the full number or expiration details.
How anonymized, aggregated insights drive product and marketing decisions
When I link email or Amazon eReceipts, the platform collects item-level orders without manual uploads. Fetch Rewards then anonymizes and aggregates events into datasets brands can buy.
- Companies use these reports to refine product mixes, pricing, and promotions.
- Brands test ad targeting and shelf placement with real purchase trends from users.
- Occasional in-app surveys let me opt in for quick research and earn a small points bonus.
| Data Type | Who Uses It | Primary Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Aggregated receipts | brands, retailers | Category and product trends |
| eReceipt details | product teams | Launch and pricing decisions |
| Survey responses | marketing teams | Creative and messaging insights |
I can always choose not to upload a receipt I’m uncomfortable sharing. That control balances rewards with personal privacy. Selling anonymized insights complements partner payouts and helps seed more relevant offers that benefit me as a user.
Sponsored offers, in-app advertising, and Clubs that boost monetization
Sponsored placements and in-app ads give brands direct access to me at the moment I shop. These paid spots sit near the top of lists or appear as banners and short videos while I browse the app.
Promoted deals often include stacked points and limited-time bonuses. That nudges me to try a product or switch brands for a trip. Since offers rotate, checking before I shop saves me points and time.
Clubs are another layer. Programs like General Mills Good Rewards run inside the platform as brand-led experiences. I opt in to earn exclusive rewards, complete challenges, or access recipes and bonuses.
Promoted placements and sponsored deals users see while shopping
Brands pay for these placements because impressions convert into measurable redemptions. The ad units are performance-oriented, so partners track impressions-to-redemption and adjust spend based on actual points earned.
Fetch Clubs: brand-led experiences
Clubs create recurring inventory Fetch can sell alongside affiliate commissions. For me, that means more chances to earn points on essentials without changing my budget. Creative formats — interactive units or short video ads — make offers clearer and easier to act on.
| Program | Who Pays | User Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Promoted deals | Brands | Bonus points, prime placement |
| In-app ads (banner/video) | Brands / advertisers | Clear product messaging, quick actions |
| Clubs (example: General Mills) | Partners | Challenges, recipes, exclusive rewards |
Interchange from the Fetch Pay debit card: a former revenue stream
Each time I tapped the Fetch Pay debit card, merchants paid an interchange fee that routed a slice back to the company. That payment flowed through Mastercard and gave the business a small, steady revenue stream tied to usage.
The card worked like any Mastercard. I could use it at stores that accept cards and still earn points in the app.
Why it mattered: interchange added a usage-based income layer. It complemented partner payouts, sponsored offers, Clubs, and data products.
The program has since ended, so interchange is no longer an active revenue source. That change did not alter my daily routine of scanning receipts or redeeming rewards.
Some users enjoyed earning extra points with the debit card. Today, the app leans on partners and insights to keep redemptions funded. If a new payments product returns, interchange could reappear as a revenue lever.
| Feature | Who paid | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Interchange on purchases | Merchants (via Mastercard) | Usage-based revenue for the company |
| Debit card acceptance | Card networks / merchants | Earn points at in-store and online terminals |
| Current status | — | Program discontinued; revenue shifted to partners |
How the user side works: points, gift cards, and scanning receipts
I start each shopping trip by opening the app and checking active deals that match what I plan to buy. That little habit shapes my purchases and boosts my rewards without extra effort.
Setup and everyday use: I install the app, create my account, then scan paper receipts or link my email and Amazon so eReceipts pull in automatically. The image recognition reads line items and flags eligible products from grocery, drug, liquor, pet, hardware, and gas stores.
eReceipts and account linking (email and Amazon)
Linking email and Amazon moves online purchases into my account automatically. Orders from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Instacart, Costco, and delivery services can earn points without a photo upload.
Redemption basics: 1,000 points = $1, gift cards, and minimum thresholds
Point math is simple: 1,000 points = $1. Most gift card redemptions start at 3,000 points, and popular options include Amazon and Target gift cards or donating a gift to charity.
- I scan receipts quickly after shopping; even small buys add base points.
- I check featured offers to stack deals and speed up earning points.
- I remember that rewards are gift-focused, not direct cash to a bank, but they offset my spending.
Privacy note: the system reads purchase lines, not full card numbers, and I can choose which receipts to upload as I balance comfort with rewards.
Scale, funding, and competitors shaping Fetch’s business today
With millions of accounts, the platform becomes a go-to channel for product launches and loyalty tests. I watch the reach translate into clear benefits for brands and users alike.
By the numbers: active users, revenue potential, and recent financing
Active users top 12.5 million, which gives partners broad exposure across grocery, restaurants, and retail.
Funding signals staying power: the company has raised more than $500 million, reached unicorn status after a $210 million Series D in 2021, and added a $50 million debt round in March 2024 to support growth.
“Scale means richer purchase data, stronger ad inventory, and more reasons for brands to invest.”
Who the company competes with in the U.S.
I compare alternatives when I shop and sign into each account to maximize value. Competitors include Ibotta (cash back at stores), Honey (coupon and online rewards), and Rakuten (portal-based cash back).
Each company has a slightly different pitch: some focus on coupons, others on cash back. That overlap helps me save more, but I keep track to avoid duplicate claims.
- Scale effect: more users = better data and more attractive ad inventory.
- Partner breadth: hundreds of brands funnel offers into the app, so deals match my shopping habits.
- Redemptions: gift cards from major stores keep rewards useful for everyday spending.
| Metric | Figure | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Active users | 12.5M+ | Large reach for brands and retailers |
| Total funding | $500M+ | Signals runway and product investment |
| Recent debt round | $50M (Mar 2024) | Supports scaling and partnerships |
Business takeaway: in a crowded rewards landscape, scale, steady funding, and differentiated data products help Fetch Rewards stay competitive while keeping my shopping and account activity rewarded.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Brands pay for the exposure that turns my everyday buys into points I can spend on gift cards. The system converts partner payouts, sponsored offers, and anonymized purchase insights into the points I see in my account.
I scan a receipt or link eReceipts, rack up rewards from routine shopping, and redeem at common retailers. At 1,000 points = $1 and most redemptions start at 3,000, the math is simple and practical.
The Fetch Pay interchange program is discontinued, so today the company’s revenue leans on partners and data. With 12.5M+ active users and heavy funding, the model scales as brands pay for conversions and loyalty.
My playbook: check offers before a trip, join Clubs, and always scan receipts. For a deeper view of the business model, see this business model deep dive.
FAQ
How does Fetch generate revenue?
I earnestly explain that Fetch’s primary income comes from partner payments and affiliate commissions. Retailers and CPG brands pay for visibility, conversions, and access to engaged shoppers, so Fetch gets paid when users redeem offers, click promoted products, or drive measurable sales.
What’s the quick answer I use to frame the model?
In short, Fetch combines partner payouts, sponsored in‑app placements, and anonymized insights. Those three streams — offers, ads, and data — create recurring revenue while users collect points for receipts and purchases.
Why do retailers and CPG brands pay Fetch?
Brands want visibility and measurable conversions. I note they pay to reach loyal customers, test promotions, and boost trial of new products. Fetch provides attribution and a direct path from a scanned receipt to a brand sale.
How do offers inside the app actually work?
Offers appear as featured products, coupons, or referral deals. When I scan a receipt showing an eligible purchase, Fetch credits points and receives a commission or fixed payout from the brand or retailer tied to that offer.
Can you give a real example of earning from scanning receipts?
Yes. I’ll scan a grocery receipt, hit a points tier for a promoted cereal, and unlock bonus points. The user gets rewards; the brand pays Fetch for the validated sale — a clear value exchange.
What kind of data does Fetch sell to brands?
Fetch sells anonymized, aggregated purchase insights. I explain that reports show product trends, category performance, and shopper behavior without exposing personal card numbers or raw receipt images tied to an identifiable person.
How do anonymized insights help product and marketing teams?
These insights inform pricing, promotion timing, distribution, and creative targeting. I point out that brands use aggregated data to optimize campaigns and develop products that match real shopper habits.
What sponsored offers and ads appear in the app?
Users see promoted placements, banner deals, and time‑limited sponsored offers. I describe how those spots increase visibility for specific products and generate ad revenue when brands pay for placement or performance.
What are Fetch Clubs and how do they monetize?
Clubs are brand‑led experiences, like reward programs for specific companies such as General Mills. I explain that brands fund exclusive perks and bonus points to drive loyalty, and Fetch shares revenue from those partnerships.
Did interchange from a debit card contribute to revenue?
Yes — the Fetch Pay debit card once provided interchange fees as a revenue stream. I note that interchange depends on card use and partnerships with payment processors, though product availability can change over time.
How do points, gift cards, and receipt scanning work for users?
I describe the basics: users scan paper receipts or link eReceipts and email accounts to capture purchases. Points accumulate and redeem for gift cards or cash; reward thresholds and values are clearly shown in the app.
Can I link email or Amazon to capture online purchases?
Yes. Linking eReceipts or your Amazon account lets Fetch automatically record eligible online purchases. I emphasize privacy controls and that linking speeds up point capture for digital orders.
How does redemption work and what’s the points value?
Redemption is straightforward: typically 1,000 points equals
FAQ
How does Fetch generate revenue?
I earnestly explain that Fetch’s primary income comes from partner payments and affiliate commissions. Retailers and CPG brands pay for visibility, conversions, and access to engaged shoppers, so Fetch gets paid when users redeem offers, click promoted products, or drive measurable sales.
What’s the quick answer I use to frame the model?
In short, Fetch combines partner payouts, sponsored in‑app placements, and anonymized insights. Those three streams — offers, ads, and data — create recurring revenue while users collect points for receipts and purchases.
Why do retailers and CPG brands pay Fetch?
Brands want visibility and measurable conversions. I note they pay to reach loyal customers, test promotions, and boost trial of new products. Fetch provides attribution and a direct path from a scanned receipt to a brand sale.
How do offers inside the app actually work?
Offers appear as featured products, coupons, or referral deals. When I scan a receipt showing an eligible purchase, Fetch credits points and receives a commission or fixed payout from the brand or retailer tied to that offer.
Can you give a real example of earning from scanning receipts?
Yes. I’ll scan a grocery receipt, hit a points tier for a promoted cereal, and unlock bonus points. The user gets rewards; the brand pays Fetch for the validated sale — a clear value exchange.
What kind of data does Fetch sell to brands?
Fetch sells anonymized, aggregated purchase insights. I explain that reports show product trends, category performance, and shopper behavior without exposing personal card numbers or raw receipt images tied to an identifiable person.
How do anonymized insights help product and marketing teams?
These insights inform pricing, promotion timing, distribution, and creative targeting. I point out that brands use aggregated data to optimize campaigns and develop products that match real shopper habits.
What sponsored offers and ads appear in the app?
Users see promoted placements, banner deals, and time‑limited sponsored offers. I describe how those spots increase visibility for specific products and generate ad revenue when brands pay for placement or performance.
What are Fetch Clubs and how do they monetize?
Clubs are brand‑led experiences, like reward programs for specific companies such as General Mills. I explain that brands fund exclusive perks and bonus points to drive loyalty, and Fetch shares revenue from those partnerships.
Did interchange from a debit card contribute to revenue?
Yes — the Fetch Pay debit card once provided interchange fees as a revenue stream. I note that interchange depends on card use and partnerships with payment processors, though product availability can change over time.
How do points, gift cards, and receipt scanning work for users?
I describe the basics: users scan paper receipts or link eReceipts and email accounts to capture purchases. Points accumulate and redeem for gift cards or cash; reward thresholds and values are clearly shown in the app.
Can I link email or Amazon to capture online purchases?
Yes. Linking eReceipts or your Amazon account lets Fetch automatically record eligible online purchases. I emphasize privacy controls and that linking speeds up point capture for digital orders.
How does redemption work and what’s the points value?
Redemption is straightforward: typically 1,000 points equals $1, and users cash out for gift cards after reaching the app’s minimum threshold. I remind readers to check current rates and available rewards inside their account.
What scale and funding support Fetch’s business?
Fetch has millions of active users and has raised venture financing to expand partnerships and product features. I point out that scale helps negotiate better offers and increases the platform’s appeal to major brands.
Who are Fetch’s main competitors in the U.S.?
Competitors include Ibotta, Honey (by PayPal), Rakuten, Receipt Hog, and other rewards or cashback apps. I note each focuses on similar goals: driving shopper behavior and earning affiliate or ad revenue.
What scale and funding support Fetch’s business?
Fetch has millions of active users and has raised venture financing to expand partnerships and product features. I point out that scale helps negotiate better offers and increases the platform’s appeal to major brands.
Who are Fetch’s main competitors in the U.S.?
Competitors include Ibotta, Honey (by PayPal), Rakuten, Receipt Hog, and other rewards or cashback apps. I note each focuses on similar goals: driving shopper behavior and earning affiliate or ad revenue.
