Trying to track your spending and stick to a budget is pretty much close to impossible. At one point or another, most people will have to look for a side hustle so they can get a little extra income.
If you’ve been looking for ways to get some extra cash, then you’ve probably heard about the NCP ReCap App. It’s a shopping rewards app that can help you get free stuff just for doing what you already do – shop!
Does that sound too good to be true? Well, we’ve heard that NCP ReCap is backed by NielsenIQ and IRI, both big names when it comes to market research. However, we’ve also heard complaints against the app.
That’s why we did our research from official sources and looked into the feedback of its users to find out both the good and the bad about this platform.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to make the most of the NCP ReCap app. Keep reading until the very end to know the essential tips to maximize your earnings from your shopping.
What is NCP ReCap app?
The NCP ReCap app, or as it’s called today, NCP Mobile, is a fun new cash back app that allows you to earn rewards by scanning the barcode of the items you purchase.
It’s a free tool that allows users to share their opinion on the products and services they use every day.
Essentially, signing up to become an NCP panelist makes you eligible to receive a handheld scanner or access to the NCP Mobile app.
You can then use the scanner or the app to scan the barcodes on all the products you or others in your household purchase during a shopping trip.
The company will also ask you to provide details about the items you bought and where you shopped.
At the same time, you’ll also be invited to take part in surveys on a variety of topics. The data you provide helps manufacturers and retailers better understand consumer behavior and trends.
For every week that you successfully submit your data and participate in surveys, the company will give you reward points.
You can then use these points to purchase merchandise in the NCP gift catalog, which has electronic devices and accessories, household items, appliances, sporting goods, and more. You also have the option to exchange them for gift cards.
Additionally, as a panelist, you’re also automatically entered into the company’s weekly, monthly, and quarterly NCP sweepstakes. This gives you the chance to win even more reward points, gift cards, and even cash.
How does NCP mobile work?
Here’s how you can use the NCP mobile app to earn rewards just for shopping and providing your feedback.
1. Download the app and sign up to become a panelist
Start by downloading the NCP Mobile App either through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. After downloading the app, you must create an account and apply to join NCP Mobile before earning points.
The lack of a guarantee that you may get into NCP Mobile is its main drawback compared to competitors like Fetch Rewards or Checkout 51.
When you apply to the NCP Mobile panel, you must provide a wealth of personal demographic data, such as your:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
It may be a lot of data to provide up front, however, this is because you're applying for a research panel that requires this data to conduct studies correctly. You may be invited to the panel or put on a waiting list after you've completed all of the profile questions.
Unfortunately, there is nothing else you can do but wait for a position to free up and an email from NCP informing you that you have been accepted.
NCP maintains specific demographic and geographic levels in their panels. If you’re not automatically accepted, it might mean that the company has already met the quota in your area.
2. Add all of your purchases
If you’ve been accepted, congrats! It's time to start earning rewards!
The first step is to go to the “New Purchases” page within the app. This is where you'll discover a lengthy list of stores to visit.
There are several stores, like Target, Walmart, 7-Eleven, and other large box retailers, so finding one shouldn't be too hard. Find a store that you recently visited and tap on it to earn points.
3. Use the NCP scanner
After choosing the store where you recently shopped, use the NCP scanner to scan the barcode of the products you purchased. This is comparable to apps like Shopkick, in which you simply point your phone's camera at the barcode on your item and the app does the rest.
4. Fill out a brief product survey form
The NCP app asks you a variety of questions about the product you bought and your shopping experience after scanning the barcode. The app will ask you to provide details such as:
- What you used to pay for the item
- Whether or not it was discounted
- What you will use the item for
- How often you go into that store
- How often you buy those items
These are things that you would expect most market researchers want to know. This is one of the most time-consuming aspects of the job and one of the biggest sources of complaints about using the platform.
5. Earn reward points
Before you earn rewards points, the NCP mobile app must approve your submission. You'll see your earnings in the app as soon as they've been approved.
It’s that simple! By sharing your purchase data, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, electronics, household items, and more.
The NCP Mobile App is not restricted to a single household; each member of the family may use it independently, and they can submit their own shopping data. You may also add individuals from your family to your “shoppers” list.
How much can you earn using the NCP mobile app?
The number of NCP points you earn is dependent on how long you've been a panelist. As an active member, you move through various membership levels.
The NCP mobile app membership levels are as follows:
| Membership level | Points per weekly scan |
|---|---|
| Charter (0-6 months) | 150 |
| Bronze (7-12 months) | 200 |
| Silver (1-2 years) | 225 |
| Gold (2 years) | 235 |
| Platinum (3 years) | 245 |
| Double platinum (4 years) | 255 |
| Triple platinum (5 years) | 280 |
| Excellence (6 years) | 325 |
A $10 gift card typically has a 5,000 to 6,000-point value.
Because you earn more points per scan over time, NCP becomes easier to use and accumulate shopping rewards. You may expect to earn $10 to $50 or more each year if you take the time to scan items and answer questions.
Additionally, you can also earn bonus points or rewards if you’re lucky enough to win in the weekly, monthly, and quarterly sweepstakes. There are also bonus points you can earn when you reach certain milestones, such as:Â
| Milestone or task | Bonus points |
|---|---|
| Signup bonus and welcome survey | 1,500 |
| Birthday bonus | 250 |
| 3-month anniversary bonus | 1,500 |
| 6-month anniversary bonus | 1,000 |
| Yearly anniversary bonus | 1,000 |
What are the pros of using the NCP Mobile App?
The main advantage of the NCP mobile app is that it's an easy way to earn rewards.
You simply scan the barcode of your purchases and answer a few questions, and you're well on your way to earning points.
Another good thing about it is that you're not limited to a single household. Other apps won’t allow you to sign up if one of your family members is already registered.
You can add family members to your NCP “shoppers” list, and each person can use the app independently.
Finally, the NCP mobile app has a wide range of retailers in its network. So, whether you're doing your weekly grocery shopping or buying a new TV, you can earn points for completing surveys.
What are the cons of NCP ReCap App?
The main drawback of the NCP mobile app is that it can take a while to earn rewards.
For instance, a $10 gift card has a 5,000- to 6,000-point value. So, if you're only earning 150 points per week, it will take quite some time to reach the 5,000-point threshold.
Additionally, users are limited to 10 receipt submissions per week. So, even if you're an active shopper, there's only so much you can do to earn points.
Furthermore, the app offers limited customer support, so users might have to be on their own if they run into problems.
What do users think about the NCP ReCap App?
Users have given the NCP mobile app mixed reviews.
Some users love the app and find it easy to use. They also appreciate that they can earn rewards without having to put much effort into it.
However, other users find the app frustrating. They don't like that it takes a long time to earn rewards and that there's a limit to how many receipts you can submit per week.
Additionally, some users have had problems with the app, such as not receiving points for their receipt submissions.
What are the alternatives to NCP Mobile App?
There are a few other alternatives to the NCP mobile app, such as:
- Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a rewards site where you can earn points (called SB) by doing various online activities. These activities include taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and searching the web.
You can then redeem your SB for gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, or for PayPal cash. Plus, there are no limits on how much you can earn, so the potential earnings are virtually limitless.
- Receipt Hog
The Receipt Hog app is a great way to earn rewards just for taking pictures of your receipts. It's easy to use and open to everyone.
Simply download the app, take a picture of your receipt, and upload it. That's it! You'll earn rewards points that can be redeemed for cash or prizes. Plus, the more you use the app, the more rewards you'll earn.
- Drop
The Drop app is a great way to earn rewards for your everyday spending. By linking your credit or debit card to the app, you can automatically earn points on your purchases. And, the best part is that you can redeem your points for gift cards to your favorite retailers. Plus, with new deals and offers added all the time, there's always something new to explore.
- Fetch Rewards
The Fetch Rewards app is a great way to earn points on your everyday purchases. All you have to do is scan your receipts from any grocery, retail, or online store and you'll earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
You can also earn bonus points by taking advantage of special offers, and the app makes it easy to keep track of your progress. Plus, the more friends and family you refer to the app, the more points you'll earn.
- Amazon Shopper Panel
Amazon Shopper Panel is a great way to earn rewards for giving your feedback about your Amazon shopping experiences. The app is free to download and use, and you can participate as often or as little as you like.
Rewards are typically given in the form of Amazon gift cards, which can be used to purchase anything from books to electronics.
Is the NCP mobile app worth your time?
If you're looking for an easy way to earn rewards, then the NCP mobile app is definitely worth your time. However, if you're looking to earn rewards quickly, then you might want to consider other options.
Overall, the NCP mobile app is a great way to earn a little extra cash for your everyday shopping. And, while it might not be the quickest way to earn rewards, it’s still a great option for many as it involves no extra cost.
At the end of the day, it might take some time, but it should be enough to earn you a few points that you can use to buy yourself a gift on Christmas Day.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
