Recently a reader suggested I check out the Fetch Rewards app now that I’ve finally joined the 21st century by getting a smartphone.

At first I was skeptical, because DF and I simply don’t buy that much stuff.

Now I’m a believer, thanks to the 13,645 points in my account.

That translates to almost $14 worth of scrip at a slew of retailers and companies that provide entertainment, beauty, pet products, clothing, media, travel, spa experiences, office supplies, charitable donations, and even a prepaid Visa or Mastercard.

Full disclosure: Eight thousand of those points came from referrals. Which brings me to the point of this post:

From now through next Tuesday (March 24), the Fetch Rewards app is running a bonus campaign. For every person who decides to join using my referral code* (more on this below), I will get a whopping 4,000 points (instead of the usual 2,000 points).

But you’ll get something as well. Two somethings, in fact:

• A 2,000-point welcome bonus when you successfully scan your first receipt, and
• A referral code of your own to share – and if any of your family or friends joins, then you’ll get 4,000 points. Through next Tuesday, anyway, at which point it reverts to 2,000 points.

Here’s what you need to know.

 

 

As I said, we don’t buy that much. Yet in less than a month I was able to amass more than 5,600 points by scanning our receipts from Walgreens, Costco and two supermarkets. The Fetch Rewards app accepts receipts from big-box stores, liquor stores and convenience stores in addition to grocery, club and drug stores.

The program offers points based on how much you spend and additional points for specific brands. For example, after learning that Pepsi is one of those brands I decided to defect from my preferred brand (Coke) as a result. My niece and her two sons prefer Pepsi products anyway, so it’s worked out well.

 

The Fetch Rewards app = frugal hack

 

Incidentally, those special offers are awarded automatically. You don’t need to know about them to take advantage. It’s been a nice surprise a couple of times to get unexpected points.

And even when there aren’t any special offers, the Fetch Rewards app has still given us 25 points per receipt scanned – including Costco gas receipts. One trip, for just two gallons of distilled water, still netted us the 25 points.

You can add receipts from online purchases, too, by connecting your e-mail address (to garner points from your e-shopping at Target, Peapod, Walmart and other merchants) or by connecting your Amazon account.

Yes, the Internet can at times resemble a virtual pyramid scheme. But why not make it work for you?

If you want to give the program a try, visit www.FetchRewards.com to learn more. When you sign up, I hope you’ll use my referral code: E6CK1. That way we both get free stuff.

You can use the points toward things you need (personal care products, groceries, pet stuff) or, like me, save them up to stretch your giving budget.

And if you don’t like the idea of giving me referral points, let alone bonus referral points? I’d still suggest you find the app on your own and download it. If there’s one thing I’ve noticed about the readers of this site, it’s that you’re a pretty frugal bunch and finding anything free (or even discounted) puts a smile on your face.

In this case, it’ll also put money back into your budget. These days that’s more important than ever.

*Earlier I failed to put in the correct info, adding just my referral code (E6CK1) instead of the web address. I should never try posting on the blog before I’ve had a good supper.