We Made Cash Scanning Groceries with NCP

Jessica

Jessica

— 3 min read
We Made Cash Scanning Groceries with NCP

Ever wonder if those “get paid to scan your groceries” apps are actually worth it? So did we. National Consumer Panel (NCP) has been around for a while, promising rewards in exchange for sharing what you buy each week. It sounded easy enough, but also kind of like one of those side gigs you sign up for and forget about.

So we gave it a shot. We spent a few minutes a week scanning our grocery hauls and answering a couple of surveys to see if it could actually pay off. Here’s exactly how it works, what we made, and what to expect if you’re thinking about signing up.

Reference Table:

What Is National Consumer Panel?

The National Consumer Panel (NCP) is a joint venture between NielsenIQ and Circana (formerly IRI), two of the biggest names in consumer market research. Their goal is to better understand shopping habits in the U.S. by collecting data directly from everyday households.

By participating, you help brands improve their products and promotions — and in return, you earn points you can redeem for gift cards, merchandise, and sweepstakes entries. It’s a well-established program with a solid reputation, active since 1987.

How NCP Works

  • Apply online at the National Consumer Panel website. Slots are limited and based on demographics.
  • Get approved and download the NCPMobile app (available on iOS and Android).
  • Scan barcodes of the items you purchase each week.
  • Provide a few extra details like store name, purchase date, and whether you used a loyalty card.
  • Earn points for each weekly submission.
  • Boost your balance by joining optional surveys and occasional special promotions.
  • Redeem points for gift cards to popular stores like Amazon, Visa, and PayPal.

What We Made

Between scanning groceries and answering a few surveys each week (about 10 minutes total), it didn’t take much time to rack up enough points for a $5 Amazon gift card. The redemption process was simple. Once our account was verified, the gift card arrived via email in under 24 hours.

One thing we liked is that NCP offers a good variety of cash-out options. You can choose from digital gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Visa, PayPal, Starbucks, Target, and more. Some of the higher-value rewards, like $25 or $50 gift cards and merchandise from their catalog, naturally require more points. But for the amount of time it took us to scan our groceries and complete a few surveys each week, it never felt difficult or like a hassle.

We also participated in several bonus surveys, earning between 300–500 points each. A heads up: a couple of the surveys took a bit longer than the estimated time (3 minutes), and some had short deadlines, so it’s worth checking your notifications often if you’re trying to maximize your points.

Overall, it felt like a fair trade-off for something we could easily do while unpacking groceries or during a quick break.

Where to Follow NCP

National Consumer Panel (NCP) maintains an active presence on several social media platforms, providing updates, tips, and engaging content for current and prospective panelists.

Official Accounts:

These platforms are used to share information about the program, tips for panelists, and updates on new features. For instance, NCP announced the return of their Instant Poll feature on their blog, which is also promoted on their social media channels.

NCP has cautioned users about potential scams on social media. They advise against clicking on suspicious links and recommend verifying information through their official channels. More details can be found in their blog post on social media scams.

Is NCP Legit?

National Consumer Panel is a legitimate market research program operated by NielsenIQ and Circana (formerly IRI), two well-established consumer insights providers. The panel has been active since 1987, collecting consumer data to help manufacturers and retailers improve their products and services.

Would We Recommend It?

Yes. If you shop regularly and have a few minutes to spare each week, it’s an easy way to earn rewards for your everyday habits. While it’s not a full-blown side hustle, it’s a nice little perk for minimal effort.

Ready to get started? Go to the National Consumer Panel website, fill out an application, and if you’re accepted, you can start earning points for gift cards and prizes right away.
Get Started with NCP

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