7 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Earn Extra Cash (2026)

Trying to make the most of mystery shopping companies earn? You are in the right place. Below we break it down in plain English, with practical tips you can actually use.

Key Takeaways

• 7 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Earn Extra Cash Mystery shopping is a flexible way to earn extra cash while getting reimbursed for meal...
• Learn how to find legit opportunities, maximize your earnings, and avoid common scams.
• Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: February 20, 2025 Reviewed by Ben Watson, CPA Home Side Hustles Some of the links on DollarSprout point t...

7 Best Mystery Shopping Companies to Earn Extra Cash

Mystery shopping is a flexible way to earn extra cash while getting reimbursed for meals, shopping trips, and even hotel stays. Learn how to find legit opportunities, maximize your earnings, and avoid common scams.

Written by Ben Huber Last Updated: February 20, 2025 Reviewed by Ben Watson, CPA

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Want to get paid to shop, eat out, or even stay at a hotel? You might think it sounds too good to be true , but mystery shopping is a real and growing industry worth over $2 billion annually. From evaluating customer service to testing retail experiences, thousands of people use it as a flexible way to earn extra income each month.

Some assignments are as simple as dining at a local restaurant, while others pay shoppers to test drive cars or even evaluate luxury hotels. The best part? You don’t need any special skills , just an eye for detail and a willingness to try something new.

Since 2015, we’ve evaluated dozens of mystery shopping companies to uncover the best opportunities for earning extra cash. In this guide, we’ll show you the top companies that stand out for their diverse assignments, user-friendly platforms, and dependable pay.

Can you start earning immediately? Not quite , but close. Numerous companies allow you to sign up and start browsing assignments the same day, with payments following task completion. The sooner you start, the sooner you can turn mystery shopping into a fun and rewarding side hustle.

What Is Mystery Shopping?

Mystery shopping is a flexible side hustle where companies pay individuals to evaluate customer experiences at businesses like stores, restaurants, and hotels. Shoppers act as undercover shoppers, completing tasks such as:

• Observing customer service at a retail store
• Dining at a restaurant and assessing food quality
• Shopping at a grocery store to evaluate cleanliness and checkout speed

Why do companies pay for this? Businesses rely on shopper feedback to identify areas for improvement, train staff, and maintain quality standards.

For Jenni Sisson, a DollarSprout reader, freelance writer, and host of the Mama’s Money Map podcast, mystery shopping seemed questionable at first. “I didn’t think it was legit at first, it sounded kind of scammy,” she said. “But my sister tried it and actually got paid, so I decided to give it a go to make some extra cash.”

Some shoppers even specialize in high-paying tasks like assessing car dealerships, luxury hotels, or fine dining. While it won’t make you rich overnight, mystery shopping can be a useful side hustle for supplementing your income , and the perks like free meals or reimbursed purchases certainly don’t hurt.

Related: 20 Best Places to Find Small Task or Micro Jobs

How Much Money Do Mystery Shoppers Actually Make?

Mystery shopping can be a flexible way to earn extra income quickly, but how much you make will depend on the types of tasks you complete and how frequently you take assignments. While earnings vary, here’s a general idea of what you can expect:

• Quick tasks (e.g., visit a retail store or gas station): $10 to $20 per assignment
• Moderate tasks (e.g., dine at a mid-range restaurant): $25 to $50
• High-value tasks (e.g., evaluate a car dealership or luxury hotel): $75 or more

  What Does This Mean for Monthly Income?  

Most mystery shoppers report earning around $200 to $300 per month in their spare time, though consistent work could push that higher. These figures are based on ranges reported by shoppers, feedback from shopping companies, and our own first-hand experience testing these platforms. Actual payouts may vary depending on the complexity of the task, the company’s policies, and your location.

Jenni evaluates whether a shop is worth her time by calculating dollars per hour, including time spent on the task and writing the report. “When I wasn’t working, my threshold was lower, around $10/hour, but now I aim for at least $20,” she explained

It’s worth noting that payments aren’t instant. Most companies require you to complete tasks and submit reports before processing payouts, which can take a few weeks. However, the flexibility and perks , like free meals, reimbursed purchases, and even occasional free travel , can make it a neat way to ultimately get paid to shop. 

The 7 Best Mystery Shopping Companies Worth Your Time

With so numerous mystery shopping options out there, it’s tough to know where to begin. Our team has spent years researching and evaluating companies to uncover who hosts the best mystery shopper jobs. After reviewing dozens of platforms, we’ve identified 7 that stand out for their reliability, pay, and task variety. Whether you’re looking for flexible gig job or fun ways to earn perks like free meals, these companies are your best bet.

1. BestMark

Established in 1986, BestMark is one of the nation’s largest mystery shopping and customer experience measurement companies. They offer a variety of mystery shopper jobs across industries such as retail, dining, automotive, and more. Shoppers value their wide selection of assignments and their emphasis on quality service.

  Why BestMark Stands Out  

BestMark offers a diverse range of assignments, including mystery shopping, intercept interviews, and compliance audits. Its expansive client network of well-known brands provides opportunities to explore multiple industries, with detailed reporting resources to help shoppers succeed.

  Key Details  

• Rating: 4.5/5
• Pay Range: Varies by assignment; specific details are provided with each task.
• Task Types: Retail visits, dining evaluations, automotive assessments, compliance audits, and intercept interviews.
• Payment Methods: Payments via PayPal or check are processed within 3-4 weeks of report approval.
• Get Started: Visit the BestMark Application Page to sign up as a secret shopper and browse available assignments in your area.

Insider Tip: Focus on automotive evaluations for higher pay and perks like reimbursed expenses , just ensure you carefully follow all task instructions for approval.

2. Intouch Insight

With over 40 years of experience, Intouch Insight has built a reputation as one of the most technologically advanced mystery shopping providers in North America. They offer assignments across industries like fast-food restaurants, retail, grocery, and automotive, providing a variety of opportunities for both new and seasoned shoppers. Shoppers frequently highlight their clear instructions, reliable payments, and helpful support team.

  Why Intouch Insight Stands Out  

Intouch Insight collaborates with major brands such as Chevron and Wendy’s, offering tasks such as evaluating drive-thru wait times, conducting convenience store audits, and assessing customer service at retail locations. The platform provides resources for shoppers, including tips for conducting shops safely and guidance on submitting detailed reports. Conveniently, payments are processed twice a month, ensuring consistent cash flow for mystery shoppers.

“I’ve done quite a few shops with Intouch Insight, and they’re one of my go-to companies,” Jenni shared. “They consistently have a variety of shops in my area, and the assignments are typically straightforward with clear instructions.”

Backed by its Elite Member status with the Myste

Final Thoughts

Before you check out, double-check mystery shopping companies earn against current offers and any coupons you can stack. Small habits like this add up to real savings over a year.

Originally published at dollarsprout.com.