Would you like to be paid to shop at the top mystery shopping businesses?

This is exactly what thousands do each month to make extra money.

These mystery shoppers are paid by companies to get feedback.

What is a Mystery Shopper?

An anonymous shopper who is paid to shop like an everyday customer and then provides feedback.

Reputable mystery-shopping companies provide a checklist of tasks for secret shoppers, including asking questions about a product or getting a service done(e.g. An oil change).

Once the tasks are completed, the mystery shopper reports back on their experience, including feedback about cleanliness and helpfulness of employees.

Secret shoppers are paid by companies for this information. In most cases, companies reimburse secret shoppers for all expenses.

Related: 18 Top Sites to Take Paid Surveys

How to become a secret shopper (and find mystery-shopper jobs near you)

It is easy to become a mystery shopper. Sign up for the best mystery shopping company in your area, pick your tasks, and then start shopping.

As many mystery shopping companies as you want, you can sign up. You have more chances to make easy money the more mystery shopping services you sign up for.

One mystery shopper made $14,000 in a year by performing mystery shops during lunch breaks and on his way home from work.

29 Top Mystery Shopping Companies To Work For

Are you looking for mystery shopper jobs? These companies are worth a look.

1. Ath Power Consulting

While some mystery shopping companies offer a variety of gigs to choose from, others specialize in a specific niche. Ath Power Consulting is a consulting firm that focuses on the banking and financial industry.

You will likely need to visit a bank in order to describe your mystery shopping experience if you are selected for the job. Some jobs require you to go into an airport. These are available only to those who have security clearance.

Ath Power Consulting is a member the Mystery Shopping Providers Association, and has been an Elite Member for five consecutive years. According to its website, the company offers over 10,000 mystery shopping jobs per month and has more that 500,000 mystery shoppers registered.

Ath does not pay out immediately, unlike other mystery shopping companies. Instead of paying out immediately after a shopping gig, it pays twice per month.

How it works

1. Register to Work for Ath.
2. Register using your email address to create an account
3. Please fill in your personal information, such as name, address and demographic details (e.g. Fill in your personal information such as name, address, and demographic details (i.e., race, income, education level).
4. Please read the privacy statement.

Related to 11 Best Shopping Apps for Saving Money on Everything

2. BARE

BARE employs mystery shoppers to conduct in-person and over-the phone customer chats or video visits. In 2019, the MSPA awarded BARE a Shopper’s Choice Award.

People who have completed mystery shopping jobs vote for this award. It means that BARE was one their favorite companies to work at.

Signing up for BARE will allow you to select five areas in which you would like to mystery shop. This is useful if you live and work in different areas and want to maximize the earnings.

How it works

1. Register to become a mystery shopper.
2. Choose your language.
3. Enter your email address.
4. Select your country.
5. Enter your demographic information.
6. Please read the contract and privacy policy.

Related to 50 Ways to Make Money Online For Free

3. Secret Shopper

Secret Shopper is an established company that assists clients in improving their businesses by using mystery shoppers to collect data.

They have been around since 1993. Many awards have been given to them, including the MSPA Elite award in 2018. You can sign up for free and set your own hours.

How it works

1. Register to shop on the company website
2. Select your country.
3. Accept and read the Shopper Basics guidelines and rules.
4. You must pass the basic certification exam to confirm that you have read the rules.
5. Complete your personal information such as name, address, birth date, and more.
6. Once you have entered your personal information, your shopper ID will be generated and your password. Log in with your ID and password and you can view and book available shops.

Related: 16 Methods to Get Paid to Shop For Others

4. Market Force

Market Force will help you complete mystery shop requests for restaurants, banks, and stores. You will provide feedback on cleanliness, product selection, customer service, and customer service.

Market Force was awarded the MSPA Shopper’s Choice Award by real mystery shoppers for four consecutive years.

How it works

1. Create a Shopper Force Account.
2. Answer several questions about criminal history.
3. Sign and date this Agreement.

5. Pinnacle

Pinnacle has existed for over 20 years. Pinnacle assists financial institutions in improving service and quality.

Secret shoppers only work with banks and credit unions, making it an excellent choice for anyone interested in finance. Pinnacle offers a completely free mystery shopper program.

How it works

1. Click on the button that reads Sign up.
2. Enter your email address.
3. For payment, add your personal information and bank account details.
4. Pinnacle will help you find the best job for you by asking you demographic questions.
5. Accept the terms.

6. Take a closer look

MSPA has awarded A Closer Look with several awards, including the 2018 “Elite Company Award” and the 2019 Shopper’s Choice Award. It is a specialist in the following industries: restaurants, specialty retail and senior living.

How it works

1. To become a mystery shopper , click the red button.
2. Provide a current email address.
3. After your email has been approved you will receive a link to the application pages (the link expires in 48 hours).
4. Fill out your personal and demographic information and then write a sample essay of “at least two paragraphs” about your most recent casual or fine dining experience. This essay will partially be used to determine eligibility.
5. Send it in and wait for a reply.

7. Quest for the Best

Quest for Best offers mystery shopping opportunities in more than 40 states of the US. Most of these are located in the Midwest and Southwest. You can view its complete map here. There are many opportunities, such as eating out at a restaurant or going to the movies.

How it works

1. Click the Shopper Link.
2. Refer to the Independent Contractor Agreement.
3. Complete the Online Shopper Profile. Include contact information, such as gender and languages spoken fluently. If you have camera access for hidden video shops and have airport security clearance, you can also fill out this profile.
4. Quest for Best will provide you with the details for the shop if there is a job available in your area. It will store your profile until you are offered a shop opportunity.

8. IntelliShop

IntelliShop has over 50 industries that IntelliShop services, so you are bound to find mystery shopping jobs that suit your interests.

MSPA also awarded the company a Shoppers’ Choice Award for 2019, as voted by mystery shoppers. They voted IntelliShop the best mystery shopping company to work for.

How it works

1. Click on the “Go” button at the Shopper Register-Up Page.
2. Enter your email.
3. Refer to the Independent Contractor Agreement.
4. For payment, you will need to add your personal information and bank details.
5. Please complete the demographic questionnaire.
6. Enter your tax information.
7. You agree to the terms and conditions.

9. Perception Strategies, Inc.

Perception Strategies, Inc. is a healthcare mystery shop company. Since 1998, the company has conducted over 150,00 mystery healthcare shops.

The mystery shopping gigs include calling a doctor to request a quote for a service, making an in-person appointment without making an appointment or performing a full-length consultation.

This mystery shopping company provides feedback to healthcare providers in order to improve the patient experience. It also has a list of the areas that it most needs mystery shoppers.

How it works

1. Visit the Shopper App .
2. Take a look at the list of openings immediately.
3. If there isn’t an opening immediately at your location, you will be notified once your application has been received.
4. Complete the application, including information about felony convictions or work experience as a healthcare provider.

10. Sinclair Customer Metrics

Sinclair has been helping businesses improve customer service since 1987. It can perform a variety of tasks including phone and video mystery shops, as well as in-person visits. Sinclair is a member the MSPA.

How it works

1. Enter your name and email to sign up for Sinclair .
2. Please refer to the Information for Mystery Shoppers document.
3. Accept the Independent Contractor Agreement.
4. Complete the secure online application.
5. The Sinclair New Shopper Challenge is now open
6. The New Shopper Survey is now available.

11. Ipsos (formerly GfK)

Ipsos is a great place to mystery shop internationally if you are not from the US. You can mystery shop in person, via email or by using chat.

Ipsos secret shoppers perform mystery shops at gas stations, banks, and restaurants.

These countries are

• United States
• Canada
• Chile
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Germany
• France
• Italy
• Hungary

• Netherlands
• Slovakia
• United Kingdom
• India
• Thailand
• Oceania
• Australia
• New Zealand

How it works

1. Register here
2. Enter your email address, country and ZIP Code.
3. Please enter your name, address, and gender.
4. Please fill out additional information such as your height, weight, marital status and occupation.
5. Please read the agreement.

12. BestMark

BestMark, which has been in existence since 1986, is one of the most popular mystery shopper firms. It is a member the MSPA and offers more than 10,000 mystery shop assignments per month for restaurants, hotels and resorts. The assignment you choose will determine the payment.

How it works

1. To become a shopper on , click the “Sign up Now” button.
2. Complete your personal information, including demographic questions, employment history, ethnicity, etc., and then create a password.
3. Accept and read the guidelines and policies for independent contractors.
4. After you have submitted this information, you will be able see which mystery shopping gigs available by phone or online.

13. Second to none

Second to None is looking for mystery shoppers for two specific positions. The company is currently looking for AARP members, or people who are willing to speak with insurance brokers and other organizations. Keep checking back often to find out when the company updates its requirements.

How it works

1. Apply to become a Second To None mystery shopper.
2. Enter your contact information to create your login.
3. Submit your application.

14. ACPVIEW

ACPVIEW stands for “A Customer’s Point of View”. It does mystery shopping for retail, grocery stores and casual and fast-food dining options.

How it works

1. Register here
2. Enter your country and email address.
3. Please read the Services Agreement and Release.
4. Sign the privacy policy by adding your contact information and demographic data.

15. AboutFace

AboutFace is an established company that has been in business for over 20 years. They are a member the MSPA. The Better Business Bureau has given it an A+ rating and they offer mystery shopping jobs in all 50 US states. It claims that it pays 15% less than the industry average, although its rates aren’t clear.

How it works

1. Register to become an AboutFace mystery shopper.
2. Enter your contact information.
3. Refer to the Independent Contractor Agreement.
4. Verify your email by waiting.
5. You will need to add information like your PayPal email address, your driver’s licence, and a photo of you. Finally, answer some basic questions.

16. Confero

Confero offers mystery-shopping opportunities in retail, banking and food service.

How it works

1. Register to become a Confero Mystery Shopper.
2. Enter your email address to select your country.
3. Accept and read the Independent Contractor Agreement.
4. Please fill in your contact information and demographic details.
5. Select the area code where you want to live and work. This will affect the opportunities available to you.
6. Please read the privacy statement.

17. Amusement Advantage

Amusement Advantage pays mystery shoppers to shop at amusement parks and bowling alleys. These gigs require you to be as detail-oriented as a grocery shop, but they are still fun.

Sometimes, the only payment you receive is free admission to the mystery shop and no tickets. If you complete the mystery shop assignment by 10 a.m. on the day following your assignment, you can earn an additional $5

Referring mystery shoppers to Amusement advantage will earn you $20. It takes between 30 and 45 days for payment to be processed, which is slower than the average time for other companies. Amusement Advantage is a MSPA member.

How it works

1. Register to Join Amusement Advantage here.
2. Register for an account
3. Please fill in your contact information.
4. Accept and read the Independent Contractor Agreement.
5. Submit your information to find out what opportunities are available in the state you live in.

18. SeeLevel

SeeLevel mystery shoppers will have opportunities in the automotive, retail, financial and financial services industries. Sign up for SeeLevel to receive a complimentary meal as you mystery shop. PayPal is used to send payments.

How it works

1. Register at SeeLevel using your email address.
2. Please fill in your contact information and demographic information, including birthday, gender and household income.
3. Accept and read the Independent Contractor Agreement and Privacy Policy.
4. Send it in and we’ll get back to you.

19. The Shopper’s Perspective

Shopper’s View, a founding member in the MSPA, offers mystery shopping opportunities. It offers mystery shopping opportunities that include food, retail, or sporting events.

You can also get mystery shopping gigs by phone, which are great for those who don’t own a car or can’t afford one. The Better Business Bureau rates Shopper’s view as A+.

How it works

1. Create your Shopper’s View Profile.
2. Select your language.
3. Enter your email address to select your country.
4. Please fill in your contact information and demographic details.
5. Accept and read the Independent Contractor Agreement and Privacy Policy.
6. Submit your application.

20. iSecretShop

iSecretShop can be used on a smartphone or a desktop browser. The app allows you to fill out all required information, so you don’t need to do it separately on a computer.

There are three options: in-person shops, online and phone shops, or polls. Once you have registered, look through the job board to view the available opportunities.

iSecretShop pays via PayPal.

How it works

1. Go to iSecretShop.
2. Please fill in your contact information and demographic information, including gender, number and address.
3. Please read the Privacy Statement and Terms of Use.

21. RBG

RealityBasedGroup (RBG) is a member the MSPA. It provides mystery shopping opportunities via phone, email, and video. It has clients such as Goodwill, Texas Roadhouse and Cinnabon.

According to the company, other clients include banks, restaurants, bookstores and banks. You’re more likely than not to find the right gig for you.

How it works

1. Register at RBG and fill in your email address.
2. Refer to the Independent Contractor Agreement.
3. Please fill in your contact information and demographic details.
4. Please read the privacy policy.

22. Mercantile Systems Inc.

Mercantile Systems Inc. has joined the MSPA. It provides mystery shopping opportunities, including in restaurants, hotels and storage facilities.

The assignment is due to be paid within 45 days. This is slightly longer than usual. The assignment is available to shoppers for 24 hours.

How it works

1. Register for Mercantile Systems now.
2. Enter your contact information and demographic details.
3. Sign the Independent Contractor/Shopper agreement.
4. Verify your email address.

Call for Mystery Shopping Jobs

Secret shopping by phone might be for you if in-person shopping is not your thing or you don’t have the time to go to stores.

23. Call Center QA

Call Center QA assists organizations in improving the quality and usefulness of their call centres. If you enjoy chatting over the phone, have great reading and writing skills, and are attentive to detail, this company could be a good fit for you.

All your calls can be made from your home via your mobile or landline phone. You pay $5 per call. Each call and feedback takes approximately 15 minutes. Within seven business days, you will receive payment.

How it works

1. Complete the application with basic information, questions about education, homeownership, car ownership, leasing, and how you found out about the company.
2. You must be at least 18 years of age and a US resident.
3. Click submit. After submitting the application, you will receive additional information.

24. ARC Consulting

ARC pays you via PayPal for each mystery phone call. The opportunities available at the time will determine how much work you get and how much pay.

It states that it is looking for candidates who can speak several languages and will hire people from certain countries.

How it works

1. Completion of the online ARC consulting application.
2. Fill in your contact information, PayPal payment information and gender.
3. Enter your login details, and click submit.

25. Yardi-Matrix

Yardi-Matrix offers a job opportunity to those who are interested in conducting surveys for the commercial realty industry. Your job is to pretend to be a renter and call apartment communities if you are hired. You will be given specific questions by the company.

You will need to have high-speed internet access as well as a telephone in order to complete these tasks. The hourly rate is $6 with an additional pay like this:

• Surveys completed at $0.50
• Surveys with an incorrect number cost $0.30
• $0.20 for incomplete surveys
• $0.07 for surveys that have an answering machine, no answer or both

The first week, users must complete 75 surveys and the following week, 100 surveys. Calls must be made between 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. according to the surveyed time zones.

How it works

1. Send a copy your resume to Yardi Matrix contact.
2. We will get back to you shortly with more information.

26. Observa

The mystery shopping app Observa can be downloaded on both Android and iPhone. To receive mystery shopping gigs, you must download the app.

It received a rating of 4.3 from the App Store, and a rating of 4.4 from the Google Play Store. According to the official description, payments range from $4 to $20. PayPal allows for payment within 24 hours. You can also opt to receive payment in Bitcoin.

27. Agent in the Field

Field agent is an app that allows you to get assignments after you have created an account. Some of the previous assignments and companies include AutoZone and Walmart Fresh Pickup as well as Dollar General’s new DGX location.

Field Agent has a rating of 4.8 on the App Store, and a rating of 4.0 on the Google Play Store.

The app description states that jobs pay between $3 to $20. After you submit your photos and descriptions, the app will review them and pay you within two days.

28. Merchandiser

Merchant can be downloaded on both Android and iPhone devices. It has a rating of 4.3 on the App Store and a rating of 4.1 on the Google Play Store. This app is not a mystery shopping app. Merchandiser’s gigs are more retail-oriented, such as:

• Stocking shelves
• Stickers on products
• Counting inventory
• Set up promotional displays

You can download the app and fill out your details. Then, wait for gigs in your local area. Most gigs are completed in about 15 minutes and shoppers get paid via PayPal.

29. Gigwalk

Gigwalk belongs to the MSPA. This is unlike other apps on the list. The App Store rated the app 4.6 and the Google Play Store rated it 3.7.

PayPal is the payment method used by the app. The site states that gigs take anywhere from five minutes to several hours, and can cost between $3 and $100. Some gigs may not be mystery-shopping related. These gigs can be anything from taking photos of a house to insure it or double-checking the prices at the grocery shop.

The app allows you to finish assignments right from your phone.

How to Avoid Mystery Shopping Scams

Only legitimate companies are included in our list of mystery-shopping companies. Not all mystery shopping companies are equal in quality and some may be scams. Here are some things to be aware of.

Choose only from trusted mystery shopping companies.

Look out for mystery shopping companies that are trustworthy and recommended by trusted sources when searching for reliable companies.

Verify that the company is a member or not of the MSPA. has a list of member companies. You can check Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau to see if it isn’t listed. It’s unlikely that the company has an online presence.

Never wire money.

Do not accept a request from a mystery shopping company asking you to deposit a check in your personal account, withdraw the cash and wire it to another party. It’s a fraud.

Although the check appears to have cleared and money has been deposited in your account, it is not officially cleared. Banks can take weeks to find a fake check.

After the fake check is exposed, you will likely be responsible for repaying the bank the amount that you withdrew and deposited. If you plan to wire the money back, play it safe.

Do not pay upfront to be a mystery shopper.

The mystery shopping companies that we have listed are all completely free to join. It’s a scam to ask for money to join mystery shopping companies.

Find Your Ideal Mystery Shopping Niche

You can get food vouchers or reimbursed for purchasing specific products by mystery shopping. You don’t need to drive a lot if you work in a busy area near a shopping center, mall or other commercial establishments.

To maximize your reward, you can sign up for multiple mystery shopping companies like most side hustle websites and apps. You can also see which mystery shopping companies have the highest hourly rates and are worth your time.

Some jobs are more difficult than others so it is hard to know which companies are the best until you have some experience.