I checked out the PrestoShopper app to see if its mystery shopping jobs are worth your time. It is a real app with jobs in US and Canadian cities. Below is what I found, what readers report, and which sites I would pick first.
Tested by Mikael (EarnWithMike)Founder and lead testerMikael founded PaidFromSurveys in 2016 and has personally tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites since then. He shows his tests and payment proof to 555K+ subscribers on his YouTube channel, EarnWithMike. He checked PrestoShopper himself and does not earn a commission from it.Learn more about Mikael
A real mystery shopping app, with most jobs in US and Canadian cities
Jobs usually pay $10 to $30, with no payout threshold. Mostly in US and Canadian cities.
On this page
The short answer
PrestoShopper is a real mystery shopping app. You claim or apply for shops, do the job, submit what it asks for, and get paid after a review. Jobs usually pay $10 to $30, and there is no payout threshold.
Several readers report shops that were denied or not paid, and none of them wrote that they were paid. Most jobs are in US and Canadian cities. If you want to earn from home without spending money first, the top survey and GPT sites in your country are a better choice.
- Pays via PayPal
- No payout threshold
- You get reimbursed when a job asks you to make a purchase
- Apps for Android and iOS, without pop-up ads
- Several readers report denied or unpaid shops
- Limited earning opportunities outside big cities
- Mostly available in the US and Canada
- The various types of jobs can get a bit confusing at first
- Scammers send fake checks in PrestoShopper’s name
My experience with PrestoShopper
I checked out the PrestoShopper app and website, its three types of jobs, the payout options and the help desk. This is what I looked at, and what I did not test.
- First tested
- May 2022Review first published May 30, 2022
- Latest retest
- Checked: job types, payouts, support
- Job types
- Insta-Shops, MysteryShops, LiveShopsMarked with a blue, orange or green icon
- Pay per job
- Usually $10 to $30More for complicated jobs
- The app and the web-based platform
- Finding and claiming Insta-Shops, and applying for MysteryShops
- The payout options
- The Help Desk and the support ticket system
- LiveShops. I was not able to do this kind of job.
- A payout. My review does not show a payment from PrestoShopper.
My PrestoShopper test on video
I made a video that gives you an inside look and shows exactly how you can earn from PrestoShopper.
Screenshots from my test
PrestoShopper at a glance
| What it is | Mystery shopping app and web platform. It also shows jobs from partner mystery shopping companies. |
|---|---|
| Cost to join | Free |
| Ways to earn | Insta-Shops, MysteryShops and LiveShops |
| Pay per job | Usually $10 to $30. Higher for more complicated jobs. |
| Purchases | Reimbursed when a job asks you to make a purchase |
| Minimum cashout | None |
| Payout methods | PayPal for all members. Amazon gift card in the US and Canada, Tango gift card in the US. LiveShops pay in coupons or Amazon.com gift cards. |
| Apps | Android and iOS, no pop-up ads. There is also a web-based platform. |
| Where you can join | Anywhere, but most jobs are in US and Canadian cities. A few in other countries, like the UK. |
| Support | Help Desk with support tickets |
Is PrestoShopper legit and safe?
PrestoShopper is a real app with real jobs. Several readers report problems getting paid, and scammers use its name. Here is what you should know.
- Readers report denied shops and missing pay
From 2022 to 2025, readers told me about pay they were still waiting for, shops that were not paid, and shops that were denied after they did the work. One reader wrote that support did not help. None of the readers who commented wrote that they were paid.
- Scammers send fake checks in its name
Several readers got a check or money orders in the mail with a mystery shop letter from “PrestoShopper”. This is a classic mystery shopping scam. PrestoShopper will never ask you to use money orders, and it does not pay by check. If you did not sign up and do a job yourself, it is a scam.
- Miss one requirement and you are not paid
Every job comes with instructions. If you miss even one requirement, you do not get paid. Read them carefully before you start.
- Many jobs need a purchase first
Most Insta-Shops ask you to buy something and send a photo of the receipt. You are reimbursed after PrestoShopper approves your work, so you pay up front.
- Some jobs come from other companies
Many MysteryShops ask you to register on another mystery shopping platform. Read the job details to see which company runs it.
- Jobs depend on where you live
Most jobs are in metropolitan areas in the US and Canada. In a small town or outside these countries, you will find few jobs.
My takeThe app works, and if you live in a big city in the US or Canada, there are jobs. Several readers wrote that their shops were denied or not paid. If you only want to earn extra cash without having to go outside or spend money, I recommend the top survey and GPT sites in your country instead.
PrestoShopper jobs are mostly in big US and Canadian cities. The top sites in your country let you earn from home, without paying up front.
See the best alternativesHow you earn on PrestoShopper
There are 3 types of mystery shopping jobs. Each is marked with its own icon. Tap one to read more.
Insta-ShopsSelf-assigned
Insta-Shops are marked with a blue icon with the letter I. You claim a shop yourself and set the date and time you will do it. After that, no one else can claim it, unless you cannot do the job.
Most Insta-Shops ask you to make a purchase and then send a photo of the receipt or feedback about the staff. You submit everything in the app. If PrestoShopper approves it, you get paid and reimbursed for the purchase.
MysteryShopsApply first
MysteryShops are marked with an orange icon with the letter M. You have to apply for them. Most come from partner mystery shopping companies, and the job details link to the platform you have to register on.
If you get the spot, a scheduler emails you. You do the job at the set date and time and submit what it asks for. The company that offered the job reviews your work and pays you after approval. Purchases are reimbursed.
LiveShopsCoupon or gift card
LiveShops are marked with a green icon with the letter L. They are quick evaluations of a place where you already are, like a shop or a restaurant. You answer a few questions and maybe snap a photo.
It is the least common type of job. I was not able to do one. LiveShops pay a reward, not money: a coupon for that business or an Amazon.com gift card.
How much can you make?
As with all mystery shopping platforms, it mostly depends on where you live. In metropolitan cities, there are usually plenty of jobs.
A job usually pays $10 to $30, which is a decent rate, in my opinion. Some jobs pay more, but they involve more complicated tasks and requirements.
Keep in mind that you only get paid when your work is approved. Several readers wrote that their shops were denied or not paid.
Payout methods and minimum
| Method | Minimum | Who can use it |
|---|---|---|
| PayPal | None | All members, for Insta-Shops and MysteryShops |
| Amazon gift card | None | US and Canada |
| Tango gift card | None | US only |
| Coupon or Amazon.com gift card | None | Rewards for LiveShops |
Your pay goes to your PrestoShopper rewards wallet. With PayPal, you receive the payment as soon as PrestoShopper processes it. Sign up with the same email address as your PayPal account. For more sites that pay quickly, see the fastest paying sites.
What readers told me
This review has 28 comments since 2022: 16 from readers and 12 replies from me. These are the two things readers write about most.
Readers got checks or money orders in the mail with a mystery shop in PrestoShopper’s name. These are scams that misuse its name.
Readers wrote that they were still waiting on pay, that shops were not paid, or that shops were denied after the work was done.
“Ever since I complained about all the glitches in their system; they have been making up reasons to deny my shops.”
Mikael: Very sorry to hear that. But thanks for sharing your experiences.
“I made the mistake of going back thinking it might have been a one time deal Nope they didn’t pay again”
Mikael: Sorry to hear that. But thanks for sharing your experiences so others can see different experiences.
“I received a check in the mail from them is this a scam?”
Mikael: As far as I am aware, they do not pay via check. Be aware that there are many mystery shopping scams that misuse the names of real platforms…
PrestoShopper alternatives I have tested
| Site | Best for | Min. cashout | My rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| iShopFor Ipsos | Mystery shopping jobs with your expenses back, paid to PayPal | None | 3.1 / 5 |
| Second to None | Mystery shopping assignments from a company around since 1989 | None | 2.8 / 5 |
| Prime Opinion | Surveys from home, fast payouts | $5 or $10, by country | 4.6 / 5 |
| Swagbucks | Many daily ways to earn from home, one of the biggest GPT sites | About $5 PayPal | 4.3 / 5 |
| Freecash | Offers and games, next to surveys | $5 | 4.2 / 5 |
Want to earn without leaving your house or spending money? See the top survey and GPT sites in your country. You will find a site you can join wherever you live.
How I scored PrestoShopper
I use the same 100-point system for every platform. See how I test and rate.
PrestoShopper scores 50 out of 100. These sites are better options.
See the best alternativesPrestoShopper FAQ
Is PrestoShopper a scam?
No. PrestoShopper is a real mystery shopping app with real jobs. Several readers report shops that were denied or not paid, and none of the readers who commented wrote that they were paid.
I got a check from PrestoShopper. Is it real?
No. PrestoShopper does not pay by check and never asks you to buy money orders. Scammers misuse its name. If you did not sign up and do a job yourself, it is a scam.
How much does PrestoShopper pay per job?
Usually $10 to $30. Some jobs pay more, but they involve more complicated tasks.
What is the minimum payout?
There is none. With PayPal, you are paid as soon as PrestoShopper processes the payment.
How does PrestoShopper pay?
Through PayPal. In the US and Canada, you can also convert your earnings to an Amazon gift card, and in the US to a Tango gift card. LiveShops pay in coupons or Amazon.com gift cards.
Who can join PrestoShopper?
Anyone can sign up, but most jobs are in cities in the US and Canada. There are a few in other countries, like the UK.
Does PrestoShopper have an app?
Yes, for Android and iOS. There is also a web-based platform, but the app makes it easier to find jobs when you are out.
How do I contact PrestoShopper?
Through its Help Desk, where you can also submit a support ticket.
Who tested PrestoShopper for this review
Founder of PaidFromSurveys.com since 2016. Mikael has tested hundreds of survey and GPT sites and shares his tests with 555K+ subscribers on YouTube (October 2026).
If you have any comments, questions, or have any experiences with PrestoShopper yourself, I would love to hear from you in a comment below.
I have been mystery shopping for almost 20 years. I have a 10 rating out of 10 for about 30 different mystery shopping companies. I had zero problems until Presto took over many of my shops. I complained that there was no way to get assistance with a shop before time ran out to submit it. Ever since I complained about all the glitches in their system; they have been making up reasons to deny my shops. This has cost me over 50 hours of my time and losts of money.
Very sorry to hear that. But thanks for sharing your experiences.
This is my second review. I made the mistake of going back thinking it might have been a one time deal
Nope they didn’t pay again, do it is regular practice for pretoshop not to pay .
I am thinking of just filing with BBB and attorney general for fraud.
Sorry to hear that. But thanks for sharing your experiences so others can see different experiences.
You need to file. They are absolutely awful. I will be filing if they don’t pay me for the shops they are trying to deny me.
Presto shopper although comes off as legit they will do all they can not to pay you. If you want to work for free presto is the place to be.
Thanks for sharing your experiences and opinion.
I received 3 money orders totalling 2,490. Each
995.00 with Instrctions to deposit with my bank. Wait till they clear then purchase money orders and a book of stamps and to perform an inspection of a post office ? This is not legit I’m assuming it did however provide a #804.506.0361…prestomobilesurveys.com…the letter s header I’S PRESTO SHOPPER..
This is a classic mystery shopping scam that has nothing to do with PrestoShopper. Scammers just misuse the names and branding of legit companies. You can read more about how to spot mystery shopping scams here.
What is the best secret shopper company around that pays a decent rate and fairly fast or without a long wait period
You can see a list of the best secret shopper sites here.
If they’re not asking you to send money back to them after cashing the money orders what is the scam
PrestoShopper will never ask you to use money orders. But there are many scam sites that misuse the names of legit sites. You can read about mystery shopping scams here.
I received a check and it tells me to do money orders but it does not tell me where and does not explain how what do I have to do with the check??
Do NOT do this. This is NOT from Prestoshopper but from scammers using PrestoShopper’s name to scam you.
I went through something similar. Did it come with your letter indicating getting stamps from a postal office?
Not sure what you are referring to?
I just received a mystery shop in the mail from presto shopper with a check also asking me to buy money orders from the post office. After signing up on their website is this a scam?
This is likely someone misusing PrestoShopper’s name to do a classic mystery shopping scam. You will end up getting into trouble if you do this. If you have any doubt about a task, you can always contact their official support and check if it really is from them. Unfortunately, there are many scams that misuse the names of legit mystery shopping platforms.
Yup my son got the same letter
I received a check in the mail from them is this a scam?
As far as I am aware, they do not pay via check. Be aware that there are many mystery shopping scams that misuse the names of real platforms but have nothign to do with the actual platforms.
So first of all, did you actual do any tasks for them? If not and you still received a check, it is clearly one of the scammers misusing their name.
Hello I received a check also from presto shopper for a mystery shopper task not sure how to understand and figure out if this is legit or not why would they send me a check up front they don’t even know me?
If you did not sign up yourself, it is a fake check and not really from PrestoShopper. Unfortunately, it is a known scam that some people misuse the names of legit mystery shopping platforms and send fake checks that will end up scamming you. It has nothing to do with PrestoShopper but their name is just being misused. But, in general, if you received a check from a platform like this upfront and withiout having signed up for anything yourself, you can assume it is a scam.
I also received a check to do some money orders but it does not give to much information it just says how many money orders I have to do
My son did too. And when I told them the check is fake. I was call stupid smh.
I’m still waiting on pay I was owed this morning and never received. No help from support
Sorry to hear that, but thanks for sharing. Let me know if you hear back from them.