Looking for a simple, flexible way to earn extra cash without committing to a traditional job? Mystery shopping might be exactly what you need.
From getting paid to dine out to evaluating retail stores, mystery shopping lets you turn everyday experiences into income. While it may not fully replace a 9–5 job, many people consistently earn side income—and some even scale it into a steady earning stream.
In this guide, you’ll discover 11 of the best mystery shopping companies to join, including options for both in-store and phone-based assignments—perfect whether you prefer going out or working from home.
What Is Mystery Shopping (And Why So Many People Are Doing It)?
A mystery shopper—sometimes called a customer evaluator—is hired to assess the quality of service at businesses. Your job is simple: act like a regular customer and report your experience.
Companies rely on this feedback to improve their service, and they’re willing to pay for honest, detailed insights.
Why Mystery Shopping Is So Popular Right Now?
✔️ Flexible work on your own schedule
✔️ Get paid for everyday activities (shopping, dining, travel)
✔️ No advanced skills required
✔️ Opportunities for both in-person and remote (phone/email) tasks
Important Things You Should Know Before You Start
Before jumping in, here are some key realities that will help you succeed:
•It’s All About Customer Experience
Your role is to carefully observe and report how businesses treat their customers—from service quality to cleanliness and professionalism.
•Jobs Fill Fast
Most mystery shopping assignments are posted on job boards and taken quickly. The sooner you apply, the better your chances.
•It’s Not a Full-Time Income (For Most)
While you can earn regularly, this is best treated as a side hustle, not a primary job.
•You Can Get Paid for Everyday Activities
Imagine getting paid to:
Shop for groceries
Eat at restaurants
Stay in hotels
Visit entertainment venues
Yes—it’s as interesting as it sounds.
•Instructions Must Be Followed Exactly
Each assignment comes with specific guidelines. Missing details can result in not getting paid, so accuracy matters.
•Work Isn’t Always Consistent
That’s why experienced shoppers sign up with multiple companies to increase opportunities.
•You’re an Independent Contractor
You’re not an employee, which means:
No fixed salary
No tax deductions upfront
Full control over your workload
•Watch Out for Scams
Legitimate companies:
❌ Never charge a joining fee
❌ Never ask for sensitive info upfront
✔️ Often display an MSPA (Mystery Shopping Professionals Association) affiliation
If a company asks you to pay to join—it’s a red flag.
•Payments & Reimbursements
Most companies:
Pay monthly
Reimburse required purchases (like meals or products)
Pay you extra for completing the evaluation
•Keep Your Receipts
Always save proof of purchase—you’ll often need it to get reimbursed.
In-Store vs. Telephone Mystery Shopping
Not a fan of going out? No problem.
Many companies now offer phone-based mystery shopping, where you evaluate customer service by making calls from home. It’s a great alternative if you prefer remote work.
Is Mystery Shopping Worth It?
If you’re looking for:
Flexible side income
Low-stress earning opportunities
A fun way to monetize everyday activities
Then mystery shopping is definitely worth trying.
The Very Best Mystery Shopping Companies To Join
Ready to get started? Below are some of the most trusted and beginner-friendly mystery shopping companies that consistently offer paid opportunities.
(You can list your 11 companies here for maximum SEO impact.)
•Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight is a well-established mystery shopping company that provides paid opportunities for individuals to evaluate customer experiences across various industries.
Founded in 1992, the company operates in both the U.S. and Canada and has earned recognition as an Elite Member of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association (MSPA) for 2025.
Shoppers can expect to earn between $10 and $200 per assignment, with available work spanning sectors such as restaurants, retail, financial services, automotive, and more.
•A Closer Look
A Closer Look has lots of retail, restaurant, grocery store, and hotel shops. Great for if you enjoy stays away from home and wouldn't mind a free meal on occasion!
All shops you complete during the month will be paid the next month with a paper check mailed to you.
To register with A Closer Look, you must be at least 18 years old and a resident of the US or Canada. A brief writing sample is also required as part of your application. This is pretty typical, so don't be alarmed.
•Second to None
Second to None has been in business for over 30 years, and they have an A+ rating with the BBB.
You can sign up as a shopper for Second to None as long as you are a resident of the US or Canada.
Second to None pays every month for any mystery shopping job completed via direct deposit or Paypal.
•Amusement Advantage
Amusement Advantage is known for amusement park shops! So if you and your family really enjoy visiting theme parks, this is one you should sign up for!
You can register as a shopper for Amusement Advantage as long as you are a resident of the US or Canada.
Amusement Advantage has a few different ways they pay. You can use Pay Quicker to get paid in 10-17 days after the shop, Paypal to get paid in 20-21 days after your shop, or you can get an old-fashioned paper check and get paid in 45-60 days.
There is also a referral program with this company, so if you know other shoppers who may want to do this, you'll get $10 if they sign up, too, using your link.
•BestMark
This is another very reputable, well-known mystery shopping company. Best Mark has been featured on Oprah and they have a great BBB rating.
You can sign up as long as you are at least 18 years old, and payments are made for any mystery shopping assignment you've done via either Paypal, direct deposit, or gift cards.
•Confero
Confero is open to shoppers in the US, Mexico, and various locations in Canada, including Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec.
Confero pays via Paypal. This is the only method of payment they offer currently.
•GBW
You can sign up as a mystery shopper for GBW from anywhere in the world.
Within 4 to 6 weeks after completing a shop, you'll be paid via electronic funds transfer to your bank account.
•Market Force
Market Force is one of the most popular companies on our top mystery shopping companies list. They tend to have several shops involving places you may go regularly, like retail stores, fast food, and gas stations.
They have an app that you can download once you've signed up as a shopper that makes the whole process very easy once you begin completing jobs.
•Secret Shopper
Secret Shopper is open to multiple companies. Most of the shops pay between $15 and $25, although as always this will depend on a variety of factors.
You must be at least 18 years old to sign up with Secret Shopper.
Secret Shopper pays with a paper check mailed to you if you are in the US. If you're outside the US, payments are made via Paypal.
•About Face
About Face is more than 20 years old and works with leading brands across North America.
The amount you will earn for each shop you do varies, but most of them pay between $25 and $45 dollars.
You will be paid to your Paypal account 30 – 45 days after you've completed your shop.
•BARE
BARE is an international company, so you may be able to sign up from anywhere in the world.
If you are in the US, you must be at least 21 to join. If you are outside the US, you can sign up as long as you are at least 18.
BARE pays via Tipalti on the 18th of the month following the month you did your shop. They do not disclose how much you earn because it varies depending on the length and complexity of each shop.
Phone Mystery Shopping Companies
Companies offering phone mystery shops might provide better gigs for you if you would prefer not to leave the house, but do like the idea of mystery shopping in general.
This is not work like you'd do for work at home call centers. It is all cold calling, but the person on the other end of the line isn't likely to get annoyed because you will be posing as a potential customer.
The companies listed below either specialize in phone mystery shops, or they offer them in addition to in-person mystery shops.
•ARC
ARC has occasional openings for telephone mystery shops. They do have shops open outside the US, so you are encouraged to apply from countries outside North America as well.
Payments are made via Paypal for shops you've completed.
You can use any sort of phone you want to complete the shops.
•Perception Strategies
This company frequently has in-person and also phone shops involving the healthcare industry. You may be calling doctor's offices and clinics to gain and verify information.
This opportunity appears to be only open to US residents.
•Yardi-Matrix
As a shopper for Yardi-Matrix, you earn money by calling apartment complexes and gathering information. This is a seasonal, six weeks at a time job.
According to Yardi-Matrix regarding pay, “Surveyors will be paid $6 per hour and a piece rate of $.50 for surveys marked Done, $.30 for surveys marked Wrong Number, $.20 for surveys marked Part-Done, and $.07 for surveys marked Answering Machine or No Answer. You will receive at least minimum wage in your jurisdiction for all hours worked; however, you can earn more depending on your speed and efficiency.”
Mystery Shopping Scams – What to Look Out For?
While the companies listed above are all carefully researched and legit, there are MANY scams out there.
The easiest way to spot a mystery shopping scam is to check for a few things:
Are they asking you to pay a fee to join? Scam.
Are they asking you to deposit a check and then transfer funds to another account? Scam.
Is the shop for Western Union or some other banking institution that specializes in international transfers? Likely a scam.
Also, some scammers will even pose as legit mystery shopping companies, using their logos and pretending to be them just to confuse you more.
🔥 Is Mystery Shopping Worth It?
If you’re looking for: ✔️ Flexible side income
✔️ A fun way to earn
✔️ Low-entry opportunities
Then yes—it’s absolutely worth trying.
Just don’t rely on one company.
👉 Smart shoppers sign up for multiple platforms to increase opportunities.
💬 Let’s Make It Fun…
If you could get paid to shop anywhere in the world… 🌍
Where would you go first?
Drop your answer below 👇
👉 https://buymeacoffee.com/Kabir1989
🌟 Final Thought
Mystery shopping isn’t just about money.
It’s about turning everyday experiences into opportunities—
seeing the world a little differently… and getting rewarded for it.
Thank you and good luck to you!
