How scanning a barcode works
What happens when you scan a product, and what we do with it.
What scanning does
Point your camera at a product's barcode on the scan page. We look the barcode up in our catalog and show the same product from the stores we compare, so you can see whether it is cheaper somewhere else.
If we do not find it
Not every barcode is in our catalog yet. If a scan finds nothing, search the product by name, or try a barcode on another size or pack. Each product we do not know about helps us see what to add next.
Where rewards fit in
Where a scan leads to an offer that pays cash back, the rate is shown the same way as everywhere else on ShoppingAds. How that cash back is paid is explained in our cash back guide.
More guides
Last reviewed December 30, 2026. Prices, rates and rules can change. The store's own terms always apply.