Finding the best mystery shopping companies is harder than it looks. Over 450 companies operate worldwide, but not all of them pay on time, treat shoppers fairly, or offer enough work to make the time worth it.
The companies on this list share a few things in common. They belong to MSPA Americas — the industry’s primary trade group. They have strong Better Business Bureau ratings. They’re free to join. And they have track records of paying shoppers on time. Most pay between $7 and $150 per shop depending on depth.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow your roster of companies, this guide covers 19 real mystery shopping companies worth your time — including the best picks for beginners, higher-paying options for skilled shoppers, and the top choices for Canadian mystery shoppers.
| Company | Best For | Pay Range | Payment Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Market Force | Beginners, restaurants | $7–$22 + reimbursement | 20th of next month |
| Ipsos | Beginners, global | Varies by shop | After report review |
| IntelliShop | Beginners, training | $10–$25 | 15th of month |
| Secret Shopper | Beginners | $10–$30 + reimbursement | Monthly |
| Intouch Insight | Skilled shoppers, fast pay | Varies by shop | 15th & last day of month |
| Coyle Hospitality | Luxury, skilled shoppers | $65–$395 | Last week of next month |
| BestMark | Cars, apartments | $5–$35 + reimbursement | 4–6 weeks after completion |
| Second To None | Skilled shoppers | $10–$50+ | Monthly |
| TrendSource | Fast pay, variety | $5–$100+ | Twice monthly |
| Confero | Phone assignments | $10–$75+ | 10th–15th, second month |
| Reality Based Group | Video mystery shopping | $100–$150+ | Varies |
| Ellis (EPMS) | Apartment shops | $30 + rush bonuses | 22nd of month |
| A Closer Look | Fine dining, hotels | Varies, up to $100+ | Fridays (e-pay) |
| BARE International | International travel | Varies | Varies |
What Makes Mystery Shopping Companies Legitimate
Mystery shopping companies hire contract workers to assess customer service by posing as regular customers and submitting structured reports on what they observed. The best mystery shopping companies operate clearly and follow industry standards set by MSPA Americas.
Real companies have a few things in common that make them easy to spot. They never charge signup fees. They don’t send payments before you’ve completed work. They don’t ask you to wire money or purchase gift cards as part of any assignment.
Industry Standards
All trusted mystery shopping companies belong to MSPA Americas, the industry’s primary trade group since 1998. MSPA sets ethical guidelines that member companies agree to follow. You can verify any company’s membership at mspa-americas.org before signing up.
Real mystery shopping companies pay a base fee of $10 to $40 for standard shops, plus repayment for required purchases. Most pay monthly via PayPal or direct deposit, typically 14 to 60 days after shop completion. Payment cycles vary by company — always check before accepting an assignment.
Realistic Earnings
Part-time mystery shoppers working with multiple companies typically earn $5,000 to $10,000 per year. This is side income, not a salary replacement. Anyone claiming you can earn $500 to $4,000 per week for easy assignments is running a scam. For a full breakdown of honest mystery shopper income by experience level, see our secret shopper pay guide.
Best Mystery Shopping Companies for New Shoppers
If you’re just getting started, these five companies offer clear onboarding, open assignments, and steady payment. They’re where most skilled mystery shoppers began their careers.
Market Force Information
Market Force is the most common starting point for new mystery shoppers. With over 600,000 trained shoppers and more than 100,000 shops completed monthly, they have the volume to keep most shoppers busy. Their assignment types span restaurants, retail stores, movie theaters, and banks across the US, Canada, and UK.
Their “Eyes On” app makes it easy to find open assignments, review guidelines, and submit reports from your phone. Restaurant shops typically pay $10 to $22 plus $17 to $25 in meal repayment. Note that MCI acquired Market Force in March 2024, but the shopper-facing experience remains unchanged.
Ipsos (iShopFor Ipsos)
Ipsos is the world’s largest mystery shopping company, running shops in 180+ countries with over one million shoppers. They’ve won the MSPA Shopper’s Choice Award six straight times — the clearest signal in the industry that shoppers truly like working with them.
Ipsos acquired MaritzCX’s mystery shopping division in January 2020. Their “iShopFor Ipsos NEXT” app walks new shoppers through their first shops with step-by-step guidance, making it one of the easier platforms for people who are brand new to the work.
Shoppers’ View
This Michigan-based company has been running mystery shopping programs for 25+ years and openly welcomes new shoppers with no prior experience. Their assignment mix covers in-store visits, restaurant shops, phone calls, and video assignments across the US and Canada.
Their phone mystery shopping program is worth noting — it lets you complete shops from home, which is useful if you don’t have a car. Shoppers’ View pays twice monthly: shops done the 1st through 15th pay at month’s end; shops from the 16th through 31st pay on the 15th of the following month.
IntelliShop
IntelliShop has earned 11 MSPA Awards and keeps active shopper support through their “Shopper Hub” training platform and a dedicated support phone line (419.931.8069) — hard to find in an industry that rarely offers live support. They cover 18,000+ cities across the US and Canada with a shopper network of over one million.
Their assignment rating system directly affects which options you can access. Strong early ratings open doors to better-paying and more complex assignments over time, making IntelliShop a good long-term pick even if early earnings are modest.
Secret Shopper
Running since 1990 with an A+ BBB rating and MSPA membership, Secret Shopper is one of the most established companies in the industry. Their signup process is easy, and they’re a suggested starting point for new shoppers.
One thing to know before you sign up: their paper check system has drawn complaints — checks get lost, and replacement fees run $15 to $40. Select PayPal or direct deposit when setting up your payment method. This applies to most mystery shopping companies but is worth noting here.
Best Mystery Shopping Companies for Skilled Shoppers
Once you’ve built your performance ratings and want to pursue higher-paying, more complex assignment types, these companies offer the best options.
Intouch Insight
Intouch Insight stands out for two reasons: payment speed and platform breadth. Based in Ottawa, Canada with 40+ years in the business, they pay twice monthly — on the 15th and the last day of each month — faster than almost any other company in the industry. Their shopper network exceeds one million following their 2021 purchase of SeeLevel HX.
Their iSecretShop platform lists assignments from multiple providers, which means signing up with Intouch Insight gives you access to options from other companies as well. Assignment types cover dining, gas stations, convenience stores, grocery, retail, and hotels.
Coyle Hospitality Group
Coyle is the top mystery shopping company for luxury hotel and dining visits. Their assignment mix covers high-end hotels, spas, fine dining restaurants, and cruise lines across 70+ countries. Pay ranges from $65 to $395 per shop — far above industry averages for standard shops.
New shoppers should start with assignments that don’t require big upfront spending until you learn what Coyle calls “the Coyle Way” — their specific review approach and reporting standards. Once you’ve built a track record with them, the assignment quality and pay are among the best found anywhere in mystery shopping.
BestMark
Founded in 1986, BestMark is one of the industry’s oldest companies with 600,000+ shoppers across the US and Canada. Their specialty assignments — apartments, car dealerships, banks, casinos, and hotels — tend to pay better than standard retail or restaurant shops and suit skilled shoppers looking for more complex work.
Payment note: Some shoppers reported late payments in 2024. Track your completed assignments and follow up directly with BestMark if payment hasn’t arrived within their stated window.
Second To None
This Ann Arbor-based company has kept an A+ BBB rating for 35 years and works with major brands including Chipotle, Krispy Kreme, Kroger, Xfinity, and Citibank across the US and Canada. Their shopper network exceeds 700,000.
One notable perk for skilled shoppers: long-tenured contractors can self-select assignments rather than waiting for scheduler approval — a real time saver compared to companies that require you to apply for each option. They’re part of the CX Group network, which grows their client roster.
TrendSource
TrendSource was one of MSPA’s founding members when the group launched in 1989. Their 300,000+ field agents work across the US, Canada, Caribbean, and UK. Like Intouch Insight, they pay twice monthly — which sets them apart from the bulk of companies that pay monthly.
TrendSource’s assignment mix goes beyond standard mystery shopping to include retail compliance audits, business checks, exit interviews, and shop-alongs. This mix gives skilled shoppers more ways to fill their schedule and keep income steady.
Confero Inc.
This North Carolina company earned a big honor in 2024 when the U.S. Chamber of Commerce named them America’s Top Small Business. Founded in 1986, they work with major brands including AMC, Coca-Cola, Staples, and Jiffy Lube. Confero is also an MSPA founding board member.
Their phone review program is one of the stronger remote options in the industry — all calls are recorded, making the report process more clear-cut than in-person shops. One firm policy worth knowing: Confero states clearly that they never send paper checks. Any check claiming to be from Confero is fraudulent.
Specialty Mystery Shopping Companies
Some of the best mystery shopping companies focus on a single industry or assignment type. These specialists often pay more and require specific skills or equipment, but they represent some of the highest-earning options in the field.
Apartment and Residential Shops
Ellis (EPMS) is the top company in apartment mystery shopping, completing 8,000+ shops monthly across the US. They only assess apartment leasing offices, which means their schedulers develop deep skill in matching shoppers to assignments. Standard shops pay around $30, with rush bonuses of $25 to $100 open when deadlines approach. Payment arrives on the 22nd of each month via direct deposit.
Fine Dining and Hotels
A Closer Look focuses on upscale restaurant, hotel, and senior living visits with a shopper network of 160,000+. High-end dining shops can pay over $100 for skilled shoppers. If you sign up with A Closer Look, select online payment — their paper check option adds 14+ days to your payment timeline compared to their Friday e-pay schedule.
Video Mystery Shopping
Reality Based Group (RBG) pioneered video mystery shopping with their custom GameFilm® approach. They work with major brands including Nike, Four Seasons Hotels, Ferrari, and 7-Eleven, and were one of MSPA’s four founding companies. Video shops for home builders and car dealerships typically pay $100 to $150 or more. This type of assignment requires special recording equipment and MSPA video cert — see our MSPA cert guide for details on the video cert process.
International Mystery Shopping
BARE International runs shops in 165+ countries, making them the natural choice for shoppers who travel abroad or want access to assignments outside North America. They hold ISO certification and won the MSPA Shopper’s Choice Award in 2019. Age rules vary by country — 21+ in the US, 18+ elsewhere.
Best Mystery Shopping Companies in Canada
Canadian mystery shoppers have two options: major US companies with strong Canadian coverage, and Canada-only companies that focus on the Canadian market.
US Companies with Strong Canadian Coverage
- Market Force Information — Full Canadian coverage with local offices (read our review)
- TrendSource — Canada-wide coverage; PayPal payment for Canadian shoppers
- BestMark — 600,000+ shoppers include Canada (read our review)
- Intouch Insight — Based in Ontario; runs iSecretShop (read our review)
- Ipsos — Global coverage includes all Canadian provinces (read our review)
- A Closer Look — US and Canada for hotel and restaurant visits (read our review)
Canada-Only Companies
Shoppers Confidential (Toronto) covers stores, restaurants, hotels, and car services across Canada. You’ll need strong English, a smartphone with GPS, and a PayPal account for monthly payment. They belong to MSPA and hold a BBB rating.
Lanla (Quebec) runs one of Canada’s largest mystery shopping networks with 200,000+ shoppers. They cover transit, real estate, and financial services. Pay ranges from $10 to $40 per shop, with twice-monthly direct deposit payment.
Spot Check Services (Regina, Saskatchewan) runs coast to coast in Canada, covering restaurants, salons, gas stations, hotels, and retail.
Field Agent Canada pays via Interac e-Transfer every Tuesday and allows cashout from $15. This makes them one of the faster payment options for Canadian shoppers.
How to Spot Fraudulent Mystery Shopping Schemes
Mystery shopping scams cost victims thousands of dollars every year. The most common scheme works like this: you receive a random check for $2,000 to $4,000. You’re told to deposit it, keep a portion as payment, and wire the rest. The check bounces days later. You owe your bank the full amount while the scammer has already pulled the funds. This is check fraud, and it’s common in the mystery shopping space.
Red Flags That Indicate a Scam
- Payment arrives before you’ve completed any work
- Instructions to wire money via Western Union or MoneyGram
- Instructions to purchase gift cards and share the PIN numbers
- Random contact via phone, text, or email about mystery shopping options
- Contact coming from a free email service (Gmail, Yahoo, AOL)
- Claims of $500 to $4,000 earnings for simple, easy tasks
- Pressure to respond or act right away
What Real Mystery Shopping Companies Do
Always free to join. No real mystery shopping company charges signup fees, access fees, or cert costs before you can see open assignments.
MSPA membership. Verify any company at mspa-americas.org. MSPA membership is the clearest signal that a company runs by the rules.
Company domain email. All real contact comes from @companyname.com, never from free email services.
You work first, then get paid. No exceptions. Payment always follows completed, approved work.
Honest pay rates. Expect $10 to $40 per standard shop — not thousands per week.
Formal signup process. Real companies use multi-step signups, skills assessments, and W-9 tax forms.
BBB Ratings for Top Mystery Shopping Companies
| Company | BBB Rating | MSPA Member |
|---|---|---|
| Market Force | A+ | Yes |
| IntelliShop | A+ | Yes |
| BestMark | A+ | Yes — Elite Member |
| Secret Shopper | A+ | Yes |
| A Closer Look | A+ | Yes |
| Confero | A+ | Yes — Founding Board Member |
| Second To None | A+ | Yes |
Warning: Elite CXS received a BBB Alert in August 2024 following numerous shopper complaints about unpaid shops. Avoid this company.
Which Mystery Shopping Companies Pay Most Reliably
A company’s track record matters as much as their pay rates. Here’s how the top companies compare on timing and consistency.
Fastest Payment Turnaround
Intouch Insight pays on the 15th and last day of each month — twice monthly, which is far faster than the monthly standard. (read our review)
TrendSource also pays twice monthly, making them the other top choice if payment speed is a focus for you.
RQA may process payment the day after shop completion for shoppers with direct deposit set up — among the fastest in the industry.
Reliable Monthly Payers
IntelliShop pays on the 15th of each month with few reported delays. (read our review)
Market Force pays on the 20th of the following month and sticks to their schedule. (read our review)
Companies with Recent Payment Issues
BestMark and A Closer Look received shopper complaints about late payments in 2024–2025. Both remain on this list because of their overall track records, but track your shops carefully and follow up if payment doesn’t arrive on time.
Secret Shopper’s paper check option keeps drawing complaints about lost checks and $15 to $40 replacement fees. Always select online payment.
Getting the Most Out of Mystery Shopping
The shoppers who earn the most don’t just sign up with one company and wait for assignments to appear. They build a clear approach across multiple companies.
Starting Out
Build your ratings before pursuing complex assignments. Start with basic retail visits, fast food shops, and store checks. Most companies expect reports within 24 hours of shop completion — missing that window or submitting incomplete reports hurts your ratings and limits future assignment access.
Maximizing Earnings
Read all assignment guidelines before accepting, not just the pay rate. Keep all receipts. Take required photos before consuming or using any purchased items. Target these assignment types once you have solid ratings:
- Apartment community shops: $30–$75
- Video mystery shopping: $100–$150
- Luxury hotel visits: $65–$395
These require a track record and in some cases special equipment or a cert. Build toward them rather than applying before you’re ready.
Building Your Career
Consider pursuing MSPA cert once you’ve completed 20 to 30 shops and know which assignment types you want to focus on. The Silver cert costs $55 and shows real commitment to companies reviewing your shopper profile. Our full breakdown: Is MSPA Certification Worth It?
Mystery shopping rewards shoppers who treat it like a business. Submit reports on time. Keep your ratings high. Work with multiple companies. You’ll find that access to better-paying, more fun assignments grows steadily as your track record builds.
If you’re brand new: Start with Market Force, Ipsos, and IntelliShop. These three offer strong onboarding, open assignments, and steady payment.
If you’re building experience: Add Shoppers’ View and Secret Shopper to grow your open assignment pool without overwhelming your schedule.
If you want higher pay: After building solid ratings, add Intouch Insight, Coyle Hospitality, Reality Based Group, and Ellis. These offer the best pay for complex shops.
If payment speed matters: Focus on Intouch Insight and TrendSource — both pay twice monthly.
If you’re in Canada: Focus on Market Force, TrendSource, Intouch Insight, and Canada-only companies like Shoppers Confidential and Field Agent Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many mystery shopping companies should I sign up with?
Most skilled shoppers work with 10 to 20 companies at once. Starting with 5 to 7 is a good goal for new shoppers. More companies means more open assignments in your area and protection against slow periods at any single company.
Do I need a car to do mystery shopping?
Not always. Many companies offer phone reviews, online assignments, and video mystery shopping you can do from home. Companies like Shoppers’ View and Confero focus on remote work. That said, having a car greatly expands your open assignment pool — mainly for restaurant and retail shops.
Can I do mystery shopping as a full-time job?
Very few mystery shoppers earn a full-time income from it. Most treat it as side income. The honest range for active part-time shoppers is $5,000 to $10,000 per year working with multiple companies. A small group of highly skilled shoppers pursuing premium shops earn much more, but they represent a small share of the shopper pool.
How long does it take to get paid after completing a shop?
It depends on the company. Intouch Insight and TrendSource pay twice monthly, so your wait is typically two weeks or less. Most companies pay monthly — 14 to 45 days after completion. Confero pays on the 10th to 15th of the second month after the shop, which can mean up to 75 days. Always check payment timing before accepting assignments.
Will mystery shopping income affect my taxes?
Yes. Mystery shopping earnings are self-employment income. You’ll owe self-employment tax in addition to regular income tax. Track business expenses — mileage, required purchases, and a portion of your phone bill may be deductible. See our mystery shopper tax deductions guide for a full breakdown.
Is MSPA certification worth it?
For shoppers in it for the long term, yes. MSPA cert doesn’t guarantee better assignments right away, but some companies give certified shoppers first access to premium options. The Silver level costs $55. Our full take: Is MSPA Certification Worth It?
What happens if my report gets rejected?
Rejections are common early on. Typical reasons include missing photos, late submission, or incomplete responses. Most companies won’t pay for rejected shops. Some allow you to fix minor issues and resubmit. Your performance rating takes a hit with each rejection, which affects access to future assignments. Re-read the guidelines before every submission.
Can I bring someone with me on a mystery shop?
Sometimes. Restaurant shops often require a dining companion as part of the assignment. Other shops require you to arrive and assess alone. Read the guidelines for each specific assignment carefully — bringing an uncleared companion can result in rejection and may affect your standing with the company.