ShopRunner Review [2025]: Incredible Savings for Frequent Online Shoppers

Do you love online shopping? If so, one easy way to save on your shopping and make your dollars go farther is by joining ShopRunner.

While it normally costs money to join ShopRunner, it might be worth the cost if you frequently buy at ShopRunner partners. That's because ShopRunner provides free two-day shipping on orders as well as free return shipping. So if you don't want to have to pay to receive items quickly or to send back unwanted items, a ShopRunner membership may perfect for you.

What is ShopRunner?

ShopRunner is a membership program that was founded in 2010 and is now used by an estimated three million consumers annually. And while the company's B- rating from the Better Business Bureau may be a cause for concern, it has had just two consumer complaints closed in the past year.

It costs $79 annually to join ShopRunner, unless you get a free membership as a cardholder perk with your credit card. When you're a ShopRunner member, you can shop with a long list of 100+ online retailers, including American Eagle Outfitters, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and other well-known brands.

You'll get free two-day shipping on purchases and free returns at partner retailers simply by checking out using the ShopRunner link on the retailer's website. You can also use ShopRunner's District App, which is a mobile marketplace that allows you to add items from multiple partner retailers and check out only once while taking advantage of free shipping.

How does ShopRunner Work?

To use ShopRunner, you must first become a member. You can sign up for a free trial membership by providing your email as well as optional details about where you shop, what you shop for, and your age.

If you want to continue using ShopRunner beyond the first month, you'll have to become a paying member. Once you're a member, your membership will renew automatically after the first year unless you decide to cancel it.

When you choose to become a member, ShopRunner also allows you to check if you own a participating credit card that can help you score a free membership. Just choose "check to see if I'm eligible."

After becoming a ShopRunner member, you can shop with participating retailers directly through the ShopRunner website or by downloading the District app.

On each retail partner's website, you'll want to look out for the ShopRunner logo. You'll see it on items that are eligible for free shipping or as an option that comes up at checkout.

To access ShopRunner perks, you'll need to select ShopRunner checkout, sign into your ShopRunner account, and confirm your shipping information and payment details.

Specific policies vary by retailer, but many have minimum order requirements to qualify for free two-day shipping. Read each retailer's terms carefully so you'll know what to expect. Also pay attention to return policies, as you'll need to make sure you return items within the retailer's allowable window of time to take advantage of ShopRunner's free returns.

The best credit card to use with ShopRunner

Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^®

The Citi^® / AAdvantage^® Platinum Select^® World Elite Mastercard^® comes with a free ShopRunner membership and a whole lot of other perks for frequent travelers. Key features of this card include:

• The chance to earn 2 AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and on eligible American Airlines purchases; and 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
• Earn 50,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $2,500 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening
• A $125 discount on American Airlines flights after you spend $20,000 or more on purchases during one year as a cardmember and after you renew your card the following year
• Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
• A free checked bag for you and up to four companions on domestic American Airlines flights 
• 25% savings on eligible in-flight American Airlines food and beverage purchases
  

Read our full Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard review.

FAQs about ShopRunner

The final word on ShopRunner

If you're trying to figure out how to save money, then signing up for ShopRunner might be a no-brainer — especially if you can get a free membership through your credit card issuer or via PayPal or Yahoo.

If you need to pay the $79 annual membership fee, make sure you'll shop frequently enough at participating partner retailers to make the fee worth it. Also, check each retailer's shipping policies to find out if you'll meet minimum order requirements and take advantage of the free two-day shipping ShopRunner offers.

If you shop online often, you may decide paying the fee is worth it — or you can sign up for a credit card that provides a free ShopRunner membership as a perk. These cards have other advantages too, so applying for one may be the best way to maximize your savings on your online purchases. 

Saving money, taking advantage of the right financial products, and using budgeting apps could be the first steps toward getting a handle on how to manage your money.