Earning gift cards through various apps is an easy solution every time. Whether you want to earn rewards for shopping, playing games, or sharing your opinion, numerous apps turn your daily activities into valuable gift cards.
We have researched hundreds of apps and their usage to provide a short list with authentic reviews. Let’s dive right in!
Best Apps to Earn Gift Cards- At A Glance
Platform | Best For | Minimum Redemption | Usage |
Swagbucks | A variety of online activities | $3 | Website and mobile app |
Survey Junkie | Earning through surveys | $10 | Website and mobile app |
Shopkick | In-store and online activities | $5 (varies by gift card) | Mobile app |
InboxDollars | Multiple earning opportunities | $30 | Website and mobile app |
Branded Surveys | Straightforward surveys | $5 (varies by reward) | Website and mobile app |
MyPoints | Diverse online activities | $5 (varies by reward) | Website and mobile app |
Rakuten | Online shopping cashback | $5 | Website and mobile app |
Fetch Rewards | Scanning receipts | $3 | Mobile app |
Ibotta | Online and in-store cashback | $20 | Website and mobile app |
Mistplay | Playing mobile games | $5 (1,500 units) | Mobile app (Android only) |
10 Best Apps to Earn Gift Cards
So, here are all the details regarding the top 10 apps that reward you with gift cards for your time and efforts.
1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular platform where you can easily earn points (SBs) by engaging in various online activities. These activities include answering surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and playing games.
Once you accumulate enough SBs, you can exchange them for gift cards to various retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks. The platform is accessible through both its website and mobile app, making it convenient for users to earn rewards on the go.
Pros:
- Variety of Earning Methods: Swagbucks offers numerous ways to earn SBs, from surveys and videos to shopping and playing games. This variety ensures that users can find activities that suit their interests and schedules.
- Low Minimum Redemption: You can redeem gift cards for as little as $3, allowing quick rewards.
- Frequent Special Offers: The platform regularly features special offers that can significantly boost your SB earnings, sometimes offering thousands of SBs for specific tasks.
- Trusted Platform: Swagbucks has been around for over a decade and has a strong reputation, with positive reviews and ratings on sites like Trustpilot.
Cons:
- Low Payouts for Some Tasks: While there are many ways to earn SBs, some activities offer relatively low rewards, discouraging users looking to earn quickly.
- Tracking Issues: Occasionally, Swagbucks may have issues tracking your purchases or activities, which can result in not receiving the expected rewards.
2. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a well-known online survey platform that rewards users for sharing their opinions. You earn virtual points by completing surveys on various topics, such as product feedback, brand preferences, and lifestyle habits.
These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal. The platform is accessible via desktop and mobile devices, making it convenient to participate in surveys wherever you are.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Survey Junkie is easy to use and navigate, making it simple to start earning rewards. The platform is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices.
- High Survey Availability: Numerous surveys are available on various topics, which increases your chances of earning points.
- Good Mobile App Ratings: The Survey Junkie app has high ratings on both the App Store and Google Play, indicating a positive user experience.
- Decent Payouts for Surveys: While not all surveys pay significantly, some can offer up to $50, providing good value for your time.
Cons:
- Limited High-Paying Surveys: Although some surveys offer higher payouts, most surveys pay only a few dollars, which might not be worth the time for some users.
- Time-Consuming: Some surveys can be lengthy and time-consuming, especially compared to the rewards offered.
- Repetitive Surveys: The topics of the surveys can sometimes feel repetitive, which might reduce your overall interest in participating regularly.
3. Shopkick

Shopkick is a unique cash-back app that rewards users with points, known as “Kicks,” for both in-store and online activities.
Unlike typical cash-back apps, which primarily focus on purchases, Shopkick allows you to earn Kicks by simply visiting participating stores, scanning barcodes of select products, and even walking into stores. The app uses your GPS to notify you of opportunities to earn Kicks nearby.
These Kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Walmart, Amazon, Target, and more.
Pros:
- Multiple Earning Methods: Shopkick offers various ways to earn Kicks, including walking into stores, scanning products, making purchases, and watching videos. This variety makes it easy to accumulate points.
- No Purchase Necessary: You can earn Kicks without spending any money simply by visiting stores and scanning items. This feature is great for users who want to earn rewards without purchasing.
- Wide Range of Gift Card Options: Shopkick partners with many popular retailers, providing users with numerous options for redeeming their Kicks.
- Fun and Engaging: The app turns shopping into a game, making it an enjoyable way to earn rewards.
Cons:
- Requires GPS and Mobile Data: To maximise earning opportunities, you must keep your GPS and mobile data on, which can drain your phone’s battery and data allowance.
- Limited Locations: Earning opportunities can vary depending on your location. Users in smaller towns or rural areas might find fewer stores and products participating in the program.
4. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is a versatile rewards platform that offers users various ways to earn cash and gift cards. Unlike many other apps, InboxDollars pays you in actual dollars rather than points, which can simplify tracking your earnings.
You can earn money by participating in surveys, reading emails, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. The platform is accessible through its website and mobile app, allowing users to earn rewards conveniently.
Pros:
- Multiple Earning Opportunities: InboxDollars offers many activities to earn money, including surveys, games, email reading, and online shopping. This variety ensures that there is something for everyone.
- Cash Payments: Payments are made in dollars, eliminating the need to convert points into cash, which can sometimes be confusing.
- Easy Sign-Up Bonus: New users receive a $5 bonus just for signing up, which immediately boosts your earnings.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform is straightforward, making it easy for users to navigate and participate in activities.
Cons:
- High Cashout Threshold: InboxDollars has a relatively high cashout threshold of $30, which can take some time to reach, especially if you only participate in lower-paying activities.
- Survey Availability: Surveys can be inconsistently available, and you might not always qualify for them, which can be frustrating.
5. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is a popular platform that pays users for their opinions through online surveys.
Upon signing up and completing your profile, you are matched with surveys that align with your interests and demographics. For each survey completed, you earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards, PayPal cash, direct deposits, or donations to charity.
The platform also offers daily polls and product offerings to increase earning opportunities.
Pros:
- User-Friendly Interface: Branded Surveys are easy to navigate, making it simple for users to find and complete surveys.
- Straightforward Surveys: The surveys are generally straightforward to understand, making it a hassle-free experience.
- Bonus Points Opportunities: The platform offers various ways to earn bonus points, such as taking premium surveys, earning badges for completing a certain number of surveys, and participating in leaderboard competitions.
- Flexible Redemption Options: You can redeem your points through multiple options, including gift cards, PayPal, direct deposit, and charitable donations.
Cons:
- Inconsistent Point Rewards: The points awarded for surveys can seem random at times, and there is no clear explanation of how they are calculated.
For example, a 16-minute survey might offer 36 points, while a 21-minute survey could offer the same amount.
- Variable Survey Lengths: Some surveys can be longer than others, and the reward might only sometimes match the time invested.
6. MyPoints

MyPoints is a versatile rewards platform similar to InboxDollars and Swagbucks. It offers users various ways to earn points for online activities, such as taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and participating in special offers.
MyPoints partners with over 2,000 of the world’s top retailers, making finding opportunities to earn points easy. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards, PayPal cash, or other rewards.
Pros:
- Diverse Earning Opportunities: MyPoints provides numerous ways to earn points, from surveys and online shopping to playing games and completing special offers. This variety ensures users can find activities that suit their preferences.
- Low Redemption Threshold: The minimum payout threshold is relatively low, allowing users to redeem their points for gift cards or other rewards more quickly than on other platforms.
- Wide Range of Redemption Options: Users can choose from various redemption options, including gift cards to popular retailers, PayPal cash, and other rewards.
- Frequent Special Offers: MyPoints features special offers that can significantly boost your point earnings, helping you accumulate rewards faster.
Cons:
- Tracking Issues: Similar to other rewards platforms, MyPoints sometimes has issues tracking completed offers, which can result in missed rewards or delayed payouts.
- No In-Person Activities: All earning opportunities are online, with no options for earning points through in-person activities.
7. Rakuten

Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a well-known cashback platform that rewards users for shopping online.
You can earn cashback from over 3,500 participating retailers using the Rakuten website or app.
You simply need to start your shopping journey through Rakuten. Your purchases will automatically accrue cashback, which can be redeemed via PayPal, check, or American Express Membership Rewards points if you link an eligible Amex account.
Also Read: Instantly Sell Your Gift Cards for Cash with Cash App
Pros:
- Easy to Use: Rakuten is straightforward and user-friendly. You can use the mobile app or browser extension to activate cashback before purchasing, ensuring you never miss out on savings.
- Wide Range of Retailers: With over 3,500 stores partnered with Rakuten, you have plenty of options for earning cashback on your purchases.
- Flexible Redemption Options: While Rakuten does not offer direct gift card redemptions, you can receive your cashback via PayPal, check, or Amex Membership Rewards points, which offer greater flexibility and value.
- Browser Extension Notifications: The browser extension alerts you to available deals and cashback offers, making it easier to maximise your savings.
Cons:
- Delayed Cashback: It can take several days or weeks for cashback to be credited to your account, which might be frustrating if you expect immediate rewards.
- No Direct Gift Card Redemption: While the available redemption options are flexible, this might be limiting for those specifically looking for gift cards.
8. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a user-friendly app that rewards you for scanning and uploading receipts from any store or restaurant.
Each uploaded receipt earns you 25 points, with additional points available for purchasing specific bonus items. The points you accumulate can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers, making it easy to earn rewards from your everyday shopping activities.
Fetch Rewards is available for both Android and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Pros:
- Simple and Convenient: Fetch Rewards is straightforward to use. Just scan your receipts, and you earn points. It’s that simple, making it easy for anyone to earn rewards.
- Broad Receipt Eligibility: You can upload receipts from any store or restaurant, giving you many opportunities to earn points.
- Quick Redemption: Once you have enough points, redeeming them for gift cards is quick and hassle-free, and the cards are typically delivered promptly.
- Bonus Opportunities: You can earn extra points through referrals, special offers, and joining clubs, which can help you accumulate rewards faster.
Cons:
- Gift Card Only Redemptions: Points can only be redeemed for gift cards, not cash, which might be limiting for users who prefer cash rewards.
- Receipt Expiry: To be eligible for rewards, receipts must be uploaded within 14 days of purchase, so timely scanning is essential to maximize earnings.
9. Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular cash-back app that rewards users for online and in-store purchases. Initially focused on grocery shopping, Ibotta has expanded to include various categories such as clothing, electronics, and more.
To earn rewards, activate offers before shopping, then upload your receipt or link your store loyalty card to receive a percentage of your money back.
Ibotta allows you to redeem your cash back for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
Pros:
- Versatile Use: Ibotta can be used for online and in-store shopping, providing flexibility in earning rewards.
- User-Friendly: The app is easy to navigate, making it simple to activate offers, shop, and upload receipts to earn cash back.
- Wide Range of Retailers: Ibotta partners with numerous retailers, allowing users to earn rewards across various shopping categories.
- Sign-Up Bonus: New users receive a $5 bonus after their first purchase of $15 or more, which immediately boosts their earnings.
Cons:
- Useful Offers: Only some offers may be relevant or useful to some users, which can limit the earning potential.
- Minimum Redemption: The minimum cash-out threshold is $20, which might take some time to reach, especially if you only use the app for occasional purchases.
- Receipt Submission: Users need to remember to upload their receipts or link their store loyalty cards to ensure they receive their cash back, which can be an extra step some might find inconvenient.
10. Mistplay
Mistplay is a rewards app for Android users that lets you earn gift cards by playing mobile games.
By playing popular games such as Candy Crush, Clash Royale, and Solitaire, you earn ” Units ” points for every minute of play. You can also earn extra Units by completing missions, hitting milestones, and keeping streaks.
These units can be exchanged for gift cards from retailers like Amazon and Starbucks and Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards.
Pros:
- Personalised Game Choices: Mistplay curates a list of games based on your preferences, increasing your enjoyment.
- Wide Game Variety: The app features many game types, including action, adventure, puzzle, and strategy, catering to all interests.
- Earning While Playing: The more you play, the more Units you earn, turning your gaming sessions into a rewarding activity.
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem Units for various gift cards, offering multiple options for using your rewards.
- Engaging Features: Missions, milestones, and streaks add an exciting gamification layer, enhancing the user experience.
Cons:
- Android Only: The app is currently available only for Android devices, so iOS users cannot access it.
- Minimum Cashout Threshold: The minimum cashout is typically around $5 or 1,500 Units, and depending on your gaming habits, it might take a while.
FAQs
Are Gift Cards Profitable?
Yes, gift cards are profitable for businesses. They ensure cash flow upfront and reduce returns since many recipients spend more than the card’s value. Some gift cards are never redeemed, leading to pure profit.
How Do Gift Cards Get Activated?
Gift cards get activated at the time of purchase. The cashier scans the card and enters the amount. The system links this value to the card’s unique code.
For online purchases, activation happens during checkout. Some cards require activation by calling a toll-free number or visiting a website. Once activated, the card is ready for use, and funds are available for the recipient.
Where Do Gift Cards Work?
Gift cards work at specific stores or brands, both online and in physical locations. Some are for particular retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Others are for a group of stores or restaurants. Visa and Mastercard gift cards work anywhere those cards are accepted.
Wrapping Up
In conclusion, the best apps to earn gift cards include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Shopkick, InboxDollars, Branded Surveys, MyPoints, Rakuten, Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, and Mistplay.
Each offers unique ways to earn rewards, from taking surveys to shopping online and playing games. To maximise your earnings, regularly check for new offers, participate in various activities, and refer friends.
Consistently using these apps can produce substantial rewards, making everyday activities more profitable.