Are you looking for the best apps to earn gift cards for free?
There are many legitimate apps that reward you with gift cards or cash for simple activities you may already be doing—shopping online, playing mobile games, taking surveys, or scanning receipts. Most are free to use and require just a few minutes each day. With consistent use you can earn gift cards for retailers like Amazon, Target, Starbucks, and more.
I’ve personally earned over $1,000 in gift cards using several of the apps below, so this is a realistic way to save money or get free items from stores you already visit.
Best Apps To Earn Gift Cards
Quick list of apps covered in this guide:
- Freecash
- Swagbucks
- Fetch Rewards
- InboxDollars
- MyPoints
- Rakuten
- Upside
- Ibotta
- KashKick
- Survey Junkie
- Branded Surveys
- Prime Opinion
- Scrambly
- Five Surveys
- HeyCash
- PrizeRebel
- Capital One Shopping
- Mistplay
- Shopkick
- Rewarded Play
Below are descriptions and tips for each app so you can decide which ones fit your routine and preferences.
1. Freecash
Freecash rewards you for completing tasks such as playing games, trying apps, and taking surveys. Each completed task earns you coins that can be converted into gift cards, PayPal cash, or even cryptocurrency. Payouts are typically fast—often delivered the same day you request them.
Some offers can be high paying; for example, it is possible to earn large sums for reaching specific game levels or completing premium offers. Freecash is particularly appealing if you enjoy mobile games and quick tasks.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a long-standing rewards platform where you earn SB points for activities like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and even searching the web. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, and many others, or for PayPal cash.
Swagbucks offers a wide variety of earning methods, so it’s easy to find activities that fit your schedule. Over time, consistent use can add up to dozens—or even hundreds—of dollars in gift cards.
3. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is ideal if you shop regularly. Simply snap photos of your grocery and retail receipts to earn points. Points accumulate quickly with regular shopping and can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers and restaurants.
The app also features specific product offers that award bonus points, but you’ll earn something for nearly every receipt you scan, making it effortless to collect rewards.
4. InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays you cash (not only points) for surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. You can also scan receipts for rewards. Payments can be requested via PayPal or redeemed as gift cards.
This app is a good fit if you prefer straightforward cash rewards and like to mix different earning activities daily.
5. MyPoints
MyPoints awards points for online shopping, taking surveys, watching videos, and more. Points can be exchanged for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart, or redeemed for PayPal cash. It’s a flexible option for earning rewards through everyday online activities.
6. Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) focuses on cash back for online shopping. Activate offers through the app or browser extension before you shop and Rakuten credits a percentage of your purchase back to your account. Earnings are paid via check or PayPal and can effectively be converted into gift card purchases if you prefer.
Rakuten works with a wide selection of popular stores and is one of the easiest ways to get automatic savings on purchases you’d make anyway.
7. Upside
Upside provides cash back on everyday purchases like gas, groceries, and restaurant orders. It’s particularly useful for saving at the pump, where you can often earn significant cents-per-gallon refunds. Rewards can be transferred to your bank, PayPal, or redeemed as gift cards.
8. Honey
Honey is a browser extension and app that finds coupon codes and better prices when you shop online. It also has a rewards system that awards points on qualifying purchases, which you can redeem for gift cards. Honey runs in the background and simplifies finding discounts at checkout.
9. Ibotta
Ibotta gives cash back on grocery and retail purchases. Before shopping, activate offers in the app; then upload your receipt or link your loyalty card to have purchases matched automatically. Cash back can be redeemed as gift cards or transferred to your bank once you reach the minimum payout.
Pairing Ibotta with a receipt-scanning app like Fetch can double up rewards on the same shopping trip.
10. Ipsos iSay
Ipsos iSay pays points for survey participation. After completing a profile, you’ll receive surveys that match your demographics and interests. Points earned can be exchanged for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target, or redeemed via PayPal.
11. KashKick
KashKick offers rewards for playing games, taking surveys, and completing offers. Many game-based tasks pay for reaching levels within a timeframe, and surveys typically pay between $1 and $5. Payouts are available through PayPal once you hit the minimum threshold.
12. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a straightforward survey platform where you earn points for completing surveys. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash and the site has a relatively low cash-out minimum, making it an accessible option for new users.
13. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys pays between roughly $0.50 and $5 per survey depending on length. You can cash out once you reach the minimum and choose PayPal or from a wide range of gift card options. It also accepts younger users (16+), making it a good choice for teens.
14. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion offers frequent survey opportunities across many topics. You can cash out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. The platform typically lists multiple available surveys at any time, making it convenient to find tasks that suit your schedule.
15. Scrambly
Scrambly rewards you for playing games and trying apps. Coins earned can be redeemed for gift cards starting at low values, so it’s fast to reach your first reward. Gift card options include Amazon, Google Play, Apple, Spotify, and Visa.
16. Five Surveys
Five Surveys pays a fixed amount—typically $5—for every five surveys completed. Surveys vary in length but many are short, and payouts can be requested through PayPal, bank transfer, Venmo, or as a gift card from a broad selection of retailers.
17. HeyCash
HeyCash rewards users for completing offers, taking surveys, and trying apps. Points convert to gift cards or cash, and the app is straightforward for casual use when you have a few spare minutes.
18. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel aggregates surveys and offers from multiple research partners. Points earned from completed surveys can be exchanged for gift cards or PayPal cash. Individual survey payouts are generally small but consistent.
19. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a browser extension and app that finds coupon codes and price drops while you shop. It also has a points rewards program that can be redeemed for gift cards. It runs automatically in the background, helping you save and earn without extra effort.
20. Mistplay
Mistplay is designed for gamers who want gift cards in exchange for playing mobile games. The app awards units based on playtime and progress; units are redeemable for cards to platforms like Google Play, Amazon, and PayPal.
21. Shopkick
Shopkick rewards users with “kicks” for activities like visiting stores, scanning product barcodes, and making purchases. Link a credit card or scan receipts to increase your earnings, then redeem kicks for gift cards at retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.
22. Rewarded Play
Rewarded Play offers points for playing mobile games, available for Android users in select countries. After accumulating points, you can exchange them for gift cards from major retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about using gift card apps.
Are free gift card apps legit?
Yes—many apps are legitimate. They earn revenue through ads, affiliate partnerships, and market research, and share a portion of that revenue with users as points, cash, or gift cards. Use well-reviewed apps and read terms before signing up.
How do free gift card apps work?
Apps reward you for completing tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping through tracked links, scanning receipts, or playing games. Earned points are redeemed for gift cards or transferred as cash depending on the app’s payout options.
What is the best app to earn a gift card?
“Best” depends on your routine. Freecash, Swagbucks, and Fetch Rewards are popular choices because they offer multiple earning methods and reliable redemptions. If you shop often, Rakuten and Ibotta are excellent for cashback that you can use toward gift card purchases.
Can I really earn gift cards by playing games?
Yes. Several apps reward gameplay, usually for reaching levels or playing a set amount of time. Freecash, Mistplay, and Rewarded Play are examples that pay users with points or coins that can be redeemed for gift cards.
What apps work best on Android and iPhone?
Most major reward apps support both Android and iPhone. Swagbucks, Fetch Rewards, Freecash, InboxDollars, and Ibotta are widely available on both platforms. Check app store availability for region-specific apps.
Best Apps To Earn Gift Cards – Summary
Using gift card apps can be an easy, low-effort way to save money or get free items. Whether you prefer playing games, taking surveys, scanning receipts, or simply shopping online, there’s an app that fits your habits.
Top picks include Swagbucks, Fetch Rewards, and Freecash, but combining a few apps tailored to your daily routines will usually maximize earnings. By spending a few minutes each day on these platforms, you can accumulate gift cards and cash that add up over time.
What are your favorite apps to earn gift cards for free?
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