Best Apps to Get Free Gift Cards
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If you’re in a pinch or on a tight budget, it can be tempting to Google ways to make free money and fast. Sure, there are traditional side hustles and part-time jobs, but snagging a sure thing can be time-consuming.
If you’re looking for quick or supplemental cash, here’s a list of the best apps that provide gift cards and cash-back rewards.
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Overview of the best apps that provide free gift cards
App | Best For |
Swagbucks | Survey takers, casual users |
Ibotta | Grocery store aficionados |
MyPoints | Survey takers, casual users |
Shopkick | In-store shoppers |
InboxDollars | Survey takers, casual users |
Survey Junkie | People who enjoy taking surveys, tastemakers |
AppNana | Gamers |
Fetch Rewards | Meal planners, frugal shoppers |
Receipt Hog | Meal planners, frugal shoppers |
CheckPoints | In-store shoppers |
Rakuten | Couponers, everyday shoppers |
i-Say | People who enjoy taking surveys, tastemakers |
Mobee App | Adventurous shoppers |
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Best apps that provide free gift cards
Swagbucks
Founded in 2008, Swagbucks is a free rewards service that gives members the chance to earn gift cards or cash for completing “everyday activities” that they’re most likely already doing on their own (the Swagbucks website lists the following examples: searching the web, playing games, watching online videos, or shopping).
By doing these activities, members can earn reward points or SB points. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash — 100 SB points equal USD 1 in rewards.
Members can earn SB points by:
- Shopping online. That’s right, Swagbucks offers cash-back rebates for members who shop at one or more of its 7,000 participating stores.
- Scanning receipts. If you’re not into online shopping, Swagbucks also provides cash-back rewards for in-store members. Just snap a photo of your receipt and earn SB points — it’s that simple.
- Playing online games. Swagbucks has a library of games to choose from. Members can install whatever game they’d like, play whenever they want, and earn rewards as they level up.
- Searching the web. Members can earn points for searching the internet, too! You just have to use the Swagbucks search engine.
- Watching videos. Members can earn rewards by watching featured partnered content.
- Installing the Swagbucks extension. New Swagbucks members can earn rewards just for installing the browser extension. What’s more? The extension will alert you of coupons and deals as you shop.
- Taking surveys. In addition to completing normal “everyday tasks,” Swagbucks allows members to voice their opinions via several surveys.
According to the Swagbucks website, most members can earn an extra $50 to $200 monthly using Swagbucks.
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Ibotta
Ibotta is a free app that provides members with cash-back rewards on everyday purchases whenever they shop and pay through the app (available for in-store and online shopping). Ibotta partners with more than 1,500 brands and retailers, so you will find at least one of your favorite stores on the list. Popular brands include Lowe’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Walmart.
Here’s how it works: Download the Ibotta app and complete the registration process. Add offers through Ibotta via the app, and then go shopping! Ibotta will then pay you cold hard cash (or gift cards) for your purchases. In fact, according to the company website, Ibotta has paid more than $1 billion in cash rewards to more than 35 million users since its launch in 2012.
Ibotta also offers a “Loyalty Linking” feature that allows members to link their loyalty accounts via the app to make earning points even easier. Don’t have a loyalty account? No problem. Ibotta accepts scanned receipts via the Ibotta app. You must submit a photo of your receipt to earn cash back on qualifying purchases.
MyPoints
Like Swagbucks, MyPoints allows users to earn rewards by shopping online, watching videos, searching the web, playing games, and taking surveys. You can also get alerts on deals and new products or print out coupons to save (and earn) even more on qualifying purchases.
According to the MyPoints website, members get up to 40% back with every purchase at 2,000 retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Amazon, and Home Depot—just shop, earn, and cash out. Bonus: New members get a $10 sign-up bonus through a Visa or Amazon gift card.
MyPoints has a Chrome extension and a mobile app (available for Android and iOS users). Members can redeem points for gift cards, cash (PayPal deposit or prepaid Visa card), or travel miles via United MileagePlus.
Additional ways MyPoints members can earn points include:
- Taking online surveys. Members can earn up to 400 points by taking market research surveys.
- Watching videos. You can also watch videos and earn up to 500 points for completing playlists.
- Searching the web. Members who use Yahoo! search results can win up to 170 points. Winners are chosen at random.
- Referring friends. MyPoints has a referral program, too. Refer a friend and earn 10% of their qualifying points.
- Reading email. BonusMail offers members five points just for clicking.
Shopkick
Shopkick is an app that rewards users for shopping online and in-store. Shopkick is easy to use—just download the app and start shopping. To get points for in-store purchases, all you have to do is scan the product barcode.
What’s even cooler? Shopkick rewards members just for walking through the door! Just be sure to have the app open, and the Bluetooth turned on. You can also earn points or “kicks” for watching videos via the app. Once you’ve racked up enough points, Shopkick will reward you with a gift card. Participating retailers include Target, Ulta, Starbucks, and Amazon.
In 2017, Shopkick was ranked the most engaging shopping app by App Annie. Another fun fact? Unlike other location-enabled apps, Shopkick doesn’t rely on GPS triangulation alone. Instead, the app uses an inaudible audio signal unique for each store to determine which users enter. (The app must be open for this to work.) Once the signal is detected, the app rewards the user with points.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays members for completing simple tasks. According to the website, the company has paid more than $80 million in cash rewards (gift cards, PayPal, etc.). Signing up is easy and free; new members get an instant $5 sign-up bonus just for joining.
With InboxDollars, members can earn points by reading emails, playing games, taking online surveys, and watching TV and videos. InboxDollars also offers ongoing promotions and contests and provides members with additional info on how to snag free samples, printable coupons, and more.
Even so, most offers on the site don’t pay much — just a few cents each, at most. Surveys pay between $0.50 and $5 per survey. You can view how much a task or survey pays before participating to decide whether it’s worth your time.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Survey Junkie
As the name suggests, Survey Junkie is an online market research community that pays members to take online surveys. Each survey is worth several points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Getting started is easy—just enter your name, zip code, date of birth, gender, and country of residence. Once you’ve signed up and completed your profile, you can complete surveys, earn rewards, and get paid (via PayPal or e-gift cards).
Unlike other survey sites, Survey Junkie gives members points even if they don’t qualify to take a specific survey. Even so, Survey Junkie isn’t one of the most efficient ways to earn extra money. The site has a $10 redemption threshold, and points are worth just $0.01 each.
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AppNana
AppNana is a mobile app available for iOS and Android users that allows members to earn gift cards in exchange for playing one or more games. Download AppNana, sign up, play, and earn to get started. New members receive 10,000 Nanas or points for joining.
One drawback of AppNana is that you must download each game you’re interested in playing—the games are not built into the app. Some games grant members points based on the time they’ve played the game, while others may ask users to meet certain requirements to get points.
In addition to playing games, AppNana also rewards members for watching videos. Users can bank an average of five to 10 points for watching one video. Members cannot cash out until they’ve reached 30,000 Nanas, which will get you a $1 gift card. Points can also be redeemed for in-app purchases and paid mobile games.
Fetch Rewards
The Fetch Rewards app rewards customers for shopping or dining at any store or restaurant. Just scan (with your smartphone camera) your receipt and earn. The app is available for Android and iOS users, and according to the company website, Fetch Rewards has more than 13 million active shoppers.
Each time members scan their receipts, they’ll get points based on the quantity and type of products they bought. One thousand points equals $1 in rewards; once a member reaches 3,000 points, they can redeem them for gift cards or sweepstakes entries. The sweepstakes giveaway usually offers members a chance to win a $500 or a $100 prepaid Visa card. One entry will cost you 100 points.
The good thing about Fetch Rewards is that it can be used at any store, and if you have a discrepancy, you can claim the app. Click the “activity” icon, scroll down to find the receipt, and click “Correct my receipt.” You can then select the product you want to correct and change it. The receipt will then be sent to the company for review.
Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog is similar to Fetch Rewards in that members earn points by snapping photos of their receipts. Receipt Hog works at any store, online or in-store. The app is also available for both iOS and Android users.
Once you download the app and create an account, you can snap and upload photos of your receipts. In addition to offering in-app bonuses (e.g., Hog Slots), Receipt Hog also allows members to connect their online/loyalty accounts and take surveys to earn cash. With Receipt Hog, members can earn “coins,” redeemed for cash.
According to the company website, coin rewards are based on the total amount spent on the shopping trip. Obviously, larger totals are worth more rewards. For example, receipts totaling $10 or less will earn you five coins, whereas receipts for $100 or more will earn you 20. Members must have 1,000 coins to redeem for gift cards or cash-back rewards via PayPal.
CheckPoints
CheckPoints is a family-owned and -operated business that provides users a “more rewarding way” to live their lives. With CheckPoints, you can earn rewards by scanning barcodes, submitting receipts, linking debit and credit cards, and taking surveys. According to the App Store Preview, more than 3.5 million people have earned $5,000,000 in points and prizes with the app.
CheckPoints accepts receipts from almost any store, including big box stores like Walmart and Target, grocery stores, convenience stores, and pharmacies—the larger the total, the bigger the rewards. There’s also a relatively low payout threshold (the minimum is $1; approximately 335 points), and points can be redeemed for gift cards.
In addition to submitting receipts, CheckPoints members can earn points by checking in to certain locations, scanning barcodes of specific products, watching videos (ads), and referring friends. CheckPoints promises to give each member $25 for every person they refer—but only if they become an active app member.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Rakuten
Rakuten, which acquired Ebates in 2014, is one of the more sophisticated apps featured on this list. Rakuten is an affiliate marketing platform that rewards members with cash-back deals, discounts, coupons, and more. In addition to the Rakuten app, members can shop directly through the site or download the Chrome extension so they never miss a deal. Rakuten also provides cash-back rewards for in-store purchases.
New members who make a qualifying purchase of $25 or more by April 28, 2022, are rewarded with a $10 sign-up bonus. Payments are sent out once every three months via PayPal or as a paper check (depending on your preferred payment method). Rakuten also gives members a chance to give back with its Cash Back for Change program. This program allows you to donate your change to one of Rakuten’s partner nonprofits.
Rakuten provides members with several ways to save. In addition to rewarding members with cash-back offers on online purchases, Rakuten also has an in-store feature that allows users to link their debit card in the app to save even more when shopping in-store. What’s more? You can score travel and vacation deals and receive cash-back rewards on gift cards too.
Ipsos iSay
Ipsos iSay is a survey site that provides users with various surveys through Ipsos, a global market research firm in France. Each survey is worth a certain number of points that you can redeem for gift cards, cash, or charity donations. According to the website, a $25 PayPal transfer will cost you 2,550 points.
The only issue? Users have to qualify for a survey before they can earn points, and, sometimes, that means getting kicked out five or 10 minutes in. However, reviewers claim that the surveys they did qualify for were interesting and had a significant point value. The site will also give you five points for trying.
Ipsos iSay is available to users in Canada and the United States. The company also has an app for both iOS and Android users.
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Mobee App
Mobee is unique — it’s a mystery shopping app that allows users to earn points by selecting and completing mystery shopping missions. Mystery shopping missions typically involve purchasing a specific product from a store and providing feedback. Shoppers have 15 to 60 minutes to complete a mission and must meet the mission's conditions to earn points.
Mobee also has an “achievements” section where users can unlock badges and receive bonus points. The first achievement requires you to complete one mission. Once completed, you’ll receive 100 points for claiming the achievement.
Points can be exchanged for store gift cards or a Visa eReward virtual gift card. A minimum of 500 points ($5 gift card) is required to redeem a gift card.
Related: Where to Cash in Unused Gift Cards
Best apps to get free gift cards summary
App | Payout method |
Swagbucks | PayPal, gift cards |
Ibotta | PayPal, gift cards |
MyPoints | PayPal, gift cards |
Shopkick | PayPal, gift cards |
InboxDollars | PayPal, paper check, gift cards |
Survey Junkie | PayPal, gift cards |
AppNana | PayPal, gift cards |
Fetch Rewards | Gift cards, charity donations, magazine subscriptions, sweepstakes entries |
Receipt Hog | PayPal, gift cards |
CheckPoints | PayPal, gift cards |
Rakuten | PayPal, paper check |
i-Say | PayPal, gift cards |
Mobee App | PayPal, gift cards |
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
FAQs
What is the best free cash back app?
While the answer to this question is subjective, Rakuten is probably the best free cash back app featured on this list. It gives members several ways to earn rewards and save. Plus, there’s a Chrome extension and app, so you can shop anywhere on any device.
How do cash back apps work?
Cash back apps and cash back websites reward members with points or rewards that they can redeem for gift cards or cash. To get points, members will need to make a qualifying purchase at one or more of the company’s partnered retailers.
What app gives you money for receipts?
Fetch Rewards, Receipt Hog, and Ibotta give members points for scanning and submitting their receipts.
Why should someone use a cash-back app?
The apps and sites listed above are free and easy to use. This means you could score gift cards and free money for doing what you already do—shop! That said, it’s important to do your research first, as some cash-back apps are scams.
Want to Get Extra Cash?
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The bottom line
Taking online surveys or shopping with a cash-back app like Rakuten isn’t going to make you rich (or help you make ends meet), but doing so could be a great way to save on everyday purchases and gather a bit of pocket change.
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Writer
Tabitha Britt is a New York-based freelance writer and editor whose work has appeared on INSIDER, the Huffington Post, and Taste of Home. When she's not glued to her computer screen, she can be found walking her beloved pooch, Biscuit.
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