Free gift cards sound like a scam, until you realize how many apps and platforms are quietly handing them out for tasks you already do. From scanning receipts to letting an app run in the background, these methods require little to no effort and can earn you gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more.
If you’re looking to pad your budget without adding another job to your plate, here are 11 ways to earn free gift cards by doing practically nothing.
- Swagbucks
Swagbucks pays users to complete simple online tasks like watching videos, answering polls, and shopping through their portal. You earn points (called SBs) that can be redeemed for gift cards.
- Sign-up bonus: $10
- Popular gift cards: Amazon, Walmart, PayPal
- Website: Swagbucks
- Ibotta
Ibotta gives you cashback on groceries, clothing, and household items. Just activate offers before shopping and upload your receipt afterward. You can also link loyalty accounts for automatic rewards.
- Sign-up bonus: $20
- Gift card options: Home Depot, Lowe’s, Petco
- Website: Ibotta
- MyPoints
Shop online through MyPoints and earn up to 40% cashback at stores like Best Buy and Walmart. You can also earn points by watching videos and taking surveys.
- Sign-up bonus: $10 Amazon gift card
- Redemption options: eBay, Best Buy, Target
- Website: MyPoints
- Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Download the Nielsen app and let it run in the background. It anonymously tracks your internet usage and pays you $50 per year in gift cards.
- Effort level: Zero
- Website: Nielsen Panel
- Survey Junkie
While surveys require a bit of time, Survey Junkie also offers high-paying focus groups. You can earn up to $150 per hour for participating in market research.
- Minimum cashout: $10
- Gift card options: Amazon, Visa, Starbucks
- Website: Survey Junkie
- Drop
Link your debit or credit card to Drop, choose five favorite brands, and earn points automatically when you shop. No receipt scanning required.
- Popular partners: Starbucks, Whole Foods, Uber
- Redemption: Gift cards only
- Website: Drop
- Dosh
Dosh gives you cashback when you shop at participating stores and restaurants. Just link your card and let the app do the rest.
- No scanning or manual entry
- Gift card and PayPal options
- Website: Dosh
- Honey
Honey is a browser extension that finds coupon codes and earns you Honey Gold points when you shop online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards.
- Works at 30,000+ stores
- Gift card options: Amazon, Target, Macy’s
- Website: Honey
- InboxDollars
Earn money by reading emails, watching videos, and taking surveys. You get a $5 bonus just for signing up.
- Minimum payout: $30
- Gift card and PayPal options
- Website: InboxDollars
- Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys pays users for sharing opinions on products and services. You earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Bonus program: Branded Elite
- Popular gift cards: Amazon, Apple, Target
- Website: Branded Surveys
- Respondent
Respondent connects users with companies conducting research. If you qualify for a study, you can earn up to $250 per hour. Most studies are remote and require minimal effort.
- Payment: PayPal or gift cards
- Website: Respondent
You don’t need to grind through surveys or download sketchy apps to earn free gift cards. These platforms are legit, widely used, and pay out consistently. Whether you’re scanning a receipt, letting an app run quietly, or just shopping like you normally do, you can turn passive habits into real rewards.
