Earning free gift cards online has never been easier. These days, there are plenty of apps and websites that let you score gift cards just by doing simple things like taking surveys, watching videos, or even playing games.
Whether you want to save some cash on your next shopping trip or just like the idea of free money, there are plenty of legit ways to get gift cards without spending anything.
In this guide, I'll walk you through some of the best and easiest ways to start earning free gift cards right from your phone or computer.
How to Get Free Gift Cards
1. Use Cash-Back and Rewards Apps
Apps like Fetch Rewards, Pogo, and Upside offer a simple way to earn points or cash back for things you’re already buying.
- Fetch Rewards: Snap pictures of your receipts from grocery or retail purchases to earn points. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, or Target.
- Pogo: Link your debit or credit card to Pogo, and the app automatically rewards you for every purchase, no receipt scanning required. Redeem points for gift cards or PayPal cash.
- Upside: Earn cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants, which you can redeem for gift cards.
Pro tip: Pair these apps with store promotions or credit card rewards to double up on savings.
2. Take Surveys on Legit Platforms
If you have some free time, completing surveys is a simple way to earn gift cards. The trick is to stick with reputable platforms like Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys, or Pinecone Research.
- Survey Junkie: Earn points for completing surveys and cash them out for gift cards.
- Branded Surveys: Build up points by answering surveys and level up in their loyalty program for bonus earnings.
- Pinecone Research: One of the highest-paying survey sites, offering around $3 per survey.
Reality check: Survey sites won’t make you rich, but if you do a few during downtime, the gift cards can add up.
3. Shop Through Retail Loyalty Programs
Retailers like Starbucks, Target, and Amazon offer loyalty programs that can translate into free gift cards over time.
- Starbucks Rewards: Earn points (Stars) with each purchase to redeem for free drinks or gift cards.
- Target Circle: Earn rewards on purchases and redeem them for discounts or gift cards.
- Amazon Shopper Panel: Submit receipts or complete surveys for Amazon credits.
Pro tip: Use these programs for purchases you’d make anyway and avoid spending just to earn points.
4. Get Paid to Play Games
Apps like Mistplay and Money Well reward you with gift cards for playing mobile games.
- Mistplay: Available on Android, this app lets you earn points for trying out new games and hitting milestones. Redeem points for gift cards to Amazon, Visa, and more.
- Money Well: Earn rewards by downloading and playing mobile games. The longer you play, the more points you accumulate, which can be redeemed for gift cards.
Reality check: While fun, these game apps that pay real money won’t generate rewards quickly. Use them as a casual hobby, not your primary method.
5. Try Out New Services
Apps like Kashkick and InboxDollars reward you for signing up for services, testing products, or trying out apps.
- Kashkick: Earn cash for completing offers or surveys, which you can cash out as PayPal funds and use to buy gift cards.
- InboxDollars: Watch videos, take surveys, and play games to earn rewards.
Tip: Focus on higher-paying offers or services you might actually use to make it worth your time.
6. Maximize Credit Card Rewards
If you use credit cards responsibly, many cards offer points or cash back that can be converted into gift cards.
- Chase Freedom Flex: Earn cash back on rotating categories like groceries or gas and redeem rewards for gift cards.
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred: Get cash back on groceries, streaming, and gas, which can be turned into gift cards.
Important: Avoid carrying a balance to prevent paying interest that negates your rewards.
7. Sell Unused Items for Gift Cards
If you have things lying around that you no longer need, sell them online through platforms like Decluttr, OfferUp, or eBay. Some platforms even offer payouts in gift cards.
- Decluttr: Sell used tech, DVDs, or video games and get paid via PayPal or gift cards.
- OfferUp: Sell locally for cash, then use that money to buy gift cards.
Pro tip: Declutter your home and turn it into an opportunity to earn.
Earning Free Gift Cards Online
The above methods are legitimate ways to earn free gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Apple, Walmart, and Target. This list is curated by us to maximize your profit for the effort you put in and over a wide variety of different things you can get done.
However, if you wanted more ways to earn gift cards from other retailers fast besides these free methods — you can look into trivia apps that pay you in gift cards.
Good luck earning free gift cards!
