Who doesn’t love free gift cards? Gift cards have become more than just a present—they’re a way to save money and enjoy free perks. But did you know there are numerous ways to earn free gift cards just by doing everyday activities online?

From answering surveys and playing games to using cashback apps, getting a free gift card is easier than you might think. In this guide, we’ll explore the top ways to earn free gift cards so you can get the rewards you deserve without spending a dime.

How to Get Free Gift Cards Without Spending Money

Shopping isn’t the only way to earn free gift cards (though we’ll cover that shortly). Here are some ways to earn rewards without spending a money.

1. Take Online Surveys

One of the most popular and simple ways to earn free gift cards is by taking online surveys. Many websites and apps pay users in gift cards for their opinions on various topics. Some of the best survey sites include:

  • Swagbucks: Swagbucks offers points (called SB) for completing surveys, watching videos, and even shopping online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
  • Survey Junkie: Known for its user-friendly platform, Survey Junkie lets you earn points by answering questions about your shopping habits, lifestyle, and preferences.
  • Pinecone Research: This exclusive survey site often pays more per survey than others, but it’s by invite-only. Keep an eye out for opportunities to join.

By dedicating a few minutes daily, you can earn points that quickly add up and can be cashed out as gift cards.

2. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps

Cashback apps are another straightforward way to earn gift cards without changing your shopping habits. Simply download the app, activate offers, and start shopping as usual. Popular apps include:

  • Rakuten: Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten gives you cashback on purchases from hundreds of retailers. Every few months, you can redeem your cashback earnings as gift cards.
  • Dosh: With Dosh, you’ll earn cashback automatically when you link your card and shop at participating stores. Once you reach a minimum balance, you can cash out as a gift card.
  • Fetch Rewards: Scan your receipts from grocery and convenience stores to earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers.

These apps offer a simple, set-it-and-forget-it way to earn money back on purchases you’re already making.

3. Participate in Market Research

Many companies are willing to pay for consumer insights, and market research sites often reward participants with gift cards. Companies want to hear about your experience with certain products or services, and they’ll pay you for your input. Consider these options:

  • Product Testing Sites: Sites like Product Report Card and Vindale Research allow you to test and review products in exchange for points or gift cards.
  • UserTesting: For a more interactive approach, UserTesting pays participants to test websites and mobile apps. You’ll record yourself navigating the site and sharing feedback, which earns you points redeemable as gift cards.

Market research requires a bit more effort but often pays well and offers gift card rewards quickly.

4. Earn Gift Cards with Gaming Apps

If you’re a fan of mobile gaming, why not earn rewards while you play? Gaming apps that offer real rewards are increasingly popular, and many provide gift cards as part of their payout options.

  • Mistplay: Mistplay allows Android users to earn rewards by playing mobile games. The more you play, the more points you earn, which can be cashed out as gift cards.
  • Lucktastic: This app offers a variety of scratch-off games and contests with real prizes. Winners can claim prizes, including gift cards to places like Amazon and Target.
  • HQ Trivia: In this live trivia game, players compete to win cash prizes that can sometimes be redeemed as gift cards.

Gaming apps are a fun way to pass the time, and if you’re lucky, you can score some extra rewards along the way!

5. Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs

Many stores offer loyalty programs that reward regular customers with points or gift cards. These programs are typically free to join and allow you to accumulate points with each purchase. Some examples include:

  • Starbucks Rewards: Earn points for every purchase, which can be redeemed for free drinks, food, and even Starbucks gift cards.
  • Target Circle: Target’s loyalty program offers points on purchases and personalized discounts. You can redeem points for store gift cards.
  • Best Buy Rewards: For tech enthusiasts, Best Buy’s reward program lets you earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for gift cards.

If you shop at a store regularly, joining its loyalty program is a no-brainer.

6. Earn Through Social Media Challenges and Contests

Many brands hold social media challenges and contests where participants can win gift cards. Look for contests on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter, where brands often give away gift cards to followers who engage with their content.

  • Brand Giveaways: Follow your favorite brands to stay updated on giveaways. Often, you simply need to like, comment, or share a post to enter.
  • Influencer Collaborations: Some influencers hold sponsored giveaways in partnership with brands, offering gift cards as prizes to followers.

This approach requires some social media engagement but can yield fantastic rewards with minimal effort.

Tips and Tricks to Maximize Your Free Gift Cards

You don’t need any special skills to start earning free gift cards, but these tried-and-true tips can help you maximize your rewards:

  • Activate Offers: When using cashback apps, always activate offers before shopping. This way, you can take full advantage of opportunities to earn free gift cards.
  • Set Up a Separate Email: Survey sites send a lot of emails, and since many surveys are first-come, first-served, you’ll need to act fast. Creating a separate email account just for surveys makes it easier to keep track and respond quickly.
  • Diversify Your Efforts: To maximize your earnings, explore various methods—take surveys, play games, and use cashback apps. Signing up for multiple survey apps increases your chances of earning more gift cards.
  • Complete Your Profiles: Market research companies often seek specific demographics. The more detailed your profile, the more opportunities you’ll have to participate in surveys and earn gift cards.

Conclusion

With so many ways to earn free gift cards, you can start saving on everyday purchases or treat yourself to something special without spending your own money. From surveys and cashback apps to loyalty programs, there’s a method to suit everyone. Try a few of these methods and see how quickly you can start collecting gift cards.