Swagbucks Review: The Ultimate Guide to Earning Rewards

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Key takeaways

Swagbucks is a popular rewards website that offers a variety of ways to earn points; taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and using its search engine.
Users can redeem their points, known as SB, for gift cards to popular retailers or cash-back through PayPal.
Swagbucks makes it easy to earn extra cash in your spare time. It’s best suited for supplemental income rather than a significant financial resource.

Looking to earn some extra cash in your spare time? Swagbucks is a popular online platform that offers exciting opportunities to make easy money through surveys, games, shopping, and more. The site rewards you for things you’re probably already doing online, making it a perfect way to get extra cash. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the key strategies and features that can help you maximize your earnings on Swagbucks. So, let’s dive right in!

What is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards websites, with millions of users worldwide. Swagbucks has paid over $855 million in rewards to its members since it was launched in 2008. Users are paid in a virtual currency, known as Swagbucks or SB. 100 SBs equals $1. Earn SBs for completing a wide range of tasks, including filling out surveys, watching videos, shopping through partner retailers, playing games, and more. Once you have 300 SB (which can happen fast) you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Starbucks. While Swagbucks won’t make you rich overnight, it is a legitimate way to earn extra cash and prizes for activities you’re already doing online. It is the definition of ‘easy money.’

Start earning with Swagbucks

Download the app on your Android or iOS device

Earn points by playing games, taking surveys, shopping online, etc.

Redeem your points for PayPal cash or gift cards

The registration process is quick and seamless, taking only 45-60 seconds to create your account. Once you’re registered, a world of earning opportunities awaits you.

Fast Easy Way to Earn Money

“I’ve been using Swagbucks for 1 month and 3 days as of this review. So far I have made $71.76 (7,176 Swagbucks) and the 2 withdrawals I’ve made so far were fairly fast and simple, I’ve claimed a Google Play and crypto gift card totaling $55. Swagbucks won’t make you rich or replace you’re job. But you do earn money while discovering new games and things, I consider it more of a hobby giving me goals to achieve in my past time.” jim merk

The amount you can make with Swagbucks varies depending on your activities and level of engagement. While it won’t replace a full-time income, many users report earning anywhere from $50 to $200 monthly or over $1,000 per year. Diamond-level members have earned over $20,000 from Swagbucks. Most Swagbucks members can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand extra dollars a year. Remember, consistency is crucial to steadily accumulate points and increase your earnings.

Earn rewards anytime, anywhere

There are so many ways to earn points on Swagbucks you’re bound to find one that’s a perfect fit for you. Try them out, see what you like, and where you can earn the most points in the least amount of time. Besides earning points to cash out, Swagbucks also offers ways for you to save money!

1. Unlock rewards with every survey

Surveys are a primary way to earn on Swagbucks. Surveys are created to market research companies who want your opinion and feedback on their products. The market research companies pay Swagbucks, which is how Swagbucks pays you and you make money. Visit the “Answer” section to find available surveys and provide your honest opinions. The more surveys you complete, the more you can earn. They usually take only 3-20 minutes and can net you 100 SB-300 SB. You’ll see the amount you’ll earn before you start so you can decide if they’re worth your time. Also, remember to check for polls, which are quick and easy ways to make a few extra SB points. Daily polls take 2 seconds and earn you an easy 1SB.

2. Get paid to play

Do you love mobile games? This one’s for you. Play games on Swagbucks and earn SB points. You can get paid for playing free games or earn SBs for in-game purchases. Earn anything from 4 to 15 SBs per dollar spent. It doesn’t matter if you win or lose.

If you’re a trivia enthusiast, don’t miss out on Swagbucks Live, a thrilling and free quiz app. Test your knowledge by answering a series of multiple-choice questions correctly, and you could win a share of the impressive weekly prize of $1,000. However, be careful; a wrong answer will eliminate you from the game. So get ready to challenge yourself, have fun, and potentially earn some extra cash with Swagbucks Live!

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3. Swagbucks watch

If you like watching YouTube videos then Swagbucks Watch is for you. They have videos on news, politics, sports, food, fashion, and more. There’s plenty to choose from. Like the surveys, the videos vary in length from 10 minutes to 1 hour. You’ll see how much you’ll earn before you click so make sure the content is worth it. A 30-minute video pays roughly 2 SBs. Not a lot, but better than watching YouTube videos for free.

4. Cash in on competitions

Stay engaged and seize exciting opportunities on Swagbucks through their frequent competitions and special offers. Boost your earnings by participating in Swagstakes, where you can take a chance and potentially win fantastic prizes like Apple products or a substantial amount of SB points. Stay informed about the latest competitions and special deals to maximize your Swagbucks experience.

5. Set Swagbucks as your default search!

Earn points effortlessly by setting Swagbucks as your default search engine, just like you would Google or Yahoo!. Then, use it when you go online and automatically rack up SB rewards. Earn roughly 10SB-20SB for every 10-20 searches. It’s that easy. This simple change can turn your everyday web browsing into a rewarding experience.

6. SwagButton

Install the SwagButton Chrome extension to your browser to easily earn cash-back when you visit your favorite online stores. The button notifies you of available cash-back deals, relevant coupons, and gives you Swag Code alerts for even more discounts. It’s an easy way to save and earn money at the same time. All you have to do is click on the notifications to apply the savings when you shop.

Earn Extra Cash

“I have been a member of Swagbucks for several years now. It’s a great way to get cash back and earn a few extra $$ for fun stuff.” Lynette

7. Discover deals

Explore Swagbucks’s “Discover” section to find offers that allow you to earn points by downloading and trying out mobile apps or signing up for free trials. You can earn several hundred SBs or more depending on the offer! Keep an eye out for new and exciting opportunities, and remember to read the terms and conditions before downloading.

8. Shop online, earn cash-back

Turn your online shopping into a money-making venture by accessing your favorite retailers through Swagbucks. You’ll earn cash-back for each qualifying purchase made through the platform. Shop at over 1,500 stores, including Adidas, Amazon, and Walmart, and earn cash-back rebates up to 12%. It’s basically getting money for free doing what you were going to do anyway.

9. Turn grocery shopping into Swagbucks

Discover a wide range of enticing offers in the Swagbucks ‘Shop’ tab, allowing you to save on everyday purchases. From popular brands like Mentos and Mrs. Buttersworth to essential kitchen staples, there are savings opportunities for everyone.

Earn SBs for buying any-brand staples like eggs, bread, potatoes, onions, lettuce, bananas, avocados, and more.

Swagbucks is accepted at numerous grocery stores, including Walmart, Target, Costco, HEB, Kroger, and Sam’s Club. Simply add the offers you want, complete your shopping, and upload your receipt to receive SBs. Offers vary from 2 SBs all the way up to 1,000 SBs. Or if you prefer to do it the old-fashioned way you can print the coupons and use them at your local store. Earn 25 SB for every coupon you redeem, but only 1 SB for coupons you print.

10. Refer and earn rewards!

Share the Swagbucks love with your friends and family by referring them to the platform. Use your unique referral link and both you and your friend will get 300 SBs when they reach their first 300 SBs. Plus, you’ll earn 10% of their earnings for life as a bonus. The more people you refer, the more you can earn without any additional effort.

11. Daily Goal bonuses

Swagbucks encourages daily engagement by allowing you to earn bonus points from Daily Goals that show up on the homepage. A Daily Goal may be to earn 50 SB and get a bonus of 5 SB. It’s an easy way to rack up swagbucks.

Maximize your earnings

Earning rewards on Swagbucks can be both fun and fast if you know the right strategies. Some surefire ways to max out your earnings include:

Consistency: Set a little time aside each day. Even just 15 minutes can net you $5.
Diverse activities: Don’t just stick to one type of task. Swagbucks offers a variety of ways to earn points, including surveys, watching videos, playing games, and using their search engine. Rotating between these activities can maximize your earnings and keep things interesting.
Download all the apps: Earn points on the go with all four apps – Live for trivia, Answer surveys, Watch for viewing videos, and the general app for everything else. Don’t limit yourself to one app or your computer. Download all four and earn points whenever you have a little free time.
Referral program: Know anyone who might be interested? Invite friends and family to join and you’ll earn a percentage of their earnings for life.
Install all the features: Add the SwagButton and use the search engine for a hands-off way to earn points anytime you’re online.
Special offers and free trials: Check out the Discover section and find offers that pay as much as 10,000 SBs! Just be sure to cancel the free trial if you don’t want to keep the service.

By incorporating these strategies into your Swagbucks routine, you can boost your points and enjoy more rewards faster. Remember, patience and consistency are vital in maximizing your Swagbucks earnings.

Who is Swagbucks for?

Swagbucks is an ideal platform for anyone looking to earn extra cash in their spare time. If you have an internet connection and a smartphone or computer check it out when you’re free. The site is perfect for you if you already shop online, take surveys, play mobile games, or watch videos. If you’re looking for ways to save money on groceries or get free trials then Swagbucks is the right fit. You’ll save and earn points at the same time. It’s an easy way to earn a bit of spending money doing things you’re probably already doing. If you’re already online, why not earn some points for gift cards?

Legit Rewards Site

“It is the one and only legitimate site that I use because they actually pay you. I honestly got over $500 worth of gift cards last year. If I had played more than I did it could have easily been thousands to tens of thousands. There are many more other options of earning points towards gift cards like surveys and online purchases.(if I attempt the whole list, review won’t fit) If I’ve had an issue or a question, support was great! I challenge you to to find a better app then Swagbucks.”

Joseph Tumbleson

Bottom line

Swagbucks is an excellent way to earn extra cash in your free time doing what you’re probably doing anyway. It won’t make you rich by any means and if you’re struggling financially it’s better to find a part-time job to pay the bills. But if you want a little spending money to pad your wallet, why not get it the free and easy way? Sign up for Swagbucks today and start earning money from the comfort of your own home. Happy Swagging!

1. Paycheck Advance is For eligible customers only. Your actual available Paycheck Advance amount will be displayed to you in the mobile app and may change from time to time. Conditions and eligibility may vary and are subject to change at any time, at the sole discretion of Finco Advance LLC, which offers this optional feature. Finco Advance LLC is a financial technology company, not a bank. Expedited disbursement of your Paycheck Advance is an optional feature that is subject to an Instant Access Fee and may not be available to all users. Expedited disbursements may take up to an hour. For more information, please refer to Paycheck Advance Terms and Conditions.

2. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group, Member FDIC, and Cross River Bank, Member FDIC. The Current Visa® Debit Card is issued by Choice Financial Group pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. The Current Visa® secured charge card is issued by Cross River Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. Please see the back of your Card for its issuing bank. Current Individual Account required to apply for the Current Visa® secured charge card. Independent approval required.

3. Individual results may vary. Using your credit card responsibly may allow you to improve your credit score. Credit building depends on various factors, including your payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, and other financial activities.

4. Faster access to funds is based on comparison of traditional banking policies and deposit of paper checks from employers and government agencies versus deposits made electronically. Direct deposit and earlier availability of funds is subject to timing of payer’s submission of deposits.

5. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Funds held in Savings Pods are FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at our partner bank Choice Financial Group, member FDIC

6. Actual overdraft amount may vary and is subject to change at any time, at Current’s sole discretion. In order to qualify and enroll in the Fee-Free Overdraft feature, you must receive $500 or more in Qualifying Deposits into your Current Account over the preceding 30-day period. For more information, please refer to Fee-free Overdraft Terms and Conditions.

7. You may earn Points in connection with your everyday spending and by completing other actions that Current designates as subject to the Current Points Program. The amount of Points granted for different actions as well as the purchase requirements necessary to earn Points will vary, and is subject to Current’s sole discretion. After qualifying, please allow 3-5 business days for points to post to your Current account. The Current Points program is not available to Teen Account holders. See Current Points Terms and Conditions.

8. Some fees may apply, including out of network ATM fees of $2.50 per transaction, late payment fees of 3% of any total due balance outstanding and past due for two or more billing cycles, foreign transaction fees of 3% of the full transaction amount (minimum $0.50), card replacement fees per card of $5 for regular delivery and $30 for expedited delivery, cash deposit fees of $3.50 per deposit, and third party processing fees.

9. Boost Bonuses are credited to your Savings Pods within 48 hours of enabling the Boost feature and on a daily basis thereafter, provided that the Savings Pod has accrued a Boost Bonus of at least $0.01. The Boost rate on Savings Pods is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed rate is effective as of August 1, 2023. Must have $0.01 in Savings Pods to earn a Boost rate of either 0.25% or 4.00% annually on the portion of balances up to $2000 per Savings Pod, up to $6000 total. The remaining balance earns 0.00%. A qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more is required for 4.00%. No minimum balance required. For more information, please refer to Current Boost Terms and Conditions.

10. Cryptocurrency services are powered by Zero Hash LLC and Zero Hash Liquidity Services LLC, and may not be available in all states. Terms and conditions apply. When you buy or sell cryptocurrency, a difference between the current market price and the price you buy or sell that asset for is called a spread. However, unlike most other exchanges Current does not charge an additional trading fee. Cryptocurrency transactions are a form of investment, and all investments are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principal amount invested. Cryptocurrency is not insured by the FDIC or any other government-backed or third-party insurance. Your purchase of cryptocurrency is not a deposit or other obligation of, or guaranteed by, Choice Financial Group or Cross River Bank. The cryptocurrency assets in your Zero Hash account are not held at Current, Choice Financial Group, or Cross River Bank. Current, Choice Financial Group, and Cross River Bank are not responsible for the cryptocurrency assets held in any Zero Hash account. Neither Current, Choice, nor Cross River Bank is involved in the purchase, sale, exchange of fiat funds for cryptocurrency, or custody of the cryptocurrencies. Terms and Conditions apply (platform and user agreements). Crypto on Current is not currently available in HI. Licensed to engage in Virtual Currency Business Activity by the New York State Department of Financial Services. This does not constitute investment advice.

11. Current is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by Choice Financial Group. Your money is FDIC-insured on a pass-through basis up to $250,000 at each of our partner banks, Choice Financial Group and Cross River Bank, members FDIC.

12. Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2023 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

13. Up to $500 per Covered Trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

14. The maximum benefit amount for Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance is $10,000 per Covered Trip and $20,000 per Eligible Card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

15. Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one- way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

16. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

17. Coverage for a Stolen or damaged Eligible Cellular Wireless Telephone is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and limits of liability of this benefit. The maximum liability is $800, per claim, per Eligible Card Account. Each claim is subject to a $50 deductible. Coverage is limited to two (2) claims per Eligible Card Account per 12 month period. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

18. When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

19. Purchase Protection is an embedded benefit of your Card Membership and requires no enrollment. It can help protect Covered Purchases made on your Eligible Card when they’re accidentally damaged, stolen, or lost, for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date. The coverage is limited to up to $10,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year. Coverage Limits Apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

20. Chime is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services provided by The Bancorp Bank, N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC.

21. The secured Chime Credit Builder Visa® Card is issued by Stride Bank, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

22. Banking services and debit card provided by The Bancorp Bank N.A. or Stride Bank, N.A., Members FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa debit cards are accepted.

23. The Annual Percentage Yield (“APY”) for the Chime Savings Account is variable and may change at any time. The disclosed APY is effective as of September 20, 2023. No minimum balance required. Must have $0.01 in savings to earn interest.

24. There’s no fee for the Chime Savings Account. Cash withdrawal and Third-party fees may apply to Chime Checking Accounts. You must have a Chime Checking Account to open a Chime Savings Account.

25. To apply for Credit Builder, you must have received a single qualifying direct deposit of $200 or more to your Chime Checking Account. The qualifying direct deposit must be from your employer, payroll provider, gig economy payer, or benefits payer by Automated Clearing House (ACH) deposit OR Original Credit Transaction (OCT). Bank ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, verification or trial deposits from financial institutions, peer to peer transfers from services such as PayPal, Cash App, or Venmo, mobile check deposits, cash loads or deposits, one-time direct deposits, such as tax refunds and other similar transactions, and any deposit to which Chime deems to not be a qualifying direct deposit are not qualifying direct deposits.

26. Money added to Credit Builder will be held in a secured account as collateral for your Credit Builder Visa card, which means you can spend up to this amount on your card. This is money you can use to pay off your charges at the end of every month.

27. Based on a representative study conducted by Experian®, members who made their first purchase with Credit Builder between June 2020 and October 2020 observed an average FICO® Score 8 increase of 30 points after approximately 8 months. On-time payment history can have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score.

28. On-time payment history may have a positive impact on your credit score. Late payment may negatively impact your credit score. Chime will report your activities to Transunion®, Experian®, and Equifax®. Impact on your credit may vary, as Credit scores are independently determined by credit bureaus based on a number of factors including the financial decisions you make with other financial services organizations.

29. Early access to direct deposit funds depends on the timing of the submission of the payment file from the payer. We generally make these funds available on the day the payment file is received, which may be up to 2 days earlier than the scheduled payment date.

30. SpotMe® on Debit is an optional, no fee overdraft service attached to your Chime Checking Account. To qualify for the SpotMe on Debit service, you must receive $200 or more in qualifying direct deposits to your Chime Checking Account each month and have activated your Visa debit card. Qualifying members will be allowed to overdraw their Chime Checking Account for up to $20 on debit card purchases and cash withdrawals initially but may later be eligible for a higher limit of up to $200 or more based on Chime Account history, direct deposit frequency and amount, spending activity and other risk-based factors. The SpotMe on Debit limit will be displayed within the Chime mobile app and is subject to change at any time, at Chime’s sole discretion. Although Chime does not charge any overdraft fees for SpotMe on Debit, there may be out-of-network or third-party fees associated with ATM transactions. SpotMe on Debit will not cover any non-debit card transactions, including ACH transfers, Pay Anyone transfers, or Chime Checkbook transactions. SpotMe on Debit Terms and Conditions.

31. Tipping or not tipping has no impact on your eligibility for SpotMe®.

32. Out-of-network ATM withdrawal fees may apply except at MoneyPass ATMs in a 7-Eleven, or any Allpoint or Visa Plus Alliance ATM.

33. Save When I Get Paid automatically transfers 10% of your direct deposits of $500 or more from your Checking Account into your savings account.

34. Round Ups automatically round up debit card purchases to the nearest dollar and transfer the round up from your Chime Checking Account to your savings account.

35. Mobile Check Deposit eligibility is determined by Chime in its sole discretion and may be granted based on various factors including, but not limited to, a member’s direct deposit enrollment status.

36. Funds are automatically debited from your Checking Account and typically deposited into the recipient’s Checking Account within seconds. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed.

37. Pay Anyone transactions will be monitored and may be held, delayed or blocked if the transfer could result in fraud or another form of financial harm. Sometimes instant transfers can be delayed. Non-Chime members must use a valid debit card to claim funds.

* EarnIn is not available for Connecticut residents

Rachel Alulis

Rachel Alulis has been the lead editor for Moneyfor’s credit cards team since 2015 and for the financial rewards team since 2023. Before joining Moneyfor, Rachel worked at USA Today and the Des Moines Register. She then established a successful freelance writing and editing business specializing in personal finance. Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and an MBA.

Swagbucks Review: The Ultimate Guide to Earning Rewards

Key takeaways

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What is Swagbucks?