The Easiest Way to Get Free Gift Cards: A Comprehensive Guide

Gift cards have become a popular way to reward and shop, offering flexibility and convenience for both recipients and givers. Imagine having a stack of gift cards at your disposal, ready to be used for your favorite stores, restaurants, or online retailers. While it may seem like a distant dream, there are actually several legitimate methods to obtain free gift cards. In this guide, we’ll explore the easiest ways to get free gift cards, from apps and surveys to shopping rewards and more.

1. Rewarding Apps and Websites

a. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a well-known platform that allows users to earn points (called SB) by completing various online activities such as surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks. The platform is user-friendly and offers numerous ways to earn, making it one of the easiest ways to accumulate points for free gift cards.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up for a free account on Swagbucks.
2. Complete your profile to start earning.
3. Engage in activities like answering surveys, watching videos, and shopping through their portal.
4. Redeem your SB points for gift cards of your choice.

b. InboxDollars

Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars rewards users for participating in activities such as reading emails, taking surveys, and shopping online. As you accumulate cash, you can exchange it for gift cards to various retailers. InboxDollars also offers bonuses for new members, making it a great way to kickstart your earnings.

How to Get Started:

1. Register on the InboxDollars website.
2. Complete your profile to receive targeted surveys and offers.
3. Engage with the content and activities to earn cash.
4. Redeem your earnings for gift cards once you reach the minimum payout threshold.

2. Online Surveys and Market Research

a. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a reputable survey site where users can earn points by sharing their opinions on various topics. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Target, and more. The platform is straightforward and offers a steady stream of surveys, making it an accessible option for earning free gift cards.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up for a free account on Survey Junkie.
2. Complete your profile to qualify for relevant surveys.
3. Participate in surveys and earn points.
4. Redeem your points for gift cards when you reach the required amount.

b. Vindale Research

Vindale Research offers a variety of ways to earn money, including taking surveys, testing products, and referring friends. Points earned can be exchanged for cash or gift cards. Vindale Research is known for higher-paying surveys, which can help you reach your gift card goals faster.

How to Get Started:

1. Register on the Vindale Research website.
2. Fill out your profile to receive targeted surveys and offers.
3. Participate in surveys and other earning activities.
4. Redeem your earnings for gift cards once you meet the minimum payout threshold.

3. Cashback and Reward Programs

a. Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback website that offers rebates on purchases made through its affiliated retailers. By signing up and shopping through Rakuten, you can earn cashback on your purchases. While cashback is typically paid out in cash or PayPal, Rakuten also offers gift card options for some retailers.

How to Get Started:

1. Create a free account on Rakuten.
2. Browse the list of affiliated retailers and click through to their websites to make purchases.
3. Earn cashback on your purchases, which can be converted into gift cards for some retailers.

b. Shopkick

Shopkick is a mobile app that rewards users for various shopping-related activities, including walking into stores, scanning product barcodes, and making purchases. Points earned through these activities, called “kicks,” can be redeemed for gift cards to popular stores.

How to Get Started:

1. Download the Shopkick app and create an account.
2. Earn kicks by walking into stores, scanning barcodes, and shopping.
3. Redeem your kicks for gift cards to a variety of retailers.

4. Referral Programs and Promotions

a. Referral Bonuses

Many reward platforms offer bonuses for referring friends or family members. For example, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and other similar sites often have referral programs where you earn a bonus when someone you refer signs up and starts earning. These bonuses can quickly accumulate and be redeemed for gift cards.

How to Get Started:

1. Join a reward platform with a referral program.
2. Share your referral link with friends and family.
3. Earn bonuses when your referrals sign up and engage with the platform.
4. Redeem your accumulated bonuses for gift cards.

b. Promotional Offers

Retailers and apps frequently run promotions that offer gift cards as rewards for completing specific actions or reaching certain milestones. For example, you might earn a gift card for signing up for a new service, making a purchase, or participating in a promotional event.

How to Get Started:

1. Keep an eye on promotional offers from your favorite retailers and apps.
2. Follow the instructions to participate in the promotion or complete the required actions.
3. Receive your gift card as a reward for your participation.

5. Grocery Store Rewards

a. Loyalty Programs

Many grocery stores have loyalty programs that offer points or rewards for purchases. These points can sometimes be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards. By signing up for these programs and using your loyalty card regularly, you can accumulate points and redeem them for gift cards.

How to Get Started:

1. Sign up for a grocery store’s loyalty program.
2. Use your loyalty card each time you shop to earn points.
3. Redeem your points for gift cards or other rewards when available.

b. Receipt Scanning Apps

Apps like Ibotta and Checkout 51 allow users to earn cashback by scanning their grocery receipts. As you accumulate cashback, you can exchange it for gift cards to various retailers. These apps often have special promotions and bonuses that can help you earn gift cards faster.

How to Get Started:

1. Download the Ibotta or Checkout 51 app and create an account.
2. Shop for eligible products and scan your receipts using the app.
3. Accumulate cashback and redeem it for gift cards once you reach the required amount.

6. Credit Card Rewards

a. Rewards Credit Cards

Many credit cards offer reward programs that allow you to earn points, miles, or cashback on your purchases. These rewards can often be redeemed for gift cards to various retailers. If you use a rewards credit card for everyday purchases, you can accumulate points or cashback that can be used for gift cards.

How to Get Started:

1. Apply for a rewards credit card that suits your spending habits.
2. Use the card for your regular purchases to earn rewards.
3. Redeem your rewards for gift cards through the card issuer’s rewards portal.

b. Cashback Cards

Cashback credit cards provide a percentage of your spending back as cashback. Some cashback cards offer the option to redeem your cashback for gift cards to popular retailers. By using a cashback card for your purchases, you can earn gift cards while getting money back on your spending.

How to Get Started:

1. Choose a cashback credit card with favorable terms.
2. Use the card for purchases to earn cashback.
3. Redeem your cashback for gift cards according to the card issuer’s redemption options.

Conclusion

Getting free gift cards doesn’t have to be a complex or time-consuming task. By leveraging reward apps, participating in online surveys, using cashback programs, and taking advantage of promotional offers, you can easily accumulate gift cards for your favorite retailers. Remember to stay organized, track your progress, and explore various methods to maximize your earnings. With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the convenience and flexibility of free gift cards. Happy earning!