In today’s fast-paced digital world, earning gift cards through gaming is no longer just a dream but a reality that many people are tapping into. Whether you're a casual gamer or someone who loves discovering new apps, there are plenty of opportunities to turn your gaming time into tangible rewards like Amazon or Walmart gift cards. This comprehensive guide dives into the best apps that reward you for playing games, how they work, and what kind of gift cards you can earn.
Why Use Apps to Earn Gift Cards?
The appeal of earning gift cards by playing games is multifaceted. Firstly, it's a fun and engaging way to make the most of your spare time. Secondly, these apps often have low or no entry barriers, making them accessible to nearly everyone. And finally, the rewards—gift cards to popular retailers—offer practical value, allowing you to offset everyday expenses.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a well-known platform that offers various ways to earn points (SB), including playing games, taking surveys, watching videos, and more. Its broad range of activities makes it one of the most versatile and user-friendly platforms.
- How It Works: After downloading the app, users can engage in sponsored games to earn SB points. Other activities like surveys and watching videos also contribute to your total points.
- Payout Options: Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and even PayPal cash.
2. Mistplay
Mistplay is a gaming app specifically designed for Android users, offering rewards for playing mobile games. It’s one of the most straightforward apps that lets you earn by simply playing your favorite games.
- How It Works: Download the app, choose from a list of recommended games, and start playing. As you progress, you'll earn units (Mistplay's version of points), which you can exchange for gift cards.
- Payout Options: You can redeem your points for gift cards from Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, and more.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a broader platform offering multiple ways to earn, including through playing games. While not exclusively a gaming platform, the game section provides additional opportunities to accumulate rewards.
- How It Works: Sign up, select from a list of available games, and start playing. InboxDollars also lets you earn by taking surveys, watching ads, and reading promotional emails.
- Payout Options: You can opt for cash payments via PayPal or check, as well as gift cards for retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
4. Lucktastic
Lucktastic is a unique app centered around virtual scratch cards. While it’s not solely a gaming app, its lottery-style games offer exciting opportunities to win gift cards.
- How It Works: Play daily scratch-off tickets to win gift cards and other prizes. You can also enter sweepstakes for bigger rewards.
- Payout Options: Lucktastic offers gift cards from popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more.
5. AppNana
AppNana rewards users with points (called Nanas) for playing games, downloading apps, and engaging in other offers. It’s a great app for discovering new games while earning rewards.
- How It Works: Download games or apps from AppNana's recommended list, earn Nanas for each action, and accumulate enough points to redeem for gift cards.
- Payout Options: Gift cards for Amazon, iTunes, Google Play, Xbox, and more are available.
6. Boodle
Boodle is another fun app that rewards you for playing games and completing other small tasks such as quizzes, surveys, and downloading apps.
- How It Works: Earn coins for engaging with the app, including playing games and completing simple activities like quizzes.
- Payout Options: You can redeem coins for gift cards to stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
7. FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints provides multiple ways to earn points, and gaming is just one of the most enjoyable methods. It also allows users to earn by taking surveys and trying out new apps.
- How It Works: Earn points by playing games or trying new apps, which can then be redeemed for rewards.
- Payout Options: Cash out your points for PayPal money or gift cards from Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, and other retailers.
8. Cash’em All
Cash’em All is a discovery-based gaming app that rewards users for playing games. It’s especially popular among users who like trying new mobile games.
- How It Works: Download the app, choose a game to play, and earn coins as you spend time playing. The longer you play, the more coins you’ll collect.
- Payout Options: Coins can be exchanged for gift cards from Amazon, Steam, and even PayPal cash.
9. Drop
Drop is primarily a shopping rewards app, but it also features a gaming section where you can earn points by playing games.
- How It Works: After linking your credit card to the app, you can earn points from your purchases as well as from playing games.
- Payout Options: Points can be redeemed for gift cards to stores like Starbucks, Amazon, Netflix, and more.
10. MyPoints
MyPoints is a multi-functional rewards app similar to Swagbucks. It lets you earn points for various activities, including playing games, watching videos, shopping, and more.
- How It Works: Complete tasks like playing games, shopping, or watching videos to accumulate points.
- Payout Options: Redeem your points for gift cards to retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks.
How to Maximize Your Earnings
If you want to truly capitalize on the earning potential of gaming or reward apps, it’s essential to apply some strategies to get the most out of your time and effort. Here are a few tips to help you boost your earnings:
1. Play Consistently:
Just like with any other activity, consistency is key when it comes to maximizing your earnings from these apps. The more time you invest in playing, the more points, coins, or credits you'll earn. Make it a habit to engage with the app daily, even if it's just for a short session. Over time, these small increments of gameplay can add up to substantial rewards.
2. Use Multiple Apps:
Don't restrict yourself to a single platform. By diversifying your participation across different apps, you increase your chances of earning more. Different apps may offer varying types of rewards, games, or tasks, and you can capitalize on them by switching between apps to optimize your time and effort. Plus, some apps may have better offers or promotions at certain times, so keeping a range of apps at your disposal gives you flexibility.
3. Look Out for Promotions:
Many apps frequently run limited-time promotions where they offer bonus points, double rewards, or special incentives for completing certain tasks or playing particular games. These promotions are great opportunities to boost your earnings without extra effort. Make sure to regularly check for these offers and take full advantage of them. Setting notifications or reminders within the app can help you stay on top of these deals so you never miss out.
4. Redeem Wisely:
Every app has its own redemption system, often with a minimum threshold for cashing out or claiming prizes. To maximize your payout, it’s important to understand these thresholds and aim for the most efficient redemption options. For example, some apps may offer a higher conversion rate or better value for larger redemptions, so it may be worth accumulating your points or coins until you reach a higher tier. Always review the available options carefully before cashing out to ensure you get the best deal.