Everyone loves free gift cards.
Getting a gift card is like being handed a guilt-free pass to spend on something you otherwise might not have purchased. New clothes, books, video games, a massage — anything you wouldn’t normally buy is free game with a gift card.
But outside of birthdays and holidays, free gift cards don’t normally fall into your lap. You either have to purchase them yourself or wait for those special occasions that only come once a year.
That is unless you know where to look.
How to Get Free Gift Cards Without Spending Money
Shopping isn’t the only way to earn free gift cards (although we’ll get to that in a minute). Here are a few options for earning rewards that don’t require you to spend money.
1. Become a Branded Elite member.
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: 1,000 points ($10)
With Branded Surveys, you can earn 100 bonus points toward a free gift card for signing up. You need 1,000 points to cash out through PayPal, direct deposit, or for gift cards to Amazon, Airbnb, Lowe’s, Chipotle, and many more. Users earn points by taking surveys through the platform. So while it’s not entirely free in the sense that it costs some of your time, if you take surveys consistently, you can earn free gift cards as a Branded Elite member.
On a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, Branded Elite members are chosen to receive up to 1,000 bonus points, equal to a free $10 gift card. The 50 top-earning members of each day receive an additional 50 points and the top 20 earners of each month earn 300 bonus points. That’s a possible $20 or more in free gift cards each month.
2. Try out a new search engine.
- Earning Potential: 2.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3
Swagbucks is a free rewards site where users earn points for activities like taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and searching the web.
When you make Swagbucks your default search engine, you earn points each time you browse. Swagbucks isn’t clear on exactly how many points each search is worth, but you’ll receive a notification each time they credit your account. You won’t earn free gift cards fast with this method, but the upside is that it requires very little effort.
Swagbucks also offers a $10 sign-up bonus for new members. You only need $3 to cash out for free gift card codes or $25 to exchange your points for PayPal cash.
Related: Swagbucks App Review 2021: What is Swagbucks and How Does it Work?
3. Scan product barcodes at your local stores.
- Earning Potential: 3.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $2
Shopkick offers several ways to earn free gift cards, three of which require no spending.
When you download the Shopkick app, you can earn points (called “kicks”) just for walking into certain stores such as Target or CVS. Once you’re inside the store, earn additional kicks by scanning products in the app. If you have kids in tow, you can turn it into a family scavenger hunt — keep them entertained while earning rewards in the process.
While you’re waiting in line to check out or if you can find a few free minutes in your day, earn more kicks for watching in-app videos. The exchange rate is roughly 250 kicks per dollar. Choose free gift cards to clothing retailers like American Eagle and Aerie or department stores such as Target or Walmart.
Bonus: Get a free 1,250 kicks (valued at $5) if you sign up using code DOLLARSPROUT and make an in-store scan within 7 days of installing the app.
4. Use Instagram to find gift card giveaways.
- Earning Potential: 4.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: N/A
Companies are always giving away free stuff on Instagram. You can enter these giveaways and win free gift cards. The rules of the giveaways vary, but you’ll usually need to follow the account that posted the contest and like the image, comment, or tag someone.
The best way to find these opportunities is to search for hashtags like:
#giveaway
#contest
#sweepstakes
#freebie
#freebiefriday
Instagram allows you to follow hashtags, which means you don’t have to manually search these terms every day. Instead, once you follow the hashtags, they’ll show up in your feed automatically. If you win any of these giveaways, the host should get in touch and let you know how to claim your prize.
5. Refer friends to services you love.
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: N/A
When we find something we really love, the first thing many of us want to do is share it with the people in our lives. In many cases, you can earn rewards and free gift cards for doing just that.
Banks, apps (Airbnb, Uber, Lyft, etc.), games, and retail websites are all good places to start. Check to see if any of your favorites have referral programs. If they do, grab your referral link or code and send it to people you think would also enjoy or benefit from using it.
Anyone you refer will likely need to complete a certain action, such as setting up direct deposit or booking their first ride or trip, before you receive your referral reward. Be sure to read the program details for each one so you know what to expect.
Related: How to Get Free Amazon Gift Cards
6. Ask for free gift cards instead of gifts.
- Earning Potential: 4.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: N/A
This method doesn’t involve any apps or technology and is probably the fastest and easiest way to get free gift cards.
All you have to do is ask. When it’s a gift-giving season or your birthday and people ask you what you want, tell them you’d like gift cards to your favorite store. Or, if you want the flexibility to spend your free gift card money in more than one place, ask for a Visa prepaid debit card.
Your friends and loved ones want to get you something that you genuinely want. Some people think gift cards are a cop-out, but in some cases, they actually make the perfect gift.
If you’re saving for a large purchase like a new MacBook Pro or home appliance, tell your friends and family how gift cards would help lower the expense. More than likely, they’ll be glad to help you reach your goal.
Earn Free Gift Cards for Everyday Purchases
Many apps and services give away free gift cards when you shop through their website or app. Oftentimes, these companies receive a small commission on your purchase. That said, there’s no additional cost on your end, and you can get them without taking the surveys stores pester you to take at the bottom of your receipt.
7. Shop online with CapitalOne Shopping.
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: Varies
Consumers can earn CapitalOne Shopping Credits, which can be redeemed for gift cards to retailers like eBay, Lowe’s, and Nordstrom. There are two ways that customers can earn these credits.
First, you must have the CapitalOne Shopping browser extension installed. Once it’s installed, shop online normally and when you see CapitalOne Shopping pop up with a rewards offer, click on it. Once that’s activated, you’ll receive CapitalOne Shopping reward credits if you make any qualifying purchases.
You can also earn CapitalOne Shopping credits when you link a credit card and use that card at a participating store. CapitalOne Shopping credits are usually disbursed within seven days of purchase.
Note: CapitalOne Shopping compensates us when you get the CapitalOne Shopping extension using the links provided.
Related: DollarSprout’s CapitalOne Shopping Review
8. Buy groceries with Ibotta.
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $20
If you like saving money with coupons but hate the idea of clipping them, carrying them around, and remembering to bring them with you, then the Ibotta app may be your perfect solution. Ibotta began as a cash-back app for grocery stores, but they’ve added other retailers like Target, Macy’s, and Walmart.
In the app, you’ll find offers for cash back on various products. Select the ones you want, then claim the offers by completing a simple task (read a short fact, answer a poll, etc.).
Purchase the item and upload your receipt to the app to redeem your cash-back offer. If you link your store loyalty card, then you can skip the receipt upload and get paid automatically within 48 hours of your shopping trip.
Once you reach $20 in your Ibotta account, you can cash out through PayPal or select free gift cards from major retailers like Lowes, Home Depot, iTunes, Starbucks, and dozens more.
Something unique about this app is that you can participate as part of a team. Build up your network and earn rewards faster together than you would as an individual. You can also earn rewards by referring friends and taking advantage of bonus offers in the app.
Related: 10 Apps Like Ibotta That Pay You to Scan Receipts
9. Shop with Drop.
- Earning Potential: 4.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $5
Drop is another rewards app that’s 100% free to join and use. The iOS app currently has over 1 million downloads and 37,000 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. There are several ways to earn gift cards with Drop.
One option is to shop offers directly through the app. You can also link a credit or debit card and earn points automatically when you shop at your chosen retailers. If you like the app and share it with others, you’ll earn another 5,000 points for the first 10 friends you refer who link a card and confirm their email address.
It can take 5-8 days to see the rewards from purchases with your linked retailers and up to 60 days for in-app offers. Once you reach 5,000 points, equal to $5, you can redeem them for gift cards to Netflix, Starbucks, or other popular retailers.
10. Join Fetch Rewards.
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3
You don’t have to preselect your offers with Fetch Rewards. Just download the free app, shop as you normally would, then scan your receipts after.
Fetch Rewards partners with some of the biggest household brand names, including Pull-Ups, Dove, Lay’s, and dozens more. According to their site, “Every time you purchase one of these brands you are guaranteed to get points and save on your shopping trip.”
You can also earn points for referring friends and family. Every time someone signs up through your referral link, you’ll each receive 2,000 points when they submit their first receipt. There’s no limit to how many people you can refer.
You need at least 3,000 points to cash out for free gift cards to retailers such as Airbnb, Sephora, Best Buy, and Stitch Fix. However, some offers require a minimum of 5,000 points or more.
Related: Fetch Rewards Review: What is It and How Does It Work?
11. Leverage a rewards credit card.
- Earning Potential: 4.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: Varies
Credit cards aren’t for everyone. If you have a history of overspending or are trying to get out of debt, then this probably isn’t your best option.
However, if you don’t have credit card debt and trust yourself to only spend what you can pay off every month, then consider getting a rewards credit card. These cards typically pay 1-3% in cash back or travel points, depending on the card.
Some offer higher rewards for certain categories, such as groceries or travel, and there are many rewards credit cards with no annual fees. You’ll need to do some research to figure out which card makes the most sense for you.
Related: How to Get Free Government Assistance
Get Free Gift Card Codes with Online Surveys
Taking paid online surveys won’t make you rich or even help you pay rent, but they’re an easy way to earn free gift cards without much effort. For the best use of your time, be sure to fill out your profile completely when you first sign up for each site.
This will ensure that you’ll receive the surveys most relevant to you and spend less time answering qualifying questions only to be told you’re not eligible for the study.
12. Swagbucks
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3
Swagbucks offers more than one way to earn free gift cards. Making it your default search engine is the most passive option, but you can earn points (Swagbucks or SBs) faster by watching videos, shopping through their portal, or completing online surveys.
Swagbucks’ survey options include:
- A daily poll
- A daily survey
- Everyday surveys
The daily poll and survey change each day. Daily polls are one question and worth 1 SB each. Most other surveys range between 1 to 300+ SBs. The more points a survey is worth, the more time it will likely take to complete. Conversion rates vary depending on the free gift card or reward you choose, but 1 SB is worth roughly $0.01.
13. InboxDollars
- Earning Potential: 3.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $30
InboxDollars is currently offering a $5 sign-up bonus for new members. The site is free to join and has a 4-star Trustpilot rating based on over 7,400 reviews.
According to InboxDollars’ site, most of their surveys take 3 to 25 minutes to complete and pay from $0.50 to $5 each. Occasionally you’ll find surveys worth up to $20 if you match the demographic profile for that study.
Once you reach the minimum payout amount of $30, you can request payment via PayPal, a check in the mail, or free gift cards. You can also donate your earnings to the American Humane Society, Red Cross, or another charity of your choosing.
14. Survey Junkie
- Earning Potential: 3.5/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $10
Unlike some other survey sites that offer multiple ways to earn points for free gift cards, Survey Junkie focuses solely on paid online surveys. The biggest benefit of this for you as a user is a simple, easy-to-use platform.
When you sign in to Survey Junkie, you won’t be overwhelmed with options or find yourself watching multiple videos or playing games for a few cents each. Each available survey shows the payout and estimated completion time. After you complete the questionnaire, points will be credited to your account immediately.
You need at least 1,000 points, worth $10, to redeem your rewards. Choose a gift card, transfer your earnings to PayPal, or send cash straight to your bank account.
15. MyPoints
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0 stars
- Minimum to Cash Out: $3
MyPoints users can earn points for participating in online panels, completing surveys, and testing products from home. As a new user, you can claim a $10 sign-up bonus when you create your free account and make a purchase of $20 or more through their online shopping portal.
When you sign up for SurveyMail, MyPoints will send surveys straight to your inbox. You’ll earn points each time you click and complete a survey.
The number of points you can earn depends on the length of the survey, but they typically range from 50 to 600 points each. You’ll also earn 5 points for every 10 profile questions you answer and up to 750 for each friend you refer.
The lowest amount you need to cash out is 480 points, which will get you a $3 gift card. Redemption requirements vary depending on the retailer and free gift card value. For example, a $10 gift card from Retailer A might be 1,400 while a $10 gift card from Retailer B requires 1,580 points.
16. PrizeRebel
- Earning Potential: 4.0/5.0
- Minimum to Cash Out: $2
According to its website, PrizeRebel has paid out over $19 million in prizes and free gift cards since its inception in 2007. There are currently over 500 gift cards and rewards to choose from.
As a PrizeRebel member, you can earn points for gift cards by taking surveys, watching videos, completing daily challenges, and signing up for offers with partner companies. Once you complete a task, points are instantly added to your account. Exchange your points for free gift cards to places like Xbox, Gap, Kroger, and iTunes.
You can also use your points to enter drawings for larger cash prizes.
Related: 38 Creative Ways to Make Money Fast
Earn Gift Cards for the Things You Already Do
The best way to get free gift cards is to find a way to earn rewards for things you already do. For example, if you buy groceries or do at least some of your shopping online, then you could potentially benefit from apps like Ibotta, Drop, or Fetch Rewards without changing your spending habits.
If you don’t do much of the shopping for your household, then you may be better off earning free gift cards with online surveys, Shopkick, entering giveaways, referring others to your favorite products and services, or another method that doesn’t require you to spend money.
Regardless of your shopping habits, there’s likely a way for you to earn free gift cards in your spare time. You just have to try a few different options and find the methods that best fit your lifestyle.
