Updated Feb. 15, 2025.
One rewards site that has gotten a lot of attention over the years is Swagbucks. I've been a Swagbucks member myself for well over ten years now.
In today's post, we are talking about Swagbucks, what it is, and how you can earn a little extra cash from it so you can decide if you think it's worth your time.
What is Swagbucks?
As mentioned above, Swagbucks is a rewards site that makes it possible for you to earn points (known by them as SB) for doing different little tasks online.
These points can then be redeemed for gift cards or even cash to PayPal.
Swagbucks got started in 2008 and since that time, they've paid out over $700 million in rewards to their members! It's fully legit and costs nothing to sign up and start earning.
Who Can Participate in Swagbucks?
You can sign up to use Swagbucks as long as you are at least 13 years old and in the US, Canada, the UK, Australia, Germany, France, India, or Ireland.
What Sorts of Things Can You Do on Swagbucks to Earn Money?
Swagbucks provides their users with several different ways to earn the bucks, so you won't get bored easily when you log in!
- Online Surveys: Share your opinions on products and services to earn points.
- Shopping Online: Shop through Swagbucks' affiliate links to earn cashback on your purchases.
- Watching Videos: Watch videos ranging from entertainment to news.
- Playing Games: Play online games and earn points.
- Using the Swagbucks Search Engine: Use the Swagbucks dedicated search engine for your everyday internet browsing.
- Discovering Offers: Sign up for offers from various brands and services to earn even more.
Note that all these activities don't pay the same. It will just depend on how “easy” it is in most cases. Easier tasks pay less while the more involved ones pay more.
What Are Some of the Most Popular Redemption Options on Swagbucks?
Once you've accumulated enough bucks, you can redeem them for several different things. Some of the most popular options include:
- Gift Cards: I usually get the $5 Amazon codes! But you can choose from in addition to Amazon like Walmart, Starbucks, and more.
- PayPal Cash: Convert your bucks into cash deposited directly into your PayPal account.
- Charitable Donations: Donate to various charitable organizations.
How Many Bucks Do You Need to Redeem for Something?
The number of SB required to redeem depends on the reward.
Generally, 1 SB is equivalent to $0.01. Therefore, to redeem a $5 gift card, you would need 500 SB.
Some gift cards may offer discounts, making it possible to redeem for fewer SB during promotional periods.
What Do Swagbucks Users Say About the Platform?
As with most things, user experiences with Swagbucks vary.
Some members love Swagbucks as a convenient way to earn extra cash during their free time. For instance, a user on Reddit said, “I've been a member since December 2016… I made $1,100 in Amazon gift cards in 3 and a half years.”
But there are complaints too, particularly with qualifying for surveys and the time required to accumulate rewards.
A Reddit user mentioned, “The average dollars per hour is not great, but for a minimal effort and flexible hours side hustle you can do from home, it is a decent deal.”
So it should go without saying, but have realistic expectations with the site. It can provide a little extra cash, but it's not a “job.”
How Do You Sign Up for Swagbucks?
Getting started with Swagbucks is easy! Just visit the Swagbucks Website and register. You can sign up using your Facebook account or just your email.
Good luck!
Anna Thurman is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 14 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.