19 Surprising Ways to Get Free Gift Cards

Gift cards are a convenient way to shop without spending your own money, and there are many creative ways to earn them for free. Whether you’re looking to save on your favorite stores or get some extra cash for future purchases, here are 19 surprising ways to get free gift cards.

1. Participate in Online Surveys

Many companies offer free gift cards as rewards for completing online surveys. Websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research allow you to earn points or cash for sharing your opinions. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards to popular retailers.

2. Use Cashback Apps

Cashback apps such as Rakuten (formerly Ebates) or Ibotta give you rebates on purchases made through their platforms. Many of these apps offer gift cards as a redemption option once you reach a certain cashback threshold. Simply shop through the app, earn cashback, and convert it into gift cards.

3. Sign Up for Rewards Programs

Retailers and service providers often have rewards programs that offer gift cards as part of their loyalty incentives. Programs like Walgreens Balance Rewards, CVS ExtraCare, or Starbucks Rewards let you accumulate points from purchases, which can be redeemed for gift cards.

4. Join Referral Programs

Referral programs can be a lucrative way to earn free gift cards. Many apps and services offer gift cards for referring friends or family members. For example, you can earn gift cards from services like Dosh or Drop when someone signs up using your referral link.

5. Enter Contests and Giveaways

Contests and giveaways are often hosted on social media platforms or company websites. Follow your favorite brands, influencers, and retailers to stay updated on current promotions. Participating in these contests can sometimes win you gift cards as prizes.

6. Test Products and Provide Feedback

Companies often give out free gift cards in exchange for product testing and feedback. Sites like BzzAgent and Smiley360 offer opportunities to test products and share your opinions. In return, you might receive gift cards as part of their reward system.

7. Join Online Forums and Communities

Online communities and forums sometimes host gift card giveaways or reward members for active participation. Join forums related to your interests or hobbies, and participate actively to increase your chances of being rewarded with gift cards.

8. Use Shopping and Survey Apps

Apps like Shopkick and Fetch Rewards reward you with points for scanning receipts, shopping at partner stores, or completing surveys. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards to various retailers.

9. Participate in Focus Groups

Focus group studies often offer compensation in the form of gift cards. Sign up with market research companies like Respondent or User Interviews to participate in focus groups related to consumer products and services.

10. Complete Microtasks

Websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker pay you to complete small online tasks or microtasks. These tasks can include data entry, categorizing information, or other simple tasks. Some platforms allow you to redeem earnings for gift cards.

11. Check Your Email for Offers

Sometimes, companies send promotional offers or reward opportunities via email. Sign up for newsletters from your favorite brands and retailers to receive special offers or invitations to participate in programs that offer free gift cards.

12. Download and Use Reward Apps

Certain apps, such as Mistplay or Lucktastic, offer free gift cards as rewards for playing games or engaging with content. Download these apps, play games or complete tasks, and earn gift cards as you progress.

13. Participate in Affiliate Programs

If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following, you can join affiliate programs for various retailers. Many affiliate programs offer gift cards as incentives for generating sales or referrals.

14. Review Products and Services

Writing reviews for products and services can sometimes earn you free gift cards. Platforms like Influenster and Yelp often reward reviewers with gift cards for their contributions and feedback.

15. Take Advantage of Cashback Credit Card Offers

Certain cashback credit cards offer gift cards as part of their rewards program. By using these credit cards for everyday purchases, you can earn cashback that can be redeemed for gift cards to various retailers.

16. Utilize Rewards for Fitness Apps

Some fitness apps offer rewards for meeting exercise goals or participating in challenges. Apps like Sweatcoin or Achievement provide gift cards as rewards for staying active and reaching milestones.

17. Trade Points with Friends

If you use apps or services that offer rewards points, consider trading points with friends or family members. Sometimes, pooling resources or exchanging points can help you reach the threshold for redeeming gift cards faster.

18. Attend Webinars and Virtual Events

Some webinars and virtual events offer gift cards as incentives for attendance or participation. Register for webinars related to your interests or industry to potentially earn gift cards while gaining valuable knowledge.

19. Watch Videos and Ads

Certain platforms and apps pay you to watch videos or ads. Swagbucks and InboxDollars are examples of platforms where you can earn points or cash by watching promotional content, which can be redeemed for gift cards.

Getting free gift cards can be both fun and rewarding. By exploring these 19 surprising methods, you can find opportunities to earn gift cards from various sources, enhancing your shopping experience without spending your own money. Whether it’s through surveys, apps, referrals, or contests, there are numerous ways to get free gift cards and enjoy your favorite products and services for less.

(FAQs)

What Are the Best Sites for Earning Free Gift Cards?

Some of the best sites for earning free gift cards include Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Rakuten, and Ibotta. These platforms offer various ways to earn points or cashback, which can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers. Each site has its own earning mechanisms, so exploring multiple options can maximize your opportunities.

How Do Online Surveys Lead to Free Gift Cards?

Online surveys lead to free gift cards by rewarding you with points or cash for sharing your opinions on various topics. Platforms like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie convert your survey responses into points, which can then be redeemed for gift cards. The more surveys you complete, the more points you earn.

Are Cashback Apps Reliable for Getting Free Gift Cards?

Yes, cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta are reliable for getting free gift cards. These apps offer cashback on purchases made through their platforms, and once you accumulate enough cashback, you can redeem it for gift cards. It’s important to use reputable apps and follow their guidelines to ensure you receive your rewards.

How Do Rewards Programs Work for Free Gift Cards?

Rewards programs work by offering points or credits for making purchases or engaging with a brand. Retailers and service providers often have loyalty programs where you can earn points from your spending. Once you reach a certain point threshold, you can redeem these points for gift cards.

What Are Referral Programs and How Do They Help Me Get Free Gift Cards?

Referral programs offer free gift cards as a reward for referring new users to a service or app. For example, apps like Dosh or Drop provide gift cards when someone signs up using your referral link. By sharing your referral link and encouraging others to join, you can earn gift cards as a reward.

Where Can I Find Contests and Giveaways for Free Gift Cards?

Contests and giveaways for free gift cards are often hosted on social media platforms, company websites, and promotional events. Follow your favorite brands, influencers, and retailers on social media to stay updated on current contests. Participate in these contests to have a chance to win gift cards.

How Can I Start Testing Products for Free Gift Cards?

To start testing products for free gift cards, sign up with product testing platforms like BzzAgent or Smiley360. These platforms offer opportunities to test products and provide feedback. In return, you might receive free gift cards as part of their reward system.

How Do Online Forums and Communities Offer Free Gift Cards?

Online forums and communities sometimes offer free gift cards through giveaways or reward programs for active participation. Join forums related to your interests or hobbies, and engage with the community. Check for any ongoing giveaways or reward opportunities that offer gift cards.

How Do Shopping and Survey Apps Provide Free Gift Cards?

Shopping and survey apps like Shopkick and Fetch Rewards provide free gift cards by rewarding you with points for scanning receipts, shopping at partner stores, or completing surveys. Accumulate enough points through these activities, and you can redeem them for gift cards to various retailers.

What Are Focus Groups and How Can I Join Them for Free Gift Cards?

Focus groups are research studies where participants provide feedback on products or services. Companies often offer free gift cards as compensation for participation. To join focus groups, sign up with market research companies like Respondent or User Interviews and look for opportunities to participate in studies.

How Do Microtasks Lead to Free Gift Cards?

Microtasks involve completing small online tasks for payment. Websites like Amazon Mechanical Turk or Clickworker pay you for tasks such as data entry or categorizing information. Some platforms allow you to redeem your earnings for gift cards once you reach a certain threshold.

How Can I Find Email Offers for Free Gift Cards?

To find email offers for free gift cards, sign up for newsletters from your favorite brands and retailers. Companies often send promotional offers or reward opportunities via email. Regularly check your inbox and promotional folders for any special offers or invitations to participate in programs offering gift cards.

What Are Reward Apps and How Do They Work?

Reward apps like Mistplay and Lucktastic offer free gift cards as rewards for engaging with their content. For example, Mistplay rewards you for playing games, while Lucktastic offers gift cards for entering sweepstakes. Download these apps, complete the required activities, and earn gift cards as you progress.

How Can Affiliate Programs Help Me Get Free Gift Cards?

Affiliate programs offer gift cards as incentives for generating sales or referrals. If you have a blog, YouTube channel, or social media following, you can join affiliate programs for various retailers. Promote products or services through your affiliate links and earn gift cards as rewards for successful referrals.

Can Writing Reviews Earn Me Free Gift Cards?

Yes, writing reviews can earn you free gift cards. Platforms like Influenster and Yelp often reward reviewers with gift cards for their contributions and feedback. Write detailed reviews for products or services to increase your chances of receiving gift cards as a reward.

How Do Cashback Credit Cards Offer Free Gift Cards?

Cashback credit cards offer free gift cards through their rewards programs. By using these credit cards for purchases, you earn cashback that can be redeemed for gift cards. Choose a credit card with a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits to maximize your gift card earnings.

What Are Fitness Apps and How Do They Provide Free Gift Cards?

Fitness apps like Sweatcoin and Achievement reward you with free gift cards for meeting exercise goals or participating in challenges. Track your workouts and activities through these apps, and earn rewards based on your progress. Redeem your earnings for gift cards to various retailers.

How Can I Trade Points with Friends for Free Gift Cards?

If you use apps or services that offer rewards points, consider trading points with friends or family members. Some platforms allow you to exchange or pool points to reach the redemption threshold faster. Coordinate with others to trade points and redeem gift cards more efficiently.

Can I Earn Free Gift Cards by Attending Webinars?

Yes, attending webinars and virtual events can sometimes earn you free gift cards. Some events offer gift cards as incentives for attendance or participation. Register for webinars related to your interests or industry to potentially receive gift cards as a reward.

How Do I Get Free Gift Cards by Watching Videos or Ads?

You can earn free gift cards by watching videos or ads through platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars. These platforms pay you for engaging with promotional content, which can be redeemed for gift cards. Watch videos or ads regularly to accumulate rewards and convert them into gift cards.

There are numerous creative and unexpected ways to earn free gift cards, from participating in online surveys and cashback apps to joining referral programs and focus groups. By exploring these methods, you can find opportunities to earn gift cards and enjoy savings on your favorite stores and services. Whether you’re completing tasks, engaging with apps, or participating in contests, there are plenty of ways to get free gift cards and enhance your shopping experience.

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