MyPoints is one of the oldest rewards sites online. It was founded in 1996 and has been owned by Prodege, the company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars, since 2016. Members earn points for shopping at partner stores, taking surveys, scanning receipts, watching videos and other tasks, then redeem them for gift cards, PayPal cash or travel miles. Its strongest feature is shopping rewards.
At a glance
| What it is | A rewards site focused on shopping, plus surveys and tasks |
| How you earn | Points per purchase, survey or task |
| Rewards | Gift cards, PayPal cash, travel miles |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Owner | Prodege, since 2016 |
| Browser extension | Yes, alerts you to points at partner stores |
| Where it works | Mainly the US and Canada |
Ways to earn
Shopping is the core. Click through MyPoints to a partner store, buy as normal, and earn points per dollar spent. The browser extension shows when a store offers points so you don’t forget to activate them. Points from shopping can take days or weeks to credit while the store confirms the purchase.
Surveys work as on other panels, with an estimated time and reward per survey and the usual screen-outs. You can also earn by scanning receipts for selected products, watching videos, playing games, reading promotional emails and completing offers.
Redeeming points
Points don’t convert at a single fixed rate. Each reward has its own point price, so the value per point changes slightly between gift cards, PayPal and travel miles. Gift cards are available from lower point amounts, while PayPal cash usually needs a larger balance. Check the redemption page for current prices and pick the reward with the best value for the points you have. PayPal redemptions can take a few business days, and your PayPal email must match your account.
What you can realistically earn
For most people, MyPoints works best as a cash back layer on shopping they’d do anyway. Surveys and videos pay little per hour, as on all rewards sites. Independent testing has put mixed-task earnings at a few dollars an hour. The real value depends on how much you buy from partner stores.
Tips
Install the browser extension so you don’t miss points on purchases. Compare MyPoints’ offer for a store with other cash back sites before you buy, because rates differ. Keep order confirmations until points credit. Complete your survey profile, and cash out regularly.
Watch out for
Shopping points can fail to track if you use other coupon extensions or switch devices during checkout. Points can expire on inactive accounts, so log in and use the account from time to time.
MyPoints or Swagbucks?
Both belong to Prodege and share many tasks. MyPoints leans more on shopping rewards and travel miles, while Swagbucks has more surveys and games. Using both can make sense if you shop online often.
Getting started
Create a free account, confirm your email and install the browser extension on the computer you shop from most. Fill in your survey profile so you’re matched to more surveys. Before your next online purchase, search the store on MyPoints and click through to activate points.
Travel miles
MyPoints is one of the few rewards sites that offers airline miles as a reward. If you collect miles with a supported airline, compare the points needed with gift card or PayPal options to see which gives better value for you.
Using the app
MyPoints also has mobile apps, which are handy for receipt scanning and surveys on the go. Shopping points are easiest to track on a computer with the extension installed, so many members use both.
Owen’s take
MyPoints is a long-standing, reliable rewards site, but it’s really a shopping rewards tool with surveys on the side. If you shop online regularly, the extension can quietly add up. If you want to earn from tasks, Swagbucks or Survey Junkie are better fits.
Who it suits
It suits US and Canadian shoppers who buy online often and like travel miles or gift cards. It suits less well anyone looking for task-based earnings or living outside its main markets.
Similar options
- Rakuten pays cash back at thousands of stores.
- Swagbucks is a sister site with more surveys.
- Ibotta pays cash back on groceries.
- InboxDollars pays cash for tasks.
More options are in Fast Money.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong shopping rewards
- Travel miles as a reward option
- Established since 1996
Cons
- Low pay for surveys and videos
- Shopping points can take weeks
- Mainly US and Canada
FAQ
How does MyPoints work?
You earn points for shopping, surveys and tasks, then redeem them for rewards.
What can I redeem MyPoints for?
Gift cards, PayPal cash and travel miles.
Who owns MyPoints?
Prodege, since 2016.
Is MyPoints available outside the US?
It’s mainly for the US and Canada.
Is MyPoints legit?
Yes, it has paid members since 1996.
