Swagbucks is one of the longest-running rewards sites. Since 2008 it has paid members in points, called SB, for everyday online activities: taking surveys, shopping through its portal, playing games, watching videos and trying offers. Points are worth about one cent each (100 SB is roughly $1) and can be redeemed for gift cards from major retailers or for PayPal cash. It’s owned by Prodege, the same company behind InboxDollars and MyPoints.
At a glance
| What it is | A rewards site and app that pays points for online activities |
| How you earn | SB points per survey, purchase, game milestone or offer |
| Point value | About 100 SB = $1 |
| Payouts | Gift cards from small amounts; PayPal cash at a higher threshold |
| Cost to join | Free |
| Owner | Prodege |
| Where it works | US, UK, Canada, Australia and other countries; offers vary by region |
Ways to earn
Swagbucks offers more ways to earn than most rewards sites. Surveys are the core: you answer questions on topics chosen by market researchers, with each survey showing its estimated time and reward. If you don’t qualify partway through, Swagbucks usually gives a small consolation reward.
Shopping is the second big category. When you click through Swagbucks to a partner store and buy something, you earn cash back in SB. Magic Receipts lets you earn points by scanning grocery and store receipts for selected products.
Games and offers can pay the most per task: you install a game and reach set milestones within a time limit, or sign up for a service or free trial. Smaller earners include watching short videos, searching the web through Swagbucks and daily polls.
Redeeming points
You redeem SB in the Rewards section. Gift cards from retailers like Amazon, Walmart and Target start at low point amounts, so you can reach a first reward quickly. PayPal cash is available too but generally needs a larger balance. Thresholds differ by reward and region and change from time to time, so check the Rewards page for the current minimums. Gift card codes usually arrive by email within a few days.
What you can realistically earn
Swagbucks is a source of small, steady extras, not an income. Most surveys pay well under a dollar each, and qualifying takes time. Independent testers put typical hourly earnings at a few dollars. Game milestone offers can pay more, but they take days or weeks of play and must track correctly. Many users earn a modest amount each month by mixing surveys, cash back on purchases they already planned and the occasional offer.
Tips
Fill in your profile surveys so you qualify for more research. Use the shopping portal or browser extension only for purchases you’d make anyway. Read each offer’s terms before you start, including deadlines and whether you need to be a new customer. Cash out regularly rather than letting large balances build up, and keep screenshots of completed offers in case one doesn’t credit.
Watch out for
Survey disqualifications are the most common frustration. Some offers ask for personal details or a paid sign-up; only do the ones you’d be comfortable with. Using VPNs or multiple accounts breaks the terms and can get your account closed with points lost.
Getting started
Sign up with your email, confirm your account and complete the profile surveys first, since they decide which surveys you’re offered. Link your PayPal account early, using the same details as your Swagbucks account, if you plan to cash out to PayPal.
Owen’s take
Swagbucks is a sensible first rewards account: it’s established, pays reliably and gives you lots of ways to earn. Don’t expect much per hour from surveys. The best value comes from cash back on shopping you were going to do anyway, plus a few well-chosen offers.
Who it suits
It suits people who like small rewards for spare minutes and shop online regularly. It suits less well anyone who wants a real hourly rate or dislikes survey screen-outs.
Similar options
- MyPoints is a sister site focused on shopping.
- InboxDollars pays in cash rather than points.
- Survey Junkie focuses only on surveys.
- Freecash pays for offers and game milestones.
More options are in Fast Money.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Many ways to earn
- Low gift card thresholds
- Established and widely available
Cons
- Low pay per survey
- Frequent survey screen-outs
- PayPal cash needs a larger balance
FAQ
How much is 1 SB worth on Swagbucks?
About one cent; 100 SB is roughly $1.
How do I cash out from Swagbucks?
Redeem SB for gift cards or PayPal cash on the Rewards page once you reach the minimum.
Is Swagbucks available outside the US?
Yes, in the UK, Canada, Australia and other countries, with different offers.
Who owns Swagbucks?
Prodege, which also owns InboxDollars and MyPoints.
Is Swagbucks legit?
Yes, it has paid members since 2008.
