Swagbucks is one of the most well-known Get-Paid-To (GPT) platforms, offering users multiple ways to earn points (SB) that can be redeemed for real money or gift cards. From taking surveys to watching videos, shopping online, and playing games, it provides varied earning opportunities compared to most GPT sites.
But is Swagbucks actually worth your time? In this review, we’ll break down how it works, its earning potential, payout options, and whether it’s a legit way to make extra money online.
How Does Swagbucks Work?
Swagbucks rewards users with SB points, which can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. Here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Sign Up for Free – Available in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.
2️⃣ Complete Activities & Earn SB – Take surveys, shop online, watch videos, and complete offers.
3️⃣ Redeem SB for Rewards – Convert SB into PayPal cash, gift cards, or other rewards.
🔹 Key Feature: Swagbucks offers a $10 bonus for new users who complete qualifying activities after signing up.
Ways to Earn on Swagbucks
Swagbucks is known for its wide variety of earning methods, making it one of the most flexible GPT sites.
1. Paid Surveys
💰 Earning Potential: 40 – 300 SB per survey (~$0.40 – $3)
🕒 Time Commitment: 5 – 30 minutes
Swagbucks partners with market research firms to offer daily paid surveys. Some surveys have higher payouts, but users may get disqualified based on demographics.
🔹 Tip: Completing your profile fully increases the number of surveys you qualify for.
2. Shopping & Cashback Rewards
💰 Earning Potential: Varies (up to 10% cashback)
🕒 Time Commitment: Passive (earn while shopping)
Swagbucks has a cashback program where users earn SB for purchases made through partner retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Using Swagbucks’ referral links before making a purchase earns bonus rewards.
🔹 Tip: Combining Swagbucks cashback with store discounts or credit card cashback maximizes savings.
3. Watching Videos
💰 Earning Potential: 1 – 5 SB per video (~$0.01 – $0.05)
🕒 Time Commitment: 1 – 3 minutes per video
Swagbucks offers a video-watching feature, but the earnings are low compared to surveys and cashback. Users can let videos play in the background for passive earnings.
4. Playing Games for Rewards
💰 Earning Potential: 100 – 5,000 SB ($1 – $50+, depending on milestones)
🕒 Time Commitment: Varies
Swagbucks partners with game developers to offer SB rewards for downloading and playing mobile games. The highest-paying offers require reaching specific levels within a time limit.
🔹 Tip: If you’re already a mobile gamer, look for high-paying game offers to make Swagbucks more worthwhile.
5. Completing Special Offers
💰 Earning Potential: 500 – 20,000 SB ($5 – $200)
🕒 Time Commitment: 5 minutes – several days
Swagbucks provides special offer deals, such as:
✔ Signing up for free trials (e.g., streaming or subscription services)
✔ Installing apps and testing services
✔ Donating to charities in exchange for SB bonuses
🔹 Tip: Be cautious with trial sign-ups—always cancel before the free trial ends if you don’t want to be charged.
6. Swagbucks Live Trivia & Daily Polls
💰 Earning Potential: 1 – 500 SB per session
🕒 Time Commitment: 5 minutes – 30 minutes
Swagbucks offers live trivia games where users can compete for SB prizes. There’s also a daily poll where users can earn 1 SB just for answering a question.
Payout Methods & Minimum Cashout
Swagbucks offers one of the most flexible payout systems among GPT platforms.
✔ Minimum Withdrawal: Starts at 300 SB (~$3)
✔ Payout Options:
- PayPal cash (minimum $5)
- Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, etc.)
- Prepaid Visa gift cards
- Charitable donations
🔹 Tip: Some gift cards offer SB discounts, meaning you can redeem a $10 gift card for fewer than 1,000 SB.
Pros & Cons of Swagbucks
✔ Pros
✅ Multiple earning options – Surveys, shopping, games, and more.
✅ Low payout threshold – Cash out as little as $3.
✅ Fast PayPal payments – Usually processes in 1-3 business days.
✅ $10 sign-up bonus – New users can earn a quick boost in earnings.
❌ Cons
❌ Survey disqualifications – Users may get screened out frequently.
❌ Some offers require spending money – Cashback rewards only benefit those who already shop online.
❌ Video earnings are very low – Not a great way to earn quickly.
Is Swagbucks Legit or a Scam?
Yes, Swagbucks is 100% legit and has paid out over $800 million in rewards to its users. However, as with most GPT sites, your earnings depend on how much time you put in.
✔ PayPal withdrawals process without issue.
✔ Most users cash out within a few days of regular activity.
✔ The platform has been around for over a decade, making it one of the most established rewards programs.
🔹 Caution: Some offers require payments, so always read the terms carefully before participating.
Final Verdict: Should You Use Swagbucks?
Swagbucks is one of the best GPT sites for users looking for multiple ways to earn money online. While surveys can be hit-or-miss, cashback rewards, game offers, and special deals provide legitimate ways to earn extra money.
🔹 Recommended for:
✔ Users who already shop online (to maximize cashback)
✔ People looking for low payout minimums
✔ Anyone who wants variety in earning methods
🔹 Not ideal for:
❌ Those looking for high hourly pay
❌ Users who dislike survey disqualifications
❌ People who don’t shop online or play games