Free gift card apps are everywhere, but most either waste your time or never pay. Instead of relying on online claims, I decided to test things myself.
Over 60 days, I used only free and widely available reward apps in the United States. I tracked payouts carefully and redeemed gift cards as soon as possible. By the end of the experiment, I had earned $127 in real gift cards without spending money upfront.
Here is exactly how it worked and which apps delivered real results.
App 1 Fetch Rewards The Easiest Money I Earned
Fetch Rewards required the least effort and produced the fastest results.
How it works
You scan grocery receipts from everyday stores. Any receipt counts, with no specific products required.
My 60-day earnings
$42.50 in gift cards
Why it worked
Seasonal bonus challenges dramatically increased earnings when multiple receipts were scanned within a short period.
Time commitment
Less than 30 seconds per receipt
Best for
Anyone who already shops for groceries
App 2 Mistplay Turning Game Time Into Rewards
Mistplay was the most effective app for earning during free time.
How it works
You earn points by playing selected mobile games inside the app.
My 60-day earnings
$38.00
Why it worked
Featured and high-value games earned points faster than others.
Time commitment
About 30 to 45 minutes per day
Best for
People who already play mobile games
App 3 Rakuten Passive Rewards From Shopping
Rakuten rewarded purchases I was already making.
How it works
You earn cashback when shopping online or in participating stores.
My 60-day earnings
$31.00
Why it worked
Linking a debit card allowed cashback on everyday in-store purchases.
Time commitment
No extra time beyond normal shopping
Best for
Frequent online and in-store shoppers
App 4 Prime Opinion Small but Consistent
Prime Opinion offered reliable payouts with minimal risk.
How it works
You complete short consumer surveys.
My 60-day earnings
$16.00
Why it worked
Completing the user profile unlocked higher-paying surveys.
Time commitment
5 to 10 minutes per survey
Best for
People with spare time during weekdays
App 5 Swagbucks Multiple Ways to Earn
Swagbucks provided flexibility with several earning options.
How it works
You earn points through surveys, receipt uploads, app trials, and small tasks.
My 60-day earnings
$28.00
Why it worked
Daily receipt uploads and app offers added up consistently.
Time commitment
10 to 20 minutes per day
Best for
Users who want variety instead of one earning method
Total Earnings Breakdown
Fetch Rewards: $42.50
Mistplay: $38.00
Rakuten: $31.00
Prime Opinion: $16.00
Swagbucks: $28.00
Total earned in 60 days: $127
What I Learned From This Experiment
Gift card apps are not a replacement for a job, but they can provide steady extra value if used correctly. The key is consistency, realistic expectations, and cashing out regularly.
Tips That Helped Me Earn More
Use a separate email for reward apps
Redeem smaller gift cards instead of waiting
Focus on apps that fit daily habits
Avoid platforms promising instant or huge payouts
Final Verdict
Making $127 in 60 days was realistic without spending money or falling for scams. The results came from using proven apps consistently rather than chasing unrealistic offers.
For U.S. users looking to earn extra gift cards during everyday activities, these five apps offer a practical and low-risk way to do it. Consistency matters more than volume, and patience always pays off.