These days, earning a few extra bucks online can go a long way as everything seems to be getting more and more expensive. (See: ground beef, orange juice and bacon)
If you’ve spent any time searching for ways to make money online, you’ve probably come across apps like Swagbucks. They might all seem the same: make money by taking surveys, playing games and shopping online.
But not all of these rewards platforms are created equally. When you pull back the curtain, you’ll discover some pay faster, others are easier to use, and a few are, well, lacking.
Use this guide to explore the best Swagbucks alternatives—and learn why KashKick stands out as a top option.
Key Takeaways
- Swagbucks is a long-standing, legitimate rewards app—but there are tons of alternatives out there if you’re looking for more ways to boost your bank account.
- KashKick is one of the best apps like Swagbucks, offering clear, real money rewards and low payout minimums.
- Many alternatives specialize in either surveys, games or deals—not all three—so make sure to look for apps that serve up multiple ways to earn so you never get bored.
- Always avoid apps that ask for upfront payments or hide how rewards are earned.
What is Swagbucks?
Swagbucks is a popular “get-paid-to” app that lets you earn “SB” points for completing microtasks, like surveys, playing games and earning cashback when you shop online.
Once you’ve racked up enough SBs, you can cash out for gift cards or through PayPal.
Swagbucks is a legit option—but it does have its downsides. For one, you earn SBs, which makes it unclear how much you’ve earned. The cashout minimum is higher than other platforms at $15, and you’ll also need to earn more points if you want to cash out through PayPal versus claiming a gift card. Additionally, it typically takes up to 10 days to get paid.
Lately, users feel the app has become less lucrative than it used to be and that it’s becoming more difficult to earn.
It’s also worth noting that although Swagbucks does have a referral program—you can earn 10% of whatever SBs they earn—there are better ones out there.
With that in mind, you might be looking for Swagbucks alternatives—apps that offer similar ways to earn but with lower payout thresholds, better reviews and more opportunities to earn.
Top Swagbucks Alternatives
Below are 15 apps like Swagbucks. Review their key features and pros and cons—then give ’em a try and see how much you can earn!
1. KashKick
KashKick is a strong contender for the best Swagbucks alternative because, like Swagbucks, it pays you to play games, take surveys, try new apps and more.
But what stands out about KashKick—besides its clean, modern app—is that members earn Kash instead of points, and the conversion is easy: 1 Kash = $1 USD. Once you earn just $10, you can collect your earnings as cash through PayPal, gift cards or even donate to a charity. When you initiate a payout, you can expect to receive it in 1-3 days.
KashKick also has a standout referral program. Members get 25% of each reward their friends earn from playing games and claiming deals. So if your friend signs up for the free Chime banking app and makes a direct deposit into it, they’ll get $300—and you’ll get $75.
You’ll also notice a number of rewards on KashKick help you save money, earn more money or even boost your credit score. That’s because KashKick’s mission is simple: to put more money in your pocket.
Key Features:
- Earn real money—not points
- Low $10 payout minimum
- Get paid in 1-3 days
- Clear explanations of how each offer works
- Variety of ways to earn
Pros:
- Fast, simple sign-up
- Quick PayPal payouts for cash
- Easy-to-use, modern layout
- Transparent rewards system
- Lucrative referral program
- 4.1-star rating on Trustpilot
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S.
- Some offers are limited-time
2. Toluna
Toluna’s Influencers program is similar to Swagbucks in that you can earn money by taking surveys—but you won’t find any of the games or deals.
With this app, you can choose surveys based on length, category or reward. You’ll earn points, which you can redeem for gift cards or cash. Currently, 3,000 points equals $1, and you can get 500 points when you complete your profile. Surveys can pay you anywhere from 15 to 500,000 points each.
Key Features:
- Paid surveys
- Easy 500 points to start
- Earn gift cards or cash through PayPal
Pros:
- Cash out through PayPal
- 4.1-star rating on Trustpilot
Cons:
- Only survey opportunities
- Reports of frequent mid-survey disqualifications
3. Scrambly
Scrambly is a newer Swagbucks alternative to hit the scene. You’ll earn coins for playing games and using apps (no paid survey opportunities). Once you earn 1,000 coins, you can exchange them for a $1 gift card or cash, a super low payout minimum!
When you sign up, you’ll get 500 coins (or 50 cents).
Key Features:
- Get paid to play games and use apps
- Cash out once you earn as little as $1
- New, modern interface
Pros:
- Earnings paid out in minutes
- Low minimum payout
Cons:
- No surveys
- Coin system (though less confusing than other apps)
4. Rewarded Play
Rewarded Play is an Android app (sorry, iPhone users) that rewards you in points when you play games. Unlike Swagbucks, you can’t earn rewards for taking surveys or claiming deals.
Several sources reported multiple increases to the app’s point system. Right now, you need 75,000 points to cash out for a $5 gift card.
It’s also worth noting the app requires a photo ID verification, like your passport or driver’s license, which you might not feel comfortable providing (totally valid!).
Key Features:
- Download and play mobile games
- Earn gift cards
Pros:
- Solid customer service reviews
- Legitimate app
Cons:
- Only available on Android devices
- Requires photo ID verification
- Rewards points, not cash
- No cash payout options—only gift cards
5. PrizeRebel
With PrizeRebel, you can earn points by completing opinion surveys. Unlike Swagbucks, you won’t find games or other offers. You also won’t find an app for PrizeRebel.
Once you earn enough points, you can cash out through PayPal or grab a gift card. According to the site, 99% of gift cards are delivered digitally within 5 minutes of redemption.
Key Features:
- Earn money taking surveys
- No app version available
Pros:
- Cash out with $5
- Gift cards are delivered quickly
Cons:
- Only surveys
- No app
6. HeyCash
HeyCash just might be one of the newest get-paid-to platforms to make it onto this list. Launched in 2024, HeyCash pays users to play games, take surveys and complete offers—just like Swagbucks.
The site shares estimated earnings: 50 cents to $20 per game; 50 cents to $6 per 2- to 10-minute survey; $1-$75 per offer.
With HeyCash, there’s no minimum to withdraw your earnings, and you can cash out through PayPal, bank transfer or by choosing a gift card.
Key Features:
- Newer app to hit the market
- Get paid to play games, take surveys and claim offers
- Cash out through bank transfer—a rare offering
Pros:
- No minimum to cash out
- Option to transfer earnings directly to your bank account
- Instant withdrawals (though some users report delays)
Cons:
- Points system (though it’s easier to convert: 1,000 = $1)
- Users report getting inconsistent earning opportunities
7. Pinecone Research
With Pinecone Research, you’ll collect points when you take surveys, play games and more. The minimum to cash out is $10, and you can choose a gift card.
Key Features:
- Earn gift cards when you take surveys and play games
Pros:
- The site advertises a $5 reward for taking a 5-minute intro survey
Cons:
- Only gift cards—no PayPal option
- Poor app reviews (2 stars on Google Play and 2.1 stars in the App Store)
- Users report major issues since a recent redesign
- Users report surveys closing quickly
8. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie, launched back in 2005, pays you to take surveys, so if you enjoy the games and deals of Swagbucks, you might want to move on. It’s worth noting, however, that you can opt into Surf to Earn if you feel comfortable sharing your data. You’ll earn guaranteed points each month and access to exclusive surveys.
Once you earn 500 points (or $5), you can cash out for a gift card or cash through PayPal or bank transfer. The site estimates that if you complete three surveys daily, you can earn up to $40 a month.
Key Features:
- Paid survey site with highly rated app
- Redeem virtual points for PayPal or digital gift cards
Pros:
- Legitimate, trustworthy site
- Lower cashout threshold
- Option to cash out through bank transfer
- Additional opportunity to earn by sharing data
Cons:
- Only surveys
9. MyPoints
Similar to Swagbucks, you can earn points by playing games, taking surveys, cashback shopping and more with MyPoints. For example, you can opt into BonusMail offers and get up to five points just for clicking or buy gift cards and get cash back.
You can cash out for a gift card, PayPal deposit or UnitedMilagePlus miles.
Key Features:
- Earn points when you play games, take surveys and more
Pros:
- Various ways to earn
- Get five points if you don’t qualify for a survey (up to 25 a day)
- $2 sign-up bonus when you verify your email
Cons:
- Complicated points-to-dollar ratio
- Unclear withdrawal minimum (one review suggested $15)
10. Pawns.app
Pawns.app, called the “ultimate extra income app,” pays users to play games and take surveys. With this platform, you don’t have any cashback or deals you can claim, but you can opt into internet sharing for passive income. You can earn up to $24 for 24 hours you share unused data.
Key Features:
- Variety of ways to earn, including some different strategies like internet sharing and prize wheel spins
- Cash out at $5 through Venmo, gift cards, Bitcoin and even Cash App.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to cash out
- Additional ways to earn, like internet sharing
- $5 cashout minimum
Cons:
- Users report low earnings
11. Freecash
Over on Freecash, you can earn coins for playing games, taking surveys and testing apps—just like Swagbucks. Earn 1,000 points, and you’ve got $1. The minimum to cashout depends on where you live, but it can range from $5 to $20. The site states you can earn $1 (so 1,000 points) per 5- to 10-minute survey.
Key Features:
- Earn coins when you play games, take surveys and test apps
Pros:
- Ability to transfer earnings directly to your bank account
- Site claims payouts are “almost instant”
- Bank transfers are available for payouts
Cons:
- Cashout minimum can be up to $20
12. Cash Giraffe
With Cash Giraffe, you can earn gems when you play games. Unlike other apps, you can earn gems for the amount of time you play games—not just when you achieve certain levels. You can then exchange those gems for gift cards or through PayPal.
The site says payouts are “processed quickly,” but to reach out to support if you don’t get it within seven days.
Key Features:
- Get rewarded when you play games
- Cash out starting at 46,594 gems for a $5 Amazon gift card, according to one review
Pros:
- Highly rated apps (4.6 stars in the App Store and 4.4 stars on Google Play)
- Get rewarded for time played
- Frequent promotions, like Double Rewards Weekend
- One review states you can earn 100% of the gems your friends earn when you refer them (though this could not be verified on the Cash Giraffe site)
Cons:
- Deal with gems—not cash—and the ratio is unclear on the site
- Difficult to find details on the site
13. JumpTask
Play games, take surveys and find more ways to earn—including engaging on social media, sharing your internet and training AI—with JumpTask.
The catch? You’ll earn $JMPT rewards, which are in the form of cryptocurrency. You can keep it, trade it or convert it into money—but it does add a different layer to the app. JPMT rewards arrive as soon as you finish a task. You can then cash out to your bank, card or another preferred payout method.
Key Features:
- Earn crypto by completing microtasks on JumpTask
- Find a variety of interesting tasks—not just playing games or taking surveys
Pros:
- Variety of tasks
- Instantly collect your earnings
Cons:
- Only available on Android
- Earn crypto—not cash
14. InboxDollars
As the name hints, you can earn dollars by taking surveys, playing games and shopping online through InboxDollars. You can get a $5 bonus when you join, and once you get $15, you can cash out through PayPal or for a gift card.
Key Features:
- Earn money by completing tasks
Pros:
- Collect cash—not points
- Variety of ways to earn
- $5 sign-up bonus
Cons:
- Higher minimum to cashout ($15) for the first time
15. Mistplay
Mistplay calls itself a loyalty program for mobile gamers. Through the app, you can collect “Units,” which are redeemable for gift cards or through PayPal. The longer you play, the more you can earn.
In May 2025, Mistplay released a shiny new iPhone app to join its Android counterpart.
Key Features:
- Earn “Units” when you play games
- Redeem them for gift cards and through PayPal
Pros:
- Variety of games
- $5 minimum to cash out for gift card (but $10 for PayPal)
Cons:
- Earn by playing games only (no surveys or deals)
- Confusing points system
- Reward limit of $550 per year
What Is the Most Legit Swagbucks Alternative?
All of the above apps can help you earn extra money, but KashKick stands out as the best all-around Swagbucks alternative. Like Swagbucks, you can make money playing games, taking surveys and claiming deals.
KashKick is also great because the points system is super straightforward, and overall, the platform is easy to use. The minimum payout of $10 makes it easy to see your playtime turn into real payments. It’s also free and simple to get started.
Oh, and KashKick has one of the best referral programs in the biz, too!
How to Avoid Scams on Apps Like Swagbucks
When it comes to making money online, it’s important to stay vigilant for scams. Keep safe by:
- Checking payout transparency: Legit apps clearly explain how and when you get paid.
- Avoid upfront payments: You shouldn’t have to shell out any money to join these apps.
- Stick with trusted platforms: Always read reviews online and check Trustpilot.
- Read the fine print. Some apps will try to hide when you have to make a purchase or achieve tasks within a certain time limit. Transparency is key.
If you’re ever in doubt, Google “[app name] reviews Reddit” to see what real users are saying!
Make Money on Swagbucks Alternatives
Whether you’ve been burned by Swagbucks or simply want to find another avenue to earn, there’s no shortage of Swagbucks alternatives out there.
The important thing to remember is none of these apps will make you rich—but they can be a great way to earn some extra cash after work or once the kids go down!
FAQ on Swagbucks
Which app pays more than Swagbucks?
With apps like Swagbucks, it’s difficult to compare earnings apples-to-apples. Generally, it depends on how much time you put into them. But KashKick can be a lucrative alternative because there are multiple ways to earn (games, surveys, deals and more), and there’s no complicated points system.
Can you make $100 a day with Swagbucks?
Not realistically. Swagbucks says most users can earn $100 to $200 a month when they log 10 to 25 minutes on the app daily. Daily, the average user can make $2 to $5 a day.
What is the best app like Swagbucks to get paid for playing games?
KashKick is a top pick because you can play games, take surveys and claim some pretty lucrative deals (some up to $300). The platform is also refreshingly transparent and easy to use.