These days, earning a few extra bucks online can go a long way as everything seems to be getting more and more expensive. (See: grocery shopping prices)
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.
- Always avoid apps that ask for upfront payments or hide how rewards are earned.
What is Swagbucks?
Wondering if Swagbucks is legit? Swagbucks is a popular “get-paid-to” app that lets you earn “SB” points taking surveys, playing games and earning cash back 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. You’ll also need to earn more points if you want to cash out through PayPal versus claiming a gift card. Additionally, it can take up to 10 days to get paid.
Lately, some users say the app feels less lucrative than it used to be and that it’s getting harder to earn.
It’s also worth noting that although Swagbucks does have a referral program—you can earn 10% of whatever SBs they earn—but there are better ones out there.
With that in mind, you might be looking for Swagbucks alternatives. These are apps that offer similar ways to earn but with lower payout thresholds, better reviews and more opportunities to earn.
Top 15 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!
| App | Payout Minimum | Time to Payout | Ways to Earn | Best For |
| KashKick | $10 | 1-3 business days | Games, surveys, deals, cash back | Fast PayPal or Venmo cash, variety of ways to earn |
| Swagbucks | Varies | Varies | Surveys, games, cash back | Shoppers who want gift card options |
| Toluna | Varies | Up to 3 weeks | Surveys, games | Survey takers who want to pick by topic |
| Scrambly | $1 | Minutes | Games, deals | Fast, low-minimum payouts |
| Rewarded Play | $5 | 1-2 business days | Games | Casual gamers who want gift cards |
| PrizeRebel | $5 | Minutes | Surveys | Fast gift card delivery from surveys |
| HeyCash | None | Instant | Games, surveys, offers | Instant payouts with no minimum |
| Pinecone Research | $10 | Varies | Surveys | Survey takers who prefer gift cards |
| Survey Junkie | $5 | Within 24 hours | Surveys, data sharing | Focused survey takers who want a simple app |
| MyPoints | Unclear | 10 business days | Surveys, cash back, games, deals | Cash back and airline miles |
| Pawns.app | $5 | Minutes (or up to 72 hours) | Games, surveys | Flexible payouts including crypto and bank transfer |
| Freecash | Varies by region | Same day | Games, surveys, cash back, deals | Same-day payouts and crypto options |
| Cash Giraffe | $0.20 | Typically a few hours | Games, surveys | Gamers rewarded for time played |
| JumpTask | $1 for first payout (then $0.50) | Varies | Games, surveys, microtasks | Microtasks beyond games and surveys |
| InboxDollars | $15 for first payout (then $10) | About 3 business days for giftcard and PayPal | Surveys, games, cash back | Cash rewards across everyday tasks |
| Mistplay | $5 | Within 48 hours | Games | Loyal mobile gamers who want gift cards |
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 cash instead of points. There’s no conversion math to do: $1 is $1. Once you earn just $10, you can collect your earnings via PayPal, Venmo, gift cards or even donate to a charity. When you initiate a payout, you can expect to receive it in 1-3 business days.
KashKick also has a standout referral program. Members get 25% of each reward their friends earn from playing games and claiming deals.
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 business 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.
- 4.7-star App Store rating (4.5 stars on Google Play).
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 through PayPal. You can get 500 points when you complete your profile, and surveys can pay you anywhere from 15 to 50,000 points each.
Key Features:
- Paid surveys.
- Easy 500 points to start.
- Earn gift cards or cash through PayPal.
Pros:
- Cash out through PayPal.
- 4.2-star rating on Trustpilot.
Cons:
- Primarily 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). You can cash out for as little as $1 through PayPal, Visa or Cash App. Minimums for gift cards vary, and you’ll need at least $10 if you prefer bank transfers.
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 app 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.
If you want more details, check out our review: Is Rewarded Play legit?
Key Features:
- Download and play mobile games.
- Earn gift cards.
Pros:
- Solid customer service reviews.
- Legitimate app.
Cons:
- 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.
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 $120 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, Venmo, 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 with no minimum.
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.
- Some users report 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 (2.8 stars on Google Play and 2 stars in the App Store).
- 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.
For more details on this Swagbucks alternative, check out our review: Is Survey Junkie legit?
Key Features:
- Paid survey site with highly rated app.
- Redeem virtual points for PayPal or digital gift cards.
Pros:
- Legitimate, trustworthy site.
- Lower cash out threshold.
- Additional opportunity to earn by sharing data.
Cons:
- Primarily surveys.
9. MyPoints
MyPoints is owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks, so you might notice some similarities. You can earn points by playing games, taking surveys, cash back shopping and more. You can cash out for a gift card, PayPal deposit or United MileagePlus miles.
Key Features:
- Owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks.
- Earn points when you play games, take surveys and more.
Pros:
- Various ways to earn.
- Get 5 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.
- Withdrawal minimum isn’t clearly stated on the site.
- Typically takes 10 business days to initiate a reward transfer.
10. Pawns.app
Pawns.app pays users to play games and take surveys. As soon as you earn $5, you can retrieve your earnings via PayPal, Bitcoin, ACH, Venmo, Visa gift cards and other gift cards. Most payouts arrive in minutes, but some can take up to 72 hours.
Key Features:
- Variety of ways to earn.
- Cash out at $5 through a variety of channels.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to cash out.
- $5 cash out minimum.
- Quick payout processing time.
Cons:
- Users report low earnings.
11. Freecash
Over on Freecash, you can earn coins for playing games, taking surveys, shopping online and testing apps—just like Swagbucks. The minimum to cash out depends on where you live, but it can range from $5 to $20. Choose from PayPal, Venmo, gift cards or crypto.
It’s worth noting Freecash was in some hot water in 2026. It’s back up in the app stores, but if you want more details, check out our guide: Is Freecash a scam? Plus, we even broke down how Freecash compares to Swagbucks.
Key Features:
- Earn coins when you play games, take surveys, shop online and test apps.
Pros:
- Ability to transfer earnings directly to your bank account.
- Payouts are typically the same day.
Cons:
- Cash out minimum can be up to $20.
12. Cash Giraffe
With Cash Giraffe, you can earn gems when you play games and take surveys. 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 7 days.
Key Features:
- Get rewarded when you play games and take surveys.
- Cash out for gift cards or through PayPal.
Pros:
- Highly rated apps (4.6 stars in the App Store and 4.5 stars on Google Play).
- Get rewarded for time played.
- Frequent promotions, like Double Rewards Weekend.
Cons:
- Deal with gems (not cash) and the ratio is unclear on the site.
13. JumpTask
Play games, take surveys and find more ways to earn by completing microtasks (including engaging on social media, sharing your internet and training AI) with JumpTask.
Previously, JumpTask paid in $JMPT rewards, a form of cryptocurrency. But in August 2026, the platform updated its payout system, so now users will receive credits, which can be cashed out via PayPal, bank transfer, prepaid cards, crypto or gift cards.
Key Features:
- Earn credits by completing microtasks on JumpTask.
- Find a variety of interesting tasks beyond games and surveys.
Pros:
- Variety of tasks.
- Low payout minimum of 500 credits (or $0.50) after first cash out.
Cons:
- Only app available is on Android.
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.
- Acquired by Swagbucks’ parent company, Prodege, in 2019.
Pros:
- Collect cash, not points.
- Variety of ways to earn.
- $5 sign-up bonus.
Cons:
- Higher minimum to cash out ($15) for the first time.
- Up to 10 business days to process payouts.
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 sweepstakes entries. The longer you play, the more you can earn.
In 2025, Mistplay released an iPhone app to join its Android counterpart.
Key Features:
- Earn “Units” when you play games.
- Redeem them for gift cards or sweepstakes entries.
Pros:
- Variety of games.
- $5 minimum to cash out.
Cons:
- Earn by playing games only (no surveys or deals).
- Confusing points system.
- Reward limit of $550 per year.
- Earn gift cards only.
How to Choose the Best Swagbucks Alternative
Not every app on this list will suit you, and the differences matter more than the star ratings. Here’s what actually separates them:
- Cash or points: Points systems make it hard to tell what your time is worth. Apps that pay in real cash skip the math entirely.
- Payout minimum: A low minimum lets you test whether an app really pays before you invest hours in it.
- How you get paid: PayPal cash, gift cards and bank transfers aren’t equivalent. A low minimum that only pays in gift cards is less flexible than it looks.
- Ways to earn: Survey-only apps get old fast. More earning types means fewer dead evenings.
- Payout speed: Some apps pay in minutes, others take days. Check before you commit.
- Referral terms: If you plan to invite friends, the percentage and what it applies to vary a lot between platforms.
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!
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 there’s no points system to decode, 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.
FAQs: Swagbucks Alternatives
Which app pays more than Swagbucks?
Which app pays more than Swagbucks depends mostly on how you like to earn, since it’s hard to compare these platforms apples-to-apples. Generally it comes down to how much time you put in. But KashKick can be a strong alternative because there are multiple ways to earn, including games, surveys, deals and more, and there’s no points system to convert.
Can you make $100 a day with Swagbucks?
No, you can’t realistically make $100 a day with Swagbucks. Swagbucks says the average user earns roughly $2 to $5 a day. Treat any app promising far more than that as a red flag.
What is the best app like Swagbucks to get paid for playing games?
The best app like Swagbucks for getting paid to play games is KashKick, because you can play games, take surveys, earn cash back and claim deals worth up to $300 all in one place. The platform is also refreshingly transparent about how each offer works.
What is the No. 1 money earning app?
There’s no single No. 1 money earning app, because the right one depends on how much time you have and how you want to get paid. If you want real cash rather than points, a low $10 minimum and several ways to earn, KashKick is a strong place to start. Just keep expectations realistic. These apps are for extra money, not a full-time income.
Is there anything better than Swagbucks?
Whether anything’s better than Swagbucks depends on what’s frustrating you about it. If it’s the points math, KashKick pays in cash at $1 for $1. If it’s variety, apps that only run surveys will feel narrower, not better. And if it’s that earning feels slow, no app on this list fixes that; they all reward time.