Swagbucks stands out as one of the largest and most well-known GPT (Get-Paid-To) and survey platforms online. But just because a company is big doesn't always mean it's the best choice.
So, is Swagbucks legit, and can it truly be a reliable, free way to earn money online—or is it something to avoid?
I’ve personally used Swagbucks for several years, and I can confirm right away that it is 100% legit. I’ve received multiple payouts, and it continues to deliver on its promises.
That said, Swagbucks isn’t for everyone. In this 2025 Swagbucks review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—how the platform works, what kinds of rewards and opportunities it offers, what you should watch out for, and what to expect so you can decide if it's the right fit for you.
Plus, if you’re thinking about signing up, I’ll also show you how to claim a valuable welcome bonus to get started the right way.
What Is Swagbucks and What Does It Offer?
Swagbucks is a rewards platform operated by Prodege, a company known for providing digital services and online reward portals.
With millions of registered users, Swagbucks has become one of the most popular and widely used rewards sites. As of this 2025 update, it has already paid out millions of dollars in both cash and gift cards.
To be clear right from the start—Swagbucks is completely legit, and yes, it really does pay. I’ve personally been paid many times, and I’ll share actual payment proof later in this review.
The platform offers a wide range of earning opportunities, though it’s important to note that some options vary depending on your country. I’ll explain more about that further down.
For now, let’s take a closer look at exactly what Swagbucks offers so you can decide if it’s a good fit for you. Going in with the right expectations makes a big difference.
Option 1 – Swagbucks Paid Surveys
If you're looking to earn extra money online while sharing your opinions, Swagbucks paid surveys are one of the platform’s best features, in my experience.
You’ll typically find plenty of survey opportunities every day. Thanks to Swagbucks’ massive user base, it’s also a go-to platform for companies looking to collect consumer feedback—this means a steady stream of surveys for users.
However, when you first log in, the surveys might not be easy to find. Unlike many other platforms that clearly label their survey section, Swagbucks lists them under a tab called “Answer.” This is where you’ll find all the available surveys as well as the daily poll, a quick one-question survey that takes just seconds to complete—and yes, you’ll earn rewards for it.
As with most survey websites, it's important to understand that you won’t qualify for every survey. This is completely normal, and while it can be frustrating at first, don't give up. Over time, you'll get a feel for the types of surveys you’re more likely to qualify for, making your efforts more efficient and rewarding.
Swagbucks offers a solid number of paid surveys, and it’s definitely a section worth exploring. You’ll also be able to see both the estimated completion time and the reward amount for each survey, which helps you manage your time wisely and maximize your earnings.
Keep an eye out for “Swag Ups” in the side menu. These are limited-time bonuses you can activate that increase your earnings on surveys during a specific period. They’re easy to overlook but can significantly boost your rewards if used strategically.
Option 2 – Cash Back When Shopping
One of the most convenient ways to earn on Swagbucks is through its cashback program. Swagbucks has partnered with thousands of popular retailers, allowing you to earn Swagbucks points (called SB) every time you shop online through their platform.
This includes major brands like Amazon, Walmart, Nike, and Gap, making it very likely you’ll find stores you already shop at. Depending on your location, you can even earn cashback on services and local activities.
The cashback rates typically range from 1% to 50%, though most stores offer more than just the minimum. That means you can often find great savings and earn rewards at the same time.
If you’re already shopping online, using the Swagbucks shopping portal is a smart way to get rewarded for purchases you were going to make anyway. Just keep in mind that offers change frequently, so while you might see certain deals advertised, the actual list may vary when you visit the site—but there will always be plenty of new opportunities available.
To make the most of this feature, be sure to install the Swagbutton (Swagbucks Chrome extension). It automatically alerts you when cashback offers are available on websites you visit, so you never miss a chance to save.
Another great feature—now available in select countries—is in-store cashback. If you link your payment card to your Swagbucks account, you can automatically earn rewards when shopping at participating physical stores, with no extra effort.
This is a rare and valuable option, as few platforms offer in-store cashback. However, availability varies by country. In some regions, there are plenty of options, while in others, choices may be limited. So the value of this feature depends on where you live.
Overall, if you do any kind of online or in-store shopping, this Swagbucks feature alone can make signing up worth it.
Option 3 – Searching the Web
Swagbucks also offers a search engine feature that lets you earn rewards simply by browsing the web. You can access it directly on the site or through the Swagbucks Chrome extension, which makes it even easier to use.
Every time you perform a search using Swagbucks Search, you have a chance to win SB points—ranging from 1 to 1,000 SB. When you win, the reward pops up immediately on your screen. The selection is random, and while the exact odds of winning aren’t disclosed, many users report earning points this way regularly.
One important note: Swagbucks clearly states that it does not sell or misuse your search data. Your privacy is protected, and no personal information is collected from your searches.
So if you’re already using a search engine daily—which most of us do—it makes sense to switch to Swagbucks Search and potentially earn free rewards just for doing what you’re already doing.
Option 4 – Watch Videos
Yes, you can still earn rewards by watching videos on Swagbucks—but with a few important things to know upfront.
First, the earning potential is quite low, so it’s not a feature you’ll want to rely on for serious income. In the past, Swagbucks had a dedicated video section, but that has since been removed. Because of this, many users assume the feature is gone—but it’s still available.
To access it, go to the “Discover” section and check the offerwalls—Adscend Media is one of the partners that typically features video content. From there, you’ll find short clips, ads, and entertainment videos that can earn you small amounts of SB.
In all honesty, this feature is best used if you already enjoy watching videos. The payouts are minimal, so it’s more of a passive earning option rather than a primary income stream.
That said, if you’re watching content anyway, it doesn’t hurt to earn a little something on the side while doing it.
Option 5 – Earn by Playing Swagbucks Games
If you enjoy gaming, Swagbucks offers a couple of fun ways to earn rewards while playing.
The first option is to try Swagbucks' own free games, which you can play directly on the platform. These include simple games like memory challenges and other casual titles. While the rewards are modest—usually up to 10 SB per game—they’re a nice way to earn a little extra while taking a break.
The second option is to play partnered games on external sites. These are usually well-known titles such as Angry Birds, slots, poker, or Wheel of Fortune. Many of these games can be played for free, but if you decide to make in-game purchases, you’ll earn SB as a form of cashback.
So while you won’t earn points just for playing, you can earn rewards for purchases you would make anyway. If you're someone who already spends money on mobile or online games, this feature can be a smart way to get something back.
In short, if gaming is already part of your routine, Swagbucks Games can add some value to your playtime—especially if you’re spending money in the process.
Option 6 – Deals and Offers
Swagbucks also gives you access to a wide range of exclusive deals and special offers, which you can find under the “Discover” section of the platform.
Many of these deals are only available through Swagbucks, and if you check regularly, you can find some truly great opportunities to earn easy money. These offers often require simple actions—like signing up for a service, downloading an app, or subscribing to a newsletter—and they come with generous SB rewards.
For example, you might see a deal where you sign up for an investment app, deposit $5, and receive another $5 inside the app, plus 1,000 SB (equivalent to $10). So, you’re investing $5 and getting $20 in total value—$10 in the app and $10 through Swagbucks. It’s a smart way to earn while testing out new services.
In some cases, you can even get rewarded for supporting a good cause. One offer I came across gave $25 in Swagbucks for donating $20 to a charity—essentially earning $5 while making a meaningful contribution. That’s what I call a win-win.
- Signing up for services or trials
- Visiting specific websites
- Downloading mobile apps
- Claiming free samples
- Subscribing to email newsletters
It’s important to note that new deals are added frequently, so even if nothing interests you today, it’s worth checking back regularly. Easy money-making offers like these can disappear quickly, so acting fast when you find a good one can really pay off.
Option 7 – Upload Receipts & In-Store Deals
Swagbucks stands out from many other GPT platforms by offering in-store deals and printable coupons, allowing you to save money while shopping in physical stores—a feature that’s not common on most reward sites.
You can access store coupons through the platform and use them at a variety of popular retailers. When you purchase the eligible items using these coupons, you’ll receive cashback rewards directly into your Swagbucks account.
In addition, Swagbucks gives you the chance to earn rewards by uploading receipts. If you buy certain promoted items in-store, you simply snap a photo of your receipt and upload it, and you’ll earn cashback—sometimes quite a lot.
The best part? These are everyday items you likely already buy—things like coffee, cereal, bread, mayonnaise, snacks, and magazines. New offers are added frequently, so it’s worth checking this section regularly.
Even if none of the featured products apply to you, you can still earn SB just by uploading any receipt from a grocery store or fast-food restaurant. It’s an easy way to get rewarded for your usual spending.
However, keep in mind that this feature is not available in all countries. Availability will depend on where you live, so if you don’t see it in your account, that may be why.
If it’s offered in your region, this is definitely a smart and simple way to boost your Swagbucks balance while doing your normal shopping.
Option 8 – Invite Friends
Swagbucks lets you earn extra rewards by inviting friends to join the platform. When someone you invite signs up and starts earning, you’ll receive a 10% commission on everything they earn.
The best part is that this 10% bonus does not come out of your friend’s rewards—it’s an additional payment from Swagbucks as a thank you for bringing in new members.
So, if you know people who might enjoy earning with Swagbucks, inviting them can be a simple way to boost your own earnings with very little effort.
Option 9 – Daily Goal Bonus
Swagbucks rewards consistent activity with its Daily Goal Bonus. When you’re logged in, you can easily check the daily earnings goal you need to reach that day.
- 7-day streak: 25 SB bonus
- 14-day streak: 100 SB bonus
- 21-day streak: 200 SB bonus
- 31-day streak: 300 SB bonus
Option 10 – Daily To-Do List Bonus
In addition to the Daily Goal Bonus, Swagbucks offers another way to earn called the Daily To-Do List Bonus. Each day, you’ll see a list of simple tasks to complete.
The list usually includes 8 activities, such as taking surveys, watching videos, or completing other small actions.
If you complete at least 6 of these tasks, you’ll earn a 4 SB bonus for that day. Complete all 8 tasks, and you’ll receive an even larger bonus.
This feature encourages regular use of different parts of the site and is a quick way to boost your daily earnings with minimal effort.
Option 11 – Free Points with Swagcodes
Swagbucks regularly shares Swagcodes—special promo codes that let you earn free SB points—on their Facebook page and other social media channels.
While the rewards from these codes aren’t usually very large, they only take a few seconds to redeem, making them an easy way to boost your balance with little effort.
If you want to maximize your earnings, it’s a smart idea to follow Swagbucks on social media and keep an eye out for these quick and simple bonus opportunities.
Option 12 – Get Free SB on Your Birthday
Swagbucks offers a nice birthday bonus to its users. On your special day, you’ll receive 55 SB for free via email as a gift.
To claim this bonus, you need to click the link sent to your email and then redeem a reward within 30 days of your birthday. The 55 SB will be credited as a rebate once you complete the redemption.
It’s a simple way to enjoy a small birthday treat while using the platform.
Option 13 – Free Contests and Swagstakes
Swagbucks frequently hosts contests and giveaways that users can enter for free. Some of these are announced on their blog, while others appear once you log into your account. Participating in these contests is usually completely free.
In addition, Swagbucks offers Swagstakes, which are contests that require you to use your SB points to enter. For example, you might enter a Swagstake for a chance to win $250 by spending just 2 cents worth of SB.
Swagstakes also include prizes like coffee machines, AirPods, PayPal cash, and much more.
If you’re feeling lucky, these contests can be a fun way to try for exciting rewards without much risk.
Option 14 – Swagbucks Trivia for Money
Swagbucks also offers a separate app called Swagbucks Trivia for Money. Although it requires creating a separate account, it’s still part of the Swagbucks family, so it’s worth mentioning here.
This app lets you participate in daily quizzes where you can win potentially large cash prizes by testing your knowledge.
Keep in mind that Swagbucks Trivia for Money isn’t available in all countries. So even if you have access to the main Swagbucks platform, this app might not be an option depending on your location.
If you can access it, this trivia app can be a fun and exciting way to earn extra rewards.
Option 15 – Get a Great Joining Bonus
Typically, Swagbucks doesn’t offer a direct cash joining bonus. However, through my special invitation link, you can receive a $5 joining bonus once you earn your first 2,500 SB points.
That’s not all—if you use Swagbucks’ shopping portal through the same link, you’ll also get an extra $10 bonus the first time you make a purchase.
Keep in mind, the $5 joining bonus is available only in certain countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Germany, France, and Spain, where Swagbucks has the most earning opportunities. The $10 shopping bonus usually applies to the US and UK only.
For users outside these countries, there’s still a joining bonus of $3 through my link. You’ll earn this bonus after accumulating your first $3 worth of SB—just make sure to reach this within 30 days of signing up.
Overall, this is a fantastic way to start earning free cash right away, no matter where you live.
As with any legitimate survey and GPT site, Swagbucks is completely free to join and use.
Click here to join Swagbucks and claim your joining bonus!
Swagbutton – Swagbucks Chrome Extension
Swagbucks offers a handy tool called the Swagbutton, which is a Chrome browser extension designed to help you save money and earn rewards while shopping online.
Once installed, the Swagbutton automatically alerts you whenever there are new coupon codes or cashback offers available through Swagbucks. It also lets you quickly see if the website you’re browsing has any active deals or discounts.
When you make your first purchase with cashback through the Swagbutton, you’ll receive a $10 bonus—making it a great incentive if you enjoy online shopping.
Beyond shopping savings, the Swagbutton also allows you to watch movie trailers, short videos, and more, giving you additional ways to earn extra Swagbucks while browsing the web.
You’ll also get access to exclusive Swag Codes for free points that are only available to Swagbutton users.
Installing and using the Swagbutton is straightforward. After registering on the Swagbucks website, simply visit the Chrome Web Store, search for the Swagbucks extension, and add it to your browser—it’s completely free.
Once installed, just activate it in your browser, and you’re ready to start saving and earning with ease.
Swagbucks Membership Levels
Swagbucks has recently introduced a Membership Recognition Program that rewards users for their continued activity on the platform.
To join, you need to earn at least 250 SB and then apply while logged into your account. This program is designed to reward long-term active members and comes with 10 membership levels, starting from Pearl and going all the way up to Diamond.
Each level offers special benefits such as free points, increased rewards for surveys, rebates on redemptions, and more. At the highest level, Diamond, members receive impressive perks—including a one-time $250 bonus and double rewards on the next three surveys, along with other exclusive benefits.
Reaching the Diamond level requires a total of 2,000,000 SB, so it’s a goal for dedicated users over time. However, the early membership levels are easy to reach, and with consistent use, you can climb the ranks without extra effort beyond your regular Swagbucks activities.
Currently, the Membership Recognition Program is only available in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia, even though Swagbucks operates in more countries.
This program is a great way to earn extra rewards for your loyalty and engagement on the platform.
Can You Use Swagbucks on a Phone?
Yes! Once you’ve signed up for Swagbucks, you can download the Swagbucks app to conveniently earn rewards on the go.
The app is available for Android, iPhone, iPod, and iPad/tablets. It generally works best on newer devices—ideally those less than 2-3 years old—but many users with slightly older phones can still use it without problems.
Having a dedicated app makes using a survey and GPT site much easier, especially during short breaks—whether you’re waiting in line, hanging out with friends, or just have a few spare minutes. This convenience of earning from your phone is a major plus.
Additionally, the app provides local offers and deals, letting you earn rewards when you shop or eat nearby.
Keep in mind, though, that the full Swagbucks app isn’t available in all countries. If it’s unavailable in your location, you can still access Swagbucks through their website.
In some countries, only a limited version of the app called SB Answer is offered, which gives access to surveys but not the full range of earning options.
How Do You Get Paid on Swagbucks?
You earn rewards on Swagbucks in the form of SB points (Swag Bucks) every time you complete an activity.
These SB points can be exchanged for a wide range of rewards, including gift cards, PayPal cash, or entries into sweepstakes (called Swagstakes).
Generally, 100 SB equals $1. Sometimes, you’ll find special deals where you can redeem gift cards for fewer points—for example, a $25 gift card for just 1,900 SB.
If you prefer to get paid via PayPal, the payout threshold is quite low—usually around $5 or €5, depending on your country—making it easy to cash out frequently.
For many other rewards, you can redeem your SB even sooner. In some countries, you can claim gift cards starting at just 100 SB.
Compared to many other survey and GPT sites, Swagbucks offers an excellent selection of gift cards. You can find options for popular retailers like Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, iTunes, plus gift cards for hotels, airlines, and much more. This variety makes it easy to redeem your rewards for something you’ll truly enjoy.
Alternatively, you can spend your SB points on Swagstakes—entries into sweepstakes for a chance to win bigger prizes. These require only a small number of points to enter.
Some sweepstakes are time-limited, and others have a limited number of entries, so it pays to check this section often to catch the best chances to win extra rewards.
How Much Money Can You Make with Swagbucks?
This is the big question many people ask when considering Swagbucks or any other survey and rewards site. Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer because your earnings depend on several factors—including how much time you’re willing to spend, which earning options you use, and where you live.
One important thing to keep in mind is that Swagbucks won’t make you rich. These platforms are best seen as a way to earn some nice extra cash or rewards in your spare time, rather than a full-time income.
Personally, I enjoy the paid survey options, since they’re a great way to make money while having your opinion heard. But Swagbucks offers many other easy ways to earn, including shopping cashback, daily bonuses, and special offers that can really help boost your rewards.
Compared to similar sites, Swagbucks has strong earning potential thanks to its variety of earning opportunities and its large, active user base.
If you like to shop online, Swagbucks can also help you save money through its cashback offers, making it a valuable tool for everyday spending.
Plus, with the daily activity bonuses, there’s always a little extra incentive to keep coming back.
Can Your Swagbucks Points Expire?
Yes, your Swagbucks points (SB) can expire if certain conditions are met.
If you don’t log in to your account or earn/redeem any points for 6 months, your account will be marked as inactive. Additionally, any points you earn will expire 2 years after the date they were earned.
While most users redeem their rewards sooner, if you prefer to save up a large number of points before cashing out, just keep in mind that your SB points will expire after two years if left unused.
Who Can Join Swagbucks? Countries Where Swagbucks Is Available
Swagbucks was initially available in only a few countries but has since expanded, allowing people to join from almost anywhere in the world.
That said, the availability of earning opportunities varies greatly depending on your country.
For the best experience with full access to all earning options, you need to live in one of these six countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, or Germany.
You can also join from countries like India, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, South Africa, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, UAE, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Netherlands, Spain, and France, among others.
However, in these countries, the number of earning options is limited, so you might find better opportunities with other local sites.
The largest Swagbucks bonuses are only available in the original main countries mentioned above, but you can still receive a joining bonus regardless of where you live.
You can join Swagbucks if you are at least 13 years old, though the minimum age may vary by country. If you are under 18, some countries require parental or guardian consent.
Unlike some other sites, Swagbucks does not restrict multiple members of the same household from joining. Each person can create their own individual account, which is great for families.
However, creating multiple accounts for yourself using fake names is prohibited and will lead to a ban if detected.
Swagbucks Complaints: What Are People Saying?
So far, Swagbucks seems like a solid way to earn some extra money, right?
To give you a well-rounded view, I researched and reached out to other users to hear about their experiences with the platform.
Overall, the feedback about Swagbucks is quite positive, and its large user base is a clear sign of its popularity and reliability.
That said, like with any survey or GPT site, there are always some complaints. A common frustration among users is not qualifying for enough surveys, and this applies to Swagbucks as well.
It’s important to remember that not everyone will qualify for every survey on any paid survey site. After some time, most users learn which types of surveys they usually qualify for and focus on those to maximize their earnings.
Despite some occasional complaints, Swagbucks consistently receives good reviews, and many users share positive experiences.
Thousands of viewers from my YouTube channel and visitors to my website have also reported great success and satisfaction using Swagbucks.
Can You Get Support from Swagbucks?
Having access to reliable customer support is essential for any survey or GPT site. While hopefully, you won’t need help often, it’s reassuring to know that support is available when you need it.
I’ve personally contacted Swagbucks support several times and have always received fast and helpful responses. In my experience, their customer service is excellent.
You can reach out to Swagbucks by submitting a support ticket on their website or by sending a message through their official Facebook page.
Final Verdict on Swagbucks
From everything covered in this review, it’s clear that Swagbucks is not a scam.
It has been around for many years, boasting millions of active members who regularly earn rewards and cash out. I have personally been paid multiple times, which speaks to its legitimacy.
To wrap up this Swagbucks review, here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right platform for you:
- Reliable and experienced company behind the platform
- Attractive joining bonus to get started
- Pays out via PayPal and offers a wide variety of other great rewards
- Multiple ways to earn money and rewards
- User-friendly mobile app for earning on the go
- Handy Chrome extension to earn while browsing
- Limited earning options in some countries
- Requires some patience to find surveys you qualify for
At first, navigating all the earning options might take a bit of time, but it’s easy to get the hang of.
While the platform’s opportunities can be limited in certain countries, Swagbucks has expanded significantly and now allows users from almost anywhere to join.
If you live in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, Canada, Germany, or France, Swagbucks is an excellent site I highly recommend.
How to Sign Up for Swagbucks and Claim Your Joining Bonus
Signing up for Swagbucks is quick and easy—it only takes about a minute.
Simply click the button below to go to the Swagbucks sign-up page, where you can register using your email address or your Facebook account.
By signing up through the link below, you’ll also qualify for the exclusive joining bonus (as explained earlier in this review).
If you have any questions, comments, or want to share your experiences with Swagbucks, feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!