We all love getting rewarded — but let’s be honest, not everyone has time (or patience) to fill out endless surveys. The good news? You don’t have to! If you’re looking for smarter, faster ways to earn free gift cards without the hassle, we’ve rounded up five options that actually work. From apps that reward your everyday shopping to giveaway tricks and mobile games, these survey-free strategies make earning fun and doable.
Let’s dive into our top picks — starting with the one that tops our list.
1. Shop and Earn with Shopkick
Out of all the options out there, Shopkick is hands down one of the easiest and most fun ways to earn free gift cards—no surveys, no strings attached.
How it works:
Shopkick is a free mobile app that rewards you with points (called “kicks”) for actions you already do when shopping. Whether you’re walking into a store, scanning product barcodes, submitting receipts, or linking your account for online purchases, you’ll rack up kicks with minimal effort. Those kicks can then be redeemed for gift cards to stores like Target, Walmart, Ulta Beauty, and many more.
Why it’s great:
You don’t need to change your routine. Just shop as usual, open the app, and start collecting kicks. It turns errands into a real-life scavenger hunt—and makes saving feel like a game.
Bonus tip:
Want to earn even more? Invite friends, check for featured offers, and keep your push notifications on for surprise kick drops.
2. Play Games That Pay
Gaming can be more than just a hobby — it can be a reward strategy. Several apps reward you for simply spending time playing games, making this a fun and relaxing way to score free gift cards.
Try this:
Look for platforms like Mistplay or Swagbucks, which reward gameplay with points you can cash out for gift cards. While some apps may also offer surveys, the gaming route is optional — and often more fun.
3. Enter Online Giveaways
Giveaways are everywhere these days, especially on blogs, brand websites, and Instagram pages. Many businesses run gift card giveaways as a way to promote products and engage fans.
Where to find them:
Follow your favorite brands on social media, subscribe to their email lists, and keep an eye on platforms like Giveaway Monkey or Sweepstakes Fanatics. You’d be surprised how often you’ll stumble into easy entries with real rewards.
Pro tip:
Set aside 5–10 minutes a week to enter a few giveaways. The odds add up quickly when you stay consistent.
4. Use Credit Card Rewards Wisely
If you’re a responsible credit card user, this one’s for you. Many credit cards offer points or cashback that can be converted into gift cards.
What to look for:
Choose cards that reward everyday spending (like groceries or gas) and let you redeem points for gift cards with flexible terms. Just be sure to pay your balance in full to avoid interest.
Popular options:
Check with your current bank or explore review sites like NerdWallet or The Points Guy to compare cards that offer gift card rewards.
5. Follow Brands on Social for Bonus Perks
Scrolling your feed? Put it to good use! Many brands offer surprise perks to loyal followers, from discount codes to digital gift card giveaways.
Start here:
Follow your favorite stores on Instagram and Facebook (and sign up for emails, too). Small businesses especially love to reward their local fans with exclusive promotions and gift card drawings.
Final Thoughts
If surveys aren’t your thing, don’t worry — you’ve got options. Whether you prefer gaming, shopping, or simply following your favorite stores online, there are plenty of ways to earn free gift cards that fit into your life seamlessly.
Of course, our favorite remains Shopkick. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it rewards the shopping you’re already doing. Download the Shopkick app today and start turning everyday errands into gift card earnings — no surveys required.
