Swagbucks was one of the earliest websites I stumbled upon when I started looking up ways I could make money from home. It appealed to me mainly because it was something I could do whenever I wanted without a set schedule.

What is Swagbucks?

Swagbucks is an online rewards platform where users can earn virtual currency (Swagbucks or SB) by completing tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. Swagbucks can be redeemed for gift cards, PayPal cash, and other rewards. Sounds pretty good, right?

I thought so, too! I was feeling like anything I could do to bring in some extra money would be helpful to our family. Surveys sounded like an easy way to do that.

How do you earn in Swagbucks?

The earning potential with Swagbucks can vary widely based on several factors, including the time and effort you invest, the available opportunities, and your geographic location. Here are some common ways users can earn Swagbucks points and an estimate of their potential:

1. Surveys: Completing surveys is a popular way to earn Swagbucks. Survey lengths and payouts vary, but you can typically earn anywhere from a few to several hundred Swagbucks per survey.
2. Online Shopping: If you shop online through Swagbucks’ portal or use their links, you can earn cash back in the form of Swagbucks points. The percentage of cash back varies by retailer.
3. Watching Videos: Swagbucks offers users the opportunity to earn points by watching short video clips. While the payouts are relatively low, this can be a passive way to accumulate points.
4. Playing Games: Swagbucks has partnered with various gaming platforms, allowing users to earn points by playing certain games. The earnings are usually modest.
5. Daily Goals and Streaks: Swagbucks often sets daily goals for users. Meeting these goals and maintaining streaks by consistently earning points can result in bonuses.
6. Referral Program: Users can earn extra Swagbucks by referring friends and family to the platform. Referral bonuses are awarded when referred users sign up and earn points.
7. Special Offers: Swagbucks provides special offers, such as signing up for free trials, downloading apps, or participating in promotions. These can yield higher point values.

It’s important to note that the exact earning potential varies from user to user, and it’s influenced by factors such as geographic location, demographics, and the availability of offers. Some users may earn a few dollars a month, while others who actively engage in various activities may earn more.

To maximize your earnings, it’s probably advisable to explore different earning methods, complete daily goals, and take advantage of bonus opportunities.

My experience with Swagbucks

Initially, I was really excited about this platform. I figured it was something simple I could do for a few minutes each evening. Even if I could do one survey an evening, I could bring in a little bit extra.

This is the view you’ll see when you log into Swagbucks. You can have a look at which surveys are available, how long they’ll take to complete, and what the rewards will be for finishing.

 

Initially, I thought 100 SB was a great amount for a 20 minute survey. However, once you take a deeper look at the dollar equivalent to SB, it’s not so enticing. For example, to receive a $5 Amazon or $5 walmart gift card, you would need 375 SB. So, you’re looking at almost 80 minutes of doing surveys to get a $5 gift card. The gift card options above were 25% off as well. So 100 SB is equivalent to about $1.00.

After noticing that the rewards were a bit further away than I imagined, I still tried to complete a few surveys to see how time consuming they really were. Perhaps I could just fly right through them and finish faster than the 20 minute mark. The issue started coming up with ineligibility. So even though I was seeing these surveys on my homepage, they weren’t all available to me. Your survey eligibility depends on a few things, but it did get quite frustrating to go through the initial questions and not qualify.

I really tried to make Swagbucks work

Nevertheless, I kept trying. I did a few more surveys I actually did qualify for, answered a few questions of the day, and still I had a measely 174 Swagbucks in the tank at the end of the day. It seemed like a lot of work to even make it to $5. I do have to say this with a big disclaimer: I really dislike feeling like I’m wasting time on my phone.

With Swagbucks, even though I was getting closer to my $5 goal, it was bothersome. If you’re someone who likes to play games on your phone or doesn’t mind answering questions in your down time, this is perfect for you! You can even get SB for watching videos or playing games. I have an issue with being productive – I always feel like I need to be doing something so this absolutely wasn’t in my wheelhouse, but it could be perfect for you.

I’ve been juggling a few projects since I tried Swagbucks; mainly Etsy and getting the blog up and running. At the end of the day, I just enjoy doing them more. I don’t ever feel like I’m wasting my time with those. That is my hope for you: let’s find you a side hustle that brings you joy! If that is watching videos and getting SB, that’s amazing! Let’s make it happen.

How do you maximize your ability to qualify for Swagbucks surveys?

Maximizing your ability to qualify for surveys on Swagbucks and other survey platforms involves a combination of strategies to ensure that you match the desired demographic criteria set by survey providers. Below, you’ll find a few tips to increase your chances of qualifying for surveys:

1. Complete Your Profile: Make sure your Swagbucks profile is complete and accurate. This includes providing information about your age, gender, location, occupation, and other relevant details. Survey opportunities are often targeted based on demographic information.
2. Update Your Profile Regularly: Periodically check and update your profile information, especially if there are any changes in your demographic details. Keeping your profile up-to-date increases the likelihood of receiving relevant survey invitations.
3. Be Honest: Provide truthful and consistent answers in your profile and during surveys. Survey providers often include validation questions to ensure respondents are giving accurate information.
4. Diversify Your Activities: Participate in various activities on Swagbucks, not just surveys. Engage in watching videos, completing offers, and shopping through the platform. This can lead to more diverse survey invitations.
5. Check for New Surveys Frequently: Survey availability can change throughout the day. Check Swagbucks regularly for new survey opportunities, especially if you have some free time.
6. Qualify for Profiler Surveys: Swagbucks may offer profiler surveys to gather additional information about you. Completing these surveys can help match you with more relevant survey opportunities.
7. Use Swagbucks Mobile App: Some surveys may be available exclusively on the mobile app. Install and use the Swagbucks mobile app to access additional survey opportunities.
8. Be Quick to Respond: Survey invitations may have a limited number of slots available. When you receive a survey invitation, try to respond promptly to increase your chances of securing a spot.
9. Participate in Daily Goals: Swagbucks often sets daily goals for users. Meeting these goals may increase your chances of receiving more survey invitations and bonuses.
10. Be Patient: It’s common to be disqualified from some surveys. Don’t get discouraged, as this is a normal part of the survey-taking process. Keep trying, and over time, you’ll likely qualify for more surveys.

Remember that survey availability and qualification criteria can change, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different strategies to see what works best for you.

Is Swagbucks legit?

Yes, Swagbucks does pay – they are not scammers! It’s easy to earn with them, and if you’re on your phone anyway, why not?

Are you the least bit curious? Definitely try Swagbucks! You’ve got nothing to lose. It’s free to create an account and you can get started right away.

How do you get paid for your earned SB?

Swagbucks has a number of gift cards you can use your points towards. All of the amounts tend to vary, but there is good variety. You can also choose to redeem via PayPal, make a donation with your SB, or enter “Swagstakes”. Swagstakes is when you use your SB to enter sweepstakes and contests for a chance to win various prizes. It adds a gamified element to the Swagbucks platform, giving users an opportunity to potentially win larger rewards or items by participating in these sweepstakes.

Have you tried Swagbucks? I’d love to hear about your experience! Are you thinking about joining and haven’t yet made the leap? Wherever you are in your journey, I’m cheering you on. Contact me here!