Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks: Which is Better for Earning Gift Cards?

Want free gift cards, but not sure which app to use: Fetch Rewards or Swagbucks? You’re not alone in this dilemma. As the popularity of rewards apps continues to grow, many consumers are comparing these leading platforms to determine which offers the best return on their time and effort when it comes to earning free gift cards.

In this comprehensive comparison of Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks, we’ll examine both platforms in detail, focusing specifically on their effectiveness for earning free gift cards. Whether you’re looking for the best rewards app for gift cards or researching which best app to earn free gift cards deserves your attention, this guide will provide data-driven insights to help you make an informed decision.

Many users on Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks Reddit threads debate which platform provides better value, and we’ll address these common questions with clear, objective analysis. By the end of this article, you’ll understand which app aligns better with your personal earning style and goals.

Table of Contents

What is Fetch Rewards? (In-Depth)

Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks: Which is Best for Earning Free Gift Cards?

Overview of Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards launched in 2017 as a grocery receipt scanning app and has since grown into one of the most popular reward platforms in the United States. With over 13 million active users, Fetch has established itself as a leading player in the rewards space by focusing on simplicity and convenience.

The company’s mission centers around rewarding consumers for purchases they’re already making, without requiring them to change their shopping habits. This approach has made Fetch particularly appealing to users looking for a passive way to earn rewards.

Visit the official Fetch Rewards website to learn more about their platform or download the app directly from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

How to Earn Points (Detailed Explanation)

Scanning Receipts

The primary way to earn on Fetch Rewards is by scanning receipts:

Shop at any store (grocery stores, convenience stores, drugstores, etc.)
Keep your receipt
Open the Fetch app and take a photo of the receipt within 14 days of purchase
Earn a minimum of 25 points per receipt, regardless of what you purchased

Fetch accepts receipts from virtually any retailer that sells groceries, household items, or personal care products. However, the real earning potential comes from purchasing products from Fetch’s partner brands, which can earn you anywhere from 500 to 5,000 points per item.

Special offers frequently appear in the app, including limited-time promotions where you can earn bonus points on specific products. For example, Fetch Rewards Dunkin’ Donuts promotions occasionally appear, allowing you to earn extra points when purchasing Dunkin’ products or even direct Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Cards.

Connecting Accounts

Fetch has expanded its earning capabilities by allowing users to connect email accounts and Amazon accounts for automatic points:

E-receipts: Connect your email account to automatically import digital receipts from online purchases and earn points without scanning
Amazon Integration: Link your Amazon account to automatically earn points on eligible Amazon purchases

This passive earning approach significantly enhances the convenience factor of Fetch Rewards compared to other reward apps.

Redemption Options

Fetch Rewards offers a variety of gift card options from popular retailers including:

Amazon Gift Cards
Target Gift Cards
Earn Walmart Gift Cards
Earn Apple Gift Cards
Starbucks Gift Cards
Earn Dunkin’ Donuts Gift Cards
And many more

Gift cards start at 3,000 points ($3) for most options, making rewards relatively accessible even for casual users. The conversion rate is simple: 1,000 points equals $1 in redemption value.

Pros and Cons of Fetch Rewards (Specific to Gift Card Earning)

Pros:

Simple point system: Straightforward 1,000 points = $1 conversion
Low minimum payout: Start redeeming with as little as $3 (3,000 points)
Passive earning: Little effort required beyond scanning receipts
Any store accepted: Earn from virtually any retail location
Quick scanning process: Takes seconds to scan a receipt
E-receipt capability: Automatically earn from online purchases

Cons:

Limited earning methods: Primarily focused on receipt scanning
Point caps: Maximum points per receipt (typically 3,000)
Lower earnings potential: May take longer to earn substantial gift cards compared to more task-oriented apps
No direct cash-out options: Rewards are limited to gift cards and charity donations

What is Swagbucks? (In-Depth)

Overview of Swagbucks

Swagbucks, founded in 2008, is one of the pioneers in the online rewards space and has paid out over $700 million to its members since its inception. Operated by Prodege, LLC, Swagbucks offers a comprehensive reward platform with multiple ways to earn their virtual currency called “SB.”

Unlike Fetch’s focused approach, Swagbucks provides a diverse ecosystem of earning opportunities beyond shopping, including surveys, videos, games, and more.

Visit the official Swagbucks website to explore their platform or check their reputation on Trustpilot where they maintain a generally positive rating.

How to Earn SB (Detailed Explanation)

Surveys

Surveys represent one of the most lucrative earning methods on Swagbucks:

Variety of surveys: Daily opportunities covering numerous topics
Clear time estimates: Each survey shows estimated completion time (typically 5-30 minutes)
Transparent payouts: SB rewards are displayed before starting (typically 40-500 SB)
Disqualification points: Earn 1 SB even when disqualified from surveys after answering screening questions

While surveys require active participation, they provide substantially higher earning potential compared to passive methods.

Shopping

Swagbucks offers a robust cashback program:

Percentage-based rewards: Earn 1-10% back at thousands of retailers
Special promotions: Limited-time offers with increased cashback rates
In-store opportunities: Link your credit card to earn from in-person shopping
Gift card purchases: Earn SB when buying gift cards through the platform

When comparing rewards apps compared for shopping benefits, Swagbucks often outperforms competitors in terms of retailer variety and cashback rates.

Watching Videos

Swagbucks allows users to earn by watching curated video content:

Various channels: Entertainment, food, news, and more
Low effort: Videos can play in the background while doing other activities
Limited earnings: Typically 1-3 SB per video set
Daily caps: Limited daily earning potential

While not the most efficient earning method, it’s extremely passive and requires minimal engagement.

Playing Games

Gaming enthusiasts can earn additional SB by:

Free games: Play casual web games to earn small amounts of SB
Paid games: Earn higher SB rewards for downloading and reaching milestones in partner games
GSN partnership: Play casino-style games through Swagbucks’ partnership with Game Show Network

For users who already enjoy mobile gaming, this can be an enjoyable way to supplement earnings.

Other Earning Methods

Swagbucks offers several additional ways to earn:

Daily poll: Quick daily question for 1 SB
Search engine: Random rewards for using Swagbucks’ search engine
Discover offers: Complete sign-ups and free trials for high-value SB
Referral program: Earn 10% of friends’ earnings for life
Daily goals: Bonus SB for meeting daily and monthly targets
Swag codes: Limited-time codes for free SB

This multifaceted approach gives users flexibility in how they earn rewards.

Redemption Options

Swagbucks offers an extensive selection of redemption options:

Gift cards: Hundreds of options including all major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target
PayPal cash: Direct cash option (unlike Fetch Rewards)
Visa reward cards: Usable anywhere Visa is accepted
Charity donations: Support causes with your earnings

Gift cards typically start at 300 SB ($3), with a conversion rate where 100 SB equals $1. However, Swagbucks frequently offers discounted gift cards where you can get better value (e.g., a $25 gift card for 2,200 SB instead of 2,500 SB).

Pros and Cons of Swagbucks (Specific to Gift Card Earning)

Pros:

Multiple earning methods: Diverse opportunities to accumulate SB
Higher earning potential: Dedicated users can earn faster than on Fetch
Discounted gift cards: Better conversion rates on certain redemptions
Cash options: PayPal and Visa cash-out alternatives
Daily bonuses: Extra rewards for consistent usage
Sale events: Periodic discounts on gift card redemptions

Cons:

Time-intensive: Most high-value activities require active participation
Learning curve: More complex system with multiple features to navigate
Survey disqualifications: Frequent screening out of surveys can be frustrating
Varying point values: Inconsistent SB-to-dollar ratios across different activities
Minimum thresholds: Some activities have minimum payout requirements

Want to learn more about how Swagbucks really works? Check out our full review here: Swagbucks Review: A Comprehensive Guide to Earning Rewards

Direct Comparison: Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks (Data-Driven)

Earning Potential (Most Important Section)

When evaluating which app pays more?, we need to look at realistic earning scenarios:

Time Investment vs Rewards

Activity	Fetch Rewards	Swagbucks
15 minutes daily	~$5-10/month	~$15-25/month
30 minutes daily	~$10-15/month	~$30-50/month
1 hour daily	~$15-20/month	~$60-100/month
Time to earn $10 gift card	~3-4 weeks	~1-2 weeks

These estimates vary based on shopping habits, survey qualifications, and available offers. For Fetch, earnings are heavily dependent on your regular shopping patterns and whether you purchase partner brands. For Swagbucks, dedicated users who maximize high-value activities can earn significantly more.

In Swagbucks vs Fetch Rewards discussions about earning potential, Swagbucks typically offers higher ceilings for dedicated users, while Fetch provides more consistent but modest earnings for minimal effort.

Point/SB Values

Understanding the value conversion is essential:

Fetch Rewards: 1,000 points = $1 (consistent across all redemptions)
Swagbucks: 100 SB = $1 (standard rate, but discounted gift cards offer better value)

Fetch maintains a straightforward conversion, while Swagbucks occasionally offers “sales” on gift cards that can improve your effective earning rate by 10-12%.

Ease of Use

App Interface and Navigation

Fetch Rewards:

Clean, minimalist design
Few tabs and options
Quick receipt scanning (2-3 taps)
Intuitive reward redemption process
4.8/5 stars on App Store for user experience

Swagbucks:

Feature-rich but busier interface
Multiple sections and categories
More complex navigation with numerous options
Steeper learning curve for new users
4.4/5 stars on App Store for user experience

Fetch excels in simplicity, while Swagbucks offers more features at the cost of complexity.

Earning Methods

Fetch Rewards:

Primary method: Receipt scanning (extremely simple)
Secondary: Shopping through partner links
Occasional special offers
Minimal daily engagement required

Swagbucks:

Multiple methods requiring different skills and time commitments
Daily engagement opportunities across various activities
More options but requires more decision-making
Greater flexibility in how you earn

When comparing the best app to earn free gift cards based on ease of use alone, Fetch Rewards is the clear winner for simplicity.

Reward Variety

Both platforms offer excellent gift card selections, but with key differences:

Fetch Rewards:

300+ gift card options
Minimum redemption starting at $3 (3,000 points)
No PayPal or direct cash option
Gift cards delivered almost instantly

Swagbucks:

500+ gift card options
Minimum redemption starting at $3 (300 SB)
PayPal and Visa card options available
Gift cards typically delivered within 1-3 business days
Periodic discounts on popular gift cards

For users specifically seeking Earn Amazon Gift Cards, both platforms offer excellent options, though Swagbucks sometimes provides discounted Amazon cards during promotional periods.

Minimum Payout Threshold

Both platforms maintain accessible minimum redemption thresholds:

Fetch Rewards: 3,000 points ($3) for most gift cards
Swagbucks: 300 SB ($3) for most gift cards, higher for PayPal (2,500 SB for $25)

Neither platform requires users to accumulate substantial balances before cashing out, making both suitable for users seeking quick rewards.

Legitimacy and Trustworthiness

Both platforms have established strong reputations in the rewards space:

Fetch Rewards:

Better Business Bureau rating: A
Trustpilot score: 4.3/5 from 20,000+ reviews
App Store rating: 4.8/5 from 2+ million reviews
Google Play rating: 4.7/5 from 1+ million reviews

Swagbucks:

Better Business Bureau rating: A+
Trustpilot score: 4.3/5 from 25,000+ reviews
App Store rating: 4.4/5 from 100,000+ reviews
Google Play rating: 4.2/5 from 80,000+ reviews

Both platforms have demonstrated consistent payment reliability and customer service responsiveness.

User Reviews and Ratings (From App Stores)

Fetch Rewards users commonly praise:

“So easy to use, just snap and earn!”
“I’ve earned over $200 in Amazon gift cards just from my regular shopping”
“Love that any receipt works, not just specific stores”

Common complaints include:

“Points are sometimes slow to add to account”
“Special offers aren’t always clearly marked”
“Would like more earning opportunities beyond receipts”

Swagbucks users frequently mention:

“Great variety of ways to earn”
“Survey selection is better than most reward sites”
“I earn about $50-75 per month consistently”

Common criticisms include:

“Frequent disqualifications from surveys”
“Some activities have low rewards for the time investment”
“Too many emails and notifications”

In Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks Reddit discussions, users frequently highlight these same points, with Reddit users typically favoring Swagbucks for higher earning potential and Fetch for simplicity.

Who is Each App Best Suited For? (Personalized Recommendations)

Fetch Rewards is Best For:

Casual earners who want a no-fuss, low-effort reward system
Regular shoppers who already purchase from major brands
Busy individuals with limited time to dedicate to earning rewards
Receipt collectors who already keep shopping receipts
Passive earners who prefer set-it-and-forget-it reward systems
Grocery shoppers who make frequent purchases at supermarkets and drugstores
Gift card enthusiasts satisfied with modest but consistent earnings

Fetch Rewards excels as a background earning app that requires minimal time investment while providing steady, predictable rewards.

Swagbucks is Best For:

Active earners willing to complete tasks for higher rewards
Survey takers who enjoy sharing opinions for compensation
Online shoppers who frequently purchase from major retailers
Multi-taskers who can watch videos or complete activities while doing other things
Patient users willing to navigate a more complex ecosystem for better returns
Bargain hunters who appreciate discounted gift card redemptions
Cash-oriented users who prefer PayPal or Visa card options

Swagbucks rewards dedicated usage with substantially higher earning potential for those willing to invest the time and energy.

Conclusion (Clear Recommendation and Next Steps)

After thoroughly comparing Fetch Rewards vs Swagbucks, it’s clear that both platforms offer legitimate ways to earn free gift cards, but they cater to different user preferences and habits.

Choose Fetch Rewards if:

You value simplicity and minimal time investment
You regularly shop for groceries and keep receipts
You prefer a straightforward, passive earning approach
You’re satisfied with modest but consistent rewards

Choose Swagbucks if:

You’re willing to actively engage with various tasks
You want maximum earning potential
You prefer flexibility in both earning methods and redemption options
You enjoy activities like surveys, videos, and games

For many users, the ideal strategy might be to use both platforms strategically: Fetch Rewards for effortless scanning of all receipts, and Swagbucks for more active earning during free time. This combination maximizes both passive and active earning opportunities.

Ready to start earning? Download both apps from their respective app stores, try them for a month, and decide which better fits your lifestyle and goals. Remember that consistency is key with any rewards platform – regular engagement, even if brief, will deliver the best results over time.

Download Fetch Rewards from the App Store
Download Fetch Rewards from Google Play
Sign up for Swagbucks

Have you tried either of these reward apps? Which do you prefer for earning free gift cards? Share your experiences in the comments below!

This article was last updated on April, 2025, to provide the most current information about Fetch Rewards and Swagbucks.