How to earn gift cards: Vetted apps that actually work

Carving out downtime in your busy schedule can be difficult. But you can make your next R&R session a little more worthwhile by using a rewards app. These platforms turn routine habits like gaming, shopping, and browsing into rewards redeemable for gift cards.

If you enjoy playing mobile titles, earn gift cards playing games on Mistplay. Join over 50 million players on this rewarded gaming app, and choose from a library of over 350 titles.¹ As you play, you’ll earn points redeemable for gift cards from brands like Visa, PlayStation, and Starbucks.²

In this article, we’ll explore how to earn gift cards for the activities you already enjoy, share tips for vetting reward apps for safety, and walk you through using Mistplay. 

Popular ways to pick up gift card rewards online

Get to know the most common ways to earn digital rewards, including playing mobile games, using search engines, and taking digital surveys.

Exploring mobile games on Mistplay

Get gift cards online by playing mobile games and earning fun bonuses on Mistplay. With this rewarded gaming app, you can collect rewards when you log playtime or reach in-game digital milestones. If you already enjoy playing games in your downtime, why not make it more rewarding? And if you're new to the gaming space, Mistplay is the perfect place to jump in since our dedicated Mixlist recommends games tailored to your interests.

Here’s how rewarded gaming works on Mistplay: Discover games, play them through the app, and earn points during your next break. In just a few clicks, you can redeem your points for gift cards at major retailers like Amazon and Uber Eats.² Here are a few titles available now.¹

Monopoly GO!

Experience the iconic Monopoly board game on mobile. Build, negotiate, and steal new houses and hotels on your way to becoming a zillionaire. Monopoly GO!³ lets you challenge your friends and family across a fun digital board featuring all your favorite tokens and properties. Plus, you have a wealth of minigames (like Prize Drop Plinko or Cash Grab) to try out when you need a break from passing Go. 

Royal Match

In Royal Match,³ you’ll help King Robert redecorate his castle by solving match-3 puzzles of shields and crowns. With every new level, you’ll explore a new part of the castle and decorate it to your fancy. Royal Match also hosts tons of special events (such as the King’s Cup, Sky Race, and Book of Treasure) where you can compete with millions of other players for top in-game rewards. 

Triple Tile

Triple Tile³ is a minimalist match puzzle where you tap three-of-a-kind plants and insects to clear the board. With every new level, you’ll travel to vibrant destinations like tropical beaches or dense forests. And with thousands of levels and regular updates, you’ll never run out of puzzles to play. 

Browsing with search engine rewards programs

With search engine and web browsing rewards programs, you earn rewards for your daily online searches. Earn gift cards or charitable donations when you set your default search engine to Bing.³ Simply create an account, activate the rewards program in your settings, and start earning points whenever you browse online. Or earn with any search engine when you install the Qmee extension³ on your browser or download the app. Rewarded results will pop up next to your search results; just click the link to visit. Keep in mind that these apps have daily limits.

Navigating retail receipt and shopping apps

With receipt and shopping apps, scan receipts, use in-platform coupons, and make purchases to earn cash back and other rewards. These cash back apps suit frequent shoppers. Save your receipts, and check the apps regularly to apply coupons.

Engaging with digital surveys and market feedback

Giving your opinion on digital surveys and focus groups is another option to collect rewards. Survey apps offer rewards like gift cards, Google Play credit, or cash in exchange for your time completing in-app surveys. Check back often for new opportunities.

Evaluating platform security: What makes a reward app legitimate?

While using rewards apps can be a meaningful use of your time, be wary of unvetted options. Double-check they’re safe with these key criteria:

• Strong online reputation: Verify the app’s history and reviews. Trusted options often have years on the market and thousands of reviews.
• Transparent terms of service: Understand how the app handles your data, what the minimum payout thresholds are, and whether your points or rewards expire. Legitimate rewards apps will clearly lay out the terms. 
• No up-front fees: Avoid any platform that requires an initial fee or monetary subscription to activate your account.
• No requests for sensitive financial accounts: Protect your personal data, and don’t give out information beyond your name and email or social media account to download an app.

Mistplay has been around since 2016 and currently has a 4.4-star average rating from more than one million reviews. The app is free to download and use, and you can read real user reviews directly on Google Play and the App Store. 

Step-by-step: How to pick up your first reward on Mistplay

Let’s walk through the steps to start playing games on Mistplay and earning your first gift card:

• Download the app: Head to the Google Play Store or the App Store to get the official Mistplay app. 
• Sign up for an account: Use your email, Google account, or Facebook profile to sign up and start playing.
• Discover a preferred genre: Go to the Games tab to get a curated list of top picks for you based on your preferences. You can also filter by game genre or browse more than 350 titles in the Explore more section. 
• Earn points: Open games directly from the Mistplay app, and actively play them to earn points. Attain a daily streak, try out boosted games, or participate in limited-time events to earn even more. Earn an extra bonus when you refer a friend, sign up for the newsletter, and follow Mistplay on all socials.
• Redeem your first gift card: Navigate to the Shop tab when you’re ready to redeem your points for gift cards from brands like Walmart and DoorDash.² Select your preferred reward, and enter your email. Typically, you’ll receive your gift card code via email within 48 hours. 

Earn gift cards playing games on Mistplay

Earn a little extra for your routine habits like playing games, shopping, or browsing trusted reward apps. If you enjoy playing mobile games, Mistplay may be the perfect match for you. With our rewarded gaming app, you can earn points by playing games and redeem them for retail gift cards from brands like Sephora and Xbox.² It’s a fun and secure way to get a small bonus while unwinding during your next coffee break. 

Download Mistplay today, and make the most of your game time.

¹Games mentioned are for illustrative purposes, and selection may vary per region.
²Gift cards may vary by region. Merchants do not endorse and are not affiliated with Mistplay.
³All third-party names, trademarks, and brands mentioned in this article are the property of their respective owners and are used here solely for identification and descriptive purposes. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, or endorsement by, those owners.
The information in this article is accurate as of August 12, 2026 based on publicly available data. Mistplay is not responsible for the accuracy of third-party information.
This article is published by Mistplay and reflects Mistplay’s views based on publicly available information as of the date last updated.

FAQ

What are the most common reward options available on mobile platforms?

While rewards apps vary in scope, here are the most common types available on mobile:

• Rewarded gaming
• Cash back from shopping
• Internet browsing
• Survey taking

How long does it take to collect gift card rewards online?

It depends. On Mistplay, most players unlock their first $5 reward within their first 72 hours. Keep in mind that legitimate rewards apps offer gradual progression, so it’s best to stick with those that reward you for activities you already enjoy. 

Can you use a rewarded gaming app as a secondary side hustle?

Rewarded gaming apps aren’t side hustles. While you can earn gift cards for playing games on your phone, they aren’t going to be a steady income.