Journey Tribune – Earning extra balance, PayPal cash, or gift cards in this has become increasingly popular as reward-based apps continue to grow. These platforms allow users to complete simple tasks such as surveys, watching ads, online shopping, scanning receipts, or even playing games. Although the earnings are not large, they are a safe and effortless way to collect free rewards over time.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the best legitimate reward apps, complete with official links and detailed explanations.

1. Swagbucks

Category: Surveys, watching ads, games, cashback
Rewards: PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, Walmart gift cards

Swagbucks is one of the most reputable “get-paid-to” platforms in the US. You can earn points (SB) from multiple activities: answering surveys, shopping through their portal, watching videos, playing sponsored games, and entering promo codes. Swagbucks has paid out over $900 million in rewards to users, making it one of the most trusted options.

Why it’s great:

• Huge variety of earning methods
• Low withdrawal threshold
• Trusted for more than a decade

2. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Category: Online shopping cashback
Rewards: PayPal payments or mailed checks

Rakuten is the largest cashback platform. When you shop online through Rakuten, you earn cashback from partner stores like Best Buy, Target, Macy’s, and Walmart. Cashback is paid quarterly via PayPal or check.

Why it’s great:

• High cashback rates (sometimes 10–20%+)
• Perfect for frequent online shoppers
• Completely free and trusted by millions

3. Mistplay (Android only)

Category: Play mobile games
Rewards: Amazon, Google Play, and Visa gift cards

Mistplay is a game-based reward app. Users earn points simply by playing mobile games recommended by the app. The more time spent playing, the more units you earn. Gamers love it because it rewards them for something they already do.

Why it’s great:

• Easy passive earning while playing
• Many popular games are available
• Low redemption minimums

4. InboxDollars

Category: Surveys, emails, videos, small tasks
Rewards: Cash via PayPal or gift cards

InboxDollars pays users directly with money (not points). Activities include reading paid emails, completing surveys, printing coupons, and watching video ads. New users often get a signup bonus.

Why it’s great:

• Straightforward cash payouts
• Various daily micro-tasks
• Trusted by major US brands

5. Fetch Rewards

Category: Scan receipts
Rewards: Amazon, Target, Starbucks, Visa gift cards

Fetch Rewards lets you earn simply by uploading receipts from any store. There are no restrictions—supermarkets, pharmacies, gas stations, or local shops all work. This makes Fetch one of the easiest apps to use.

Why it’s great:

• No need to pre-select offers
• Works with ANY store receipt
• Fast and flexible redemption options

6. Ibotta

Category: Grocery and retail cashback
Rewards: PayPal or gift cards

Ibotta specializes in cashback for groceries and everyday essentials. You activate offers for specific items, shop as usual, and scan your receipt. Many stores also support automatic cashback when you link your loyalty card.

Why it’s great:

• Works with most major grocery chains
• Generous cashback on essentials
• Option to withdraw to PayPal

7. Google Opinion Rewards

Category: Quick surveys
Rewards: Google Play credit or PayPal

Google Opinion Rewards is the simplest app on this list. Surveys are extremely short—often less than 30 seconds—and questions are related to your location, preferences, or brief product experiences.

Why it’s great:

• Very short surveys
• High trust (official Google product)
• Instant credit rewards

8. MyPoints

Category: Surveys, shopping cashback
Rewards: PayPal or gift cards

MyPoints is operated by the same company as Swagbucks. It focuses heavily on cashback from online shopping, but also offers surveys and games. It is widely known for its Amazon gift card rewards.

Why it’s great:

• Strong Amazon gift card options
• Many earning categories
• Long-running, reliable platform

9. Shopkick

Category: Walking into stores, scanning products
Rewards: Gift cards

Shopkick is unique because you earn points (“kicks”) by simply entering partner stores or scanning product barcodes—no purchase required.

Why it’s great:

• No need to spend money
• Fun scavenger-hunt-like experience
• Ideal for frequent shoppers

Tips to Stay Safe While Using Reward Apps

To ensure safe usage, follow these guidelines:

Always download apps from the official website or app stores

Avoid APKs or unofficial links.

Never share sensitive information

Legitimate reward apps will never ask for your bank login, SSN, or passwords.

Beware of unrealistic claims

Avoid apps claiming you can earn hundreds of dollars per day.

Use a separate email for surveys

This helps keep your main inbox clean.

Conclusion

Reward apps offer a legitimate way to earn free balance, PayPal cash, and gift cards by completing simple tasks. While earnings are modest, they are reliable and great for supplementing your budget without financial risk. Apps like Swagbucks, Rakuten, Mistplay, Fetch Rewards, and Ibotta remain the most trusted options in 2025.