If you’re looking to make some extra cash online, you’ve probably stumbled upon MyPoints and Swagbucks. Both platforms promise rewards for everyday activities like shopping, taking surveys, and watching videos. But which one really delivers the best value?

As someone who’s explored both of these popular reward programs, I can tell you there are distinct differences that could sway your decision. From earning potential to redemption options, understanding these nuances can help you maximize your rewards. Let’s dive into the details and see how MyPoints stacks up against Swagbucks.

Overview of MyPoints

MyPoints is a popular rewards platform that allows users to earn points through various activities like shopping, taking surveys, and watching videos. With its diverse earning options, MyPoints caters to users looking to maximize their rewards through different online activities.

Features of MyPoints

MyPoints offers an engaging array of ways to earn points that you can redeem for gift cards, PayPal cash, or travel perks. Some of the key features include:

• Online Shopping: Earn points by shopping at notable retailers such as Best Buy, Walmart, and Macy’s.
• Surveys: Participate in surveys on various topics like social attitudes and consumer habits to accumulate points.
• Product Testing: Receive free product samples and provide feedback for points.
• Web Search: Use the MyPoints search engine and earn points for each search.
• Games: Enjoy gaming experiences like Spades Showdown or Solitaire Cube to earn rewards.
• Cash Back Offers: Get cash back on grocery purchases by scanning receipts through Magic Receipts.
• Side Hustle Opportunities: Explore popular gigs on the MyPoints “Deals” page, such as becoming an Instacart shopper where you can earn up to 5,000 points.
• Daily Polls: Participate in daily polls to earn a few extra points.
• Promotions and Bonuses: Access special earning opportunities through prize codes, sweepstakes, daily task lists, and friend referrals.

What Is the Value of One Point on MyPoints?

The value of one point on MyPoints ranges from $0.06 to $0.08, although this can vary. While some sources suggest a uniform value of $0.06, my experience has shown that this figure fluctuates based on the redemption options available. Here’s a quick snapshot of current redemption values:

Points Required	Reward
7,000 points	$50 Cabela’s gift card
7,330 points	$50 AMC gift card
7,520 points	$50 Lowe’s gift card

At the time of writing, none of the gift cards were valued higher than $0.075 per point. However, promotional events, especially around major shopping holidays, can temporarily increase point values above $0.01. I also find it helpful to compare MyPoints to InboxDollars, as they are operated by the same parent company. Both platforms provide similar earning opportunities, but users might prefer one layout over the other.

How to Withdraw Your Earnings from MyPoints?

To cash out your earnings, you need a minimum of 480 points, which allows you to redeem for a $3 gift card. The process is straightforward:

1. Select “Redeem Points”, the orange button at the top of the navigation bar.
2. Browse the rewards, utilizing the filter “Show cards I can afford” to find eligible options.
3. Choose your preferred reward, like PayPal cash, prepaid cards, or gift cards from nearly 80 popular stores such as Apple, Target, Google Play, and Amazon.
4. Confirm your payment details including your name and email.

The initial payout may take 5 to 7 business days for processing, while subsequent withdrawals are quicker, typically taking 1 to 3 business days. Payments are processed electronically, with PayPal funds sent directly to your account and gift cards delivered to your inbox as eGift cards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of MyPoints

MyPoints offers a blend of earning opportunities and user-friendly features that make it appealing to many. However, like any platform, it has its strengths and weaknesses that potential users should consider.

Advantages

Using the MyPoints mobile app and MyPoints.com website provides flexibility to earn rewards on the go. I can earn points while watching TV, traveling, or simply browsing my phone.

The platform offers a variety of activities that keep things interesting. From games to surveys, polls, deals, and cash back shopping, I find that there’s always something to engage with, ensuring I’m never bored.

Cashing out my points is a straightforward process. With a minimum of just 480 points needed to cash out for a gift card, reaching this threshold is relatively easy compared to other platforms.

Additionally, there are plenty of little ways to earn free points without much effort. For instance, by finding and redeeming Point Perks prize codes, which I can discover in the MyPoints member blog or on its social media pages, I can boost my earnings with minimal work.

Disadvantages

One of the main drawbacks is that MyPoints is primarily designed for U.S. and Canadian users. While the terms and conditions do not explicitly prohibit members from other countries, I found that my earning potential may be limited outside North America due to fewer available activities.

Another concern is the lack of earning transparency. Unlike platforms like Kashkick or InboxDollars that offer rewards in clear dollars and cents, MyPoints operates on a points system. This can make it difficult for me to know the actual cash value of my efforts.

Moreover, MyPoints is not always the best option for cash back shopping deals. I have noticed that sometimes the rebates can be higher with competitors such as Rakuten, Swagbucks, Honey, or Retailmenot, which may make me think twice about where to shop for the best returns.

Lastly, I feel that surveys are more of an after-thought on MyPoints rather than a core feature. If I’m looking for a platform primarily focused on survey rewards, I might find MyPoints less satisfying, as it seems to shine best when used for deals and online shopping.

Overview of Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a versatile online rewards platform that offers an extensive selection of ways to earn free gift cards and PayPal cash. I find this platform particularly engaging due to its variety of earning methods that cater to different interests and preferences.

Features of Swagbucks

Swagbucks boasts numerous earning opportunities that keep the experience fresh and exciting. Here are some of the core activities through which users can accumulate rewards:

• Paid Online Surveys: Participate in surveys and share your opinions to earn SB points.
• Cash Back Shopping: Shop at over 10,000 retailers to receive cash back on your purchases.
• Daily Tasks: Complete simple daily tasks, including polls and to-do lists, to maximize your earnings.
• Live Trivia Matches: Join live trivia games on weekdays and compete for rewards, alongside non-live trivia available daily.
• Deal Discovery: Explore new products, services, or apps through the “Discover” page and earn cash back for trying them out.
• Swagbucks Search Engine: Use Swagbucks as your default search engine and earn rewards as you browse the web.
• Grocery Receipts: Scan and submit in-store grocery receipts to earn SB for purchasing specific featured items.
• Swag Codes: Look for daily prize codes shared via the Swagbucks blog, website, and their social media platforms for extra rewards.
• Mobile App Earning: Play featured games on the Swagbucks app and win anywhere from $0.50 to $150 by achieving specific goals within the games.
• Swagbucks Play Swago: Engage with Play Swago boards to earn additional cash bonuses.
• Video Engagement: Share, watch, and like video reels in the Swagbucks video app called Swagit for even more earning potential.

Earning Swagbucks Rewards in SB Points

Similar to MyPoints, I earn rewards in points on Swagbucks. The platform’s virtual currency is known as SB (pronounced as ess-bee). For reference, it takes 100 SB to equate to $1 USD in earnings.

I appreciate that, unlike MyPoints, Swagbucks has a fixed currency rate, meaning there’s consistency in how I can evaluate my rewards. However, it’s worth noting that the reward amounts for specific activities like surveys and offers may occasionally be adjusted. This fixed rate ensures I have an easier understanding of my earning potential without the variability inherent in some other platforms.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers a mix of rewards that attract users in various ways. The vast range of earning opportunities can keep anyone engaged, ensuring you will find something enjoyable to do while earning.

Advantages:

• Diverse Earning Opportunities: With a wide array of methods to earn, including surveys, shopping, trivia, and watching videos, I never feel bored. There is always something new to try.
• Flexibility: I can easily earn rewards on my phone or laptop. This flexibility makes it a perfect side hustle for busy individuals.
• Savings with Coupons: Swagbucks provides access to coupons and promo codes for over 10,000 retailers, allowing me to save money while shopping.
• Cash Back on Groceries: I appreciate being able to earn cash back on grocery purchases, especially from well-known grocery chains.
• Generous Payouts: The platform offers competitive payouts for side hustles related to fintech and gaming, making it worthwhile to explore these categories.
• Engagement with the Brand: Swagbucks has an active social media presence, and I enjoy participating in member-run communities on platforms such as Facebook, Quora, and Reddit.
• Solid Survey Availability: I often find a good volume of surveys available on various household topics. Plus, the DQ bonus points offered for disqualifications make it a little less frustrating when I don’t qualify.

• Multiple Apps Can be Confusing: Navigating through multiple Swagbucks apps can be annoying if I want to earn rewards for trivia and video watching simultaneously.
• Inconsistent Coupon Codes: I’ve experienced issues with coupon and promo codes not working. Sometimes the shopping portal leads me to expired or invalid codes.
• Clunky Receipt Earning Feature: Submitting grocery receipts can be a hassle. I have to take a picture and email it to Swagbucks, which can be hit-or-miss in terms of automatic crediting.
• No Print Coupons: Swagbucks previously offered print coupons, allowing users to earn cash by printing and redeeming in-store, which is no longer available.
• Limited Gift Card Options: It’s a downside that Swagbucks doesn’t feature Visa gift cards. Instead, they offer prepaid Mastercards and American Express cards, which may not appeal to everyone.

MyPoints vs. Swagbucks Comparison

In this section, I will delve into a side-by-side comparison of MyPoints and Swagbucks, exploring various aspects such as potential earnings, current promotions, referral programs, earning transparency, customer support, registration process, qualification for surveys, and penalties for inactivity.

Potential Earnings

🏆 Swagbucks

When it comes to potential earnings, Swagbucks has the upper hand. While MyPoints provides various opportunities to earn, Swagbucks offers a wider array of activities. Exclusive earning activities on Swagbucks include:

• Approximately 7,000 additional cash back retailers
• High-value sign-up bonuses with various offers
• The ability to both gift and receive SB for video reels, enhancing community engagement
• Live trivia matches that add a fun and competitive element to earning
• Cash back dining and prescription deals
• Earning cash back on discounted gift cards from popular stores

This broad spectrum of earning options can significantly boost the potential for users looking to maximize their rewards.

Current Promotions

🏆 Swagbucks

Swagbucks excels in the promotions department. Although MyPoints does feature some promotions and sweepstakes, Swagbucks consistently offers a wider range of promotional activities and opportunities to earn extra points. This includes seasonal promotions and bonuses that can enhance the earning potential for users.

Referral Programs

🏆 Tie between MyPoints and Swagbucks

Both MyPoints and Swagbucks have similarly structured referral programs. When a friend signs up using your referral link, you receive an upfront cash bonus and a 10% commission on their qualifying earnings for life. This commission is calculated from the earnings made through activities such as shopping and surveys. This generous setup enhances the loyalty program, making it appealing for users who encourage their friends to join.

Earning Transparency

🏆 Swagbucks

Earning transparency is another area where Swagbucks shines. The system is straightforward: 100 SB points equate to $1. This clear conversion rate allows users to easily gauge their earnings. In contrast, MyPoints operates on a variable points system where 100 points usually translate to $0.60 to $0.75. This inconsistency can lead to confusion when evaluating potential earnings.

Customer Support

🏆 MyPoints

Both Swagbucks and MyPoints utilize the same customer service platform to assist members. However, based on user reviews, I found that MyPoints receives slightly higher ratings with a 4.4 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot compared to Swagbucks’ score of 4.3 stars. This slight edge suggests that MyPoints may provide a more satisfactory customer support experience.

Registration Process

🏆 MyPoints

The registration process is generally similar across both platforms but is more streamlined with MyPoints. Upon signing up, you provide your email and choose a password. After account creation, MyPoints allows you to explore the website freely. In contrast, Swagbucks presents a lengthy list of offers that can feel overwhelming. Users often find themselves scrolling through this list to navigate to the main site, which may detract from the user experience.

Qualification for Surveys

🏆 Tie between MyPoints and Swagbucks

Both platforms offer a similar survey experience, including a 1 point bonus (up to 5 per day) when users are disqualified from a survey. This feature ensures that users are still rewarded for their time, regardless of whether they qualify for the survey.

Penalties for Inactivity

🏆 Tie between MyPoints and Swagbucks

Both platforms share the same policy regarding inactive accounts. There are no immediate penalties for inactivity, but if an account remains inactive for one year or longer, it is subject to closure, resulting in the forfeiture of any accumulated earnings. This policy provides flexibility for users who may take breaks from earning rewards.

Overall Winner: MyPoints vs. Swagbucks

In the ongoing battle between MyPoints and Swagbucks, both platforms present unique strengths and weaknesses that make them appealing to different types of users.

MyPoints Strengths:

I found that MyPoints has a few notable advantages that might attract users. First off, the onboarding process is cleaner and simpler, making it easy for new members to get started. The overall member experience also stands out as MyPoints boasts better reviews and higher ratings on TrustPilot compared to Swagbucks. Navigating the site feels more intuitive since it offers a streamlined user experience with fewer earning features. This simplicity makes the top navigation bar easier to use, while Swagbucks has a bloated menu with extensive dropdowns that can overwhelm new users.

Swagbucks Strengths:

On the other hand, Swagbucks excels in providing a wider variety of earning activities. Users can enjoy fun options like trivia, videos, and additional cash back offers. In terms of payouts, I noticed that Swagbucks tends to offer higher payouts for certain offers featured on their Discover page, attracting users looking for bigger rewards. They also shine with more reward options. While they include the same gift card and PayPal options as MyPoints, Swagbucks goes a step further by offering physical prizes, cryptocurrency vouchers, and Swagstakes for those interested in prize sweepstakes.

If I were to liken these platforms to coffee shops, I would say Swagbucks is reminiscent of Starbucks—familiar, bustling, with an expansive menu—while MyPoints is akin to your charming local coffee shop, unique and quaint but possibly limiting for some. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and what kind of rewards experience you’re looking for.

Best Alternatives

If you’re exploring alternatives to MyPoints and Swagbucks, there are several other platforms worth considering. Each of these options offers unique features that may better suit your earning preferences and lifestyle.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars stands out as a popular rewards platform, offering users the opportunity to earn cash for completing tasks like surveys, watching videos, and reading emails. Unlike MyPoints and Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays in cash instead of points, which I find more straightforward. The minimum cash-out threshold is $30, making it a bit higher than the others but still attainable. The downside is that the earning potential can vary widely, and some users may find the tasks less rewarding compared to other platforms.

Rakuten

Rakuten is primarily a cash back shopping site, providing users with cash back on purchases from a vast network of retailers. I appreciate Rakuten’s simplicity, as it directly tracks purchases and pays cash back through PayPal or checks. Its referral program enhances earning potential, but it lacks other earning options like surveys or videos that MyPoints and Swagbucks provide. It’s a solid choice for dedicated online shoppers.

Honey

Honey is known for its automated coupon feature that helps users save money while shopping online. In addition to saving on purchases, Honey also offers a rewards program called Honey Gold, where users can earn points for shopping that can be converted into gift cards. The operation is straightforward, but like Rakuten, it focuses mainly on shopping rather than multiple earning activities. Users looking for a more comprehensive rewards experience may prefer options like Swagbucks or MyPoints.

Survey Junkie

If surveys are your primary interest, Survey Junkie is a platform that focuses entirely on this niche. Users can earn points for completing surveys that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards. While it doesn’t offer the diverse earning opportunities of MyPoints and Swagbucks, the survey availability and straightforward point conversion make it a strong contender for survey enthusiasts.

Vindale Research

Vindale Research is another survey-focused platform that rewards users with cash for completing surveys. Unlike other platforms that use a points system, I appreciate that Vindale pays directly in cash. While the earning potential can be quite decent, it may take a bit more effort to reach the cash-out minimum of $50, which can be a drawback for some users.

Platform	Primary Earning Method	Cash/Points System	Cash-Out Minimum
InboxDollars	Tasks (surveys, videos, emails)	Cash	$30
Rakuten	Cash back on shopping	Cash	N/A
Honey	Coupons and cash back	Points	Varies by gift card
Survey Junkie	Surveys	Points	$10
Vindale Research	Surveys	Cash	$50

These alternatives offer a range of earning opportunities that may better fit your lifestyle and preferences. While I’m a fan of both MyPoints and Swagbucks for their diverse earning options, these other platforms can provide specialized rewards that cater to specific interests.

Common Questions

I often get questions regarding the differences and functionalities of MyPoints and Swagbucks. Here are some clarifications that might help you decide which platform suits you better.

Are MyPoints and Swagbucks Identical?

No, MyPoints and Swagbucks are not identical reward programs even though both are owned by the same parent company, Prodege. Swagbucks was founded in El Segundo, California, in 2008, while MyPoints has been around since 1996, originating in Delaware as an airline miles rewards program. Over the years, MyPoints has shifted its focus towards cash back shopping and surveys. On the other hand, Swagbucks began as a market research company and has since expanded significantly, boasting a larger user base and a wider variety of earning activities. This difference in origins plays a key role in how each platform is structured and what they offer their users.

How Many Points Equal $1 on MyPoints?

To convert MyPoints into cash, you’ll typically need about 130 to 170 points for every $1 earned. Unlike Swagbucks, which has a fixed currency rate, MyPoints operates on a more variable points system, meaning different activities and gift card options have diverse point values attached. This fluidity can sometimes make it harder to gauge your earning potential, but it also allows for a broader range of rewards.

Which Surveys Offer the Best Pay?

Generally speaking, longer surveys tend to yield higher payments on both MyPoints and Swagbucks. For example, shorter surveys, usually around 6 minutes long, might offer around $0.25 or less, while longer surveys requiring 30 minutes or more can potentially pay $8 or more. It’s worth noting that occasionally, shorter surveys reward higher payouts but tend to target a very specific audience. Understanding the typical payout for survey lengths can guide you in maximizing your earnings.

Which Survey Sites Have the Fastest Payouts?

When it comes to quick payouts, both MyPoints and Swagbucks are among the top contenders. You can cash out with as little as $3 in earnings on either platform. Given their various earning options, reaching this figure often requires minimal effort, making them appealing choices for those looking for swift rewards.

Swagbucks vs MyPoints: Which Suits You Best?

Choosing between MyPoints and Swagbucks really comes down to your personal preferences and how you like to earn rewards. If you enjoy a straightforward earning system and appreciate a user-friendly experience MyPoints might be your go-to. On the other hand if you’re looking for a more diverse range of activities and potentially higher payouts Swagbucks could be the better option.

Both platforms offer unique benefits and drawbacks so it’s essential to weigh what matters most to you. Whether you prioritize ease of use or a variety of earning methods each program can enhance your online experience. Ultimately the best choice will align with your lifestyle and reward goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are MyPoints and Swagbucks?

MyPoints and Swagbucks are online reward platforms that allow users to earn points for activities like shopping, taking surveys, and watching videos, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash.

How do I earn points on MyPoints?

You can earn points on MyPoints by shopping at major retailers, participating in surveys, testing products, searching the web, playing games, and completing daily polls.

What redemption options does MyPoints offer?

MyPoints allows users to redeem points for gift cards, PayPal cash, or travel perks, with a minimum of 480 points needed for a $3 gift card.

How does earning on Swagbucks differ from MyPoints?

Swagbucks uses a fixed currency system where 100 SB points equal $1, making it easier to understand earnings compared to MyPoints’ variable point value.

What are the main advantages of Swagbucks?

Swagbucks offers a diverse range of earning opportunities, including paid surveys, cash back shopping, trivia games, and video watching, with flexible access on various devices.

Are there any downsides to using MyPoints?

Some drawbacks of MyPoints include limited earning potential for users outside the U.S. and Canada, a lack of earning transparency, and fewer cash back deals compared to competitors.

How do user ratings compare between MyPoints and Swagbucks?

MyPoints generally has higher ratings for customer support and a smoother registration process, while Swagbucks is recognized for better overall earning potential and rewards variety.

What alternatives exist to MyPoints and Swagbucks?

Alternatives include InboxDollars for cash tasks, Rakuten for cash back shopping, Honey for coupons, and Survey Junkie or Vindale Research for survey opportunities.

Can I use both MyPoints and Swagbucks?

Yes, you can use both platforms simultaneously to maximize your earning potential by taking advantage of their unique features and rewards opportunities.

How do I choose between MyPoints and Swagbucks?

Choosing between MyPoints and Swagbucks depends on your preferences for earning methods, desired rewards, and which platform offers features that best align with your activities.