Beyond Surveys: 7 Surprising Everyday Activities That Can Help You Earn Gift Cards in the USA
Introduction
When people hear the term “earn rewards online,” they often think of surveys. While online surveys remain a popular option, there’s more to the rewards world than filling out questionnaires. Today, USA residents can earn gift cards for performing everyday tasks they already do—like shopping, walking, watching videos, and even scanning receipts. The best part? These aren’t gimmicks or too-good-to-be-true promises. These are legit ways to earn gift cards in the USA from trustworthy reward programs.
At FirstOpinion.online, we help you discover ways to earn free gift cards in the USA by sharing your opinions. But did you know there are other passive and active ways to collect gift card points for things you’re already doing? In this blog, we’ll go beyond the traditional survey route and explore 7 surprising daily activities that can help you earn gift cards and redeemable points in 2025 and beyond.
1. Earn While Shopping: Cashback and Receipt-Scanning Apps
Why It Works: You shop anyway. Now you can get rewarded for it.
Many USA-based reward programs now offer cash back in the form of redeemable gift cards just for scanning your receipts or shopping through their platforms.
Top Platforms to Try:
- Ibotta: Upload receipts and earn points for groceries, beauty products, and even beer.
- Fetch Rewards: Snap a photo of any receipt to collect points.
- Rakuten: Shop through affiliate links and earn points that convert into gift cards.
- FirstOpinion Tip: Some apps partner with FirstOpinion for bonus gift card offers
2. Get Paid for Walking: Health & Wellness Reward Apps
Why It Works: Your daily steps have value—and apps are turning them into rewards.
Fitness is good for your body and, surprisingly, your wallet. Health-tracking and walking apps now allow users to exchange steps for points, which can be converted into free gift cards in the USA.
Top Apps That Pay You to Walk:
- Sweatcoin: Earn digital currency for walking, which can be used for gift cards or donations.
- StepBet: Compete in walking challenges and win gift card rewards.
- Achievement App: Sync your Fitbit or Apple Health and earn for every healthy action.
FirstOpinion Insight: Many health-conscious users combine apps like these with opinion-sharing platforms for even more passive income via gift cards.
3. Watch Videos & Ads: Entertainment that Rewards
Why It Works: Streaming doesn’t just entertain—it can pay.
Video-based reward platforms reward users for watching content ranging from movie trailers to advertisements. This is one of the lesser-known yet legit ways to earn gift cards in the USA.
Where to Start:
- InboxDollars: Watch ads and get points redeemable for gift cards.
- Swagbucks Live & Videos: Participate in live trivia or simply stream content.
- MyPoints: Earn by watching playlists or sponsored video sets.
Pro Tip: Pair this activity with survey answering on FirstOpinion for a multi-channel reward strategy.
4. Participate in Product Testing & Feedback Panels
Why It Works: Brands value your real-world opinion more than you think.
Some companies are willing to reward you with free gift cards or redeemable points for simply trying out a new product and sharing your experience.
Options That Work:
- BzzAgent: Try and review products, and earn points.
- Toluna Influencers: Join product trials with gift card rewards.
- FirstOpinion Panels: From time to time, FirstOpinion may offer product-based research—an excellent way to combine opinion sharing with real testing.
Pro Tip: Always check the privacy policy to ensure your information is protected.
5. Play Games and Earn Points
Why It Works: Casual gaming is no longer just for fun—it can be rewarding too.
Gaming platforms and apps now offer gift card points for completing missions, reaching milestones, or simply logging in daily.
Best Apps for Gaming Rewards:
- Mistplay (Android): Play games, earn units, and redeem for gift cards.
- InboxDollars Games: Get rewarded for game downloads and level completion.
- Swagbucks Live Games: Earn by competing in trivia and mobile challenges.
Caution: Stick to platforms that offer legitimate gift card opportunities—avoid ones with high payout thresholds or sketchy reviews.
6. Share Your Opinions on Specialized Platforms
Why It Works: Your views matter—especially to brands.
Beyond generic surveys, specialized opinion platforms like FirstOpinion.online allow users to share thoughts on topics they care about and earn rewards accordingly. You might review a shopping experience, describe your weekend habits, or weigh in on product concepts.
Why Choose FirstOpinion.online:
- Exclusive gift card offers for consistent users.
- Simple, user-friendly interface.
- Surveys designed around real user preferences.
You Don’t Get Cash—But You Do Get:
Redeemable points for gift cards to top USA retailers, restaurants, and more. That’s real value for your opinion.
7. Earn with Browser Extensions and Affiliate Tools
Why It Works: Your everyday web activity holds value too.
There are extensions and plug-ins that reward you just for browsing or shopping as usual—automatically collecting redeemable points.
Top Browser Tools:
- Honey Gold (by PayPal): Earn “Gold” points for purchases through the Honey extension.
- Rakuten Chrome Extension: Activates cashback offers automatically while shopping.
- Microsoft Rewards: Use Bing for searches and get rewarded.
Bonus Tip: Stack browser extension rewards with survey earnings on FirstOpinion for faster redemption.
Why Gift Cards Make More Sense Than Cash
Here’s what most users realize over time:
Getting gift cards may seem limiting at first, but with the right programs, you’re essentially getting flexible value. Many reward platforms like FirstOpinion work directly with major USA retailers—meaning you can use your gift cards on things you already plan to buy.
Advantages of Gift Card Rewards:
- No bank details required
- Instant digital delivery in most cases
- Can be saved for seasonal sales or gifts
- Avoids cash-transfer risks
Tips to Maximize Gift Card Earnings
If you’re serious about stacking up those gift card rewards, here’s a simple action plan:
- Combine Multiple Platforms: Don’t rely on just one. Use a mix like FirstOpinion + Fetch + Swagbucks.
- Be Consistent: Make it part of your daily or weekly routine.
- Redeem Strategically: Save gift cards for major sales (Black Friday, Labor Day, etc.) for bigger savings.
- Avoid Scam Sites: Stick to platforms with solid reviews and verified redemption history.
- Track Your Earnings: Use spreadsheets or apps to monitor how much you’re earning monthly.
Real-Life Example: How a FirstOpinion User Earned $50 in Gift Cards Without Spending a Dollar
Maria, a FirstOpinion user from Ohio, combines her survey activity with receipt scanning on Fetch and walking using Sweatcoin. In just two months, she accumulated enough points to redeem gift cards worth $50, which she used for back-to-school supplies.
Final Thoughts
If you’re living in the USA and looking for legit ways to earn gift cards, you no longer have to depend solely on surveys. Everyday tasks—like walking, shopping, gaming, and even watching videos—can contribute to your gift card balance.
At FirstOpinion.online, we help you earn gift cards in the USA just by sharing your thoughts. Combine this with other reward activities, and you’re well on your way to making everyday habits more rewarding.
Start small. Stay consistent. And let your daily routine work for you—because you deserve to be rewarded for your time and efforts.
Ready to turn your opinions into rewards?
Visit FirstOpinion.online and start earning gift cards today.
FAQs
1. Are these gift card earning methods really legit?
Yes, all the methods mentioned in this blog are based on verified and trusted platforms operating in the USA. Apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, Swagbucks, and FirstOpinion.online have been reviewed by thousands of users and have proven track records of delivering redeemable gift cards.
2. Do I have to spend money to earn gift cards?
Not necessarily. Many of the activities mentioned—like walking, watching videos, scanning receipts, or sharing opinions—require no spending at all. Some shopping-based platforms reward you for purchases you were already planning to make.
3. Which is better—earning cash or gift cards?
Gift cards offer a more secure and immediate option. Most platforms deliver digital gift cards quickly, often without needing bank or payment information. They’re also usable at top USA retailers, making them highly practical.
4. Can I combine multiple apps to earn more gift cards faster?
Absolutely. In fact, combining platforms (e.g., FirstOpinion + Fetch + Sweatcoin) is one of the most effective strategies to maximize your rewards. Just be consistent and track your progress.
5. What kinds of gift cards can I earn from these apps?
You can earn gift cards for major retailers, restaurants, and services in the USA—such as Amazon, Walmart, Target, Starbucks, Best Buy, and more, depending on the platform.
6. How do receipt-scanning apps work?
Apps like Fetch Rewards and Ibotta allow you to upload photos of your shopping receipts. These apps then identify eligible purchases and award points, which can later be redeemed for gift cards.
7. How does walking help me earn rewards?
Apps like Sweatcoin and Achievement sync with your fitness trackers or phone step counter. For every step you take, you earn digital currency or points that can be exchanged for gift cards or other rewards.
8. Is it safe to use browser extensions for earning gift cards?
Yes, but only use trusted ones like Rakuten, Honey (by PayPal), or Microsoft Rewards. These extensions activate cash-back offers or rewards during your online browsing or shopping—without compromising your data.
9. How can FirstOpinion.online help me earn gift cards?
FirstOpinion.online lets you share your opinions on various topics through short, targeted surveys. In return, you earn redeemable points which can be exchanged for gift cards from major US brands.
10. How much can I earn monthly through these activities?
It depends on your consistency and platform mix. Many users report earning $20–$50+ per month through combined efforts like surveys, receipt scanning, and walking apps—without altering their routines significantly.
