Swagbucks is a free online rewards program that advertises itself as a way to earn money doing tasks that one would already do. This may seem appealing for people that want to build multiple streams of income.
Website testing and reviewing is one of my freelance gigs. I was hired to complete tasks on the platform to earn 300 Swagbucks (or SB, worth about one cent each). My payment has been received and the gig went well. My opinion of the site, however, is that it is absolute dog shit.
Completing Surveys
Surveys are probably the biggest earning activity that one can do on Swagbucks that is non-invasive. Surveys take anywhere from 5 minutes to an hour to complete and pay in the range of 15 to 150 Swagbucks. Remember, each Swagbuck is about one penny. About 90% of the time, I would get halfway through a survey only to be notified that I did not meet the desired demographic criteria. As a consolation prize, I would receive a single SB for my efforts. This wasted time brings back memories of Opinion Outpost.
Watching Videos to Earn Swagbucks
Watching videos is another way to earn money on the platform. Users must verify their phone numbers before earning from watching videos. Since the platform seems to have a block on VoIP phone numbers, I was unable to explore this option further. From what I have read, videos only pay 1 to 5 Swagbucks per view, and there is a cap on the number of videos one can watch in a day. In theory, one could have the videos run in the background while they are working or doing other tasks, but it really is not worth the effort.
Playing Games and Downloading Apps
Downloading games and apps can earn thousands of SB. There are several catches, however. Firstly, users would have to download the applications to their devices. Secondly, they must reach certain benchmarks such as beating a certain number of levels in a game or making purchases. These in-app purchases are made with real money. Finally, there is a one-week to one-month delay in the Swagbucks being credited to accounts. If I were interested in any of the games or apps listed on the platform, this would be a decent way to pocket some change, but it would not be worth going out of the way to do so.
Referral Program
Swagbucks offers a referral program where users earn 10% of any earnings from people that sign up using their referral link. Any referred users that earn 300 SB within 30 days of joining will net you a 300 SB bonus. Good luck getting anyone to stay with the platform long-term though. After getting rejected from multiple surveys, the average user will probably drop out and find something less frustrating to do.
Final Verdict
Swagbucks (or Fagfucks, as I like to call it) absolutely sucks. I would not advise the platform for anyone trying to make extra money. To really make money on the platform, one would have to take lots of time completing surveys or downloading ad-ridden apps. Referrals would likely have to be whipped to make them earn the 300 SB within the 30-day limit.
This time is better spent leveling up a skill that will help you make more money at your job, finding a new job, or working a real side hustle. Researching markets and executing trades are also more effective ways of making money. Even clicking on the free Bitcoin faucet would be less time-consuming and probably more rewarding in the long run.
If you are really adamant about finding a way to make some additional pocket change, sign up for Ibotta instead. The Reptilians and Bilderbergers will know what you are buying from your scanned receipts, but the process is faster and it will not put you out of your way like Swagbucks will.
