Swagbucks Update

I wanted to give an update on my Swagbucks earnings so far.

I'm still only using Swagbucks as a search engine, I haven't attempted to earn any extra bucks by completing offers or buying stuff. But in just over 3 weeks, I've earned 45 Swagbucks, which is equivalent to a $5 Amazon gift card. The cost for other prizes varies greatly, and there is a complete listing here - but the Amazon gift card seems like the most practical overall. Over an entire year, that would be $75-100 in free money just for using the search a handful of times each day.

I haven't had anyone else sign up using my referral link (anyone, please?!), but I think how it works is that I get extra Swagbucks whenever people I refer get them - so I could pretty easily double or triple my rewards. I guess in that regard, it's sort of a Ponzi-type setup.... but it's legit.

The SwagBucks Bandwagon

I've finally jumped on the SwagBucks bandwagon.

Basically, you sign up with them (just name, email address, and mailing address) and then use their site as a search engine (instead of Google or wherever else). Every few searches, they award you a SwagBuck. Once you earn enough, you redeem the SwagBucks for gift cards (to Amazon, Target, restaurants, etc.). They have various redemption limits, but for a typical month you can earn anywhere from $10-25 dollars in rewards.

They have a variety of offers that will earn you additional SwagBucks (sign up for Netflix, open a credit card, buy stuff from their partners, etc.), but just using the search engine feature earns plenty and is the easiest.

Upside: It's free money. It's an easy way to make a little bit for doing what I already do.

Downside: The first few search hits are often sponsored links. Although they clearly say, "sponsored by..." next to the link, you do have to scroll past some of their paid advertisers. It doesn't bother me though.

For any readers who use SwagBucks, I'd love to hear more about your experiences (good or bad), and any suggestions you might have. And if any of you don't, consider checking it out. The link below has my referral (I get bonus bucks when someone signs up using the referral link).