MyPoints has been around since 1996, making it one of the oldest rewards platforms online. But does longevity mean quality? We tested surveys, cashback, and receipt scanning to find out what you can actually earn.

MyPoints is a legitimate rewards platform owned by Prodege (the same company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars). You earn points for surveys, online shopping, watching videos, scanning receipts, and more. Those points convert to PayPal cash, gift cards, or travel miles. The question is whether the earnings justify your time.

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What Is MyPoints?

MyPoints is a rewards platform that has been operating since 1996, making it one of the original players in the online rewards space. The platform is owned by Prodege, the same company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars.

The platform offers multiple ways to earn: paid surveys, cashback on online shopping, receipt scanning, watching videos, playing games, and completing special offers. Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards from hundreds of retailers, or United MileagePlus travel miles.

With a 4.3 rating on Trustpilot, 4.2 on the App Store, and 4.2 on Google Play, MyPoints maintains decent user satisfaction. However, the reviews reveal a common pattern: legitimate payouts, but modest earnings and frustrating survey disqualifications.

How MyPoints Works

Getting started with MyPoints takes about five minutes. Sign up with your email, verify your account, and complete an initial profile survey to unlock earning opportunities. New users typically receive a signup bonus of 800 points (approximately $5).

The earning process is straightforward: complete activities, earn points, and redeem once you reach the minimum threshold. Most activities award points immediately, though some (like shopping cashback) may take days or weeks to credit.

MyPoints uses a points system where the value per point varies depending on your redemption choice. This creates confusion compared to platforms that show exact dollar amounts, but it also means savvy users can maximize value by choosing the right rewards.

The platform works on desktop, mobile browsers, and through the Score! browser extension. The mobile app has limited functionality compared to desktop, so power users typically earn more on their computers.

Ways to Earn Points

MyPoints offers numerous earning methods, though not all are equally worth your time. Understanding each option helps you focus on the most efficient strategies.

Paid Surveys

Surveys are a primary earning method on MyPoints. The platform claims you can earn up to 2,200 points per survey, though realistic earnings range from 50 to 600 points for surveys taking 5 to 20 minutes. The biggest frustration is disqualification: you may spend several minutes answering screening questions only to be told you do not qualify.

Online Shopping Cashback

Shopping through the MyPoints portal earns 1 to 20 points per dollar at over 1,900 partner retailers including Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. This is one of the most reliable earning methods since you get rewarded for purchases you would make anyway. The Score! browser extension helps you never miss cashback opportunities.

MyPoints dashboard showing multiple earning methods including surveys shopping and receipt scanning
MyPoints offers multiple earning methods, with shopping cashback being the most reliable.

Magic Receipts

Scan grocery receipts featuring specific products to earn bonus points. Regular receipt scanning (any receipt) earns 2 points per scan. Magic Receipts with qualifying products can earn significantly more, similar to Ibotta's rebate system.

Watching Videos

Earn small amounts by watching ad-supported video playlists. This is extremely low-paying (often just 1 to 3 points per video) but requires minimal attention. Best used as background activity while doing other things.

Games and Offers

Install apps, sign up for trial services, or play games to earn bonus points. Some offers pay thousands of points but may require spending money or signing up for subscriptions. Always read the fine print carefully.

Daily Activities

The daily poll (1 point), clicking BonusMail emails (5 points each), and the Search and Earn feature (random 4 to 30 points) provide micro-earnings. These add up slowly but require minimal effort.

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How Much Are MyPoints Worth?

MyPoints does not use a fixed points-to-dollar conversion, which creates confusion. The value per point varies depending on your redemption choice, ranging from approximately 0.6 to 0.7 cents per point.

General Conversion Rate

As a rough guideline, 150 to 160 points equals approximately $1. However, this varies by reward type. Gift cards often provide slightly better value than PayPal cash, and some promotional offers provide even better rates.

Realistic Monthly Earnings

Based on testing and user reports, here are realistic earning expectations. Light users completing occasional surveys and daily activities earn approximately $3 to $5 per month. Regular users who combine surveys, shopping cashback, and receipt scanning earn approximately $10 to $20 per month. Heavy users who actively pursue offers and shop through the portal can earn $30 to $50+ monthly, though this requires significant time investment.

Independent testing found an effective hourly rate of approximately $2.69 when combining various earning methods. This is low compared to minimum wage but reasonable for passive, flexible activities.

Referral Program

MyPoints offers one of the more generous referral programs among survey and rewards apps. The structure includes multiple bonus tiers.

You earn 10% of everything your referral earns on MyPoints for life. Additionally, you receive 480 bonus points when your referral earns 300 points within their first 30 days. If your referral makes a $20+ purchase through the shopping portal, you get an additional 750 points bonus.

These bonuses stack, meaning active referrals can generate ongoing passive income. However, most referred users earn modestly, so the 10% lifetime bonus typically translates to small amounts unless you refer very active users.

Redeeming Your Points

MyPoints offers three main redemption categories: PayPal cash, gift cards, and travel miles. Each has different minimum thresholds and point-to-value ratios.

PayPal Cash

PayPal redemptions start at approximately 1,590 points for $10 (some users report 3,970 points for $25 as the minimum option). Processing takes up to 5 business days. Your PayPal email must match your MyPoints account exactly.

Gift Cards

Gift cards are available from hundreds of retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, DoorDash, Nike, and Best Buy. Minimums vary by card, with some starting as low as 480 points for $3. Processing takes up to 10 business days.

Travel Miles

United MileagePlus miles are available at rates like 3,200 points for 1,000 miles. This is generally poor value compared to other redemption options unless you have specific travel plans.

Virtual Prepaid Cards

Virtual prepaid Mastercards offer flexibility similar to cash. Current rates include 3,750 points for $25, which provides slightly better value than some gift card options.

Fees and Fine Print

ItemDetailsNotes
Account CreationFreeSignup bonus typically $2 to $5
SurveysFreeDisqualification points capped at 25/day
Shopping CashbackFreeMay take weeks to credit
Redemption FeesNoneNo fees to cash out
Minimum Redemption~480 points ($3)Varies by reward type
Points ExpirationNone with activityMust earn or redeem annually
Payout Time5 to 10 daysDepends on reward type

The main catch is the opaque points system. Unlike platforms that show exact dollar amounts, MyPoints requires you to calculate value based on redemption options. This benefits informed users who compare rates but confuses casual users.

Points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least once per year. Inactive accounts may lose accumulated points, so set a reminder if you are not using the platform regularly.

MyPoints vs Competitors

FeatureMyPointsSwagbucksInboxDollars
OwnerProdegeProdegeProdege
CurrencyPointsSB (points)Cash
Minimum Payout~$3$3$15
PayPal OptionYesYesYes
Shopping CashbackUp to 20 pts/$Up to 10%Up to 20%
Survey VolumeModerateHighModerate
Receipt ScanningYes (Magic Receipts)YesYes
GamesYesYesYes

All three platforms are owned by Prodege and share many similarities. Swagbucks typically offers more survey opportunities. InboxDollars shows cash values directly instead of points, which many users prefer. MyPoints often provides slightly better shopping cashback rates on certain retailers.

For maximum earnings, consider using multiple Prodege platforms since offers sometimes differ between them. You can also combine with receipt apps like Fetch to stack rewards on the same purchases.

Pros and Cons

Pros

MyPoints offers genuine benefits for the right user. The platform has operated since 1996 with consistent payouts, providing credibility many newer apps lack. Multiple earning methods mean you can choose activities that fit your preferences. Low redemption thresholds (as low as $3) let you cash out quickly. The shopping cashback feature rewards purchases you would make anyway. The Score! browser extension ensures you never miss deals.

Cons

However, significant drawbacks exist. Survey disqualifications waste time and frustrate users. The points system is confusing compared to platforms showing direct cash values. Earnings are modest, typically $5 to $20 monthly for average users. Customer service can be slow, sometimes taking 1 to 2 weeks to respond. Some offers require spending money to earn points, which defeats the purpose for many users.

Who Should Use MyPoints?

MyPoints is worth it if you: Already shop online regularly and want passive cashback rewards. Enjoy surveys and do not mind occasional disqualifications. Want a flexible, low-effort way to earn gift cards. Are comfortable with points-based systems and comparing redemption values. Can use the desktop site and browser extension for maximum earnings.

MyPoints is not worth it if you: Need quick or predictable income. Get frustrated by survey screening and disqualifications. Prefer platforms that show exact cash amounts. Want significant earnings (MyPoints is supplementary income, not substantial). Only use mobile, since the app has limited functionality.

Note for international readers: MyPoints is primarily available in the United States. Some features may work in other countries, but earning opportunities and redemption options are limited outside the US.

What to Avoid

Spending money to earn points: Some offers require purchases or subscriptions. Unless the math clearly works in your favor, avoid these. The goal is earning, not spending more to get rewards.

Gambling on MyPoints games: The casino-style games cost real money to play. Statistically, you will lose more than you win. Stick to free earning methods.

Expecting high hourly rates: At approximately $2.69 per hour, MyPoints is not a job replacement. Treat it as passive, background income rather than focused work time.

Ignoring the browser extension: The Score! extension automatically activates shopping cashback. Without it, you may forget to click through MyPoints and miss rewards on purchases.

Letting points expire: While points do not expire with annual activity, completely inactive accounts lose balances. Set a reminder to earn or redeem at least once per year.

Choosing poor redemption options: Compare point values across different rewards before cashing out. Gift cards often provide better value than PayPal or travel miles.

Our Verdict

MyPoints is a legitimate, long-standing rewards platform that delivers what it promises: modest supplemental income through surveys, shopping, and various online activities. The 25+ year track record provides credibility that newer platforms cannot match.

Realistic expectations are essential. Most users earn $5 to $20 monthly. Active shoppers who use the cashback features consistently may earn more. But this is pocket money, not a side hustle that will pay bills.

The confusing points system is the biggest drawback. Platforms like InboxDollars that show direct cash values feel more transparent. However, MyPoints compensates with low redemption minimums and a wide variety of gift card options.

For users who enjoy survey apps and want to combine multiple earning methods, MyPoints is a solid addition to your rewards toolkit. For maximum results, pair it with other passive income apps rather than relying on it alone.

Final Rating: 3.5/5 Legitimate and reliable, but modest earnings and a confusing points system hold it back.

FAQ: MyPoints Review

Is MyPoints legit and safe?

Yes. MyPoints has operated since 1996 and is owned by Prodege, the same company behind Swagbucks and InboxDollars. It has a 4.3 Trustpilot rating and consistently pays users. Your personal data is used for market research, which funds the rewards.

How much can you realistically earn with MyPoints?

Most users earn $5 to $20 per month. Light users earn $3 to $5 monthly, while heavy users combining surveys, shopping, and offers can reach $30 to $50+. Independent testing found an effective hourly rate of approximately $2.69.

How many MyPoints equal $1?

Approximately 150 to 160 points equals $1, but this varies by redemption option. Gift cards often provide slightly better value than PayPal cash. Always compare rates before cashing out.

Do MyPoints expire?

Points do not expire as long as you earn or redeem at least once per year. Completely inactive accounts may lose accumulated points, so maintain some activity annually.

Is MyPoints better than Swagbucks?

Both platforms are owned by Prodege and offer similar features. Swagbucks typically has more survey opportunities, while MyPoints sometimes offers better shopping cashback rates. Many users use both to maximize earnings.

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