Google Play Credit is an in-store balance that allows you to purchase apps, games, subscriptions, movies, books, and other types of digital content. They’re not equal to real money as you can only use them within the Google Play ecosystem.
Credits can be acquired through topping up your balance directly from a credit card, through Google Play Points, or through various reward programs. Since Google Play Credit is your primary way of purchasing things within the ecosystem, earning them can be a major part of the digital experience. You can always spend real money, however, there are plenty of ways to earn Google Play Credit for free.
How to Earn Google Play Credit
1. Participate in Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is the official survey app created by Google that provides Google Play Credit as the payout form. With over 50 million downloads and high ratings, it’s one of the most trusted ways to get free Google Play Credits.
The surveys are short and quick, usually taking just 1-3 minutes to complete. They typically ask about places you’ve visited, videos you’ve watched, or products you use. You can earn anywhere from $0.10 to $1.00 per survey, with most users averaging around $0.25 per survey.
Getting started is simple. Download the app from the Play Store, register an account or use your existing Google account, and complete the initial survey. After that, make sure to keep notifications active since surveys appear sporadically throughout the week and can expire within 24 hours.
To maximize your earnings, enable location services to receive more surveys about places you visit. Being honest in your responses is important since Google uses verification questions to ensure quality.
2. Utilize Reward Apps and Websites
Another way to get Google Play Store Credits is through various reward apps and websites that aren’t directly linked to Google. Most of these apps and websites have plenty of ways to redeem rewards, with Google Play Store gift cards being one of them.
Here are some popular options:
Pawns.app stands out by offering both passive income through internet sharing and active earning through surveys. You can earn by sharing unused internet bandwidth at $0.20 per GB shared, or by completing surveys that pay up to $5 each. You can cash out from just $5 to Google Play gift cards, and new users can get a $3 sign-up bonus with code EARN3.
Swagbucks lets you complete a variety of tasks, ranging from watching videos to taking surveys and shopping online. You earn SB points that can be redeemed for Google Play gift cards, with 100 SB equaling $1.
Other popular options include InboxDollars (offers a $5 welcome bonus), FeaturePoints (earn by downloading apps), PrizeRebel (quick surveys with fast payouts), and Mistplay (play mobile games to earn credits).
All of these apps work nearly identically. Register an account, complete surveys or other tasks, and redeem your points for Google Play gift cards once you reach the minimum threshold.
3. Earn Through Google Play Points
Google Play Points is the official loyalty program that rewards you for purchases and activities within the Play Store. Every purchase you make earns you points, and you can convert 100 points into $1 in Google Play credit.
The program has a tier system where you earn more points per dollar spent as you reach higher levels. Bronze members earn 1 point per $1 spent, while higher tiers like Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Diamond offer increased earning rates along with perks like weekly prizes and exclusive discounts.
You can join the program at play.google.com/points. It’s a great way to get extra value from purchases you’re already making.
4. Use Cashback Apps and Browser Extensions
Cashback apps and sites work similarly to reward apps. Instead of getting money for performing tasks or filling out surveys, you get a small percentage back for purchases you make online.
Some of these work automatically through browser extensions. Rakuten offers 1-10% cashback at over 3,500 stores with a $10 minimum payout. Honey automatically applies coupon codes and offers cashback that can be redeemed for gift cards. Capital One Shopping provides price comparisons and cashback rewards.
For receipt scanning apps, Ibotta lets you upload receipts for specific products to earn cash back. Fetch Rewards gives you points for scanning any receipt, with 10,000 points equaling $10. Receipt Hog works similarly with grocery receipts.
While these require a bit more effort, they also usually provide solid rewards over time.
5. Participate in Beta Testing Programs
Product, UX, and software testing can earn you money and various other benefits, including Google Play Store credit. You’ll need to turn to third-party testing websites like TestBirds, Beta Family, UserTesting, or PlaytestCloud.
These platforms offer rewards for supporting developers through your feedback. TestBirds pays $20 or more per test, while UserTesting offers $10 per 20-minute session. PlaytestCloud specifically focuses on mobile games and pays $9 per 15-minute session.
Keep in mind that beta testing programs are one of the more time-consuming methods. First, you must use the app and perform required tasks, then submit detailed feedback. Only after completing these steps will you receive your reward. This method works best for people who enjoy trying new apps and providing constructive criticism.
6. Take Advantage of Promotional Offers
While not a strict method, you can get a good amount of Google Play Store credits through various promotions. Google regularly runs promotions where you can earn extra credit or points for digital purchases.
Look out for holiday promotions during Black Friday and Christmas, new user bonuses that offer $2-5 credit for first purchases, movie rental deals where you get credit back, and app-specific offers that provide bonus points for installing featured apps.
You can also sometimes find promotions on third-party websites that provide Google Play Store gift cards for various purchases. Since gift cards convert directly to credits, this is a solid option for getting more value from your spending.
7. Play Games and Use Entertainment Apps
Several apps reward you for playing games and consuming content:
Mistplay lets you play featured mobile games and earn units that convert to gift cards. Lucktastic offers scratch cards where you can win tokens for rewards. AppKarma rewards you for trying new apps and games with karma points. CashPirate combines app offers, video watching, and surveys.
These apps are great for turning your gaming time into something that earns you credit toward future app purchases.
8. Enter Contests and Giveaways
If you want to earn free Google Play credit, contests and giveaways are a good option. Although no rewards are guaranteed, it’s a completely free option that takes just a little bit of time.
You can find legitimate giveaways on Reddit communities like r/googleplaydeals, on tech sites like Android Authority, on official app social media accounts, and through platforms like Gleam.io that host verified sweepstakes.
While Google Play Store gift cards aren’t the most common giveaway prize, you can still find them. Alternatively, look for contests that let you choose your gift card type.
Avoid These Common Scams
When looking for ways to earn free Google Play credit, watch out for red flags. Never trust offers that ask for your Google account password, claim to be “free” credit generators or hacks, come through unsolicited emails or texts, require upfront payment for “free” credits, or ask for credit card or personal identification numbers.
Legitimate services never ask for passwords or payment to earn free credits. Stick to official apps and well-reviewed platforms.
Things to Keep in Mind
Credit Expiration: Google Play credits expire 1 year from the date earned. You can check expiration dates in your Play Store payment methods, and Google automatically uses your oldest credits first.
Usage Limitations: Credits only work within the Google Play ecosystem. They cannot be transferred to other accounts or converted to cash, and some in-app purchases may not accept Play credits.
Start Earning Today
With these 8 proven methods, you can build a steady stream of Google Play credits without spending real money. Whether you prefer passive earning through Pawns.app, quick surveys with Google Opinion Rewards, or cashback from your regular shopping, there’s an option that fits your lifestyle.
Start with one method that appeals to you, then add others as you get comfortable. Your Google Play balance will grow steadily over time, giving you access to premium apps, games, and content without spending your own money.
