In 2025, gift cards in the UK are more than just last-minute presents—they're powerful tools for spending, saving, and even earning online rewards. Whether you’re looking to buy a thoughtful birthday gift, shop digitally without sharing your debit card, or earn rewards by doing surveys, gift cards have become central to how Britons shop and save.

This guide reveals the top 10 most popular gift cards UK, why they're in high demand, and how to earn them through legitimate online methods like surveys, games, and review programs. We'll also dive into apps that pay in gift cards, how to make money online for beginners, and how platforms like Freelancer Way and Lords Consultant can help you take your digital income strategy to the next level.

Why Gift Cards Are So Popular in the UK

Before we dive into the rankings, here’s why UK gift cards are a go-to solution for both givers and earners:

• 🎁 Versatility: Use them in-store, online, or via mobile wallets

• 💷 Budget control: Perfect for students or families

• 💸 Rewards potential: Many platforms offer gift cards as compensation

• 🎮 Gaming & subscriptions: Especially popular among teens and gamers

Whether you're looking for free instant money online or planning a group gift money collection, gift cards offer a convenient, secure solution.

Top 10 Most Popular Gift Cards in the UK (2025)

1. Amazon UK Gift Card

Arguably the most flexible gift card, Amazon’s card can be used to buy anything from books and gadgets to groceries and games.

• Pro Tip: You can even earn free Amazon gift cards by taking online surveys or participating in paid reviews.

• Caution: Watch out for fake promos like the Amazon quiz scam.

2. Google Play Gift Card

Used for apps, movies, books, and in-app purchases. It’s a favourite among Android users and gamers.

• Earn Through: Apps like Swagbucks, Freecash, and InboxDollars offer these in exchange for surveys or game completions.

3. Apple Gift Card

For iOS users, an Apple gift card works for everything in the App Store, including music, iCloud, and in-app upgrades.

• Great for: Gamers, app developers, and students buying eBooks or educational tools.

4. Tesco Gift Card

A practical gift for everyday use. Ideal for groceries, home items, and even tech accessories.

• Tip: Consider this if you’re looking for real ways to make money from home by offering grocery-related feedback through survey platforms.

5. Starbucks UK Gift Card

With Starbucks being a cultural staple, these cards are widely used and appreciated.

• Want to earn one? Look for surveys for Starbucks gift cards or download apps that give you money without paying.

• Note: Beware of scams such as Sephora gift card scams that may appear similar.

6. John Lewis & Partners Gift Card

This premium retailer offers gift cards that cover home décor, fashion, tech, and more.

• Best For: Holiday gifting or big-ticket rewards.

7. ASOS Gift Card

Perfect for fashion-forward recipients, especially among younger audiences.

• Earn via: Completing fashion-related surveys, joining focus groups that pay, or through review products and get paid programs.

8. Steam Gift Card

A go-to for gamers, used to buy PC games and in-game content. Can also be exchanged through some platforms for PayPal or real cash equivalents.

• Wondering how to get one? Try games that pay to Cash App or apps that paid you.

• Bonus: Some people use these cards with tools like Steam Gift Card PayPal exchange.

9. Netflix or Spotify Gift Cards

For the streaming enthusiast. These gift cards cover entertainment subscriptions, making them ideal for family or group gifts.

• Earn Through: Trusted survey sites that pay money, or microtask apps that offer entertainment-based surveys.

10. Uber / Uber Eats Gift Card

Highly practical in urban UK areas. Great for students or busy professionals.

• Tip: Combine earnings from survey jobs at home with fast food delivery perks.

How to Earn Gift Cards Through Surveys and Apps

Looking for real money images of your next reward? Here’s how to earn money legit through gift cards:

1. Swagbucks

One of the most trusted platforms. Take surveys, watch videos, play games, and redeem points for Amazon, Starbucks, or PayPal cash.

• Use your Swagbucks account daily

• Try best Swagbucks games to play like Swagasaurus Run or SB Live

• Daily bonus offers for regular users

2. Freecash

A newer platform that pays quickly via gift cards and cash. Check out freecash怎么赚钱 for strategies if you’re multilingual.

3. InboxDollars / Inbix Dollars

Do surveys, test products, or search the web to earn points. Watch for 5 dollar surveys that pay instantly.

4. Field Agent / Mission App / Hustle Point

These apps give you tasks like taking photos of displays, mystery shopping, or get paid to review apps.

5. Google Opinion Rewards

Simple surveys directly from Google, often credited instantly to your Play Store account.

Tips to Maximize Your Gift Card Earnings

If you’re serious about using survey and games for money to build passive income or simply get free rewards, follow these strategies:

✅ Join Multiple Platforms

The top survey sites to make money include:

• Swagbucks

• Toluna

• LifePoints

• ThePanelStation

• Pinecone Research

✅ Focus on High-Value Tasks

Go beyond short surveys. Try paid health surveys, product testing jobs, or surveys that pay the most.

✅ Refer Friends

Apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars offer $5–$10 per referral. If you have a blog, social media presence, or even a small email list, use it!

✅ Use Bonus Codes

Check out forums or sites like Scrambly for coppon or scrambly codes that boost your sign-up bonuses.

Smart Ways to Use Gift Cards

Once you’ve earned them, here’s how to stretch their value:

• Combine gift cards during big seasonal sales

• Use them for business expenses like app subscriptions or website domains

• Gift them in group gift money collection for birthdays or office events

• Redeem with bonus points from store loyalty programs

And don’t forget—many people flip gift cards for cash equivalents via trusted platforms or by bartering with friends.

Real People, Real Earnings: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely—if you're consistent and use the right platforms. People across the UK are using gift cards as:

• A passive income stream

• A replacement for cash when budgeting

• A way to fund digital businesses (like how to set up Etsy to sell or blogging)

If you’re looking to scale further, platforms like Freelancer Way offer paid gigs in data entry, market research, and more—letting you earn real money from home while using your survey skills.

Need help turning that into a business? Lords Consultant can guide you in developing a sustainable online income strategy.

Final Thoughts

The top 10 most popular gift cards UK in 2025 aren’t just for birthdays or holidays—they’re tools for smarter spending, side hustling, and even launching your online income journey.

Whether you’re a student looking to make quick cash right now, a parent seeking easy ways to earn money fast, or someone eager to make money online immediately, gift cards offer a flexible, legit way to reach your goals.

Start today. Take a few surveys, download a few apps, and stack your way to your next reward.