How to Earn Gift Cards and Cash Playing Mobile Games With Scrambly

If you already play games on your phone, a rewards app can turn some of that time into a little extra money.

Most of us have a game or two on our phones that we open while waiting in line or winding down at night. Play-to-earn rewards apps are built around a simple idea: game companies want new players, and they're willing to share some of their marketing budget with people who try their games. Scrambly is one of the better-known apps in this space, and it can be an easy way to earn gift cards and small cash rewards in your spare time.

This guide explains how Scrambly works, how you get paid, what to watch out for and how to decide whether it's worth your time.

What Scrambly is and how it works

Scrambly is a rewards platform run by Scrambly S.r.l., a company based in Bologna, Italy, according to its terms. It connects mobile game and app developers who want new users with people who are happy to try new games in exchange for rewards.

Inside the app, you browse a list of more than 150 games and apps. Scrambly is currently available in the U.S., the U.K. and Canada, according to its website. Each one shows a set of milestones, such as reaching a certain level, finishing a tutorial or playing for a set number of days. When you hit a milestone, Scrambly credits coins to your account. Many offers are designed around small, quick goals rather than long gaming sessions, so you can make progress a few minutes at a time.

New members get a welcome bonus of 500 coins, which Scrambly's website values at 50 cents. The app also runs daily boosts, promo codes shared on its social media accounts and cashback on some in-app purchases.

How you get paid

Once you've built up coins, you can trade them for rewards. Scrambly says withdrawals start at just $1 for options like PayPal, Cash App, a Visa reward and Target gift cards. Bank transfers start at $10. You can also choose gift cards from brands such as Amazon, Walmart, Nike, Xbox, Nintendo and Roblox, with minimums that usually range from $5 to $25. Some gift cards even come with a small bonus, such as 1% to 5% extra. If you'd like to give back, you can donate rewards to charities like the American Red Cross.

Before your first withdrawal, Scrambly asks you to verify your identity once with a selfie and a photo of your ID. The company says the automated check takes about three to four minutes. This is a common anti-fraud step for rewards apps, so it's worth doing early so your first cash-out isn't delayed.

What to expect from your earnings

It's important to keep expectations realistic. Scrambly is a way to earn extra spending money, not a replacement for a paycheck. How much you make depends on how many offers you complete, which games are available to you and how much time you put in. Bigger rewards usually come from reaching deeper milestones in a game, which can take days or weeks of regular play.

Think of it like a loyalty program for the time you already spend on your phone. A few dollars here and there can add up to a gift card for groceries, gas or a holiday present over a few months.

Rules and fine print to know

A few rules can trip people up, so read them before you start. Scrambly's terms say you must be at least 18 years old, and each person may have only one account. Running extra accounts, or using a VPN or proxy to get around offer rules, can get your account suspended, and a VPN can also stop your progress from tracking. If you don't log in for 12 months, Scrambly can close your account after giving at least 30 days' notice, and unredeemed rewards may expire, so cash out regularly instead of letting coins sit.

Some offers include optional in-app purchases. You never have to spend money to earn on Scrambly, and spending to chase a reward usually defeats the purpose. A good rule is to only buy something in a game if you'd happily pay for it anyway.

Reviews are generally positive, and the Android app holds a rating of about 4.5 stars from more than 100,000 reviews on Google Play. As with any rewards app, some users report offers that didn't track or withdrawals that went under review. Taking screenshots of your progress can help if you ever need to contact support.

How to get started

Getting started takes just a few minutes:

1. Sign up using our Scrambly link below and claim the 500-coin welcome bonus.
2. Verify your identity right away so your first cash-out goes smoothly.
3. Pick one or two games you'd genuinely enjoy and focus on their milestones.
4. Cash out once you reach a reward you want, starting from $1.

The key is to treat Scrambly as a fun bonus, not a chore. If a game isn't enjoyable, move on to another one. Then decide ahead of time what your rewards are for, whether that's paying down a small bill, building a holiday fund or simply enjoying a treat without touching your budget.

Is it worth your time? Do the hourly math

The easiest way to judge any rewards app is to compare what you earn with the time it takes. Before you start an offer, add up the coins for the milestones you think you can realistically reach, then estimate how many hours that will take. If a game pays the equivalent of $10 for about five hours of play, that's $2 an hour. That can be fine for time you'd spend gaming anyway, but it's a poor trade for time you could spend on paid work or rest.

Keep a simple log for your first few offers: the game, the date you started, hours played and rewards earned. After a month, you'll know your real hourly rate, which is more useful than any average an app advertises.

Don't forget about taxes

Scrambly's terms say you're responsible for figuring out whether rewards are taxable. In general, the IRS says income from apps and online platforms must be reported even if you don't receive a tax form for it. If your rewards add up over the year, keep a record of what you cashed out. Our guide to side hustle taxes explains the basics, and the IRS gig economy tax center has the official rules.

Related reading: Scrambly tips to earn more without wasting time, how to choose the right side hustle and side hustle scams to avoid.

Disclosure: This article contains a referral link. If you sign up through it, The Evergreen Edit may receive a reward at no cost to you. Rewards, minimums and rules are set by Scrambly and can change, so check the app for current terms.