MyPoints works by giving you Points when you shop online after clicking through from MyPoints, upload grocery receipts, take surveys or play games, because merchants pay MyPoints a commission and it shares part of it with you. The catch is the click-through: buy without starting from MyPoints, or with an ad blocker running, and the purchase can't be tracked at all.
MyPoints has been around a long time and does a bit of everything, which is exactly why new members get confused about where their Points went. Each way of earning has its own rules and timings. Here's how they work, using MyPoints' own help centre.
The ways to earn on MyPoints
| Activity | How it earns |
|---|---|
| Online shopping | Points on purchases at partner stores after clicking through from MyPoints |
| Magic Receipts | Points for uploading in-store receipts for weekly deals |
| Surveys | Points per survey, plus small amounts for profile questions and disqualifications |
| Partner emails | Points for clicking emails sent on behalf of partners |
| Games and travel | Points for playing online games and booking travel through partners |
| Point Perks | Short codes that credit Points instantly |
| Referrals | A share of your referrals' earnings |
How online shopping Points work
MyPoints is paid by merchants for sending them sales, and it splits a portion of that commission with you. That only works if the store can see you came from MyPoints, so the click-through is everything. MyPoints' advice:
- Make sure tracking is enabled in your browser.
- Always start at MyPoints.com and click the store from there.
- Buy straight away, without visiting other sites in between.
- Switch off ad blockers such as AdBlock Plus, WOT or NoScript.
Points are calculated on what you spend minus taxes, shipping, handling and other fees, with any discounts taken off the merchandise total. Many merchants report purchases within 2-5 business days, some take up to 30 days, and then the Points sit as pending for 30 days. Travel purchases should post within 60 days after the trip.
Why Points get reversed
MyPoints says Points are reversed if you return items, cancel, exchange in store, or the merchant decides MyPoints shouldn't get the credit, which often happens when the store's own discounts are applied. A pattern of placing orders and then cancelling them is treated as purchasing fraud.
How Magic Receipts work
For in-store shopping, MyPoints runs weekly receipt deals. They go live on Thursdays at 12:00 am and expire the following Wednesday at 11:59 pm, and your receipt must be uploaded while the deal is still live. Receipts are accepted from over 1100 stores and restaurants in the US and Canada.
- The Any In-store Receipt option is limited to 10 submissions a week.
- Non-premium deals can be claimed once per member per week, with a combined limit of 10.
- Most receipts process within a few minutes, but some take up to 10 days.
- Your photo must show the purchase date, the store name or logo, the total and every offer you're claiming.
Surveys, Point Perks and referrals
MyPoints gives 5 Points for every 10 survey profile questions you answer, and 5 points when you don't qualify for a survey, up to 25 disqualification points a day. Filling in your profile first means more surveys you'll qualify for, and it's the quickest small win when you first join.
Point Perks are codes of up to 13 letters and numbers that MyPoints places around its site and social channels; enter one in a Point Perk field and the Points land instantly. Referrals earn you 10% of your friends' earnings for the life of their accounts, plus bonuses if they hit early activity targets.
A simple weekly routine
- Bookmark MyPoints.com and start every online order there.
- Check the new receipt deals each Thursday and add the ones you'll buy anyway.
- Upload receipts the same day you shop, and never later than Wednesday night.
- Finish your survey profile so you qualify for more surveys.
- Look for Point Perk codes on MyPoints' site and social channels.
Redeeming your Points
Open the Rewards page from the gift box icon, filter by gift cards or e-certificates, and pick a reward. Only available Points count; anything still pending can't be redeemed yet. MyPoints says it typically takes 10 business days to start the transfer after you redeem.
PayPal rewards have stricter rules. Your MyPoints full name and email address must match your PayPal account exactly, the PayPal account must be verified, and the transfer can take up to 5 business days.
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Account rules worth knowing
MyPoints may suspend accounts for running more than one account, click patterns that break its terms, or using bots or automated software. If that happens in error, identity verification through Persona is the quickest way back in.
My verdict on how MyPoints works
MyPoints is best for people who shop online regularly and are disciplined about starting every order from MyPoints with ad blockers off. Receipts and surveys add a little on top. Expect weeks, not days, between buying and redeeming, and don't cancel orders you've earned on. If you're still deciding whether to sign up at all, read my verdict on whether MyPoints is legit, and for wider options my guide to legitimate ways to make money online.
Frequently asked questions
Why didn't I get MyPoints for an online purchase?
Usually because the purchase didn't start with a click-through from MyPoints, you visited another site first, or an ad blocker stopped the tracking.
How long do MyPoints purchase Points take?
Many merchants report within 2-5 business days, some take up to 30 days, and Points then stay pending for 30 days.
When are MyPoints receipt deals live?
In-store deals go live on Thursdays at 12:00 am and expire the following Wednesday at 11:59 pm. Upload receipts before then.
How do I get PayPal from MyPoints?
Your MyPoints name and email must match a verified PayPal account exactly. MyPoints says the transfer can take up to 5 business days.
Can pending MyPoints be redeemed?
No. MyPoints says only available, non-pending Points can be redeemed.
