Cash and Gift Cards Dominate Consumer Reward Preferences: Kashkick Survey of 224,000+ Aligns With $507B U.S. Gift Card Market
Tampa, FL, Could 29, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A brand new Kashkick survey of 224,679 U.S. customers throughout all 50 states finds that money and present playing cards collectively dominate client reward preferences, with 54.14% of respondents rating money (PayPal, Venmo) as their #1 most fascinating reward and 34.06% rating present playing cards (Amazon, Visa) as their #2 selection. Each types of cash-equivalent reward positioned far forward of journeys, merchandise, occasion entry, digital subscriptions, and unique reductions.
Money and present playing cards are the highest client rewards preferences
The findings align with broader trade information. Based on Capital One Shopping research, the U.S. present card market is estimated to generate $507.1 billion in income in 2026 and develop 11.4% yearly, whereas TSG and Bank of America’s 2026 U.S. Consumer Gift Card Study reviews that greater than half of U.S. customers (55%) say they might attempt a brand new enterprise due to a present card, up from 49% two years in the past.
“Throughout greater than 224,000 respondents, the message is constant: folks need rewards they will truly use,” mentioned Katie Nelson, Head of Shopper Analysis at Kashkick. “Cash is essentially the most versatile reward we will provide, and gift cards perform because the shut second — each let customers resolve how the worth will get spent. That’s the construction customers reply to, and it strains up with what we’re seeing throughout the broader rewards financial system.”
What the Rating Reveals
Throughout the eight reward classes Kashkick examined, money and present playing cards had been the one two to attract significant #1 or #2 placement. 65.29% of respondents ranked money as both their first or second selection, and 45.21% ranked present playing cards of their prime two. Each different class — together with all-expenses-paid journeys (24.72% prime two), bodily items (18.89%), occasion entry (10.00%), and digital subscriptions (8.87%) — trailed considerably. For platforms designing reward constructions, the information gives a transparent hierarchy: money first, present playing cards second, every little thing else far behind.
The choice cuts throughout revenue ranges. 33.20% of Kashkick respondents report family incomes below $25,000, a demographic for whom money and present playing cards carry direct, speedy worth — masking groceries, fuel, or a family invoice somewhat than sitting unused as merchandise or an unredeemed digital perk.
Trade Context
The Kashkick findings arrive because the present card class continues its fast enlargement. Per Mordor Intelligence, the U.S. present card and incentive card market is predicted to develop from $207 billion in 2025 to over $220 billion in 2026, with digital codecs driving many of the development. For customers looking for the best survey apps or ways to earn extra money in 2026, the Kashkick information gives a transparent takeaway: the rewards customers worth most are additionally those that perform most like money.
About KashKick
Based in 2017, Kashkick is a U.S.-based rewards platform that pays members in money and present card rewards for enjoying video games, finishing surveys, attempting new apps, and fascinating with gives. Members can money out through PayPal or Venmo, or redeem earnings for present playing cards from main retailers. Constructed for the following era of earners, KashKick bridges the hole between model discovery and client empowerment, giving customers management over how they have interaction and earn. https://kashkick.com/
Press Inquiries
Yasmin Marinaro
yasmin [at] kashkick.com
https://kashkick.com
615 Channelside Drive, Ste 207 Tampa FL 33602
