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No buy option for sweatcoin users sparks frustration

No Buy Option Anymore | Users Slam App Change Amid Complaints

By

Vitalik Buterin

May 30, 2026, 06:50 AM

2 minutes reading time

Users expressing frustration over lack of buy option for Sweatcoins, with coins displayed prominently on the screen.

A wave of frustration is building among users of a popular rewards app after a recent change that bars existing users from purchasing gift cards. The controversy centers on the app's introductory offer, which allows only new users to make in-app purchases.

Support from the app confirmed the change, stating, "The purchase section is only available to new users as part of an introductory experience." This news left many longtime users upset, especially those who had accumulated significant rewards. One user expressed dismay after reaching 15,000 points, proclaiming them "completely useless" and stating in disgust, "Gonna uninstall."

The backlash from the community is palpable:

User Sentiment a Mixed Bag

  1. Uninstalling Is the Trend: As one user put it succinctly, "Easier to uninstall tbh." This highlights the sentiment that many are abandoning the app.

  2. Declining Trust in the App: Comments like, "This app has gone downhill fast," suggest a growing distrust towards app management, especially with perceived censorship of negative feedback.

  3. Frustration with Restrictions: Users are disappointed by limits on how they can utilize their rewards, as reflected in several comments criticizing the inability to buy gift cards.

"The fact that we can no longer buy gift cards unless you're a new user is unbelievable." - A frustrated user

As complaints surge, many wonder: Is the app alienating its loyal customer base in favor of attracting newcomers? Time will tell if user backlash prompts any adjustments.

Key Points Worth Noting:

  • 馃毇 Users report frustration over the inability to purchase gift cards.

  • 馃攧 Many opt for uninstallation rather than sticking around.

  • 馃挰 "If you say anything negative, you get banned to message people," highlights censorship concerns.

The ongoing reaction to these changes underlines a critical point: companies must listen to their community or risk losing them. With many hitting the uninstall button, the app faces an uphill battle to regain user trust.

Outlook on User Reactions

As user frustration continues to mount, there's a strong chance that the app may reconsider its purchasing policies. Experts estimate that if the trend of uninstallations persists, the company could see a decline in active users by as much as 30% in the next quarter. This could prompt a swift response aimed at restoring trust, as the app would need to balance attracting new users with retaining its loyal base. Decisions from the app management could hinge on analyzing feedback from ongoing user discussions and possibly implementing a tiered reward system that includes long-standing users in purchasing options.

A Lesson from the Past

In the early days of social media, platforms like MySpace similarly faced backlash when they shifted focus to attracting new users at the expense of loyal fans. As they revamped their features to cater to fresh interests, many original users felt neglected, leading to a massive exodus. While MySpace eventually fell out of favor, it highlighted how essential it is for companies to listen to their longstanding community. Just like a once-beloved band facing backlash for changing its sound, the rewards app may find itself needing to realign with its faithful following to regain popularity.