In today’s digital age, your smartphone is more than just a communication tool—it’s a portable counting machine. If you’ve ever searched for ways to make extra cash during your commute or while relaxing at home, you’ve likely asked: What apps can you win real money on?
The truth is, while you won’t get rich overnight, there are several legitimate apps that pay out real cash via PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. Here is a breakdown of the best apps to earn money based on how you like to spend your time.
1. Skill-Based Gaming Apps
If you have a competitive streak, skill-based gaming apps allow you to compete against other players for cash prizes. Unlike “luck-based” gambling, these apps pair you with opponents of similar skill levels.
- Blackout Bingo: A fast-paced twist on the classic game. You can play for free, but entering “pro” tournaments allows you to win real cash.
- Solitaire Cube: If you’re a master of Solitaire, this app lets you compete in head-to-head matches for money.
- Mistplay (Android only): This is a loyalty program for gamers. You discover new games, play them, and earn units that can be exchanged for gift cards (Amazon, Visa, Google Play).
2. Survey and Market Research Apps
Companies are desperate to know what consumers think. These apps pay you for your opinion, and while the individual payouts are small, they add up quickly.
- Swagbucks: One of the most famous “get paid to” apps. You earn points (SB) for taking surveys, watching videos, and even searching the web. You can redeem SB for PayPal cash or gift cards.
- Survey Junkie: This app is strictly focused on surveys. It has a low payout threshold, making it one of the most reliable ways to see money in your account quickly.
- Google Opinion Rewards: Short, quick surveys sent directly by Google. The pay is usually in Google Play credit (Android) or PayPal (iOS).
3. Cash Back and Shopping Apps
These apps don’t necessarily feel like “winning,” but they put real money back in your pocket for purchases you were going to make anyway.
- Rakuten: Formerly Ebates, this app gives you a percentage of your purchase price back when you shop through their links at thousands of retailers.
- Ibotta: Great for grocery shoppers. You simply scan your receipt or link your loyalty card to get cash back on specific items.
- Upside: This app focuses on gas stations and restaurants, offering you “cents off per gallon” that you can cash out to your bank account.
4. Micro-Task and Gig Apps
If you prefer “doing” rather than “playing,” these apps pay you for completing small real-world tasks.
- Premise: You earn money by completing short tasks like taking a photo of a local landmark or reporting the price of milk at a nearby store.
- Field Agent: Similar to Premise, this app pays you to perform “audits” of displays in retail stores or to try out products and provide feedback.
How to Spot a Scam
While the apps listed above are legitimate, the app store is also full of “scammy” software. Here are three red flags to watch out for:
- “Pay to Withdraw”: If an app asks you to pay a fee to “unlock” your winnings, it is a scam.
- Too Good to Be True: Any app promising $100s of dollars for an hour of work is likely fake.
- No Reviews or Poor Ratings: Always check the App Store or Google Play reviews. Look for users mentioning that they actually successfully cashed out.
Final Verdict: Is it worth it?
You won’t be able to quit your day job using these apps, but they are a great way to cover your monthly coffee habit or save up for a small treat. For the best results, combine 2 or 3 apps (like a survey app and a cashback app) to maximize your earnings.
Disclaimer: Some gaming apps that involve cash entries may not be available in all U.S. states due to local gaming laws. Always check the terms and conditions before depositing your own money.