Looking for apps that pay real money? You’ve probably heard of some apps that claim to pay, but how do you know which ones are legit? Well, I’ve tested a bunch of them, and let me tell you—there are some great ones out there. And yes, they really do pay.
Whether you’re looking to make a few extra bucks in your free time or you just want an easy way to make money from your phone, you’re in the right spot. Let’s dive into the best apps that actually pay real money.
If you’re serious about making extra income, don’t miss our list of cashback apps that actually work.
1. Swagbucks: One of the Top Apps That Pay Real Money
Okay, so if you’ve heard of Swagbucks, you’re probably thinking, “Yeah, everyone talks about this one.” But honestly, it’s still one of the best ways to make money online. You can earn SB points by doing things like taking surveys, watching videos, or even shopping at your favorite stores. And when you’ve racked up enough points, you can trade them in for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Why I Love It:
I’ve been using Swagbucks for years, and the earnings add up quickly. You can easily make $50–$100 a month, depending on how much time you spend on it. Plus, there are tons of ways to earn. I mean, who wouldn’t want to get paid for watching cat videos, right?
Pro Tip:
Don’t just take random surveys. Use the “Daily To-Do List” feature—it gives you easy tasks that help you earn quicker.
2. Mistplay: Get Paid to Play Games
If you’re a gamer, you’ll love Mistplay. This app lets you earn real money just by playing mobile games. You download games from their app, play, and earn points, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Why It’s Great:
The best part? It’s all about gaming, so you don’t need to do surveys or any other time-consuming tasks. It’s just you, your favorite games, and earning some extra cash.
Pro Tip:
Don’t stick to the same game for too long. Mistplay rewards you for trying new games, so switch it up for more points. Plus, you can earn even more by inviting friends.
3. InboxDollars: Watch Videos and Earn Cash
InboxDollars has been around for a while, and for good reason—it works. This app rewards you for watching videos, reading emails, taking surveys, and even playing games. While it’s not going to make you rich, it’s a great way to make money in the background while you do other things. Join InboxDollars today and get $5 just for signing up!
Why It’s Worth It:
Unlike some apps, InboxDollars gives you cash instead of points. It’s nice to know exactly how much you’re earning. Plus, the payout threshold is pretty low, so you won’t be waiting forever to cash out.
Pro Tip:
Watch the video playlists for easy cash. They auto-play, so you can just let them run in the background.
4. Foap: Turn Your Photos into Money
Do you have a knack for photography? Then Foap might be your ticket to earning money from your photos. You upload your best shots to the platform, and businesses or individuals can buy them for use in their marketing materials.
Why It’s a Winner:
If you’re already snapping pictures for fun, why not turn that hobby into some real money? I’ve personally made $5 per photo, which adds up if you’re consistent.
Pro Tip:
Think outside the box with your photos. Unique, high-quality shots tend to sell faster, so get creative and experiment with different angles and themes.
5. Rakuten: Earn Cashback on Your Shopping and Get Paid
Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is one of the easiest ways to earn money while you’re doing something you already do—shopping. You get cashback when you shop at over 2,500 stores, including big names like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
Join Rakuten today and get $40 sign up bonus!
Why It Works:
It’s essentially free money for things you were already planning to buy. I’ve earned hundreds of dollars from Rakuten just by shopping for everyday items. Whether it’s clothes, gadgets, or even groceries, you can earn cashback on your purchases.
Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to add the browser extension. It automatically alerts you when there are cashback offers on your favorite sites.
6. Survey Junkie: Share Your Opinions and Earn Real Money
If you’re someone who enjoys sharing your opinion, then Survey Junkie might be perfect for you. It’s one of the best survey apps out there, and you can earn real money by completing surveys tailored to your interests. Read my review of Survey Junkie.
Why I Recommend It:
The surveys are easy to complete, and you don’t have to worry about wasting time on low-paying ones. Plus, you can cash out once you hit a low threshold, which makes it more rewarding than other survey apps.
Pro Tip:
Be honest when filling out your profile. The more accurate you are, the higher-paying surveys you’ll get.
7. FeaturePoints: Make Money Testing Apps and Completing Surveys
FeaturePoints lets you test out new apps, take surveys, and watch videos in exchange for points. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Why It’s Great:
If you love trying out new apps, FeaturePoints makes it easy to earn cash while doing it. It’s a simple and effective way to make extra money in your downtime.
Pro Tip:
Get bonus points by referring your friends to join the app. It’s an easy way to multiply your earnings.
Final Thoughts: Apps That Actually Pay Real Money
So there you have it—the best apps that pay real money. Each one offers a different way to make money, whether you enjoy playing games, taking surveys, or simply shopping. The key to success with these apps is consistency. You’re not going to get rich overnight, but over time, these apps can add up to a decent side income.
Ready to start? Try out a few of these apps and see which one works best for you. Don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know which ones you’ve had the most success with!
Quick Recap: Best Apps That Pay Real Money
| App Name | Best For | Minimum Payout | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Surveys, shopping | $3 | PayPal/Gift Cards |
| Mistplay | Gaming | $5 | PayPal/Gift Cards |
| InboxDollars | Watching videos | $30 | PayPal/Cash |
| Foap | Photography | $5 per photo | PayPal |
| Rakuten | Shopping | $5 | PayPal/Cash |
| Survey Junkie | Surveys | $10 | PayPal/Gift Cards |
| FeaturePoints | Testing apps | $1 | PayPal/Gift Cards |