11 Apps That Pay You Real Money in 2025

Yes, there are legit apps that pay you real money. Check out our list of 11 apps that can help you pad your bank account right now.

It’s no surprise that we are on our smartphones a lot. I know I can’t wait to be productive scroll through Instagram on my new iPhone when it comes in the mail.

apps that pay you

I know I can’t be alone.

On average, American consumers now check their smartphones an average of 52 times each day, according to a recent report from Deloitte. That’s up from 47 times per day on last year’s study, according to the consulting and professional services firm.

I doubt most people are downloading money-making apps and just search the app store for social media apps or gaming apps.

I’m here to change that.

If you’ve got some extra time to spare, why not try out one of these money-making apps for your smartphones?

That’s right: There are legitimate money apps that can net you some extra funds for whatever, whenever you want.

You want in? Let’s get started.

Best Apps That Pay You Real Money

1. Mistplay

Mistplay is an Android-only app that pays you to play mobile games—no gimmicks, just straight-up rewards for your time. You browse a list of available games, download and play, and earn points based on how long you play and your in-game progress. Those points can be redeemed for gift cards to places like Amazon, Google Play, and Starbucks. On average, users can make around $3 to $5 per week with consistent play, though heavy gamers can earn more. It won’t replace a real gig, but if you’re already gaming, it’s an easy way to make a little extra on the side without changing your routine.

2. Solitaire Cube

Solitaire Cube is a skill-based gaming app where you can play classic solitaire for real cash prizes. Instead of just playing for fun, you compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments against players of similar skill levels, with the chance to win actual money. The app uses a point-based system, and winnings depend on the entry fees and competition level. While free practice games are available, real cash games require a deposit. Skilled players can make anywhere from a few dollars to over $100, but like any competition, there’s risk involved. If you’re good at solitaire and enjoy a little friendly wagering, this could be an easy way to turn downtime into extra cash.

3. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is one of the easiest ways to make extra cash just by answering questions—seriously, that’s it. Companies want your opinions, and they’ll pay for them. Most surveys take 5-20 minutes and pay anywhere from $0.50 to $3, with some higher-paying ones popping up now and then. Once you rack up 500 points ($5), you can cash out to PayPal or grab a gift card. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but if you’ve got time to kill while scrolling your phone, you might as well turn it into easy money.

4. Nielsen App

Nielsen pays you $60 a year in gift cards just for having their app on your phone—literally, you don’t have to do anything. They’re a legit research company that tracks internet usage (anonymously) to help businesses understand trends. Once you sign up and install the app, it runs in the background, and you rack up points automatically. You won’t get rich, but for zero effort, a free $60 in gift cards every year is an easy win. If you like passive income, this is as passive as it gets.

5. InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays you for things you already do online—taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and even playing games. It’s free to sign up, and they’ll throw in a $5 bonus just for joining. Surveys typically pay between $0.50 to $5, but if you stay active across all earning options, you can make up to $225 per month. Cash out once you hit $10 via PayPal, gift cards, or even a check. It won’t replace a full-time gig, but if you’re already scrolling your phone, why not get paid for it?

6. Swagbucks

Swagbucks lets you earn points (called SB) for doing everyday online activities like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping, and even just searching the web. It’s free to join, and they’ll give you a $10 sign-up bonus if you meet the initial earning requirement. Most surveys pay between $0.50 to $5, and you can cash out via PayPal or gift cards once you hit 300 SB ($3). If you stay active and use multiple earning methods, you can make up to $100 per month. It’s not life-changing money, but if you’re already browsing the internet, you might as well get paid for it.

8. Blackout Bingo

Blackout Bingo takes the classic game of bingo and cranks up the excitement—you’re not just hoping for lucky numbers, you’re competing against real players for real cash. It’s all about speed and strategy, and if you’re good, you can turn a few quick rounds into actual money. You can play for free or enter cash tournaments, where skilled players have made over $100. Of course, like any game with money on the line, there’s risk, but if you love bingo and want to level up the stakes, this is an easy way to make your downtime pay.

9. Acorns

Acorns makes investing effortless by rounding up your everyday purchases and automatically investing the spare change. Buy a coffee for $3.75? Acorns rounds it up to $4 and invests the extra $0.25 for you. It’s a solid way to build wealth without even thinking about it. You can also set up recurring deposits and earn bonus investments by shopping with Acorns’ partner brands. Plans start at just $3 a month, and new users can grab a $20 bonus for signing up. It won’t make you rich overnight, but if you’re looking for an easy, hands-off way to grow your money, Acorns is worth a shot.

10. Current

Current is a banking app that gives you up to $750 in advance when you need it—no credit check, no interest, just fast access to your money. The amount you qualify for depends on your direct deposits, and you can get the cash instantly with a small fee or wait a few days for free. On top of that, Current offers perks like cashback on purchases, savings pods with competitive APY, and no hidden fees. If you need cash before payday without dealing with predatory loans, this is one of the easiest ways to bridge the gap.

$50 bonus
Current: Free Banking
5.0
  • Get 4% APY on your savings, get paid up to two days early, and get spotted $750 advance anytime
  • Sign up and receive a $50 bonus when you set up direct deposit of $200 or more
  • No hidden fees, no minimum balance, and easy access to your money
Joing Here Using Code: WELCOME50

11. Fundrise

Fundrise makes real estate investing easy, even if you don’t have thousands to drop on a property. With as little as $10, you can invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate projects across the U.S., earning passive income through dividends and long-term appreciation. The platform handles everything, so you don’t have to worry about managing tenants or flipping houses—just invest and let it grow. Returns vary, but historically, Fundrise has delivered solid performance, making it a great option for anyone looking to dip into real estate without the hassle of buying a property.

Why Should You Use Apps That Pay?

When you officially make that leap into adulthood, it comes with a long list of responsibilities — financial ones included. That’s life, and we all learn to cope and keep moving forward. But every so often, there’s a small hiccup and — be it emotional, physical or otherwise — we run into a wall.

Expenses like car repairs force you to spend money you’re using for rent. You know you’re going to be short, so you’re pulling crazy overtime to make up the difference. Or, maybe you have to give up some recreational activities to make way for more responsible ones.

These things happen, and when they do, it’s nice to have a little cash handy to lighten the stress load. You could always pawn some of your stuff, true, but no one likes doing that. You could also ask your family for free money, but that’s no good, either. And taking out a personal loan or payday loan is an even worse strategy. Why not consider using one of these apps that pay you real money?

There Will Always Be Money Making Apps that Pay You

There you have it. If you’ve finished the list, you now have a solid idea of which apps pay you real money. One category that we didn’t include in this list is apps that pay you to walk, but you can check a great round-up of apps here.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey to making money fast on your phone!

Just remember, with most of these services, consistency is key, so be diligent about completing your daily check-in and continue to use the service if you want to earn more lucrative amounts of cash or gift cards.

It’s always better to use these opportunities as additional cash for smaller purchases, rather than to rely on them for a steady income.

Brian Meiggs
Brian Meiggs
Brian is the founder of Gigs Done Right and has tried every side hustle under the sun. His mission with Gigs Done Right is to share valuable information regarding the gig economy to everyone from beginners looking to start a side hustle, to veteran gig workers trying to expand their empire. He teaches people just like you how to make money in the gig economy and has been featured in Business Insider, Yahoo! Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, and more. He normally shares the latest news, videos, and topics for gig workers so they can earn more money in the gig economy.

Want Free Ideas to Make Extra Money?

We've got you. Just let us know where to send em:

Related

RECOMMEND READS

Top Gigs Done Right Resources

5 COMMENTS

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
5 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Anonymous
Anonymous

Where my money sent when i subscribe swagbucks

Julissa Bertot
Julissa Bertot

Hey, thanks for a great post, it seems everyone these days is trying to make a little extra on the side but it is so hard to find really good blogs like yours.

Remus Ovidiu Huțu
Remus Ovidiu Huțu

half of them work ONLY in the US