Apps That Pay You Money

edited by: Eve Fish

Getting paid money to use an app sounds like a dream, right? It also probably sounds a bit like a scam, if you’re being honest with yourself. However, that’s not necessarily true. There are apps available for both iPhone and Android that will pay you actual money for using them. 

Swagbucks 

Available on both iOS and Android, Swagbucks is one of the most popular apps for earning money. It pays users in points for watching videos, playing games, and taking surveys. You can then redeem these points for gift cards or for cash via PayPal. They sometimes offer deals where certain activities are worth more points than normal, which is great for earning.  

Google Opinion Rewards 

This is an app by Google that is available on for both iPhones and Android devices. It sends you periodic surveys, usually based on your online activity or physical location, and rewards you for completing them. Android users are paid out through Google Play store credits while iOS users get money through PayPal. Most of the time, you’ll earn about 10-15 cents per survey, but they’re often very short and easy to complete.  

Survey Junkie 

This app is also available for both Android and iOS devices and it lets you earn money for taking surveys, which usually require a few minutes to complete. One noteworthy feature of this app is that the payment threshold is relatively low (only $5), so you don’t have to spend a long time using the app before you get paid.  

PLAYTIME Rewards 

Unlike many applications on this list, PLAYTIME Rewards is only available on Android. Essentially, you get paid to play games (which typically include ads). The earnings are quite low, but if you’re going to play games on your phone anyway, this app can be worth it.  

WeWard 

This app is different from many others on this list. While most apps pay you for taking surveys or watching adds, WeWard pays you for walking. It uses your phone’s pedometer to count your steps and track where you’re doing. You can earn money or gift cards for hitting step goals and are sometimes offered bonuses for visiting certain locations. It’s available on both iOS and Android.  

Many users find that it’s not just a good way to earn, but that it helps motivate you to be more active as well.  

GeoSmile 

GeoSmile is another app where you get paid based on your physical activity. Walking, biking, or other types of movement (even driving in a car) can earn points. You can then redeem these points for gift cards or choose to be paid out via PayPal. Available for both iOS and Android, this can be great for commuters or others who move around a lot. 

Rakuten 

Rakuten is different from many of the apps listed here as it doesn’t pay you for activities you complete. You aren’t paid for surveys or games or watching ads. Instead, it is a cash-back program. The app lists retailers and, if you shop at those retailers through the links posted, you receive a percentage of the purchase back. Percentages vary based on the retailer and sometimes specials are offered. You can find the app on both the iOS and Android stores.  

Mistplay 

Mistplay rewards users with gift cards for playing mobile games. Listed on both the Android Google Play store and the iOS Apple App Store, it’s a way to earn money for playing games on your phone. This is another app where the average payment is quite low, but it can be useful if you’re already playing games. Why not earn money from them? 

InboxDollars 

This app lets you earn money for taking surveys, watching videos, and reading emails from brands. You can also earn cash back by shopping at featured retailers. It pays cash or gift cards and there is a $15 payment threshold. The app can be found on both Android and iOS. 

What to Watch Out For 

If you’re like most of us, you probably spend a lot of time on your phone, scrolling and searching and jumping from app-to-app. You might even consider your app usage and addiction and be trying to cut down. However, getting paid to use apps changes the whole situation.  

As you can see, in some of these apps, you’ll get paid in money (often deposited into a PayPal account or other online account), while others pay you in gift cards or discounts.  

However, there are a lot of scams out there. If you’re looking for an app that pays, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.  

Be Skeptical of Very High Earnings 

Most apps will pay small amounts of money. They’re good for adding some supplemental income, but you’re not going to make a living off them. If an app is promising you a very large amount of money for doing very little, think about if this makes sense and use caution. 

Some Apps Have Very High Payment Thresholds 

When you’re looking at apps, pay attention to their payment thresholds. Most apps have a set amount that you must earn before you can withdraw money or gift cards. This amount is usually somewhere between $10 and $25 with most apps. If the amount is very high (such as over a hundred dollars), be skeptical. It’s probably going to take you a very long time to reach this amount and there’s no guarantee that you’ll actually get there. 

Use Free Apps 

Some apps want you to pay to download the app or to join the program. It’s generally a good idea to avoid these apps. Even if they’re legitimate (which many aren’t), you’ll need to make this fee back before you start making any profit from the app, and that makes it a less attractive choice. 

Watch Your Personal Data 

Many apps collect data about your habits and preferences. Before you decide to use an app, understand what information they’re collecting from you and determine if you’re comfortable handing this information over. 

Read Reviews 

If you’re skeptical, read reviews of the app. If it’s a scam or uses unfair practices, you’ll find the truth either in reviews on the app store or on other platforms like Reddit. On the other hand, if the app is a good choice, you’ll find this information as well. Before you dedicate time and effort on an app, read a bit about it and figure out if it’s right for you.  

In Summary:

You might think that it sounds too good to be true, but there really are legitimate apps out there that pay you to use them. If you research the app, read reviews, and are realistic about the promise they make and the payments they offer, you can find some great options that will help you make some extra money. 

It’s generally a good idea to focus on just a few apps, rather than trying to use them all at once. Find the ones that fit your lifestyle and that you actually enjoy using, then sign up and start earning some extra cash! 

Other Articles of Interest

Make sure to check out other great articles about money management and ways to save, including:

The Hidden Subscrpitions Draining Your Bank Account

Ten Money Traps That Do Not Help Your Finances

20 Ways To Save Money As Part of Your Daily Routine

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