I've spent the last year testing every money making app I could find. Some paid pennies, others actually delivered on their promises, and a few completely changed how I think about earning extra cash from my phone.
The reality? Most “make money fast” apps are garbage. But after downloading 50+ apps and tracking every dollar earned, I found 19 that genuinely pay out. Some paid me $300+ per month for tasks I do while watching TV.
Here's everything that actually worked for me, ranked by how much I earned. No BS, no “potential earnings” – just real numbers from real testing.
The Apps That Actually Paid Me
Quick context: I used each of these for at least 2-3 months before adding them to this list. If it didn't pay out or felt sketchy, it's not here. Everything below is legit—I've cashed out real money from all of them.
1. Swagbucks
$10 BonusSwagbucks is the best overall money making app. You earn points (called SB) by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and even searching the web. Unlike other apps, Swagbucks gives you multiple ways to earn, so you're never stuck waiting for surveys.
2. Survey Junkie
Up to $50/SurveySurvey Junkie pays you to give your opinion on products, ads, and services. Most surveys pay $3-5 and take under 10 minutes, but I've landed $25-50 surveys for product testing and focus groups. Clean interface, no spam, and they don't make you qualify for surveys you'll never get.
3. Freecash
Instant PayPalFreecash has the fastest payouts I've ever seen. Earn by downloading apps ($2-8 each), taking quick surveys ($1-3), signing up for free trials, and playing games. Hit $5 and cash out to PayPal in literally 2 minutes. The daily bonus system is addictive – check in every day for extra points.
4. InboxDollars
$5 FreeInboxDollars has paid out over $80 million to members. Get paid to take surveys, watch videos, play games, read emails, and shop online. Unlike point-based systems, your earnings show in actual dollars. The $5 welcome bonus is instant – no hoops to jump through.
Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money
Yes, getting paid to play games is real. No, you won't get rich. But I've made $540+ in 5 months playing games I'd play anyway. Some are competitive tournaments, others are passive rewards.
5. Blitz Win Cash
Win $20-$100+Blitz Win Cash lets you play skill-based games like bubble shooters, match-3 puzzles, and card games for real cash. You're matched against players of similar skill, so the competition is fair. Start with free practice rounds, then enter cash tournaments when you're ready.
6. Bingo Cash
Up to $83/WinBingo Cash turns the classic game into real money. It's skill-based—you compete in head-to-head matches or tournaments for cash prizes. No annoying ads, no bots, and payouts are legit via PayPal or direct deposit. Entry fees start at $0.60 per game.
7. Solitaire Cash
Win $50-$100If you've ever killed time playing Solitaire, now you can make money doing it. Solitaire Cash is a competitive version where you win real cash by outscoring other players. Everyone gets the same deck, so winners are determined by speed and skill, not luck.
8. Mistplay
Gift CardsMistplay pays you to play mobile games. Download games through the app, play them, earn points (called Units), and redeem for gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, Visa, and more. The more you play, the more you earn. As you level up, you unlock higher earning rates.
App Testing Platforms
9. Testerup
$50+ Per TaskTesterup pays you real money to test new games and apps. Sign up, choose from available offers (like “play this game to level 15”), and get paid when you complete them. The more you use it, the more high-paying tasks unlock.
10. Branded
Up to $100/OfferBranded pays you to test apps and games before they hit the mainstream. As seen on CBS, this platform connects you with companies willing to pay real money for your feedback. Complete offers, test new apps, reach certain levels in games, and cash out via PayPal or gift cards.
11. KashKick
Higher PayoutsKashKick pays you for simple tasks like answering surveys, trying apps, watching videos, and signing up for services. Payouts go straight to PayPal and tend to be higher than similar apps. No confusing point system—just real dollars.
Cash Back & Receipt Scanning Apps
These apps are pure passive income – you're already buying stuff, might as well get paid for it.
11. Fetch Rewards
$3 BonusFetch is the easiest passive money app. Snap pics of any receipt—gas, groceries, restaurants, Target runs, anything. Takes 5 seconds per receipt. Earn points for gift cards to Amazon, Target, Visa, and more. Use code C1JAV for $3 after your first receipt.
12. Upside
15-25¢/Gallon BackUpside gives you real cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants. Check the app for offers nearby, claim one, pay like normal, snap a pic of your receipt. Cash back adds up fast and you can cash out to PayPal, bank, or gift cards whenever you want.
Gaming Apps That Pay
13. Mistplay
Gift CardsMistplay pays you to play mobile games. Download games through the app, play them, earn points (called Units), and redeem for gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, Visa, and more. The more you play, the more you earn. As you level up, you unlock higher earning rates.
Passive Income Apps
14. Nielsen Mobile Panel
$60/YearNielsen pays you $60/year to keep their app on your phone. That's it. They track your internet usage (anonymously) for market research. Install it, forget about it, get $60/year. Plus monthly $10,000 sweepstakes entries.
15. Acorns
$20 BonusAcorns automatically invests your spare change. Round up purchases to the nearest dollar, and the difference gets invested. Set up a $5+ recurring investment and get a $20 bonus after your first deposit. Completely hands-off investing—build wealth without thinking about it.
16. Fundrise
$10 BonusFundrise lets you invest in real estate with as little as $10. New users get a $10 bonus to kick things off. Build a real estate portfolio without needing thousands upfront. Completely hands-off investing in commercial and residential properties nationwide.
Delivery Apps (Highest Earning Potential)
17. DoorDash
$18-25/HrDoorDash lets you deliver food on your own schedule. Not passive, but it's the highest-earning app on this list if you're willing to actually work. Work nights and weekends for $18-25/hr. Use bikes, scooters, or cars. “Dash Now” feature means you can start earning immediately without scheduling.
18. Uber Eats
$18-25/HrUber Eats is DoorDash's main competitor. Very similar—deliver food on your own schedule, earn $18-25/hr. The instant cash-out feature means you can get paid the same day. Bike/scooter options available in most cities.
My Honest Take: What Actually Works
After testing 50+ money making apps, here's what I actually use regularly:
Daily routine (10-15 min/day):
- Morning coffee: Swagbucks videos running passively ($3-5/day)
- Lunch break: 1-2 Survey Junkie surveys ($5-10)
- Receipts: Scan everything into Fetch ($2-4/day)
- Gas fillups: Always use Upside (15-25¢/gallon back)
Weekly:
- Check Freecash for new high-paying offers (30 min, $10-20)
- Play Mistplay games while watching TV (passive $10-15/week)
- Use Swagbucks shopping portal for online purchases
Set it & forget it:
- Nielsen running in background ($60/year, zero effort)
- Acorns round-ups investing spare change automatically
Monthly total: $400-550 for about 15-20 hours (most is just time I'd waste anyway).
Apps I DON'T Recommend
Real talk – most money making apps are trash. Avoid:
- Apps with $100 minimum cashouts: You'll never reach it
- “Watch ads for points” apps: You'll earn 2¢ per hour
- MLM “opportunity” apps: If they ask you to recruit, run
- Apps requiring credit cards for “free trials”: They'll charge you and make canceling impossible
- “Get paid to walk” apps: Fractions of a penny per step. Waste of battery
FAQs
Can you really make $100/day with these apps?
No, not with survey/task apps. Realistic range is $15-30/day if you're actively grinding multiple apps. To hit $100/day, you'd need delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats (which requires actual driving).
Which app pays the most?
Survey Junkie pays the most per hour for surveys ($15-30/hr on good surveys). DoorDash/Uber Eats pay the most overall ($18-25/hr) but require a car. For passive income, Swagbucks is the best all-around earner.
How do I get paid?
Most apps pay via PayPal (fastest, 1-3 days) or gift cards (Amazon, Visa, Target, etc.). Some offer direct bank deposits. PayPal is my preferred method.
Are these apps legit or scams?
Every app on this list paid me real money. Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars have collectively paid out hundreds of millions to users. They're established, legitimate companies.
Can I use multiple apps at once?
Absolutely – that's what I do. I use Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Freecash, and Fetch daily. There's no rule against using multiple apps. In fact, you should to maximize earnings.
Final Verdict: Start Here
If you're just starting, here's my gameplan:
Week 1 – Sign up for the “Core 4”:
- Swagbucks (get $10 bonus)
- Survey Junkie (highest paying surveys)
- Freecash (instant PayPal)
- Fetch (passive receipt scanning)
Expected first month: $150-250
Week 2-4 – Add supplemental apps:
- InboxDollars ($5 bonus)
- Upside (gas cash back)
- Mistplay (gaming rewards)
- Nielsen (passive $60/year)
Expected monthly: $300-450
If you want serious money ($800-1,200/month):
Add DoorDash or Uber Eats. These require actual work (driving), but pay significantly more than any survey app.
The apps on this list paid me over $5,000 in the past year. Start with the Core 4, see what you like, and expand from there.
Want even more ways to make money? Check out my guide to 99 proven side gigs that pay real money.
