24 Apps That Pay You Cash
What’s going on, everyone? I hope all is well. If you find yourself scrolling through your phone for hours a day, you could turn that time into money! Some apps pay you cash at your fingertips. Everyone could use some extra money, especially today, with so many jobs affected by the pandemic.
Believe it or not, there are tons of apps that pay cash. They will let you earn real money for things you’re buying, take quick surveys, and even start your investment portfolio. It’s easy to make in your free time if you know the right places to go!
Here, we will share our favorite apps that pay you cash.
Apps That Pay You Real Money
1. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is an app that can get you cashback at thousands of retailers nationwide. How does that work? Stores pay Rakuten to advertise their products to you, sharing some of that commission via cashback for your purchases.
All you have to do is shop through their links and get back a percentage of your purchase! Some stores even offer up to 40% off. When it’s time to cash out, you can get your money either in a check or via PayPal.
You’ll find stores like Belk, eBay, Nike, EyeBuyDirect, Bark Box, and more on Rakuten. They have everything from clothing and accessories to travel and subscription services. Why not make money on the purchases you’re already making?
Get a $10 bonus when you sign up here!
2. Robinhood
Robinhood is an app that makes investing easy. It’s 100% commission-free and lets you invest as little as a dollar, allowing you to buy parts of a share instead of forking out the money for an entire one. I’ve been investing with Robinhood for a few years now.
They have a comprehensive and easy-to-understand starter’s guide to investing on their website that is super helpful if you’re just getting started and clueless about the world of stocks.
Robinhood is a great way to start investing your money into a diversified portfolio that works for you and your budget.
Get a free share of stock when you sign up for Robinhood today!
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is the next on the list of apps that pay cash. Swagbucks lets you earn gift cards by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, searching the web, and playing games. Yes, it is that simple!
It is free to join and offers gift cards to major retailers such as Walmart, Amazon, Target, Best Buy, and more. You can even redeem your gift card as cash, but there is a $25 minimum to do so. There’s also a $10 bonus just for signing up!
Swagbucks is a great way to turn that idle time into a little extra cash if you have some downtime and often find yourself aimlessly scrolling through your phone.
4. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is another excellent survey app that can earn you up to $45 for your opinions on just about everything. They’re one of the most well-known and trusted survey companies around!
It’s a great way to help influence the brands you love to enhance their products and services while making extra money.
When you complete surveys, you earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, and even PayPal! You can’t withdraw right away, though. Before redeeming and receiving your gift cards, you must meet a $10 threshold.
Sign up for SurveyJunkie here!
5. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is an app that lets you snap pictures of your receipts and earn rewards points that you can turn into gift cards for your favorite retailers and brands. You can also use your e-receipts from online shopping to earn points! It’s one of the newest things on this list of apps that pay you cash.
You can even turn your points into charitable donations if you want to do some good. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, you can use those points to enter monthly sweepstakes.
You’ll find brands ranging from Sephora, Nintendo, Best Buy, Top Golf, Ray-Ban, Stitch Fix, Domino’s, and hundreds more. I’m letting my Fetch Rewards points add up to get something travel-related.
Sign up for Fetch Rewards here.
6. Earny
Earny is a browser plugin that lets you know if something you’ve recently bought has decreased in price and helps you get the difference back! It also can earn you up to 20% cashback when you shop online.
You must install and activate the extension in your Chrome browser, add items to your watchlist, and shop! When an item is on your watchlist, Earny will notify you when the price drops and it’s the right time to buy.
Earny does it all—price tracking, cashback, and getting your money back when prices drop after you make a purchase.
Get more info about Earny here.
7. Poshmark
Poshmark is an app that lets you buy and sell unwanted clothes, accessories, home decor, and more. It’s super easy to use and can help you make money off stuff just taking up space in your closet. If you like selling on eBay or Mercari, you should sign up for Poshmark.
So, the next time you do a closet cleanout, make sure to post your items on Poshmark before you donate them. The app is straightforward to use. You will have your first sale before you know it. This is one of my favorite apps that pay real money. By selling your old clothes, you earn money and create more space in your closet. If you want to learn more about Poshmark, check out the post below.
8. Freecash
Freecash is an app that allows you to earn real money by completing tasks, taking surveys, and participating in offers. Whether you have a few spare minutes or some dedicated time, Freecash offers a variety of ways to rack up rewards.
One of the standout features of Freecash is its flexibility. You can cash out your earnings through PayPal, cryptocurrency, or gift cards. Additionally, it has a low payout threshold, making it easier to access your rewards quickly.
With its user-friendly interface and steady earning opportunities, Freecash is an excellent app for anyone looking to make extra cash in their free time.
9. Rover
Rover is a great way to earn extra money if you love animals and have some free time! Rover is an app dog and cat owners use to find pet walkers and sitters. Whether you’re open to overnight care or just a quick mid-day walk, you can earn up to $1,000 a month hanging out with pets. That sounds like a win-win situation to us!
You can set your schedule, prices, and animal preferences that work for you. Rover also offers 24/7 support and vet assistance, ensuring you and your pets are safe.
10. Nielsen
Nielsen is a company that relies on real people like you to get an idea of what media and goods the population buys. They use this data to produce their Nielson Ratings for TV and radio and look at consumer purchasing behaviors. There is also an app that you can use to scan item barcodes and earn cashback.
They operate in over 100 countries and provide what is arguably the best look at consumer data and analytics out there.
For more information about Nielsen, click here.
11. Surveys4Rewards
Surveys4Rewards is an online platform that allows users to earn money or rewards by completing surveys. Companies partner with these survey sites to gather consumer opinions and feedback on products, services, and other market research topics. Users who sign up for Surveys4Rewards can participate in surveys and earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards, cash, or other rewards.
Sign up for Surveys4Rewards today!
12. Cashyy
Cashyy is an app that pays you via PayPal and gift cards to play games. It’s really that simple. The app has various games to choose from and constantly adds new ones.
To start earning cash with Cashyy, you only need to sign up and start playing. It’s a great way to make extra money if you want something fun. The games and app are clunky, but you’ll enjoy the experience overall.
You can also refer friends and family and earn money that way. How much you earn with your referrals depends on how much they make. You won’t get rich, but you will earn additional income if you refer enough people who actively use the app.
13. Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the most well-known cashback apps. It offers cash back on groceries, online purchases, travel, and more. You can even earn a $10 welcome bonus when you sign up and redeem your first offer.
Ibotta is a great way to get cash back on your purchases. Download the app and start shopping. Then upload your receipt and get cash back deposited into your account when you’re done. It’s that easy!
You must make purchases to earn money with Ibotta. But if you make many online and in-person purchases, Ibotta is a great way to get cashback.
There are no games to play or anything like that. You shop, upload your receipt, and get cash back.
14. Acorns
Acorns is an app that helps you invest your spare change. When you make a purchase, the app rounds up to the nearest dollar and invests that into a portfolio of ETFs. Over time, those small investments can add up to a lot of money.
Acorns is a great way to get started in investing. The app is easy to use and has many features, like rounding up your spare change and investing it for you.
Acorns is an excellent option if you’re looking for a simple way to invest your money. You don’t need much money to start, and the app does much of the work.
Investing in your future is one of the most important things you can do. And Acorns makes getting started easy and affordable. You’ll be surprised how quickly your nest egg grows by only investing your spare change.
15. Uber
Uber is a rideshare app that allows you to earn money by giving people rides. You can use your car, or you can sign up to be an Uber driver.
Uber is a great way to make extra money. You can set your own hours and work as much or as little as you want. And with Uber, you can be your own boss!
To be an Uber driver, you need a reliable car and a clean driving record. But if you meet those requirements, it’s a great way to earn money.
Unlike many of the ways listed to make money, driving for Uber requires investing in gas and car maintenance. But it’s a great option if you’re looking for a way to earn extra money.
College students and retired people make great Uber drivers because they can drive whenever they want. That means they can drive for a few hours here and there when they have nothing else to do and want to earn a little extra cash.
16. Inbox Dollars
InboxDollars has been around for what feels like forever. They offer paid surveys, cash back on online purchases, games, and more.
InboxDollars is one of the oldest and most well-known ways to make money online. It offers various ways to earn cash, including taking surveys, playing games, and shopping online.
InboxDollars is a great way to make extra money in your free time. You can do it anywhere, and you don’t need any particular skills or experience.
You can spend as little or as much time on InboxDollars. And the more time you spend, the more money you can earn.
If you’re looking for a way to earn extra cash when you’re bored, InboxDollars is a great option.
Sign up for InboxDollars today!
17. Kashkick
Kashkick makes getting started super easy. You sign up quickly and jump right into making money. It’s smooth sailing through the app, too, thanks to a design that’s easy on the eyes and simple to get around. I hardly ran into any glitches, which is a big thumbs up for those who aren’t tech wizards.
There’s no shortage of ways to pocket some extra cash here. Whether you’re into surveys, watching videos, or just surfing the web, Kashkick keeps things interesting. It’s nice to have a mix of tasks so you can switch it up instead of getting stuck in a survey rut.
Cashing out is straightforward. They keep the payout threshold low, which means you can get your hands on your earnings without much wait. Payments through PayPal add that layer of ease and security. You won’t be left hanging long to enjoy your earnings, which is nice.
Don’t expect to quit your day job, but the money you make can pad your wallet nicely for relatively little effort. Focusing on the more lucrative activities yields better earnings, indicating that a strategic approach to task selection can enhance your financial gain.
18. Mode Earn App
Diving into the Mode Earn App feels like exploring a treasure chest of small earning gems. You can do a bunch of stuff—play games, dive into a vast sea of over 100,000 radio stations, fill out surveys, or even charge your phone. Plus, there’s this incredible option of getting a Mode Earn Phone, which is a next-level move for those who want to go all in, but remember, it comes with its weekly membership fee.
When it comes to what you can make, think of it more like a slow drip rather than a waterfall. The app suggests you could earn up to $1,200 a year, but a more down-to-earth expectation would be between $10 and $50 a month if you’re active on it. It’s all about the hustle in different tasks, especially the ones that need more from you, like completing surveys or gaming.
Cashing out is pretty flexible. You’ve got options like PayPal, an excellent array of gift cards, or even crypto if that’s your jam. The minimum for cashing out is low, making it easier to see the fruits of your efforts without waiting forever. Gift cards usually start at a 5-buck minimum, and you can dip into your PayPal with just a dollar, though figuring out the points might make you scratch your head a bit.
Setting expectations is key here. Mode Earn isn’t going to fund a luxury vacation, but it’s a neat way to make your phone habits a tad more lucrative. It’s not all smooth sailing, though. Some folks talk about the app being glitchy or the ads driving them a bit batty. But it’s worth a look if you’re into earning a little extra for jamming to music or doing some of the digital legwork.
19. DoorDash
DoorDash is next on the list of apps that pay you. It is pretty simple to use, whether you’re tech-savvy or not. Signing up is quick; before you know it, you’re ready to start delivering. The app itself is a breeze to use; it shows you what you’ll earn per delivery and keeps you updated on extra cash opportunities.
What’s cool about DoorDash is it’s not just about food. You can deliver all sorts of things, from groceries to pet supplies. The flexibility is a big win; you decide when and where you work. Whether it’s a side hustle or something you’re considering full-time, how much you earn depends on a few things like your location, how often you deliver, and, yes, the type of orders you choose to accept. And remember, all those miles you’re driving? Keep tabs on them. They’re tax-deductible.
Dashers get their pay through several options. You can opt for weekly direct deposit, or if you’re in a pinch, DoorDash’s Fast Pay lets you access your earnings daily for a small fee. There’s also a DasherDirect card, a prepaid debit card that is better because you get cashback on gas purchases.
Here’s the lowdown on making more dough: picking the right orders is key. You don’t have to take every small order that comes your way. And if you can deliver multiple orders at once, go for it; make sure you don’t mix them up. Also, timing is everything. Working during busy times means more orders and potentially more tips. Speaking of tips, being friendly and throwing in extra napkins or sauces might bump up those tips.
So, is DoorDash worth it? It’s a solid choice for earning extra cash on your terms. Just keep in mind that like any gig, it has its ups and downs. Your earnings will vary, but with a bit of strategy, you can make the most of your dashes.
20. Mercari
Mercari is like the online garage sale of your dreams, minus the early wake-up call and haggling over a couple of bucks in person. It’s perfect for those of us in the U.S. who are over 18 and have stuff lying around that we swear we’ll use “someday.” Instead of collecting dust, your items could be collecting cash.
Getting started on Mercari couldn’t be easier. Download the app, snap some pics of the stuff you want to sell, write a quick description, and set your price. Boom—you’re in business. And if you’re on the hunt for something specific or love a good deal, browsing is a breeze. When ready, you can save your faves, make offers, or hit the “buy now” button.
The app is pretty simple when it comes to cashing out. After you and your buyer rate each other, the money can be transferred directly to your bank, used for a slight fee through Instant Pay, or spent on something else within the app. They do take a 10% cut from your sale plus a small processing fee, but considering the platform and audience they provide, it’s pretty good.
Your earning potential? Well, it’s as varied as the items on the app. Some folks have turned Mercari into a lucrative side gig, flipping finds for profit. Others use it to make a bit back on things they’d otherwise donate. Remember that high-ticket items over $200 might be a gamble since Mercari caps its shipping insurance at that amount.
If you’re considering diving into Mercari, it’s all about balance. Consider your selling strategy, weigh the fees, and don’t forget about shipping logistics. It’s an easy, popular place to make some extra dough, clear out your space, or find discounted items without leaving your couch. Just remember, like any online marketplace, there’s always a small risk of returns or policy abuses, but that’s just part of the game.
21. Mistplay
Mistplay is a cool app if you’re into gaming on your phone. You sign up, pick your favorite types of games, and start playing to earn points, or what they call Units. It’s all about playing games, racking up points, and getting gift cards in return. They have many different games to choose from—everything from Super Mario Run to Candy Crush Saga. So, you’re likely to find something you enjoy.
The deal with earning points is pretty appealing. You play games, and the more you play, the more Units you earn. You can turn these Units into gift cards from places like Amazon or Google Play. But there’s a twist: the number of Units you get can change, and there are different types of points you earn, like GXP for how long you play a game and PXP, which goes up the more you play any game on Mistplay.
Cashing in your Units for gift cards is simple. You have many options, from small amounts like $0.50 to $25 or more. And while it’s fun and all, don’t expect to quit your day job—most folks say they make a few bucks to maybe $30 or $40 a month if they’re really into it. It’s more about having fun and getting a little something back for your time.
People enjoy Mistplay for the games and the easy way to snag some gift cards. But it’s only on Android for now, which is a bummer for iPhone users. And yeah, earning those gift cards can take a bit, especially if you’re not playing all the time. But if you’re already playing games on your phone, why not give Mistplay a shot and earn a bit while you’re at it?
Sign up for Mistplay today!
22. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a platform that allows users to earn money by completing online surveys, offering a straightforward way to make extra income in their free time. The app provides users with various survey opportunities, with average survey payments ranging between $0.50 and $5.00 and some exceptional surveys potentially paying up to $102. Both public and private company surveys are available for users to complete; they usually take 10 to 30 minutes to complete.
The platform offers multiple ways to redeem earnings, including PayPal cash-outs and gift cards to popular retailers. While survey apps like Branded Surveys can provide a supplemental income stream, users should be aware that survey availability and qualification can vary. The flexibility of the app, which lets users finish surveys in their free time while waiting for a ride, makes it a practical choice for anyone wishing to make a little extra cash online.
Check out Branded Surveys here.
23. Cash’em All
Cash’em All is a mobile gaming rewards app exclusively available for Android devices that allows users to earn virtual coins by playing sponsored mobile games. The app offers a unique approach where users can download and play various featured games, earning coins based on their playtime, with the potential to exchange these coins for rewards like PayPal cash or gift cards from retailers such as Amazon, Starbucks, and Nike.
24. Playtime
As you can see, tons of apps pay you money. You can make money by sharing your opinions, selling your old clothes, investing, and even hanging out with dogs. There’s something for everyone that will fit any schedule, whether you’re a college student, a busy mom, or a person looking to do side hustles.
Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.
