If you’re looking for simple ways to make extra cash, your smartphone can help! There are dozens of legit apps that pay you money for things like taking surveys, shopping online, walking, or even watching videos. Here are some of the best apps that pay you real money.
Contents
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks rewards you for completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. You earn “SB” points that can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon and Target.
Best for: Surveys and cashback shopping.
2. Ibotta
Ibotta gives you cash back on grocery and online purchases. Just upload your receipt or connect your store loyalty card to earn. You can withdraw your earnings via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards.
Best for: Grocery shoppers and bargain hunters.
3. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Rakuten offers cash back when you shop through their app at thousands of retailers like Walmart, Macy’s, and Best Buy. Payouts are sent quarterly through PayPal or check.
Best for: Online shopping rewards.
4. Fetch Rewards
Snap a photo of your receipt from any store and earn points for every purchase with Fetch Rewards. Points can be redeemed for gift cards to your favorite retailers.
Best for: Everyday shopping and easy scanning.
5. Upside
Formerly known as GetUpside, this app pays you cash back on gas, groceries, and dining. Just check the app for offers near you, upload a receipt, and get paid.
Best for: Drivers and frequent commuters.
6. Mistplay
Mistplay pays Android users to play mobile games. Earn points (called Units) that can be traded for PayPal cash or gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, and more.
Best for: Gamers who want to earn while they play.
7. StepBet
With StepBet, you place a bet on yourself to meet your fitness goals. If you hit your targets, you split the prize pool with other winners.
Best for: Motivation to stay active and earn cash.
8. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the top-rated survey apps that pay you for sharing your opinions. Surveys typically take 5–20 minutes, and points can be cashed out via PayPal or gift cards.
Best for: Quick surveys and extra pocket money.
9. Acorns
Acorns rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the change automatically. They also offer referral bonuses and cashback through their “Earn” program.
Best for: Building long-term wealth effortlessly.
10. Dosh
Dosh gives you automatic cash back when you pay with a linked card at participating stores and restaurants. You don’t have to scan receipts; earnings go straight into your Dosh wallet.
Best for: Hands-free cash back.
Final Thoughts
While none of these apps will make you rich overnight, using a combination of them can add up over time. Whether you prefer surveys, shopping, gaming, or fitness, there’s an app that pays you for what you’re already doing.
