Let’s face it—we spend a lot of time on our phones. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, watching videos, or playing games, our screens are practically an extension of our hands. But what if some of that screen time could put money in your pocket instead of just draining your battery?
It’s not a fantasy or a scam. There are real apps out there that pay users in cold, hard cash or at least gift cards and PayPal money. And we’re not talking about confusing stock trades or crypto speculation. These are simple, approachable apps that reward you for tasks like watching ads, walking around, scanning receipts, or sharing your opinion.
This article highlights eight of the best apps that genuinely pay. Whether you’re looking to make a few extra bucks during your downtime or build a small side hustle right from your couch, these apps are worth checking out. Some are passive, some are fun, but all of them are beginner-friendly.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a classic for a reason. It’s been around since 2008, and it’s still going strong with over a billion dollars paid out to users. This app pays you in “SB points” for doing everyday activities like watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, and even playing games.
One of the best things about Swagbucks is the flexibility. You can earn while lying on the couch or while waiting in line at the DMV. Once you accumulate enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Target, or Starbucks.
It won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s a consistent approach. Many users earn an extra $20 to $100 per month with minimal effort. And if you’re someone who already browses a lot online, Swagbucks lets you monetize your habits without changing much at all.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another long-standing favorite that rewards users with real cash, not just points. It’s very similar to Swagbucks in terms of activities. You can earn money by watching short videos, answering surveys, reading promotional emails, and testing out offers.
One standout feature is the video section, where you can play playlists of ads, entertainment news, or lifestyle content. You won’t get paid much per clip—maybe a couple of cents but you can let it run in the background while you’re multitasking.
InboxDollars has a $5 sign-up bonus and a payout threshold of $15. You can get paid via PayPal or check. While it may not replace your day job, it’s an easy and legit way to make a little extra money in your spare time, especially if you find a few favorite tasks to repeat daily.
3. Rakuten
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten gives you cashback for shopping at thousands of online stores. If you’re going to spend money on groceries, clothes, or electronics—why not get a little back? It’s simple: you shop through the Rakuten app or browser extension, and they give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash.
Stores like Walmart, Macy’s, Best Buy, and even Nike are part of Rakuten’s network. You can earn anywhere from 1% to 10% cashback, depending on the store and current promotions. Once per quarter, Rakuten sends you your earnings via PayPal or check.
This app works best for people who shop online regularly. It’s not about spending more; it’s about spending smarter. Activate it before you check out, and let it quietly earn money in the background. You’ll be surprised how fast the cashback adds up.
4. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards turns your grocery receipts into points, which can then be redeemed for gift cards. It sounds too easy, but that’s precisely how it works. After your next grocery run, open the app and snap a photo of your receipt. Fetch scans participating products and brands, automatically awarding points.
You can earn bonus points for buying specific items like cereal, snacks, or paper towels from brands they’re partnered with. But even if your receipt doesn’t have any of those, you’ll still earn a small number of points just for uploading it.
Once you hit around 3,000 points (equal to $3), you can start cashing out. Gift cards to Amazon, Target, and restaurants are popular options. It takes almost no time, and it’s satisfying to see your points climb with every shopping trip. If you’re the person who keeps all your receipts anyway, Fetch turns that habit into actual money.
5. Mistplay
If you love mobile games and want to turn playtime into payday, Mistplay is for you. This app pays you to play games on your Android phone. You install the app, browse through the available games, and start playing. The longer you play, the more points you earn.
Different games offer different rewards, so some pay better than others. The points can be exchanged for gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, Visa, and other major brands. The app tracks your playtime automatically, so you don’t have to keep checking in or submitting proof.
This one’s great for people who already play mobile games like match-threes, RPGs, or puzzle apps. It won’t make you rich, but if you’re spending time gaming anyway, why not earn a few bucks on the side while doing it?
6. Dosh
Dosh is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of app. Once you connect your debit or credit card, you’ll automatically receive cashback whenever you purchase at a participating retailer. No scanning receipts, no entering promo codes—shop like normal, and Dosh takes care of the rest.
The app works with major brands like Dunkin’, Sam’s Club, Pizza Hut, and hundreds more. When you make a purchase, cashback gets added to your Dosh wallet. Once you hit the $15 threshold, you can transfer it to your bank account, PayPal, or donate it to charity.
What makes Dosh stand out is the automation. You set it up once, and then forget about it. It just quietly rewards you in the background as you go about your usual shopping. For people who don’t want to jump through hoops, it’s one of the most painless cashback apps out there.
7. UserTesting
If you’re comfortable speaking your thoughts out loud and trying new websites or apps, UserTesting can be a surprisingly high-paying app-based gig. Here’s how it works: companies want real users to test their websites or products and give honest feedback. You record yourself while browsing or using an app and explain what you’re doing and thinking.
Each test usually takes 10–20 minutes and pays $10 to $20, sometimes more for live interviews. The catch is that you have to qualify for each test based on your demographic or tech setup. But once you get the hang of it, it becomes easier to qualify and build a rhythm.
UserTesting won’t flood you with constant work, but the pay per task is higher than most apps. If you have a quiet space, a smartphone or computer with a mic, and a clear voice, this can be a great way to earn money in focused bursts of effort.
8. Field Agent
Field Agent pays you to complete small tasks in your area, like checking prices, taking product photos, or answering surveys about your shopping experience. You pick a task, visit the store, and submit proof through the app.
Most gigs pay between $3 and $12 and take 10 to 30 minutes to complete. Some involve scanning barcodes, checking shelf placement, or giving feedback on displays. You get paid directly to your bank account or PayPal after the task is approved.
This app is ideal for people who run errands regularly and want to earn a little cash on the side while they’re already out and about.
Final Tips
There’s no shortage of ways to earn a little extra money through your phone—you need to know where to look. Whether you’re taking surveys from your couch, snapping receipts at the grocery store, or testing out the latest game, these apps prove that small efforts can turn into tangible rewards.
The best part is that most of these don’t require any investment, special skills, or long-term commitments. They’re perfect for squeezing into your daily routine—during your commute, lunch break, or late-night scrolling session.
Start with a couple of apps that match your habits. Try them out, find your favorites, and slowly build your side income. Because if you’re going to spend time on your phone anyway, you might as well make it pay.