25 Apps That Pay You Real Cash in the U.S.
In today’s world, your smartphone can be more than just a tool for communication and entertainment—it can be a genuine source of extra income. Whether you want to make quick cash during your free time, supplement your salary, or explore side hustles, there are countless apps in the U.S. that actually pay you in real money, not just gift cards or points.
The challenge? Many “money-making” apps promise big rewards but deliver very little. That’s why we’ve researched, tested, and compiled this list of 25 reliable apps that have proven payment histories, transparent earning methods, and thousands of satisfied users.
From survey platforms and cashback tools to freelance gigs and micro-task apps, this list covers options for all lifestyles. The best part? Most of them require no upfront cost—just your phone, internet connection, and a little time.
1. Swagbucks
What It Does: A popular rewards platform offering multiple ways to earn, including surveys, watching videos, and shopping.
How You Earn: Earn points (“SB”) redeemable for cash or gift cards.
Payout Options: PayPal, Amazon, Walmart gift cards.
Pros: Multiple earning methods, low payout threshold, trusted brand.
Cons: Some tasks pay low, surveys can fill fast.
2. Rakuten
What It Does: Cashback app for online shopping across thousands of stores.
How You Earn: Earn cashback on purchases made through the app.
Payout Options: PayPal or paper check quarterly.
Pros: High cashback during promos, large store network, $10 sign-up bonus.
Cons: Quarterly payments, requires online shopping.
3. InboxDollars
What It Does: Pays you for surveys, emails, games, and videos.
How You Earn: Direct cash rewards per task.
Payout Options: PayPal, prepaid Visa, gift cards.
Pros: Variety of tasks, $5 signup bonus.
Cons: Higher cash-out minimum, some tasks take time.
4. Mistplay (for Android)
What It Does: Rewards users for playing mobile games.
How You Earn: Earn points redeemable for gift cards by playing games.
Payout Options: Gift cards (Amazon, Visa, etc.)
Pros: Fun way to earn, no purchases required.
Cons: Android only, earning can be slow.
5. Ibotta
What It Does: Cashback app for groceries and retail shopping.
How You Earn: Submit receipts or shop via app for cashback rewards.
Payout Options: PayPal, Venmo, gift cards.
Pros: Easy to use, good grocery cashback.
Cons: Requires shopping and receipt submission.
6. Survey Junkie
What It Does: Popular survey platform that pays users for their opinions.
How You Earn: Complete surveys and earn points convertible to cash.
Payout Options: PayPal, e-Gift cards.
Pros: High payout rate for surveys, transparent system.
Cons: Limited survey availability sometimes.
7. Dosh
What It Does: Automatic cashback app linked to your credit/debit cards.
How You Earn: Earn cashback automatically when shopping or dining at partnered locations.
Payout Options: PayPal, direct deposit.
Pros: Hands-free cashback, easy to use.
Cons: Limited merchant partners in some areas.
8. Field Agent
What It Does: Pays users for completing local microtasks like checking prices or taking photos in stores.
How You Earn: Accept tasks and submit proof via the app.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Pros: Flexible, variety of tasks.
Cons: Task availability varies by location.
9. UserTesting
What It Does: Pays you to test websites and apps, then provide feedback.
How You Earn: Complete tests and record your screen/commentary.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Pros: High pay per test ($10+), interesting tasks.
Cons: Requires clear communication and good tech setup.
10. Fiverr
What It Does: Freelance marketplace to offer any skill-based service (writing, graphic design, etc.).
How You Earn: Complete client projects and get paid.
Payout Options: PayPal, bank transfer, Fiverr Revenue Card.
Pros: High earning potential, diverse gigs.
Cons: Competitive platform, requires skills.
11. Upwork
What It Does: Platform connecting freelancers with clients worldwide.
How You Earn: Bid on jobs and complete projects.
Payout Options: Direct deposit, PayPal, wire transfer.
Pros: Variety of projects, good for long-term gigs.
Cons: Fees on earnings, competitive.
12. DoorDash
What It Does: Food delivery gig app.
How You Earn: Deliver food orders and earn per delivery plus tips.
Payout Options: Direct deposit, Instant Pay.
Pros: Flexible hours, instant pay option.
Cons: Car/bike required, variable demand.
13. Uber Eats
What It Does: Another popular food delivery service.
How You Earn: Deliver food, earn delivery fees plus tips.
Payout Options: Weekly direct deposit, Instant Pay.
Pros: Flexible scheduling, high demand areas.
Cons: Vehicle required, wear and tear costs.
14. TaskRabbit
What It Does: Connects people needing help with local tasks (moving, cleaning, handyman).
How You Earn: Get hired for tasks and get paid hourly.
Payout Options: Direct deposit, PayPal.
Pros: Good hourly pay, variety of tasks.
Cons: Physical labor required.
15. Foap
What It Does: Sell your photos to businesses and marketers.
How You Earn: Upload photos; get paid when sold.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Pros: Monetize hobby, easy to start.
Cons: Competitive, payment only on sales.
16. Sweatcoin
What It Does: Pays you to walk and stay active.
How You Earn: Earn coins for steps, redeem for rewards or cash.
Payout Options: PayPal (via Sweatcoin marketplace).
Pros: Encourages healthy habits.
Cons: Requires consistent walking, payout thresholds.
17. HealthyWage
What It Does: Lets you bet on your weight loss goals and win cash.
How You Earn: Place a bet, meet goals, get paid.
Payout Options: Check or PayPal.
Pros: Motivational, potential for big payouts.
Cons: Requires commitment, upfront bet.
18. Acorns
What It Does: Micro-investing app that rounds up purchases and invests spare change.
How You Earn: Indirect earnings through investment returns.
Payout Options: Withdrawable after investment period.
Pros: Automated saving, investment growth.
Cons: Not immediate cash, fees apply.
19. Sweatcash
What It Does: Pays you for walking and completing health challenges.
How You Earn: Earn points for steps and activities, redeemable for cash.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Pros: Health-focused, easy to use.
Cons: Requires daily activity, small payouts.
20. Mistplay (Android)
What It Does: Rewards users for playing mobile games.
How You Earn: Earn points to redeem for gift cards.
Payout Options: Gift cards from Amazon, Visa, etc.
Pros: Fun way to earn, no purchases necessary.
Cons: Android only, slow earnings.
21. InboxPounds (U.K. app similar to InboxDollars, but U.S. users should check eligibility)
What It Does: Paid surveys, tasks, and offers.
How You Earn: Cash rewards per task completed.
Payout Options: Check or gift cards.
Pros: Variety of tasks.
Cons: U.K.-focused, limited U.S. availability.
22. Mistplay
What It Does: Rewards for playing mobile games.
How You Earn: Collect points redeemable for gift cards.
Payout Options: Amazon, Visa, etc. gift cards.
Pros: Fun, easy to use.
Cons: Android only, slow earnings.
23. Shopkick
What It Does: Rewards for walking into stores, scanning items, and shopping.
How You Earn: Earn “kicks” redeemable for gift cards.
Payout Options: Gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks, etc.
Pros: Easy to earn, no purchase required for some rewards.
Cons: Limited payout options.
24. Receipt Hog
What It Does: Earn rewards by uploading your shopping receipts.
How You Earn: Points for receipts uploaded, redeemable for cash or gift cards.
Payout Options: PayPal or gift cards.
Pros: Simple, works with many stores.
Cons: Requires shopping, slow payouts.
25. Vindale Research
What It Does: Paid surveys and product testing platform.
How You Earn: Complete surveys, product trials, and earn cash.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Pros: Direct cash payouts, high-paying surveys.
Cons: Survey availability varies.
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25 Apps That Pay You Real Cash in the U.S.
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