26 Highest Paying Apps for REAL Money (2025)

Let’s face it—we’re always looking for ways to make some extra cash, especially if it doesn’t take a ton of time or effort. What if we told you that you could earn real money straight from your phone? Whether it’s answering surveys, playing games, testing apps, or watching videos, there are plenty of mobile apps that actually pay you cash in 2025.

Some of these apps can make you a few bucks a day, while others offer bigger rewards for more time or skill. And yes, this is real money—think PayPal cash, bank transfers, and even crypto payouts.

We’ve rounded up 26 of the highest paying apps that are totally legit, free to use, and worth your time. So grab your phone, download a few favorites, and start turning screen time into money in your pocket.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most well-known reward platforms around. You earn points (called SB) for doing everyday tasks like watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, and playing games.

Payout method: PayPal cash or gift cards
Pros: Tons of ways to earn, easy daily goals
Cons: Surveys can be disqualified

2. InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays you to watch videos, complete surveys, and even read emails. It has a low $15 payout threshold and frequently offers $5–$10 bonuses just for signing up.

Payout method: Check or PayPal
Pros: Simple interface, welcome bonus
Cons: Some tasks pay low amounts

3. Upside (formerly GetUpside)

This app helps you earn cash back when you shop, dine, or get gas. Just upload your receipt and earn up to 25% cash back at participating locations.

Payout method: PayPal or bank deposit
Pros: Real savings, easy to use
Cons: Limited to certain locations

4. Mistplay

Love playing games? Mistplay lets you earn points for trying out new mobile games. The more you play, the more you earn.

Payout method: Gift cards
Pros: Fun way to earn, free to use
Cons: Android only

5. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie pays users to share their opinions on brands and products. You’ll earn points for each survey, and once you hit the threshold, you can cash out.

Payout method: PayPal or gift cards
Pros: Easy to qualify, good payout rate
Cons: Limited number of surveys

6. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)

Earn cashback when you shop online at major retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Target through the Rakuten app or browser extension.

Payout method: PayPal or check
Pros: High cashback rates, $30 sign-up bonus
Cons: Cashback can take time to process

7. Dosh

Dosh automatically gives you cashback when you shop or dine using a linked card. No scanning receipts—just spend and earn.

Payout method: PayPal, Venmo, or bank transfer
Pros: Passive income, great for frequent shoppers
Cons: Must link a debit/credit card

8. Toluna Influencers

This app rewards you for sharing your opinions in surveys, polls, and mini-challenges. It’s popular globally and offers a variety of rewards.

Payout method: Gift cards or PayPal
Pros: Worldwide availability, daily surveys
Cons: Some surveys are long

9. MyPoints

Earn points by shopping, taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games. MyPoints offers a $10 welcome bonus after your first purchase.

Payout method: PayPal, gift cards
Pros: Multiple earning options, easy cash out
Cons: Some tasks pay low

10. CashKarma

Earn karma points by completing surveys, trying offers, and watching ads. Higher Karma boosts your earning potential.

Payout method: PayPal or Amazon gift card
Pros: Fast cashouts, bonuses for daily streaks
Cons: Occasional survey disqualifications

11. Honeygain

Let your internet work for you. Honeygain lets you share unused data bandwidth and pays you based on how much traffic is routed through your device.

Payout method: PayPal or Bitcoin
Pros: 100% passive income
Cons: Uses data, low earnings if not used consistently

12. Field Agent

Get paid to do mystery shopping, price checks, or take photos at stores. Each task pays $3 to $12, and you can cash out instantly.

Payout method: Direct deposit
Pros: Quick payments, real-world tasks
Cons: Requires travel to local stores

13. Gigwalk

Complete local gigs, such as checking product displays or verifying business info. Gigs typically pay $5–$20 and take 5–20 minutes.

Payout method: PayPal
Pros: Flexible, on-the-go earning
Cons: Availability depends on location

14. Foap

Upload your photos and sell them to brands and agencies for $5 a pop. You can also join “missions” with higher payouts.

Payout method: PayPal
Pros: Great for photographers
Cons: Competitive market

15. Tapporo

Tapporo pays you for watching videos, downloading apps, and referring friends. Their referral program is one of the best.

Payout method: PayPal, gift cards
Pros: Reliable payments, good referral earnings
Cons: Interface feels outdated

16. UserTesting

Get paid to test websites and apps and give feedback. Each test pays $10–$60 depending on the task and length.

Payout method: PayPal
Pros: High-paying, fun testing tasks
Cons: Limited availability

17. Pogo

Link your bank account and start earning points for every purchase you make. You can also earn extra from surveys and referrals.

Payout method: PayPal
Pros: Passive rewards from your spending
Cons: Requires sensitive data access

18. Current Rewards (Mode Earn App)

Earn money for listening to music, charging your phone, or completing offers. Some users earn up to $600 a year.

Payout method: PayPal or gift cards
Pros: Entertaining way to earn
Cons: Earnings can be slow

19. Google Opinion Rewards

Answer quick surveys sent by Google and earn Google Play credit or PayPal cash.

Payout method: PayPal or Play Store credit
Pros: Super short surveys, fast payouts
Cons: Infrequent survey invites

20. Rewarded Play

Earn gift cards just by playing games. You collect points as you level up and try different mobile games.

Payout method: Gift cards
Pros: Fun and easy
Cons: No cash option

21. Receipt Hog

Snap photos of your receipts to earn coins, which you can turn into PayPal cash or gift cards.

Payout method: PayPal, Amazon gift cards
Pros: Simple to use, accepts most receipts
Cons: Takes time to reach cashout threshold

22. QuickThoughts

Complete surveys and earn up to $3 per survey. Once you reach $10, you can redeem your earnings.

Payout method: Gift cards
Pros: High-paying surveys
Cons: Limited to two surveys per day

23. Miles App

Get rewarded for every mile you travel—by foot, bike, car, or plane. Redeem points for gift cards or charitable donations.

Payout method: Gift cards or donations
Pros: Earn for all travel types
Cons: Slow point accumulation

24. TimeBucks

Offers a variety of ways to earn—from watching TikToks to solving captchas and taking surveys.

Payout method: PayPal, Bitcoin, Skrill
Pros: Global access, lots of tasks
Cons: Some tasks are time-consuming

25. Fetch Rewards

Scan your grocery receipts to earn points. The more you shop, the more you earn.

Payout method: Gift cards
Pros: No task required beyond scanning
Cons: Lower value receipts earn less

26. AttaPoll

A fast, mobile-friendly survey app that sends you short, paid surveys you can take on the go.

Payout method: PayPal
Pros: Quick surveys, low cashout minimum
Cons: Survey invites vary

Advanced Tips to Boost Your App Income

How To Boost Your Mobile App Performance?

Want to maximize how much you earn from these apps? Try these strategies:

Use multiple apps at once. Don’t just rely on one app. The more platforms you use, the more income streams you have.
Set daily goals. Aim for consistent daily tasks—like 3 surveys or 1 receipt scan per day.
Refer friends. Most apps offer referral bonuses that can multiply your earnings fast.
Cash out frequently. Don’t wait too long to redeem. Apps can shut down or points may expire.
Turn on notifications. Stay alert for high-paying surveys or bonus opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are these apps legit?

Yes! All the apps listed here are verified, with proven payout histories and thousands of positive reviews. Just be sure to download them from official app stores.

Do I need to pay anything?

Most of these apps are free to use. Some may offer optional purchases or subscriptions, but they’re never required to earn.

How much can I realistically make?

It depends on the app and your effort. Casual users might earn $50–$200/month using a mix of apps. High earners can make even more with apps like UserTesting, Field Agent, and HealthyWage.

Are the payouts instant?

Some apps pay within minutes (like Field Agent or PayPal gift cards), while others might take days or even weeks to process.

What’s the best app to start with?

Start with Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Honeygain—they’re user-friendly, have solid earning potential, and are good for beginners.

Final Thoughts

There’s no shortage of legit apps that pay real money in 2025. Whether you’re killing time on your lunch break or looking to build a side hustle, these apps can put a few bucks (or more) into your pocket every month.

While none of them will make you rich overnight, using a few of these apps together can really add up over time. So pick a few that match your lifestyle, get started today, and start earning from the palm of your hand.

Why not get paid for what you’re already doing on your phone? It’s time to turn your screen time into income.