The Best Free Apps That Pay Real Money Instantly in 2024 (2024)

There are plenty of legitimate free apps that pay real money instantly for completing simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, or playing mobile games. These money-making apps have millions of users and have paid out millions of dollars in rewards.

The best part? You can cash out your earnings via PayPal or gift cards. Of course, you won't get rich using these apps. But they can be a great way to earn money in your free time.

In this list, you'll find popular apps that let you earn free cash and gift cards right from your mobile device. We'll cover the basics of each app, giving you the info you need to choose one that fits your lifestyle best. From playing a variety of games to completing surveys for cash rewards, there's something for everyone.

1. Freecash

Freecash is a popular rewards platform that allows users to earn real money for completing various online tasks. Available worldwide, Freecash has paid out millions in rewards to users. When you sign up, you'll receive bonus coins to get you started, though the exact amount may vary.

The platform offers multiple ways to earn money, including taking surveys, completing offers, playing games, and watching videos. Freecash uses a coin system for rewards, with 1000 coins equaling $1, making it easy for users to track their earnings and progress towards cashout.

Ways of making money: taking surveys, completing offers, playing games, watching videos

Possible earnings:
• Overall earnings vary, but users report making around $10 to $100 per month
• Specific earnings for individual tasks can vary widely

Payout threshold: $5 for most reward options

Payout methods: PayPal, cryptocurrency, gift cards (including Amazon and others), and unique video game rewards

Start earning with Freecash!

2. Scrambly

Try Scrambly now!

3. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a platform that rewards users with SB points for completing various online activities. Since 2008, they've paid out over $800 million in rewards to members. When you sign up, you'll receive a $10 bonus to start your earnings.

Swagbucks users can earn SB points in various ways, including taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. Swagbucks uses a point system where 100 SB equals $1, making it easy for users to understand the value of their earnings and track progress towards payout thresholds.

Ways of making money: completing surveys, shopping and cashback offers, playing games, watching videos, web searching

Possible earnings:
• Surveys: $0.40 to $2.00 each, taking 5-20 minutes to complete
• Games: Up to $0.10 or more per game
• Overall earnings vary, but users report making around $25 to $100 per month

Payout threshold: $5 for most gift card options

Payout methods: PayPal cash, gift cards (including Amazon, Walmart, and others), Visa reward cards

Make money with Swagbucks!

4. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a popular online platform that rewards users with points for sharing their opinions through surveys. Founded in 2013, they've paid out millions in rewards and have garnered over 10 million members worldwide. When you sign up, you'll receive 25 bonus points to jumpstart your earnings.

Survey Junkie has a user-friendly interface where survey opportunities are clearly displayed with their point values and estimated completion times. The survey website stands out for its low payout threshold of just $5 and its instant PayPal transfer option, making it easier for users to access their earnings quickly compared to many other survey sites.

Ways of making money: taking surveys, completing profile questionnaires, participating in focus groups (by invitation), product testing (for select users)

Possible earnings:
• Surveys: $0.50 to $2.00 each, taking 5-20 minutes to complete
• Profile questionnaires: 10 to 50 points each
• Focus groups: Can pay significantly more, often $50-$100 per session
• Overall earnings vary, but active users report making around $20 to $100 per month

Payout threshold: $5

Payout methods: PayPal (instant transfer), bank transfer (for US members), gift cards (including Amazon, Target, and others)

Give Survey Junkie a try!

5. InboxDollars

Ways of making money: taking surveys, shopping and cash offers, playing games, reading emails, grocery cash rewards

Possible earnings:
• Surveys: $0.50 to $5.00 each, taking 3-25 minutes to complete
• Games: A few cents to $1 per game
• Overall earnings vary, but users report making around $10 to $50 per month

Payout threshold: $15 for the first payment, $10 for subsequent payments

Payout methods: PayPal, gift cards (including Visa, Amazon, and others), check (with a $3.00 processing fee)

6. Rakuten

Rakuten is a legitimate cash back platform that rewards users for their online shopping activities. Since its inception as Ebates, the company has distributed millions in cash rewards to its members. New users receive a $10 welcome bonus upon signing up and completing their first qualifying purchase.

The platform offers a straightforward way to earn money through online shopping. Rakuten partners with over 2,500 retailers, including major names like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Users can earn cash back by making purchases through the Rakuten app or website at participating stores.

Ways of earning cash back: online shopping, in-store purchases at select retailers, referring friends to the platform

Potential earnings:
• Cash back rates: 1% to 40%, depending on the store and current promotions
• Earnings vary based on shopping habits and available offers
• Users can save money on planned purchases across various categories

Payout threshold: No minimum balance required

Payout methods: PayPal, check

7. MyPoints

If you're on the lookout for a legitimate way to earn some extra money online, MyPoints is definitely worth considering. This rewards platform has built a solid reputation by offering users points for a variety of everyday online activities.

One of the standout features of MyPoints is its generous welcome offer. New members can earn a $10 bonus just for signing up and making their first purchase. It's a nice way to kickstart your earnings and get a feel for how the platform works. Plus, with a wide range of point-earning opportunities available daily, it's easy to keep your rewards growing steadily.

Ways of making money: taking surveys, shopping and cashback offers, playing games, watching videos, reading emails

Possible earnings:
• Surveys: $0.30 to $3.00 each, taking 5-25 minutes to complete
• Games: A few cents to $0.60 per game
• Overall earnings vary, but users report making around $10 to $50 per month

Payout threshold: $10 for most rewards

Payout methods: Gift cards (including Amazon, Visa, and others), PayPal cash transfers, travel miles

8. Ibotta

Ibotta is a cash back rewards platform that allows users to earn money on their everyday purchases. Since its launch in 2012, they've paid out over $2 billion (!) in cash back rewards. When you sign up, you'll receive a $20 welcome bonus after redeeming your first offer.

The app offers multiple ways to earn cash back, including grocery shopping, online purchases, linking loyalty cards, and referring friends. Ibotta provides a straightforward approach by displaying rewards in cash rather than points, making it easier for users to track their progress towards payout thresholds.

Ways of earning cash back: grocery shopping, online shopping, linking loyalty cards, scanning receipts, referring friends

Possible earnings:
• Grocery items: $0.25 to $2.00 per item, depending on the offer
• Online shopping: Percentage-based cash back, typically ranging from 1% to 10%
• Overall earnings vary, but users report saving $10 to $50 per month on average

Payout threshold: $20

Payout methods: PayPal, Venmo, gift cards (including popular retailers like Amazon, Target, and Walmart)

9. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys provides users with a reliable way to earn money online through survey participation. New members receive a welcome bonus upon signing up, giving them a head start on their earnings.

The platform uses a simple point system. You earn points for each survey completed, with rewards typically ranging from 50 to 500 points ($0.50 to $5.00) per survey. Longer or more in-depth surveys generally offer higher point values. You can also boost your earnings by completing profile surveys and referring friends to join. With a low payout threshold of just 500 points ($5), you can start cashing out your earnings relatively quickly via PayPal or gift cards.

Ways of making money:
• Taking surveys
• Completing profile surveys
• Referring friends

Possible earnings:
• Surveys: Points vary based on length and complexity, typically ranging from 50 to 500 points ($0.50 to $5.00) each
• Survey completion times generally range from 10 to 30 minutes
• Overall earnings vary, but active users report making around $10 to $50 per month

Payout threshold: 500 points ($5) for all payments

Payout methods: PayPal cash, Gift cards (including popular options like Amazon and others)

10. Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash is a mobile gaming app that rewards users with real money for playing the classic card game. Since its launch, the app has gained popularity and paid out significant amounts in cash prizes to its players. When you sign up, you'll receive a welcome bonus to start your gaming journey.

The app offers multiple ways to earn money, including participating in cash tournaments, competing in head-to-head matches, and completing daily challenges. Solitaire Cash uses a straightforward cash system instead of points, making it easy for players to track their progress towards payout thresholds.

Ways of making money: solitaire cash tournaments, head-to-head matches, daily challenges, special events

Possible earnings:
• Cash tournaments: prize pools ranging from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars
• Head-to-head matches: $0.50 to $5 per game
• Overall earnings vary, but dedicated players report making around $10 to $100 per month

Payout threshold: typically around $10, but may vary

Payout methods: PayPal (with instant payout options), gift cards (including popular choices like Amazon)

How do money making apps work?

So, how exactly do these money making apps work? Let's break it down.

Most of these apps operate on a simple business model. They partner with brands and market research companies who are willing to pay for consumer opinions and engagement. When you use the app to complete a task, like taking a survey or watching a video, the app shares a portion of that revenue with you.

The amount you can earn per task is usually small - think a few cents to a couple dollars. But it can add up over time, especially if you're consistent. And the best part? You can cash out your earnings instantly, usually via PayPal, but also with gift cards or even bank transfers, once you hit the minimum threshold.

In the end, money making apps won't replace your day job. But they can be a fun and easy way to earn a little extra cash in your spare time. And who doesn't love the idea of getting paid real money just for playing games or sharing your opinion? It's like getting rewarded for things you might already be doing on your phone anyway.

Tips to maximize earnings on money making apps

Here are some tips to maximize your earnings with legit money making apps:

• Sign up for multiple legit apps to increase earning opportunities. The more apps you use, the more surveys and offers you'll have access to, boosting your potential to earn money.

• Complete your profile on survey sites to unlock higher paying opportunities. Many apps use this info to match you with relevant, higher-paying surveys, so be thorough and honest.

• Check the apps regularly for news on surveys and offers. Logging in daily ensures you don't miss out on limited-time, high-value earning opportunities to make real money.
  
• Enable notifications so you don't miss time-sensitive, high-paying surveys. This keeps you informed of the latest money making options as soon as they become available.

• Redeem your earnings regularly to avoid issues with points expiring. Most legit apps have a minimum cash out threshold, so cash out your earnings as soon as you hit it.

• Refer friends to boost your earnings with referral bonuses. Many apps offer bonus cash or points when your referrals sign up and start earning, adding to your income.

• Be honest and consistent with your demographic info for better-matched surveys. Providing accurate data helps the apps pair you with the most relevant and rewarding money making opportunities.

Free Apps that Pay Real Money: Let’s Wrap It Up

Free apps that pay real money instantly offer a legitimate way to earn extra cash from your phone. While you won't get rich using these apps, they provide an easy opportunity to boost your income in your spare time.

By signing up for a few of the top apps, you can start earning real money right away. With a variety of earning options like surveys, shopping, and watching videos, there's something for everyone.

To make the most of these apps, be sure to cash out your earnings regularly and take advantage of referral bonuses by inviting friends. The more consistently you engage with these money making apps, the more extra cash you can earn.

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