You need money. Right now. But you don’t want to wait weeks for a paycheck or take out a loan.
What if you could get cash just for downloading apps? No tricks. No scams. Just real money for signing up.
Here’s the truth: Most “free money” apps are garbage. They promise big payouts but deliver pennies after hours of work. Some never pay at all.
But some apps deliver. I’ve tested these 20 apps that give you money just for signing up. Some pay instantly. Others require small tasks first. All of them are real.
You’ll learn which apps pay the most, which ones waste your time, and exactly how to get your money fast.
1. Freecash: $5 Instant + $100 Spin Bonus
Freecash gives you $5 the moment you confirm your email. No waiting. No tasks required first.
But here’s the best part: You also get spins for up to $100 extra. Most people win $10-25 on their spins. The wheel has different prize amounts, and everyone wins something.
You can cash out starting at just 50 cents. That means you can get paid the same day you sign up. The app offers surveys, games, and video watching options for those who want to earn more.
The platform connects to your PayPal account for instant payments. You can also choose Amazon gift cards or cryptocurrency if you prefer those options.
The catch? You need to stay active for 30 days to keep your bonus. If you abandon the app, they might take it back. But staying active just means logging in once per week.
• Suitable for: Students and anyone wanting quick cash
• Success rate: 9/10 (bonus pays almost always)
• Common issue: Takes 24-48 hours to get first payout
• Pro tip: Do the spins immediately – they expire in 7 days
2. Swagbucks: $10 Email Bonus
Swagbucks has been around for over 10 years. They’ve paid out over $500 million to users. That’s real money to real people.
You get $10 just for confirming your email address. Then you can earn more through surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. The platform has dozens of ways to make money.
Active users make $50-250 per month. That’s real money for basic tasks you can do while watching TV. Some power users earn even more by focusing on high-paying activities.
The shopping portal gives cashback at over 1,500 stores. You earn points on purchases you were making anyway. These points add up faster than you think.
The downside? Surveys can be boring and repetitive. Some pay only 50 cents for 20 minutes of work. You need patience to build up meaningful earnings.
• Suitable for: People who shop online regularly
• Success rate: 8/10 (reliable but slow)
• Common issue: Getting disqualified from surveys halfway through
• Best feature: Shopping cashback adds up
3. Current Banking: $50 Real Money Bonus
Current isn’t just an app – it’s a real bank account. Deposit $200 within 45 days and get $50 free. This is FDIC-insured banking.
This is actual banking. You get a debit card, direct deposit, and all normal bank features. Plus tools to save and budget your money. The app helps you track spending automatically.
The $50 hits your account within a week of meeting requirements. You can withdraw it immediately or let it earn interest. There are no tricks or delays.
Current offers additional perks like early direct deposit and no overdraft fees. You get your paycheck up to two days early. This can help with cash flow problems.
The catch? You need $200 to start. If you don’t have that much, skip this one. But if you’re switching banks anyway, this is easy money.
• Suitable for: People ready to switch banks
• Success rate: 10/10 (banks are regulated, they must pay)
• Common issue: Forgetting to deposit $200 in time
• Smart move: Set up direct deposit for ongoing benefits
4. Upgrade Rewards Checking: $200 Banking Bonus
This pays the biggest bonus: $200. But you need to do more work to get it. The requirements are stricter than other banking apps.
Open the account and make three debit card purchases. Any amount works – even three $1 coffee purchases count. You have 90 days to complete this requirement.
You also get cashback on future purchases and other banking perks. This is a legitimate checking account from a real bank. Your money is FDIC-protected up to $250,000.
The account comes with no monthly fees if you meet simple requirements. You can also get fee-free ATM access at thousands of locations nationwide.
The downside? More requirements than other apps. You need to keep the account open for at least 6 months. But the $200 makes it worth the commitment.
• Suitable for: People wanting a new primary bank account
• Success rate: 9/10 (high payout rate if you follow rules)
• Common issue: Not making three purchases in time
• Reality check: Best bonus but most work required
5. Rakuten: $10 Shopping Bonus
Rakuten gives you $10 after you spend $25 through their app in your first 90 days. This is one of the easiest bonuses to earn.
This app gives cashback when you shop at over 3,000 stores. Amazon, Target, Best Buy – they’re all included. The cashback rates change regularly but average 2-5%.
You’ll earn 1-15% cashback on purchases you were making anyway. The $10 bonus is just the start. Regular users earn $100-500 per year in cashback.
Rakuten pays you quarterly through PayPal or check. The payments arrive like clockwork every three months. You can track your earnings in real-time through the app.
The problem? You have to spend money to make money. If you don’t shop online much, this won’t work. But if you shop anyway, it’s free money.
• Suitable for: Regular online shoppers
• Success rate: 8/10 (easy if you shop online)
• Common issue: Forgetting to use the app before shopping
• Smart tip: Install a browser extension for automatic cashback
6. Ibotta: $5 Grocery Bonus
Ibotta pays you $5 after your first grocery purchase through their app. Just scan your receipt and the money appears in your account.
Scan your grocery receipts to earn cashback. You’ll get 1-5% back on items you buy anyway. The app works at most major grocery stores, including Walmart and Target.
You can cash out once you hit $20. Most people reach this within 2-3 shopping trips. The app also offers bonuses for buying certain brands or quantities.
Ibotta partners with major brands to offer higher cashback rates. Sometimes you’ll find 25% or even 50% back on specific products. These deals change weekly.
The catch? You need to activate offers before shopping. If you forget, no cashback. But you can activate them while standing in the checkout line.
• Suitable for: People who buy groceries regularly
• Success rate: 9/10 (works if you follow the process)
• Common issue: Forgetting to activate offers first
• Time saver: Check offers before every shopping trip
7. Fetch Rewards: $10 Receipt Bonus
Fetch gives you up to $10 for scanning your first grocery receipt. No need to activate offers first. Any receipt from any store works.
Just shop normally and scan any receipt. You earn points on every purchase, regardless of what you buy. Gas receipts, restaurant receipts, grocery receipts – they all count.
The app is simple. Scan receipt, get points, cash out. No complicated offers to remember. No brand restrictions. No minimum purchase amounts.
Points convert to gift cards for popular stores like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks. You can also choose prepaid Visa cards that work anywhere.
The downside? Lower earning rates than other receipt apps. You might only earn $10-20 per month. But it requires zero thought or planning.
• Suitable for: Lazy people who don’t want to think about offers
• Success rate: 10/10 (scanning always works)
• Common issue: Points add up slowly
• Best part: Works with any receipt, even gas stations
8. Cash App: Referral Money
Cash App gives you money when friends sign up using your code. You both get paid when they send their first $5. The amount varies but usually ranges from $5 to $15.
This is a real payment app owned by Block (formerly Square). Millions of people use it to send money. It’s not a sketchy startup that might disappear.
You can get a Cash Card for spending and earn boosts (instant discounts) at restaurants and stores. These boosts can save you 10% or more at popular places.
The app also lets you invest in stocks and Bitcoin with small amounts. You can buy fractional shares starting at just $1. This makes investing accessible to everyone.
The problem? You need friends who don’t already have Cash App. The referral game gets harder each year as more people join.
• Suitable for: People with social media followers
• Success rate: 7/10 (depends on your network)
• Common issue: Friends already have the app
• Pro strategy: Share your code on social media
9. InboxDollars: Email Money
InboxDollars pays you to read emails. You also earn money playing games, taking surveys, and downloading apps. The platform has been consistent for over 20 years.
They’ve been around since 2000 and paid out over $80 million. This isn’t a new company that might disappear. They have a real track record.
You can cash out at $30. Most users hit this within 2-4 weeks of regular use. The key is checking your email daily and completing small tasks.
The paid emails usually contain offers or advertisements. You just need to click and read for 30 seconds. Each email pays 2-10 cents.
The catch? Earnings are slow. You might make $20-40 per month if you’re very active. This works better as background income than main earnings.
• Suitable for: Retirees or people with lots of free time
• Success rate: 8/10 (pays but slowly)
• Common issue: Takes forever to reach $30 minimum
• Reality check: Better as side income, not main source
10. KashKick: $1 Quick Start
KashKick gives you $1 immediately for signing up. It’s not much, but it’s instant. The money appears in your account within minutes.
Complete offers and surveys to earn more. The app focuses on higher-paying tasks instead of lots of small ones. Most offers pay $5-25.
Minimum payout is $10. You can usually reach this within a week if you do a few offers. The app clearly shows how much each task pays upfront.
KashKick partners with major brands for their offers. You might test apps, sign up for trials, or complete purchases. All tasks are clearly explained.
The downside? Limited tasks available. You might run out of good offers quickly. New offers appear regularly but not daily.
• Suitable for: People wanting to test money apps with low risk
• Success rate: 9/10 (small bonus always pays)
• Common issue: Running out of good offers
• Strategy: Use it to test if you like money-making apps
11. Survey Junkie: Survey Cash
Survey Junkie doesn’t give instant bonuses, but they pay fairly for surveys. The platform is straightforward without gimmicks or games.
You answer questions about products, services, and your opinions. Each survey pays $1-5, depending on length. Longer surveys pay more.
The app is straightforward. No games or tricks. Just surveys for money. You can see exactly how much each survey pays before starting.
Survey Junkie has partnerships with major brands and research companies. Your opinions help shape products and services. This feels more legitimate than other survey sites.
The problem? You’ll get screened out of many surveys. This wastes time and feels frustrating. You might qualify for only 30% of the surveys you attempt.
• Suitable for: People who don’t mind sharing personal information
• Success rate: 6/10 (screening out is common)
• Common issue: Qualifying for surveys based on demographics
• Honest truth: Better options exist for most people
12. FeaturePoints: App Download Money
FeaturePoints pays you to try new apps. Download, use for a few minutes, then delete. Each app download earns points you can convert to cash.
You also earn through surveys, online shopping, and watching videos. Multiple ways to make money in one app. This diversification helps when one method slows down.
Points can be cashed out for PayPal money, gift cards, or even cryptocurrency. The crypto option is unique among these apps.
The app gamifies earning with levels and achievements. Higher levels unlock better offers and bonus point multipliers. This keeps things interesting.
The catch? App download offers pay less than they used to. You might only earn 25-50 cents per app. The golden age of app downloads is over.
• Suitable for: People who like trying new apps anyway
• Success rate: 8/10 (works but earnings are small)
• Common issue: Apps requiring too much time to earn credit
• Best use: Combine with other earning methods
13. Cash Baron: Game Money
Cash Baron pays you to play mobile games and watch ads. You can also complete surveys. The game selection includes popular titles and new releases.
Games pay decent money if you reach certain levels. Some offer $10-20 for completing specific goals. The key is picking games you might enjoy.
The app pays through PayPal or gift cards. Minimum payout is usually $5-10. You can track your progress toward payout goals in real time.
Game developers work with Cash Baron to get player opinions. Your gameplay data helps improve games. This creates a legitimate business model.
The downside? Games can be addictive and time-consuming. You might spend hours on small payouts. Some games require in-app purchases to progress quickly.
• Suitable for: Mobile gamers who play anyway
• Success rate: 7/10 (games can be frustrating)
• Common issue: Getting stuck on game levels
• Warning: Easy to waste more time than money earned
14. BeMyEye: Local Task Money
BeMyEye pays you to complete tasks in your local area. Check prices at stores, take photos of products, or verify business information.
Tasks pay $2-10 each and usually take 10-20 minutes. You choose which ones to accept. The app shows tasks on a map so you can plan efficient routes.
This feels more like real work than other apps. You’re providing valuable information to businesses. Companies use this data for market research and competitive analysis.
The app requires you to take photos as proof of task completion. GPS tracking ensures you visit the location. This prevents fraud and maintains data quality.
The problem? Tasks aren’t always available in your area. Rural users might find very few opportunities. Urban areas have much more activity.
• Suitable for: People who drive around town regularly
• Success rate: 8/10 (when tasks are available)
• Common issue: Limited tasks in smaller cities
• Best for: Urban areas with lots of retail stores
15. Pawns: Internet Sharing Money
Pawns pays you to share your unused internet bandwidth. Install the app and let it run in the background. The app uses your connection when you’re not using it fully.
You earn money while doing nothing. The app uses your internet connection when you’re not using it fully. Companies use this bandwidth for various legitimate business purposes.
Payments are automatic. You don’t need to complete tasks or watch ads. The app tracks your usage and calculates payments automatically.
Pawns has data centers worldwide and uses your connection for content delivery and web crawling. This is legitimate business activity, not anything shady.
The catch? Earnings are very low. You might make $5-15 per month, depending on your internet speed and usage. Don’t expect significant income.
• Suitable for: People with unlimited internet plans
• Success rate: 10/10 (always works if your internet allows it)
• Common issue: Very slow earnings
• Important: Check if this violates your internet provider’s terms
16. Honeygain: Passive Internet Money
Honeygain works like Pawns but pays slightly better rates. Share internet bandwidth for passive income. The company has been operating since 2019.
The app runs on your computer, phone, or both. More devices mean more earning potential. You can install it on up to 10 devices per account.
You can cash out at $20. This usually takes 2-4 months for most users. The app shows your progress toward the payout threshold.
Honeygain uses your bandwidth for web intelligence, market research, and content delivery. Fortune 500 companies pay for this data access.
The problem? Same as Pawns – very slow earnings. Don’t expect to get rich. Think of it as money for the internet you were already paying for.
• Suitable for: Tech-savvy people with multiple devices
• Success rate: 9/10 (reliable but slow)
• Common issue: Takes months to reach payout minimum
• Reality: Better as forgotten background income
17. TaskRabbit: Real Job Money
TaskRabbit isn’t a “free money” app. You work for your earnings by completing tasks for other people. This is legitimate freelance work.
Help someone move, assemble furniture, or do yard work. You set your rates and schedule. Popular tasks include IKEA furniture assembly and home organization.
This can pay $15-50+ per hour, depending on the task and your location. Skilled tasks like electrical work or plumbing pay premium rates.
TaskRabbit handles payments and provides insurance coverage. You don’t have to worry about collecting money from clients. The platform manages the business side.
The catch? It’s real work. You need skills, transportation, and time. This isn’t passive income. You’re trading time and effort for money.
• Suitable for: Handy people who want flexible work
• Success rate: 8/10 (if you show up and do good work)
• Common issue: Competition from other workers
• Truth: More like freelance work than “free money”
18. Rover: Pet Care Money
Rover pays you to watch pets, walk dogs, or provide pet sitting services. The platform connects pet owners with reliable caregivers.
Set your rates and schedule. Many pet sitters earn $500-2000+ per month. Dog walking typically pays $15-25 per walk.
Pet owners pay premium rates for good care. You can build repeat customers who book you regularly. Good reviews lead to more bookings.
Rover provides insurance coverage and 24/7 support. The platform handles payments and provides safety resources. Background checks are available for serious sitters.
The downside? You need to love animals and have time for pet care. Some pets require overnight stays. Difficult pets can make the job stressful.
• Suitable for: Animal lovers with flexible schedules
• Success rate: 9/10 (high demand for good pet sitters)
• Common issue: Overnight sitting requirements
• Big earning potential: Can replace part-time job income
19. Mistplay: Gaming Rewards
Mistplay pays you to play mobile games on Android. Earn points for time played and achievements. The app tracks everything automatically.
The app recommends games you might enjoy. It tracks your progress automatically. No need to remember to check in or complete tasks.
You can exchange points for gift cards to popular stores and restaurants. Options include Amazon, Google Play, PlayStation, and many others.
Mistplay partners with game developers who want user feedback and engagement data. Your gameplay helps improve games and influences future development.
The catch? Only works on Android. iPhone users are out of luck. Apple’s restrictions prevent apps like this from working on iOS.
• Suitable for: Android users who play mobile games
• Success rate: 8/10 (works if you game regularly)
• Common issue: iOS users can’t participate
• Earning rate: About $10-30 per month for regular gamers
20. Drop: Automatic Shopping Money
Drop connects to your bank account and gives cashback automatically when you shop at partner stores. No receipts to scan or offers to activate.
No scanning receipts or remembering to activate offers. The app sees your purchases and adds cashback. Everything happens automatically in the background.
You earn points on everyday spending at places like Starbucks, Uber, and Netflix. The app recognizes these transactions and awards points instantly.
Drop offers bonus point opportunities and limited-time promotions. You can earn extra points for reaching spending goals or trying new merchants.
The problem? Limited store selection compared to other cashback apps. Your favorite stores might not be included. The partner list changes periodically.
• Suitable for: People comfortable linking bank accounts
• Success rate: 9/10 (automation works well)
• Common issue: Favorite stores not in partner list
• Convenience factor: Set it and forget it approach
Your Next Steps
Start with banking apps if you have $200 to deposit. They pay the biggest bonuses with the least work.
Add 2-3 survey or cashback apps based on your lifestyle. Don’t download all 20 apps at once – you’ll get overwhelmed.
Track your earnings for the first month. Drop apps that waste your time. Keep the ones that pay.
Remember: These apps provide extra money, not a full-time income. Set realistic expectations and you won’t be disappointed.
The best strategy? Pick apps that match what you already do. If you shop online, use Rakuten. If you play mobile games, try Mistplay.
Free money exists. But it’s not as free as the apps want you to think. Choose wisely.
