Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Truth, Not Hype - NerdWallet (2024)

Play games, get paid. Yes, there are mobile apps that promise such a thing.

How can these apps pay you to play games? In many cases, you're making them money by watching ads and filling out surveys between games. Your earnings will likely be a few cents a day, and payouts are generally made once you earn a minimum amount, like $5. Even that can take quite a while, according to app reviews.

Here’s what you should know before downloading.

What are game apps that pay real money?

We researched some of the most popular apps in the category of "pay me to play games for free." The results were a mixed bag: some happy players, and many times, an equal number of complaints.

We're not mentioning the apps' names here because we don't want to imply an endorsem*nt.

In the description of one of the more popular pay-for-play apps, watching videos (commercials) and completing surveys were mentioned just about as much as playing games. In other words, don’t expect a lot of uninterrupted play.

Some apps let you earn "units" redeemable for gift cards while playing various games, including slots, cards and battles. You may find a chat function allowing a social connection to fellow players. There's also a live game show app that gives you 10 seconds to answer a trivia question. Virtually scratching off cards to match symbols is another game you'll find offered by these app developers.

A long non-winning stretch, but still hope

Even though some players have eked out only small winnings or have never won, many are still fans.

A reviewer of one app says she's been playing it since 2008 and never won, but keeps playing "so one day it will come to me as a blessing." She says she's keeping her fingers crossed, "and good luck to everyone."

That's the right attitude when it comes to playing game apps for money.

However, if you value your time and want to earn some extra money, you might want to consider these legit ways to make fast cash.

Get even more financial clarity with the NerdWallet app

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Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Truth, Not Hype - NerdWallet (2)

Game apps that pay real money: before you play

Game apps that pay money can seem too good to be true. And sometimes they are. Some unscrupulous providers can postpone payoffs by preventing you from reaching your payout target. Some high-profile game apps have shut down with little notice, leaving users wondering about their prizes.

Complaints about these pay-me-to-play apps often mention delayed or nonexistent payouts or the fact that you have to play so many hours for chump change. Do your research and read reviews before you download any new apps.

Protect yourself by not counting on the prizes — just be pleasantly surprised when you actually do get one — and don't provide personal information beyond what the apps require to monitor your playing activity. And look for payments issued by email, such as gift cards, or PayPal, so that you can protect your financial information.

Perhaps most importantly: Make sure monetary payouts are legal where you live. Read the app's fine print and look up your state laws online.

Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Truth, Not Hype - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

Do any apps actually pay real money? ›

Swagbucks is a well-known app that has paid out over $470 million to users over the last 10+ years. You can earn rewards for shopping online, answering surveys, playing games, and watching videos. A wide variety of gift cards and rewards are available. Redemption options: PayPal and gift cards.

Are there any legit games that pay real money? ›

With Skillz, you can enjoy games like Solitaire Cube, 21 Blitz, and Bubble Shooter. The platform integrates seamlessly with Cash App, allowing you to withdraw your winnings instantly and securely. Swagbucks: Swagbucks is a popular rewards platform that offers multiple ways to earn money, including playing games.

Which app gives real money instantly? ›

Many apps like Mistplay, Lucktastic, Survey Junkie and Dosh offer instant payouts which is excellent. Q: What are the most popular payout options? The most popular redemption methods used by money making apps include PayPal, Amazon gift cards, Visa gift cards, Paytm and direct deposit to bank account.

What is the easiest game app to win real money? ›

Below, I dive further into the best game apps to win real money.
  • KashKick. I think the best game app to win real money is KashKick. ...
  • Swagbucks. Another favorite game app to win real cash is Swagbucks. ...
  • InboxDollars. ...
  • PrizeRebel. ...
  • MyPoints. ...
  • Blackout Bingo. ...
  • Bingo Cash. ...
  • Solitaire Cube.
Mar 30, 2024

Which app gives real money instantly without paying? ›

What are some legitimate free apps that pay real money instantly? Some popular and legitimate apps that offer the opportunity to earn real money include Ibotta, Swagbucks, Acorns, Rakuten, Google Opinion Rewards, and many more. Make sure to do your research and only download apps from trusted sources to avoid scams.

Which app gives real money by playing games? ›

List of best money earning games in India
APP NAMERATINGDOWNLOADS
Gamezy3.7/510,00,000+
GetMega3.6/55,000+
PokerBaazi3.8/51,00,000+
RummyCircle4.1/550,00,000+
11 more rows
Jan 18, 2024

Can you really earn money playing games on your phone? ›

It's possible to play games and earn money without any spending, but gaming apps are likely to tempt you to spend to try to boost your experience. Withdraw your cash as soon as you can. These apps aren't banks. There's no protection if one goes under, taking your cash with it.

Does Bubble Cash pay real money? ›

The more bubbles you pop, the higher your chances of winning! As you progress through levels, prizes become bigger and better - up to $500! So don't miss out on this amazing opportunity - download Bubble Cash® today and start shooting for real money! Compete Against Other Players and Win Big with Bubble Cash®!

How to get $100 instantly? ›

A variety of $100 loan instant apps let you borrow $100 or more instantly, including EarnIn, Brigit, Dave, and MoneyLion. However, most of these apps charge a fee for immediate funding. If you want to access cash for free, you can use these apps, but you may have to wait one to three business days to get your cash.

Which game pays real money to PayPal? ›

Pool Payday offers free matches and cash matches, and you can play by yourself or with friends. There's also a player chat and live events. The game offers realistic pool simulations, allowing you to improve your skills while earning money. You can withdraw any cash you win via PayPal.

Is there an app to win money? ›

Pocket7Games—the premier all-in-one gaming platform where you can have fun while winning real cash!

Do any of the PayPal games really pay? ›

Players can now earn real money from game apps that pay instantly to PayPal, and enjoy a hassle-free experience thanks to its ease of use. Whether you're looking to make a little extra cash or earn a full-time income from online gaming, PayPal offers a reliable way to receive payments.

Is cash Dollar game legit? ›

This game is for amusem*nt purposes only and does not offer "real money" gambling, or an opportunity to win real money or prizes based on gameplay. Playing or success in this game does not imply future success at "real money" gambling.

What slot game pays real money? ›

Which real money slots have the highest payouts (RTP)?
Real Money Slots GameRTPDeveloper
Monopoly Big Event99%Barcrest
Blood Suckers98%NetEnt
Rainbow Riches98%Barcrest
Double Diamond98%IGT
1 more row
1 day ago

Do Panda slots actually pay out? ›

Potential for payout: App description: The Google Play Store description for Panda Fortune claims all rewards and jackpots are 100% free, implying no real money payouts. This suggests it might be a social casino app focused on entertainment rather than real winnings.

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