Do you love playing mobile games? Imagine turning that hobby into a way to earn a little extra cash.
Well, you absolutely can find apps that pay you to play games. It’s a genuine way to earn a bit of money or pick up some gift cards just by doing something you might already enjoy.
These apps pay out in different ways.
Some reward you for time spent in various mobile games, while others pay for hitting certain levels or completing tasks. There are even apps where you can compete in tournaments for cash prizes.
Just manage your expectations – you won’t get rich, but it’s a fun, legitimate option for grabbing some extra rewards.
Why Do These Apps Pay You to Play Games?
Right then, curious about why these apps actually pay you to play games? It’s a smart business model, really.
These platforms make their cash primarily by showing you advertisements while you’re using the app or playing games. Sometimes they also earn from in-app purchases you might be tempted to make.
More importantly, game developers are keen to get you to try their games. They actually pay these reward platforms to get new users like you to download and play.
When you complete certain tasks, like reaching a level or playing for a specific time, the platform gets paid by the developer and shares some of that money with you.
It’s a way for developers to get testing and marketing, and for the platform to earn a cut. Pretty straightforward when you think about it!
Legit Apps That Pay You To Play Games
1. FreeCash
This app is a hit for earning cash by playing games and trying new apps. You can also take surveys, watch videos, or complete online tasks.
What’s cool is the low cash-out minimum, starting at just $0.50. Payout options include PayPal, gift cards (like Amazon), and even crypto.
Offers vary based on your device and location. You can earn hundreds of dollars with enough time and effort. It’s definitely one to put on your list.
2. Swagbucks
This popular platform isn’t just about games; you can earn points (called SB) for watching videos, shopping online, searching the web, and taking surveys too.
For gaming, you typically earn by installing new games and reaching specific levels within a set time frame. SB points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or a huge variety of gift cards.
Swagbucks can be a reliable way to earn some side income, especially if you pay attention to the offer requirements.
3. Kashkick
KashKick is a rewards platform available in the United States for those 18 or older. While surveys are a main way to earn, they also have a gaming rewards section.
You get paid for downloading and playing new mobile games. Some offers can pay $5 to $20 or even more. You can cash out to PayPal once you earn at least $10.
4. InboxDollars
This rewards website offers several ways to earn, including playing games, shopping online, scanning barcodes, answering surveys, and getting referral bonuses.
Their games section is similar to Swagbucks, featuring paid gaming offers. You can cash out once you earn $15, choosing from PayPal or dozens of gift cards. They even give you a nice $5 sign-up bonus to get you started.
5. Cash Giraffe
This is an Android-only app available in Canada and the United States that offers a lighthearted way to earn rewards for playing casual games.
It features a variety of games, from puzzles to adventure, and rewards you for reaching milestones.
You earn points based on time spent and progress, which can be redeemed for gift cards like Amazon, Target, and Best Buy, or PayPal cash.
Cash outs can start as low as $140. It’s ideal if you prefer a relaxed earning method.
6. MistPlay
This Android-only app lets you earn points, called units or gems, just for playing different mobile games. They track playtime and reward things like leveling up.
You can swap points for gift cards to places like Amazon or Google Play. PayPal is also an option. Gift cards can start at 50 cents. It’s a fun way to grab rewards just by gaming you might already do.
7. Scrambly
Scrambly is a fun platform available as a website and Android app, primarily in the United States.
It’s a discovery rewards site where you can earn by trying out new apps and games, as well as answering surveys.
They mention having particularly good offers for playing various types of games, from puzzles to action. You only need $1 to cash out with PayPal, and they also offer gift cards.
8. Rewarded Play
This app, just for Android users, lets you earn points for playing games and doing things like watching ads. You can also get points for spending time playing or hitting certain levels in games.
Now, these points turn into gift cards, like for Amazon, but keep in mind you can’t get PayPal cash with this one. One person testing it out found the games buggy and didn’t earn enough for a payout before giving up. So, earning might take some patience.
9. Money Well
Another Android app that’s part of the same family as Cash Giraffe and Cashyy. It pays you to play games and complete tasks.
You can earn around $0.01 to $0.05 per minute of gameplay, potentially making $5 to $15 monthly depending on how much you play.
You can cash out via PayPal starting at just $0.50, or get gift cards to retailers like Amazon and Walmart. New games are added often to keep things fresh.
10. Cashyy
Also an Android app in the same family as Cash Giraffe and Money Well. Cashyy stands out because you can cash out with PayPal after earning just $0.20!
You can also redeem various gift cards once you’ve earned a few dollars. It offers a selection of games across different genres like action, adventure, puzzle, and strategy.
While the game selection might not be as vast as some others, the low minimum payout is a big plus.
11. JustPlay
A popular Android app where you earn cash simply for trying out different mobile games. It’s part of the same family of apps as Cashyy and Money Well.
One really neat thing about JustPlay is that you can cash out your earnings directly to PayPal every three hours. This is pretty unique because there’s no minimum payout amount needed.
12. Blackout Bingo
Yet another fast-paced Bingo game where you compete against others. Speed and using boosters wisely help you score higher points.
You can play for fun or enter paid tournaments for a chance to win cash prizes. The minimum cash-out is typically $10, available via PayPal, Apple Pay, or direct deposit.
Some users report issues like crashes or lots of ads, but it’s widely considered a legitimate game that pays.
13. Solitaire Cash
This iOS and Samsung app lets you compete in Solitaire tournaments against others for money prizes. You win by getting the highest score in timed games with matching decks.
Here’s how it works: you generally deposit funds to enter these cash games. Payouts are available via PayPal or Apple Pay, but earning a real profit can be tough.
14. Pawns.app
Pawns.app is a cool app that lets you play tons of different games for cash prizes. You earn by reaching certain levels or just spending time playing.
What’s neat is you can swap your earnings for PayPal cash, gift cards, or crypto, and payouts start from just $5. It’s even available worldwide! It’s a decent way to potentially earn some rewards.
Super.com
It’s actually a super versatile all-in-one money app, not just a game app. You can earn money playing fun games on there, alongside things like taking surveys and finding cash-back deals.
You can access loads of earning offers and potentially earn a decent amount. Just a heads-up, you’ll likely need a Super+ membership, which costs $15 a month, to unlock most of those earning features.
Don’t Expect to Get Rich
While you definitely can earn money or gift cards with these apps, it’s super important to have realistic expectations.
You’re not going to get rich or earn a six-figure income doing this. Think “extra cash” or “beermoney,” maybe enough for a few bills or treats, definitely not covering your daily expenses.
Many apps pay very small amounts per minute played, like pennies. Some games require you to deposit your own money to enter tournaments for cash prizes, which is more like gambling, and you can lose your buy-in.
While some offers might pay higher amounts for hitting milestones, these can take a lot of time and effort to complete. So, it’s often best seen as a fun side hustle if you already enjoy mobile games.
How to Maximize Earnings with Gaming Apps
- Set Realistic Goals: Understand if you want pocket money or are aiming for higher-paying offers.
- Stack Apps: Use several apps simultaneously to maximize earnings opportunities.
- Choose the Right Apps: Decide if you prefer rewards apps (playing without deposit) or skill-based games (competing for cash, requires entry fee).
- Leverage Bonuses: Take advantage of sign-up bonuses and referral programs.
- Prioritise Offers: Focus on high-paying offers and offers that provide the best return for your time spent. Pay attention to the requirements (level, time limit).
- Stay Consistent: Regular play can increase chances of earning, especially in competitive games.
- Play Free Versions: In skill-based games, try free practice modes before paying to enter cash games.
Conclusion
So, what’s the final word? Yes, you absolutely can earn money or get gift cards by playing mobile games. It’s a real thing!
But here’s the key takeaway: you really won’t get rich from this. Earnings are typically quite small per minute, just enough for some extra cash or “beermoney”.
Some apps pay for playtime or milestones, while others involve competitive tournaments where you might need to deposit funds.
Always check reviews and pay attention to payout options, like PayPal or gift cards, and look for apps with lower cash-out minimums.
Ultimately, think of it as a fun way to earn a little something extra if you’re already gaming, not a path to full-time income.
