Let’s be honest, we all have wished to make money while scrolling phones. But the question is — “Can you If you’ve ever wondered whether you can actually earn real cash from your phone?”
Well, the answer is yes — if you know which apps are worth your time.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top money earning apps in USA that people are using daily to stack up PayPal cash, free gift cards, or even crypto. These aren’t shady or sketchy apps — they’ve been tested by millions and have proven track records.
List of Top Money Earning Apps in USA
| App Name | Key Earning Methods | Payout Options | Highlight |
| Swagbucks | Surveys, offers, shopping, games | PayPal, gift cards | Largest user base in the US |
| BonusBuddy | Complete simple offers/tasks, wide offer variety, instant wallet credit, refer & earn bonuses, no ads | Crypto wallet, gift cards, and Bank Transfer | Fast payouts, growing US userbase, and many daily offers |
| InboxDollars | Surveys, offers, and reading emails | Check, PayPal, gift cards | Trustworthy, long history |
| Freecash | Complete tasks, surveys, games, app downloads, fast cashouts, crypto/gift card payout | PayPal, crypto, gift cards | Fast/low payout, very popular |
| Ibotta | Grocery/retail cashback; scan receipts | PayPal, bank deposit, gift cards | Top app for grocery cashback; wide national retailer support |
| Upside | Gas, groceries, and restaurant cashback, no pre-activation | Bank deposit, PayPal, gift cards | Largest gas savings, instant claim, no pre-activation |
| Honey | Cashback, auto coupon finder, price tracking | Gift cards, PayPal, Honey Gold | Auto-applies discounts, strong browser extension |
| RetailMeNot | Cashback & coupons (online/in-store), browser/mobile app | PayPal, Venmo, gift cards | Big brand partnerships, easy digital, and in-store savings |
| FeaturePoints | Surveys, app downloads, offers, and shopping | PayPal, gift cards, crypto | Trusted for app-based offers, low payout minimum |
Whether you’re a student looking for gas money or just want to make your downtime more productive, these apps could become your favorite side hustle tool. Let’s get into the list!
Swagbucks – A Veteran in the Earning Game
Swagbucks has been one of the top money earning apps in the USA for years. With over 10 million downloads, it offers something for everyone: from answering surveys and watching videos to playing games or shopping online. You can even earn by scanning grocery receipts and completing simple offers.
| App Name | Swagbucks |
| Key Features | Paid surveys, watch videos, play games, shop online for cashback, scan grocery receipts, daily polls, offers, referrals, $10 welcome bonus for new users. |
| Estimated Earnings | Varies widely; typical active users can earn $10–$100/month, with some users earning more through consistent participation. |
| Number of Users | 10 million+ downloads; over 10,000 gift cards redeemed daily. |
| Rewards | Redeem for PayPal cash or free gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, etc.); minimum $1 for gift cards, up to $250 PayPal withdrawal. |
| Risks | Some offers may expire or be disqualified before completion, tracking issues may occur, occasional customer service delays, and a low earn rate for passive activities. |
Typical users earn between $10 to $100 a month, though dedicated users have earned much more. There’s also a $10 welcome bonus to kick things off.
You can cash out your points for PayPal cash or grab a gift card from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, or Target. Minimum payouts start as low as $1 for gift cards.
InboxDollars – Get Paid to Read Emails
InboxDollars has earned its place among the top cash rewards apps in the USA thanks to its long-standing reputation and variety of earning options. You get paid for taking surveys, shopping, playing games, trying out new apps, and even reading emails.
| App Name | InboxDollars |
| Key Features | Paid surveys, cash back shopping, try new apps, read emails, play games, scan grocery receipts, and $5 signup bonus. |
| Estimated Earnings | $0.50–$5 per survey; active users can earn $10–$100+/month |
| Number of Users | 5M+ app downloads, millions of total users |
| Rewards | Cash, PayPal, check, and a variety of gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Target, more) |
| Risks | Must reach $30 to cash out; disqualification from surveys; some offers limited by eligibility or may track/reward slowly |
Most surveys pay between $0.50 to $5, and you can easily earn $10–$100+ per month depending on your activity. It also comes with a $5 sign-up bonus.
Once you reach the $30 threshold, you can cash out via PayPal, check, or a wide range of gift cards. It’s not the fastest to pay, but it’s one of the most trustworthy platforms out there.
BonusBuddy – No Ads, Just Earnings
Tired of annoying ads while trying to earn? BonusBuddy has your back. With a clean user experience and 24/7 support, it allows you to earn through simple tasks and offers. There’s also a referral program, instant wallet credit, and a wide task variety.
| App Name | BonusBuddy |
| Key Features | Complete simple tasks/offers; wide variety of choices; instant wallet credit; easy withdrawals; refer & earn bonuses; no ads; 24/7 support |
| Estimated Earnings | $10 to $500 per day |
| Number of Users | Over 10 million users |
| Rewards | Fast payouts & broad task selection for U.S. users. Instant withdrawal via Crypto Wallet, Bank Transfer, and Gift Cards. |
| Risks | Must fully complete all steps; tech glitches possible; rewards not credited if instructions aren’t followed or app was previously installed. |
Users claim to make anywhere from $10 to $500 a day (yes, a day — depending on your activity level and offer availability). You can withdraw earnings instantly via crypto wallet, gift cards, or direct bank transfer.
What sets BonusBuddy apart is the speed of its payouts and its growing user base in the U.S. Definitely a worthy addition to the list of best earning apps in USA.
Freecash – Speedy Payouts, Real Cash
If you’re looking for high-paying apps that pay instantly, Freecash is a rising star. It’s loaded with 10,000+ tasks like playing mobile games, filling out surveys, testing products, and downloading apps. You also get daily bonuses and the chance to climb up the leaderboard for even more cash.
| App Name | Freecash |
| Key Features | Earn by playing games, completing surveys, testing products, trying free apps/offers; 10,000+ active offers; daily bonus ladder, leaderboards; fast payouts. |
| Estimated Earnings | Average $35+/day (active users); cashout available from $2; some users have earned $500–$1,500+ in months (varies by country & activity) |
| Number of Users | 10M+ downloads on Play Store; millions of active global users |
| Rewards | PayPal, bank transfer, crypto (Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum), a wide selection of gift cards (Amazon, Google Play, more), and instant withdrawals from $2 |
| Risks | Earning varies by location and task; offer completion must be verified; occasional task rejection or payout delays; limited earnings for passive users |
Some active users report earning $35+ a day, and high performers have made over $1,000 in just a few months. You can cash out with as little as $2 via PayPal, crypto (like Bitcoin or Ethereum), or gift cards.
Freecash is popular for its super-fast payouts and wide variety of options, making it one of the top money earning apps in USA for 2025.
Ibotta – Earn While You Grocery Shop
Do you buy groceries? Of course, you do. That’s why Ibotta is one of the top money earning apps in USA for everyday shoppers. You get real cash back (not points) for buying items at over 3,000 partner stores, both online and in-store.
| App Name | Ibotta |
| Key Features | Earn cash back on groceries and everyday shopping (in-store or online) at 3,000+ retailers; add offers in-app, shop, and submit receipts or link loyalty; bonus cash with referrals; works with major US brands and apps; average user earns real cash, not points. |
| Estimated Earnings | $261/year average per user |
| Number of Users | Over 50 million registered users |
| Rewards | Real cash (withdraw via bank account, PayPal, or gift cards) after $20 minimum |
| Risks | Offers may expire or change; minimum cashout threshold; possible delayed payout if receipts are unclear; must activate offers before shopping |
The average user earns about $261 a year just by scanning receipts or linking store loyalty cards. Offers can be stacked with other promos and include everything from fresh produce to household items.
You can cash out once you hit $20 via PayPal, direct bank deposit, or digital gift cards.
Upside – Save on Gas, Groceries, and Restaurants
Upside is a must-have if you drive or dine out often. It gives you real cash back for gas, groceries, and even restaurant meals. No need to activate offers in advance — just claim, shop, and earn.
| App Name | Upside |
| Key Features | Earn cash back on gas, groceries, and dining at 100,000+ locations; average 8% cash back on grocery and dining; up to 25¢/gal on gas, 45% back at restaurants, 30% at groceries; stackable with credit/debit/loyalty rewards; free app; offers, receipt/photo or check-in for verification. |
| Estimated Earnings | Frequent users earn an average of $290/year; some earn much more depending on spending and location. |
| Number of Users | Millions of users; over 325,000 5-star ratings on app stores. |
| Rewards | Cash out directly to bank account, PayPal, or a wide selection of gift cards; instant payouts available |
| Risks | Cashback rates and availability vary by location and merchant; receipt/photo verification sometimes required; must activate offers before purchase; offer expiration possible |
With up to 25¢ per gallon back on gas, 30% off groceries, and up to 45% off at restaurants, Upside users are saving serious money. The average user makes around $290/year.
Cash out via PayPal, your bank, or gift cards — and yes, some redemptions are instant!
Honey (PayPal Honey) – Smart Savings with Auto-Coupons
Honey isn’t your typical cash-earning app — it’s a browser extension and app that automatically applies coupon codes when you shop online. On top of that, it gives you cash back on 30,000+ retailers and even tracks price drops.
| App Name | Honey (PayPal Honey) |
| Key Features | Automatically finds and applies coupon codes; cash back rewards on 30,000+ sites; price tracking with Droplist; compares Amazon sellers; daily curated deals; browser extension and mobile app. |
| Estimated Earnings | Average user saves/earns about $126/year; earnings depend on shopping frequency and eligible stores. |
| Number of Users | Over 17 million members |
| Rewards | Redeem PayPal Rewards for cash (via PayPal), gift cards, PayPal shopping credits, or donation (minimum thresholds apply). |
| Risks | Not all stores or transactions are eligible for cash back; coupon codes may not always work; offers change frequently; must have valid PayPal account for cash redemption |
Users save an average of $126/year, but frequent shoppers can earn more. You can redeem your Honey Gold for PayPal cash or gift cards. And it’s all automated — just shop as you normally would, and Honey does the rest.
If you’re looking for apps that save you money passively, this one’s golden.
RetailMeNot – Big Name Deals and Cash Back
RetailMeNot is a reliable go-to for digital coupons and exclusive cash back offers. It works both online and in-store and partners with around 3,800 brands, from big-box retailers to fashion brands.
| App Name | RetailMeNot |
| Key Features | Online & in-store coupon codes, exclusive cash back offers, stackable savings, deals from ~3,800 brands, browser extension, holiday events (e.g., Cash Back Day, Summer Checklist) |
| Estimated Earnings | Typical users save $100–$300+/year, depending on shopping; some cash back offers up to 20% at top retailers |
| Number of Users | Millions of active users; available nationwide |
| Rewards | Cash back via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards; instant coupons apply at checkout |
| Risks | Not all deals/cash back offers are available at every retailer or time; offers may expire or require activation; cash back can take time to be credited |
You can earn up to 20% cash back at select stores and typical users save $100–$300+ per year, depending on how often they shop. The browser extension is especially helpful for automatically applying the best available codes.
Cash out via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards, and enjoy some stackable savings along the way.
FeaturePoints – Earn Points by Testing Apps
FeaturePoints is one of the more flexible top money earning apps in USA. It pays you to complete surveys, download apps, shop online, and even play games. It’s been around since 2012 and has paid millions to users.
| App Name | FeaturePoints |
| Key Features | Earn by completing surveys (up to $5+ each), trying apps, playing games, scratch-and-win, online shopping; available on Android, iOS, and web; worldwide availability; referral rewards |
| Estimated Earnings | Most active users earn $5–$30/month; up to $5 or more per survey; earnings depend on activity and offers |
| Number of Users | 10M+ downloads; millions paid since 2012 |
| Rewards | PayPal cash, Visa prepaid, Bitcoin, Amazon, Google Play, Xbox, PlayStation, Starbucks & more gift cards |
| Risks | Offer availability and payouts can vary by country and user profile; surveys may disqualify; some offers require installing third-party apps; points may not always post instantly |
You can make $5–$30/month on average, but some surveys pay more depending on your profile. Withdraw via PayPal, Bitcoin, or dozens of gift cards.
Bonus: They offer a scratch-and-win feature that adds an extra level of fun.
Summary of Top Money Earning Apps in USA
Top Picks for Fastest Payouts-
- FreeCash
- Bonus Buddy
Best for Grocery Savings-
- Ibotta
- Upside
Best for Online Shoppers-
- Honey
- RetailMeNot
Ready to start earning? Download a couple of these top money earning apps in USA and turn your screen time into income.
Note: You can also go through this article to uncover more sources- How To Make Money Online For Students In India?
Final Thoughts
There you have it — a detailed breakdown of the top money earning apps in USA that are worth your time. Whether you want to save money on your groceries, get cashback from shopping, or complete tasks during your free time, these apps offer legit opportunities to make some extra cash.
Not all apps are created equal — some pay more, some pay faster, and some are better for specific activities like gaming or shopping. Try a few of them out and see which fits best into your routine.
In the end, even if you’re only earning a few bucks here and there, it all adds up. And when it comes to passive income or easy side hustles, your smartphone might just be the most powerful tool you have.
