Looking for easy ways to make money from your phone? Whether you’re a student or just someone who wants to earn extra cash in your spare time, there are legit apps in 2025 that pay you for doing simple things like taking photos, walking, scanning receipts, watching videos, or answering surveys.
You won’t get rich overnight, but many of these apps pay instantly or weekly, and they’re perfect for filling downtime between classes or during weekends.
Let’s dive into the best apps that actually pay in 2025.
📲 1. Swagbucks (Earn by Doing Almost Anything)
- 💵 Tasks: Watch videos, take surveys, shop online, play games
- 💳 Payout: PayPal cash, gift cards
- 📆 Payment frequency: Within 2–3 days
✅ Best for: Students who want variety and don’t mind clicking around.
🔗 Sign-up bonus: $10 just for joining
🌍 Available: US, Canada, UK, and more
🧾 2. Fetch Rewards (Get Paid to Scan Receipts)
- 📸 Snap any grocery, restaurant, or retail receipt
- 💰 Earn points toward gift cards (Amazon, Target, etc.)
- 🔁 Bonus points for specific brands
✅ Best for: Students who buy snacks, groceries, or order food online.
🔗 Tip: Combine with cashback apps like Ibotta for double rewards.
🧠 3. InboxDollars (Get Paid for Surveys & Videos)
- 🎥 Earn by watching ads or reading emails
- 📝 Take surveys or play games
- 💳 Payout: PayPal or gift cards
✅ Best for: Students who want quick rewards with low effort.
🔗 Bonus: $5–$10 free when you sign up
🌍 Available in most countries
🚶 4. Sweatcoin (Get Paid to Walk)
- 👟 Track steps with your phone
- 🏆 Earn “Sweatcoins” to redeem for prizes or donate
- 💰 Some offers include PayPal cash or gift cards
✅ Best for: Students who walk to class and want to monetize it.
🔗 Tip: Upgrade to Sweatcoin Premium for higher earnings.
🧪 5. UserTesting (Get Paid to Review Apps & Websites)
- 💻 Record your screen and voice while testing websites
- 🧠 Give feedback as you click
- 💵 Earn $10–$60 per test
✅ Best for: Students with a laptop, mic, and stable Wi-Fi.
🌍 Available globally — must pass a test sample first
📆 Paid weekly via PayPal
🛍️ 6. Ibotta (Cashback for Everyday Shopping)
- 🧾 Upload grocery and store receipts
- 💳 Link loyalty cards for automatic rewards
- 💰 Get real cash (not just gift cards)
✅ Best for: Students who shop at Walmart, Target, CVS, or local stores.
🔗 Bonus: $10 welcome bonus after first receipt
📆 Payout via PayPal or bank transfer
📷 7. Foap (Get Paid for Your Photos)
- 📸 Upload high-quality photos to the app
- 🏆 Brands or individuals can buy your photo for $5+
- 🧾 You get 50% of the sale
✅ Best for: Students who take great pics with their phone or camera.
🔗 Pro tip: Join “missions” for higher-paying photo contests.
🎮 8. PlaytestCloud (Test Games for Money)
- 🕹️ Get paid to play unreleased games
- 🎤 Record feedback and gameplay
- 💰 Earn $9–$15 per test
✅ Best for: Gamers who want to get paid for testing mobile apps.
🌍 Available in most countries
📆 Paid via PayPal
🧹 9. Gigwalk (Get Paid for Local Mini Tasks)
- 🛍️ Tasks: Take photos in stores, verify displays, mystery shopping
- 📍 Based on your location
- 💵 Earn $3–$25+ per task
✅ Best for: Students who live in cities or near retail stores.
📆 Paid within 1–5 days via PayPal
🔍 10. Field Agent (Similar to Gigwalk)
- 🧾 Audit stores, take photos, answer questions
- 📦 Check prices or inventory
- 💰 Payments range from $3 to $50+
✅ Best for: Students who want flexible, local money-making tasks.
🌍 Available in several countries
📆 PayPal cash out available daily
💼 Bonus App: Rover (Pet Sitting or Dog Walking)
- 🐶 Get paid to walk dogs or watch pets
- ⏰ Flexible scheduling
- 💰 Set your own rate
✅ Best for: Animal lovers with extra time and space
🔗 Payout: Weekly or on-demand
📍 Available in US, Canada, UK, and more
🧠 Quick Comparison Table
| App | Task Type | Avg. Pay | Pay Schedule | Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Surveys, shopping | $5–$50/mo | 2–3 days | iOS, Android, Web |
| Fetch Rewards | Scan receipts | $5–$20/mo | Instant gift | iOS, Android |
| InboxDollars | Watch, surveys | $5–$50/mo | Weekly | iOS, Android, Web |
| Sweatcoin | Walk | Variable | Vouchers | iOS, Android |
| UserTesting | Website testing | $10–$60/test | Weekly | Web |
| Ibotta | Cashback | $10–$100+/mo | PayPal/Bank | iOS, Android |
| Foap | Sell photos | $5+/photo | On sale | iOS, Android |
| PlaytestCloud | Game testing | $9–$15/test | Weekly | Web |
| Gigwalk | Local tasks | $3–$25+/task | 1–5 days | iOS, Android |
| Field Agent | Store checks | $3–$50+/task | Daily | iOS, Android |
🏁 Final Thoughts: Earn Easy Money From Your Phone
With these apps, turning your free time into fast cash is easier than ever. Whether you’re:
- Waiting for a bus
- Watching Netflix
- Walking to class
- Shopping for groceries
You can turn those moments into real money or rewards.
Start with 2–3 apps today and stack your earnings by:
- Referring friends
- Combining cashback and receipt apps
- Testing apps + watching videos daily
👉 Next Up: Best Bank Accounts for Students with High Interest + No Fees (2025)
