Game Apps That Pay Real Money: Truth, Not Hype
Pay-to-play apps have mixed reviews. Payouts can be small and a long time coming, but some users love them anyway. Here's what to consider before you download.
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Play games, get paid. Lots of mobile apps promise this.
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.
Payouts are generally made once you earn a minimum amount, like $5. Even that can take quite a while, according to app reviews.
Which game apps pay real money?
Solitaire Cube, Swagbucks, InboxDollars and Cash Giraffe are just a few of many apps that advertise that they pay cash for play. For many of these apps, users are asked to complete surveys, watch videos and play games.
Some apps, such as Mistplay, 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. Solitaire Cube, for example, lets you play games with others.
If you’re expecting to play games uninterrupted, though, you might be disappointed.
» MORE: Explore the 9 Best Money-Making Apps
What do users say about pay-to-play apps?
Google Play and App Store reviews are mixed.
An App Store reviewer of Swagbucks says, “I used this app on and off for years but ... the surveys were always garbage and always say they’ll only take a few minutes but take ages and rarely reward what they say because they’ll disqualify you after you spend 20+ minutes answering questions and then grant you pennies (if anything) for your time.”
Others are fans despite some frustrations.
Another Swagbucks App Store reviewer says it is "chock full of gimmicks and ways to earn enough points to get gift cards. They run the gamut from ridiculously easy to almost impossible, but overall it’s worth it."
Other reviews are more polarizing.
InboxDollars reviews range from more than one Google Play user saying the app is a "Total scam," to others rating the app five stars.
One Google Play InboxDollars user says: "This app is actually pretty cool I made $103 in 10 days, so there's always tons of offers and games and other cool added earners like surveys, search web, win it, arcade and more to earn money!"
Pros and cons of game apps, according to Reddit users
We sifted through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about game apps that pay money. We used an AI tool to help analyze the feedback. Here are the pros and cons that rose to the top of our analysis. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.
Some apps, such as Playtime and Fetch Games, offer relatively quick initial earnings ($15-40 in first few days).
Multiple apps can be used simultaneously to maximize earnings.
Apps are a generally easy/passive way to earn while playing games you might enjoy.
No special skills are required to get started.
Many apps have raised minimum cashout thresholds.
Low overall earning potential (most users report $10-25 per month per app).
Time investment required can be significant for relatively small payouts.
Some apps have limited game selection or only offer certain types of games.
The general consensus on Reddit was, if you have the time, energy and interest and want to earn extra money, you can consider one of these apps. But, if you think you'll be too impatient, there are better ways to make fast cash.
What else should I know before I 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.
Do your research and read reviews. Protect yourself and don't provide personal information beyond what the apps require to monitor your playing activity.
Look for payments issued by email, such as gift cards, or PayPal, so that you can safeguard your financial information.
Most importantly: Make sure monetary payouts are legal where you live. Read the app's fine print and look up your state laws online.
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