If you’re going to spend time on your phone playing games anyway – and honestly, who isn’t? – you may as well get paid for it.
Finding games that actually pay real money to PayPal can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack, so I’ve done that work for you and pulled together the ones that are genuinely worth your time.
Fair warning upfront: you won’t retire from any of these. But if you’re already gaming on the couch or commuting on the bus, earning a few extra dollars from it is a pretty solid deal.
Swagbucks is one of the top-rated rewards apps out there, having paid out over $530 million to its members. You get a free $10 welcome bonus just for signing up, and from there you can earn by playing games, doing surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.
- $10 bonus the moment you join
- Games, surveys, videos and cashback all in one app
- Cash out to PayPal or gift cards
Best games that pay real money to PayPal
Most apps don’t pay out the second you earn your first cent – they have a minimum cash-out amount you’ll need to hit first.
The good news is that most of the apps below have plenty of other ways to earn beyond just games, which makes reaching that threshold a lot faster than you’d think.
1. Swagbucks
Sign-up bonus: $10 for signing up for free here
Referral bonus: 10% of your friends’ earnings for life
Swagbucks is the one I’d recommend to pretty much anyone looking to get paid through PayPal for playing games. It’s paid out over $530 million to members, which should tell you everything you need to know about whether it actually works.
There’s a solid range of games to play, but what makes Swagbucks really worth your time is all the other earning options layered on top – surveys, cashback on shopping, video watching, and more.
And that $10 welcome bonus is yours just for signing up, which is a pretty great start.
If you want to get the most out of it, it’s worth reading up on some of the best Swagbucks strategies – there are some genuinely good tips for maximizing your earnings fast.
2. InboxDollars
Sign-up bonus: $5 for creating a free account here
Referral bonus: $1 per referral (up to five) and 30% of their lifetime earnings
InboxDollars is another heavy hitter when it comes to earning from your phone. It’s got a really good mix of games – think card games, word games, and arcade-style options – plus a “World Winner” section where you can enter cash tournaments for games like Poker and Wheel of Fortune.
Surveys and videos tend to pay the most here, at around $1.50 each, but the game options are a solid bonus on top of that.
3. TesterUp
Sign-up bonus: None, but you start earning right away
Available in: US, Canada, UK, and Europe
TesterUp is one of the most genuinely game-focused apps on this list – you earn by playing and testing mobile games, rather than treating games as just one small feature among many others.
You can also complete surveys and test products, and all payments go straight to PayPal, which is always a plus. It’s available well beyond just the US too, covering Canada, the UK, and Europe.
Good to know: TesterUp works at your own pace – you pick the games and tasks you want, and you’re not locked into any set schedule.
4. KashKick
KashKick is a rewards platform that’s built around exactly the kind of things people are doing on their phones anyway – playing games, taking surveys, and checking out deals.
There are no hidden catches to navigate here, which is refreshing. You earn, you cash out to PayPal, and that’s it.
5. MyPoints
Sign-up bonus: $2 for signing up with MyPoints here
Referral bonus: Starts at 25 points and scales up to 10% of each referral’s earnings for life
MyPoints is worth having in your arsenal, especially if you do a lot of online shopping – it’s one of the better cashback apps out there. But it also has a genuinely fun games section, with plenty of titles you’d probably be playing for free anyway.
Stack the game earnings with cashback, surveys, and video watching, and you’ll hit the cash-out threshold a lot faster than playing games alone.
6. Mistplay
Mistplay is a platform where game developers release new titles for people to test and play. Unlike most apps on this list where gaming is just one way to earn, Mistplay is built entirely around this concept.
You get paid based on how long you play and how far you progress – so the more into the game you get, the more you earn. It’s one of the more enjoyable ways to make money from gaming, if I’m being honest.
It’s worth knowing that Mistplay is currently Android-only, so iPhone users will need to look at other options on this list.
7. Toluna
Sign-up bonus: 500 points
Cash-out limit: $10
Toluna is best known as one of the higher-paying survey sites out there, but it also has a games section that’s worth checking out alongside the other ways to earn.
What’s nice about Toluna is that it rotates in new games regularly, so you’re not stuck playing the same Solitaire variants that seem to appear on every app. The $10 cash-out limit is pretty reasonable too.
8. FusionCash
Sign-up bonus: $5 for signing up here
Referral bonus: $1 when a friend joins, $2 when they complete their first offer, and $5 each time they cash out
Cash-out limit: $25
FusionCash is a free app with a solid mix of ways to earn – games, videos, and “paid to click” tasks that you can knock out while doing something else entirely, like watching TV.
The cash-out limit of $25 is higher than some others here, but the referral bonuses are genuinely generous and can get you there a lot faster.
9. Lucktastic
Sign-up bonus: Usually $1 after scratching your first digital scratch card
Referral bonus: $1 per referral
Cash-out limit: $5
Lucktastic works like digital scratch cards – you scratch and, if you win, the prize is yours instantly. It’s genuinely fun and, importantly, you don’t need to put any of your own money in.
The results are hit and miss – most people win small amounts, and a few win nothing at all. But the $5 cash-out limit is one of the lowest on this list, which makes it one of the closer options to actually paying out quickly.
10. Dabbl
Referral bonus: $2 per referral
Cash-out limit: $5
Dabbl is one of the more game-focused apps on this list, with a strong lean toward trivia – which is great if you’re the kind of person who crushes pub quizzes.
The $5 cash-out limit is one of the lowest around, which makes it one of the fastest paths to actually getting paid.
11. Drop
Referral bonus: $5 per referral
Cash-out limit: $25
Drop is primarily a cashback app – you link your bank card, shop as normal, and earn points on purchases from places like Postmates, Expedia, and many others.
On top of that, Drop has a games section where you earn extra points, often with “Supercharge Games” that are available for limited periods and pay out even more. It’s a good way to speed up reaching the $25 cash-out point.
12. Givling
Givling is a trivia app with an interesting twist – you join a three-person team and answer true/false questions, and if your team has the top score at the end, you split a cash prize.
A portion of the ad revenue from the platform also goes toward paying off players’ student debts and mortgages, which makes it a bit different from your average game app. You’re not guaranteed to win anything here, but it’s a fun option if trivia is your thing.
Looking for more ways to make money from your phone? If you want to make the most of your screen time, there are some great phone-based jobs that go well beyond gaming apps and can earn you a lot more.
13. Publishers Clearing House
Publishers Clearing House – yes, the ones who show up at your door with oversized checks – also has an app where playing games earns you entries into prize giveaways.
You don’t earn cash directly from playing. But the potential prizes are massive compared to most apps, which makes it worth having on your phone for the occasional play.
14. Long Game
Long Game is a savings app that links your balance to in-app games – the more you save, the more you can play, and game wins go straight to your account.
It’s not going to replace a high-yield savings account, but it’s a fun way to make saving feel a little less boring. You can transfer any winnings out to PayPal if you want to use them elsewhere.
15. Daily Rewards
Sign-up bonus: CA$5 for creating an account here (Canada only)
Referral bonus: 10% of their lifetime earnings
Cash-out limit: CA$30
Daily Rewards is the Canadian sister site of InboxDollars – same concept, adapted for Canada. You can earn from games, surveys, videos, and online deals.
If you’re based in Canada and finding that most of these apps don’t apply to you, Daily Rewards is a solid pick.
16. InboxPounds
Sign-up bonus: £1 for UK residents who sign up here
Referral bonus: 10% of their lifetime earnings
Cash-out limit: £20
InboxPounds is the UK version of InboxDollars – so if you’re in the UK, this is the one to go for. Games, surveys, videos, and cashback are all on offer here.
It has a stronger survey focus than its US counterpart, but there are game options available too – and a few survey options that can even pay you by check if you prefer that.
Want to get paid to play games on your phone? Getting paid to test apps is another great way to earn from your phone that works really well alongside these game apps.
17. 21Blitz
21Blitz is a fast-paced card game that blends the classic game of 21 with a time limit – the goal is to make as many 21 combinations as you can before the clock runs out.
Players can earn real cash by entering head-to-head or multiplayer tournaments. The more tournaments you win, the more you take home.
18. Blackout Bingo
Blackout Bingo is a competitive bingo game where you race to mark off your card before anyone else – and daily tournaments offer real cash prizes for the winners.
There are different rooms with different difficulty levels and prize amounts, so you can pick the right level for you. There’s a referral program too, which helps boost your earnings.
19. Pool Payday
If you’re a pool fan, Pool Payday lets you play 8-ball against real opponents for real money. The app is powered by Skillz, which handles fairness and security, and accepts PayPal for both deposits and withdrawals.
There are regular tournaments with cash prizes up for grabs – just set up your account, choose free or cash play, and go from there.
20. Dominoes Gold
Dominoes Gold brings the classic tile-matching game online with real cash prizes on the line. You earn points for every tile you play and can earn bonus points for completing a full match.
Daily tournaments let you compete against other players for cash, making it a nice option if you grew up playing dominoes and want to put those skills to use.
21. Brain Battle
Brain Battle is a trivia game where you answer questions across categories like history, sports, and pop culture under a time limit. Get them right and you’re in the running for the daily cash tournament prizes.
It’s a solid option if you prefer knowledge-based games over luck-based ones.
22. Bubble Shooter Pro
Bubble Shooter Pro is the classic color-matching puzzle game, but with real cash prizes added to the mix. You match colored bubbles to clear the board, with levels getting progressively harder.
There’s a competitive element too – you can go head-to-head against other players for cash.
23. HQ Trivia
HQ Trivia offers live trivia games twice a day, hosted by a real person, where answering all 12 questions correctly earns you a share of the cash prize.
Prizes can range from a few dollars to thousands depending on the day, and you can play with friends, which makes it a fun group activity with the added bonus of potentially winning money.
24. GrabPoints
Cash-out limit: $3
GrabPoints is a rewards platform that pays you for completing surveys, watching videos, and playing games – and the $3 cash-out threshold is one of the lowest you’ll find.
It has a mobile app available on both iOS and Android, a straightforward points system, and PayPal as a redemption option.
25. AppNana
AppNana pays you for playing games – including some you’d probably play for free anyway, like Angry Birds and Minecraft. Payments are processed within 48 hours of redeeming, which is close to instant by the standards of these apps.
Some reviews note it can take a while to earn enough points to be worth anything, so it’s best used alongside another app rather than as your main one.
26. Bananatic
Bananatic rewards you for playing games and completing quests within those games. It covers a range of genres – action, adventure, puzzle – and you earn “bananas” for your progress that convert into real cash through PayPal.
Surveys are also available if you want to earn faster between gaming sessions.
27. Fronto
Fronto turns your lock screen into an earning opportunity – you earn points by swiping through news stories, ads, and offers every time you unlock your phone.
It’s one of the more passive options on this list, since you’re literally just unlocking your phone. Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash.
28. PrizeRebel
PrizeRebel is a well-established rewards site where you earn from surveys, videos, and games including options like Spin the Wheel, Scratch and Win, and Memory Match.
The referral program is generous – up to 30% of your referrals’ lifetime earnings – and PayPal is one of the main payout options. Earnings can be slow, but it’s a legitimate platform with a long track record.
29. Feature Points
Feature Points rewards you for trying out new apps, watching videos, playing games, and completing surveys. Each task earns points that can be redeemed for PayPal cash.
It’s a decent all-in-one option that works well as a secondary earner alongside something like Swagbucks or InboxDollars.
30. iRazoo
iRazoo lets you earn points through surveys, video watching, game playing, and referrals – and the platform updates regularly so there are always new opportunities available.
The referral program earns you a percentage of your referred friends’ earnings, which can add up nicely if you share it with a few people.
31. AppLike
AppLike rewards you for playing games across a variety of categories – strategy, action, sports, and more. The longer you play, the more points you earn, and those points convert to PayPal cash.
There’s a referral program available too, which can speed up your earnings significantly.
32. FitPlay
FitPlay is a straightforward gaming rewards app where playing mobile games earns you real cash. The game library covers puzzle, strategy, and action genres, and completing in-app offers can boost your earnings further.
It’s a clean, simple platform that does exactly what it says.
33. Moo Cash
Moo Cash offers a range of earning options – playing games, watching ads, completing surveys – and pays out to PayPal. The cash-out threshold is low, which means you don’t have to wait long to see your first payment.
It’s worth having as a secondary app to run alongside something like Swagbucks, rather than as your primary earner.
34. Cash Wheel
Cash Wheel keeps it simple – spin a wheel, complete small tasks like watching an ad or taking a short survey, and earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
It won’t earn you huge amounts, but it’s a low-effort option if you want something to do with idle moments.
35. QuickRewards
Cash-out limit: $0.01 (yes, really)
QuickRewards has arguably the most impressive cash-out limit of any app on this list – literally one cent. It has over 50 earning options including games, surveys, and other tasks, and is available to users in the US, Canada, and UK.
Some users have reported inconsistencies around eligibility for certain tasks, so just be aware of that going in. But at a one-cent threshold, there’s not much to lose in trying it out.
36. Gift Hunter Club
Gift Hunter Club lets you earn points by watching videos, completing surveys, signing up for offers, and more. Those points then convert into PayPal cash or gift cards.
It’s a solid, no-frills option that’s worth having as part of a wider set of earning apps.
37. GiftPanda
GiftPanda rewards you for watching videos, taking surveys, downloading apps, and playing games. Points stack up and cash out to PayPal, and the referral program adds extra earning potential.
Like many on this list, it works best as one of several apps running at the same time rather than a standalone earner.
38. Earn Honey
Earn Honey offers a clean interface for earning through surveys, video watching, and game playing, all of which pay out to PayPal.
It’s user-friendly and easy to pick up, which makes it a decent option if you’re new to these types of apps.
39. Paid Game Player
Paid Game Player has a range of arcade, puzzle, and strategy games that pay real money, and you can also enter cash tournaments to compete against other players.
The minimum payout threshold is $50, which is on the higher side, but with tournaments and a referral program available, reaching it is manageable.
40. Embee Meter
Embee Meter runs quietly in the background and rewards you for keeping apps – including games – installed and active on your phone for a set period. You don’t have to do much at all beyond keeping the app open.
It’s one of the more genuinely passive options on this list, and earnings go to PayPal when you’re ready to cash out.
More apps with games that pay real money
There are plenty more out there worth knowing about. I haven’t personally tested everything below, so just do a quick search to check they’re still active before handing over any personal information.
- AdMe
- App Station
- AppBucks
- AppDown
- AppKarma
- AppMan
- Bingo Clash
- Brain Cash
- CashCrate
- CashOut
- CashPirate Buzz
- Clip Claps
- Free Cash App
- Gameflip
- Game Testers
- GiftPocket
- HQ Sports
- InsideJoy
- iPoll
- Lucky Level
- LuckyMinor
- Make Money
- Mr. Rebates
- Perk
- Pool Payday
- Qmee
- Rakuten
- Receipt Hog
- Rewardable TV
- ScreenPay
- Solitaire Cube
- Spare5
- Spin to Win
- Swag IQ
- TopCashBack
- Univox
- Verasity Gamestore
- VeryDice
- Wealth Words
- WorldWinner
- YooLotto
- Zynga Poker
Which apps actually pay out the fastest?
Strictly speaking, no app pays you the instant you finish a game – they all have minimum cash-out thresholds. But these are the ones I’d focus on if speed is the priority, because they combine low thresholds with other earning options that help you get there faster:
Fastest to pay out: Swagbucks ($10 welcome bonus + games + surveys + cashback), InboxDollars ($5 welcome bonus + games + videos), MyPoints (cashback + games), Toluna ($10 cash-out), Lucktastic ($5 cash-out), and Dabbl ($5 cash-out).
The key: combining game earnings with the other ways these apps let you make money – especially cashback on shopping, welcome bonuses, and referrals – is the fastest route to your first payout.
Most of these apps let you earn through surveys, cashback, and other tasks alongside gaming, so you’re not just limited to what you make from playing. That combination is genuinely the fastest route to actually seeing money in your PayPal account.
Are these games worth it?
Here’s the honest answer: they’re worth it if you’re already gaming on your phone and not earning anything from it. They’re not worth it if you’re specifically sitting down to grind for cash, because the hourly rate on most of them is pretty low.
Think of them as a way to get something from time you’d otherwise be spending on your phone for fun – not as a primary income strategy. If you do want to earn more meaningfully from your phone, getting paid to listen to music and getting paid to text are two other easy options that fit the same casual approach.
My suggestion: Download Swagbucks and one or two others, test which games you actually enjoy on each one, and focus your time on the app that gives you the best rate for your preferred game. You’ll reach the cash-out limit faster by staying consistent with a couple of apps than by spreading yourself thin across ten.
