If you’re like me, you’ve probably searched for ways to make quick money online and wanted something real — not the “get rich quick” fluff. You just want something simple, fast, and preferably something that puts money in your PayPal account today, not next month.
Well, you’re in the right place. I’ve tested quite a few apps over the last couple of years, and while most are a waste of time, a few actually do what they promise. In this post, I’ll share 12 apps that really pay and, most importantly, send the money to your PayPal account instantly or within hours.
Let’s dive in — no hype, just real stuff that works.
- Swagbucks Live & Swagbucks App
Swagbucks is like the OG of reward apps. With the mobile app or Swagbucks Live trivia game, you can earn points (they call them SBs) for doing super simple things — watching short videos, answering surveys, shopping online, or even just checking in.
Once you hit the minimum amount, you can cash out to PayPal pretty fast. Sometimes it comes through the same day, other times it takes a day or two, but it’s consistent.
Best For: Surveys, watching ads, trivia
Cashout Minimum: $5
- InboxDollars
I’ve made the most money with InboxDollars by doing short surveys and reading emails. It’s not fancy, but it’s straightforward. And when you hit the cashout mark, your PayPal gets credited — often within 24 hours.
Best For: Surveys, emails, playing games
Cashout Minimum: $15
- CashApp (Survey Junkie version)
Not to be confused with the money transfer app — this is a lesser-known app that pays you through PayPal after you complete high-paying surveys and quick offers. It’s low effort if you’re chilling on your phone anyway.
Best For: Surveys
Cashout Minimum: Varies (usually $1 or $2)
- PayPal Honey (Rewards App)
Honey isn’t just for coupons anymore. With the Honey app and browser extension, you earn points (they call them Gold) every time you shop online. You can trade those in for PayPal cash. I’ve used this a lot during holiday shopping and got some sweet PayPal money back.
Best For: Online shoppers
Cashout Minimum: $10 worth of Gold
- Qmee
Qmee doesn’t get enough love, but it’s low-key one of the most chill ways to earn. You install it, answer a few surveys, and boom — cash in your PayPal wallet. What I love most? No cashout limit. You can earn 50 cents and withdraw it instantly.
Best For: Instant payouts, low threshold
Cashout Minimum: $0.01 (literally)
- FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints is cool because it offers a mix — surveys, app downloads, watching videos. You won’t make a fortune, but it adds up quickly. I’ve cashed out to PayPal multiple times and usually got it the same day.
Best For: Mix of tasks
Cashout Minimum: $5
- CashKarma
CashKarma is a rewards app that gives you points for surveys, offers, and watching short clips. It’s not super flashy, but it gets the job done. What I like? You get bonus points just for showing up daily.
Best For: Consistency, daily check-ins
Cashout Minimum: $5
- BuzzBreak
BuzzBreak pays you for reading the news and watching videos. It’s the kind of app you can use while waiting in line or during lunch. The payouts are small, but the PayPal option is fast.
Best For: Light reading and background videos
Cashout Minimum: As low as $0.10
- Timebucks
Timebucks is one of those platforms where there’s always something to do — surveys, tasks, even TikTok-type videos. The payouts take a bit of time, but if you stick with it, the PayPal cashout is real and hits your wallet.
Best For: Wide task variety
Cashout Minimum: $10
- Rewarded Play (Android only)
If you already spend time playing mobile games, Rewarded Play actually gives you points for doing just that. It takes a bit of consistency, but you can earn enough to cash out a few bucks every week or so.
Best For: Casual gamers
Cashout Minimum: $5–$10
- Toluna Influencers
Toluna is one of those legit survey panels that actually pays for your opinions. It’s not lightning-fast like Qmee, but once you’ve earned enough points, PayPal payouts are solid.
Best For: Survey lovers
Cashout Minimum: Around $10 worth of points
- Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
This one’s more for the shoppers. You get a percentage back whenever you buy through their links — kind of like cashback. Payments come quarterly, but if you rack up enough early, PayPal payments go out sooner.
Best For: Regular online shoppers
Cashout Minimum: None if you hit cashback threshold
A Few Tips from Experience
- Don’t chase every app. Pick 2–3 and stick with them. The more focused you are, the more you’ll earn.
- Always read the fine print. Some apps won’t pay if you skip steps or use fake info.
- Use PayPal with verified details. Most apps only pay to verified PayPal accounts, and it saves you drama later.
Final Thoughts
These apps won’t replace a full-time income, but if you’re consistent, you can make enough to cover your data plan, Netflix subscription, or even your groceries. I’ve done it, and so have many others.
Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just someone trying to make extra cash, these PayPal-friendly apps are a good place to start. Try a few, see what fits your routine, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
Got a favorite app I didn’t mention? Let me know — I’m always testing new ones.
