Ever thought about turning time spent waiting in line or scrolling on your phone into Amazon gift cards or even PayPal cash?
If you’re like most Americans, your phone is part of your daily life. The good news? Some legit apps actually pay you to play games or do simple microtasks — like testing apps or scanning receipts for cashback.
Forget those shady “get rich fast” ads. These apps won’t make you a millionaire — but they can bring in a nice side reward every month, without any upfront cost.
In this full guide, I’ll show you 7 gaming reward platforms that are trustworthy, free to use. You'll learn how they work, how much you can realistically earn, and how to use them strategically.
Disclosure: Her Task is dedicated to improving your personal profitability. To do this the article contains referral links. That means I may earn a small commission or reward if you sign up or take action through one of the links — at no extra cost to you.
Why Would They Pay Me to Play?
Simple: your time and attention are valuable.
Game developers pay apps like Mistplay and Frisbee to get new users and boost engagement.
Brands sponsor activities on Swagbucks and InboxDollars to gather consumer data or increase ad views.
So when you download an app, try a game, or scan a receipt — you’re helping companies market, and in return, they pay you a small cut.
Understanding this is the key to using these apps wisely.
7 Legit Gaming Reward Apps That Actually Pay
All of these apps are free, tested, and available for U.S. users:
1. Mistplay
Best for: Android users who like mobile games
How it works: Download and play games through Mistplay. Earn points (“Units”) as you level up.
Earnings: ~$5–$15/month (depends on time played)
Payouts: Gift cards (Amazon, Google Play, etc.)
Pros: Simple, fun, and pays consistently
Cons: Android only
Verdict: Still the #1 app if you want to get paid just for gaming.
👉 Sign up here to get started
2. Swagbucks
Best for: Variety lovers — surveys, shopping, AND games
How it works: Earn “SB” points by playing games, answering surveys, watching ads, and more
Earnings: $5–$25/month depending on usage
Payouts: PayPal, gift cards (Target, Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
Pros: Trusted for years, easy to stack points
Cons: Busy interface, overwhelming at first
Verdict: A reliable multitask rewards app with gaming included
👉 Sign up here to get started
3.Fetch Rewards (with Fetch Play)
Best for: Casual gamers and frequent shoppersHow it works:
Receipt mode: Snap photos of grocery and retail receipts for points
Game mode: Use Fetch Play to download games and earn points for hitting in-game milestones
Earnings:
Fetch Play: ~3,000–6,700 points/month (equals $3–$6.70)
Receipt scanning: Up to $5/month if used regularly
Payouts: Gift cards (Amazon, Xbox, Starbucks, Google Play, etc.)
Pros:
Two ways to earn: passive (shopping) and active (gaming)
Completely free and no ads in Fetch Play
Cons:
No PayPal option
Game feature may not be available to all users yet
Verdict: Great dual-purpose app that now rewards gaming too
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4.InboxDollars
Best for: People who want real cash payouts
How it works: Earn by playing games, doing offers, watching ads, and answering surveys
Earnings: $10–$30/month with regular use
Payouts: PayPal, gift cards
Pros: Real money payouts, signup bonus
Cons: Requires $15 to cash out
Verdict: Best for those who stick with it — real money, real results
👉Sign up here to get started
5.Gamehag
Best for: Gamers who love in-game rewards
How it works: Complete tasks like “reach level 10” in specific games to earn “Soul Gems”
Earnings: Depends on the game and time invested
Payouts: Steam balance, Robux, skins, gift cards
Pros: Huge game catalog, strong community
Cons: Grinding required
Verdict: Perfect for serious gamers who want game-related rewards
👉 Sign up here to get started
6.Buff
Best for: PC gamers (Valorant, Fortnite, League of Legends, etc.)
How it works: Runs in the background and tracks your gameplay. Rewards are automatic.
Earnings: Very slow — ~$1–$5 every few months
Payouts: Gift cards, gaming gear, skins
Pros: 100% passive
Cons: Very slow to earn
Verdict: Install and forget. Good for bonus rewards over time
👉 Sign up here to get started
7. Frisbee
Best for: Gamers who like Mistplay-style tasks, plus app testing
How it works: Install apps, play games, complete small offers, earn points
Earnings: $5–$10 in the first few weeks
Payouts: Mobile credits, gift cards
Pros: Quick to earn at the beginning
Cons: Offers slow down over time
Verdict: Great for quick wins and casual testing
👉 Sign up here to get started
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Rewards | Avg. Earnings | Effort Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mistplay | Android gamers | Gift cards | $5–$15/month | Active |
| Swagbucks | Variety seekers | PayPal, GCs | $5–$25/month | Active |
| Fetch | Shoppers + gamers | Gift cards | ~$5–$10/month | Mixed |
| InboxDollars | Focused users | PayPal, GCs | $10–$30/month | Active |
| Gamehag | Hardcore gamers | Game credits | Varies | High |
| Buff | PC gamers | GCs, skins | $1–$5/quarter | Passive |
| Frisbee | App testers | GCs, top-ups | $5–$10 early | Active |
Smart Strategy to Earn More
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Use a separate email for rewards apps
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Stack passive + active apps (ex: Buff + Mistplay + Fetch)
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Don’t fall for pay-to-win — all these apps are free
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Take advantage of sign-up bonuses
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Cash out as soon as you reach the minimum
FAQ
Are these apps legit?
Yes — all are verified, have thousands of real user reviews, and offer transparent payment methods.
How much can I realistically earn?
With 2–3 apps, most people earn between $10 and $30 per month. It won’t pay your bills, but it can cover extras like coffee, games, or subscriptions.
Do I need to report this to the IRS?
If you earn gift cards only, probably not. But if you're cashing out through PayPal and it adds up, you might need to report it depending on your total income.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid to play games is no longer a myth — it’s real, but it requires the right tools and expectations.
Think of these apps as cashback for your free time. Used strategically, they can turn minutes of downtime into rewards for you or your family.
Choose the platforms that fit your style. Stay consistent. And treat yourself with those little wins at the end of the month. 💰🎉
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