8 Best Reward Apps for College Students in 2025
College students in 2025 are juggling rising tuition costs and tight budgets. Reward apps can help by offering cashback, gift cards, and extra income through simple tasks like surveys, shopping, or gaming. Here’s a quick list of the best apps to save and earn:
- Supabucks: Earn up to $200 per task via surveys, games, or app testing.
- Swagbucks: Make $50–$250/month through surveys, shopping, and more.
- Survey Junkie: Earn $1–$3 per survey with flexible payout options.
- Mistplay: Get paid to play games, earning $15–$40/month in gift cards.
- Ibotta: Cashback on groceries and essentials, with $1 billion paid out.
- Google Opinion Rewards: Quick surveys for PayPal cash or Google Play credits.
- TaskRabbit: Complete local tasks like cleaning or errands, earning $30–$100/hour.
- Rakuten: Cashback at 3,500+ stores, including Chegg and Nike.
Quick Comparison
| App | Earning Potential | Best For | Payout Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supabucks | Up to $200 per task | Quick tasks | PayPal |
| Swagbucks | $50–$250/month | Surveys and shopping | PayPal, gift cards |
| Survey Junkie | $1–$3 per survey | Surveys | PayPal, bank transfer |
| Mistplay | $15–$40/month | Gaming | Gift cards |
| Ibotta | Varies (cashback) | Grocery shopping | PayPal, gift cards |
| Google Opinion Rewards | $0.10–$1 per survey | Quick surveys | PayPal, Google Play credits |
| TaskRabbit | $30–$100/hour | Local tasks | Direct payment |
| Rakuten | Varies (cashback) | Online shopping | PayPal, check, gift cards |
These apps are free to use, flexible, and perfect for earning or saving money without disrupting your studies. Dive into the full article to find the best fit for your needs!
15 Best Money Making Apps To Get Paid Daily In 2025
1. Supabucks
Supabucks is a rewards app tailored for college students. You can earn money by testing apps, playing games, or completing surveys.
The platform offers up to $200 for each completed offer. Its straightforward system converts 1,000 coins into $1.00, and you can track your earnings in real time.
What makes it appealing for students? Most tasks take only 10–15 minutes to complete, making it easy to fit into a packed schedule. Plus, with thousands of tasks available daily, there’s always something to do.
Need cash fast? Supabucks offers instant PayPal transfers, perfect for covering sudden expenses.
The app also provides 24/7 support, multiple payout options, and works with reliable partners to ensure a smooth experience.
Let’s move on to another great rewards app.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards platform that has paid out over $832 million to its users. It’s a great option for college students looking to earn some extra cash in their free time.
The platform operates on a simple points system: 100 SB (Swagbucks points) equals $1.00. You can earn these points by doing everyday online activities like taking surveys, shopping online for cashback, playing mobile games, watching videos, searching the web, or even uploading receipts.
When it’s time to cash out, you can choose PayPal (minimum $25) or gift cards, which start as low as $3. Gift cards for retailers like Amazon and Walmart sometimes include discounts of up to 12% on select offers.
On average, users make between $50 and $250 per month, depending on how much time they put in. Some of the higher-paying offers include a $300 bonus for setting up direct deposit with Chime Bank (30,000 SB), a $200 bonus for signing up as an Uber Eats driver (20,000 SB), and a $100 bonus for reaching level 18 in the game Rise of Kingdoms (10,000 SB).
Pro tip: Look out for "Swag Codes" to score quick bonus points. You can also run Swagbucks Watch on a tablet while studying to earn an extra $5 a month passively.
With a 4.1/5 rating from over 35,000 users, Swagbucks won’t replace a part-time job, but it’s a solid way to make some extra money during study breaks.
3. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a popular platform that allows college students to make some extra money, with over $55 million paid out to users so far.
Surveys typically pay between $0.25 and $1.25 each, with most taking 15–20 minutes to complete. On average, users can earn $1–$3 per survey, and those who stay consistent - completing four or more surveys daily - can make up to $130 per month.
Survey Junkie also stands out for its low payout threshold and multiple redemption options:
| Redemption Option | Details |
|---|---|
| PayPal | Get paid directly in cash |
| Bank Transfer | Deposit earnings straight into your account |
| Gift Cards | Choose from Amazon, Target, Walmart, Starbucks, and iTunes |
| Visa Cards | Receive virtual prepaid cards |
The platform offers more than just surveys. Its Android app includes a Mobile Surf to Earn feature, which lets users earn points while browsing on their phones. This can be a handy way to make money during study breaks or between classes, with some users reporting earnings of about $2 per hour.
While it won’t replace a part-time job, Survey Junkie is an easy and flexible way to earn a little extra cash. Its simple interface and dependable payment options make it a great choice for students who want to earn on their own schedule.
4. Mistplay
Mistplay gives college students a chance to earn rewards during study breaks by playing games. With over $150 million paid out to users and an impressive 4.6/5 rating on Google Play from more than 475,000 reviews, this Android-only app turns gaming into a way to earn gift cards. It’s simple to use and makes reward redemption easy.
Mistplay uses a three-tier point system: Units (the in-app currency used to redeem rewards), GXPs (tracks progress in individual games), and PXPs (reflects your overall player rank).
Here’s how the reward system works:
| Gift Card Value | Units Required | Value per Unit |
|---|---|---|
| $5 | 1,800 | 0.27¢ |
| $10 | 3,000 | 0.33¢ |
| $25 | 7,500 | 0.33¢ |
Students can choose from 30 different gift cards, including popular options like Amazon, eBay, and Spotify, or even opt for PayPal cash. Redemptions are processed quickly, usually within 1–2 days.
Based on user experiences, students typically earn between $15 and $40 per month. For example, a FinanceBuzz tester earned $15 after 3.5 hours of gameplay and redeemed it for an Amazon gift card and PayPal cash. However, there are limits: you can only earn for 2 hours per game daily, earnings stop at level 20, and boosted games or bonus events can help you earn more.
"Mistplay is a great way to earn some spending money, but don't put in your two weeks' notice just yet. You won't become a professional gamer through this app, and it probably won't replace an existing side hustle", says Logan Allec, CPA, Founder of Choice Tax Relief and Money Done Right.
Mistplay offers a range of game genres, like strategy, word puzzles, and casino games. While the earnings are modest, the app is a fun and flexible way to add a little extra to a student’s budget.
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5. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cashback app designed to help college students save money on everyday purchases. It has paid out over $1 billion in cashback and works with more than 2,700 retailers. The app offers savings through in-store shopping, online shopping, and strategic use of cashback opportunities.
Here’s how students can use Ibotta to save:
-
In-Store Shopping
Before heading out, browse and add offers to "Your list" in the app. After shopping, either submit your receipt or link your loyalty account to claim cashback. You can also use the in-app scanner to check product eligibility. -
Online Shopping
Install the Ibotta browser extension to access cashback offers, compare prices, and get notified about price drops. -
Smart Shopping
Boost your savings by combining cashback offers with store coupons and sales. Use "any brand" rebates for flexibility, complete bonus challenges for extra earnings, and compare store-brand items with name-brand products for the best deals.
| Payout Method | Minimum Threshold | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Transfer | $20.00 | 0–7 days |
| PayPal | $20.00 | 0–7 days |
| Gift Cards | $25.00 | 0–7 days |
You can redeem your earnings as gift cards for popular stores like Amazon, Best Buy, Starbucks, and Walmart. Keep in mind, new users must complete one redemption and wait seven days before withdrawing funds.
With its wide range of retailer partnerships, Ibotta is a great option for students looking to stretch their budgets.
6. Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is a simple way for college students to earn extra cash by completing short surveys. These surveys cover topics like opinion polls, hotel reviews, and merchant satisfaction.
Each survey pays between $0.10 and $1.00, depending on its length and complexity. The app is perfect for students with packed schedules since surveys can be completed during quick breaks, like waiting in line or between classes.
| Payment Details | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Earnings per Survey | $0.10 - $1.00 |
| Payout Threshold | $2.00 |
| Payout Methods | PayPal or Google Play Credits |
| Credit Expiration | 1 year from earning date |
Tips to Earn More
- Be Honest: Honest answers increase the chance of getting more surveys.
- Act Fast: Surveys expire after 24 hours, so respond quickly.
- Link Accounts: Use the same email for Google Opinion Rewards and PayPal to ensure smooth payments.
"Complete short surveys while standing in line, or waiting for a subway. Get rewarded with Google Play or PayPal credit for each one you complete. Topics include everything from opinion polls, to hotel reviews, to merchant satisfaction surveys. We'll notify you when a survey is waiting." - Google Opinion Rewards
The app keeps things interesting with a variety of question formats, including single-answer, multiple-choice, rating scales, and even image-based queries. This makes the surveys quick and engaging, fitting easily into a student’s day.
For Android users, earnings can be redeemed as Google Play credits to spend on apps, games, movies, or books. iOS users, on the other hand, get their payments through PayPal once they hit the $2.00 threshold. Keep in mind that any unused Google Play credits will expire after a year.
7. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a platform where college students can earn money by completing local tasks. It offers flexible scheduling and allows users to make money using their skills.
Earning Potential
The platform provides a range of earning opportunities based on the type of task:
| Task Type | Average Earnings |
|---|---|
| Cleaning Services | $95 - $177 per job |
| Furniture Assembly | $69 - $168 per project |
| Running Errands | $29 - $72 per task |
| Line Waiting | $30.97 per hour* |
*Rates are based on Washington, D.C. averages.
Take Emely Cepeda, a dental student from Boston, as an example. She increased her hourly rate from $25 to over $100, earning $1,200 in her best month - all while managing her studies.
Getting Started
Here’s how to sign up and start earning on TaskRabbit:
- Download the Tasker app.
- Complete identity verification with a photo ID and selfie.
- Pay a one-time registration fee of $25.
- Set up your profile with skills, availability, and preferred work area.
The verification process usually takes up to two business days.
Payment System
TaskRabbit ensures secure payments through its platform with these features:
- Payments are processed directly through TaskRabbit.
- Taskers keep 100% of their base rate and any tips.
- Clients pay using credit or debit cards.
- Off-platform payments are not allowed.
With these safeguards, TaskRabbit makes getting paid simple and secure.
"You really work for what you need and what you want, which is the beauty of Taskrabbit",
– Emely Cepeda, Boston-based dental student
Tips for Success
Balancing college life with TaskRabbit work can be manageable with these strategies:
- Choose tasks that fit your schedule and skills.
- Research local rates to set competitive prices.
- Deliver high-quality work to earn positive reviews and build a strong reputation.
- Plan tasks around your class schedule for better time management.
- Focus on tasks that are in high demand in your area.
TaskRabbit’s user-friendly app makes it easy for students to handle bookings and communicate with clients, even during busy school days.
8. Rakuten
Rakuten offers a simple way to earn cashback while shopping for everyday items. With over 3,500 participating stores and $3.6 billion paid out to members since 1999, it's a trusted platform for turning purchases into rewards.
Cashback Rates
| Store | Cashback Rate |
|---|---|
| Chegg | Up to 30% |
| Under Armour | 10% |
| Petco | 10% |
| TEMU | 9% |
| Samsung | Up to 8% |
| Nike | 6% |
| Target | 1% |
Rates as of March 2025
How It Works
Rakuten is free and easy to use. You can earn cashback in three main ways:
- Online shopping: Use Rakuten's website or browser extension to activate cashback.
- In-store purchases: Link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account.
- Mobile app: Shop directly through the app and receive instant cashback notifications.
Rakuten earns commissions from retailers and shares a portion with its users as cashback rewards. It's a straightforward system that ensures you can start earning quickly, with regular payouts to keep your rewards flowing.
Payment Schedule
Rakuten follows a quarterly payout schedule:
- February 15 (for purchases made between November 16 – February 14)
- May 15 (for purchases made between February 16 – May 14)
- August 15 (for purchases made between May 16 – August 14)
- November 15 (for purchases made between August 16 – November 14)
To receive payment, you must accumulate at least $5.01 in cashback. Payments can be sent via PayPal, by check, or converted into American Express Membership Rewards points.
Tips for Maximizing Rewards
The average Rakuten member earned $101.46 in cashback in 2024. To make the most of your Rakuten account:
- Use the browser extension for automatic cashback activation.
- Check the homepage often for boosted cashback rates.
- Combine Rakuten with store sales and coupons for extra savings.
- Always activate cashback before making a purchase.
- Contact support if your cashback isn’t tracked correctly.
"Rakuten is a great way to help you earn some cash back for purchases you need or want to make anyway. It's very simple to get set up and earn cash back as long as the brand you're purchasing from is part of Rakuten's network." - CNBC Select
Processing Times
Cashback confirmation times can vary depending on what you buy:
- Online and in-store purchases: 20–100 days
- Travel bookings: 45–120 days
New users can take advantage of a special promotion: 10% cashback on purchases made within their first 7 days.
How to Choose the Right Reward Apps
Look for reward apps that help you earn money while fitting smoothly into your daily routine, especially if you're balancing studies.
Evaluate Time-to-Reward Ratio
Different apps offer varying earning potential based on the time you invest:
| App Type | Average Monthly Earnings | Time Commitment |
|---|---|---|
| Survey/Shopping (e.g., Swagbucks) | $30–$150 | 5–10 hours |
This gives you a quick idea of how much effort is required compared to the potential rewards.
Features to Look For
-
Payment Reliability
Choose apps with a solid reputation for paying users on time. Look for platforms with low payout thresholds, like Swagbucks, which lets you cash out starting at $5. This ensures you can access your earnings sooner. -
Flexible Earning Options
The best apps let you earn in ways that fit your schedule, offering tasks like surveys, shopping, or completing small jobs. They should also work on mobile devices so you can earn during breaks or between classes. Look for apps that offer both active (like surveys) and passive (like cashback) earning methods. -
Variety of Payment Methods
Select apps that provide multiple payout options, such as PayPal, bank transfers, or gift cards to popular stores.
Manage Your Time Wisely
Think about your academic workload when choosing apps. During busy times like exams, stick to apps that allow passive earning. Save more time-intensive tasks for when your schedule is lighter.
Security and Trustworthiness
Always check app reviews, user ratings, and privacy policies before downloading. Look for proof of payments to ensure the app is reliable and safe to use.
Tips to Boost Earnings
To get the most out of reward apps:
- Sign up for apps that offer bonuses for new users.
- Prioritize high-paying tasks first.
- Use multiple apps that complement each other.
- Set realistic goals based on how much free time you have.
Warning Signs to Avoid
Stay away from apps that:
- Charge you to sign up.
- Promise earnings that seem too good to be true.
- Have unclear or confusing payment terms.
- Ask for unnecessary personal details.
- Lack evidence of consistent payments.