Mobile and gaming apps that pay real money in the UK

Thanks to streaming platforms, competitive gaming, and a growing number of “play-to-earn” opportunities, making money from online games is now a reality for some people.

UK gaming platforms and apps that pay real money

Below is a list of some of the legit apps that will pay you to play in the UK. Most rely on advertising to generate income, so you’ll usually need to watch ads while you play. It’s also worth noting that many of these apps are only available on Android devices, not iPhones.

1. Freecash

   Freecash partners with gaming companies and then pays you to test mobile games. You’ll earn coins for each completed task. Most tasks take around 5 to 10 minutes to complete, and typically involve achieving specific milestones in a game, signing up and registering, and downloading and playing the game for a specified period. There’s also an option to fill out different surveys online to earn more cash.

   Current Freecash offers

   

   Deal

   Get up to £4 as a welcome bonus

   Get up to £4 as a welcome bonus and earn money playing games, completing surveys & more. T&Cs apply.

   Get deal

   Pros

   • Free to join
   • You can earn money through playing games, completing surveys and testing products
   • Platform is easy to navigate and understand
   • Payouts are usually processed quickly – either instantly or within a couple of days

   Cons

   • Users are often initially placed in “Lite Mode” which limits the number of offers you can take advantage of
   • Fees apply when withdrawing cash via bank transfer or PayPal
   • You’ll need to spend a lot of time playing games to reach the minimum withdrawal limit

   Is Freecash legitimate?

   Yes, Freecash is a legitimate gaming platform and is known for its quick payout process. But remember you won’t earn millions this way.

2. Swagbucks

   Swagbucks is a rewards site that pays you in points, known as SB, when you complete tasks. These tasks can include completing surveys, watching videos or playing games, and you can do this whether you’re an Android or iPhone user. You can then redeem your points for gift cards for retailers such as Amazon or for PayPal credit.

   You’ll usually need to use Swagbucks on your phone and install the game to get started. But be aware it can take a long time to earn enough points, as you’ll only get them once you reach a certain level in the game.

   Pros

   • Variety of earning methods, such as taking surveys, playing games and watching videos
   • Low cash-out threshold
   • Choice of payout options
   • Free to join

   Cons

   • It can take a long time to earn enough points
   • Not a replacement for a regular income
   • Some users have reported being kicked out of surveys

   Is Swagbucks legitimate?

   Yes, Swagbucks is a legitimate site and safe to use in the UK. But make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully.

3. Mistplay

   Previously only available on Android, Mistplay launched an app for iPhone in 2025.

   The mobile app rewards you for downloading and playing new games, and Mistplay will track the time you spend playing. Once you reach a certain target, you’ll earn points – the longer you play, the more you earn.

   You can then redeem your points (or “units”) on gift cards to Amazon, Google Play, PayPal and more. You will also earn bonus units for referring friends.
   

   Pros

   • Wide range of games to choose from
   • Low cash out thresholds
   • You can redeem points for a range of rewards
   • Free to join

   Cons

   • Modest earnings
   • Use of points and units can be confusing
   • Privacy concerns due to Mistplay needing to track phone usage
   • Is Mistplay legitimate?

   Is Mistplay legitimate?

   Yes, Mistplay is a legitimate platform, but do check the small print before you sign up.

4. JustPlay

   The JustPlay mobile app gives you the opportunity to earn money or donate to charity by playing games. You will earn loyalty coins depending on how long you spend playing a game – the longer you play, the more you earn. The coins convert to real money every 3 hours and you can withdraw your cash for Amazon or PayPal, or donate to charity.

   JustPlay is only available on Android.
   

   Pros

   • Free to join
   • Fun way to earn some extra cash
   • Fast payouts
   • Variety of payment options, including donating to charity

   Cons

   • Only available on Android
   • Payout rates can be low and earnings can drop quickly
   • Fairly limited games selection

   Is JustPlay legitimate?

   Yes, JustPlay is a legitimate site and safe to use in the UK.

5. Coinpop

   Coin Pop is another Android app where you can gift cards and money while you play games. After installing, you browse and download games from its curated list across genres like casual, puzzle, and strategy. You earn coins based on active playtime, especially in early minutes, then you can redeem them for real rewards such as PayPal cash or gift cards from Amazon, Google Play & Steam. However, earnings are minimal, with rates diminishing over time, and there have been privacy concerns arise due to extensive usage tracking.
   

   Pros

   • Free and easy to use
   • Fast payouts
   • Variety of payout options, including PayPal, Amazon and Google Play
   • Range of game genres

   Cons

   • Only available on Android
   • Privacy concerns
   • Low payout rates that diminish over time

   Is Coin Pop legitimate?

   Coin Pop is a legitimate platform but there have been privacy concerns around tracking usage across devices.

Tips and warnings

Before you start playing online games, it’s important to be wary of scam sites and know what you’re doing to avoid being stung.

The tips below can help you stay on track.

• Do your research. Seek out well-known websites or apps and look for reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Reddit before you start playing.
• Never pay to play. If a website asks you for upfront fees or to make in-app purchases, resist temptation, otherwise you could end up spending more than you earn.
• Don’t share personal details. Use a dedicated email address and never share your bank details or other personal information, unless you’re using a trusted payment platform like PayPal.
• Withdraw cash quickly. Your earnings won’t be protected with your chosen platform, so withdraw them as soon as possible.
• Spend gift cards fast. If you’re paid in gift cards, don’t hang about when it comes to spending them. Gift cards come with an expiry date, and if the retailer goes bust, the card will become invalid.
• Don’t click on unsolicited links. Watch out for phishing emails – if you receive an email that claims to be offering you a reward, don’t click on any links or attachments.
• Don’t rely on gaming income. You’ll typically only earn small sums from gaming apps, so treat it as a side hustle, not a reliable income.
• Ignore sites promising big rewards. These are likely to be scam sites so avoid them at all costs.

Stay away if you have a gambling addiction. If you struggle with addiction, mobile phone gaming won’t be for you as these apps often encourage you to spend money.

You’ll need to meet a minimum threshold before you can withdraw your cash for gift cards or PayPal credit. Freecash is currently only available on Android, but it says it’s working on an option for iPhone users.

How much can you earn?

Mobile games can be a great way to earn some extra cash and give your bank balance a boost, but don’t expect to earn big bucks this way.

Most players earn anywhere between £10 and £50 a month, but it depends on how much time you invest, the type of platform you choose and the type of tasks available.

Bottom line

If you enjoy gaming, playing online games for money can be a fun way to earn a little extra cash. However, it’s important to remember that it’s unlikely to provide a steady or reliable income.

Before getting started, always read the terms and conditions carefully so you understand how the app works, what’s required of you, and how payments are made.

If the information in this guide has put you off, there are other ways to earn extra revenue including completing surveys or using AI.

Frequently asked questions

• How will I get paid?

  That depends on the app you choose, but you can usually withdraw your cash via PayPal or redeem your rewards for gift cards you can spend at certain retailers. Some apps even let you donate your rewards to charity.

• Are there any free real money game apps?

  Yes, apps such as Freecash, Swagbucks, Mistplay and Justplay are all free to download and use – just watch out for any in-app purchase options.

• Are money game apps worth it?

  That really depends on what you’re looking to get out of it. If it’s something you enjoy and you want to earn a bit of extra money, you might want to explore these options in more detail. But if you’re expecting to earn a steady, sizable income, they won’t be for you.

Written by

Rachel Wait

Writer

Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time. See full bio