Best Reward Apps for Teens in 2025: Earn Money Under 18

Can Teens Actually Earn Money from Apps?

Yes. Several reward apps allow users 13+ (with some requiring 18+). While you won't get rich, you can earn legitimate spending money for things your parents won't buy—or start building savings habits early.

Here's what actually works for teenagers.

Age Requirements: What You Need to Know

Most Apps Require 13+

• Terms of service typically require age 13 minimum
• Some surveys may have 18+ requirements
• Parental awareness is recommended (but not always required)

Some Apps Require 18+

• Apps with certain financial features (crypto, PayPal in some regions)
• Some survey providers
• Always check terms of service

The Smart Approach

• Be honest about your age
• Use apps that explicitly allow your age group
• Consider having a parent aware of what you're doing

Best Reward Apps for Teens

1. ggbucks (Best Overall for Teens)

Age Requirement: 13+ Minimum Cashout: $1 Best For: Gaming-focused teens

Why Teens Love It:

• You're probably gaming anyway—might as well get paid
• $1 minimum = fast first payout (great for proving it works to skeptical parents)
• Gift cards work even without a bank account
• Modern app that doesn't feel outdated

What You Can Earn:

• Casual play: $30-60/month
• Regular play: $75-150/month
• Dedicated: $150-250/month

Best Cash Out Options for Teens:

• Amazon gift cards (no bank needed)
• iTunes/App Store cards
• Google Play cards
• PayPal (if you have an account)

Parent Tip: The $1 minimum makes it easy for your teen to prove legitimacy quickly.

2. Swagbucks (Best for Variety)

Age Requirement: 13+ Minimum Cashout: $3 Best For: Teens who want options beyond gaming

Why Teens Like It:

• Games, surveys, watching videos
• Shopping cashback (useful if you shop online)
• Been around forever (parents might recognize it)

What You Can Earn:

• Light use: $20-50/month
• Regular use: $50-100/month

Teen Consideration: More options means more complexity. Stick to games and surveys initially.

3. Mistplay (Android Only)

Age Requirement: Check current terms Minimum Cashout: $5 Best For: Android users who game a lot

Why Some Teens Use It:

• Gaming-focused
• Decent reputation
• Gift card rewards

Downsides for Teens:

• Android only (no iPhone)
• $5 minimum is higher
• Slower payouts than ggbucks

What Teens Should Avoid

Red Flags for Any Age:

• ❌ Apps not in official stores
• ❌ Anything requiring credit card
• ❌ Apps promising $500+ monthly "easily"
• ❌ Sites asking for SSN or too much personal info
• ❌ Anything a friend sent via sketchy link

Specific Teen Warnings:

• ❌ Gambling-style apps (even "free" ones can be problematic)
• ❌ Apps requiring you to lie about age
• ❌ Crypto apps if you're under 18 (most require 18+)
• ❌ Survey sites asking inappropriate questions

Safe Earning for Teens

What Legitimate Apps Ask For:

• ✅ Email address
• ✅ Age/birthday
• ✅ Basic demographics (for survey matching)

What They Should NOT Ask:

• ❌ Social Security number
• ❌ Parent's financial information
• ❌ School-specific information
• ❌ Physical address (beyond general location)
• ❌ Credit card or payment TO them

Privacy Tips for Teens:

• Use a separate email for reward apps
• Don't share personal details beyond what's required
• Never give passwords to anyone
• Be careful about what you share in surveys

Realistic Teen Earnings

Light User (30 min/day)

• Monthly: $30-60
• Buys: Streaming subscription, small app purchases, snacks

Regular User (1 hr/day)

• Monthly: $75-150
• Buys: Bigger purchases, saving toward something

Dedicated User (2+ hrs/day)

• Monthly: $150-300
• Buys: Significant purchases, real savings

What This Could Get You (Monthly)

Teen Earning Strategies

The After-School Strategy

• Play games while relaxing after school
• 1-2 hours = daily routine
• Don't let it affect homework

The Weekend Strategy

• Longer sessions Saturday/Sunday
• Catch up on milestones
• Tournaments often run on weekends

The Commute Strategy

• If you bus/train to school
• Perfect for mobile gaming
• 30-60 min each way adds up

The Summer Strategy

• More free time = more earning potential
• Set a goal (new phone? saving for car?)
• Track progress toward that goal

What to Do with Earnings

Short-Term

• Gift cards for immediate wants
• Entertainment (apps, games, streaming)
• Treat yourself occasionally

Medium-Term

• Save for bigger purchases
• Build up $100+ before spending
• Birthday/holiday gift fund

Long-Term (Smart Move)

• Start a savings account
• Save toward a car, college expenses, etc.
• Learn financial habits early

Pro Tip: Even saving $50/month adds up to $600/year. Start early.

Talking to Parents About Reward Apps

Common Parent Concerns (and Answers)

"Is this a scam?"

• Show them this article
• Cash out $1 immediately and show proof
• Point out it's from official app stores

"Is it safe?"

• Explain what data is collected (just email, basically)
• Show them the privacy policy
• Note that no payment is required

"Will it affect your grades?"

• Set time limits
• Do homework first
• It's no worse than regular gaming (and you get paid)

"How do you actually get paid?"

• Show them gift card process
• Demonstrate the $1 minimum
• Show instant delivery

Make It a Positive

Some parents appreciate that their teen is:

• Learning about earning money
• Being productive with screen time
• Understanding value of time
• Building good habits

Common Teen Questions

"My parents won't let me. What do I do?"

Show them this guide. Offer to have them see the app. Cash out $1 to prove it's real. Most concerns come from not understanding how it works.

"I don't have a bank account or PayPal."

No problem! Gift cards don't require any financial accounts. Amazon, iTunes, Google Play all work.

"How do I get my first payment?"

1. Download ggbucks
2. Complete onboarding
3. Play until you have 1,000 points ($1)
4. Redeem for a gift card
5. Check your email—code arrives in minutes

"Is this better than a regular job?"

Different, not necessarily better:

• Regular job: Higher hourly rate, requires schedule, teaches different skills
• Reward apps: Lower rate, completely flexible, can do alongside other things

Many teens do both.

"Can I get in trouble at school?"

Playing during class? Yes, obviously. But using reward apps on your own time is no different than regular gaming.

"Do I have to pay taxes?"

In the US, technically if you earn $600+ from one platform in a year. Most teens earning casually won't hit this. If you do, a parent should help with taxes.

Getting Started (Teen Edition)

Step 1: Get Parent Buy-In (Optional but Smart)

• Show them this article
• Explain it's from official app stores
• Mention the $1 minimum proof

Step 2: Download ggbucks

• iOS App Store or Google Play
• Free download

Step 3: Create Account

• Use your own email (create one if needed)
• Be honest about age

Step 4: Complete Onboarding

• Play 3 games
• Earn 500 bonus points

Step 5: Cash Out $1

• Prove it works
• Show parents if helpful
• Build trust in the system

Step 6: Set a Goal

• What do you want to buy?
• How much do you need?
• How long will it take?

Step 7: Make It Routine

• Same time each day
• Don't let it interfere with responsibilities
• Track your progress

The Teen Bottom Line

Reward apps won't make you rich. But they can:

• Turn gaming time into real money
• Teach you about earning and saving
• Provide spending money without asking parents
• Build good financial habits early

$50-150/month might not sound like much, but that's $600-1,800/year. Real money for doing something you'd do anyway.

Ready to start? Download ggbucks and earn your first dollar today.