10 Best Money-Making Apps in India That Actually Pay in 2025

01 Sept, 2025By Team MakeMoney

In 2025, your smartphone is more than just a communication device; it's a tool for earning real money. With hundreds of apps claiming to help you earn, it's hard to know which ones are legitimate. We've done the research for you and compiled a list of the 10 best money-making apps in India that actually pay.

Whether you're a student looking for pocket money, a homemaker wanting to contribute to the family income, or just someone with a few spare hours, these apps offer a variety of ways to earn. From taking surveys and completing micro-tasks to playing games and referring friends, there's an app on this list for everyone. Let's dive in and find the perfect app to boost your income.

1. Google Opinion Rewards

This is one of the most trusted money-making apps, coming directly from Google. It's a survey app that pays you for sharing your opinion. The surveys are usually short and take only a few minutes to complete. They can be about anything from your recent shopping experiences to your thoughts on a new product.

The money you earn is added to your Google Play credit, which you can use to buy apps, movies, books, and more from the Play Store. While it won't make you rich, it's a simple and reliable way to earn some extra cash.

How it Works: Download the app, answer a few basic questions about yourself, and you'll get notified when a survey is available.
Earning Potential: ₹10 to ₹75 per survey.
Pro-Tip: Enable location services, as you may get more surveys based on the places you visit.

2. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular app that offers multiple ways to earn "Swagbucks" (SB), which can be redeemed for gift cards from Amazon, Flipkart, or cash via PayPal. You can earn SB by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and even by shopping online through their portal.

It's a versatile app that caters to different interests. If you enjoy a variety of tasks, Swagbucks can be a fun and engaging way to earn.

How it Works: Sign up for free and start completing tasks to earn SB.
Earning Potential: You can realistically earn ₹500 to ₹2,000 per month with consistent effort.
Pro-Tip: Make Swagbucks your default search engine to earn SB passively while you browse the web.

3. Meesho

Meesho is one of India's leading social commerce platforms, allowing anyone to start an online business with zero investment. You can become a reseller and sell products from Meesho's vast catalog to your network on WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.

You add your profit margin to the price of the products, and that's what you earn. Meesho handles everything from inventory and shipping to payments, so you can focus on selling.

How it Works: Browse products on Meesho, share them with your network, and place orders on behalf of your customers.
Earning Potential: Your income depends on your sales skills, but many resellers earn ₹25,000+ per month.
Pro-Tip: Focus on a specific category, like ethnic wear or home decor, to build a loyal customer base.

4. CRED

CRED is a credit card bill payment app that rewards you for paying your bills on time. For every rupee you pay towards your credit card bill through CRED, you earn one CRED coin. These coins can be used to claim rewards and discounts from a wide range of brands.

Additionally, CRED has a "refer and earn" program where you can earn rewards for inviting your friends to the platform. While it's not a direct cash-earning app, the savings and rewards can be substantial.

How it Works: Pay your credit card bills through the app to earn coins and claim rewards.
Earning Potential: Savings and rewards can be worth thousands of rupees per month.
Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for special "Mega Jackpot" events where you can win big prizes like cars and iPhones.

5. TaskBucks

TaskBucks is a popular app that pays you for completing simple tasks like trying new apps, watching videos, and participating in contests. It also has a robust referral program that rewards you for inviting friends.

The money you earn can be transferred to your Paytm wallet or used for mobile recharges. It's a great app for students and anyone looking to earn some quick pocket money.

How it Works: Download and complete tasks to earn coins, which can be converted to cash.
Earning Potential: ₹200 to ₹500 per month.
Pro-Tip: Participate in the daily contests to increase your chances of winning a larger amount.

6. Roz Dhan

Roz Dhan is another app that pays you for completing simple tasks like reading news, checking your horoscope, and playing games. You get a sign-up bonus just for installing the app and logging in for the first time.

The app has a strong focus on referrals, and you can earn a significant amount by building a network of users. The earnings can be withdrawn to your Paytm account.

How it Works: Engage with the content on the app and invite friends to earn money.
Earning Potential: ₹100 to ₹300 per month, with higher potential through referrals.
Pro-Tip: Focus on inviting friends who are likely to be active on the app to maximize your referral earnings.

7. PhonePe

While primarily a UPI and payments app, PhonePe offers several ways to earn cashback and rewards. You can get cashback on mobile recharges, bill payments, and transactions at partner stores.

PhonePe also has a "refer and earn" program that pays you a cash reward for every friend who signs up and makes their first transaction using your link.

How it Works: Use the app for your daily transactions and invite friends to earn rewards.
Earning Potential: Cashback and referral bonuses can add up to a few hundred rupees per month.
Pro-Tip: Check the "Offers" section of the app regularly for the latest cashback deals.

8. Dream11

If you're a sports fan, Dream11 allows you to use your knowledge to win real money. It's a fantasy sports platform where you can create your own virtual team of real players and compete in contests. You earn points based on the performance of your chosen players in real-life matches.

Dream11 supports fantasy cricket, football, kabaddi, and more. While there is an element of risk involved, it can be very profitable if you know your sports.

How it Works: Create a team, join a contest, and win cash prizes based on your team's performance.
Earning Potential: Can range from a few rupees to lakhs, depending on the contest and your skill.
Pro-Tip: Start with the free or low-entry-fee contests to practice and hone your skills.

9. UserTesting

UserTesting is a platform that pays you to test websites and apps. You get paid to visit a website or use an app, complete a set of tasks, and share your thoughts and feedback aloud. Each test takes about 20 minutes to complete.

This is a great way to earn a significant amount of money in a short time. However, you need to be approved as a tester, and the number of tests you get will depend on your demographic profile.

How it Works: Sign up and take a practice test. Once approved, you'll get notified when a new test is available.
Earning Potential: $10 (around ₹800) per 20-minute test.
Pro-Tip: Speak your thoughts clearly and provide detailed feedback to get a high rating and more test opportunities.

10. Foap

If you enjoy mobile photography, Foap allows you to sell your photos and videos to brands and individuals around the world. You can upload your portfolio to the Foap marketplace, and when someone buys your photo, you split the profit 50/50 with Foap.

Foap also has "Missions," where brands request specific types of photos or videos. If your submission is selected, you can win a much larger prize.

How itWorks: Upload your photos and videos, or participate in Missions to sell your work.
Earning Potential: $5 per photo sold, and hundreds of dollars for winning a Mission.
Pro-Tip: Read the Mission briefs carefully and submit high-quality, creative photos that meet the brand's requirements.

FAQ – Your Questions About Money-Making Apps

Are these apps safe to use?

The apps listed here are reputable and have millions of users. However, you should always be cautious when using any app that asks for your personal or financial information. Read reviews, check permissions, and never pay a fee to join.

How will I get paid?

Most apps pay through popular wallets like Paytm or via UPI. Some, like Swagbucks and UserTesting, pay through PayPal. Google Opinion Rewards pays in Google Play credit. Make sure you have the appropriate accounts set up to receive your earnings.

Can I make a full-time income from these apps?

While it's possible to earn a significant side income, it's unlikely that you'll be able to replace a full-time salary with these apps alone. Think of them as a way to earn extra cash in your spare time.

Do I need to pay taxes on my earnings?

Yes, any income you earn is subject to tax as per Indian law. It's a good practice to keep a record of your earnings and consult with a tax professional to understand your liabilities.

Ready to start earning? Pick an app from this list that aligns with your interests and give it a try.

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