Get paid to apps UK: how to earn extra money with your phone in your spare time

Living in the UK and finding it hard to keep up with expenses? You’re not the only one. In recent years, rising energy bills, rent costs and food prices have made it more challenging for people to stretch their income. Whether you’re currently unemployed, on Universal Credit, or simply looking to boost your monthly cash flow, there are now practical ways to earn extra income — and they’re already in your pocket.

Thanks to smartphones and free mobile apps, it’s possible to earn a few extra pounds each month by completing small online tasks. These “get paid to” (GPT) apps are easy to use, free to join, and require no previous experience or qualifications. You don’t need to leave the house or buy anything to get started. In most cases, all you need is an internet connection and some spare time.

From answering surveys and uploading shopping receipts to completing tasks in your area, there are dozens of apps that pay users for their time and opinions. The extra cash won’t replace a full-time job, but it can help you cover weekly transport, food, or mobile top-ups. Some users even save up their rewards to help with seasonal spending like Christmas or school holidays.

In this article, we’ll explore the get paid to apps UK users are turning to in 2025. We’ll explain how each app works, what types of tasks they offer, and most importantly — how much you can realistically earn each month.

What are get paid to apps?

Get paid to (GPT) apps are mobile applications or platforms that reward you for completing simple tasks. These can include:

• Taking online surveys
• Watching promotional videos
• Uploading photos of your receipts
• Referring friends
• Shopping online through the app

Most apps give you points, which can then be exchanged for gift cards or real money via PayPal or bank transfer. A few even offer instant payouts once you reach a minimum threshold — which in some cases can be as low as £1.

On average, UK users can expect to earn between £20 and £80 per month, depending on how many apps they use, how often they engage with tasks, and how active they are online. This isn’t a get-rich-quick solution, but it’s a practical way to supplement income with minimal effort.

Below, we highlight the best-performing apps that pay you UK residents can start using today, along with estimated monthly earnings and other useful information.

Swagbucks UK

Swagbucks is one of the most popular GPT platforms globally and has been paying users for over a decade. The app offers a variety of ways to earn, including completing surveys, watching short video clips playing games or shopping through partner stores.

For each completed task, you earn “SB” points, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.

• Payout method: PayPal, Amazon, Tesco, and more
• Minimum payout: £5 (around 500 SB points)
• Estimated monthly earnings: £15–£40
• Best for: Variety of task types and regular promotions

Visit Swagbucks UK

Swagbucks is especially good for beginners because the interface is simple, and it rewards you for doing things you already do online — like browsing or watching content. The app also regularly runs seasonal challenges and bonuses that let you earn extra SB points.

Qmee

Qmee is another UK-friendly app that pays you for surveys, search activity, and online shopping. One of its best features is the no minimum withdrawal requirement — you can cash out even if you’ve earned just a few pence.

• Payout method: Instant PayPal or gift cards
• Minimum payout: None
• Estimated monthly earnings: £10–£30
• Best for: Quick payouts and low-effort earnings

Visit Qmee

Qmee also has a browser extension that shows cashback offers and promotional links while you shop or search online, giving you another way to earn money passively. Most surveys pay between £0.30 and £1, and users who stay active can reach £25+ per month with moderate effort.

Streetbees

Streetbees offers a more interactive earning experience. Instead of standard surveys, the app sends you mini “chat-style” tasks that often include snapping a photo or sharing details of your day-to-day routine.

Typical tasks include taking a photo of your breakfast, answering questions about your last shopping trip or sharing your opinion on a product you recently used.

• Payout method: PayPal
• Minimum payout: £1
• Estimated monthly earnings: £5–£20
• Best for: Lifestyle-based tasks and occasional surveys

Explore Streetbees

While Streetbees doesn’t send tasks every day, the ones it does send are usually short and pay well (often between £1–£3 per task). If you’re selected for high-value campaigns, you can earn more in less time.

Receipt Hog

Receipt Hog turns your shopping receipts into rewards. All you need to do is snap a photo of your paper receipt after shopping at any supermarket, petrol station, or high street shop. You’ll earn coins for each valid receipt, which you can later convert into PayPal cash or Amazon vouchers.

• Payout method: PayPal or Amazon vouchers
• Minimum payout: £3 (via 1,000 coins)
• Estimated monthly earnings: £3–£8
• Best for: Passive earners who shop regularly

Visit Receipt Hog

Although the earnings per receipt are small (usually 5–20 coins), they add up over time — especially if you do frequent or large shops. You can also earn bonuses through receipt streaks and weekly challenges, making the app more engaging and consistent.

Roamler

Roamler is different from typical survey apps — it pays you to complete small tasks in your area, such as:

• Checking product displays in supermarkets
• Taking photos of shelves
• Testing services like click-and-collect

These “micro jobs” are short and can often be completed while doing your normal errands.

• Payout method: PayPal
• Minimum payout: £5
• Estimated monthly earnings: £20–£60 (can be higher in cities)
• Best for: Active users and those living in urban areas

Start with Roamler

Roamler often pays between £3–£10 per task, so it’s one of the better apps for higher payouts — especially if you have time to travel locally or live in a busy area. However, some tasks are only available to users with experience or high ratings, so consistency helps.

Curious Cat

Curious Cat is one of the fastest-paying survey apps in the UK. Tasks are simple and the app interface is clean. You can cash out as soon as you hit 100 points (worth £1).

• Payout method: PayPal
• Minimum payout: £1
• Estimated monthly earnings: £10–£25
• Best for: People who want quick tasks with instant rewards

Download Curious Cat

Surveys typically pay between 20p and £1.50, depending on length and topic. Some users report earning a few pounds per week without needing to commit much time. Payments are usually processed instantly, which makes it ideal for people who want flexibility and low thresholds.

InboxPounds

InboxPounds is a long-standing UK GPT site that offers multiple earning options, including:

• Reading sponsored emails
• Answering surveys
• Trying new products and services
• Playing games

The platform is easy to navigate and has a solid reputation among UK users. However, it has one of the higher payout thresholds compared to other apps.

• Payout method: Cheque or gift cards
• Minimum payout: £20
• Estimated monthly earnings: £10–£30
• Best for: Users who prefer multiple earning methods and are consistent

Visit InboxPounds

InboxPounds is ideal for people who like variety and are willing to be patient. While it may take longer to reach the £20 threshold, the platform often runs promotions and bonuses that help speed up the process.

Are these apps safe and legitimate?

Yes — all the apps listed in this guide are legitimate and widely used in the UK. Most have been operating for several years and have payment proof and positive reviews from thousands of users. However, it’s still important to stay cautious and follow some best practices:

• Only download from trusted app stores like the Apple App Store or Google Play
• Avoid apps that ask for payment upfront or request sensitive financial data
• Check user reviews and terms of service before signing up
• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for PayPal

If you ever feel unsure, organisations like Citizens Advice and Which? offer resources to help you identify scams and protect yourself online.

How to maximise your earnings

To make the most of get paid to apps UK, here are some practical tips:

1. Use multiple apps at once

Don’t rely on just one app. Spread your activity across 3 to 5 apps for more consistent earning opportunities. If one app runs out of tasks, another will likely have something available.

2. Be consistent

Even 15 minutes per day can add up to over £50 a month. Set a daily routine — for example, checking for surveys in the morning or uploading receipts after shopping.

3. Refer friends

Most apps offer referral bonuses. Swagbucks, for example, gives you 10% of your friend’s lifetime earnings. If you have friends or family in a similar situation, everyone benefits.

4. Enable notifications

Surveys and local tasks often get snapped up quickly. Enabling push notifications helps you act fast and get access to higher-paying opportunities.

5. Join online communities

Reddit forums like r/beermoneyuk or Facebook groups often share high-paying tasks, time-sensitive campaigns, and promo codes.

Are these apps worth it?

While these apps won’t make you rich, they are 100% worth trying — especially if you’re unemployed, on benefits, or simply looking to pad your income without formal work. They provide a flexible and low-risk way to earn extra money during downtime.

Some apps are better for short bursts of activity, while others can be integrated into your routine long-term. If you combine 3–4 of them, it’s realistic to earn £50–£100 a month — enough to help with food, bills, or savings.

And for many, that kind of extra money makes a real difference.

Conclusion

In today’s economy, having a few extra pounds each month can make a big difference — whether it’s covering bills, topping up your grocery budget, or setting something aside for a rainy day. Get paid to apps UK offer a simple, flexible, and low-risk way to boost your income from the comfort of your home.

You don’t need any special skills or experience. All it takes is a smartphone, a few minutes of your time each day, and the willingness to try something new.

While these apps won’t replace a full-time job, they can absolutely help you stay afloat during difficult periods or add a helpful cushion to your monthly finances.