10 Best Money Apps That Work Without a Bank Account

When your bank account isn’t an option, whether you’re rebuilding credit after a divorce, recovering from medical debt, or just don’t have access to traditional banking, the online earning world can feel closed off. Most money-making apps list “bank account required” right in their terms, and it’s frustrating when you’re ready to work but can’t get past that first hurdle.

Here’s what most articles won’t tell you: you don’t actually need a traditional bank account to use these apps. What you need is a payment mechanism. A way to receive money that works within app requirements. That could be a prepaid card from Walmart with a routing number, a digital wallet like Cash App or Chime, or even a check you cash at a check-cashing service.

This article covers 10 legitimate apps that let you earn money using alternative payment methods. Each one works with prepaid cards, digital wallets, or other non-traditional banking options. Before we get to the apps themselves, though, you’ll need to set up your payment system, and that part actually matters more than which apps you choose.

Also See: Stack These 7 Apps to Earn $500 Monthly from Spare Change

Payment Method Comparison

Payment Option	Setup Cost	Time to Activate	Works With Most Apps	Monthly Fees
Walmart MoneyCard	$1-$3	Immediate	Yes (has routing number)	$0-$5.94
Chime	Free	2-3 days	Yes (online bank account)	Free
Cash App	Free	Immediate	Yes (has routing/account numbers)	Free
PayPal	Free	Immediate	Limited (some apps only)	Free
Mailed checks	N/A	7-14 days delivery	Limited availability	Check-cashing fees vary

Swagbucks: Survey and Tasks Platform

Payment via PayPal, prepaid Visa, or gift cards

Swagbucks pays you for surveys, watching videos, shopping through their portal, and completing small online tasks. You earn points (called SB) that convert to cash or gift cards — each point equals one cent, so 500 SB = $5.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Casual users (5-7 hours per week) typically earn $25-$75 per month. Dedicated users (15-20 hours weekly) reach $100-$150. Most hit their first payout within 2-3 weeks of consistent daily activity.

Here’s the reality: high-paying surveys ($3-$5) often screen you out after 5 minutes, while lower-paying tasks ($0.50-$1) usually accept everyone. Your effective hourly rate typically lands around $3-$8, depending on what you choose.

How to Get Started

1. Create a free account at Swagbucks.com and verify your email
2. Set up a PayPal account (links to prepaid card) or choose gift card redemption
3. Complete initial profile surveys to reduce screening disqualifications
4. Start with daily poll (1 SB), daily search (4-5 SB), and short surveys (50-100 SB)
5. Install browser extension for automatic shopping cashback

What to Watch For

• Survey disqualifications waste time. If you’re screened out 3+ times, switch to shopping or video tasks
• Points expire after 6 months of account inactivity
• Some surveys require 20-30 minutes but only pay 50 SB ($0.50)
• Mobile app sometimes credits fewer points than the desktop for identical tasks

Bottom Line

Most earn their first $25 gift card in 3-4 weeks with 30 minutes daily. Best combined with the cashback shopping you’re already doing.

Ibotta: Cashback Shopping App

Payment via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards

Ibotta gives you cash back for groceries and everyday purchases. Select offers before shopping, buy the items at any participating store, then scan your receipt. Cashback deposits within 48 hours of receipt verification.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Average users earn $10- $30 per month on groceries they’re already buying. Active users who combine Ibotta with in-store sales and coupons reach $50- $75 per month. Typical cashback ranges from $0.25 to $2 per item, with occasional $5 to $10 bonuses.

Cash out once you hit $20 via PayPal, or redeem for gift cards at a $10 minimum. Works at Walmart, Target, major grocery chains, and online retailers.

Here’s what matters: buying 20 items with $0.25 cashback each earns less than focusing on 5 items with $1-$2 offers. Stack Ibotta with store loyalty programs and manufacturer coupons for maximum return.

How to Get Started

1. Download the Ibotta app and create an account
2. Link PayPal or Venmo before your first cashout
3. Browse current offers before shopping and select relevant items
4. Buy selected items at any participating retailer, keep your receipt
5. Scan receipt through app within 7 days, verify items match selected offers

What to Watch For

• Offers expire — select them before shopping, not after
• Receipt quality matters — blurry scans or faded ink cause rejection
• “Any item” bonuses often have hidden restrictions in fine print
• Some stores are excluded from specific offers despite being Ibotta partners

Bottom Line

Most reach the $20 first-payout threshold in 4-6 weeks of normal grocery shopping. Best used for items you already buy rather than purchasing just for cashback.

Rakuten: Online Shopping Cashback

Payment via PayPal or a mailed check

Rakuten pays you cashback for online shopping at 3,500+ stores. Shop normally, but start from Rakuten’s website or app to activate cashback tracking. Rates range from 1% to 40% depending on the store and current promotions.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Casual online shoppers earn $50-$100 annually. Frequent shoppers who route all online purchases through Rakuten reach $200-$400 annually. Cashback rates average 2-5% at most major retailers, with occasional promotional rates of 10-15% during holidays.

Payments arrive quarterly via PayPal or check. Browser extension automatically activates cashback when you visit participating stores — no need to remember the portal.

How to Get Started

1. Sign up at Rakuten.com and verify your email
2. Choose PayPal or check for payment in the account settings
3. Install a browser extension so cashback activates automatically
4. Make your first purchase at any participating store through the Rakuten portal or with the extension active
5. Wait for the purchase to post (1-7 days) and cashback to become available after return period ends

What to Watch For

• Ad blockers interfere with cashback tracking
• Returns void your cashback for that purchase
• $5 minimum balance required before payment processing
• Using coupon codes from outside Rakuten sometimes cancels cashback

Bottom Line

First payment arrives 3-4 months after signup for the quarterly payout cycle. Best combined with credit card cashback or used alone for no-effort earning on purchases you’re making anyway.

TaskRabbit: Local Gig Work

Payment via direct deposit to a prepaid card with a routing number

TaskRabbit connects you with local people who need help with furniture assembly, moving, cleaning, handyman work, or general tasks. You set your own rates, accept jobs you want, and get paid through the app within 24 hours of completing each task.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Part-time Taskers (10-15 hours weekly) typically earn $400-$800 monthly. Full-time Taskers (30+ hours) reach $2,000-$4,000 monthly in urban markets. Most tasks pay $20-$60 per hour, depending on your market and skills.

TaskRabbit takes 15% of each job. So a $50 task nets you $42.50.

This isn’t couch work. You need physical presence and often physical labor, but the pay rate makes up for it. Building good reviews increases your booking rate significantly.

How to Get Started

1. Download the TaskRabbit app and complete registration, includinga background check ($25 fee, deducted from first payment)
2. Set up profile with skills, availability, and service rates (research local market rates first)
3. Add prepaid card routing and account number for direct deposit
4. Choose service categories you’ll offer and submit for approval (takes 2-3 days)
5. Start accepting tasks in your area — begin with smaller jobs to build reviews

What to Watch For

• Background check required — some criminal history disqualifies you
• Must provide own tools and transportation for most tasks
• Client cancellations within 24 hours result in you losing the time slot without payment
• Low initial booking rate until you have 5-10 positive reviews

Bottom Line

Most new Taskers complete their first paid job within 1-2 weeks of approval. Best for those with handyman skills, reliable transportation, and the ability to do physical work.

Fiverr: Freelance Services Marketplace

Payment via PayPal, direct transfer, or Fiverr Revenue Card (prepaid Mastercard)

Fiverr lets you sell services starting at $5 per gig. Common offerings include graphic design, writing, video editing, virtual assistance, social media management, or voice-over work. You create service listings, buyers place orders, and you deliver work through the platform.

What You’ll Actually Earn

New sellers typically earn $50-$200 their first month while building reviews. Established sellers with 50+ completed orders often reach $500-$2,000 monthly. Your earnings depend on service pricing, completion speed, and order volume.

Fiverr takes 20% of every transaction. So a $25 gig nets you $20. You can withdraw funds once you reach $5 minimum, with money available 14 days after order completion.

Here’s what matters: three $10 gigs take the same work as one $30 gig but earn you less after fees.

How to Get Started

1. Create a free Fiverr seller account and complete your profile with accurate skill descriptions
2. Set up a Fiverr Revenue Card or link a PayPal account
3. Create 1-3 gig listings with clear deliverables, pricing, and turnaround time (be specific about what’s included)
4. Price first gigs at $5-$10 to build initial reviews, then raise prices after 10-15 completed orders.
5. Respond to buyer messages within 24 hours and deliver work on time

What to Watch For

• Buyers can request unlimited revisions unless you specify revision limits in the gig description
• Late delivery tanks your seller rating and search placement
• Chargebacks are possible if the buyer claims non-delivery even after you delivered the work
• 14-day waiting period before funds are available for withdrawal

Bottom Line

Most sellers complete the first paid order within 2-3 weeks of listing creation. Best for those with specific marketable skills who can deliver quality work quickly.

Respondent.io: High-Paying Research Studies

Payment via PayPal or direct deposit to a prepaid card

Respondent connects researchers with study participants for interviews, surveys, and user testing. Studies pay $50-$500 per hour, depending on your qualifications and the research needs. Most involve video calls where you answer questions about products, services, or your professional experience.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Most users qualify for 1-3 studies monthly. Each study pays $100-$200 on average and takes 45-90 minutes. Monthly earnings typically range from $100 to $400 for those who consistently apply.

Payments arrive 5-7 days after study completion. You must show up on time and complete the full study, or you won’t get paid.

Your professional background affects qualification rates. Studies often target specific occupations, industries, or life situations. Single moms, healthcare workers, and small business owners see higher qualification rates thanthe general population.

How to Get Started

1. Create account at Respondent.io and complete detailed profile about occupation, income, family situation
2. Set up PayPal or add prepaid card routing number for payments
3. Apply to 5-10 relevant studies immediately (applications take 2-3 minutes each)
4. Check email daily for acceptance notifications — studies fill quickly
5. Complete accepted studies on time via Zoom or phone call

What to Watch For

• No-shows or late arrivals often ban you from the platform permanently
• Fake or exaggerated qualifications get you removed when researcher verifies details
• Some studies have screening calls before the paid session — don’t count those toward paid time
• Popular studies fill within hours of posting

Bottom Line

First paid study typically happens 2-4 weeks after joining if you apply consistently. Best for professionals or those with specific life experiences, researchers want to understand.

Decluttr: Sell Used Items

Payment via PayPal, direct deposit, or check

Decluttr buys your used phones, tablets, game consoles, books, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Scan barcodes or enter device details; they give instant quotes, you ship items free, and they pay within 24 hours of receiving your box.

What You’ll Actually Earn

One-time purge of unused items typically generates $50-$300, depending on what you own. Ongoing selling (as you finish books or upgrade devices) adds $20-$50 monthly.

Phone and tablet values depend heavily on model and condition:

• iPhone 11 in good condition: ~$200
• iPhone 7: $50-$80
• Books and media: $0.50-$2 each unless rare editions
• Cracked phone screens reduce value by 50-70%

This converts unused items into immediate cash without the hassle of listing, photographing, or meeting buyers.

How to Get Started

1. Visit Decluttr.com or download the app and select the item category
2. Scan barcodes for books/games/media, or enter device details foran instant quote
3. Add items to the basket until you reach $10 minimum, then choose a payment method
4. Box items and print the free shipping label provided by Decluttr
5. Drop box at UPS or USPS and wait for payment 24-48 hours after they receive the items

What to Watch For

• Condition assessment happens at their facility. They sometimes revise quotes lower upon receipt
• 28-day price lock means quotes expire if you don’t ship within a month

Bottom Line

Payment arrives 5-7 days after shipping items. Best used for immediate cash from items you’re not using rather than as ongoing income source.

UserTesting: Website and App Feedback

Payment via PayPal only

UserTesting pays $10 for 20-minute recorded sessions where you navigate websites or apps while speaking your thoughts out loud. Companies use your feedback to improve user experience. Tests involve specific tasks like finding information, completing purchases, or reacting to designs.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Active testers complete 2-5 tests per week, earning $80-$200 per month. Most tests pay $10 for 20 minutes ($30/hour effective rate). Longer tests or live conversations pay $30-$60 but appear less frequently.

Payments arrive 7 days after each completed test. There’s no minimum balance or monthly payout schedule — each test pays individually.

Qualification screeners determine test eligibility. Answer honestly. Lying gets you removed when your feedback doesn’t match the target demographic. You won’t qualify for every test, which is normal.

How to Get Started

1. Sign up at UserTesting.com and download their testing platform
2. Create a PayPal account and link it to a prepaid card
3. Complete practice test to verify your microphone works (no payment for practice test)
4. Take qualification screeners when available. These determine which paid tests you see
5. Accept and complete paid tests within the time limit (usually 2-3 days from acceptance)

What to Watch For

• Poor audio quality or not speaking thoughts out loud gets tests rejected without payment
• Rushing through tests faster than natural pace triggers quality flags
• Background noise or interruptions during recording cause rejection
• Some tests require specific devices (iPhone, Android, desktop), you might not own

Bottom Line

First paid testis usually available within 1-2 weeks of joining with completed qualification screeners. Best for those comfortable speaking out loud and following detailed instructions.

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk): Micro-Tasks Platform

Payment via Amazon gift balance or direct deposit to a prepaid card

MTurk offers thousands of small online tasks called HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks). Common tasks include data entry, categorizing images, transcribing receipts, content moderation, and survey completion. Tasks pay $0.01-$5 each and take seconds to several minutes.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Beginners earn $20-$50 weekly while building approval ratings. Experienced workers with high approval ratings and qualifications reach $200-$400 weekly. Your effective hourly rate ranges from $3-$8, depending on task selection and completion speed.

Amazon payments are deposited into your Amazon Payments account, which can be transferred to bank accounts or prepaid cards. You can also keep earnings as an Amazon gift balance and spend directly on Amazon. Transfer minimums are $1 for Amazon balance transfers or $10 for bank transfers.

Approval ratings matter significantly. Maintain 99%+ approval by carefully reading instructions and submitting quality work. High approval ratings unlock better-paying tasks called “qualifications” that most workers can’t access.

How to Get Started

1. Create an Amazon account if you don’t have one, then apply for an MTurk worker account at mturk.com (approval takes 1-3 days)
2. Link prepaid card routing number in Amazon Payments settings, or plan to use Amazon gift balance
3. Start with simple HITs that accept most workers (data entry, receipt transcription)
4. Build approval rating to 99%+ with 100-200 completed HITs before attempting higher-paying work
5. Install browser extensions like MTurk Suite to find better-paying HITs faster

What to Watch For

• Some requesters reject work unfairly. Check reviews before accepting HITs
• Extremely low-paying HITs ($0.01-$0.05 for 5 minutes) aren’t worth your time
• Bot scripts compete for the best HITs. You need browser extensions to compete effectively
• International workers face restrictions on certain HITs or payment methods

Bottom Line

First payment is eligible 2-3 days after completing HITs, but it’s smart to wait until 99% approval is established. Best for those who can work during peak hours (9 am-5 pm Eastern) when best HITs post.

DoorDash: Food Delivery Gig

Payment via direct deposit to prepaid card or DasherDirect card

DoorDash pays you to deliver restaurant food from local businesses to customers. You accept delivery offers through the app, pick up food, deliver to the address, and get paid per delivery plus tips. Most deliveries pay $6-$12 and take 20-40 minutes including drive time.

What You’ll Actually Earn

Part-time Dashers (10-15 hours weekly) typically earn $150-$300 weekly. Full-time Dashers (30-40 hours weekly) reach $600-$1,000 weekly in busy markets. You keep 100% of customer tips plus base pay from DoorDash.

DasherDirect (their prepaid Visa card) provides instant payment after each delivery with no transfer fees. Alternatively, direct deposit to prepaid cards pays weekly instead of instantly.

Strategic scheduling matters more than hours worked. Peak meal times (11 am-1 pm, 5 pm-8 pm) offer more orders and better pay. Accepting every low offer reduces your effective hourly rate below minimum wage. Decline offers under $1.50 per mile.

How to Get Started

1. Download the DoorDash app and complete driver registration, including vehicle information
2. Pass background check (takes 3-7 days) and complete orientation or training video
3. Order a free DasherDirect card or set up direct deposit to a prepaid card
4. Schedule your first dash time or work in markets that allow an immediate start
5. Accept deliveries strategically to maintain a decent hourly rate

What to Watch For

• Car insurance required. Some companies drop you if they discover food delivery
• Gas costs reduce actual earnings by $2-$4 per hour, depending on vehicle efficiency
• Vehicle wear and tear costs (maintenance, depreciation) add up over time
• Customer fraud claims of non-delivery can deactivate your account even if you delivered correctly

Bottom Line

Most complete first delivery within 2-3 days of approval. Best for those with reliable vehicles and availability during peak meal times in markets with consistent order volume.

Setting Up Your Payment System

Before you start with any apps, establish your payment mechanism. This takes 1-3 days for most options and prevents delays when you’re ready to cash out.

Best Prepaid Card Options:

Walmart MoneyCard costs $1 to purchase in-store and has no monthly fee if you direct deposit $500+ monthly. Includes routing/account numbers for direct deposit. Load cash at Walmart registers, deposit checks through the mobile app, and withdraw at ATMs.

Chime functions as an online bank with no monthly fees, no minimum balance, and instant setup through their app. Includes routing/account numbers for direct deposit. Receive a debit card in 7-10 days. The early direct deposit feature gives you payment 2 days early from many apps.

Cash App provides routing/account numbers for direct deposits and works with most gig economy apps. Setup takes 5 minutes, and you can send money to other Cash App users instantly. Optional Cash Card (debit card) arrives free in 7-10 days.

PayPal doesn’t require a bank account, so you can receive money and keep funds in your PayPal balance. Link a prepaid card if you want to transfer funds out or leave money in PayPal for online purchases.

Getting Routing Numbers:

Prepaid cards display routing and account numbers in their mobile apps under account settings. You need both the routing number (which identifies the bank) and the account number (which identifies your specific account). Most money-making apps accept these exactly like traditional bank accounts.

Check-Cashing Alternatives:

If apps only offer mailed checks, cash them at:

• Walmart: fee starts at $4 for checks up to $1,000
• Check-cashing stores: typically 1-3% of check value
• Some grocery stores
• Walmart MoneyCard and similar prepaid cards accept mobile check deposits through their apps

Financial Literacy Without Traditional Banking

Track your earnings separately from spending. Use a simple spreadsheet with date, source (which app), amount earned, and when paid. Review weekly to identify which apps generate worthwhile return for time invested.

Credit unions often accept members with limited banking history and offer second-chance checking accounts. These provide traditional banking benefits, including better fraud protection than prepaid cards. Contact local credit unions about membership requirements.

Set specific targets like “$50 weekly from survey apps” or “$200 monthly from delivery gigs” and track progress. Adjust strategy based on actual results rather than promised earning potential.

Consider the eventual transition to traditional banking once you establish a consistent income and repair credit issues. Online banks like Chime require no credit check and help build toward traditional banking relationships. Traditional banks offer better fraud protection, higher FDIC insurance limits, and access to products like savings accounts with interest.

Money management without perfect credit means working with systems that function for your situation now while building toward better options. The apps listed here provide real income opportunities regardless of banking status — you just need patience during initial setup and consistent effort once you start.

The bank account requirement stops many people before they start, but alternative payment methods open the same earning opportunities. Whether you use a Walmart MoneyCard, Chime account, Cash App, or PayPal, you can access legitimate money-making apps without traditional banking.

Your first step is setting up the payment system itself — not choosing which apps to use. Spend one day getting your prepaid card or digital wallet established with routing numbers if needed. Then select 2-3 apps from the list based on your available time and skills. Survey apps work for spare moments throughout the day. Delivery gigs require dedicated blocks of time and a vehicle. Selling platforms convert unused items to immediate cash. Match the opportunity to your actual situation rather than trying everything at once.

Most people see their first payment within 2-4 weeks of starting, assuming they complete the initial setup correctly and put in consistent effort. The payment method you choose matters less than actually beginning and following through. Alternative banking isn’t perfect, but it provides functional access to online earning when traditional banking isn’t available.

This week: buy a Walmart MoneyCard for $1 or download Chime, get your routing numbers from the app settings, then sign up for Swagbucks or Ibotta and complete the initial profile. First payment arrives in 2-4 weeks.