23 Weird (but Totally Legal) Ways To Pay Rent When It’s Over $800 a Month
Disclosure: We’re letting you know that this post contains sponsored links which The Smart Wallet receives compensation for, which may impact their order of appearance because talking about money should always be an honest discussion.
You feel it every month.
When that chunk of rent payment leaves your bank account and into someone else’s. It’s the price to pay for having your own living space and basically, a non-negotiable.
Because no matter what, you gotta keep adulting when you don’t want to move back in with family. Seriously.
So keep making those rent payments and we’re making it a little bit easier by suggesting some things you can do to earn some side cash as well as manage your money more efficiently. Even better when you can get paid for doing stuff you already do!
1. Get Paid Up to $89 Playing Match 3 Games
Puzzle game lovers will love Match to Win, a free to play game where you can win cash rewards through 300+ exciting levels spanning across Hawaii, Paris, San Francisco, and more.
It’s simple. When you clear a level, you earn coins, which are redeemable for instant win scratchers, prize wheels, and sweepstakes up to $2,500! And yes, it’s legit – there are already over 135K reviews with a 4.5 average rating!
“I love the fact that you don’t have to purchase anything to win! Also, each level is different, so it doesn’t get monotonous! – Noelle Belmore
Also, join the daily Cash Dash event, where players enter a sweepstakes race by collecting in-game trophies. Be among the first Top 25 players for bonus prizes of $5 to $10! Cash out via PayPal when you reach $7. So download and play for free to start winning cash!
2. A Legit Way to Earn $750 This Week
You can get $750 direct deposited into your bank account and all you have to do is try out some deals. The catch? You can only do this once a year!
Seriously, anyone 18+ can participate in Flash Rewards, a rewards program that’s been around since 2016 and has rewarded $12 million to members over time.
So how do you get the money? Answer: You just have to follow the instructions carefully!
Flash Rewards work by showing you “deals” they think you would like. This includes mobile apps and games, subscriptions, financial services, etc. Each type of deal you choose has its mini task to complete.
- Head over to Flash Rewards and fill out basic info (Email, Name, etc.)
- Take a quick Survey (it helps figure out the optional offers & required deals to recommend)
- Complete deals by shopping Flash Rewards’ great brand name partners.
- Important: Follow the instructions on completing the specific number of deals for each level and get to Level 5 to get the maximum reward! (there are plenty of deals to try – some are free trials or app downloads, others require a purchase!)
- Claim the reward and get it in about a week!
You won’t get your reward if you don’t complete the required amount of deals and some paid participation is required. Sure, it takes a little more effort, but it’s legit. Get your $750!
3. This Free Bingo Game Pays Up to $100 Per Win
There’s no need for boring bingo when there’s Blackout Bingo, a fast-paced and competitive bingo game where you can win real money.
2 minutes. That’s all you need per game when you play against real people that match your skill level. Tap the numbers fast and correctly to get bonus points!
“You wanna cash out 1,000 bucks a month it’s very doable, but it’s not just gonna happen magically. Practice for free, get your game tight & then you will see the results you want. This app pays and makes plenty to go around ” – rainking76
Play for free for prizes and when you’re ready, switch over to cash games to win real money. Download Blackout Bingo for free to start playing!
BONUS: When you deposit for the first time, get a $5 bonus cash when you use code: TSW5
Cash games aren’t available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, and TN, but you can still play for prizes!
4. Get $10 to Invest in the Legal Cannabis Industry. No Experience Necessary.
6 million customers already use Stash, an investment app that lets you start investing with as little as $5, and you can choose where to put your money, and they’ll provide guidance and tools to help. You can invest in some of the major companies you regularly use to make a custom Personal Portfolio.
You can even invest in the legal cannabis industry, which is big business, as retail sales are projected to hit $70 BILLION by the end of 2028.* Plus, with Stash Growth and Stash+, you can also choose the Smart Portfolio option, which offers hands-off stress-free investing based on your risk tolerance.
It takes less than 2 minutes to start, and they’ll even give you $10 to start investing when you sign up and deposit $5 or more into your Personal Portfolio.
Paid non-client endorsement. See Apple App Store and Google Play reviews. View important disclosures.
5. 21 + Solitaire = Real 💰 and Serious Fun
Check out 21 Blitz, an extremely fun and fast-paced mobile card game. Play against real people at your skill level to compete for cash and prizes like tech, kitchen appliances, even a car!
It only takes 3 minutes to play. Make as many 21s as you can before the clock runs out or until you run out of moves.
Play for free against real people for prizes or switch over to cash games to win…well, cash! Currently, players are invited to play in a guaranteed $23,000 prize pool tournament. Plus, get up to $30 for each friend you refer. Cash tournaments not available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, TN, IN but you can still win some amazing prizes!
6. Play Fun Word Puzzles & Get Paid Up to $85
Stimulate your brain in a different way by playing word puzzles on Words to Win, a free-to-play game where you can win cash rewards through beautiful levels modeled after vacation spots like Australia, Mexico, Hawaii, and more.
It’s simple. Create words out of the letters given and complete the crossword puzzle board. You’ll then earn coins to redeem for instant win scratchers, prize wheels, and sweepstakes up to $500!
There’s no stressful countdown timer per game and you can cash out via PayPal when you reach $7. Tracy T. said: “Best game ever! This is my daily relaxing game and it really pays and cashes out.”
Download now and play for free to start winning cash!
7. The Best Financial App That’ll Save You $720/Year
Knowing your net worth isn’t just for rich people. It’s a financial report card that can tell you if you’re on the right track or if you need a wake-up call. To calculate it, you need the value of all your assets (things you own) minus your liabilities (things you owe). But wouldn’t it be nice if there were a tool that tracked your net worth over time for you?
Enter Rocket Money, the free money management app that’s like your personal finance assistant. It groups all your banking accounts together so you can see your earnings and spending in one spot. Plus, it helps you budget even if you don’t know how to.
- The app will find all your recurring bills and subscriptions (even those you forgot about)
- Rocket Money can help lower your bills by 20% (they negotiate for you)
- The app also helps you start budgeting and set up auto-savings too
- Their newest feature easily tracks your net worth
See what your savings could be with Rocket Money and start tracking your net worth too!
8. Get Free Stock Worth Up to $225 + a Retirement Account that Matches
Investing may seem expensive, and most people put it off until they have “enough” money. But time is the most critical factor, and Robinhood lets new investors start with just $1.
This free trading app, used by over 15 million people, lets you trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free! When your application is approved, they’ll give free stock worth $2.50 up to $225 for new members, with chances to get high-value stock on Facebook, Microsoft, etc.
NEW: Robinhood now offers IRAs with a 1% match! Instantly get an extra 1% on every dollar you contribute to your chosen retirement account. An additional 1% yearly could grow to $26K+ in 40 years.
Use Robinhood for your investing and retirement account needs, especially when they’ll match your IRA contribution!
9. School Competitors in Solitaire and Ca$h In
When you’re looking for something to do at home, check out Solitaire Cube, which is like regular Solitaire, except you get to play for real cash.
The game matches you with players of the same skill level, so all is fair. You could win some serious cash, like Katie N. who took home $380,984 as one of the Top 10 Solitaire Cube players! Even casual players like Amanda, a stay-at-home mom from IL, won a 55″ TV, $6,000, and more prizes.
You can deposit as little as $2 to start playing for real money, and there are always bonus cash opportunities to get even more value. Currently, there is a $350,000 prize pool tournament you can get in on!
So if you think you can handle playing some Solitaire Cube to win legit cash, definitely download this game for free.
Cash tournaments aren’t available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, TN, IN but you can still play for prizes! BONUS: When you deposit for the first time, get a $5 bonus cash when you use code: TSW5
10. Affordable Car Insurance Exists - Save Up To $610
You’re probably overpaying on your current auto insurance without even realizing it.
- Just check on EverQuote to start comparing
- They’ll check from plenty of agencies to find you the best deal
- Pick your savings!
It literally takes less than 4 minutes to fill out the form to start saving big. EverQuote can save drivers up to $610 a year on average* compared to their current insurance premiums.
It’s super simple so try it out to see how much you could be saving on the road!
11. Scan the Stuff You Buy & Get Free Rewards
The exclusive National Consumer Panel (NCP) program is opening up again for more participants! Make your voice heard and get paid for it!
Panelists use the app to scan barcodes of items purchased & provide details. You’ll then earn points for gift cards, tech like tablets and flat-screen TVs, and much more from their gift catalog!
The more you share your shopping habits (scan barcodes), the more rewards you can get. It’s a fun way to earn more rewards on items you’ve already purchased and at no extra cost to you.
Register now to see if you’re eligible to be a National Consumer Panelist. If you don’t get accepted based on your location, don’t worry! They’re always expanding locations, so check back again.
12. Get Paid Up to $225/Month While Watching Viral Videos and Taking Fun Surveys
If you’re looking for an easy way to snag a little extra cash by being online, look no further. Inbox Dollars has a wide array of ways to make some money on the side.
Founded in 2000, Inbox Dollars has been around and paying customers for their opinions for over 21 years and counting! They are one of the most trusted survey sites with fun, multiple ways to earn extra cash that sets them apart from the others.
You can stick to sharing your opinion and take surveys, but you can also watch videos, play games, and even read email for some extra cash. Who wouldn’t want to watch viral videos and get paid up to $225 a month?
They also offer cash back for online shopping and coupon cash rewards to use at the grocery store too!
So if you’re looking for some extra cash and enjoy a wide array of options to earn, Inbox Dollars is a great platform to make a little side money. It’s free to sign up, so give it a try today!
13. Satisfyingly Pop Bubbles to Make Cash
Who loved popping bubble wrap growing up? I still do. So when the classic bubble game is shortened to 3-minute games to pop as many as you can, it’s exhilarating. Bonus points for clearing the whole board!
Check out Bubble Cash where you can go on a popping frenzy against real players online to win actual cash. Drop a bunch of bubbles at once and get those high-scoring combos.
Play for free, and then switch over to cash games whenever you want. Seriously though, cash game winners can win thousands of dollars…by popping bubbles. Take part in thrilling raffles to win BONUS cash on top of your regular winnings. Plus, enjoy extra rewards every day.
Just note that cash tournaments aren’t available in AZ, AR, IA, LA, MD, SC, and WA but everywhere else is fair game to win actual money!
14. This Paid Survey Panel Gives Out 7,000 Gift Cards Daily
Members can earn an average of $50 a month in popular Swagbucks, a free rewards program where you can earn cash for your time and opinions.
Get rewarded for doing surveys, online shopping, uploading receipts, and playing fun games, but the one activity that earns you the most points is completing surveys. Redeem points for free gift cards, cash, and crypto vouchers. There are hundreds of different offers to explore and complete!
New members can get a free $5 just for signing up, so join the other 10 million members already part of Swagbucks and start earning free rewards!
15. Get Quick Cash Within 48 Hours Just by Playing Games
When you need a couple of bucks now, just download Rewarded Play, where you can earn your first $5 gift card within 48 hours just by playing some games.
This free Android app has hundreds of games to choose from; including Yahtzee, Scrabble Go, and Design Home where you can earn cash quickly. Redeem points for the gift cards of your choice from 20+ retailers, including favorites like Target, Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, etc.
Points add up quickly, so spend your phone time casually gaming to earn cash!
16. School Competitors in Solitaire and Ca$h In
Check out Solitaire Cube, which is like regular Solitaire, except you get to play for real cash.
The game matches you with players of the same skill level, so all is fair and you could win some serious cash and prizes. Even casual players like Amanda, a stay-at-home mom from IL, won a 55″ TV, $6,000, and more.
It’s easy to start:
- Tap now to download from the Samsung Galaxy Store
- Follow the instructions on screen to install
- Open the app and play!
- Practice playing for free and when ready, play for cash!
So if you think you can handle playing some Solitaire Cube to win legit cash, definitely download this game for free to play on your Samsung.
Cash tournaments aren’t available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, ME, MT, SC, SD, TN, IN but you can still play for prizes! BONUS: When you deposit for the first time, get a $5 bonus cash when you use code: TSW5
17. Get Paid to Play New Games. Regularly Cash Out Up to $25
Download Mistplay, an Android game platform where you try free games, earn points and redeem them for Amazon, PSN, XBOX Live, and more. On average, players are cashing out between $10 – $25 regularly!
- Discover new mobile games curated just for you on Mistplay
- As you play, you’ll earn units
- Redeem your units for gift cards to Amazon, Google Play Store, and more!
“This app is the real deal. There’s a good selection of games, and new ones are being added all the time. More importantly, when you reach the target amount of points, you do get paid. Great job, Mistplay people.” – Geoffrey Daley, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just be sure to start your games from Mistplay so it can keep track of your game time to credit you properly. New members get a BONUS of 200 units just for signing up!
18. Earn a $10 Amazon Gift Card by Trying New Games
When you’re ready to add even more games to your lineup, then download Cash Giraffe, an Android app that pays you to try out new games for, yes, you guessed it, cash. All are free to download!
Just earn coins from trying new games, and then you can redeem them for:
- PayPal Cash
- Amazon gift card
- GameStop gift card
- PlayStation Store gift card
- Xbox Live gift card
- And more good stuff
“Payouts are faster than most apps. PayPal rewards are small, but hey, it’s free money 💰 🤑“- Cassandra McGuire
A 3,599 coin welcome bonus is yours immediately too, when you sign in! Plus, get 200 coins for every friend you refer and 25% of their earnings.
19. Getting Gas = Free Cash Back
With the high gas prices lately, it’s smart to get cash back any chance you can get.
Turn on Upside, a free cash back app that partners with over 20,000 gas stations and local businesses which includes Shell, 76, along with Popeye’s, Papa John’s, and much more. You can earn an extra $148 a year (on average)!
Wherever you are, just use the app to see where you can get cash back! You can get up to 25¢ per gallon, up to 30% back on groceries, and up to 45% back at restaurants.
Easily cash out via bank transfer, Paypal, or gift card and there’s no limit to how much you can earn. Download Upside for free to start earning free cash back and new members can use a welcome code: TSW25 to get an additional 25¢ a gallon on their first gas purchase!
Gas offers are not currently available in NJ, WI, or UT.
20. Turn Your Amazon Purchase History Into $20+ in No Time
Share information on what you buy on Amazon and get rewarded with the MSR app. Earn even more when you share how you use your smartphone too!
“I’ve made like 30 dollars on this app for only having it for a month. Not bad.. and the tasks are super simple.” – Sincere Asher Phifer
MSR uses simple “video tasks” instead of boring surveys like:
- Amazon purchases
- Screen time
- Battery life settings
- YouTube viewing history
- Instagram ad clicks
- And more!
You’ll earn points and redeem gift cards from 40+ brands, including Amazon, VISA, and more. Or you can earn straight cash via PayPal. Plus, it’s free to join!
For extra rewards, refer friends to earn 40% of everything they get for passive earning!
21. Play 3 Minute Games & Win Cash Over $1,000 Every Day
When you’re looking for more games to play that could actually be productive to your wallet, check out Pocket7Games on iOS which despite the name, actually has 9 different classic games to choose from.
Bingo Clash is the most popular, followed by Solitaire!, Bubble Shot, 21 Gold, Block Blitz, 2048 Blitz, Dunk Shot, Bubble Gold, and Cube Blast. Easily switch between games to play for fun or for cash against real players 1v1 or in a group.
Every day over $1,000 free cash is awarded to players who join the free entry events. Never be bored with plenty of surprise events and activities that give free cash plus earn up to $40 per friend you invite to play Pocket7Games!
More than $70M in prizes have already been rewarded so get in on your share of the fun. Note that cash games are not available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, TN, VT.
22. Earn Up to $200 Every Time You Win This Viral Bingo Game
When you think of bingo, you probably envision a room full of seniors stamping number cards. In other words, not terribly exciting.
But Bingo Clash on iOS is the free modern version where you can play on your iPhone and win big with cash and real-life prizes. Daily cash prizes and weeklong tournaments with prize pools can go up to $25,000!
You play against other people of similar skill in 1v1, tournaments, or multiplayer. It’s fair play as everyone gets the same card and the same numbers called out, but it’s how fast and accurate you are that will declare the winner!
Pro-tip: Don’t hit the Bingo button until almost the end of the game to rack up bonus points!
Play cash games for the bigger prizes, but note that they aren’t available in these states AZ, AK, CT, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, TN, and VT. However, Bingo Clash iOS is free to play, is fun, and you can win cash/prizes, so check it out!
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