Getting paid to answer quiz questions sounds like a dream side hustle. You already know random facts about geography, history, and pop culture — why not turn that knowledge into cash?
Trivia apps have been promising exactly that for years. And some of them genuinely pay real money. The problem is separating the apps that actually send you cash from the ones that bury payouts behind impossible point thresholds, non-stop ads, and “reward” systems designed to keep you watching commercials without ever reaching a withdrawal.
I’ve tested the most popular trivia apps in 2026 to find out which ones pay real money, how much you can realistically earn, and whether the time investment makes sense. The honest answer: a few are worth downloading, most aren’t, and none of them will replace actual income.
Here’s which ones made the cut — and the real earnings you can expect.
Before We Get Into the Apps
Trivia apps are fun. But if you’re looking at them as an income stream — even a small one — I want to show you something that pays substantially more for similar time investment.
I build simple two-page websites that show up in Google for local service businesses. Each site generates $500 to $1,500 per month in recurring revenue. No quizzes, no ad-watching, no point thresholds.
Go here to see the exact system I use
Now — the trivia apps.
How Trivia Apps Pay You
Before ranking apps, it helps to understand the three main payment models.
Prize pool splitting. Live trivia games where thousands of players answer questions simultaneously. Get all questions right, and you split the prize pool with other winners. The prize per person depends on how many people survive to the final round. This is the model that made HQ Trivia famous.
Head-to-head wagering. You pay a small entry fee to compete against another player. The winner takes the pot (minus a platform fee). This is essentially skill-based gambling using trivia knowledge as the skill.
Points-to-rewards conversion. Answer questions, earn points, and redeem points for gift cards or PayPal cash once you hit a minimum threshold. The earning rate is typically very low — pennies per quiz session.
The first two models can pay meaningful amounts per session but are inconsistent. The third model is consistent but pays very little.
The 10 Best Trivia Apps That Actually Pay
1. Swagbucks Live (Best Overall)
Swagbucks Live is the trivia component of Swagbucks, one of the most established rewards platforms in the US. The live trivia game broadcasts Monday through Thursday at 8 PM EST and Friday at 3 PM EST. Answer 10 multiple-choice questions correctly to split the prize pool with other winners.
How it works. Join the live game at the scheduled time. A host presents 10 trivia questions across categories like history, pop culture, sports, science, and entertainment. Answer all 10 correctly and split the cash prize (typically $1,000) with other winners. Get eliminated, and you can use SB points or watch an ad to buy back in.
Realistic earnings from trivia alone. $0.50 to $5 per winning game session. Prize splits depend on how many players survive all 10 rounds. With 200 to 500 winners splitting $1,000, individual payouts are typically $2 to $5.
Why it’s #1. Swagbucks Live sits inside the broader Swagbucks ecosystem. Even if you don’t win the trivia game, you can earn SB through surveys, shopping cashback, web searches, video watching, and other activities. Combined, a consistent Swagbucks user earns $20 to $75 per month across all activities. The trivia game is one fun piece of a larger earning puzzle.
Payout. PayPal cash or gift cards (Amazon, Target, Walmart, and dozens more). Minimum payout: 300 SB ($3). Since 2008, Swagbucks has paid out over $780 million to users.
Availability. iOS and Android.
2. Quiiiz
Quiiiz is a head-to-head trivia platform where you compete against real players for cash prizes. Players pay small entry fees (starting at a few dollars) and the winner takes the pot. Games are fast — most matches last about one minute — and cover general knowledge topics.
How it works. Deposit funds into your account. Enter a game lobby. Match against another player. Answer trivia questions as quickly and accurately as possible. The player with the higher score wins the cash prize.
Realistic earnings. Variable. Skilled trivia players report winning $5 to $20 per session. But you’re risking your entry fee each time, so losses are part of the equation. Think of it less like “getting paid to play trivia” and more like “skill-based gambling where trivia is the skill.”
Payout. PayPal or bank account.
Important caveat. This is a real-money gaming platform. You deposit money, you can lose money. Only play with what you’re comfortable losing.
Availability. iOS and desktop.
3. Quezztion: Real Money Trivia
Quezztion runs on the Skillz platform, which powers dozens of competitive mobile games with real cash prizes. You compete in fast-paced trivia battles against real players, earning points for accuracy and speed.
How it works. Enter head-to-head matches or larger tournaments. Answer general knowledge questions as accurately and quickly as possible. Skillz’s matchmaking system pairs you with players of similar skill level.
Realistic earnings. $2 to $10 per winning session in head-to-head matches. Tournament prizes can be higher. Like Quiiiz, this is a wagering model — you risk entry fees and can lose.
Payout. Through the Skillz platform — PayPal, bank transfer, or check.
Availability. iOS.
4. Trivia Crack
Trivia Crack has been around since 2013 and remains one of the most popular trivia games worldwide. The 2026 version includes a rewards component where you can earn points redeemable for prizes including PayPal cash and gift cards.
How it works. Play head-to-head trivia matches against online opponents. Answer questions across six categories: art, entertainment, geography, history, science, and sports. Win rounds to earn points toward rewards.
Realistic earnings. Low — primarily a game first and a rewards platform second. Most players earn $1 to $5 per month in redeemable rewards with consistent daily play.
Why it’s still worth listing. Trivia Crack is the most polished trivia game on this list from a pure gameplay perspective. If you enjoy trivia games and want occasional rewards as a bonus, it’s excellent. If you’re optimising for earnings, other apps pay more.
Availability. iOS and Android.
5. InboxDollars
InboxDollars isn’t a pure trivia app — it’s a rewards platform that includes trivia games alongside surveys, shopping cashback, and offer completions. The trivia component involves daily polls, short quizzes, and brand questionnaires.
How it works. Complete daily polls, short trivia quizzes, and brand-related questionnaires. Each activity earns small cash amounts. InboxDollars pays in actual dollars (shown in your account balance), not points.
Realistic earnings from trivia-type activities. $0.50 to $2 per day. Combined with other InboxDollars activities, $20 to $50 per month is achievable.
Bonus. $5 sign-up bonus credited immediately.
Payout. PayPal, gift cards, or check. $10 minimum.
Availability. Web, iOS, Android.
6. Givling
Givling combines trivia with student loan and mortgage debt crowdfunding. Play trivia games to earn queue points that determine your position for potential debt assistance — sometimes up to $50,000 of student loan payoff.
How it works. Play two free trivia rounds per day. Each round matches you with a three-person team. Answer true/false questions until your team strikes out or reaches the limit. Higher scores earn more queue points.
Realistic earnings. The primary value isn’t direct cash — it’s the possibility of loan assistance. Free trivia rounds offer small cash prizes, but the real draw is queue position for the $50,000 student loan payoff.
Best for. People with student loan debt who enjoy trivia and want a shot (admittedly a long shot) at significant debt assistance.
Availability. iOS and Android.
7. Kashkick
Kashkick is a rewards platform that pays for completing various tasks including trivia-style quizzes, surveys, app installations, and short online tasks. The trivia component isn’t standalone, but the platform is worth mentioning for trivia enthusiasts who want to supplement earnings.
Realistic earnings. $10 to $30 per month across all activities. The trivia portion contributes a small fraction of that.
Payout. PayPal. $10 minimum.
8. Dabbl
Dabbl is a growing rewards app that combines trivia, surveys, and micro-tasks. It has strong app store ratings (4.5 stars on both platforms) and has paid out nearly $3 million to users to date.
How it works. Complete trivia quizzes, watch sponsored content, answer survey questions, and complete micro-tasks to earn rewards.
Realistic earnings. $5 to $15 per month with consistent daily use.
Payout. Gift cards (Walmart, Target, Amazon, Starbucks). $5 minimum — one of the lowest thresholds in the space.
Availability. iOS and Android.
9. StepBet (Trivia Meets Fitness)
StepBet isn’t a trivia app, but it applies the same gamification model to physical activity. Mentioned here because many trivia app users enjoy gamified earning — and StepBet’s “bet on yourself” model often generates higher returns than trivia apps.
How it works. Join a game, bet $10 to $40, and commit to personalised step goals for 6 weeks. Meet every week’s goal and split the pot with other winners. Fail, and you lose your bet.
Realistic earnings. $5 to $15 profit per game for consistent winners.
10. Lucktastic
Lucktastic combines digital scratch-off tickets with trivia elements. It’s free to play, ad-supported, and offers cash prizes and tokens redeemable for gift cards or sweepstakes entries.
Realistic earnings. $1 to $5 per month in token rewards for active users. Large cash prizes exist but are sweepstakes-based with very low probability.
Availability. iOS and Android.
Earnings Comparison Table
| App | Model | Monthly Earnings | Payout Minimum | Risk? | Ad Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks Live | Live trivia + rewards ecosystem | $20-$75 (combined) | $3 (SB) | No | Moderate |
| Quiiiz | Head-to-head wagering | Variable (win/lose) | Low | Yes (entry fees) | Low |
| Quezztion | Head-to-head wagering (Skillz) | Variable (win/lose) | Low | Yes (entry fees) | Low |
| Trivia Crack | Points-to-rewards | $1-$5 | Varies | No | Moderate |
| InboxDollars | Quizzes + surveys + tasks | $20-$50 (combined) | $10 | No | Low |
| Givling | Trivia for debt assistance | Varies (loan payoff) | N/A | No | Low |
| Kashkick | Quizzes + surveys + tasks | $10-$30 (combined) | $10 | No | Low |
| Dabbl | Trivia + surveys + micro-tasks | $5-$15 | $5 | No | Moderate |
| StepBet | Fitness betting | $5-$15/game | Bet-based | Yes (bet) | None |
| Lucktastic | Scratch-offs + trivia | $1-$5 | Varies | No | Heavy |
The Realistic Earning Picture
Let me be direct. No one is generating real income from trivia apps.
Best case with multiple apps. If you actively use Swagbucks (including trivia), InboxDollars, and Dabbl daily, you can realistically earn $40 to $100 per month combined. That’s across all activities on all three platforms — trivia, surveys, shopping cashback, offers, and micro-tasks combined. The trivia portion alone might account for $5 to $15 of that.
Trivia-only earnings. If you literally only play trivia games and nothing else, expect $5 to $20 per month. The prize-pool-splitting model (Swagbucks Live) pays small but consistent amounts. The wagering model (Quiiiz, Quezztion) can pay more but carries risk.
The time calculation. If you spend 30 minutes per day on trivia apps and earn $15 per month, that’s an effective hourly rate of about $1. Even minimum wage gig work pays 7 to 15 times more per hour.
How to Maximise Trivia App Earnings
If you enjoy trivia and want to squeeze every dollar out of these apps, here are the strategies that work.
Stack reward platforms, not just trivia apps. Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Dabbl each offer trivia plus other earning methods. Using all three gives you the broadest earning base.
Play Swagbucks Live consistently. Show up for live games Monday through Friday. Even if you don’t win, the daily trivia challenge offers bonus SB that add up over time.
Only wager on head-to-head games if you’re genuinely good. Quiiiz and Quezztion are skill-based — strong trivia players can profit consistently. But if you’re average, the entry fees will eat your winnings. Test yourself on free games before risking real money.
Cash out at the lowest possible threshold. Don’t let points or earnings sit in apps. Redeem as soon as you hit the minimum payout. Apps can change their terms, devalue points, or shut down — cash out early and often.
Focus your time on the highest-paying activities. On platforms like Swagbucks and InboxDollars, surveys and offers often pay more per minute than trivia games. Use trivia as the fun component, but don’t neglect the higher-paying tasks.
Trivia Apps to Avoid
Any app that requires a large upfront deposit. Legitimate trivia apps are either free or have small, optional entry fees. If an app demands $50+ before you can play, walk away.
Apps with no clear payout mechanism. If you can’t find clear information about how to cash out, minimum payout amounts, and supported payment methods — don’t waste your time.
Apps with “unlimited earning potential” claims. No trivia app offers unlimited earnings. If the marketing sounds too good to be true, it is.
Clone apps. Search the app stores for “trivia for money” and you’ll find dozens of near-identical apps with similar names and icons. Stick with established apps that have tens of thousands of reviews.
For more earning opportunities beyond trivia, my best reward apps guide covers 15 apps across categories, my side hustle database lists 60+ options, and my guide on apps that pay you real money instantly covers the highest-paying app-based opportunities. If you enjoy games for money, check out my guide to getting paid to play games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually win real money on trivia apps?
Yes, but the amounts are small for most users. Prize-pool apps like Swagbucks Live pay $0.50 to $5 per winning game. Head-to-head wagering apps like Quiiiz can pay more but carry risk. Most users earn $5 to $20 per month from trivia specifically.
What’s the highest-paying trivia app?
For consistent, risk-free earnings, Swagbucks Live combined with the broader Swagbucks ecosystem offers the best total return. For highest per-game payouts, head-to-head wagering apps like Quiiiz offer the biggest individual wins — but with the possibility of losing.
Are trivia apps safe?
The apps listed here are legitimate. Be cautious of apps that request excessive permissions (contacts, camera, microphone), require large deposits, or have very few app store reviews.
Do you have to pay to play trivia apps?
Most trivia apps are free to play. Wagering apps (Quiiiz, Quezztion) require deposits to compete in cash games. Never deposit more than you’re comfortable losing entirely.
Can trivia apps be a real side hustle?
Not really. Even the most dedicated trivia app users earn $15 to $100 per month across multiple platforms — most of which comes from non-trivia activities like surveys. Trivia apps are better framed as entertainment that pays a small bonus, not as a side hustle.
The Bottom Line
Trivia apps are fun. They’re entertaining. And a few of them do pay real money.
But they are not income. They’re not a side hustle. They’re a way to earn pocket change while doing something you enjoy. If you love trivia, download Swagbucks and play the nightly live game. Maybe add InboxDollars and Dabbl for supplemental earnings. Enjoy the games, treat any winnings as a bonus, and don’t depend on them for anything.
If you want something that actually generates recurring income — the kind that pays bills and compounds over time — go here to see the system I use to build $500 to $1,500/month websites.
Play trivia for fun. Build something for income.
Mark is the founder of MarksInsights and has spent 15+ years testing online business programs and tools. He focuses on honest, experience-based reviews that help people avoid scams and find real, sustainable ways to make money online.