What “Extra Money” Means to Me
I do not use these programs as a replacement for a job or dependable monthly income. I think of them as ways to earn a little extra spending money from activities that fit into my normal routine.
Some programs are more passive. Some take a few minutes every day. Some pay for things I was already doing. The amount I have earned varies considerably from one program to another.
Four Programs I Personally Use
| Program | My experience | How I think about it |
|---|---|---|
| Receipt Hog | 14 cash-outs totaling about $120; currently roughly $5/month | Small rewards from receipts I already have |
| InboxDollars | 16 cash-outs totaling about $140 | A mix of Daily List activities, games, emails, surveys, receipts and more—not receipt earnings alone |
| Scrambly | 7 withdrawals totaling $38.46 | Game and offer rewards; useful when the activities are worth my time |
| Atlas Earth | 2 cash-outs totaling $12; I am currently reinvesting | A longer-term, more passive game-style program rather than quick cash |
Added together, those completed cash-outs total $310.46. But that number covers different programs, different amounts of time, and several years of use. It should not be read as a monthly income figure.
Receipt Hog: About $5 a Month for Me Right Now
Receipt Hog is probably the easiest example of what I mean by modest extra money. I have used it since 2023 and have cashed out about $120 across 14 cash-outs. At my current pace, I earn roughly $5 per month.
I mainly upload receipts from purchases I was already making. That is why I find it worthwhile: I am not spending money in order to earn the reward.
InboxDollars: More Activities, More Context
I have also used InboxDollars since 2023, usually almost every day. My 16 cash-outs total about $140.
That figure needs context. It includes several activities—not just scanning receipts. I use the Daily List, games, emails, surveys, receipts and other opportunities. I generally spend about five minutes on the Daily List and some additional time on receipts.
Scrambly: Paid Games and Offers
I started using Scrambly in 2025. I have made seven withdrawals totaling $38.46. The individual withdrawals have ranged from $1 to just over $10, using Amazon gift cards, a prepaid Visa and PayPal.
Scrambly can pay for playing games and reaching milestones. I have even received credit through Scrambly for time spent using Atlas Earth. My main complaint is that the selection of games can be limited.
Atlas Earth: A Different Kind of Extra-Money Program
Atlas Earth works differently from the other three. It is a virtual real-estate game that generates small amounts of rent. I have made two cash-outs totaling $12, but I am currently reinvesting rather than withdrawing what I earn.
That makes it especially important not to compare Atlas Earth directly with a receipt app or a program that pays for completing offers. The time horizon and strategy are different.
What Determines How Much You Can Make?
- How often you use the program. A daily program can produce very different results for an occasional user.
- Which activities you choose. A survey, game milestone, receipt, or special offer may pay very different amounts.
- How much time the reward requires. A larger payout is not automatically better if it takes hours to earn.
- Whether you spend money to chase rewards. Spending $10 you did not intend to spend to earn $2 is not making money.
- Changes to the program. Offers, payout rules and available activities can change.
My Rule: Look at the Return on Your Time
I do not judge these programs only by the dollar amount. I also consider how much effort they require and whether I can fit them into something I was already doing.
Uploading a receipt I already have is easy. Spending a few minutes on a routine I enjoy may be worthwhile. Spending hours doing something I dislike for a tiny reward probably is not.
This is also why I do not recommend buying things simply to earn points, coins, or cash back. The program should add value to your normal activity—not create unnecessary spending.
So, How Much Can You Realistically Make?
There is no single number that applies to everyone. My own history shows that these programs can pay real rewards, but the results are modest and uneven. I treat them as extra spending money, not income I depend on for bills.
If you want to try this kind of program, start with one or two that fit things you already do. Track what you actually receive and how much time you spend. After a few months, you will have a much better answer to the question that matters: Is this program worth it for me?
For another look at the numbers behind this kind of earning, see Are Receipt Apps Worth It? and Can You Really Make Money Playing Games?.
Making a Little Extra Money
My book brings together programs I actually use and the practical lessons I have learned from them. The goal is not to promise a new career—it is to show realistic ways to make a little extra spending money.
View the Book on AmazonExplore Extra-Money ProgramsDisclosure: Some program pages on this site contain referral links. If you use one, I may receive a referral benefit. This does not change the amount you pay or the way I describe my own experience.
Earnings disclaimer: The figures in this article are my personal results and are provided for informational purposes only. Earnings are not guaranteed, and your results may differ.