Every app that pays you to sign up, in one checked list.

1. Week 1: the $0 group. Rewards apps, receipt scanning and gig sign-ups cost nothing.
2. Week 2: under $20. Most use money you keep, like sending $5 to a friend or putting $1 into a stock.
3. Week 3 and on: the bigger ones, one or two at a time, especially the ones that only need your paycheck.
4. Use the Not paid yet filter to see what's left.

• Tap an offer's box once when you sign up. It turns orange and shows under Waiting on.
• Open the offer and tap Remind me to add a "check your bonus" reminder to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar, timed to when that bonus usually lands.
• Tap the box again when the money shows up. It turns green and adds to your total.
• Your progress saves on this device. Sign in (when available) to keep it on every device.

• Open the link before you download or sign up, on the same phone.
• If an offer needs a code, enter it during sign-up. Most apps won't let you add one later.
• Bonuses are for brand-new customers. If you ever had an account, you probably won't qualify.
• Screenshot the offer when you sign up, in case support asks.
• Use your real name and info. Duplicate or fake accounts get banned and the bonus is taken back.

• "Direct deposit" means your paycheck, sent by your employer through payroll. Transfers from Venmo, Cash App or PayPal usually don't count.
• Most payroll apps (ADP, Workday, Gusto, Paychex) let you split your pay: send just the required amount to the new account.
• Watch the deadline. Most give you 45 to 90 days from opening.
• Gig app payouts may or may not count as direct deposit. Check the bank's terms first.

• Free stock usually has to sit for a while. Robinhood, for example, lets you sell after 3 trading days and withdraw after 60.
• Prices move. A $20 crypto bonus can be worth $17 or $25 by the time you sell.
• Deposits you make to get a bonus are still your money, but some apps charge a fee if you pull it early. Check the catch on each offer.

Bank and brokerage bonuses usually count as income, and they may send you a tax form. Keep a simple list of what you earned and ask a tax preparer if you're unsure. Rewards points and store credit are usually treated differently from cash.

• Monthly fees. Some accounts charge one unless you meet a rule. Set a reminder to cancel or meet it.
• Overdrafts. Don't spend from a new account before your deposit clears.
• Scams. No real bonus asks you to pay a fee, share your login, or send money to a stranger to unlock it.
• Plans you don't need. Credit builders and phone plans cost money every month. Keep them only if they help.
• Gambling. Bonus bets feel free, but the deposit is real money. Set a limit before you start, or skip that section entirely.

• Most money apps are 18+. In the Gambling section, fantasy apps, prediction markets and some sweepstakes casinos are 18+ in most states; sportsbooks and online casinos are 21+. Each row shows its age.
• Opening a bank or money app account usually doesn't affect your credit score. Some banks check your banking history.
• No bank account yet? Start with Chime, Current or Cash App, then use that account for the rest.

Gig apps and a few money apps change their bonus by location and by week, and only show the real number inside the app. They're still worth checking. They aren't counted in the totals, so the real total is higher.