Are you looking for free apps that pay you in Japan?
Several popular apps now offer real rewards in yen, gift cards, or digital points just for simple daily actions.
This guide lists the top free apps you can start using right away to earn extra money with minimal effort.
Powl (アンケートアプリPowl)
Powl is a free Japanese survey app where you earn points by completing quick polls and questionnaires.
These points can be exchanged for cash, gift cards, or digital payment options.
How You Earn
You earn points through simple tasks in the app.
- Complete quick surveys or polls.
- Take part in mini quizzes and seasonal campaigns.
- Rate ads, products, or services when asked.
- Share your opinion via brief questionnaires.
Payout Details
Once you’ve accumulated enough points in Powl, you can cash out in several convenient ways:
- Exchange points for PayPay balance to spend or transfer.
- Redeem for Amazon gift cards to use on purchases.
- Convert into other digital gift cards via partner point-exchange services.
- Opt for cash withdrawal through supported point-of-sale platforms (a minimum threshold applies).
Rakuten Super Point Screen
Rakuten Super Point Screen is a free app that rewards you with Rakuten Points for viewing ads and content.
Points can be used for shopping or converted to cash.
How You Earn
You can earn Rakuten Points by performing simple actions within the app. Here's how the process works:
- Tap on banners and view short promotional content daily.
- Check news articles or product info displayed in the app.
- Complete occasional bonus missions or campaigns.
- Log in daily to receive streak rewards.
- Watch for seasonal promotions offering extra points.
Payout Details
You earn Rakuten Super Points that you can use across the Rakuten ecosystem or convert into other values:
- Redeem points for purchases on Rakuten Ichiba, Rakuten Travel, and other Rakuten services.
- Convert points into Rakuten Edy electronic money for in‑store use at over 350,000 affiliate locations.
- Exchange standard points (from the app) into crypto assets like Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Bitcoin Cash via Rakuten Wallet (minimum 100 points, 1 point = ¥1).
CASHb
CASHb is a free Japanese cashback app that lets you earn money by uploading grocery receipts from partner stores—you’ll receive CB points that can be redeemed for yen.
How You Earn
You earn cash back by simply shopping and uploading your receipts.
- Buy eligible items at partner supermarkets or pharmacies.
- Take a photo of your purchase receipt using the app.
- Submit receipts to earn CB points per qualifying item or brand.
- Complete bonus challenges or seasonal promotions for extra rewards.
Payout Details
After collecting CB points in CASHb, you can redeem them easily for real money:
- Convert CB points into Japanese yen.
- Transfer funds directly to your registered bank account once you hit the minimum withdrawal threshold.
- Some campaigns may allow gift card redemption instead of cash.
- Payouts are processed within a few business days after a transfer request is made.
Who These Apps Are Best For
These platforms are ideal for users seeking to earn extra money without requiring a significant amount of time or effort.
They're simple, mobile-based, and require no upfront investment.
- Students who want to make money during breaks or commutes.
- Part-time workers are looking to supplement their income.
- Homemakers who can use the apps while managing daily tasks.
- Foreign residents in Japan with basic reading skills in Japanese.
- Anyone with a smartphone and internet access wants to earn passive income.
- Budget-conscious users who prefer earning points from their everyday habits.
How Much Can You Realistically Earn Per Month?
These apps are best for earning small amounts on the side. Your total monthly rewards depend on how often you use the apps and which tasks you complete.
- Rakuten Super Point Screen: You can earn around ¥300–¥500 per month with daily use.
- Powl: Frequent survey takers can earn ¥500–¥1,000 monthly, depending on survey availability.
- CASHb: Active shoppers who upload receipts regularly can earn around ¥300–¥700 a month.
- Stacking multiple apps increases your total monthly earnings.
- Seasonal events or campaigns can temporarily boost your rewards.
- Realistically, expect to earn between ¥500 and ¥2,000 per month across all apps with regular use.
Tips to Maximize App Rewards
Boost your earnings by using these simple strategies across reward apps:
- Use multiple reward apps daily to stack opportunities.
- Enable notifications to stay up-to-date on new tasks and bonus campaigns.
- Log in regularly to maintain daily streaks and access streak bonuses.
- Watch for limited-time events that offer extra points.
- Refer friends when apps offer referral incentives.
- Stay organized with a reminder system to check each app consistently.
Do These Apps Work for Foreigners in Japan?
Many of these apps are accessible to foreign residents, but a basic understanding of Japanese may be required.
Here’s what you should know before signing up:
- Rakuten Super Point Screen supports accounts with foreign names and is easy to navigate with basic Japanese.
- Powl is available only in Japanese, so reading ability is essential to complete surveys accurately.
- CASHb requires receipt uploads and reading product conditions, which may be in Japanese only.
- A valid Japanese phone number and email address are usually required to register.
- Payout methods like PayPay, Rakuten Points, or bank transfers may require a domestic bank account.
Overall, these apps work well if you’re living in Japan and can understand simple Japanese.
Common Issues and How to Solve Them
Using reward apps in Japan is generally smooth, but you may encounter a few issues. Here are common problems and how to fix them quickly:
- App Not Opening or Crashing: Update the app, clear cache, or reinstall from the App Store or Google Play.
- Points Not Updating or Missing: Wait a few hours, check task completion history, or contact support in-app.
- Login Problems: Reset your password, check your internet connection, or verify your email or phone number.
- Receipt Not Accepted in CASH: Ensure the product is eligible and the photo is clear and within the campaign period.
- Language Barrier for Foreign Users: Utilize auto-translation tools or seek assistance from someone familiar with Japanese.
Are These Apps Safe to Use?
These reward apps are commonly used in Japan and are available in major app stores.
They don’t require sensitive personal information and comply with local digital privacy regulations.
- All apps are free to download from the App Store or Google Play.
- Most only require a basic account—no credit card or bank information is needed to start.
- Rakuten, Powl, and CASHb are developed or backed by known Japanese companies.
- Privacy policies are available in-app and follow Japan’s data protection laws.
- You can control your notification settings and access permissions.
- No subscription or hidden fees are involved.
To Sum Up
These free apps offer a simple way to earn real money or rewards during your spare time in Japan.
With consistent use, you can transform small daily tasks into valuable rewards.
Download one today and start earning extra cash right from your phone.
