You’ve just signed up for a rewards app, completed your first offer, and now you’re wondering: when will I actually see money?
The honest answer: it can be anywhere from a few hours to several weeks—and for some users, even longer. Most people land somewhere in between. The biggest factor usually isn’t luck or the app being “sketchy.” It’s your country tier and the types of offers available to you.
This article shares real timing data from a Freeward internal sample of 23,039 first cashouts. Results vary across platforms and countries, but the pattern is consistent: this is pocket-money conversion of spare time, not income. Understanding what’s normal helps you set realistic expectations and avoid frustration.
TL;DR: What You Need to Know
- Tier 1 (US, UK, CA, AU): half cash out in ~4 hours; 90% within ~20 days
- Tier 2 (Western Europe, parts of Asia): half cash out in ~4 hours; 90% within ~49 days
- Tier 3 (rest of world): half cash out in ~29 hours; 90% within ~121 days
- Why averages look slow: a smaller group hits holds, reviews, or low offer availability—dragging averages up while the median stays fast
- Fastest path: app installs, quick trials, and short surveys can hit minimum cashout ($1–$5) in minutes to hours (especially in Tier 1)
- “On Hold” can extend timelines: sensitive offers or fraud checks may take up to ~60 days in edge cases (see details here)
- No guarantees: your timeline depends on activity, offer availability, and compliance
The Real Data: First Cashout Timing by Tier
Here’s what the numbers actually show (Freeward internal sample):
| Tier | Cashouters | Median (p50) | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 10,272 | ~3 hours (0.17 days) | 19.2 days |
| Tier 2 | 6,019 | ~4 hours (0.17 days) | 31.18 days |
| Tier 3 | 6,748 | ~29 hours (1.21 days) | 47.38 days |
What these numbers mean:
- Median (p50): half of users cash out faster than this; half take longer
- Average: the mean—pulled upward by users who take weeks or months
- p90: 90% of users cash out by this point; the slowest 10% take longer
Why the gap between median and average? A long tail. Some users face holds, complete only slow offers, or go inactive for weeks. That skews the average upward, even if the typical experience (median) is much faster.
Why Timelines Vary So Much
- Tier and offer volume: Tier 1 countries tend to have significantly more offers (including high-paying installs and trials). Tier 3 users often rely on surveys and slower tasks.
- Offer type: App installs and quick surveys can credit fast. Subscription offers or purchase-required tasks may need advertiser confirmation (days to weeks).
- Tracking and verification: Platforms run fraud checks. New accounts, high-value offers, or unusual patterns can trigger manual review or holds.
- User consistency: Frequent logins, completing steps correctly, and avoiding rule violations speed things up. VPNs, multiple accounts, or “shortcuts” usually cause delays or rejection.
What a “Realistic” First Cashout Looks Like (By Tier)
Tier 1 (US, UK, CA, AU)
If you’re active and complete quick offers (app installs, short surveys, trials), a first cashout can happen within hours to a few days. Based on the Freeward sample, half of Tier 1 cashouts happen in about ~4 hours. If you fall into the slower tail, holds or limited activity can push this out to ~3 weeks (p90 ~19.75 days).
Tier 2 (Western Europe, parts of Asia)
The median is still fast (~4 hours), but fewer high-value offers can mean it takes more tasks to reach the minimum. In the Freeward sample, the slower 10% can take ~7+ weeks (p90 ~48.54 days), especially if an offer goes on hold or you’re less active.
Tier 3 (Rest of world)
Offer availability is lower, so the typical first cashout is slower. In the Freeward sample, the median is ~29 hours, and the slower 10% can take ~4 months (p90 ~121.04 days). This usually reflects advertiser demand in your region—not “punishment.”
If you’re in Tier 2 or Tier 3: you’re not doing anything wrong. Your region simply has fewer offers. Consistency helps, and expectations matter.
Statuses You’ll See (and What They Actually Mean)
- Pending: staff will review your request ASAP (often within hours to ~2 days).
- On Hold: the platform flagged an offer/cashout for review (sensitive offer, suspicious signals, or advertiser verification). You may be asked for proof (screenshots/receipts). In edge cases, it can take up to ~60 days. See: Cashout stuck pending/on-hold.
- Approved: confirmed and processed. Many platforms deliver shortly after approval (often instant to ~2 days unless on hold).
- Rejected: commonly tied to rule violations (VPN use, multiple accounts, cheating) or ineligible/incorrect completion. Sometimes includes account bans.
- Removed: typically when the user entered the wrong wallet address or requested coins returned/reversed.
- Waiting (for KYC completion): you must complete identity verification before proceeding.
Proof that helps (when requested): confirmation emails, receipts, or screenshots that show you completed the required steps. Don’t fabricate evidence—this usually leads to a ban.
How to Reach First Cashout Faster (Without Getting Flagged)
- Complete your profile truthfully: offers are often matched based on demographics and consistency.
- Use one device, one account: multi-accounting and device hopping trigger fraud detection.
- Avoid VPNs and proxies: these are a common reason cashouts get delayed or rejected.
- Follow offer instructions exactly: read requirements, complete every step, and keep confirmation emails/receipts.
- Start with easy, low-risk offers: app installs, free trials, and short surveys often credit faster than purchase-required tasks.
- Expect some caution on brand-new accounts: many platforms are stricter in the first days to prevent fraud.
Don’t try to game the system. VPNs, fake accounts, and offer manipulation typically get you banned—not paid faster.