I stumbled across Gem Crush Epic while scrolling through the App Store, and it claimed I could earn $299 in real cash just by playing a gem-matching game. As a mom always looking for ways to make a little extra during nap time, this sounded almost too good to be true.
Spoiler alert: it was.
I downloaded it thinking, maybe this is one of those hidden gem apps. But the second I opened it and saw $199 magically sitting in my in-game “wallet,” my red flags started waving. Is Gem Crush Epic legit, or is it just another scam dressed up in sparkles and gems? I gave it a try so you don’t have to.
What Is Gem Crush Epic?
Gem Crush Epic is a free iOS puzzle game where you match three gems to clear levels—basically like a low-budget Candy Crush. But unlike typical match-3 games, this one claims you can earn real money for playing. It promises huge rewards just for completing a few levels, with a big flashy “Cash Out” button once you hit Level 10.
Sounds amazing, right? A little too amazing.
According to the app, you can cash out amounts like $299 once you hit the right level. But after playing it myself—and digging into real user experiences—it’s clear that the money is just bait to get you watching ads.
How Does Gem Crush Epic Work?
Here’s how the app lures you in:
How to Get Started with Gem Crush Epic:
- Download from the iOS App Store (not available on Android).
- Open the app—and instantly find $299 already in your account.
- Play match-3 levels (levels 1–9 are super easy).
- Watch tons of ads in between levels to “unlock” more money.
- Reach $299, but then hit a wall: you must complete Level 10 to cash out.
- (That cash number just keeps going up btw)
Level 10 is where all the “cash out” dreams go to die.
It’s incredibly difficult, borderline impossible—and from dozens of reviews, no one seems to be able to beat it. You’ll keep watching ads, keep playing, and keep being told your money is “waiting.” But it never arrives.
How Much Money Can You Actually Make?
Let’s be real: You’re not making real money here. The app gives the illusion of fast cash—you’ll “earn” $5 or $10 at a time just for matching gems. But the earnings are fake.
- Instant balance when you open the app: $199
- Cash out minimum: $299
- Payout locked behind Level 10, which most users never beat
- Real earnings: $0
Wait… $199 just for opening the app? That’s not how real money works.
Some users claim to have spent hours trying to beat Level 10, hoping to unlock their cash, but it never happens. So while the app shows big numbers, there’s no evidence anyone’s actually getting paid.
How Do You Cash Out?
In theory, Gem Crush Epic says you can cash out your “earnings” once you complete Level 10. Here’s what it claims:
- Cash out at $299
- Cash options shown: PayPal, “bank withdrawal”
- Watch 20 ads to unlock full payout
- Payout supposedly happens automatically after completing Level 10
But here’s the truth:
Level 10 is nearly unbeatable. Players report trying over and over with no luck. And there’s no actual support, no working terms and conditions, and no way to contact the developers.
Level 10 is the new Bermuda Triangle—you’ll never make it out with your earnings.
Is Gem Crush Epic Legit or a Scam?
Based on everything I experienced—and what I’ve seen from other users—Gem Crush Epic is not legit. It’s a classic scam setup dressed up as a cute puzzle game. Here’s what to watch out for:
- Fake earnings that appear instantly
- Unbeatable Level 10 that blocks all withdrawals
- Fake reviews on the App Store that don’t match the gameplay
- No recent updates, even though users are complaining
- No real proof of anyone getting paid
If it looks like a scam and cashes out like a scam, it’s probably a scam.
I searched Reddit, Trustpilot, and app review forums—not one legitimate user claimed to have received real cash. Meanwhile, the game forces you to watch dozens of ads, likely making real money for the developers while dangling fake dollars in front of you.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Fun and easy-to-learn match-3 gameplay
- Bright, colorful graphics
- Free to download
❌ Cons:
- Fake “earnings” with no actual payout
- Level 10 is designed to block cash-outs
- No customer support or working T&C
- Outdated app, no maintenance
- Reviews feel artificial or incentivized
Final Verdict: Should You Try Gem Crush Epic?
Gem Crush Epic is not worth your time. While it looks fun on the surface and promises fast money, it’s really just a trap to get you to watch ads. The “cash out at level 10” promise is the biggest red flag—you’ll never reach it, and your “$299” will just sit there taunting you.
Spoiler alert: the only one making money here is the app developer from all those ads you’re watching.
If you’re a mom looking for a real way to make extra money on your phone, skip this one. There are much better apps that actually pay—this just isn’t one of them.
Have you tried Gem Crush Epic? Did you ever make it past Level 10? Let me know below—I’d love to hear what happened!