For most young Americans, the idea of credit card debt isn’t just stressful—it’s constant. Between rising living costs, student loans, and sky-high interest rates, managing money can feel like an endless uphill climb. But for a growing number of Gen Z users, a new app called Coverd is turning that experience on its head.
The twist? You can play mobile games—yes, like plinko, slots, or even blackjack—and actually use your winnings to pay off your credit card balance.
“I never thought I’d say this, but I kind of look forward to checking in on my debt now,” says 25-year-old Coverd user Jamie D. from Austin. “It feels like I’m playing a game on my commute, except that I’m actually chipping away at my bills.”
Launched by a team of ex-Morgan Stanley and Google engineers, Coverd blends the mechanics of mobile gaming with the goals of personal finance. Users purchase low-cost “practice coins,” which come with free sweepstakes credits (called “Coverd Cash”). These credits can be used to play a range of instant-win games, and any cash winnings can be applied directly to the user’s credit card or saved for future expenses.
But unlike gambling apps, Coverd doesn’t use real-money bets. Instead, it operates legally under U.S. sweepstakes law, allowing users to enter games for free and offering a way to win without ever placing a wager.
It’s a model that’s resonating—especially with younger users who’ve grown up with gamified everything, from fitness apps to investing platforms.
“Gen Z doesn’t just want functionality—they want engagement,” says co-founder Eric Xu. “Financial tools can’t be boring anymore. They have to compete with TikTok, mobile games, and streaming apps. That’s the world we’re building in.”
The Coverd experience doesn’t stop at gameplay. Users can set financial goals, track their progress, and soon even swipe with the Coverd Card—a credit card that offers up to 100% cash back and sweepstakes entries with every purchase.
For many users, it’s not just about fun—it’s about empowerment. Rather than being scolded for spending or overwhelmed by budgeting tools, they’re offered a more positive relationship with money.
That said, the founders are careful not to promise magic fixes. “We’re not saying you’ll win every time,” Xu says. “But if we can make that repayment process feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful—that’s a win in itself.”
With more than 38 states already on board and expansion on the horizon, Coverd seems to be catching on fast. And in a world where finance and fun rarely cross paths, the app’s popularity is proof that sometimes the best way to beat debt… is to hit play.
