It never hurts to have a little more money in your pocket.

There are tons of apps out there that offer easy ways to make money. You can choose from fun ways to pass time, side hustles, or even part-time jobs—everything from driving or shopping for others to earning rewards or selling your own stuff.

No matter what your interests are, this list has got you covered. Discover 50+ apps that actually make you money down below.

 

 

Best Apps That Pay You Real Money

Narrow down your search by considering your interests, spare time, and how quickly you’d like to get paid. Read on to find out the pros and cons of each app.

If you already know what kind of side hustle you like, check out one of the categories below to start earning (or saving) extra cash.

 

• Survey Apps
• Cash Back Apps
• Game Apps
• Investing Apps
• Delivery Driver Apps
• Automatic Savings Apps
• Selling Apps
• Get Paid to Lose Weight Apps

 

1. SWAGBUCKS – $5 SIGN UP BONUS

Most of us are on our phones during commercials. So why not use those minutes to make extra money with Swagbucks?

With Swagbucks, you can earn by watching videos, taking surveys, using their browser extension, and just for signing up ($5). For 15-30 minutes of using the app, you can make roughly $2.

Of all the survey apps out there, Swagbucks is easy to vouch for. It’s been around for 14 years and has paid out $405M to its members, and has a solid reputation for customer service.

Pros:

• Completely free to use
• More ways to make money than other survey sites

 

Cons:

• Restrictions for earning sign up bonus
• Points accrue slowly

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

2. IBOTTA – CASH BACK REWARDS

Paper coupons get a smarter upgrade with Ibotta. With this app, you can rack up cash back rewards for shopping online and in-store.

Some people have even earned $1,000+ by using this app, so if you’re gonna try one – this is the one to try.

After you earn at least $20 in cash-back (which doesn’t take long), it’s sent directly to your bank account. There’s no confusing points system and it works with 1,000+ retailers. Active Ibotta users make as much as $100 per month.

Pros:

• Free to use

 

Cons:

• Have to manually add offers to your account
• $20 needed to cash out^[1] (some gift cards require $25)

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

 

3. ACORNS – $10 BONUS

Acorns is perfect for investing newbies because it automatically rounds up purchases on your debit or credit card, then invests the spare change into a diverse portfolio.

They also offer insights on your saving and spending habits to get your financial health into shape. Read more about Acorns’ features in our full review.

Pros:

• No investment minimum
• Cash-back and checking account programs

 

Cons:

• No tax benefits
• Not worth it if you have a small balance

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

Find more investing opportunities further down, including small business bonds, real estate, and more.

4. SHOPKICK – GET REWARDED FOR SHOPPING

When shopping starts to feel like a chore, download Shopkick to make trips to the store worth your while.

You can earn ‘kicks’ by scanning barcodes, walking into stores, and – yes – buying things.

250 ‘kicks’ equals $1.^[2] And they add up fast. Just walking into a store gets you 50-100 kicks. Scanning a receipt can earn 250-700 kicks.

That turns into easy money that you can use to top off your gas tank or fund your coffee habit. You can also redeem them for gift cards from stores like Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Starbucks.

Pros:

• No fees
• Option not to share your personal info

 

Cons:

• Must turn on phone’s GPS to get in-store ‘kicks’
• Must upload receipts or link a card to get credits
• No cash rewards, only gift cards

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

5. FOAP – GET PAID FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE PHOTOS

Have you ever been told you have a “good eye” for photography? Try joining Foap to start cashing in on your high-quality smartphone photos.

After uploading your photos to the app, big companies like Bank of America or Getty Images can pay you for them (about $5 usually). Well-lit, nicely composed photos (think scenic stock images) will probably be your best bet.

You can make even more money if you join Foap Missions, where companies ask for a specific type of image. Foap Missions pay $100 – $500.

Pros:

• Easy and free to use
• Potential for high payouts

 

Cons:

• Can take a while to sell a photo

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

6. S’MORE – LOCK SCREEN REWARDS

With the S’more app, you earn money simply by unlocking your phone – perfect if you’re looking for a more passive option.

The app displays ads and content on your lock screen, and each time you unlock your phone, you’ll earn points you can redeem for gift cards. (Most people unlock their phone almost 100 times per day.)

Overall, the earnings are modest: Roughly $5-$10 per month. Not too shabby for zero work!

Pros:

• Free to sign up and use
• Get paid every day just by unlocking your phone
• More ways to earn points ( play games, download apps, complete offers)
• 25 point bonus for every referral

 

Cons:

• Earnings are low
• Some privacy concerns about sharing your lock screen

 

Works on: Android

7. FIELD AGENT – GO TO STORES

Before heading off for your next Target run (or CVS, or Kohl’s…), download the Field Agent app to earn money for simple in-store tasks, like taking photos of product displays.

With each completed task, your profile ‘score’ goes up and gives you access to higher-paying tasks. You’ll earn $3 – $15 for a single task. Not bad for an afternoon errand.

Pros:

• Earnings are fairly high
• Receive cash within 1-2 days of requesting cash-out

 

Cons:

• Going to stores can be time consuming
• Might not offer tasks in your area

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

8. GOOGLE OPINION REWARDS – SURVEYS FOR CASH

Google Opinion Rewards is built by Google (so you can be sure of their credibility) and pays you to share your opinions on just about anything: food, TV shows, travel, and more.

Each survey pays between $0.10 and $1.00, which can add up if you’re consistent.

The surveys can be a great way to kill time while waiting in the checkout line or the doctor’s waiting room. Plus, surveys are sent to you automatically (no searching required).

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• Can also redeem rewards via Google Play store

 

Cons:

• Survey credits expire after one year
• Must complete survey within 24 hours of receiving a notification
• Limited to surveys Google sends you

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

9. INSTACART – GET PAID TO DELIVER GROCERIES

Instacart is a delivery app that lets you grocery shop for other people. Grocery delivery has blown up in the last couple years, so this app is a pretty safe bet for earning money.

A typical Instacart shopper earns between $25 and $30 for a single order.

“Full-service shoppers” are responsible for collecting and delivering an order. They’re paid weekly, earn tips, and have the freedom to work whenever they want.

Pros:

• Flexible hours
• Alcohol delivery earns bigger tips

 

Cons:

• Wear & tear on your car
• App defaults to low tips

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

10. DECLUTTR – EARN MONEY FOR OLD TECH

We all have extra clutter around the house. Instead of setting it aside for a Goodwill drop-off, sell off your unwanted items with relatively little effort through Decluttr.

They claim to pay up to 33% more than other resale apps – over $300 million so far. They pay out within 24 hours of receiving your stuff and they pay for shipping, too.

Pros:

• Offers a mobile app
• Accepts a wide variety of items

 

Cons:

• Prices are typically lower than eBay
• May reject some items

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

11. BOOKSCOUTER – SELL YOUR TEXTBOOKS

Your old textbooks are taking up valuable space, so why not sell them for cash on BookScouter?

You can enter the ISBN number on their site and get an instant quote. And because they compare prices from 40+ resale sites, you can get top dollar.

When you’re matched with a buyer, they’ll even send you a free shipping label to send your book off.

Pros:

• Offers better prices than other sites
• Offers a mobile app

 

Cons:

• Might not accept all books
• Some older books sell at low prices

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

12. LYFT – EARN HOURLY RATE + TIPS

If you’ve ever had a really bad Lyft driver, you already know what not to do as a Lyft driver yourself.

Lyft offers competitive pay for drivers and special programs for those without a car, making it a safe, legit way to earn cash.

On average, Lyft drivers earn $15 – $20 per hour. A valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and registration are all you need to get started.

Pros:

• Set your own schedule
• Earn hourly rate + tips

 

Cons:

• Wear & tear on your car
• Riders can rate you however they want

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

13. RAKUTEN – $10 SIGN UP BONUS

One of the downsides of cash-back apps is having to search for offers. With Rakuten, all coupon codes are applied automatically.

You’ll earn between 1% – 20% cash back in-store and online. Some brands even give you a flat cash reward (like $15) for shopping with them through Rakuten.

There’s no need to keep track of coupons or points. As long as you shop within Rakuten, you’ll automatically earn cash back, which is paid to you quarterly via PayPal or check.

Pros:

• $10 sign up bonus
• A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
• Earn $30 with the Refer-a-Friend program

 

Cons:

• Must wait for quarterly payment
• Some deals are category specific, not storewide

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

14. TASKRABBIT – EARN BY LENDING A HAND

If you like to work with your hands or want to get outside a little more, be sure to check out TaskRabbit, a task-based gig app.

Create an account, advertise your services (anything from moving boxes to trimming hedges), and you’ll be connected with neighbors who want your help. Most Taskers make $32 – $35 per hour.

Pros:

• Set your own rates and keep 100% of tips
• Great for skilled taskers, but good for everyday helpers too

 

Cons:

• Requires a background check & screening process
• Earnings vary widely, depending on what you offer

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

15. CAPITAL ONE PRICE PROTECTION – GET REFUNDS ON PAST PURCHASES

This app helps you earn cash back on purchases you’ve already made. Here’s how it works:

Formerly Paribus, Capital One Shopping Price Protection connects to your email inbox, checks for online shopping receipts, and tells you if something you just bought was recently discounted. If so, they file a claim with the store to refund you the difference.

Capital One Shopping Price Protection even works with Amazon to get you a refund of shipping fees associated with your order if your package wasn’t delivered on time. The average user gets back $60 to $100 per year.

Pros:

• Earnings are passive
• Works with 25+ major retailers

 

Cons:

• Must give Capital One Price Protection access to your email
• Doesn’t work with some small retailers
• Refunds are not guaranteed

 

16. OFFERUP – CONNECT WITH BUYERS LOCALLY

OfferUp is like a virtual garage sale, except without the pesky permits and signs. You can sell your stuff for local pickup, (perfect for large items like furniture) or ship it if you want to.

You can even sell damaged items for parts.

Selling on OfferUp is completely free, but you can choose to ‘bump up’ your listing for a fee. This places your listing towards the top to attract more potential buyers.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• Listing items is easy and quick

 

Cons:

• Some have had issues with dishonest buyers
• Customer service could be better

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

17. STASH – MICRO-INVEST

Everyone’s getting in on stock-trading these days, and Stash is a great option for beginners looking to start growing their money.

Stash offers stock trading, ETFs, fractional shares, and more. While it’s not exactly a robo-advisor, Stash does provide guidance on how to invest and requires only a small amount to get started.

Pros:

• Automatically invest extra funds
• Good for beginner investors

 

Cons:

• Fees are high for small balances

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

Investing is a great way to grow your wealth. But if you want money now, the next app pays you to unload your old clothes.

18. POSHMARK – YOUR FASHION MARKETPLACE

With Poshmark, you can sell your unwanted clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.

Just upload photos of your items, set your price, and wait for interested buyers to contact you. Regular Poshmark sellers say they earned $100 – $200 in their first months on the app.

To earn more, take advantage of the Posh Parties. These virtual “parties” focus on a specific theme (like plus-size clothing or summer accessories) and give sellers the chance to boost the visibility of their items.

Pros:

• Good for selling more than just clothes
• Easy and quick to list your items

 

Cons:

• Fees cut into your profits if sale is less than $15^[3]

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

19. VARAGESALE – SELL TO PEOPLE IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Want an easier, faster way to get rid of things you don’t want? VarageSale helps you sell items to people in your area.

Download the app, get approved by the community admins, set a price, and wait for interested buyers to contact you.

As with any resale site, you’ll have an easier time selling if your listing is well done. Add quality photos with good lighting and write a detailed description, including any damage.

Pros:

• Safe transactions with verified buyers
• User-friendly design
• Free to list items
• No shipping required

 

Cons:

• You should still take the usual precautions when meeting buyers face-to-face

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

20. ROBINHOOD – GET A FREE STOCK

Get a free stock just for signing up with Robinhood. The popular app offers commission-free stock trading, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin). With no minimum investment, it may be a good option for new investors.

If you want to be able to hand-pick your investments, including options like cryptocurrency, Robinhood is worth a look.

Pros:

• Commission-free trades
• No investment minimum

 

Cons:

• Limited research and tools
• No mutual funds or bonds

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

21. UPWORK – WRITE, CODE, DESIGN FOR $$$

Many people have a niche talent that they don’t use in their day-job. To take advantage of those talents, create a profile with Upwork and start advertising your services.

Be sure to collect positive references and show examples of your work on your profile. When setting your rates, just remember that Upwork takes a 20% fee of your earnings.

Pros:

• Set your own rate
• Take on as much or as little work as you want

 

Cons:

• May be initially difficult to attract clients
• Clients can negotiate your rates down

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

22. UBER EATS – EARN EXTRA IN “SURGE ZONES”

You probably know Uber for its ride-sharing request app. The popular app added food delivery in 2014 with Uber Eats.

Because Uber already has a huge number of users, Uber Eats quickly became a popular choice for online food ordering app. More customers = more potential earnings.

Uber’s algorithm to determine earnings is slightly less straightforward than other delivery apps, like Grubhub and DoorDash. Your earnings will depend on multiple factors and no longer be based on time and distance alone. With Upfront Fares, you can see how much you can make and your passenger’s pick-up and drop-off locations before accepting a ride.

 

 

Pros:

• Consistent work available
• Create your own schedule

 

Cons:

• Earnings can fluctuate
• Wear & tear on your car

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

23. DOORDASH – DELIVERY APP WITH THE MOST CUSTOMERS

DoorDash is a food delivery app that connects hungry customers with local restaurants. As a Dasher, you get to manage your own hours and deliver when and where you want.

Best of all, DoorDash is known for having the most customers, which means more cash for you. Dashers keep 100% of tips (but great customer service can help you earn more.)

Note: Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries completed, time of day, location, and expenses. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from peak pay, tips, and other incentives.

Pros

• More customers than other delivery apps
• Decide when and where you want to deliver

 

Cons

• Not everyone tips
• Driving causes wear and tear on your car

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

24. MERCARI- SELL USED ITEMS

Mercari is another selling app that’s blowing up these days. With over 50M downloads in the US, there’s already a huge base of potential buyers who search the app regularly.

List your item for free, add photos and a description, and wait for buyers to send you an offer. They even show you recent sales from other users to give you an idea of what kind of items people want to buy.

Pros:

• Free to list items
• Payments process quickly

 

Cons:

• Risk of working with dishonest buyers
• Customer service could be better

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

25. TURO – RENT OUT YOUR CAR

If you have a functional car, you have everything you need to earn a little extra money (no driving required.) Turo has been called the ‘Airbnb’ of car rental.

Simply rent out your car when you’re not using it. Set an hourly or per-day rate and interested renters will reach out to you. Turo says users can make roughly $400 to $500 per month.

Other sites like Getaround offer additional perks like a $50 credit for you to rent another car from the platform. Consider checking out HyreCar and TravelCar, as well.

Pros:

• Can set hourly or per-day rates
• Turo provides additional insurance

 

Cons:

• Some risk in lending your car out

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

26. SURVEY JUNKIE – FREE TO SIGN UP

Survey Junkie is another huge name in the online survey game. Sign up and start taking surveys in your downtime, either from their site or mobile app.

Survey Junkie uses your profile info to find pre-vetted surveys that you qualify for. They’ll even award you points for surveys that disqualify you, meaning your time is better spent.

They award points that can be redeemed via PayPal or gift cards to major retailers. Most surveys pay $1 – $3 and take 5 – 20 minutes.

Pros:

• Adds new surveys daily
• Little time commitment required

 

Cons:

• Some personal info required for sign-up
• Survey pools fill quickly

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

27. INBOXDOLLARS – $5 SIGN UP BONUS

Sign up on InboxDollars’ site or app and get paid to take surveys, watch videos, read emails, and other easy tasks.

They even give you $5 just for signing up. Surveys pay between $0.50 and $5 a piece and take about 10 minutes.

Another plus? They award plain cash. Most other sites use a points system, which makes it difficult to know how much you’re really earning.

Pros:

• Earn real cash (not points)
• Legit company

 

Cons:

• Physical payouts (like a check) charge $3 fee
• Must earn at least $30 to cash out

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

If you like to shop, you know how hard it can be to find the best prices. Some sites make it easy to shop smart and save.

28. CAPITAL ONE SHOPPING – GET ALERTS ON SHOPPING DEALS

Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Capital One Shopping searches for coupon codes from major retailers to help you save extra money.

Capital One Shopping is 100% free to use and you can earn Shopping Credits that you can redeem for gift cards and use online (that’s essentially free money).

Pros:

• Find deals with little to no effort
• Free to sign up and use

 

Cons:

• Will mostly show you deals from eBay

 

Works on: iPhone, Android, Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari

29. MYPOINTS – GET A $10 BONUS

The MyPoints app offers up to 40% back on your purchases through partners. Shop with retailers like Home Depot, Target, Amazon, and Macy’s and earn points for your purchases.

You redeem your points for gift cards or transfer the funds to your PayPal account.

Pros:

• Earn cash instantly
• Redeem points for United Mileage Plus Miles and more

 

Cons:

• Limit on how many points you can earn per day
• Gift card values differ for each store

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

30. ROVER – PET-SIT FOR CASH

Some pet-lovers would walk dogs for free (I’m one of them), but Rover sweetens the deal by paying you to take Fido around town.

Rover is a good choice if you’re responsible and have experience with a pet of your own.

Create an account on the Rover app, add qualifications and experience to your profile, then wait for pet-owners to request your services. Frequent Rover users can earn up to $500 per month.

Pros:

• Can also pet-sit for extended periods
• On-demand walking feature can be buggy

 

Cons:

• May take a while to attract clients
• You’re responsible if anything happens to the pet

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

31. DROP – SHOP & GET REWARDED

Do you ever feel tricked into paying more for the things you need? Instead of letting big brands take all the profit, claim some for yourself with Drop.

Drop is like the best version of a cash-back app: Just link your most-used debit or credit card, then choose your top 5 favorite brands.

Every time you shop with those brands on your linked card, you’ll earn points. 1,000 points on Drop equals $1, so the earnings add up slowly. To maximize profits, be sure to refer friends to Drop.

Pros:

• Earn for purchases you already make
• Free to sign up

 

Cons:

• Points may take a while to show up in account
• Customer service could be better

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

32. FUNDRISE – MAKE MONEY WITH REAL ESTATE

Fundrise is an online investment platform that lets you passively invest in real estate projects with just $10. Investors earn money quarterly from rental income and when properties are sold.

Pros:

• Get paid quarterly dividends
• Passive investing

 

Cons:

• $10 minimum to start^[4]
• Investment isn’t liquid

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

33. M1 FINANCE – INVEST WITH ZERO FEES

If you want a more long-term option,M1 Finance offers free automated investing with no commissions or account fees. With a $100 minimum investment, you can choose from individual stock trading, fractional shares, ETFs, and even retirement accounts.

Pros:

• Choose your own investments
• No account fees

 

Cons:

• No human advisors
• Not the best option for beginners

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

Do you have an opinion? If you do, you can actually get paid to share them. Find out how below.

34. PINECONE RESEARCH – TEST PRODUCTS

Like to stay on top of new trends? Pinecone Research lets you make money by testing unreleased products.

The app only accepts new members a few times a year, but once you’re accepted, you receive only opportunities you qualify for. Completed surveys earn you $3 each.

Pinecone Research pays in cash, gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and merchandise.

Pros:

• Multiple ways to earn money
• Free to join

 

Cons:

• Doesn’t accept new members often
• Earnings build slowly

 

35. MOBILEXPRESSION – GET PAID TO LET THIS APP RUN

MobileXpression is a market research app that pays you just for letting the app run in the background.

It observes your internet search and phone usage for market research. (And rest assured, they promise the app won’t slow down your phone.)

You get paid in gift cards to major retailers. The average MobileXpression user reports making $5 per week.

Pros:

• Earn $5 Amazon gift card after your first week
• Free to sign up

 

Cons:

• Takes a lot of your phone’s battery
• Customer service could be better

 

36. TOLUNA – BECOME AN INFLUENCER

Toluna is the easiest way to get paid for expressing your thoughts.

Provide feedback for major brands like Kellogg’s, Coca-Cola, Amazon, and more. You can also participate in daily lotteries for more rewards.

Then, redeem your earnings for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and other rewards. Toluna surveys pay between $0.05 to $1 each. While the surveys are easy, it takes a while for earnings to add up.

Pros:

• Free to join
• Automatic entries into prize drawings

 

Cons:

• Earnings can take a while to cash out
• Must earn at least $30 to cash out

 

37. WEBULL – INVEST AND GET A FREE STOCK

Webull is an app that offers commission-free stock trading, ETFs, and options trading for little (or no) fees.

Pros:

• Commission-free trading
• Offers app and full-feature desktop platform
• Offers fractional shares

 

Cons:

• Does not offer the in-depth analytics of larger brokers
• No mutual funds or bonds
• Not beginner-friendly

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

38. AIRBNB – EARN PASSIVE INCOME

Airbnb lets you rent out a house, apartment, or room to travelers. List your space on the Airbnb site for free, add quality photos, and set a fair price (be sure to consider nearby tourist spots that may attract more people).

Your success on Airbnb depends on how good of a host you are. Provide amenities like free coffee or toiletries, keep an open line of communication with your guests, and you could easily earn $50-$200 per night.

Pros:

• Airbnb verifies guests to ensure your safety
• ‘Superhosts’ will earn even more

 

Cons:

• Host fees range from 14% to 20%
• Guests can mistreat your space

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

39. TRIM – CUT BILLS AND FEES

Forgot to cancel that ‘free trial’ months ago? Luckily, Trim can help you eliminate those sneaky charges.

The app connects to your bank account, identifies any subscriptions, and lets you cancel the service via text.

With their Bill Negotiation tool, Trim claims they can lower some bills by up to 30% (just be aware they take a small cut of your savings).

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• Offers multiple services (catches fees, negotiates bills)

 

Cons:

• Takes a cut of your bill savings
• Must share some personal info

 

40. SWEATCOIN – TURN YOUR STEPS INTO COINS

Sweatcoin, a fitness app with a huge user base, lets you convert your steps into coins.

Most Sweatcoin users say they make 20 ‘coins’ in a day, which equals $1. You can spend the coins on merchandise from Sweatcoin’s partner brands in the Sweatcoin Marketplace.

Like many other money making apps, they also let you earn for watching videos and referring others to the app.

Pros:

• Add friends and family to your Sweatcoin
• Earn bonus Sweatcoins by watching videos

 

Cons:

• Daily & monthly limit on how much you can earn
• Prizes limited and typically fitness related

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

41. DOSH – EARN CASHBACK EASILY

Dosh revolutionized the ‘cashback’ process: just link your debit or credit card directly to the app’s ‘Dosh Wallet’.

Every time you shop with their partner retailers, you’ll automatically earn 5% – 10% cash back, making it one of the easiest money making apps on this list.

Pros:

• $10 for every referral who links a card^[5]
• Earn cash back on hotel stays (must book via Dosh app)

 

Cons:

• Some payouts take up to 90 days
• Not all retailers participate

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

The best thing about cashback apps? You can use multiple at a time. Stay tuned for more cash back options.

42. IPOLL – WIN MONEY ON “MISSIONS”

Earn money on iPoll by embarking on ‘Missions’: turn on your phone GPS, visit specific retailers, snap pics of products, and other easy tasks.

iPoll awards in simple cash (not points) and you can cash out at $25 via PayPal, gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and more.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• Multiple ways to earn cash, even passively

 

Cons:

• May take several weeks to receive payment
• Customer service response can be slow

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

 

 

43. 5MILES – HASSLE FREE SELLING

5miles promises to simplify the process of selling things online, which makes it a great option for the less patient among us.

This app may not offer all the bells and whistles of some other apps, but it works with pre-verified buyers within 5 miles of your location to ensure a safe and seamless transaction.

Their ‘Community’ feature gives you the ability to post about pet adoptions, yard sales, and even advertise helpful services to your neighbors.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• Buyers and sellers are vetted for trustworthiness

 

Cons:

• Only useful for local transactions
• Desktop version isn’t as good

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

44. UPSIDE – GAS STATION REWARDS

Trips to the gas station giving you sticker shock? Luckily, Upside can help you earn cash back from Exxon, Chevron, Valero, and other gas stations.

With location tracking, Upside shows you nearby gas stations (and other businesses) that offer cash back deals.

You can earn 25 cents per gallon on gas, up to 35% cash back at restaurants and 15% back on groceries.

Pros:

• $1 minimum to cash out
• App displays local prices and cash back offerings

 

Cons:

• Must pay with credit or debit card to work
• Not available everywhere in the U.S.

 

45. CHECKOUT 51 – $5 BONUS

Checkout 51 works like a retroactive coupon. If you buy a product and can prove it, you earn cashback.

The app is simple to use and is a great way to save money when you don’t have time to search for deals ahead of time.

They’ll give you a flat reward (between $0.50 and $4) instead of a percentage of your purchase.

Pros:

• Offers change weekly
• Shop in-store or online, even with coupons
• Get paid via mailed check once you hit $20

 

Cons:

• Offers available for one week only
• Only one use per offer

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

46. MISTPLAY – GET PAID FOR MOBILE GAMING

Mistplay calls itself the ‘loyalty program for mobile gamers.’

Download the app, create an account, and browse Mistplay’s selection of eligible games.

Play a game for a specific amount of time and rack up ‘units’. The units can be redeemed for gift cards from Amazon, Google Play and more. Users say they make between $0.50 to $1 an hour.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• User-friendly app
• Perfect for people who love mobile gaming

 

Cons:

• May take a while to earn a good amount

 

47. HEALTHYWAGE – GET FIT

Getting healthy is already a reward, but if you’re looking to sweeten the deal, HealthyWage will pay you to meet your fitness goals.

Set a weight goal, place a bet, and use HealthyWage’s calculator to see what your potential prize money will be.

Once you meet your weight goal, the prize money is yours. The average prize amount for people who hit their goal is a whopping $1,300.

Pros:

• Reward is twofold: get healthy + earn money
• Not a long-term solution

 

Cons:

• Bet is required upfront
• You must stay motivated to not lose your money

 

 

 

48. GIGWALK – IN-STORE “GIGS”

Become a Gigwalker and earn extra money for simple tasks like visiting stores, taking photos, and shopping.

Gigwalk pays you in plain cash for each ‘gig’ you complete, and the earnings are high compared to other similar apps. You’ll earn anywhere from $3 to $100 for each task.

Even if you’re not planning a trip to the store, you can use Gigwalker as an incentive to take walks around town and earn money in the process.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• High earnings per ‘gig’

 

Cons:

• Task approval time can be long
• Some areas have fewer gigs available

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

49. EARNY – RETROACTIVE PRICE DROPS

When something you just bought goes on sale, you’ll be glad you have the Earny app on your phone.

Earny searches for items you bought that have been marked down, files a claim with the retailer and refunds you the difference. They also offer 20% cash back if you activate Earny while shopping online.

Pros:

• Also offers a browser extension for Chrome
• Works with 5,000+ retailers

 

Cons:

• Not free, $4.99/month
• Must grant access to your email

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

50. MOBEE – EARN REWARDS WHILE SHOPPING

Make money with Mobee’s ‘mystery shopper assignments,’ like buying a cup of coffee or trying a new product. After you complete an assignment, answer a few questions about your experience.

Points are then added to your balance, which you can redeem for gift cards.

Pros:

• Free to sign up
• You can complete as many task as you want

 

Cons:

• Missions are less in rural area
• Limited earning opportunities
• Risk of working for free if your missions was rejected
• Points expire after six months of not using the app

 

Works on: iPhone, Android

OTHER MONEY-MAKING APPS TO TRY OUT

 

 

These apps may not be as popular as the ones above, but they are worth trying out if you’re looking to seriously stack your earnings.

• Receipt Hog
  Here’s a great reason to stop tossing your receipts: Receipt Hog will pay you to scan them with their iOS or Android app. 

  Each receipt earns ‘coins’, depending on how much the purchase was. (For example, $100+ would earn you 20 coins.)^[6]

  Once you’ve earned 1000 coins, you can cash out for $5,^[7] but it’s best to save up for more.

   

• Worthy Bonds
  Looking for a short-term investment with high returns? Worthy Bonds lets you invest in bonds that help fund small businesses. 

  Your investment yields a 5% interest rate, which higher than most high-yield savings accounts.

  Worthy Bonds is free to use, all you need is a $10 upfront investment. The bond matures in 3 years, but you can withdraw at any time with no penalties.

   

• Blooom
  Unlike most robo-advisors on the market, Blooom manages only retirement accounts. Get recommendations on how to diversify your IRA, 401k, 403b, and other retirement accounts to earn more in the long run. 

   

   

• Surveys on the Go
  Here’s a great way to spend your time waiting at the DMV: The Surveys on the Go app pays you for watching videos, writing product reviews, testing products, and of course – taking surveys. 

  You can cash out with PayPal, Visa gift cards, Amazon gift cards, and more. Even better – they process payments instantly.

   

• Snapwire
  The best way to earn with photography apps is to use multiple at a time, so be sure to check out Snapwire 

  Brands and companies use Snapwire to request specific photos for ad campaigns and more. If they choose your photo, you’ll get paid in cash. You can also list your photo in the Marketplace for anyone to buy.

   

• Evidation
  With Evidation, you can earn rewards for fitness activities like walking, meditating, answering questions about your health, and keeping a food log. 

  The app syncs with other fitness apps you already use. Rack up points with each activity, and cash out for $10 once you have 10,000 points.^[8]

   

• Lympo
  It really does pay to be healthy: Lympo pays you for keeping up daily wellness habits. 

  Just download the app on the Google Play or App Store, enter your email address to create an account, and start tracking your health and wellness habits.

  Lympo incentivizes you to keep track so you’ll earn more as you go. It’s completely free to use, but you’ll earn only prizes (no cash).

   

• Seated
  The Seated app gives you rewards for dining out. Just dine with the app’s partner restaurants, and then upload a photo of your receipt after you have dined there. You can get up to 30% back. 

  Redeem your points for gift cards to Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Delta, Nordstrom, and more.

   

  Seated is currently available in New York City, Boston, Chicago, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas, though they plan to expand to additional cities soon.^[9]

   

   

• Honeygain
  Get this: Honeygain is an app that pays you to share your internet connection with trusted data scientists. 

  You’ll instantly earn $5 just for signing up, plus $1 for every 10GB shared. If you agree to keep your internet access open for a whole month, you’ll get $50.

   

• StepBet
  StepBet’s goal is to get you to live healthier, but they make it way more fun than just counting steps. Opt into “games” like taking the stairs over the elevator or taking a walk with a friend. 

  Just place a bet on your fitness goals, and cash out from a community pot when you hit it.

   

• Money App
  The Money App may look like any other rewards app, but its track record speaks for itself: a 4.9/5 App Store rating and nearly 120K reviews. 

  Sign up and earn for completing easy tasks like sharing opinions, playing games, going into stores, and more. You won’t make hundreds of dollars on the Money App, but it’s a great way to make a couple bucks when you’re bored.

   

• Nielsen
  No joke, Nielsen, the company that measures TV ratings, will pay you to use your internet. 

  It’s completely free to join. You can register all your internet-connected devices to the Nielsen app, and earn rewards for letting Nielsen track your internet usage. (Don’t worry – your info is protected.)

  

  Get Rewarded for Using Your Devices

  Sign up your computers, smartphones and tablets to earn:

  • Up to $60 in points for gift cards
  • Monthly $10,000 sweepstakes entries
  • Instant win game tokens

  Click Here to Join Now

   

• Fluz
  Lots of apps give cash back, but few (if any) do it like Fluz. 

  In addition to earning money back on your own purchases, you earn when your friends join and shop on the app. If those friends invite other friends, you earn from their purchases too.

  The more friends you get to join, the better rewards you’ll earn.

   

• OnMyWay
  Ironically, the OnMyWay app rewards you for not using your phone. Why? It encourages safe driving and pays you for it. 

  If your phone stays locked while you drive, OnMyWay will reward you with points once the drive is over, which you can redeem for cash and gift cards. You get $100 just for signing up and even passengers can earn rewards.

   

• Native
  Native pays users to work as ‘data collectors’. The data collection you do may involve going into stores, observing prices, or asking people about which products they use. 

  You get paid depending on how many tasks you complete, and the payout process is quick—usually 1-3 days. Currently, the Native app is only available on Android devices.

   

• Neighbor
  With the Neighbor app, you can rent out any unused storage space you might have: think closets, attics, and even driveways. 

  You can list your space at Neighbor’s suggested price or set your own. Your payment is then deposited into your account each month. (That’s basically passive income.) Better yet, Neighbor protects its storage hosts with $1M in personal liability.^[10]

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MONEY MAKING APP

Before choosing a money making app, it’s important to have a goal in mind.

 

• Are you looking to gradually save up for a big purchase?
  (Try an investment app) 

   

• Are you hoping for a quick, one-time boost of cash?
  (Try a selling app) 

   

• Or maybe you just want a modest supplement to your income?
  (Try cash-back apps or gig-work apps)

 

To give you an idea of which apps would fit your schedule and needs, here’s a helpful diagram:

 

© CREDITDONKEY

 

After you know what you’re aiming for, try to have realistic expectations about what you’ll earn.

You’re probably not going to strike it rich with any of these apps. But you could make a pretty penny if you’re diligent and introduce multiple apps into your rotation.

WHAT EXPERTS SAY

As part of our series on gig work and employment, CreditDonkey asked a panel of industry experts to answer some of our readers’ most pressing questions. Here’s what they said:

 

 

BOTTOM LINE

Sometimes your job just doesn’t pay enough to cover all the bills. Luckily, making money with your smartphone has never been easier. And you can do it while watching Netflix or waiting at the grocery checkout line.

Think about your lifestyle. Are you more likely to…

• Dip your toe into investing?
• Grab a side hustle?
• “Marie Kondo” your home?

 

No matter which suits you best, you can earn points, rewards, and straight up cash by shopping online, taking surveys, and more.

Keep in mind, you probably can’t quit your day job with these money making apps. But every little bit counts. And these are surprisingly simple ways to earn extra cash in your free time.

REFERENCES