Best Money Making Apps to Make Extra Money
Want to earn real money? Read this review to find out which apps pay the most.
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But with so many money making apps and games available, which app do you download now? Find out how much you could make with each app.
- Swagbucks for $10 bonus 💰
- Ibotta for a $20 bonus 💰
- Acorns for no-minimum investing
- Shopkick for shopping rewards
- Foap pays for your photos
- Slidejoy for earning cash on the go
- Field Agent to earn for shopping in-store
- Google Opinion Rewards for surveys
- Instacart for paid grocery shopping
- Decluttr for selling used tech
- BookScouter for selling textbooks
- Lyft for an hourly rate (plus tips)
- Rakuten for quarterly cash back
- TaskRabbit to earn for small tasks and errands
- Paribus for retroactive refunds
- OfferUp for selling anything
- Stash to invest (with just pennies)
- Poshmark pays for your fashion ($10 bonus) 💰
- LetGo for selling items locally
- Robinhood for commission-free trading
- Upwork to freelance
- Uber Eats for a stable side-hustle
- Postmates - Highest-paying delivery app
- Mercari to sell your things
- Turo for renting out your car
- Survey Junkie for easy, quick surveys
- InboxDollars for reading emails, playing games and more
- Capital One Shopping for automatic coupon codes
- MyPoints for cashback with a $10 bonus 💰
- Rover to pet-sit
- Drop to shop and get rewarded
- Fundrise to invest in real estate
- M1 Finance to invest with zero fees
- Pinecone Research to earn for product testing
- MobileXpression pays just to let the app run
- Toluna for sharing feedback
- Webull for investing (with a free stock)
- Airbnb for renting out a room
- Trim to cut bills
- Sweatcoin pays for steps
- Dosh for automatic cashback
- Ipoll to take surveys, visit stores and more
- 5miles for hassle-free selling
- GetUpside pays at the gas station
- Checkout 51 for $5 bonus 💰
- Mistplay pays for mobile gaming
- HealthyWage pays for losing weight
- Gigwalk for paid in-store "gigs"
- Earny for retroactive price drops
- Lucktastic for scratcher rewards
- Receipt Hog to earn for scanning receipts
- Worthy Bonds to invest in small businesses
- Blooom to maximize your 401k
- Surveys on the Go to get paid for your opinions
- Snapwire puts your photos in an ad campaign
- DiversyFund to make money with REITs
- Achievement for paid fitness activities
- Mobee for mystery shopping
- Lympo to earn for healthy habits
- Seated - Earn for booking reservations
- Honeygain to rent out your internet
- StepBet to earn for daily steps
- Money App pays for easy tasks
- Nielsen pays to watch TV
- Fluz to earn cash back
- OnMyWay pays for driving safely
- Native pays to collect data
- Neighbor to rent out storage space
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
Cashback apps and investing apps can help you make money. Plus, learning how to invest the money you save will allow you to build real wealth over time.
Don't Overpay When You Shop Online
Capital One Shopping compensates us when you sign up for Capital One Shopping using the links provided.
1. Swagbucks - $10 Sign Up Bonus
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screenshot of swagbucks |
Swagbucks offers rewards and money for simple tasks like surveys, watching videos or playing games.
Overall, they offer more money making opportunities than other survey sites. Earn with paid referrals, cash back, and their Swagbucks Search browser extension.
Pros:
- Free to join and use
- Redeem gift cards from 1,500+ retailers
Cons:
- Restrictions for earning sign up bonus
- Points accrue slowly
2. Ibotta - $20 Sign Up Bonus
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Screenshot of Ibotta |
Ibotta rewards you for shopping in-store or online with over 300 retailers.
There are no points to track, no clipping coupons or counting points. Earn real money for every qualified purchase and redeem your earnings for gift cards or cash once you earn $20.
Pros:
- No clipping coupons or counting points
- No fees
Cons:
- Have to manually add offers to your account
- $20 needed to cash out (some gift cards require $25)
Top Money Making Apps for Cash Back
3. Acorns - $10 Bonus
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Screenshot of Acorn |
Ready to invest but not sure how to start? Acorns automatically rounds up purchases on your debit card or credit card, then invests the spare change.
They also offer insights on your saving and spending habits to help get your financial health into shape. Read more about Acorns' features in our full review.
Pros:
- Invest with just your spare change
- No investment minimum
Cons:
- No tax benefits
- Fees are high for smaller balances
Find more investing opportunities further down, including small business bonds, real estate, and more.
4. Shopkick - Get Rewarded for Shopping
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Courtesy of Shopkick |
Sound too good to be true? Shopkick is an app that rewards your spending habits.
You'll earn 'kicks' for doing simple tasks, like scanning barcodes, watching videos, walking into stores, and - yes - buying things. Cash in for gift cards from major retailers and restaurants including Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, and Starbucks.
Pros:
- No fees
- Get gift cards instantly once you redeem 'kicks'
- 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 credited
- No cash rewards, only gift cards
Shopkick: Earn Gift Cards In-Store and Online
5. Foap - Get Paid for Your Smartphone Photos
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screenshot of foap |
Join Foap's community of 2.5 million app users and make money with your smartphone photos.
Download the Foap app from the Google Play or App Store, upload your photos, and wait for partners like Bank of America or Getty Images to purchase them.
You can make even more money if you join Foap Missions, where companies ask for a specific type of image.
Pros:
- Easy and free to use
- Potential for high payouts
Cons:
- Can take a while to sell a photo
6. Slidejoy - Lock Screen Rewards
If you download the Slidejoy app on either Google Play or the App Store, you'll earn money simply by opening your phone.
The app displays ads or news stories on your lock screen, and each time you unlock your phone, you'll earn cash.
Pros:
- Free to sign up and use
- Fairly positive customer reviews
Cons:
- Earnings are low
- Some privacy concerns about sharing your lock screen
Works on: iPhone, Android
7. Field Agent - Go to Stores
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Courtesy of Field Agent |
This app lets you earn money by going into retail shops to perform easy, quick tasks. For example, you may be asked to take pictures of a display or product.
With each completed task, your profile 'score' goes up and gives you access to higher-paying tasks. Before long, you could be earning up to $15 for a single task. Not bad for a trip to the store.
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
8. Google Opinion Rewards - Surveys for Cash
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Screenshot of Google Opinion Rewards |
Google Opinion Rewards lets you earn a little side cash by answering questions on products, ads, and website user experience.
Each survey pays between $0.10 and $1.00.
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.
Pros:
- Free to join and easy to use
- Surveys sent to you automatically
- Can also redeem rewards via Google Play store credits
Cons:
- Survey credits expire after one year
- Must complete survey within 24 hours of receiving a notification
- Limited to surveys Google sends you
9. Instacart - Get Paid to Deliver Groceries
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Credit: Instacart |
Instacart is a delivery app geared to making grocery shopping easier. They want to become the world leader in online grocery delivery.
As a full-service shopper, you're responsible for collecting and delivering a client's order. You get paid weekly, earn tips, and have the freedom to work whenever you want.
Pros:
- Flexible hours
- Alcohol delivery earns bigger tips
Cons:
- Wear & tear on your car
- App defaults to low tips
10. Decluttr - Earn Money for Old Tech
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Screenshot of Decluttr |
We all have a little extra clutter around the house: small appliances, books, game consoles, video games, DVDs.
Decluttr is the perfect tool for unloading these items with relatively little effort. They claim to pay up to 33% more than other resale apps, and they pay out within 24 hours of receiving your stuff.
Pros:
- Offers a mobile app
- Accepts a wide variety of items
Cons:
- Prices are typically lower than eBay
- May reject some items
Best Money Making Apps for Selling Stuff
11. BookScouter - Sell Your Textbooks
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Credit: Bookscouter |
Got a stack of old textbooks collecting dust? Sell them for cash on BookScouter.
Just enter the book ISBN number on their site and get an instant quote. And because they compare prices from 40+ re-sale sites, you can get top dollar.
When you're matched with a buyer, there's a good chance they'll even send you a free shipping label to send your book off.
Pros:
- Compare prices from 40+ in one place
- Offers a mobile app
Cons:
- Might not accept all books
- Some older books sell at low prices
If you have a lot of textbooks to sell, be sure to look into BookScouter's Pro Subscription. You'll get access to exclusive tools (like historical buyback price lookups) that help you sell even more books for more cash.
12. Lyft - Earn Hourly Rate + Tips
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Screenshot of Lyft |
Chances are you've heard of Lyft. They offer competitive pay and special programs for those without a car, making it a safe, legit way to earn cash.
On average, Lyft drivers earn $11 - $15 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 will affect your driver rating
13. Rakuten - $10 Sign Up Bonus
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SCREENSHOT OF RAKUTEN |
Sign up for Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and access discounts at more than 2,500 online stores.
There's no need to keep track of coupons or points. As long as you shop within Rakuten, you'll automatically earn cash back for your purchases, which is paid to you quarterly via PayPal or check.
Pros:
- $10 sign up bonus
- A+ rating from Better Business Bureau
- Earn $25 with the Refer-a-Friend program
Cons:
- Must wait for quarterly payment
- Some deals are category specific, not storewide
Rakuten: $10 Welcome Bonus
Sign up and receive $10 Walmart Gift Card or $10 Rakuten cash bonus as a welcome gift.
14. TaskRabbit - Earn by Lending a Hand
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Credit: Taskrabbit |
If you like to work with your hands, be sure to check out TaskRabbit, a task-based gig app.
Create an account, advertise your services, and you'll be connected with neighbors who need assistance with simple tasks and errands.
Pros:
- Good for a wide variety of tasks
- Potential to earn more if you're very skilled
Cons:
- Requires a background check & screening process
- Earnings could be low, depending on skill
15. Paribus - Get Refunds on Past Purchases
This app helps you earn cash back on purchases you've already made. Curious?
Paribus connects to your email inbox, checks for online shopping receipts sent by retailers, and alerts you if the item you bought was recently discounted. If so, they file a claim with the stores to get you a refund of the difference.
Pros:
- Earnings are passive
- Works with most major retailers
Cons:
- Must give Paribus access to your email
- Doesn't work with some small retailers
- Refunds are not guaranteed
Works on: iPhone, Android
16. OfferUp - Connect with Buyers Locally
Earn money on OfferUp by selling your items locally (ideal for large items like furniture) or shipping them.
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
Get paid real money - all from your phone.
- Earn cash back with Dosh
- Get paid to walk with Achievement
- Slash prices with Wikibuy
- Score retroactive price drops with Earny
- Cut bills with Trim
17. Stash - Micro-Invest
Stash is a beginner investment app that 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 $1 to get started.
Pros:
- $1 minimum to invest
- Good for beginner investors
Cons:
- Fees are high for small balances
Sign Up and Get $5
Sign up online and add at least $5 to your account.
Investing is a great way to grow your wealth. But if you want money now, the next app pays you to shop at your favorite stores.
18. Poshmark - Your Fashion Marketplace
Are your dresser drawers too stuffed to fully close? Poshmark can help you sell clothes, handbags, shoes, jewelry, and accessories.
Just upload photos of your items, set your price, and wait for interested buyers to contact you.
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
Poshmark: $10 Sign Up Bonus
Sign up using your friend's username as referral code. New accounts created with a referral must be associated with a unique identity in order to be eligible for credits.
19. LetGo - Sell to People in Your Area
Want an easier, faster way to get rid of things you don't want? LetGo helps you sell items to people in your area.
Download the app, 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:
- Free to list items
- No shipping required
Cons:
- Some safety risks in meeting buyers face-to-face
20. Robinhood - Get a Free Stock
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Image Courtesy of Robinhood |
Robinhood is a trading app that let offers stock trading, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency (like Bitcoin) 100% free. With no minimum investment, it's a perfect 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:
- No IRAs
- No mutual funds or bonds
21. Upwork - Write, Code, Design for $$$
Skilled at writing, coding or have another valuable talent? Create a profile on Upwork to 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
22. Uber Eats - Earn Extra in "Surge Zones"
You probably know Uber for its ride sharing services. The popular app added food delivery in 2014 with Uber Eats. Because Uber already has a huge number of users, Uber Eats may give members more chances to earn money.
However, Uber's algorithm to determine earnings is slightly less straightforward than other delivery apps, like Grubhub and DoorDash.
Pros:
- Consistent work available
- Create your own schedule
Cons:
- Earnings can fluctuate
- Wear & tear on your car
23. Postmates -Highest-Paying Delivery App
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Screenshots via Postmates |
Not only does Postmates offer food and alcohol deliveries, customers can order items like office supplies, groceries, dry cleaning, and more.
Postmates drivers choose when and where they want to deliver. And because Postmates offers more deliveries than similar gig apps, there are more potential customers.
Be sure to maximize your tips by being polite and timely.
Pros:
- Better earnings than most delivery apps
- More delivery opportunities
Cons:
- Not everyone tips
- Wear & tear on your car
24. Mercari - Sell Used Items
Have some unwanted stuff lying around the house? Luckily, the Mercari app can help you sell almost anything.
List your item for free, add photos and a description, and wait for buyers to send you an offer. When you price your item, keep in mind that you pay a 10% fee for each sale.
Pros:
- Free to list items
- Payments process quickly
Cons:
- Risk of working with dishonest buyers
- Customer service could be better
25. Turo - Rent Out Your Car
If you have a functional car, you have everything you need to earn a little extra money. Platforms like Turo have been called the 'Airbnb' of car rental. Simply rent out your car when you're not using it.
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
- Make extra money
- Set up your own schedule
- Includes insurance and roadside assistance
Earn Money Sharing Your Car
26. Survey Junkie - Free to Sign Up
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Screenshot of Survey Junkie |
Earning money from your couch? Survey Junkie makes it possible. Sign up and start taking surveys in your downtime, either from their site or mobile app.
For each completed survey, they award points that can be redeemed via PayPal or gift cards. Plus, Survey Junkie awards you consolation points if you're disqualified from a survey.
Pros:
- Adds new surveys daily
- Little time commitment required
Cons:
- Some personal info required for sign-up
- Survey pools fill quickly
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.
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
Best Survey & Market Research Apps to Make Money
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
Don't Overpay When You Shop Online
Capital One Shopping compensates us when you sign up for Capital One Shopping using the links provided.
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
30. Rover - Pet-Sit for Cash
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© CreditDonkey |
Looking for a fun way to earn extra cash?
Consider pet-sitting with Rover.
If you're responsible and have experience with a pet of your own, create an account on the Rover site or download app on the Google Play or App Store.
Then, complete your profile and wait for pet-owners to request your services.
Pros:
- Animal lovers will have a blast
- On-demand walking feature is buggy
Cons:
- May take a while to attract clients
- You're responsible if anything happens to the pet
31. Drop - Shop & Get Rewarded
Make your purchases go further by earning cash back with the Drop app.
Just link your most-used debit or credit card, then choose your top 5 favorite brands.
Every time you buy something from those brands with your linked card, earn points that you can then cash out.
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
32. Fundrise - Make Money with Real Estate
Fundrise is an online investment platform that lets you passively invest in real estate projects with just $500. Investors earn money quarterly from rental income and when properties are sold.
Pros:
- Get paid quarterly dividends
- Passive investing
Cons:
- $500 minimum to start
- Investment isn't liquid
Invest in Real Estate with $500
Become real estate investor with as little as $500
33. M1 Finance - Invest with Zero Fees
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Credit: M1 |
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
Transfer Your Account and Earn Up to $2,500
Initiate your transfer of another brokerage account within 60 days of signing up for M1 to receive a bonus.
Transfer | Bonus |
---|---|
$100,000 – $250,000 | $250 |
$250,001 – $500,000 | $500 |
$500,001 – $1,000,000 | $1,000 |
$1,000,001+ | $2,500 |
Payments for eligible transfers will be paid 90 days after the account transfer is received. Offer is valid for direct broker transfers received through the Automated Customer Account Transfer Service (ACATS) only. Offer is not valid with ACH deposits, wire transfers or direct 401k rollovers.
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.
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 personal search and phone usage for market research. (And rest assured, they promise the app won't slow down your phone.)
For letting MobileXpression run on your phone, you get paid in gift cards to major retailers.
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
Works on: iPhone, Android
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 could even participate in their daily lotteries for more rewards.
Then, redeem your earnings for gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and other rewards.
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
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© CreditDonkey |
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
Cons:
- Does not offer the in-depth analytics of larger brokers
- No mutual funds or bonds
Webull: 4 Free Stocks Promotion
New users can get two free stocks, each valued $2.50-$250, for opening an account and two free stocks, each valued $8-$1,600, for making an initial deposit of $100.
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.
Your success on Airbnb depends on how good of a host you are. Make sure your guests are well-taken care of 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
39. Trim - Cut Bills and Fees
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Credit: Trim |
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
Works on: iPhone, Android
What can you do with the money Trim that saves you? Consider investing in small business bonds (more on that later).
40. Sweatcoin - Turn Your Steps Into Coins
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Credit: Sweatcoin |
Sweatcoin, a fitness app with a huge user base, wants to help you achieve your fitness goals by converting your steps into coins.
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
41. Dosh - Earn Cashback Easily
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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 cash back, making it one of the easiest money making apps on this list.
Pros:
- $5 for every referral who links a card
- Earn cash back on hotel stays (must book via Dosh app)
Cons:
- Some payouts take up to 90 days
- Not all retailers participate
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
43. 5miles - Hassle Free Selling
5miles promises to simplify the process of selling things online.
This app may not offer all the bells and whistles of some other apps, but it works with pre-verified buyers to ensure a safe 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
44. GetUpside - Gas Station Rewards
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© CreditDonkey |
Trips to the gas station giving you sticker shock? Luckily, GetUpside is an app that can help you earn cash back from Exxon, Chevron, Valero, and other gas stations.
After you enable location tracking on the app, GetUpside shows you the gas stations near you that offer cash back deals. Just opt into the deal right before you buy your gas, and earn the rewards.
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
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Screenshot Of Checkout 51 |
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 clip coupons.
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
46. Mistplay - Get Paid for Mobile Gaming
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Credit: Mistplay |
Mistplay calls itself the 'loyalty program for mobile gamers.'
Download the app (currently only available on Google Play), create an account, and browse Mistplay's selection of eligible games.
Play a game for the noted amount of time and rack up 'units,' which can be redeemed for gift cards from Amazon, Google Play and more.
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
Works on: Android
47. Healthywage - Get Fit
Ready to get active? 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.
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"
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© CreditDonkey |
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.
Pros:
- Free to sign up
- High earnings per 'gig'
Cons:
- Task approval time can be long
- Some areas have fewer gigs available
49. Earny - Retroactive Price Drops
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Screenshot of Earny |
What if you could get discounts on things you've already bought? Earny makes it possible.
Earny searches for items you bought that may have gone on sale, files a claim with the retailer and refunds you the difference.
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
50. Lucktastic - Free Scratchers
With Lucktastic, you can win vacations, products, and even a $10,000 instant prize with their app 'scratchers'. Unlike some other money making apps, Lucktastic doesn't require you to complete tasks (though you may have to watch some ads).
While your odds of winning the big prizes are slim, it's an easy, low-effort way to win prizes.
Pros:
- Free to sign up
- New scratchers added daily
Cons:
- Low odds of winning
- Ads can be annoying
51. Receipt Hog - Scan Receipts
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Screenshot of 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.)
Once you've earned 1000 coins, you can cash out for $5, but it's best to save up for more.
Pros:
- Little time required
- 100% free to use
Cons:
- Low exchange rate (from dollars to "coins")
- Must grant access to your emails
52. Worthy Bonds - Invest in Small Businesses
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Credit: Worthy |
Looking for a short-term investment with high returns? Worthy Bonds lets you invest in bonds that help fund small businesses.
Get this: 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.
Pros:
- High interest rate
- No fees or penalties to withdraw
Cons:
- Interest doesn't compound
- Investment limits for non-accredited investors
53. Blooom - Boost Your 401K
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
Pros:
- No account minimum
- Flat yearly fee
Cons:
- No IRA or taxable accounts
Works on: iPhone, Android
54. Surveys on the Go - Share Opinions
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Screenshot of 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.
Pros:
- Rewards in cash, not points
- Multiple ways to earn money
Cons:
- Earnings are relatively low
- Some demographics qualify for fewer surveys
55. Snapwire - Be in Advertisements
Another money making app for selling your photography is 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.
Pros:
- Perfect for photography enthusiasts
- Commission for photos is up to 70%
Cons:
- Must earn at least $25 to cash out
56. DiversyFund - Invest in REITs
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Courtesy of Diversyfund |
DiversyFund allows anyone to invest in commercial real estate with just $500. Unlike similar apps, DiversyFund manages the properties themselves.
DiversyFund also doesn't charge management fees. Once the real estate projects are completed (usually around 5 years), the investors are paid their returns, which can be up to 17%.
Pros:
- No fees
- Don't have to be accredited investor
Cons:
- Properties only in CA, TX, and NC (so far)
- At least a 5-year investment
57. Achievement - Rewards for Fitness
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SCREENSHOT OF ACHIEVEMENT |
Love to stay fit? Achievement rewards you 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.
Pros:
- Earn points for any type of exercise inside or outside
- Bonus points opportunities
Cons:
- Achievement shares your info with market research partners
- Manually entered fitness data may not earn points
- First $10 reward can take awhile
Apple Health (on iPhone and Apple Watch), Daily Mile, Fitbit, Garmin, MapMyRun, MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, Samsung Health, Qardio, and Twitter.
58. Mobee -Be a Mystery Shopper
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 cash out via PayPal and retail gift cards.
Pros:
- Assignments are fairly easy
- Free to join
Cons:
- Better for people in big cities
- Reimburses purchases in points, not cash
59. Lympo - Earn for Healthy Habits
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© CreditDonkey |
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.
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- New challenges every day, which helps you earn more
Cons:
- No cash, only prizes
- Must let app access your tracking apps, such as Apple Health
60. Seated - Book Dinner Reservations
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© CreditDonkey |
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 40% back.
Redeem your points for gift cards to Amazon, Uber, Airbnb, Delta, Nordstrom, and more.
Pros:
- Easy to use app
- Earn money with restaurants and retail stores
Cons:
- Not available in every city
61. Honeygain - Rent Out Your Internet
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.
Pros:
- Earnings are passive
- Strict safety protocols
Cons:
- Can use up a lot of data
- Can drain your battery life quickly
62. StepBet - Bet on Daily Steps
StepBet's goal? Motivating you to hit your daily step count and live a healthier lifestyle.
Download the StepBet app and set up your steps goal. Then, place a bet and cash out from a community pot when you hit your goal.
Pros:
- Easy and free to use
- Keeps you accountable
Cons:
- Earnings take a while to accrue
- Potential to lose money if you don't hit your goal
Garmin, iPhone Apple Health, Apple Watch, Fitbit, Google Fit, and Android S Health
63. Money App - Complete Easy Tasks
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© CreditDonkey |
The Money App (available on Google Play and the App Store) lets you earn rewards for a variety of easy tasks, like sharing opinions, playing games, going into stores, and more.
Install the Money App, start completing the tasks and missions, and earn points. Then, redeem for cash via PayPal or giftcards.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn money
Cons:
- Earnings can be slow
- Some users report issues with customer service
Works on: iPhone
64. Nielsen - Get Paid to Watch TV
Attention TV Fans: Nielsen (the company that measures TV ratings) will pay you to watch your favorite shows.
They track what you watch through their app, which automatically enters you into their monthly giveaways.
Binge-watching not your thing? Simply register all your internet-connected devices to the Nielsen app, and earn rewards for letting Nielsen track your internet usage.
Pros:
- Hands-off & easy to use
- Free to join
Cons:
- Some personal info required for sign-up
- Can only earn prizes and gift cards, no cash
Works on: iPhone, Android
65. Fluz - Earn Cash Back
Fluz is a cash back app that pays you to make purchases through the app itself.
If you invite others to use the Fluz app, you'll also earn money whenever they use the app to shop.
The larger your network on the app, the better rewards you'll earn.
Pros:
- Rewards in cash, not points
- Earn money by referring friends
Cons:
- Customer service has limited hours
- Works with fewer retailers than advertised
66. OnMyWay - Fast Cash for Driving Safely
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.
Pros:
- Free and easy to use app
- Promotes safe driving
Cons:
- Customer service could be better
- App requires access to drivers license, location, and camera
67. Native - Collect Data
Native, a newer app on the market, 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. Currently, the Native app is only available on Android devices.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn money
- Quick payout process
Cons:
- App can be buggy
Works on: Android
68. Neighbor - Rent Out Storage
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Credit: Neighbor |
If you have any storage space you're not using at home, the Neighbor app can help you rent it out.
Once you sign up, you can list your space for Neighbor's suggested price (based on their algorithm) or set your own price.
The money will be deposited into your account each month. (That's basically passive income.)
Pros:
- Earnings are passive
- Neighbor provides additional insurance for storage hosts
Cons:
- Customer service could be better
Works on: iPhone, Android
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:
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© CreditDonkey |
After you know what you're aiming for, try to have realistic expectations about what you'll earn.
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:
Experts also recommend having 3-6 months of living expenses saved in the event of an emergency, such as a lost job or hospital bills.
For a stable emergency fund, follow these steps:
- Set a monthly saving target.
- Transfer remaining money after bills
- Save your tax refund.
- Increase contributions when possible.
- Look for supplemental income to bulk up your fund.
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 money goals. Do you want to:
- Dip your feet into investing?
- Grab a side hustle?
- "Marie Kondo" your home?
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.
Write to Kim P at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.
Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.
CreditDonkey is a paid Affiliate/partner of Stash. Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser. This material has been distributed for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended as investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice. Investing involves risk.
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