5 Something An App For Making Easy Money

Need to make money fast? Read this list to find out which apps actually work (and pay the most).

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.

Acorns

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

Swagbucks

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 (some gift cards require $25)

Works on: iPhone, Android

Ibotta

Cash back apps can replace typical coupons and reward cards. Use them to accumulate points or money for both in-person and online purchases.

Top Money Making Apps for Cash Back

Rakuten
Ibotta
Dosh
Paribus
ReceiptHog
Trim

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

Acorns

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. 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

Shopkick

Shopkick: Earn Gift Cards In-Store and Online

Shopkick is almost like a scavenger hunt for cash - find more shopping apps that will make you money below.

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. Slidejoy - Lock Screen Rewards

With the Slidejoy app, you earn money simply by unlocking your phone - perfect if you're looking for a more passive option.

The app displays ads or news stories on your lock screen, and each time you unlock your phone, you'll earn cash via PayPal or gift cards. (Most people unlock their phone almost 100 times per day.)

Overall, the earnings are modest: Roughly $2-$5 per month. Not too shabby for zero work!

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: Android

Like the idea of monetizing your phone lock screen? Be sure to check out the S'more app for even more money making opportunities.

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

Instacart

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

Decluttr

Works on: iPhone, Android

Selling clutter for cash is a great way to kill two birds with one stone. These apps make it easy to list your items for free, and sell locally or nationally.

Best Money Making Apps for Selling Stuff

BookScouter
Decluttr
LetGo
Mercari
OfferUp

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

Serious about book-flipping?
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

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

Would you rather deliver take-out than drive people around? This list of the best delivery driver apps is for you.

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 $25 with the Refer-a-Friend program

Cons:

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Rakuten

$10 Welcome Bonus

To qualify for $10 Welcome Bonus, you must be a new member and make minimum qualifying purchases totaling at least $25 within 90 days of becoming a member.

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. Paribus - Get Refunds on Past Purchases

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

Paribus 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.

Paribus even works with Amazon to get you gift cards if your package wasn't delivered on time. The average Paribus user gets back $60 to $100 per year.

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

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

What are the best money making apps that aren't a scam?
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

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 $1 to get started.

Pros:

$1 minimum to invest
Good for beginner investors

Cons:

Fees are high for small balances

Works on: iPhone, Android

Stash

Sign Up and Get $5

Sign up, add at least $5 to your account and get a $5 bonus.
Invest with fractional shares
Get portfolio recommendations

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

LetGo is ideal for selling big items like furniture. Keep reading to learn which apps pay for your old game controllers, tablets, and textbooks.

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'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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Robinhood

Curious about the future of employment? Stick around to the end to see what experts say about gig work, the "happiest" jobs, and more.

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 services. 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 food delivery. More customers = more potential earnings.

Uber's algorithm to determine earnings is slightly less straightforward than other delivery apps, like Grubhub and DoorDash. But delivery contractors that have delivered for Uber report making $10-$20 an hour.

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 are paid between $10 and $25 per hour and keep 100% of tips (but great customer service can help you earn more.) Based on the national average, Dashers get paid $23 per hour while on a delivery.

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

DoorDash

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

Getaround

Getaround: Earn Money Sharing Your Car

Make extra money
Set up your own schedule
Includes insurance and roadside assistance

Tip: If you rent out your car and aren't able to meet your renter, you can simply set up a lockbox for them to pick up and later, return the keys for your car.

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

Your Survey Junkie points will expire after 12 months of inactivity on your account.

Survey Junkie

27. InboxDollars - $5 Sign Up Bonus

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

InboxDollars

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

MyPoints

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 $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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Fundrise

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

M1 Finance

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

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

Works on: 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 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

Works on: iPhone, Android

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

Cons:

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Webull

Webull: Get Started

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

You can earn more if your space is close to a tourist attraction or if you rent it out at the same time as a popular local event.

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

Trim

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

Sweatcoin uses your geolocation to confirm you are outside taking steps and not just shaking your phone.

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:

$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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Dosh

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

A great passive way to earn more with iPoll is by collecting Badges. Reach easy milestones (like 3 months of activity or 20 surveys in a month) and more cash will be added to your balance.

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. GetUpside - Gas Station Rewards

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

With location tracking, GetUpside 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.

Works on: iPhone, Android

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

Works on: Android

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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Get fit as a team: HealthyWage's Team Challenge lets you form a team to maximize your potential prize. If everyone on the team reaches their goal, you can earn up to $2,000.

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. 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

Works on: iPhone, Android

Learn More: Lucktastic Review

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.)

Once you've earned 1000 coins, you can cash out for $5, 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.
DiversyFund
DiversyFund allows anyone to invest in commercial real estate. You don't have to be an accredited investor, but you do need at least $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%.
Achievement
With Achievement, 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.
Mobee
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.
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 40% 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, and Philadelphia, though they plan to expand to additional cities soon.
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.)
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 $10 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.

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:

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:

Emergency Funds
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 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.

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.

Paid non-client endorsement. See Apple App Store and Google Play reviews. View important disclosures. 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.