Last Updated February 2, 2025
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Want to turn your phone into a simple side-income tool while you’re waiting in line, commuting, or relaxing at home? You’re not alone. There are many legit apps that can help you earn extra cash in your spare time. Below is a curated list of money-making apps—ranging from surveys and cashback to delivery gigs and freelancing—so you can pick what fits your schedule.
Making money on the go from your smartphone can sound unrealistic—until you realize how many modern apps are built specifically for that. Some pay you for small tasks, some reward you for shopping, and others help you earn through gig work.
Mobile apps are already a daily habit for most of us, so it makes sense to use a bit of that screen time more productively. You could use it to make some cash on the side.
Many people spend hours scrolling social media or playing games. If you swap even a fraction of that time for a paid task or a gig, you can build up extra savings. It won’t make you a millionaire overnight, but it can help cover bills or fund that trip you’ve been thinking about.
List of the Best Money-Making Apps
Here are some of the best apps to make money using your mobile device.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars is available on iOS and Android and pays you for simple activities. Surveys are the main feature, but you can also earn by playing games, watching videos, and completing other small tasks.
People like it because it’s easy to use, the tasks are straightforward, and you earn in cash (not complicated point conversions). While the minimum cash-out varies by reward type, it can be a convenient way to earn a little extra without much effort.
| Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to $5 | Cash & Gift Cards | $30 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
Most surveys take around 15–20 minutes. Plus, new users may get a $5 bonus after signing up.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a popular on-demand food delivery service—similar to Uber Eats. You accept orders through the app, pick them up from restaurants, and deliver to customers. It currently operates in Canada, the United States, and Australia.
DoorDash is one of the top food-delivery platforms in the U.S. market. A Statista chart (via Second Measure data) has shown DoorDash with a leading share of the U.S. food delivery market, ahead of other major competitors.
| Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10-$14/hour | 100% | Excellent | SIGN UP | Read Review |
Many drivers report earnings around $10–$14/hour before tips, and you typically keep 100% of tips. DoorDash has referenced higher averages in some markets, depending on demand and delivery times.
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a solid choice if you want to make money online by sharing opinions. Surveys span many categories—entertainment, tech, sports, and more—and you’re notified when your profile matches a survey.
| Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1 – $40 | PayPal & Gift Cards | $5 | SIGN UP | Read Full Review |
Most surveys pay around $1–$3, and once you reach the payout threshold, you can cash out (commonly via PayPal). It’s available on iOS and Android. Learn more in our Survey Junkie review.
Fundrise
Fundrise lets you invest in real estate with relatively small amounts of money. You can invest through the Fundrise app on iOS or Android and gain exposure to residential and commercial real estate projects.
Real estate can be a long-term way to grow wealth and generate passive income. It’s also one of the more popular passive income apps people use when they want to put money to work.
| Min To Invest | Accredited Only? | Fees | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10 | No | 1% | Sign Up | Read Full Review |
It’s not a “get paid today” type of app, but it can be a strong option if your goal is to build money over time. Fundrise also offers a 90-day money-back guarantee for eligible accounts in certain cases.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is well-known for earning rewards online, and its mobile app makes it easy to earn on the go. After signing up, you can earn by taking surveys, watching videos, searching the web, answering polls, and referring friends.
| Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $0.4 – $2 | PayPal or Gift Cards | $3 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, and more) or cash via PayPal. Swagbucks also sometimes offers a extra sign-up bonus for new users (availability varies).
Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback platform that rewards you for shopping through its links. With a large retailer network, you can stack cashback with coupons and promo codes for even better savings.
| Cashback | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 40% | PayPal or Gift Cards | $5 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
The app is available on iOS and Android. You can read more in our Rakuten review.
Trim
Trim is more about saving money than earning it—but saving is still “making money” in a practical sense. You connect your accounts, and Trim scans purchases and subscriptions to identify potential cuts or bill negotiations.
If Trim lowers certain bills, it typically charges a percentage of the savings (depending on the service and terms).
Ibotta
If you shop often, Ibotta can help you earn cashback. You typically unlock offers, then submit receipts or link eligible accounts/loyalty cards to get rewards.
Cashout options commonly include PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards (depending on the offer type and region).
Postmates
Postmates is a well-known delivery app where you can earn money delivering food and items. You can work when you want, and in busy areas, earnings can be boosted by promotions and tips.
| Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $9-$14/hour | 100% | Very Good | JOIN NOW | Read Review |
Acorns
Acorns helps you invest spare change automatically. You connect the app, and it rounds up eligible purchases, moving the difference into an investment account. Over time, those small amounts can add up.
Shipt
Shipt is a grocery-shopping and delivery service. You can accept shopping orders and deliver groceries to customers. Earnings can be boosted by tips, and many shoppers use it as a flexible side hustle.
| Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10-$14/hour | 100% | Fair | GET STARTED | Read Full Review |
See Related: Shipt vs Instacart – What is Better?
Instacart
Instacart lets you earn by shopping for other people and delivering groceries. Like many gig apps, your earnings can increase as you learn the system, improve speed, and select better batches. Tips can also make a meaningful difference.
Here’s a guide on how Instacart tipping works.
| Hourly Pay | Tip % | Delivery Volume | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $10-$14/hour | 100% (Check Policy) | Decent | BECOME A SHOPPER |
Rover
If you love pets, Rover can be a fun way to earn. You can offer dog walking, pet sitting, drop-in visits, and more. The app also makes it easy to communicate with pet owners and manage bookings.
Worthy Bonds
The Worthy Bonds app offers fixed-interest bonds starting at low amounts. Some users like the ability to start small and track interest growth over time.
Bookscouter
Bookscouter helps you sell used books quickly. You can scan an ISBN to compare prices from buyers, then ship the books (typically using provided labels). It’s a practical way to clear out old books after classes—or even try flipping books for profit.
MyPoints
MyPoints is a long-running rewards app where you earn points for surveys, shopping, reading emails, and more. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash-out options (depending on your region and rewards availability).
| Earn Per Activity | Payment Method | Min To Cash Out | Next Steps | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.5 | PayPal or Gift Cards | $3 | CLAIM BONUS | Read Full Review |
Mistplay
If you already enjoy mobile games, Mistplay rewards you for playing. You earn points as you try new games, and you can exchange points for gift cards and other rewards. It’s Android-only in many regions.
Getaround
Getaround lets you rent out your car by the hour or day. You set availability and pricing, and the platform handles bookings and screening. If your car sits unused often, this can be a way to offset ownership costs.
See Related: Best Passive Income Ideas
Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace where you sell “gigs” (services). That could be design, writing, video editing, coding, and more. You can manage messages and orders from your phone, making it convenient for side work.
Airbnb
If you have a spare room (or a separate property), Airbnb can be a strong income option. You set your listing details, pricing, and availability, and manage communication through the app.
TopCashBack
Online shopping is convenient—and it’s even better when you get paid back for it. TopCashBack is one of the popular cashback sites that rewards you when you shop through its portal or links.
Since you already buy things online, earning cashback can add up over time. Sign up, browse stores through the platform, and collect cashback on qualifying purchases.
Shopkick
Shopkick lets you earn rewards (“kicks”) for shopping-related actions like walking into a store, scanning items, or making purchases. Rewards can be redeemed for gift cards at major retailers.
Paribus
Paribus monitors receipts to help you request refunds when prices drop after you buy something (where supported). It’s a “save money automatically” style app—useful if you shop online often.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit pays you for local tasks like moving help, assembling furniture, cleaning, and basic handyman work. If you enjoy hands-on tasks, it can be a steady weekend income stream.
S’more
S’more is an Android app that shows ads on your lock screen, rewarding you for using your phone as usual. You earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards at popular retailers.
YieldStreet
YieldStreet offers access to alternative investments that may be backed by assets. You can manage and monitor investments via the mobile app, with investment minimums and returns varying by offering.
Foap
If you take great mobile photos, Foap allows you to sell images to brands and buyers. It can be competitive, but it’s one of the more creative ways to monetize a hobby.
Mobee
Mobee is a “secret shopper” app that rewards you for visiting stores and answering short questionnaires about your experience. Missions vary by location, and points can be redeemed for rewards.
Mercari
Mercari is an online marketplace for selling used items. Listing is easy, and it’s a great way to declutter and earn a bit back from things you no longer use.
Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards pays you for quick surveys. On Android, rewards often come as Google Play credit, and survey frequency varies depending on your location and profile.
Decluttr
Decluttr helps you sell old tech, DVDs, CDs, games, and similar items. You get an instant quote, ship items for free (in many cases), and receive payment after inspection.
Snapwire
Snapwire is another option for selling photos from your phone. It works with requests and levels, and you can build a portfolio while completing assignments.
Fluid Market
Fluid Market lets people rent vehicles (and sometimes equipment) by the hour, day, or week. If you have an underused truck, van, or car, renting it out can be a way to earn passive income.
Upwork
Upwork is a major freelancing marketplace. You can find remote gigs like writing, design, admin tasks, coding, and more. It can take time to land the first few jobs, but strong reviews often lead to better opportunities.
Gigwalk
Gigwalk is geared toward quick, local tasks. You can browse gigs near you using the built-in map, and the number of available tasks depends heavily on your area.
Field Agent
Field Agent offers “missions” posted by companies, such as store checks, photos, purchases, or questionnaires. Tasks vary in pay and availability, but frequent users can stack smaller missions over time.
Userfeel
Userfeel pays you to test websites and apps and share feedback. Tests often take 10–20 minutes, and payouts are commonly through PayPal or Payoneer, depending on your location and account setup.
DV Closet
DV Closet is an iOS-focused platform that caters to stylists and fashion professionals. It often requires approval, and earnings depend on client sessions and services provided.
Apps that Pay Instantly to Cash App
Many money-making apps pay through PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit. But if you want cash to flow into Cash App, there are a few options that can work with it—either directly, via linked cards, or by transferring funds from PayPal.
Here are a few examples:
21 Blitz
21 Blitz is a skill-based game combining elements of Solitaire and Blackjack. Some users play for competition and rewards, and cash-outs may be routed through methods that can then be moved into Cash App (depending on your setup).
Solitaire Cube
Solitaire Cube pits you against another player using the same deck, with the faster finisher earning the win. Depending on payouts and your payment setup, you may be able to transfer earnings into Cash App indirectly.
Dominoes Gold
Dominoes Gold offers competitive dominoes matches where you can win prizes and (in some cases) cash rewards. Payout options can vary, but some users route winnings to Cash App using linked methods.
Conclusion: Top Money-Earning Apps
With the gig economy and reward apps growing, it’s easier than ever to earn a little extra money. Even if you have a full-time job, a handful of reliable apps can help you bring in additional cash each month.
Start by choosing one or two apps that match your lifestyle—surveys if you want low effort, delivery if you want higher earning potential, or freelancing if you have a marketable skill. Over time, even $50–$100 extra per month can make a difference for savings or debt payoff.
