Best Apps to Earn Money: Top Picks for Easy Side Income

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If you’re looking for the best apps to earn money, this article is for you. Here you’ll find my top picks for easy side income.

So, are you trying to make a little extra money from your phone?

Some apps really do pay cash for things like surveys, quick tasks, shopping, or sharing your skills.

Picking the right app can make earning side money feel almost effortless. There are so many choices now — gig apps, cash back deals, survey sites, and freelance platforms.

Trusted names like Swagbucks, Ibotta, and Fiverr help people earn in all sorts of ways, whether it’s sharing opinions, selling stuff, or offering a service. Every app has a unique system, so it’s worth figuring out which one fits your interests and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

Money-making apps pay cash or rewards for tasks, shopping, or freelance gigs.
The best app for you depends on your skills, routine, and what you want to achieve.
Checking features and reviews can help you find safe, legit options.

DISCLAIMER: The reader is presented with ideas that have worked for others. It is for the reader to do sufficient due diligence before making any significant commitment in either time or money.

What Are Money-Making Apps?

Money-making apps give people a way to earn real money or gift cards by doing tasks on their phones or computers. Some tasks are super simple—like taking a survey or watching a video. Others might involve freelance work, delivery, or selling extra stuff you have lying around.

How Money-Making Apps Work

These apps offer different ways to earn rewards or cash. Most ask you to sign up and make a profile first.

Once you’re in, you can pick tasks that fit your interests or skills. Some let you take surveys or watch video ads. Others pay for playing games, shopping, or even referring friends.

Payment methods change from app to app. Some pay cash through PayPal or direct deposit. Others stick to gift cards for big stores like Amazon or Walmart.

Usually, you need to hit a minimum before you can cash out. Security matters, so it’s smart to stick with well-reviewed, trusted apps.

Types of Apps to Earn Money

You’ve got a few main types of money-making apps out there. Survey and market research apps, like Swagbucks or InboxDollars, pay you for sharing opinions or doing activities.

Cash-back apps give you a bit of your spending back when you shop online or in stores. Then there are freelance and gig apps—Uber, DoorDash, Upwork—where you earn by delivering or offering services.

If you have things to sell, try apps like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. There are even apps that pay for playing games or listening to music, like the Mode Earn App.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits: You get flexible ways to earn cash without strict hours or complicated rules. Many of these apps are free and you can use them from anywhere.

They’re great for filling spare moments with small tasks like surveys or games. But let’s be honest—earnings from simple tasks are usually pretty low.

Some apps make you wait a while to reach the payout minimum. And not every app is legit; some just don’t pay. Stick to trusted app s that pay and check reviews before sharing your info.

Also, a few only let you cash out with gift cards, which isn’t always ideal for everyone.

Top Survey and Rewards Apps

Survey and rewards apps help people earn extra cash or gift cards from home. Many pay through PayPal, direct bank transfer, or offer gift cards for places like Amazon or Walmart.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular platform where users earn points (they call them SB) for things like surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. Once you have enough SB, you can trade them for PayPal cash or a bunch of gift cards.

Ways to earn:

Surveys (usually 40-200 SB)
Cash back on shopping
Watching short videos
Playing games and trying out offers

You can cash out for as little as $1 with some gift cards, but waiting for higher payouts sometimes gets you better value. Swagbucks works on both mobile and web. It’s generally easy to use, though some surveys fill up quickly or have limited spots.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays real cash for surveys, reading emails, web searches, watching videos, and playing games. There’s no confusing points—your balance shows cash earned for each activity.

Payouts come as bank transfers, PayPal, or a bunch of popular gift cards. The minimum to cash out is $15.

InboxDollars usually gives a sign-up bonus and runs sweepstakes. Sometimes, survey availability is limited, and you might get screened out after starting a survey.

Cashback shopping is also an option here, adding to your earnings. Payments usually process within a week.

MyPoints

MyPoints has been around for over 20 years, and it’s a lot like Swagbucks. You earn points for surveys, shopping, videos, and other quick tasks.

Points can be swapped for gift cards at places like Amazon, Walmart, or for PayPal cash.

Main perks:

Low minimum redemption (as little as 480 points for some $3 gift cards)
Cashback from hundreds of retailers via their links
Plenty of bonus offers and promos

Some surveys make you prequalify, and sometimes points take a few days to show up. The app works on both web and mobile.

Toluna

Toluna is all about surveys, both on its website and app. You answer surveys or polls to earn points, which you can later redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards.

Users can also make their own polls or content for the community and sometimes score extra points if their stuff gets popular. Survey rewards change based on the topic and length.

Sometimes, Toluna invites people to test products at home, which pays better. Usually, you need around 30,000 points for a $10 gift card, so it takes a bit of saving to cash out.

The app is simple, but longer surveys can take a while to finish.

Cash Back and Shopping Apps

Cash back and shopping apps help people save by giving cash rewards or points for their usual purchases. They’re super popular for grocery shopping, both in stores and online, and cover loads of different retailers and brands.

Rakuten

Rakuten is famous for cash back on online shopping. You sign up, shop through their portal or browser extension, and get a percentage back.

They partner with hundreds of stores—Walmart, Target, Macy’s, and more. Cash back ranges from 1% up to 10% or more, depending on the store and current promos.

They run special deals during holidays, too. Money gets paid out every few months by check or PayPal, and it’s free to use. Signing up is quick, and you can start earning right away.

Just remember: you have to shop through the app or extension. If you go straight to the store’s website, you won’t get the rewards.

Ibotta

Ibotta mainly focuses on cash back for groceries, but it covers restaurants and travel too. You pick offers in the app before shopping, then upload a receipt or link your loyalty card to get cash back.

It covers tons of stores and brands, so it’s pretty flexible for most people. Offers include both brand names and store brands.

You can also shop online for cash back at bigger sites. Redeeming is straightforward—just transfer to your bank, use PayPal, or pick a gift card.

Lots of people use Ibotta weekly, and they say you can earn up to $260 a year. Check out Ibotta on Google Play for more info.

Fetch

Fetch Rewards lets you earn points just by scanning any receipt, not just specific items. The big plus is how fast and easy it is—no need to hunt for offers first.

Most grocery, convenience, and even some e-receipts work. Some brands give bonus points, so certain items get you more rewards.

You can turn points into digital gift cards for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and others. Points add up pretty quickly, and they run special promos with extra points for featured brands.

Find more details on Fetch’s Play Store listing.

Drop

Drop is a cash back app that links to your debit or credit card. You pick your favorite stores—Starbucks, Amazon, Walgreens, and more—and automatically get points when you shop there.

Points can be traded for gift cards at lots of major retailers. The app offers bonuses for shopping with certain brands or trying new services.

Some folks earn extra by joining contests or doing quick in-app surveys. Drop runs in the background, so there’s no need to scan receipts or activate offers.

It’s a passive way to earn rewards for shopping you’d do anyway. It’s free and doesn’t take much effort to keep up.

Gig and Freelance Apps for Earning Extra Income

Lots of people turn to apps for flexible side gigs, part-time work, or one-off jobs. These platforms help you match your skills and schedule with tasks or freelance projects that pay quickly and (usually) fairly.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects people with local, short-term gigs and odd jobs. Users can offer to assemble furniture, help with moving, yard work, cleaning, deliveries, and more.

Each worker sets their hourly rate and picks tasks that fit their schedule. TaskRabbit checks backgrounds to build trust and safety for both the worker and the person requesting the service.

This platform is especially helpful for folks looking for physical tasks nearby. It’s great for anyone who prefers in-person jobs over online work.

TaskRabbit’s platform is pretty easy to use. After you complete a profile and pass the checks, you can browse tasks, pick what interests you, and start earning.

Payments go right through the app, which keeps things simple and secure. For more info, check out TaskRabbit’s website or see a full list of odd job apps.

Fiverr

Fiverr is popular with freelancers who offer digital services starting at $5 per “gig.” People sell all sorts of services—graphic design, writing, video editing, voice-overs, you name it.

Each provider creates listings that describe what they do, their price, and any extras. You don’t have to be an expert to get started.

Plenty of people with basic skills find success by focusing on specific tasks and offering fast, affordable help. Ratings and reviews help buyers choose the right freelancer.

Payments are managed within Fiverr. The platform takes a small commission, and the rest goes to the worker.

More details and tips about gig apps like Fiverr are available at Upwork’s gig apps overview.

Upwork

Upwork is a big online marketplace that connects freelancers with businesses needing project-based or part-time help. It covers tons of fields—writing, web development, marketing, customer service, and more.

Workers create a profile and search for jobs that match their experience and interests. Clients post job listings with details and budgets.

Freelancers apply by sending proposals that show off their skills and previous work. If accepted, they communicate directly with the client and finish the project as agreed.

Upwork uses a payment system that protects both sides. The platform offers both long-term and short-term projects, so it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for steady freelance work.

Learn more about Upwork and similar gig apps in this detailed article by Forbes.

Food Delivery and Driving Apps

Food delivery and driving apps let people earn extra money with flexible schedules. With just a car, bike, or scooter, you can start earning by delivering food, giving rides, or shopping for groceries.

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ride-hailing platforms. Drivers use their own vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers in their cities.

To sign up, drivers need to meet age and vehicle requirements, pass a background check, and submit the right documents. Earnings depend on trip distance, demand, and tips.

Both platforms let drivers cash out earnings quickly, sometimes even the same day. Many drivers like the freedom to choose their own hours and work during busy times for higher pay.

Uber and Lyft offer features like in-app navigation, earnings tracking, and customer support. Drivers pay a service fee to the platform, which comes out of their total earnings.

DoorDash and Uber Eats

DoorDash and Uber Eats let drivers (called “Dashers” or “delivery partners”) earn by delivering food from restaurants to customers’ doors. Getting started is simple—just provide valid ID, complete a background check, and add your vehicle or bike info.

Payment is based on the number of deliveries, distance traveled, and customer tips. Delivery workers often keep 100% of the tips.

Peak times like lunch and dinner usually mean more orders and higher earnings. Both apps show available orders and estimated pay before you accept each delivery.

Flexibility is a huge perk, letting drivers pick when to work and which deliveries to take. DoorDash and Uber Eats often rank among the best delivery apps to make money because they’re easy to use and pay out reliably.

Instacart Shopper App

The Instacart Shopper app pays people to shop for and deliver groceries. Shoppers can deliver groceries or just help with shopping inside the store.

Applicants must pass a background check, be over 18, and have a car for full-service roles. Earnings depend on the number and size of orders, distance, and tips.

Instacart shows estimated earnings before you accept each order. Many shoppers like seeing this info up front and the option to schedule shifts or work whenever they want.

Both part-time and full-time options are available. Payments arrive weekly, and instant cash out is possible for a small fee.

If you enjoy grocery shopping and delivering food, Instacart offers flexible ways to earn.

Creative and Alternative Earning Apps

More people are turning to unique apps to boost their income in flexible ways. These options let users earn money using property, vehicles, pet care, or quick local gigs.

Airbnb

Airbnb lets people rent out extra space in their homes or apartments to travelers. You can list a room, an entire house, or even a backyard cottage.

Setting up a listing is pretty straightforward. Hosts control when and how often their space is available.

Pricing is flexible, so you can adjust rates for weekends, holidays, or special events. Safety features like guest reviews and secure payments help give peace of mind.

Some folks use Airbnb to earn cash from unused rooms, turning their home into a steady income stream. Hosts handle cleaning, prepping the space, and responding to guest messages.

Before listing, check local regulations or building rules. By managing these details, many find Airbnb a reliable and well-known way to make extra money. More tips are at Wise.

Turo

Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing app—think “Airbnb of cars.” Car owners list their vehicles, set prices, and choose when to make them available.

Turo appeals to anyone who doesn’t use their car every day or has an extra vehicle sitting around. Insurance coverage is built into Turo’s platform for both the owner and the renter.

This includes liability protection and damage coverage, but owners should read all the terms carefully. A clean, well-maintained car gets more bookings and better reviews.

Some users make steady side income by listing several cars. Others just rent out a vehicle now and then.

Turo can make car ownership less expensive—sometimes it even pays for itself. Learn more about Turo and other earning apps at Wise.

Rover

Rover connects pet owners with people who want to offer pet sitting, dog walking, boarding, or drop-in visits. If you love animals, you can create a profile, share your experience, and set your rates.

Rover handles payments and gives sitters an easy calendar for managing jobs. There’s a review system, so sitters can build trust over time.

Most services happen in the sitter’s home, the owner’s home, or outside for walks. Pet care providers pick how many pets to watch, what size they prefer, and how often they want to work.

For those with busy schedules or anyone needing flexible side hustles, Rover is a simple way to earn. Some even turn it into a steady business, caring for pets and making money while spending time with animals.

Rover can be a rewarding choice for animal lovers who want a flexible income option.

Gigwalk

Gigwalk is a task-based platform that matches people with quick, local gigs. Most tasks involve visiting stores, checking displays, taking photos, or filling out short surveys about products.

Users accept jobs in their area, follow instructions, and submit proof through the app. Task pay ranges from a few bucks for simple gigs to more for jobs that take longer or need special skills.

The platform is popular with people who want to earn cash during spare time. Gigwalk pays after the job is approved, and payment is handled securely in the app.

If you pay attention to detail, you’ll get better ratings and access to higher-paying tasks later. It’s a practical option for anyone who prefers short-term, flexible gigs without long commitments.

Apps That Reward Physical Activity

Some apps actually pay users to exercise or play games while staying active. These apps offer rewards like gift cards, cash, or merchandise, making physical activity a bit more appealing.

Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin tracks outdoor steps using your phone’s GPS. For every 1,000 verified steps, users earn Sweatcoins, a kind of digital currency.

You can use Sweatcoins in the app’s marketplace to get fitness gear, gadgets, and health products. Sweatcoin doesn’t pay cash directly, but sometimes you can convert coins to PayPal or other rewards during special offers.

The app encourages walking or running outside, so it doesn’t always count indoor steps. Rewards and deals change often, and it can take a lot of Sweatcoins for bigger prizes.

There’s also a daily step limit for earning coins if you use the free version. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun motivator for getting outside.

Get Paid to Walk

Several apps reward users for walking, so daily steps become more rewarding. Apps like Achievement, Macadam, and Evidation let you earn points or cash for walking, running, or other exercises.

Usually, you can redeem these points for gift cards or PayPal cash. Runtopia gives users Sports Coins for running, biking, and walking, which you can use for discounts on gear or other rewards.

Programs like AARP Rewards let people collect points for hitting step goals, redeemable for gift cards or sweepstakes entries. For a detailed list, these walking apps that earn rewards can help you find what fits best.

Blackout Bingo

Blackout Bingo is a different way to earn rewards by mixing a classic game with physical activity. This mobile game turns bingo into a competitive experience.

Players compete in timed bingo matches and can earn tickets or real money by winning games. While Blackout Bingo doesn’t track steps, you could play during walks or standing breaks if you want to stay active.

The app is free to download, but you’ll need to pay a small fee to enter cash tournaments. Prizes include PayPal cash, gift cards, and merchandise.

There’s some risk if you play for cash, since not everyone wins. Still, Blackout Bingo offers a fun twist for people who enjoy games and want to make activity time more interesting.

Maximizing Earnings with Referral Codes

Using referral codes is a practical way to make money or earn rewards on apps that pay. Many apps offer bonuses to both the person sharing a code and the person who signs up, so everyone wins.

How Referral Bonuses Work

Referral bonuses show up as rewards when someone uses your personal code to join an app. You might get cash, credits, gift cards, or discounts—depends on the app.

The Cash App gives users between $5 and $15 for each successful referral, depending on current promotions.

Fiverr pays 10% of a qualifying purchase (up to $100 in credits), so you could earn up to $500 from referrals.

Some platforms, like Adsterra, let you keep earning a small cut of what your referrals make over time.

Usually, both you and your friend get a bonus, but the rewards and rules change from app to app.

The referred person almost always has to do something—like make a purchase or use the app for a set period—before anyone gets paid.

Best Strategies for Referrals

If you want to actually make money with referral codes, focus on apps with solid, reliable payouts.

Sharing your code with friends, family, and even online groups gets it in front of more people.

Target folks who are likely to use the app and meet the bonus requirements. It saves time and effort.

Some people write reviews or make tutorials and sneak their referral links in there.

Social media, blogs, or videos can reach a bigger audience, so it’s worth a shot if you’re comfortable putting yourself out there.

Tracking your results helps you see what works. Focusing on apps that pay out—like the ones in top referral program guides—means your effort actually pays off.

Tracking, Analytics, and Data Privacy

App users need to know how earning apps track their activity and handle personal data. If you’re proactive about permissions and privacy, you can avoid a lot of headaches from unwanted data sharing.

Managing App Permissions

Apps usually ask for access to certain device features, but not every request is necessary. Check what permissions an earning app wants—location, contacts, storage, that sort of thing.

Limiting permissions keeps your info safer, plain and simple.

To manage these, head into your phone’s settings and review what each app can do.

Revoke access to features the app doesn’t really need. Only grant permissions that actually make sense for what the app does.

For instance, a data collection app like Embee Meter CX might need your location, but a photo survey app doesn’t need your call history.

Regularly checking these settings keeps apps from quietly grabbing more access over time. It also helps you spot apps that get a little too nosy.

Understanding App Analytics

Most apps use analytics tools to see how people use them—like how often you open the app or which features you spend time on.

Popular tools include Google Analytics and Simple Analytics. App owners use these to fix bugs and improve the experience.

Some apps also collect data to share with advertisers or partners, including identifiers or usage habits. Companies like Yahoo use this info to target ads, which is just how it goes these days.

Not all analytics are bad, but it’s smart to check if the app shares your data or keeps it private.

Look for privacy labels on app store listings to see what analytics they use. You can also dig around to find out if the app sends data off-platform or keeps it all in-house.

Protecting Your Data

Your location and behavior data can be worth a lot. Reports show that dozens of companies may buy or sell your location data if you give them the green light.

Once your data is out there, it’s almost impossible to control who sees it or what they do with it.

To lower your risk, stick with apps from developers you trust. Skip apps with sketchy privacy records or vague policies.

Keep your privacy settings updated, and don’t hand over tons of personal details just to earn a few bucks.

Try apps that promise not to sell your data, and always skim the privacy policy before signing up. If you’re unsure, look for earning apps with good privacy reviews and clear data handling statements.

Tips for Choosing the Best Apps to Earn Money

Finding decent apps that pay takes a little research, but it can be worth it. Look at the app’s trustworthiness, payout details, and what you’ll actually make for your time.

Evaluating App Legitimacy

Not every app promising cash is legit. Start by checking the app’s background and skimming recent reviews on the App Store or Google Play.

Look for ratings above 4 stars. That’s usually a good sign.

Official websites and real customer support also matter. Apps tied to known brands like Rakuten or Upwork are usually safer bets.

Check for payment proof in online forums or communities. Reliable apps explain how you’ll earn and pay you without weird hoops.

If an app wants high upfront fees or your bank info right away, that’s a red flag.

Reading posts from real users, like in this Reddit guide, can help you avoid scams.

Weighing Fees and Payout Methods

Earning money from apps is simpler when you know how you’ll get paid and what fees might be lurking.

Some apps pay out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Check which options work best for you before diving in.

Survey and cashback apps sometimes charge withdrawal fees or require a minimum payout.

For example, some apps to make money offer instant, no-fee cashouts, while others make you wait days.

Keep an eye on these factors:

Minimum cash-out balance
Payout methods (PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards, etc.)
Payment processing time
Hidden or extra fees

Comparing these makes it easier to pick an app that pays fast and doesn’t eat up your earnings with fees.

Balancing Time and Earnings

Most money-making apps pay for things like tasks, surveys, selling stuff, or freelance gigs. The time it takes to earn anything decent can vary a lot.

Some apps, like Fiverr and Upwork, pay more but usually require more effort.

Here’s a quick table for comparison:

App Type	Average Time Needed	Typical Earnings
Surveys	5-15 mins/task	Small cash, gift cards
Gig Tasks (Premise)	15-30 mins/task	$2-$10 per task
Freelance (Fiverr)	Varies	$5 up to hundreds

Always check if the pay is actually worth your time. If an app wants hours for pennies, maybe skip it. Apps that clearly explain how you’ll get paid for tasks usually make things a lot smoother.

Conclusion

The best money-making app for you really depends on what you like doing and your goals. Some people just want easy survey cash, others like selling stuff or freelancing for bigger payouts.

If you want to try this out, start with apps like:

Swagbucks (surveys and small online tasks)
Poshmark (selling unwanted clothes)
InboxDollars (watching videos and shopping)
TaskRabbit (local gigs and jobs)
DoorDash (food delivery)

Read reviews and check how payments work before you sign up. Most of the best apps to make money make their instructions and ratings pretty clear.

Here’s a simple table to compare common app types:

Type	Main Activity	Typical Earning Method
Task Apps	Surveys, tasks	Cash, gift cards
Delivery Apps	Food/package delivery	Cash, direct deposit
Sell Apps	List items to sell	Cash, PayPal

Safe earning apps usually explain how they pay and offer real customer support. Always check for clear pay schedules before you get started.

Trying out a few different apps helps you figure out what fits your style. Flexibility and a steady approach can make earning less stressful—and maybe even a little fun.

Lots of people want to earn extra cash from home using their phones. Picking the right app can really change how fast (and how much) you get paid.

What are the top-rated apps for earning money through online tasks?

Several well-known apps pay users for small jobs or tasks. Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Fiverr get good ratings for surveys, watching videos, and freelancing.

Depending on your skills, you’ll find a mix of quick jobs and bigger projects on these platforms.

Which apps offer legitimate opportunities to make real money?

Trusted apps include Chegg, Upwork, and DoorDash. They’re known for real ways to earn—tutoring, freelancing, delivering food, and more.

Most users report reliable payments, but how much you make depends on your effort and skills.

Are there any apps that provide daily payouts for micro-jobs?

Yes, some apps pay out fast. Microtask apps like TaskRabbit and Field Agent let you cash out daily or right after finishing a job.

Many gig economy apps also have quick payment systems for completed work.

What are the best apps for quickly generating an income?

Delivery and rideshare apps—Uber, DoorDash, Instacart—let people start earning quickly after approval.

Survey and task apps also pay after each task, so you can access your money sooner. These are especially popular if you need fast cash.

Can you earn money by playing games on any reputable apps?

Some apps do pay users to play games, usually for advertising or testing. Mistplay, for example, gives gift cards for playing phone games.

Most game apps pay in points or credits, so cashing out might take a while. But if you like games anyway, it could be a fun side benefit.

Which free apps offer instant payouts for completing tasks?

Plenty of apps out there provide instant or same-day payouts. For instance, many top money-making apps let you cash out right after your tasks get approved.

People usually use PayPal, Venmo, or Cash App for quick payments once they finish qualifying jobs. It’s always smart to check each app’s payment terms, just so you know exactly when your money will show up.