A few years ago, I was juggling a full-time job and trying to make ends meet. Bills were piling up, and no matter how much I budgeted, unexpected expenses kept throwing me off track. One day, while strolling through my phone, I stumbled upon an app that promised to pay users for completing small tasks. Skeptical but curious, I gave it a try. To my surprise, I made my first $50 in a week.
That moment changed everything for me. I started researching more apps, testing different platforms, and discovering legit ways to earn money right from my phone. Fast forward to today, and I’ve built multiple income streams using these apps, some passive, others requiring a bit of effort, but all worthwhile.
If you’re in a similar situation, looking for extra cash for bills, savings, or even just fun money, you’re in the right place. Below, I’ll share 15 perfect apps to make extra money, even if you want to get paid for surveys, freelancing, selling stuff, or cash back on purchases.
Why Use Money-Making Apps?
We live in a digital age where smartphones aren’t just for calls and social media, they’re powerful tools for making money. Here’s why using apps to earn extra cash is a smart move:
- Flexibility
You can work on your own schedule. Whether you have a few minutes between meetings or want to hustle for a few hours, these apps let you decide when and how much you work.
- Low or No Investment
Most of these apps are free to use, meaning you don’t need to spend money to make money.
- Diverse Opportunities
From taking surveys to selling unwanted items, there are multiple ways to earn, depending on your skills and interests.
- Extra Income
Even if you’re not looking for a full-time hustle, an extra $100–$500 a month can help cover bills, pay off debt, or fund a vacation.
15 Perfect Apps to Make Extra Money
- Swagbucks (Best for Surveys & Small Tasks)
Earn points (Swagbucks or SB) for taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online.
Payout Options: PayPal cash or gift cards.
Potential Earnings: $50–$300/month depending on activity.
- Misplay (Best for Gamers)
Get paid to play mobile games. The more you play, the more points you earn.
Payout Options: Gift cards for Amazon, Google Play, and more.
Potential Earnings: $10–$50/month, depending on game time.
- Rakuten (Best for Cash back Shopping)
Get cashback on online and in-store purchases. Simply shop through Rakuten’s app.
Payout Options: PayPal or check.
Potential Earnings: $10–$500/year (depending on spending).
- TaskRabbit (Best for Odd Jobs)
Sign up to complete tasks like assembling furniture, cleaning, or moving help.
Payout Options: Direct deposit.
Potential Earnings: $50–$1,000/month (varies by job and location).
- Uber Eats (Best for Food Delivery)
Deliver food for local restaurants.
Payout Options: Direct deposit or instant cashout.
Potential Earnings: $100–$800/week, depending on hours worked.
- Instacart (Best for Grocery Delivery)
Shop and deliver groceries for customers.
Payout Options: Direct deposit.
Potential Earnings: $200–$1,000/month.
- Fiverr (Best for Freelancers)
Sell services like graphic design, writing, voiceovers, or video editing.
Payout Options: PayPal, direct deposit, or Fiverr revenue card.
Potential Earnings: $100–$5,000/month (depending on skill level).
- Upwork (Best for Professional Freelancers)
Get hired for jobs like coding, writing, or marketing.
Payout Options: PayPal, direct deposit, or wire transfer.
Potential Earnings: $500–$10,000+/month (depending on expertise).
- Airbnb (Best for Renting Out Space)
Rent out a spare room, apartment, or even your whole house.
Payout Options: Direct deposit or PayPal.
Potential Earnings: $500–$3,000/month (depending on location and demand).
- Foap (Best for Selling Photos)
Sell high-quality photos and videos to brands.
Payout Options: PayPal.
Potential Earnings: $5–$100 per image sold.
- Sweatcoin (Best for Getting Paid to Walk)
Earn Sweatcoins by walking and exchange them for rewards.
Payout Options: Gift cards, products, or PayPal cash (in some cases).
Potential Earnings: $10–$50/month.
- Toluna (Best for High-Paying Surveys)
Take surveys and get paid for your opinions.
Payout Options: PayPal or gift cards.
Potential Earnings: $50–$200/month.
- Poshmark (Best for Selling Clothes & Accessories)
Sell used or new clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Payout Options: Direct deposit.
Potential Earnings: $50–$1,000/month.
- Rover (Best for Pet Lovers)
Earn money by pet sitting or dog walking.
Payout Options: PayPal or direct deposit.
Potential Earnings: $300–$1,500/month.
- Acorns (Best for Passive Investing)
Automatically invest spare change from purchases.
Payout Options: Bank transfer.
Potential Earnings: Depends on market performance, but great for long-term growth.
Tips for Maximizing Earnings with These Apps
- Sign Up for Multiple Apps – Diversify your income by using different apps.
- Stay Consistent – Even small daily earnings add up over time.
- Use Referral Programs – Many apps offer bonuses for referring friends.
- Cash Out Wisely – Save up points for higher payout thresholds.
- Watch for Promotions – Some apps offer seasonal bonuses or higher-paying tasks.
Making extra money has never been easier. Whether you want quick cash from surveys, steady side income from freelancing, or passive income from investing, these 15 money-making apps provide excellent opportunities.
Remember, the key is action. Pick a few apps that match your skills and interests, sign up, and start earning today. You never know, you might just find a new side hustle that turns into a full-time gig!
