65+ Fun Apps That Pay You Real Money: Your Guide to Earning on the Go

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In today’s fast-paced digital world, your smartphone is not just a communication device; it’s a gateway to earning opportunities.

I discovered this years ago with a few shopping apps that allowed me to earn cash back when I bought the item and scanned my receipt.

Since then, the world of making money playing games has become an industry.

With so many options to make real cash or win cash prizes, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.

And it can be just as easy to fall for a scam.

So today, we break down over 65 apps that pay you real money or earn free gift cards.

We cover all areas – playing games and completing surveys to online shopping and task-based gigs – to show you how to earn money with mobile apps.

Whether you’re looking to make a little extra on the side or seeking new ways to maximize your earnings, this guide offers practical insights into the world of apps that reward you financially, all from the convenience of your phone.

Best Money-Making Apps That pay You Real Money

If you are short on time, here are our picks for the best money-making apps in each category.

We feel these are the best as they are easy to start, have a decent payout rate, and are popular.

Apps That Pay You Money Investing

Arrived

The best way to generate more money is to start investing.

The good news? There are so many great apps out there that you can put your own money into to begin building wealth seamlessly.

One app you should start with is Arrived.

Arrived allows you to tap into the earning potential of real estate by purchasing shares of rental homes and vacation investment rentals.

Whereas you usually have to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to build your portfolio, you can invest as little as $100 on Arrived to start building passive income.

Arrived is an excellent place to start if you’re looking for real-money earning platforms that will help you work towards making more substantial gains.

• Barriers to Entry: Property investing knowledge, Minimum investment amount
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Withdrawal to bank account

Pros

• Easy access to property investing
• No property management is required
• Monthly dividends

Cons

• Properties sell out quickly
• You only get paid if the property makes money
• Limited investment choices

Acorns

Acorns is one of the top investment apps on this list, and for good reason.

Acorns is an investment, banking, and cash-back app all in one.

Acorns began as a smartphone app that made it easy to round up your real-life cash purchases and help you put the extra cash into an investment portfolio that grew over time.

Their starting mission has not changed, but their offerings have.

Now, parents can open accounts for their children, individuals can open their own bank account (checking account or emergency savings account) or retirement account with the service, and you can earn money when you shop online by tapping into their various cash-back offerings.

Acorns is the way to go if you want to maximize your investment activity, and new users get a $20 bonus when signing up!

• Barriers to Entry: Prior investment knowledge (Not necessary but recommended)
• Payout Threshold: N/A, Taxes may apply
• Payout Options: Withdrawal to bank account

Pros

• Quick and easy round-up investing
• Ample financial tools and resources
• Cash-back shopping offers

Cons

• It can be easy to lose track of round-ups
• Dividends go directly into your portfolio
• Fees may be high for some

Worthy Bonds

Investing is about diversification. While plenty focus on dividend-paying stocks, you should also look into investment vehicles like bonds.

But where can you get free money that makes a difference in your budget?

Worthy Bonds is a standout choice. Worthy Bonds reduces the difficulty of starting your investment journey by offering bonds that are only $10 each.

Better yet, at the time of writing, they boast a 7.0% APY until 11/12/24, no fees or penalties, and a handy calculator to see how much this money-making app will net you based on your initial investment.

If you want to start investing without the stress, consider Worthy Bonds.

• Barriers to Entry: Prior investment knowledge (Not necessary but recommended)
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Withdrawal to bank account

Pros

• Easy access to high-interest bonds
• Low investment minimum
• Round up your spending and auto-invest the difference

Cons

• Higher risk than other bond investment opportunities
• Limits to how much you can purchase
• Not FDIC-insured
• Issues with paused withdrawals have been reported

Public

If you’re more serious about investing and understand what you’re doing when you’re buying, trading, and selling assets, Public could be the right choice compared to the other money-making apps above.

Public is a trading app that allows you to seamlessly develop a multi-asset portfolio consisting of stocks, bonds, crypto, ETFs, and more.

If you’re looking for security, you can use their high-yield cash account, offering 5.1% APY on your money with them.

Their focus on transparency and leverage of AI also makes it easy to understand better where you’re putting your own money and how it might benefit you.

Public is an excellent app for those who want no limitations over what they can tap into or how they utilize their money.

Just deposit money into the assets you want and watch it grow or trade it to profit.

• Barriers to Entry: Prior investment knowledge
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer

Pros

• Ample investment options
• Strong emphasis on investing education
• Great rates and rebates

Cons

• Limited account types
• Investments can lose value

Betterment

Betterment is a different kind of app that you can add to your mobile device if you’re interested in having an app that allows you to hold, move, save, and invest money.

Offering basic banking accounts like checking accounts and high-yield cash accounts, access to traditional investments and crypto investments, and even access to retirement accounts like 401(k)s and Roth IRAs, Betterment is a comprehensive wealth-building and money management tool that will prove to be one of the most valuable apps on your phone.

• Barriers to Entry: Prior investment knowledge (Recommended, not required)
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer

Pros

• Consistently named best robo-advisor
• Plenty of account options
• Tax management features
• Several portfolio types
• Low advisory fees

Cons

• Professional advice fees are high
• Some aspects of their portfolio offerings come with higher risks than many wish to take on
• Investments can lose value

Apps That Pay Money Playing Games

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a multifaceted platform where you can earn points (SB) for various online activities.

These include taking surveys, shopping at your favorite retailers, watching selected videos, and playing games. 

You accumulate these SB points and can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards from popular stores like Amazon, Walmart, and many others.

It’s especially appealing if you spend a lot of time online and want to turn that time into an opportunity to earn extra money.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Varies depending on the payout option selected
• Payout Options: PayPal/Payoneer, Gift cards, Pre-paid debit cards

Pros

• Plenty of money-making opportunities and bonus rewards
• Low payout thresholds
• Easy to get started and make money

Cons

• Must uninstall or deactivate ad-blockers
• Must allow the app to track activity when downloading games

Blackout Bingo

Blackout Bingo is a mobile gaming app that offers a modern and exciting take on the traditional game of Bingo.

Players can compete against others and win real cash prizes. (And if this interests you, here are over 50 games that pay real money.)

It’s an engaging and fun way to earn money if you enjoy playing mobile games and have a competitive streak.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: No minimum payout but a $1.50 fee for payouts less than $10
• Payout Options: PayPal, Transfer to bank, Check, Gift cards

Pros

• Fun way to make money
• High ratings and reviews

Cons

• Limited access based on where you live
• Risk of spending more money than you make

Mode Earn

Mode Earn offers a unique concept where you earn rewards using your smartphone for everyday activities like playing games, listening to music, or browsing news. 

The app tracks these activities and rewards you with points, which you can exchange for cash or other prizes.

It’s an all-in-one app that makes earning money from phone activities easy and fun.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to Android users
• Payout Threshold: $0.10
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift cards

Pros

• Plenty of activities to choose from
• Get paid to do nearly everything on your phone
• Low payout threshold

Cons

• Some users have encountered issues with the app
• Only available on the Google Play Store

Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash is an app that reportedly allows users to win cash prizes for playing the game. But is this true? Yes!

While it’s important to take a closer look at apps when you want to play games for money, as they all have pros and cons, Solitaire Cash may help you earn money if you enter tournaments with your own cash or with the gems you’ve won from other games.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to iOS users
• Payout Threshold: $5
• Payout Options: PayPal, Apple Pay

Pros

• High-rated game that does pay out
• Low $1 entry fee for tournaments

Cons

• Not available in all states
• Unavailable for Google Play Store
• Risk of spending more than you make

Cookie Cash

Not a fan of solitaire? Don’t worry. There is a wealth of cash-earning applications right on your phone. Another great alternative is Cookie Cash.

Cookie Cash is a match-three game (think games like Candy Crush) that allows you to participate in cash tournaments to make extra money.

Don’t want to dive into real money games just yet? Don’t worry.

You can also hone your skills in Cookie Cash, as they offer unlimited free play until you’re ready to test your hand at the tournament.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to iOS users and Samsung owners
• Payout Threshold: Not stated
• Payout Options: PayPal, Apple Pay

Pros

• Endless free play
• Familiar gameplay style that’s easy to get into

Cons

• Not available in all states
• Only available to Apple and Samsung users
• Risk of spending more than you make

8 Ball Strike

People have always bet on billiard games, so it’s no surprise that it has also made its way to the digital space.

If you’re looking to play cash games that utilize skills you’re familiar with in real life, you can download 8 Ball Strike from the Apple App Store.

Boasting smooth graphics and realistic gameplay, this game is perfect for those who love to play pool and want to win real money in cash competitions by putting their skills to the test.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to iOS users
• Payout Threshold: $2 ($1 fee for withdrawals under $10)
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Smooth gameplay
• High ratings
• Low cashout threshold

Cons

• Not available in all states
• Only available to iOS users
• Risk of spending more than you make

Bubble Cash

Aptly named Bubble Cash, it is one of the real-money reward apps on this list that will help you earn some dough if you’re great at aiming and popping rolls of bubbles.

Like other money-making apps, Bubble Cash will allow you to participate in free games that may earn you money by buying into these tournaments with gems you’ve made.

However, you could deposit cash and enter tournaments if you’re confident in your abilities.

No matter how you decide to play it, this free app is fun and could make you some cash for activities you already enjoy.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $5
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Fun gameplay
• High-rated app

Cons

• Not available in all states
• Risk of spending more than you make

Bingo Cash

Bingo is a fun game that anyone can enjoy, which is why anyone who wants to play online games that aren’t frustrating or challenging to earn a little money should consider Bingo Cash.

Bingo Cash is a partially luck, partially skill-based game that allows you to challenge other players in one-on-one or multiplayer tournaments.

It’s one of the top-rated bingo apps that pay you real money, so that’s a good indication that it’s one of the first ones you should try.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $5
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Fun gameplay
• High-rated app

Cons

• Not available in all states
• Risk of spending more than you earn

Apps That Pay You To Take Surveys

MyPoints

MyPoints offers several ways to earn points, including online shopping, taking surveys, and watching videos.

These points can be redeemed for gift cards or converted to cash through PayPal. 

Additionally, new users receive a welcome bonus when they sign up and meet a minimum spending requirement within the first 30 days. 

MyPoints is a good option for those who enjoy various online activities and want to make some money from these activities.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Varies depending on the desired payout method
• Payout Options: Gift cards, PayPal

Pros

• Plenty of surveys and activities to choose from
• Sign-up bonus
• Owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks

Cons

• Potentially redundant opportunities
• Generally low compensation for time-consuming activities

InboxDollars

Are you a fan of Swagbucks? If so, consider completing surveys with InboxDollars.

Owned by the same parent company as Swagbucks, InboxDollars offers many of the same survey opportunities and other opportunities like cash-back offers, receipt uploads, making money by reaching various levels and games, and more (watching videos for money used to be available on both platforms but is no longer available if you’re jumping back in).

From gift cards to cash payouts, you’ll find no shortage of rewards when you take enough surveys to reach the payout threshold.

They even offer a sign-up bonus to sweeten the deal so you can start your money-making journey with $5!

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Varies depending on the payout type selected
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift cards, Visa pre-paid debit card

Pros

• Earn more with scratch-and-win games and bonuses
• More activities than just surveys

Cons

• Takes time to reach the payout threshold

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is an excellent service to sign up for if you want to take surveys and nothing else.

They make it easy to dive right in and start taking surveys on their user-friendly interface.

While these surveys offer many of the same rewards that you’ll find on other survey-taking platforms, one major bonus worth noting is that they’ll send guaranteed surveys to your inbox, which typically provide you with a reward of anywhere from 5 points to 10 points ($0.05-$0.10).

It doesn’t take much to earn money online with them, and their payout threshold is only $10 for your first payout and $5 for subsequent ones.

You can also earn more with their web extension and the low-reward surveys that will pop up on their dashboard from time to time.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $10 for the first payout, $5 after
• Payout Options: PayPal, Bank transfer, Gift cards

Pros

• User-friendly interface
• Focused only on surveys
• Bonuses like emailed surveys are offered

Cons

• No rewards for surveys that don’t work out
• Higher payout threshold when you first start out

Toluna Influencers

Toluna Influencers is a market research platform where you can earn by participating in surveys.

You accumulate points for each completed survey, which you can redeem for PayPal cash or gift cards. 

It’s a great platform for those who enjoy sharing their opinions on various products and services and want to earn money for their insights.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Unspecified
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift cards

Pros

• Seamless sign-up
• Sign-up bonus
• Better-paying surveys

Cons

• Lesser known and used survey site that may result in slow earnings

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost is focused primarily on surveys. You earn points for every survey you complete and exchange them for cash through PayPal or various gift cards. 

It’s a straightforward way to make some money, especially if you like giving your opinion on different topics.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to Android users (but can be accessed online)
• Payout Threshold: Varies based on desired payout choice
• Payout Options: PayPal, Visa pre-paid debit card, Gift cards

Pros

• Additional opportunities like product testing to earn money
• Easy sign-up and simple user dashboard

Cons

• Fewer redemption choices than in other survey apps
• Reports of issues with suspended accounts, Slow to earn money through

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is a market research app that operates in multiple countries and will pay real money in the form of gift cards, PayPal, and cash sent to your bank (when you provide them with your bank details).

The sign-up process is simple. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and they’ll start matching you with online surveys for which you’ll likely be the best candidate.

Cash-rewarding applications like Branded Surveys are a great way to make money on your schedule, especially if you’re supplementing some of the highest-paying apps that you’re also using.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: 500 points
• Payout Options: PayPal, Bank transfer, Gift cards

Pros

• Trusted survey site with a good reputation
• Higher-paying opportunities
• Plenty of opportunities to earn bonus points

Cons

• Surveys can be challenging to qualify for
• You don’t get points if you don’t qualify for a survey

UserTesting

Deviating from the traditional survey platforms we touched on above, it’s important to note that you can use different types of survey apps to bring in some extra money.

Another type of survey is the website testing survey, and among some of the best apps to download to take these is UserTesting.

UserTesting gives you consistent test alerts that you may match with.

All you do is answer a short questionnaire and then submit a voice or face recording of yourself as you navigate a company’s website.

Tests pay as little as $4, with $10 tests being the most common. If you don’t mind being recorded, this is an app you should have on your smartphone.

• Barriers to Entry: Working video camera and microphone; Not all surveys are available on all platforms
• Payout Threshold: None (Payments are sent around 14 days after the test is reviewed and approved)
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Queue of opportunities to choose from
• You can make more by choosing specific test types
• No payout threshold

Cons

• Some opportunities are difficult or scammy
• Opportunities vary by device you’re using (PC, Android, Apple iPhone)
• Tests may not be approved if there are issues with video or audio quality

Userlytics

Userlytics is another great website-testing app on your phone if you want to make money by testing websites and taking surveys.

Userlytics works similarly to UserTesting, with the biggest exception being that they don’t have a queue of tests.

Instead, you receive an invite when they have a test available, which is more than possible if you provide enough information to them to get matched with opportunities.

• Barriers to Entry: Video camera and working microphone
• Payout Threshold: None (Payments sent automatically)
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Better paying surveys than other platforms
• Matched with opportunities rather than picking them yourself

Cons

• Problems with transcription
• Opportunities can be scarce

Slice the Pie

Slice the Pie is a music and general survey platform that will pay you to listen to music and offer your opinion.

They don’t pay much per song and offer the average for written surveys.

While you shouldn’t expect as many opportunities with this one as the other platforms listed above, it’s still good to sign up for it so you can make some money when they have surveys available.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $10
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Wide range of reviewing opportunities
• Some higher-paying surveys
• Easy cash-out process

Cons

• Must be meticulous about varying your feedback significantly to avoid being kicked off the platform
• Many music surveys pay little except during bonus days

Cash Back Apps For Making Money

Upside

Even with a strict budget, you must spend money on necessities like groceries or purchases like gifts for others.

So, why not make some money back on those purchases?

Upside is one of the many cash-back apps you should install on your phone.

Upside lists a range of cash-back offers at stores near you.

You claim them and checkout with your debit or credit card, and Upside gives you your cash-back via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Varies depending on the selected payout method
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift cards, Bank transfer

Pros

• Great cash back app with plenty of opportunities
• Earn cash back at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants

Cons

• The process of getting your money can be slow
• You have to keep and upload all of your paper receipts

Ibotta

Ibotta is a cash-back app that focuses on grocery shopping but also includes other types of retailers, including rewarding you for shopping online.

Before you go shopping, you activate cash-back offers on the app. 

After you finish shopping, take a photo of your receipt using the app. Ibotta then gives you cash back on items that had offers. 

The cash is transferred to your PayPal account or redeemed for gift cards.

It’s a practical app for anyone looking to save money on regular shopping trips.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $20
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, PayPal, Gift card

Pros

• Plenty of retailers partner with this well-known app
• You can link loyalty cards

Cons

• You have to remember to add offers before you shop
• Many offers have terms and conditions that can be limiting

Fetch

Fetch is an app that rewards you for something as simple as shopping.

You scan your shopping receipts using the app, and for each receipt, you earn points. 

Exchange your points for gift cards at various popular retailers, including Amazon and Starbucks.

Fetch is ideal for those who want an effortless way to get rewards from everyday shopping.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $3
• Payout Options: Gift card

Pros

• You see real-time reward points
• Plenty of opportunities to earn bonus points

Cons

• No option to redeem points for cash
• Not all receipts are accepted

Receipt Hog

Receipts don’t have much use beyond being used for returns or taking up space in our pockets until we empty them.

But what if you could make money and earn cash and gift card rewards for your receipts?

You download the Receipt Hog app, snap a picture of your receipt whenever you shop, and wait until you’ve accumulated enough coins to cash out.

If you want to make more, you’ll be excited to learn that you can upload digital receipts and even take surveys on Receipt Hog!

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: 1,000 coins
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift card, Visa pre-paid gift card

Pros

• Easy to use
• Additional opportunities to earn

Cons

• It can take some time before you accumulate enough coins to get a prize
• Surveys are infrequent

Rakuten

Rakuten, previously known as Ebates, is a cash-back app that rewards you for your regular shopping.

When you shop at partnered retailers through Rakuten, a percentage of your purchase is returned to you as cash back. 

This cash accumulates over time, and Rakuten pays it to your PayPal account every quarter.

If you’re a frequent online shopper, Rakuten can be a great tool to earn back some of your spending.

(Here is an insider tip: Compare the cash-back offers on Rakuten and Swagbucks to see which is higher, then use that site to earn maximum rewards!)

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $5.01
• Payout Options: Check, PayPal

Pros

• Largest cash-back platform results in more savings
• High cash-back rates

Cons

• You can only tap into the referral program after making $25
• Not all retailers listed

CoinOut

CoinOut is another receipt-scanning app featured on Shark Tank.

Like Receipt Hog, all you have to do is hold onto your paper receipts, take a picture to upload them, wait for your rewards to accumulate, and cash out once you have enough.

One interesting feature you can take advantage of if you like to shop online more than in person is the ability to link your account to apps like Amazon, Instacart, Starbucks, or even your email to detect transactions automatically.

(Here is an insider tip: Download this app, Fetch, Receipt Hog, and any other receipt app, and scan the same receipt in all three places to maximize the money you earn!)

• Barriers to Entry: No
• Payout Threshold: $20 (for PayPal)
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, Amazon gift card, PayPal

Pros

• No payout thresholds outside of PayPal
• Fewer specific product purchase requirements
• Ability to link to online accounts

Cons

• Earnings are reportedly lower than other receipt-scanning apps

Fold

Fold is a crypto cash back app that gives you satoshis when you take advantage of offers on their app.

Users can buy gift cards directly through them or sign up for a Fold card, which often maximizes your rewards.

They often run special promotions and have daily wheel spins to give you extra satoshis, so you can send your satoshis to another wallet pretty fast if you shop with your Fold card often.

• Barriers to Entry: Knowledge of cryptocurrency tax implications
• Payout Threshold: 50,000 satoshis
• Payout Options: Bitcoin wallet (Independent or on crypto exchange)

Pros

• It makes it easy to get Bitcoin without limitations on cash-back offers
• Free wheel spins for the purchases you make that can earn you more

Cons

• Transferring your balance is subject to network fees
• Trading or spending Bitcoin is a taxable event

Passive Income Apps For Easy Money

Pogo

Passive income is the best type of income. While Pogo doesn’t pay you a ton passively, they’re a great place to start.

Pogo is an iPhone and Android app dedicated to helping you save and tap into rewards by automatically linking your data and payment methods to the app, earning or saving money on all your purchases, and getting paid for your data.

If you want to make the most of your purchases and earn money on the side without lifting a finger, Pogo is an app you should download immediately.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $3
• Payout Options: Venmo, PayPal

Pros

• Offers comprehensive solutions to help you earn and save money
• Largely hands-off earning

Cons

• Not every user has had a good experience with the app
• Earning potential is said by some to be lower than expected

MobileXpression

You spend every day using apps and searching the web, but you might not have thought of finding a way to monetize that activity for yourself.

MobileXpression is an app that does exactly that.

All that’s required is a phone and the app. That’s it.

Unlike other apps on this list, MobileXpression monitors your activity in the background and offers you credit each week in return.

When you earn enough credits (they state you could get enough to get a $5 Amazon gift card within a week), you redeem those credits for gift cards.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $5 (reportedly, may vary based on payout options)
• Payout Options: Gift card

Pros

• You make money without having to do anything besides having the app installed

Cons

• MobileXpression doesn’t have a ton of online coverage or high reviews from current users

Honeygain

Honeygain is a unique passive income app that taps into your unused bandwidth to help you make money.

Put simply, if you don’t heavily use your internet in your home, you likely have the bandwidth to share and could get paid for it.

Like MobileXpression, you download the app and forget about it.

Of course, there’s more flexibility here.

You can set bandwidth limits, pause Honeygain’s use, and download it on your computer or phone. The more you share, the more you’re able to make.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $20
• Payout Options: PayPal, Jumptask

Pros

• Generate passive income
• You can make more money with more devices
• You have complete control over how you share your bandwidth

Cons

• Honeygain’s business model isn’t the most transparent
• Payments can be erratic based on demand and personal use
• Honeygain uses a ton of battery power and data

Caden

Caden is an open-data platform available only to iOS users that can be easily installed on your phone to help you connect and access your data, sell it, and get rewarded.

While you can prevent some data from being shared, they make it known that the more you share, the more you can make.

• Barriers to Entry: Only available to iOS users
• Payout Threshold: $40
• Payout Options: Stripe, Bank transfer/card

Pros

• You can connect your accounts to make more money,
• You may see a decent payout of more than a few dollars each month

Cons

• You won’t make enough in a few months to reach a payout
• Currently unavailable on Google Play

Free Bitco.in

Free Bitco.in is what’s known as a crypto faucet, which is a website that dispenses small amounts of cryptocurrency (in this case, Bitcoin) over a certain period.

Free Bitco.in isn’t passive in the strictest sense of the word, as you do have to click a button to claim a bit of Bitcoin hourly.

However, that’s not where the true earning potential lies.

Free Bitco.in allows you to grow the Bitcoin you hold with them if you have more than 30,000 satoshis by earning interest.

You can grow that further by entering lotteries or trying to multiply your Bitcoin stash.

They also offer free daily wheel spins where you can earn rewards points (which you can use to multiply the dispenser, exchange for spins, and more), lottery tickets, and free satoshis.

If you’re a crypto enthusiast looking for ways to build up your crypto savings, this app is worth looking into, as it’s one of the few good crypto faucets left.

• Barriers to Entry: Desire to accumulate cryptocurrency and understanding of tax implications, Only available to download on Android devices
• Payout Threshold: 30,000 satoshis
• Payout Options: Bitcoin wallet (Independent or on crypto exchange)

Pros

• Ample ways to earn Bitcoin
• Interest-bearing crypto wallet
• Free prizes via the wheel

Cons

• Extremely low hourly payouts due to the price of Bitcoin
• Need to use a web browser on iOS

Coinbase

Coinbase is a crypto exchange that fits our investment app section above, but we’ve put it here because you can earn passive income with it.

Coinbase makes it easy to start your crypto journey by paying you money to learn about new crypto projects, which is immediately added to your portfolio or the Coinbase Wallet app.

Coinbase makes it easy to grow that wealth by holding your money as USDC or staking it in a cryptocurrency like Ethereum.

If you’re interested in cryptocurrency and looking to get started, Coinbase is a good app to begin your journey.

• Barriers to Entry: Must have cryptocurrency investment knowledge
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer

Pros

• Easy to use
• Plenty of ways to earn and grow crypto wealth
• Related Coinbase Wallet app helps you tap into web3 coins

Cons

• Not for those who aren’t into crypto or don’t understand the repercussions of investing and trading
• Investment can lose money

Apps That Pay You Money to Exercise

SweatCoin

The satisfaction you get from getting outside and challenging yourself isn’t the only reward you could receive.

If you want to make money walking and are interested in pay-for-performance apps, you could download Sweatcoin on your phone.

Sweatcoin converts your steps to its digital currency that can be used in its in-app store.

While you can get gift cards, these are often sold out, so you might have to settle for one of its many other product or digital product offers.

If you’re thinking about walking and need some incentive, check out Sweatcoin alongside the other apps below to help you get going.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Varies based on the chosen prize
• Payout Options: Products

Pros

• Free-to-use app may incentivize you to work out

Cons

• You have to pay to increase the daily step limit to see actual earnings
• No cash rewards

PK Rewards

PK Rewards is a more straightforward app if you’re looking for a no-nonsense approach to converting your workouts into money.

PK Rewards is an app designed for iOS users that helps them seamlessly track any workout, receive coins based on the effort they put into their workout, and then convert those coins into prizes.

It’s free to sign up, and they state that you could earn your first reward in just a week.

• Barriers to Entry: Available to iOS users only
• Payout Threshold: Unspecified
• Payout Options: Gift cards, Partner-based rewards

Pros

• Work out hard and get paid for your effort

Cons

• You have to pay to accumulate more coins during the week
• No cash out option

Evidation

Previously known as Achievement, Evidation is a fitness and wellness tracking app that goes beyond just your physical activity.

The first way to start earning with Evidation is to complete the cards they offer on their app daily.

This may teach you more about health, ask you about your mood and sleep, or even invite you to participate in studies or trials.

Beyond that, you can sync your Evidation account to various health apps to track sleep, eating habits, activity, heart rate, step count, and more.

The more you connect, the more you can earn.

Once you reach 10,000 points, you make your first $10!

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: 10,000 points
• Payout Options: PayPal, Gift card, Pre-paid Visa debit card, Bank transfer

Pros

• Plenty of ways to monetize your health data
• Easy-to-use app and website

Cons

• It can take a while to reach the 10,000-point payout threshold

WinWalk

Unlike many apps on this list, WinWalk is a strictly Google Play app store application, which can be a bonus if you can access many other money-making apps.

WinWalk acts as a pedometer to count your steps (no GPS is required to use the app), which it then converts into points.

Every 100 steps convert into one point, with a 10,000-step goal or limit each day.

If you walk a lot and read the terms and conditions carefully to understand what to avoid while using the app, you can quickly rack up coins.

• Barriers to Entry: Only for Android users
• Payout Threshold: Can vary depending on the reward selected
• Payout Options: Gift cards

Pros

• No GPS required
• It is easy to use and won’t drain your battery while in use

Cons

• It can take a considerable amount of time to see rewards for your efforts

StepBet

If you’re incentivized to work out toward the beginning of the year but quickly lose steam, you might be more keen to follow through on your goals if your money is on the line.

StepBet is an app that allows you to join games with others with similar goals to yours, and you’ll deposit money into it.

If you stick to your plan and reach your goals, you’ll split the pot with the others.

If you don’t, you’ll end up losing money.

It’s a simple premise that can be powerful if you don’t always reach your fitness goals.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros:

• A great way to stay incentivized
• It may help you earn more than other walking apps

Cons

• Need a premium account for non-free contests
• You only receive more if there are fewer winners, and you don’t receive more than you initially bet
• You can end up losing money if you don’t stay on top of your steps

CashWalk

If you want to make more money from doing the same activity, having several walking apps on your phone or multiple devices could be a good idea.

The next one worth mentioning is CashWalk.

CashWalk is similar to WinWalk in that it tracks your steps and pays you Stepcoins for every 100 steps you take.

You can then convert those coins into gift cards to spend at your favorite stores.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: Will vary depending upon payout choice
• Payout Options: Gift cards

Pros

• Tracks steps instead of using GPS
• Can earn through scratch cards and referrals
• Shifting away from PayPal has allowed them to lower the redeeming thresholds

Cons

• Limited opportunities and rewards
• Daily step limit

Task Related Money Making Apps

Field Agent

The Field Agent app is a mystery shopper app that pays you to engage in different activities in stores around your area.

This could involve taking pictures of price tags in-store or sharing your opinions on the service quality you received while shopping in a specific store.

Then, they review the results, and you get paid.

Many of these apps are out there, so feel free to sign up for as many as possible so you have ample opportunities to take advantage of whenever you need to run errands.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Direct deposit, PayPal, Cash App

Pros

• A great way to make money while shopping

Cons

• Amount of gigs will vary by location
• Some gigs are more time-intensive and not worth the effort for the pay

TaskRabbit

Are you good at lifting heavy things or tackling minor jobs around the house?

If so, why not monetize those skills to make some extra cash?

TaskRabbit is a task-based money-making app where you can connect with people who need handyman, moving, or mounting services, to name a few of the things that Taskers do.

A little more work is involved in establishing yourself here, but it’s worth the extra pay if you can stand out and get people to hire you for the side work they need completing.

• Barriers to Entry: Must have marketable skills and abilities relevant to TaskRabbit users
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Braintree, Stripe

Pros

• Can help you earn more money if you’re handy and looking for side gigs
• Many opportunities to earn cash

Cons

• Non-refundable sign-up fee
• May need additional licenses or certifications
• Need to perform almost perfectly each time to continue using the platform
• Responsible for self-employment taxes if you surpass the limit you can make online

Rover

Do you love pets? If so, you can get paid for pet-related tasks through Rover.

Rover is a platform that connects pet owners with those willing to provide services like house-sitting, pet-boarding, and dog-walking.

If you can stand out enough from others on the platform and find people in your area who use the service, you can pick up the odd job here and there to bring in some additional income.

• Barriers to Entry: Must be good with pets and able to market yourself
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Stripe

Pros

• Flexible work
• Fun work with animals

Cons

• Not all tasks are easy
• Work may not be available in your area
• Hard to stand out from others on the platform
• Responsible for self-employment taxes

Wag!

Wag! is an alternative to Rover that allows you to offer the same kind of services to pet owners in your area.

Consider signing up for Wag! and Rover simultaneously to improve your chances of landing a job.

• Barriers to Entry: Must be good with pets
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Stripe

Pros

• Great for pet lovers
• Flexible work schedule

Cons

• Not all gigs in your local area
• Hard to stand out from others

Care.com

Care.com started as a babysitting app but has since expanded to help others assist individuals with dog sitting and pet care, senior care, house cleaning, and tutoring.

As a result, there’s so much more work to find on this app than was previously available.

While Care.com can undoubtedly require more from you regarding ability, depending on the task you select, it’s worth mentioning.

• Barriers to Entry: Will probably need licenses and certifications related to nearly all tasks, with the exception of house cleaning
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Stripe

Pros

• Ample gigs to apply for
• Greater flexibility over what you choose to do and when you choose to do it

Cons

• More demanding in terms of skill requirements
• Have to stand out from the competition, Responsible for “nanny tax” and other taxes

Steady

Modern work is flexible, but most platforms don’t resemble that demand or reality. That’s why it’s a good idea to sign up for Steady.

Steady is an app that connects you with hourly, part-time, and on-demand work opportunities, giving you the flexibility to pick up extra work when it works for you.

If you’d prefer to set your hours and decide how you make money on the side, Steady might be a good app for you to download.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer

Pros

• More employment options beyond full-time
• Decent reviews that indicate people are making extra money with steady

Cons

• It is not as popular for those looking for employees or gig workers to post on
• Many gigs point to survey sites or gig apps you already know about

Clickworker

Clickworker is one of many pay-per-task apps that presents you with micro-jobs.

While these micro-jobs won’t earn you a full-time income, they do pay enough to give you some extra cash here and there that you can supplement your primary income with.

Some examples of the jobs you might find on Clickworker include data entry gigs, voice recordings, video recordings, and training AI for facial recognition.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: $20 for Payoneer, $10 for other payment methods
• Payout Options: PayPal, Payoneer, Bank transfer

Pros

• Different types of jobs available to you on the app
• Can take tests to access higher-paying opportunities

Cons

• Many gigs feel like they’re trying to collect personal data
• Long sign-up process

Dscout

Dscout is unique in the world of market research apps. It pays you for participating in research projects, often involving recorded or live video interviews. 

You share your thoughts and experiences about different products or life experiences, and in return, you get paid.

This app is ideal for those who are comfortable on camera and enjoy giving in-depth feedback.

• Barriers to Entry: Requires a camera and working microphone
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Missions pay well
• Offers notifications for available missions
• Get paid quickly with PayPal

Cons

• Missions may not be available
• Getting accepted for missions can be difficult

Apps To Make Money Selling Your Stuff

Amazon Seller App

Selling unused or old stuff can be a great way to earn money.

As we’ll find out in the sections below, there are a host of places to sell your stuff.

One great app to start with is the Amazon Seller App.

If you’re selling old and unused products, you’ll have an easier time getting on the app and finding a buyer.

That said, used goods can still find their spot on the app.

Take some time to get acquainted with the guidelines of each type of product you wish to sell.

For example, if you want to sell refurbished goods, you can start here.

While you’ll need to start an account as a seller to find more in-depth information about selling used goods, you can get an idea of what’s allowed to be sold here.

• Barriers to Entry: Understanding how to sell on Amazon successfully while following all of its rules and regulations
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer

Pros

• Extremely popular platform may make it easier to sell your unused or used stuff

Cons

• Strict rules make this much better for those with more unused stuff than for those trying to sell a few items from their home

Mercari

Mercari is a modern eBay that makes selling new and used items relatively easy.

Download the app, create a listing, and wait for your product to sell.

If your product does sell, you’ll need to pay a small fee, but you’ll see the bulk of your profits in your bank account rather than going to listing and processing fees.

If you are okay with shipping out products and like simple earn-cash apps (don’t worry, they help with that, too), Mercari is a great marketplace to sell used or unused goods.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, Instant Pay

Pros

• Easy to sell your items on
• You can sell practically anything
• Seller fees are competitive

Cons

• Shipping options can be confusing, and the return policy might be a problem for the average seller

eBay

eBay is a platform that needs no introduction, and yes, it’s still going strong.

While selling with eBay is simple, it’s important to note that eBay does tend to side with the buyer.

If there is an issue, real or made-up, you likely won’t ‘have that much protection. Keep this in mind if you decide to sell on eBay.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, Visa/Mastercard

Pros

• Well-known platform with many selling opportunities
• Simple user interface

Cons

• Fees can be relatively high
• eBay tends to side with buyers on disputes regardless of whether they’re right or wrong

ThredUP

ThredUp is an online consignment and thrift store where women and children can find suitable clothing brands at a decent price.

ThredUP has long had a clothes-selling program where you can send in old, high-quality clothing and make money from your sales.

You shouldn’t expect to make a ton, so only go with ThredUP if you are going to get rid of or donate clothing anyway.

If you have clothing that could sell for more, either sell it independently or work with a company like TheRealReal.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: PayPal, Stripe

Pros

• Get rid of your clothes and get paid

Cons

• Shipping costs you money and takes a while
• The evaluation process seems to take forever for each bag of clothing you take
• They don’t pay you much for the clothing you send

LetGo & OfferUp

LetGo and OfferUp were originally two very similar seller platforms that have since joined into one to become LetGo & OfferUp.

These apps make it extremely easy to list with, and the user interface allows shoppers to seek out deals based on location.

Make an appealing listing for the product you want to sell and wait for the inquiries to roll in.

If you’re not getting any interest, try relisting the item to bring your item back to the top of the page.

Also, be sure you’re readily available to answer any potential buyer’s questions.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: N/A

Pros

• Easy-to-use app with a friendly user interface
• It helps you reach local buyers

Cons

• Audience is somewhat limited, and postings can easily be pushed down to the bottom of the queue

Swappa

Some marketplaces focus on a specific type of item they sell, like Swappa.

Swappa is a marketplace where sellers list old tech like phones, laptops, and tablets, although they do have a few odd categories, like shoes and fitness items.

If you want to get your money’s worth and skip the smaller offers you’ll get when you try to trade in your old tech, Swappa is a good platform to sell on.

If you don’t sell, Swappa does make it easy to trade in on their platform as a last resort!

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: PayPal

Pros

• Easy-to-use platform focused on gently used tech
• Options for regular sales and trade-in selling
• Transparent fees and platform navigation

Cons

• Have to wait for post approval
• Posts only last ten days before you have to relist your product or extend the listing time

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook decided to get in on the action with Facebook Marketplace.

Since Facebook is all about connections, it makes sense to make selling part of the platform, too.

Facebook Marketplace makes it easy to list anything you’re looking to sell, get your items in front of local buyers, and engage in the whole process for free on a platform you’re already familiar with.

While it’s much newer than the other platforms here, it’s still a good platform to list your old items to increase your chances of finding a buyer.

• Barriers to Entry: N/A
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: N/A

Pros

• Familiar platform allows you to sell products you have through your Facebook profile

Cons

• There’s no buyer protection
• Can be hard for your products to get noticed

Decluttr

Homes become cluttered as we continue to collect, so Decluttr is an excellent app to download if you need to free up some of your stuff to make more space.

Decluttr, like Swappa, has tech, movies, and music listings. The major difference between the two is that Decluttr only does trade-ins.

If you’re okay with getting a lower price on goods because you want them out of your home and you don’t want to sell them yourself, Declutter is a good app to use.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, Check, PayPal

Pros

• Decluttr makes it easy to sell your unwanted items without the hassle of listing items yourself

Cons

• Only trade-in options are available
• Limited earning opportunity
• The shipping and processing are slow and can change the original price offer

Bookscouter

Books are expensive, so it can be hard to let go of them or donate them when we no longer need them.

If there are specific books you paid a pretty penny for, you can see if you can sell them on Bookscouter.

Bookscouter’s app makes it easy to scan the barcode of any book, find a vendor, and print the shipping label to send it off to someone who will offer you a good amount for your book.

Remember that this app is primarily used for college textbooks, not everyday books that don’t have a high resell value.

• Barriers to Entry: None
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: PayPal, Check

Pros

• Scan books with the app to see the price before you buy
• Get a list of offers from multiple vendors

Cons

• App can be buggy at times
• Bookscouter is best for selling textbooks

Apps That Pay You to Drive

DoorDash

If you have a car, you have something you can leverage to make money in today’s gig-based world.

Some of the most apparent money-generating apps for those with a car are food delivery apps like DoorDash.

DoorDash allows you to pick up delivery requests from people in your area and deliver those orders or items to them to make the base payment and, hopefully, a tip.

Most gig drivers will download multiple apps to take on any request if one app is particularly slow.

• Barriers to Entry: Must own car/scooter/bicycle and have license/insurance
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Direct deposit, Debit card, DasherDirect, Cash

Pros

• Flexibility over your work
• Make money during your free time

Cons

• Pay can be low
• Customers can be rude
• You need gear and car maintenance to do it frequently
• Available orders will vary by region

Instacart

Instacart is an app that rose to prominence during the pandemic and is still one of the top grocery delivery apps (aside from Shipt or Walmart’s new delivery service).

As with the other apps on this list, if someone places an order, you pick it up and shop for them, and then you hopefully get a tip if you do a stellar job.

The rating system on this one can be challenging, and shoppers can save their favorite drivers, so these are two factors to remember if you plan on using this platform.

• Barriers to Entry: Must have a car for delivering groceries
• Payout Threshold: $5
• Payout Options: Instant cashout, Direct deposit

Pros

• Flexible work
• You can get paid rather quickly

Cons

• Availability will vary by region
• App is strict with its rating system
• Customers can be difficult

Uber Eats

Uber’s sister service, Uber Eats, allows you to drive food to different destinations instead of people.

If you currently drive Uber, you’ll know the system is easy to use. Do a good job, and you’ll get rewarded!

• Barriers to Entry: Must have a vehicle to transport food
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Bank transfer, Instant pay

Pros

• Flexible hours
• Delivering food rather than people

Cons

• Pay can be low
• Customers may be demanding and fail to tip
• Availability will vary based on where you live
• Customer service is poor

Uber and Lyft

Uber and Lyft differ from other delivery apps because you drive people around.

This can often get you more money, but people may not always tip, which can be more difficult to handle.

If you don’t mind talking to people and focusing on customer service, this can be a great way to take on higher-paying gigs on your schedule.

• Barriers to Entry: Must have a car for either app
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Instant pay, Bank transfer

Pros

• Better pay
• Flexible work hours
• Better for those who like talking to people

Cons

• More pressure due to the nature of the work
• Pay is not always great
• Demand can vary immensely based on where your location

Turo

Not everyone has a house they can rent out when they’re not using it, but a lot of people have cars.

If you have days where you don’t need to go anywhere, you can make money renting out your car using Turo.

The app makes it easy for you to list your car, after which interested parties will contact you to have you deliver the vehicle or pick it up themselves.

This can be a new concept that some are naturally hesitant about, so look more into it to make sure it’s right for you before you download the app.

• Barriers to Entry: You must have a vehicle that you’re able to rent
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Stripe, Direct deposit

Pros

• Easy-to-use app
• It helps you make money when your car is not in use
• Offers insurance and support

Cons

• You’re going to be inconvenienced if you have to use your car
• Demand depends on your area
• There’s still work involved

GetAround

GetAround is another carsharing app very similar to Turo with one major exception: they’re more technologically savvy.

GetAround makes it so that people only have to find and unlock the car with their phone, but it’s important to note that installing this hardware in your vehicle comes at a cost.

Remember that some may rent your vehicle because they need one, and others will drive your car to generate income as an Uber driver.

• Barriers to Entry: Must have a vehicle to rent out
• Payout Threshold: N/A
• Payout Options: Direct deposit

Pros

• Keyless exchange
• Passive way to make money

Cons

• Demand will vary
• High commissions
• Stringent approval requirements
• Have to pay to make money

Using Social Media Apps For Money

For this last section, we will deviate from some of the best app recommendations and look deeper into how you can use more popular social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and beyond to generate income.

How to Make Money on Social Media

While earning money on social media still requires work as you seek to cultivate a following online and influence their decisions, there are many money-making opportunities you can tap into if you can do this.

Let’s look at a few to give you a better idea of how to get started.

• Selling Physical or Digital Products: Whether you have a personal brand that you can put on physical merchandise and you’re looking to design your courses or other digital products, you can easily use social media shops to sell digital goods directly to platform users or link to products you want to sell on an external site. It’s a bit more work, but you retain more of the profits.
• Affiliate Marketing: Not everyone can be an influencer, but most can be an affiliate marketer. All affiliate marketing entails is signing up for a program with a brand, using their link to link out to products you want customers to buy, and getting a cut of the sale when you convince someone to click on that link and follow through on a purchase.
• Becoming a Micro-Influencer or Creating Sponsored Content: If you have enough of a niche following, you can become a micro-influencer or create sponsored content for your following. This is where you connect with brands who will pay you to get messages out to your audience in the hopes of growing their own customer base.
• Developing a Paid Community: Do you have an intensely loyal following of people who love what you say or produce? If so, you can develop a paid community or subscription program to tap into that community and make money doing what you love.
• Coaching: If you have a lot to offer and can help people elevate their personal or professional lives, becoming a coach or a consultant can be another great way to leverage your talents to make money on social media.

Considerations To Have About Earning an Income on Social Media

While you can make money on social media, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Let’s examine some of the most important considerations that ultimately influence your decision.

• Pros: Social media is free to use, Most are already familiar with these platforms, You likely don’t need much or any money at all to get started
• Cons: Social media growth can be slow, Going viral is not a scientific process, You will likely need to set up a whole business depending on what you’re looking to sell
• Barriers to Entry: Marketing knowledge, Business Savvy (Both highly recommended)
• Best Platforms: Tiktok, Instagram, Pinterest

What Does the Average Person Make on Social Media?

How much money you can expect to flow into your checking account will vary wildly depending on numerous factors.

However, Business.com found that influencers may see around $1,420 to $15,356 a month in profits if they make it their full-time gig and know how to reach their audience successfully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are money-making apps safe?

Most apps where you can earn some money are safe.

If you are playing game apps, stick to ones from developers with a history of producing quality games and paying out prize money.

For other apps, like those where you sell items, read over their terms and conditions so you know how they protect buyers and sellers and what the dispute process looks like.

How much money can I make?

All apps pay different amounts depending on the task and the cash prizes they offer.

Because of this, it is wise first to understand what a reasonable payout amount looks like before playing.

Doing this will help you to avoid getting frustrated because you will have more realistic expectations.

How do you win the most money playing free games?

For most of the apps that offer the chance to win money, those with higher buy-ins or cash tournaments are the ones that offer the most significant cash rewards.

Because of this, you must be smart about how much you put into play and keep track of your winnings to ensure you are coming out ahead.