Top 25 Legitimate Money-Making Apps: Earn Cash on Your Phone

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Money making apps will change the way you use your phone!

Let’s face it: You already live inside your cell phone. In fact, according to one tech company’s study, the average American checks their phone 80 times per day.

Per day!

That breaks down five times per hour, or once every 12 minutes… and an untold amount of attention and psychic energy, all aimed toward that tiny, glowing screen.

If you’re going to give so much of yourself to your smartphone, it darn well better give you something in return- and we’re not talking about an endless Instagram feed to scroll through or an annoying rash of pinging notifications.

We’re talking about money-making apps that pay you real money and give you gift cards for games, surveys, shopping, and more! 

This list of money-making apps is sure to make your time spent on your phone MUCH more valuable! 

Best Money-Making Apps- Survey Addition!

Survey companies pay out easily and they’re our top picks for money-making apps!

These companies dish out valuable cash rewards to users who fill out polls and surveys (which help brands tweak their products, update their marketing strategies and more).

Don’t get us wrong: Filling out paid surveys from these free apps isn’t going to make anyone a millionaire overnight. You can usually churn out a few dollars per day with these programs and money-making apps.

But hey, a few dollars is a few dollars that can go towards bills, your next vacation, or even some extra coffee and self-care to get through the week!

Using survey apps that pay you money is a mindless activity that you can easily do in front of the TV. And in a few months’ time, you’ll earn extra money or a free gift card you can actually do stuff with!

1. InboxDollars

Aside from its quick and simple surveys, InboxDollars also offers rewards and gift cards for watching videos and playing games.

The app is available for both macOS and Android, and you can learn all the in’s and out’s from our InboxDollars review.

2. Swagbucks

If you’re wondering whether survey apps are legit, check out this figure: Swagbucks has paid out almost $300,000,000 in rewards to date.

That’s freaking bananas, and you can download the app free, with no credit card info needed!

Swagbucks offers gift cards like Amazon, Target, Walmart, and even through your PayPal account.

3. Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost offers cash rewards via PayPal, Amazon, or Visa gift cards, which you can use on yourself or whatever you need!

Free money doesn’t go to waste around here, and we think you should wrack in the benefits too.

The surveys are quick and easy, and if you’re going to be quizzed on stuff, you may as well make money for it!

4. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is the most popular spot online to earn cash, gift cards, and rewards for sharing your thoughts and one of the firsts we took for a spin ourselves.

Over 5,000,000 users strong, and plenty of surveys for you to try! Get started today earning extra money to put in your pocket. 

5. Pinecone Research

Earn points by filling out surveys for Pinecone Research can either be redeemed for cash or used to purchase merchandise out of its extensive online rewards store.

The company also offers an annual sweepstakes, which gives you a chance at additional prizes.

6. One Opinion

Take surveys, earn points, cash out. It’s that easy!

Members of One Opinion enjoy their fast payment, interesting surveys, and awesome customer service.

7. The Panel Station

Whether you’re an Apple user or an Android fan, you can reap rewards on the go by taking surveys with The Panel Station.

You’ll earn between 100 and 5,000 points per survey, depending on length and complexity- and you only need 3,000 points to start redeeming.

8. MyPoints Surveys

MyPoints is a rewards website that gives you points for simply giving your opinion.

Similar to all these others, they’re mostly questions for market research, and you can quickly make $2 an hour in your downtime.

Plus, this is Britanny’s favorite way to earn free gift cards to Starbucks, Amazon, iTunes, and more! I like that we can bulk up our cash via PayPal payouts.

You can then exchange those points for cash or prizes! 

9. American Consumer Opinion

American Consumer Opinion has over 6 million members worldwide who get paid to participate in surveys and research projects.

You will never have to pay any money to be a member. Your participation time in the surveys is the only “cost” of membership.

Incentives range in value from 100 to 5,000 Points per survey or research project, depending upon the time it takes, and 1 point equals a penny.

You can’t get gift cards through American Consumer Opinion, but you can cash out into your PayPal account with as little as $10 on your account!

Cash Back Rewards and Shopping Apps

These are some more of the best money-making apps that get you money back on your spending habits!

From groceries to getaways, we all have to spend money- both to survive and to enjoy life.

But you might as well earn back a percentage of every dollar you spend if you can in cash back.

These apps help make it possible! Not only can you get the app from the Google Play, but you can get browser extensions for when you shop online!

10. Ibotta

Ibotta offers straightforward, cash-back rebates on everything from fresh produce to name-brand and store-brand options.

Just browse the app for available offers, then snap a quick photo of your receipt to get some cash back.

As soon as I get home from the grocery store, I upload my receipt to get cash back immediately so I don’t forget or lose the receipt.

Read to see how Ibotta can pay you to grocery shop!

11. Dosh

Dosh is one of the simplest cash back programs out there: All you have to do is connect your credit card and use it, and the app does all the rest.

You’ll automatically earn up to 10% back, depending on your specific purchase habits. And if you use that with cash back credit cards, you can earn some great money back!!

12. Rakuten

If you’re shopping online at brand-name and department stores like Old Navy, Kohl’s, or Macy’s, you can earn back a sizable chunk in cash back or coupons from your purchase just by clicking through Rakuten first.

The site also offers a rotating selection of special daily deals, as well as a valuable $25 refer-a-friend program.

13. Poshmark

Do you have clothes sitting in your closet that you don’t wear any longer? Are you looking to get a new purse and want to sell some of your personal items in order to purchase a new purse?

Poshmark is the number 1 place to buy and sell fashion.

Snap a picture of your items and upload them to your store. Interested buyers will love, comment, or purchase your item. Many people on Poshmark use the comment feature to negotiate prices.

Apps That Help You Sell Stuff

They say that one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. But as it turns out, it can be your treasure, too! These apps will help you clean out your closet or rent out your spare bedroom, all while fattening your bank account.

14. Decluttr

Got an outdated CD or DVD collection? Is last year’s iPhone gathering dust in a drawer?

Stop keeping all that clutter and trade them in for cash!

Decluttr is the place to sell used tech, as well as media and games. It assesses no costly auction fees, and you’ll receive an expedient next-day payment.

15. OfferUp

From used furniture to used cars, you can sell just about anything on OfferUp– and since they’re all local transactions, you won’t have to worry about the hassle of shipping.

Just meet up and exchange the item in person, similar to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Easy peasy!

16. Letgo

Letgo is another easy-to-use app that helps you sell gently used gear in a variety of categories, from home decor to fashion.

You can even use it to list housing for rent. It’s available for free download on both macOS and Android with Google Play.

17. Airbnb

Chances are you’ve used Airbnb to find affordable vacation housing — so why not use it to turn your own space into an earning opportunity?

Along with pocketing up to four extra digits per month, you’ll also likely meet some cool people.

Side-Hustle Apps That Make You Money

Even if you work full time, the mobile-friendly gig economy has made it easier than ever to pick up a side hustle (or three). Here are some apps that’ll help you earn money in your extra off time- and maybe even have fun doing it.

18. Uber Eats

Even if your old beater car doesn’t meet the exacting standards for ridesharing, you can still make money by driving it around!

With Uber Eats, you’ll just be delivering delicious dishes instead of passengers.

Plus, you can get same-day payouts up to five times per day.

19. Rover

Want to get paid to play with pets? No need to pay for vet school or adopt a pet yourself- you can petsit and dog walk as easy side hustles!

All you have to do is download Rover and list yourself as a sitter.

You can earn up to $1,000 per month by offering boarding, walking, or doggy daycare services.

Did we mention you also get to play with a plethora of pups… for cash? Yes, really.

Sign up now and earn your first $25 for free!

20. Lyft

Sign up with Lyft to drive people to their destinations, earning some cash and tips for your time!

Not only will you earn money by helping people get where they’re going safely and efficiently, but you’ll also pick up some excellent stories to tell.

21. Amazon Flex

There’s a reason all those Amazon Prime packages make their deliveries timely. Amazon Flex is hiring people to deliver packages!

If you want to become part of the workforce that makes it happen, you could earn $18-$25 per hour. You’ll set your own hours and build your own schedule, all while delivering smiles.

It was so strange seeing our Amazon package being dropped off at 7:30 pm in a regular town car. But after some research, we learned about Amazon Flex and how people are making side money getting our deliveries handled!

22. Instacart

Man are we thankful for grocery delivery services!

If you’re a grocery-shopping guru, you could get paid for your services by becoming an Instacart shopper. You can choose between full-service shopping (where you provide personal delivery) or in-store services only.

You get paid in multiple ways as a shopper, download the app and check it out- using it to make money or to get your groceries will benefit you!

We used Instacart for our grocery shopping and had an amazing experience with our Instacart shopper. We tipped our shopper over $3.00 for her service. 

Passive Income and Investment Apps

The very best way to earn money?

Put your existing money to work for you using the power of compound interest. These apps make it super simple to get started with investing, even if you’re a total beginner to the stock market.

23. Acorns

Not exactly swimming in start-up capital for your investment portfolio? Any small investment is capable of making money, so don’t be deterred! 

Acorns automatically rounds up the spare change from your everyday purchases and invest it in diverse ETFs, even rebalancing your portfolio for you when the market moves.

Investors find this platform is really similar to Robinhood and great for newbies who are still learning how to invest.

24. Stash

If you’ve got a spare $5, you’ve got the beginnings of an investment portfolio when you sign up for Stash, which is available for both macOS and Android.

Plus, the app makes it easy for you to make informed choices about what, exactly, your money is supporting- and you can learn more about how to invest in ways that can align with your personal values and goals.

Paid non-client endorsement. See Apple App Store and Google Play reviews. View important disclosures. Nothing in this material should be construed as an offer, recommendation, or solicitation to buy or sell any security. All investments are subject to risk and may lose value. Fractional shares start at $0.05 for investments that cost $1,000+ per share.

25. Robinhood

If you ask us, the best income is passive income: money that generates itself without any conscious thought or effort.

Robinhood is the best investment platform for beginners to get started investing, and they’re commission-free so you may as well sign up and give it a shot!

Robinhood has investment options such as stocks and funds, cryptocurrency, and even had cash management.

BONUS ROUND: Money Management Apps

Now that your phone is making money for you, you can do more than use the best money-making apps to give your finances a boost!

After all, extra cash is of no help at all unless you’ve got a plan for it and keep track of your cash!

Try these personal finance websites to track your spending, budget your money, and try to bulk up your savings!

1. Mint

Mint has made such a difference in our lives and has opened up so many doors in our journey to financial freedom!

Along with tracking your finances and showing you a (sometimes-scary) pie chart of exactly where your hard-earned dollars are going each month, Mint also provides useful spending insights and product suggestions that can help you save more in the long term.

2. Personal Capital

Keep tabs on your net worth, cash flow, and portfolio balances all in one easy, user-friendly space with Personal Capital. You’ll also get a free portfolio review with a financial advisor.

3. EveryDollar

If the idea of creating a monthly budget feels overwhelming, start with EveryDollar– which will help you set up a solid basic financial plan in as little as 10 minutes.

Looking for Even More Ways to Earn Money Fast?

They say time is money, and we all only have 24 hours in the day so you need a sure-fire way to earn money when you can.

But if you can find easy ways to earn money here and there, you can maximize your income without compromising your leisure time.

The best part? You’ll be making money from the comfort of your own home!

Bonus:  7 Side Hustles To Start Today

There are plenty of hobbies and other talents you can use to increase your income and make a bigger impact on your financial situation.

Here are our top 7 hustles that can earn you $1,000 on the side every month!

1. Start a Money Making Blog

It takes a lot of effort up front but once you start seeing the success the sky is the limit. Our blog brings in over $10,000 per month! 

2. Start a Facebook Side Hustle

Want to make money using Facebook? There are plenty of small business owners in need of marketing help. It’s perfectly flexible to fit anyone’s schedule and you can earn $20+ an hour.

3. Become a Freelance Writer

Freelance writing can be an incredible way for you to make money in your free time, especially if you enjoy writing! Earn anywhere from $0.10-$0.20 per word depending on your experience.

Plus you can learn how to Earn More Writing with this free course!

4. Become a Bookkeeper

If you’re great with numbers, you can start a bookkeeper business in no time- no experience needed!

5. Become a Proofreader

Love to read? Why not get paid to read others’ work and find spelling/grammatical errors as a proofreader? You can easily earn a few hundred dollars a month in your spare time, and start with no experience! 

6. Become a Pinterest VA (virtual assistant)

Love being on Pinterest all day and all night? Why not help other online business owners market their business with your Pinterest skills? 

7. Flip Items on eBay and Amazon

Love going thrift shopping and finding neat things to turn into cash? Start your own flipping business today! 

We learned all the secrets of a good flipper from the Flea Market Flippers, and you can too with their FREE workshop.

Our Takeaways

We have tried so many apps out there, and we believe these are the best money-making apps that are worth your time and effort. 

So get some apps downloaded so you can make money, get that cash back, create some side hustles, and much more!

And, hey, even if it’s helping you rake it in, don’t forget to put that cell phone down every once in a while.

There’s a whole world out there waiting for you… and who knows? You might just stumble into an even better-earning opportunity.