Are you looking for simple ways to earn extra cash right from your smartphone?
With the rise of money-making apps and platforms, it’s now easier than ever to put some extra money in your pocket during your free time.
I’ve personally used many of these apps to earn gift cards and cash, and it’s a nice way to make a little side income.
In this article, I’ll share some of the best ways to make money using just your smartphone.
Play Games and Complete Short Tasks on Your Phone
You can start earning money on your phone by downloading apps that pay you to play games, watch videos, and complete other short online tasks in your spare time.
While individual earnings for these activities are usually small, they can really add up over time.
Plus, many of these apps offer sign-up bonuses to give your earnings a quick boost right out of the gate.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards apps out there.
You can earn points called SB for all sorts of activities, including taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online, and searching the web.
I like the wide variety of ways to earn with Swagbucks. Surveys can pay anywhere from 1 to 1,000 SB depending on the length. You can also earn a few SB for each short video you watch.
While earnings can be on the lower side for the time spent, the flexibility of Swagbucks is a big plus.
Your SB can be redeemed for gift cards to places like Amazon or Walmart, or for PayPal cash.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another great app for making money from everyday online activities.
You can earn cash by reading emails, taking surveys, playing games, watching videos, and shopping through their partner retailers. They pay out in direct cash rather than points.
One thing I like about InboxDollars is the $5 bonus you get just for signing up. However, the $30 minimum payout threshold is quite high compared to some other apps.
If you enjoy the activities though, InboxDollars can be a nice way to slowly build up some extra cash over time.
3. Dabbl
For a simple and fun way to make money on your phone, check out Dabbl.
This app focuses on shorter activities like answering surveys, watching videos, and giving your opinions on various topics. As you complete tasks, you’ll earn points that can be cashed in for gift cards.
Some of the quick and easy ways to earn with Dabbl include:
- Answering one-question “Short Asks” about various brands and products.
- Viewing entertaining video ads.
- Completing “Brand Picks” by selecting your favorite option between two choices.
- Checking into shows you’re watching on TV for bonus points.
- Referring friends to sign up and start using Dabbl.
In my experience, Dabbl is super easy to use but the overall earning potential is a bit lower than some other apps out there.
I tend to use it when I just have a few minutes to spare here and there. It’s a great choice if you prefer gift card rewards over straight cash.
4. MyPoints
MyPoints has been around for a while as a popular cash back and rewards platform.
With the MyPoints app, you can make money on your phone by shopping, taking surveys, watching videos, reading emails, and more.
They offer a nice $10 welcome bonus for new members, so it’s worth signing up even if you only use it occasionally.
One downside is that some earning opportunities may require you to make a purchase.
But if you focus on the free activities, you can still accumulate rewards over time. Points can be redeemed for a variety of gift cards or PayPal cash.
5. GigWalk
For a different kind of money-making opportunity, try the GigWalk app. Instead of the usual online activities, GigWalk pays you for completing short tasks out in the real world.
These “gigs” often involve things like checking store displays, verifying prices, or taking photos at specific locations.
What I like about GigWalk is the chance to explore the local area while making a little extra money.
Payment is quick too, with earnings deposited to PayPal soon after completing gigs.
Just keep in mind that the number of available gigs may vary quite a bit depending on where you live.
6. Mistplay
If you enjoy discovering new mobile games, Mistplay is the perfect app for you.
With Mistplay, you earn rewards points called “units” for playing games on your phone. The more you play, the more you earn. Mistplay has a nice selection of games in different genres.
You can also get bonus units for participating in weekly contests and referring friends.
While it takes some time to build up enough units for rewards, it hardly feels like work if you like playing mobile games already. Units can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, eBay, Spotify, and more.
Take Online Surveys on Your Phone
One of the easiest ways to start making money with your phone is by sharing your opinions through online surveys.
Market research companies are always looking for feedback from consumers like you and me, and they’re willing to pay for our insights.
I’ve personally earned hundreds of dollars over the years by completing surveys and testing apps during my downtime.
It’s a simple way to boost your income while waiting in line, commuting to work, or relaxing at home.
7. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is one of my go-to sites for paid surveys. They offer a wide variety of surveys on topics ranging from consumer products to current events.
I find their surveys to be engaging and well-paid, with most taking around 10-20 minutes to complete.
What I love about Branded Surveys is their straightforward points system.
Each survey is worth a certain number of points, which you can redeem for cash via PayPal or gift cards once you reach the minimum threshold of 500 points ($5).
In my experience, the points add up quickly, and I’ve been able to cash out multiple times.
8. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is another popular platform that I’ve had success with. They have a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to find and complete surveys.
One feature I appreciate is their “Survey Profiles” section, which allows you to provide additional information about yourself to help match you with more relevant surveys.
I’ve found that Survey Junkie tends to have a higher volume of available surveys compared to some other sites, which means more opportunities to earn.
They also have a low payout threshold of just $5, so you can request your earnings via PayPal or e-Gift cards relatively quickly.
9. Ipsos i-Say
Ipsos i-Say is the survey platform of Ipsos, a well-known market research company. I’ve been a member for several years and have consistently received interesting and well-paying survey opportunities.
One thing that sets Ipsos i-Say apart is their loyalty program. The more surveys you complete, the more bonus points and sweepstakes entries you can earn.
10. Prime Opinion
Prime Opinion is a newer survey site that I’ve been using recently, and I’m impressed with what I’ve seen so far. They offer a $5 sign-up bonus, which gives you a nice head start on your earnings.
What I like about Prime Opinion is the variety of survey types they offer.
In addition to traditional multiple-choice surveys, you can also participate in open-ended questionnaires or even product testing opportunities.
11. GAUGE Research
GAUGE Research is a unique platform that focuses on app testing and user feedback. As someone who enjoys trying out new apps, I find their opportunities to be fun and engaging.
When you sign up for GAUGE Research, you’ll be asked to provide information about the devices you own and the apps you use.
Based on your profile, you’ll receive invitations to test apps and provide feedback. The tests are usually pretty quick, taking anywhere from a few minutes to half an hour.
Offer Freelance Services and Side Gigs on Your Phone
One of the best ways to earn extra cash is by offering various services through gig economy apps.
Most of these just require a smartphone and some free time.
12. DoorDash
If you’re looking for a flexible side gig that allows you to earn money on your own schedule, DoorDash is definitely worth considering.
As a “Dasher”, you’ll be responsible for picking up and delivering food orders from local restaurants to hungry customers in your area.
The app is super user-friendly and shows you exactly how much you’ll earn for each delivery upfront, including any tips or promotions.
I’ve personally tried my hand at dashing and found it to be a great way to make some extra cash whenever I had a few hours to spare.
The key is to be strategic about when and where you choose to work, focusing on peak meal times and popular restaurants to maximize your earnings.
With a little effort and some smart planning, it’s totally possible to earn $15-20+ per hour with DoorDash!
13. Instacart
Another great option for anyone looking to make money with their phone is Instacart.
As an Instacart shopper, you’ll get paid to hand-pick and deliver grocery orders for customers in your area.
The app allows you to choose between two different roles – full-service shopper (which involves both shopping and delivering) or in-store shopper (which just involves picking and packing orders within a store).
One of the things I love about Instacart is how easy it is to get started.
Once you sign up and get approved, you can start accepting orders right away and get paid weekly via direct deposit.
Earnings can vary quite a bit depending on factors like your location, the size of the orders, and how efficiently you’re able to shop and deliver.
However, many shoppers report being able to earn $15-20 or more per hour, especially if you’re strategic about which orders you accept and how you manage your time.
14. Uber Eats
If you’re a fan of food delivery gigs, another great option to check out is Uber Eats.
Similar to DoorDash, this app allows you to earn money by picking up and delivering food orders from local restaurants.
The main difference is that Uber Eats is part of the larger Uber platform, which means you may have more opportunities to earn by combining food delivery with regular rideshare driving.
As with most gig apps, the key to success with Uber Eats is being smart about when and where you choose to work.
In my experience, peak meal times like lunch and dinner tend to be the most lucrative, especially if you focus on areas with a high concentration of popular restaurants.
It also helps to provide great customer service and be as efficient as possible with your deliveries, as this can lead to better tips and ratings (which in turn can lead to more orders and higher earnings).
15. Fiverr
Moving beyond delivery gigs, another great way to make money with your phone is by offering freelance services through platforms like Fiverr.
If you have any marketable skills – whether it’s writing, graphic design, video editing, social media marketing, or pretty much anything else – there’s a good chance you can find paying clients on Fiverr.
One of the great things about this platform is that it allows you to start small and work your way up.
When I first started out on Fiverr, I was charging just $5-10 per gig for basic writing and editing services.
But as I built up my portfolio and started getting positive reviews from clients, I was able to gradually increase my rates and take on higher-paying projects.
16. Upwork
In addition to Fiverr, another major player in the freelance world is Upwork.
This platform tends to attract a slightly higher caliber of clients and projects, making it a great option for more experienced professionals looking to land longer-term or higher-paying gigs.
One of the unique features of Upwork is its bidding system, which allows you to submit proposals for jobs that interest you and set your own rates.
This can be a bit intimidating at first, but it’s actually a great way to ensure that you’re getting paid what you’re worth for your time and expertise.
The key is to take the time to craft compelling proposals that showcase your relevant skills and experience, and to be strategic about which jobs you choose to pursue.
17. TaskRabbit
If you’re more of a hands-on person, TaskRabbit might be the perfect money-making app for you.
This platform connects people who need help with various tasks and errands – things like furniture assembly, moving assistance, yard work, and more – with local “Taskers” who are available to lend a hand.
One of the great things about TaskRabbit is that it allows you to set your own rates and choose which jobs you want to take on.
So whether you’re a skilled handyman looking to pick up some extra work on the weekends or just someone who enjoys helping others and making a bit of extra cash, there’s likely a task that’s perfect for you.
I’ve known several people who have used TaskRabbit to build up a steady stream of side income, all while getting to explore their local community and meet interesting new people.
18. Rover
For all the animal lovers out there, Rover is definitely an app worth checking out.
This platform connects pet owners with local sitters, walkers, and boarders, making it easy to earn money by taking care of furry friends in your spare time.
The app allows you to create a profile showcasing your experience and preferences, and then start accepting gigs that suit your schedule and skills.
Whether you’re available for daily walks, overnight sits, or longer-term boarding, there’s sure to be a good fit. Plus, you’ll get to spend time with some adorable pups – what could be better than that?
19. BetterHelp
For licensed therapists and counselors, BetterHelp offers a unique opportunity to take your practice online and connect with clients via phone, video, or text chat.
This platform has become increasingly popular in recent years as more and more people seek out convenient and accessible mental health support.
One of the major benefits of working with BetterHelp is the flexibility it provides. As a therapist, you can set your own hours and work from anywhere with a stable internet connection.
This can be especially appealing if you’re looking to maintain a strong work-life balance or expand your reach beyond your local area.
Of course, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the legal and ethical considerations of providing teletherapy services.
20. HopSkipDrive
For anyone with childcare experience and a clean driving record, HopSkipDrive is definitely worth considering.
This app connects busy parents with trusted caregivers who can provide safe, reliable transportation and childcare services for kids.
As a HopSkipDrive driver, or “CareDriver”, you’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of families in your community.
Whether you’re picking up kids from school, taking them to extracurricular activities, or providing backup care when regular plans fall through, you’ll be playing a vital role in helping parents manage the many demands of modern life.
And of course, you’ll also be earning competitive pay and setting your own schedule, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a rewarding and flexible side gig.
Use Rewards and Cashback Apps to Earn Extra Money
You can also earn some extra cash from your phone by using rewards and cashback apps.
These apps give you points, cash back, or other rewards when you shop, scan receipts, or complete other activities. Over time, those earnings can really add up!
Here are some of the top rewards and cashback apps to try:
21. Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular app that gives you cash back on in-store and online purchases.
I love using Ibotta when I do my regular grocery shopping. All I have to do is add offers to my list in the app before I shop, then scan my receipt afterwards.
The cash back is added to my account within 48 hours. It’s like getting paid to buy the things I need anyway!
You can also earn by shopping online through the Ibotta app or browser extension. They partner with tons of major retailers and even some travel sites.
Or link your store loyalty accounts and pay through the Ibotta app for instant cash back.
On average, Ibotta users earn around $150 per year according to Ibotta themselves.
Some dedicated users report earning much more by planning their shopping around Ibotta offers. It’s a simple way to earn a nice chunk of change over the course of the year.
22. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
For online shopping, Rakuten is one of the best cashback apps around. Whenever I’m planning to make a purchase online, I always check Rakuten first to see if I can earn cash back at that store.
To earn, just start your shopping trip through the Rakuten website or app.
They partner with hundreds of major retailers, like Macy’s, Best Buy, Sephora, and Walmart, so chances are good you can find cash back deals at many of the places you already shop.
Cashback rates typically range from 1% to 10% depending on the store and current promotions.
In addition to online shopping, you can earn with Rakuten when you shop in-store at select retailers. Just link your credit or debit card to your Rakuten account and activate the offer before shopping.
One smart shopping hack is to combine Rakuten cash back with credit card rewards, store loyalty programs, and coupons.
This “deal stacking” approach lets you maximize your savings and earnings every time you shop.
If you have friends who love to shop online, refer them to Rakuten and you’ll earn a $25 bonus when they sign up and make a qualifying $25 purchase.
Your friend will also get a $10 welcome bonus, making Rakuten a great app for savvy shoppers looking to earn extra cash.
23. Dosh
Dosh makes earning cash back automatic.
After you link your credit and debit cards to the app, you’ll earn cash back automatically whenever you pay with a linked card at a participating retailer, restaurant, or online store.
That means no scanning receipts, no activating offers, no extra steps. Just shop like you normally would and watch the cash back roll in. I love how low-effort Dosh is compared to some other reward apps.
For even more cash back, book hotels and travel through the Dosh app. You’ll find some great rates at popular hotel chains, with the added bonus of cash back.
Since it’s all automatic, Dosh is perfect for anyone who wants to earn a little extra money without having to think about it. Link your cards, go about your day, and let Dosh work its magic in the background.
24. Drop
Rather than cash back, Drop rewards you with points that you can redeem for gift cards.
You earn points automatically when you shop at participating retailers using your linked cards.
In addition to shopping rewards, you can earn Drop points by completing simple tasks and offers in the app.
For example, you might get points for starting a free trial with a certain service, filling out a survey, or trying out a new app.
Drop even has an “Earn with Games” section where you can rack up points by playing simple, addictive mobile games. I like to pull up the games while I’m watching TV and earn points during commercial breaks.
The points add up fast, especially if you take advantage of all the different ways to earn. I like to save up my Drop points and cash them in for gift cards around the holidays for some free shopping money.
25. Fetch Rewards
If you’re a regular grocery shopper, Fetch Rewards is a must-have app. Unlike some other apps that only give rewards for purchasing specific items, Fetch gives you points for any grocery receipt you scan.
Of course, you can earn even more points by purchasing products from Fetch’s partnered brands.
They work with tons of major brands like Pepsi, Kraft, and Dove, so you might already buy eligible products without even trying.
Sometimes Fetch runs special promotions and challenges that let you earn bonus points. In the past, they’ve done things like awarding points for buying in certain categories or trying new products.
The points you earn can be cashed in for a wide variety of gift cards.
In my experience, the points add up quickly, especially if you have a large family or do a lot of grocery shopping. I’ve earned several gift cards from Fetch Rewards just from my normal grocery trips.
26. Shopkick
Shopkick offers one of the most unique ways to earn rewards. With Shopkick, you don’t always have to spend money to earn points (called “kicks”).
You can get kicks just for walking into partnered stores, scanning product barcodes, or even watching short videos in the app.
Of course, you’ll earn the most kicks for actually making purchases, but it’s nice to have these other options too.
I like to use Shopkick when I’m out running errands. If I’m headed to the mall or the grocery store, I’ll pull up Shopkick and see if I can earn any kicks while I’m there. Might as well earn rewards for the shopping I’m already doing!
Sell Your Old Stuff With These Apps
There are plenty of apps out there designed to help you sell your old stuff and pad your wallet in the process.
I’ve personally had great success using some of these apps to declutter my home and make a bit of money on the side.
It’s really a win-win – you get to free up space and earn a few bucks at the same time.
27. Poshmark
Poshmark is a popular app for selling gently used clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The app is user-friendly and makes listing items a breeze. Simply snap a few photos, write a description, set your price, and you’re good to go.
Poshmark also handles the shipping for you – they send you a prepaid label to print out, so all you have to do is package up the item and drop it off at the post office.
28. Mercari
Mercari is similar to Poshmark in that it’s designed for selling clothing and accessories, but you can also list other items like home decor, electronics, and toys.
One thing I appreciate about Mercari is that they offer a few different payment options for sellers, including direct deposit and instant pay (which deposits your earnings directly to your debit card).
They also have a user-friendly app that makes listing and managing your items simple.
29. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a great option for selling locally. The nice thing is that it’s built right into the Facebook app, so there’s no need to download anything extra.
Just snap a photo of your item, write a description, set your price and location, and post it for local buyers to see.
You can communicate with potential buyers directly through Facebook Messenger to arrange pickup or delivery.
You can use Facebook Marketplace to sell furniture, home decor, or even old cars. It’s a convenient way to sell locally without having to deal with shipping.
30. OfferUp
OfferUp is another solid app for local selling. It’s got a user-friendly interface that makes listing items quick and easy.
You can sell just about anything on OfferUp, from clothes to furniture to electronics and beyond. Buyers can make offers on your listings, so there’s potential for a bit of friendly negotiation.
One thing to note is that OfferUp does charge a small fee for “bump” listings (making your item more visible), but it’s optional.
31. Decluttr
If you’ve got old tech lying around – think phones, laptops, tablets, video games – Decluttr is definitely worth checking out.
The app provides an instant valuation for your item based on its condition. If you accept their offer, they’ll send you a free shipping label.
Once they receive your item, you’ll get paid via direct deposit or PayPal. Easy peasy.
I’ve used Decluttr to sell old phones and DVDs and have always been pleasantly surprised by their offers. It’s a great way to get some money for tech you’re no longer using.
Use Apps That Pay You to Walk
There are many apps that pay you for the steps you take. You’re already walking every day, so why not get rewarded for it?
I’ve found these types of apps to be almost addictive – watching your step count and earnings increase is a great motivator to move more. And the rewards can really add up over time.
Here are some of the top apps I recommend that will pay you to walk:
32. Evidation
Evidation, formerly known as Achievement, is a popular app that rewards you for engaging in healthy activities.
The app syncs with a variety of health and fitness tracking apps, including Fitbit, Apple Health, Garmin, and MyFitnessPal, to track your progress and award you points.
You can earn points for activities like walking, running, biking, swimming, and even sleeping. The app also offers bonus points for completing health surveys and participating in research studies.
For every 10,000 points you accumulate, you earn $10, which can be redeemed via PayPal or direct deposit.
If you’re looking for an easy way to earn some extra cash for your healthy habits, Evidation is definitely worth checking out.
33. Lympo
Want to earn cryptocurrency for walking and running? Check out Lympo. This app rewards you in LYM tokens for completing walking and running challenges.
The LYM tokens you earn can be redeemed for sports and wellness products in the Lympo shop, or traded on cryptocurrency exchanges. As someone interested in crypto, I find this model really intriguing.
If you’re interested in crypto, Lympo can be a fun way to get started and earn some digital coins from your walking habit.
34. Charity Miles
If you want your steps to make a difference beyond your own wallet, Charity Miles is the app for you. With Charity Miles, every mile you walk, run, or bike raises money for the charity of your choice.
The app partners with major organizations like Habitat for Humanity, the ASPCA, and the Alzheimer’s Association. You can even set up fundraising pledges and invite friends and family to support your miles.
Charity Miles is funded by corporate sponsors who donate money based on the collective miles logged by app users.
So with Charity Miles, you’re not earning money for yourself, but you are making a difference with every step. It’s a great way to stay motivated and give back while working on your own fitness.
35. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin is a unique app that rewards your outdoor steps with a cryptocurrency called sweatcoins. For every 1,000 steps you take outside, you earn about 1 sweatcoin.
These sweatcoins can then be redeemed for products, services and experiences in the in-app marketplace.
The Sweatcoin marketplace offers a wide range of rewards at different sweatcoin price points. You can find everything from free trial offers and discounts to high-end electronics and even vacation packages.
One thing to note is that Sweatcoin only counts steps taken outdoors, so you’ll need to carry your phone with you and have GPS enabled when walking or running outside.
36. CashWalk
CashWalk is a straightforward pedometer app that rewards you with coins for walking. For every 100 steps you take, you earn 1 coin.
These coins can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon or Walmart. While the payout rate isn’t as high as some other apps, CashWalk is very simple to use.
Just open up the app each day to activate step tracking and coin earning.
The app tracks your steps in the background using your phone’s built-in pedometer. Once you’ve accumulated enough coins, you can easily cash out for gift cards right within the app.
CashWalk is a good option if you want an easy, no-fuss way to earn some extra gift cards from your daily walks.
Make Money From Your Phone – Final Thoughts
There you have it – 36 ways to help you make some extra money right from your phone!
While these apps won’t make you rich overnight, they can be a great way to pad your wallet with a bit of extra cash or gift cards.
And the best part is, you can use them whenever and wherever you want – whether that’s while watching TV at home, waiting in line at the store, or sitting in the car while your kid is at soccer practice.
My advice? Pick a few apps that align with your interests and lifestyle, and give them a try.
See which ones you enjoy using and which ones feel like too much of a chore. Keep the ones that work for you and ditch the ones that don’t.
I’d love to hear about your experiences with these apps. Have you tried any of the ones on this list? Do you have any favorites that I didn’t mention? Let me know in the comments below!
