Making money from your phone probably sounds too good to be true - but there are many apps that pay you real money.
The trouble lies in finding these apps, as the internet is home to a lot of of “get-rich-quick” schemes and side hustles that are just scams in disguise.
That’s why we’ve trawled the very corners of the internet to bring you this list of the best apps for making money using just your phone or personal computer.
Top 55 apps for making money online
This is a big list, so we’ve tried to categorize it for your convenience - we’re going to start with the apps that pay you right from day one, then cover old school money makers like survey apps, check out side gig apps, look at content-based apps, and even dip into apps that pay you to exercise.
Apps for making quick cash
1. Whop Content Rewards (UGC)
If you have a phone (with a camera) and social media accounts, then you can make money with Whop Content Rewards.
Content Rewards on Whop connects brands with creators. The brand creates a 'Content Reward' with a budget and a few content requirements, then anyone (yes, including you) can make content and apply for that reward.
There are two different ways that you can use Content Rewards - the first is UGC.
UGC - aka user-generated content - is any type of content (video, images, reviews) made by a user of a brand, not by the brand. You might be creating a long-form YouTube video, a photo of you using a product, an Instagram reel, or something else. For some campaigns you don't even have to show your face,
Download the Whop app or visit the site, create an account, and find a UGC Content Reward that you want to apply for. Then, follow the requirements, upload your submission link, and get paid!
What do you need to do? Check out UGC on Whop Content Rewards
How much can you earn? Varies depending on campaign - tens to thousands of dollars per Content Reward
2. Whop Content Rewards (clipping)
Now, let's move on to the second way you can make money with Content Rewards - clipping.
Next to something like composing a tweet, clipping is one of the simplest possible forms of content creation.
In fact, it’s so simple that you hardly need to create any new content at all! Simply look for existing video footage on the internet covering whatever’s requested, and repurpose it. Of course, there’s someone (either a creator or a brand) looking for people to do this, and willing to pay a fee.
You can create clips for Insta, TikTok, YouTube, or any other platform that’s requested by the brand posting the clip request, and there’s no requirements in terms of follower counts or being monetized. You can get started, and paid, right away.
What do you need to do? Sign up for a Whop account, then go to Whop’s Content Rewards page and browse the clipping opportunities out there.
How much can you earn? Clips that do really well can earn up to $3,500 or even more depending on the reward rate offered
3. Amazon, Walmart, Target, & co
Wait, don’t scroll away, we’re being serious! Picture the scene: there you are, scrolling happily, when your eyes narrow in on something. That product? For $$ or even $ instead of $,$$$?
The next step is simple. You hit ‘Buy’ as quickly as humanly possible, and then sell the item on for an amount a lot closer to its market place.
Sounds like a fantasy, right? As a matter of fact, this sort of thing happens on big retailers’ apps all the time. It's called a 'price glitch' or 'price error'. You just need to have some way of trawling all of these apps to find price errors or massively discounted items that you can resell for a profit.
It’s hard to do by yourself, but there’s software out there that can alert you to these deals as soon as they go live - and you can even set things up so that you buy those items immediately. What’s cooler than scoring crazy deals while you sleep?
What do you need to do? Read this guide to Amazon glitch deals for the full scoop, then look for a community (linked below) where you can share info and learn how other people have turned this system into a science
How much can you earn? Lots!
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is often called the OG of online rewards, and there’s a ton of ways to make money on it. In fact, the app’s paid users something like half a billion dollars in the last decade - why not cut yourself a little piece of the pie?
What you can actually do on Swagbucks really depends on your willingness to spend time there, but the quickest and easiest to get into are things like watching videos and playing games.
These will pay out after a while, as will things like surveys. We’ve got a whole category of survey apps coming later on, but you can do so much more on Swagbucks.
There’s usually a joining bonus when you sign up as well, which helps you toward that first payout, and as far as simple and user-friendly apps go, Swagbucks is right up there.
What do you need to do? Complete small, simple tasks like watching videos or playing games
How much can you earn? Around $20 to $50 per month
- Read our comprehensive Swagbucks review
- Swagbucks vs Survey Junkie: Which survey platform pays the most?
5. Mechanical Turk
Amazon’s Mechanical Turk is an app that brings together ‘requesters’ and ‘workers’. If you’re looking to make money online then you will be a 'worker'. Now, don't be put off by the term 'worker' - this method can still be classed as quick cash because you’re going to be doing really small jobs for money.
We’re talking about things like data verification, image processing, translation, tagging, data processing, and more - in a word, microtasks. This has become an economy of its own thanks to the internet, and apps like MTurk are where you’ll find paying opportunities.
What do you need to do? Sign up to Amazon’s MTurk app as a worker and start looking for microtasks
How much can you earn? Most ‘workers’ earn around $5 or $6 an hour on MTurk
6. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is an app that’s a lot like Swagbucks, giving you similar options when it comes to making money online.
Well regarded and with a loyal user base, InboxDollars lets you take surveys, play games, watch videos, and all of the same things that other online reward apps do - but there are a few unique options too, like reading emails.
You’re not going to make tons and tons of cash with InboxDollars, but you’ll get paid out as soon as you reach the $30 threshold. Plus, a few bucks here and a few bucks there really adds up, and InboxDollars doesn’t need to be the only rewards app on your phone.
What do you need to do? Do little things like play games and read emails to rack up the dough
How much can you earn? One $30 payout every month and you’re doing well
Read our full InboxDollars review
7. Whop Wheel app
Online sweepstakes are definitely one way to make money online, but they’re generally super unreliable. Most people have never won a single thing despite spending hours looking for draws and contests online.
Many online giveaways are free but take quite a bit of effort to find and enter - and that’s where the Whop Wheel app comes in. Once you sign up for an account on Whop, all you need to do is join a community or creator who is using the Whop wheel app.
Then, just check in every day. All it takes is a couple of clicks to make your free spins, and you’re in with a chance of winning gift cards, Airpods, or even a brand spanking new PS5!
What do you need to do? Create an account on Whop and check which whops are using the Whop Wheel. Join them, and spin for free every day
How much can you earn? You could walk away with new Airpods or a PlayStation if you’re lucky
Survey apps that are worth your time
8. Survey Junkie
Surveys are almost universally considered one of the easiest ways to make money online, and we’ve already touched on a couple of apps that offer you cash for completing surveys. However, apps like Survey Junkie truly specialize in surveys and really try to go the extra mile.
In fact, Survey Junkie is considered to be one of the top paying survey apps out there and offers access to high paying surveys that many others don’t. However, it does take some time to get to these higher earnings thresholds as a user.
Cashing out is easy on Survey Junkie thanks to PayPal integration, and you can also choose to redeem rewards in gift card form.
What do you need to do? Fill out as many surveys as you can and earn money
How much can you earn? Up to $100 a month if you answer a few surveys every day
9. KashKick
KashKick is a leading survey app that mixes in a few other activities like video games and even pays you for downloading other apps and viewing ads.
It only serves customers in the US, but if that’s you you’re in luck - one of KashKick’s big advantages is that it offers a low payout threshold of just $10, meaning you can earn a little bit of cash very frequently if you put the work in.
Much like many of the other survey apps that we’re featuring in the survey section of this list, you’re not going to get rich by hanging out on KashKick. However, it’s worth trying out especially if you’re willing to spend a lot of couch time filling out surveys and playing a few random games.
What do you need to do? Just sign up and complete surveys or play games to earn money
How much can you earn? Up to a $100 or so every month if you really grind
Read our comprehensive KashKick review
10. Lightster
Simply put, Lightster is an app platform where your opinions truly matter. By participating in surveys, user testing, and interviews, you can connect with some of the world’s most innovative companies and help shape the future.
Signing up is free, and with Lightster’s auto-qualify feature, you receive invitations that are a perfect match, so there’s no need to spend time applying. Your insights are valuable, and Lightster rewards you for sharing them.
There's an auto-matching feature to ensure that you make the right connections, and you even get access to new products and some pretty cool perks. It’s also a really intuitive platform, but survey opportunities can sometimes be limited compared to other apps.
What do you need to do? Sign up to Lightster and share your experiences and opinions to score rewards
How much can you earn? Very much depends on how many surveys and interviews you can secure, but you can earn up to a couple of hundred bucks a month
11. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a survey app available in the US, Canada, and the UK. You can download it on both Android and iOS, and there are actually quite a few ways to earn money if you use it right.
First off, make sure you pick up their sign-up bonus, then look into referral rewards - the earning potential isn’t huge, but every little bit helps. Consistency helps too, as a matter of fact, and if you work their tier system well you can bump your earnings up a notch.
Despite all the extras, the main way to earn money on Brand Surveys is by answering surveys, and the more of them you’re able to complete, the more you’ll earn.
What do you need to do? Just sign up and complete surveys to start earning
How much can you earn? $20 or $30 per month, double that if you really grind - payouts start at $5
Read our Branded Surveys review
12. Freecash
Freecash is a relatively new app in the world of surveys, and unfortunately, despite the name, you’re not actually going to get any free cash. That being said, spending some time on the app can pay, both by filling out surveys and doing stuff like competing for leaderboard prizes.
Freecash shares a total of $20,000 among its most active users, so you’ll want to have an eye on that - and payouts are available in crypto as well as the standard off-ramps like PayPal.
Oh, and you can even exchange your Freecash rewards with gaming skins if you want. CS2, Fortnite, LoL, and Valorant are all options if that’s your thing.
What do you need to do? Just sign up and complete offers that you like the look of and have time for
How much can you earn? $25 to $60 per month if you’re consistent and active
Read our comprehensive Freecash review
13. YouGov
If you’re one of those people who enjoys hopping onto Reddit or Twitter to share your honest opinion on whatever’s going on in the world on a given day, then this one’s definitely for you.
Most survey sites deal with marketing data, but YouGov is interested in the shifting political winds - and it gives you the chance to earn money by sharing those same opinions that you’d probably have broadcast for free anyway.
The one thing to note here is that withdrawals are limited to gift cards and bank transfers, with minimums of $15 and $50 respectively.
What do you need to do? Log in and share your opinion on current affairs to earn money
How much can you earn? Up to a couple of bucks per survey
14. OnePoll
A lot of the platforms we’ve covered in this list so far tend to be US-centric, but if you’re in the UK then here’s a bit of love for you. OnePoll is just for users in Great Britain, and offers plenty of surveys offering rewards of up to 50 pence each.
There’s a somewhat high minimum withdrawal threshold of 25 GBP (given the low earning potential per survey) to contend with, but you should be able to hit that number once a month if you stay active on the app.
What do you need to do? Log in from the UK and respond to surveys
How much can you earn? 30 pounds or so per month - if you’re consistent
Find even more survey apps to make money from your couch
Cashback apps that give you the most bang for your buck
15. Rakuten
Rakuten is a cashback app that, like many other cashback apps, gives you a percentage of money back from the purchases you make at select online retailers.
There’s a wide variety of stores that you can get money back from when using Rakuten, and it’s completely free to sign up. You’ll pick up a nice little welcome bonus as well, and the app is super easy to use.
With Rakuten, there’s a quarterly payout schedule so you might have to wait a little while for payouts - but not on account of any sort of minimum thresholds, since it’s just $5.01 that Rakuten requires as a floor amount.
What do you need to do? Download Rakuten and use them to shop at participating retailers
How much can you earn? Depends on how much your shop at Rakuten partners, but there’s potential for plenty of money back
16. Pogo
Pogo has over a million satisfied users, helping them save money on their purchases while also monetizing their data. Once you link your credit and debit cards, you can start picking up cashback on all sorts of purchases - and it’s convenient, too, with no receipt scanning required.
As such, Pogo offers a really interesting route toward passive income by providing you with totally automatic cashback on essentials, bonus points on loyalty cards, and even offers instant payouts via PayPal or Venmo.
Just the one caveat here - thanks to Pogo’s usage of data, the app will need GPS access on your phone.
What do you need to do? Download Pogo and link your cards to get started
How much can you earn? A small percentage of money back if you shop at select stores
17. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a super simple cashback app that can really make a difference once you download it, thanks to one big feature - there’s no store restrictions.
That’s right, you just have to use the app to get rewards on anything you buy, and featured brands rack up even more points. All you need to do is spend money, but don’t forget the receipts - snap them to upload your purchases and start earning.
Of course, there’s going to be a catch, and that comes in the form of points expiring after 90 days. Point values are also a bit lower than with other apps, but that’s to be expected, and the fact that you can use any retailer easily offsets these cons.
What do you need to do? Download Fetch and snap your receipts to earn
How much can you earn? A small percentage of money back via Fetch points
Check out our full review of Fetch Rewards
18. Ibotta
Ibotta is a well-known cashback app that covers a whole lot of purchases, from groceries and gas all the way to the biggest online retailers. There’s every chance that all of your usual expenses work with Ibotta right now, so why not get some of that money back?
The app is really easy to use, and it works by uploading receipts too - although you can link your loyalty cards to get even more out of your shopping. The minimum payout of $20 won’t take you very long to hit, and you can claim it via PayPal or a gift card of your choice.
What do you need to do? Download Ibotta and link your loyalty cards, then upload your receipts to claim cash back
How much can you earn? You’ll get decent rewards here, with up to 15% off your purchases at some retailers
Read our review of Ibotta before downloading the app
Game apps to earn money by playing
19. Rewarded Play
Rewarded Play lets you earn gift cards by playing popular mobile games. If you already game a little bit and enjoy it as a hobby, earning a little bit of cash for doing so can be really cool.
There’s quite a variety of games you can earn from on Rewarded Play, including popular favorites like Solitaire and Yahtzee. It’s super easy to earn, no purchases necessary, and you can pick up gift cards from some pretty big names like Amazon and Target as a reward for your time.
What do you need to do? Use Rewarded Play and complete milestones on certain games to earn
How much can you earn? Earning money beyond $5 or so from a single game can be tough, but there’s potential if you select the right games and claim daily bonuses etc
Find more money-making apps in this guide
20. Cash Giraffe
Cash Giraffe rewards you for playing games as well as taking surveys and watching videos. We’ve covered other apps that focus on this particular mix, but Cash Giraffe is best known for games.
The app is legit and you can earn from it, but the potential for building cash is limited here thanks to the amount of time you need to spend to make any sort of meaningful money. Plus, the games on offer are simple and tend to become pretty repetitive after a while.
What do you need to do? Download Cash Giraffe and start playing games through it
How much can you earn? You can’t expect to earn more than about $20 per month on this app
21. Gods Unchained
Gods Unchained is a bit different to the other entries in this section because it’s a game in its own right, and can be pretty fun given that it follows the tried and tested Hearthstone formula.
Let’s get the big caveat out right away, though - Gods Unchained is a blockchain game, using both a cryptocurrency ($GODS) in-game as well as NFT (non-fungible token) cards that can be bought and sold on external marketplaces.
Those are actually big points in GU’s favor when you think about, though, since you can win (and use) a legit currency within the game rather than have to transact for it, and the cards being NFTs means that they’re provably yours.
What do you need to do? Download Gods Unchained, create a crypto wallet, and start playing
How much can you earn? You could earn up to $50 or so per month in $GODS by playing, and if you place well in weekly tournaments you stand a chance of winning valuable NFT cards that you can sell for $$$
Learn more about crypto and NFTs in these NFT Discord communities
Apps that pay you to use your phone
22. Caden
Caden is a platform that pays you to use your phone by tracking your data, then anonymizing it before sharing it with third parties. There are plenty of companies out there who are hungry for people’s data, so this sort of transaction makes sense if you’re cool with it.
It needs to be underlined here that the data being sold is anonymized and secure, and in that sense, it’s not hugely different from filling out a survey. It’s easy to set Caden up as well, and when you connect different accounts you’ll get bonus rewards.
What do you need to do? Get the Caden app and set it up to start earning right away
How much can you earn? Caden tends to have a sign-up bonus to claim, and will pay out around a dollar a day in perfectly passive income
23. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is another app that pays you to just have it installed on your phone, paying you passive income without any sort of further involvement on your part.
Like Caden, MobileXpression is all about collecting your data and packaging it in the service of market research, although it does feature a spot lower because of user reports that the app slows your phone down significantly.
What do you need to do? Simply download MobileXpression and give the app the relevant permissions
How much can you earn? You get a gift card soon after signing up, but rewards really tail off later on, providing about $5 or so per month
Other ways to make active as well as passive income with your phone
24. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
Nielsen is a huge name in the world of market research, so it makes perfect sense that they’ve got a platform letting you link up directly with them to sell your data and habits.
With Nielsen’s Computer and Mobile Panel, your everyday digital habits can be translated into effortless earnings. Download the app, then simply use your devices as you normally would, and Nielsel will reward you for contributing to their market research.
What do you need to do? Sign up with Nielsen and then just keep using your devices as normal
How much can you earn? You can expect to earn up to $5 per month on Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
25. Honeygain
Honeygain changes up the formula a little bit in this section, because rather than your own usage data, it’s your bandwidth that’s monetized.
Most digital natives are paying their service provider for a certain amount of internet usage, and the vast majority of people aren’t coming anywhere near maxing out their limits. So, why not sell some of this excess?
That’s what Honeygain does, although you’ll want to make sure that you actually do have a plan with data to spare in order to use it. Also watch out for slightly slower speeds, but given how fast connections are these days, that’s not too much of an issue.
What do you need to do? Register with Honeygain and install the app
How much can you earn? Around $55 per month for sharing 6GB of data across three devices for three hours, to give you a ballpark idea
26. Brave internet browser
Another change, and a big one for a lot of people - changing internet browser?
If you’re open to the thought, though, Brave is a Chrome-based browser so it shouldn’t feel too different, and it’s chock-full of great features. Most significantly, it blocks tons and tons of trackers and ads, saving your time and bandwidth.
Pro internet tip here: if you’re one of those people who watches a lot of YouTube Brave eliminates all ads, and lets videos continue playing even if you tab away or even turn your phone screen off.
The fact that you can earn a bit of crypto just by using Brave regularly doesn’t hurt, either.
What do you need to do? Just download the Brave browser and use it to start earning
How much can you earn? A few dollars’ worth a year, but the browser’s features are the big draw
Apps that pay you for investing
27. Robinhood
Robinhood is well known as the pioneer platform in commission-free trading, and it’s been one of the most user-friendly trading apps on the market for a long time.
The app also has a reputation for rewarding users via things like deposit boosts, but ultimately the amount of money you’ll get paid out on this sort of app depends on how much skill and knowledge you have when it comes to trading stocks and options.
It’s one of the top choices if all you want is a free, easy-to-use app to play around with a few low-value speculative trades.
What do you need to do? Download the Robinhood app and start trading
How much can you earn? Depends on how good of a trader you are, and be warned that you can also lose money on Robinhood
28. Acorns
Acorns is very different from normal investing apps because it invests on your behalf, rounding up the odd numbers on your bills and putting all of that cash into solid investment products.
The concept of Acorns is really valuable because it’s the sort of thing that automates something a lot of people would like to do, and it shows how a little bit of regular investment can really pay off.
Acorns isn’t for traders, so if you enjoy buying and selling stocks and want to do so frequently, look elsewhere. But if you want to invest a little bit every day and build a bit of a nest egg, there’s no better app.
What do you need to do? Visit the Acorns site or download the app to get started
How much can you earn? If you’re consistent and do this over the years, you’ll start to see how small investments can really add up
Find out how Acorn is different from apps like Robinhood
29. Webull
Webull is a free stock trading app that’s often mentioned in the same breath as Robinhood, but it’s got a couple of key differences which make it worth a special mention.
For one thing, Webull is well known for giving out free stocks or fractions of stocks when you sign up and meet the minimum deposit. This threshold is generally very reasonable, and the rewards are randomized - so you could actually end up with a welcome bonus worth thousands.
Beyond that, Webull has a lot of features suited to serious traders - so if you want lots of great charting functions and want to execute advanced strategies, this is the app for you.
What do you need to do? Download Webull and check out the deposit requirements to take full advantage of their welcome offers
How much can you earn? Users have picked up thousands of dollars in value from Webull deposit offers. Beyond that, it’s up to your trading chops
30. Fundrise
Fundrise is a real estate investing platform - and if that sounds different, then yes, it is. Real estate isn’t something that apps have offered access to until recently, and Fundrise allows you to put small amounts of money into specific real estate projects rather than REITs.
You can start investing with as little as $10, and you can build the real estate portfolio of your choice with Fundrise’s offerings. However, your money will be locked in for longer terms than on standard investing apps, so make sure you’re aware of the platform’s limited liquidity.
What do you need to do? Download Fundrise and start browsing the options available
How much can you earn? Real Estate has traditionally been an excellent long-term investment so there’s plenty of potential based on how much you put in
31. Arrived
Arrived is very similar to Fundrise in that it’s a real estate investing app, with the available profile of properties being a little different here - specifically, Arrived is well known for giving you access to vacation rentals in diverse locations.
So, if you think vacationing is the future and want to start dipping a little cash into that market, Arrived might be for you. A minimum investment of $100 is required on the app, and some investments do advertise a passive income via rental dividends.
Just like with Fundrise, make sure you’re looking out for the liquidity terms and the management fees on different options before you invest.
What do you need to do? Download Arrived and invest a minimum of $100 to get started
How much can you earn? There’s potential for long term appreciation and regular dividends
Apps that pay you to shop
32. Field Agent
Field Agent is an app that turns your smartphone into a money-making tool, paying you to complete quick tasks like taking photos, checking prices, or reviewing products at local stores.
It’s a really popular option if you’re looking for a flexible, on-the-go gig that gets you into the world of brick-and-mortar, and the tasks on the app are really easy. Payouts are managed via PayPal for maximum convenience, but the only real down-side of the app is that jobs can be fairly limited.
What do you need to do? Start using the app and complete simple shopping-related tasks for brands
How much can you earn? Tasks pay between $2 and around $12 although they can go higher, but not many users manage to earn more than three figures a year on Field Agent
33. iSecretShop
iSecretShop is a mystery shopping app that pays you to shop, provide your experiences and opinions on businesses and their service quality and, wait for it, dine out! Yes, this one works for select restaurants as well, and registering to use it is free.
Behind the scenes, iSecretShop functions as a job board where businesses post opportunities that you’re then going to complete, with payment depending on the poster - some companies pay via PayPal almost immediately, others operate on a monthly schedule.
The variety of gigs is a plus here, but be warned - you’ll need to provide quite a lot of detail in your reports, so prepare to take it seriously.
What do you need to do? Register to use the app, then complete opportunities and file detailed reports to get paid
How much can you earn? You’ll stand the best chance of making money if you’re in an urban area, with tasks generally paying out around $5 a pop
Apps for making money with reselling
34. Amazon Seller App
We went over apps like Amazon earlier and told you how to use them for price errors and glitches, but here’s another option for earning money in the Amazon ecosystem - the Amazon Seller App.
Whether you’re just looking for ideas or already know a little bit about ecommerce, this app empowers you to manage your Amazon business from anywhere, providing a full suite of tools to streamline operations and boost your profits.
From keeping tabs on sales in real time to managing inventory on the go, the Amazon Seller App equips you with everything you need to thrive in the competitive e-commerce world.
You can efficiently communicate with customers, create and optimize your product listings, and stay on top of important account activity with timely notifications. It's like having your entire business at your fingertips, 24/7.
What do you need to do? Sell physical products using the Amazon Seller App ecommerce solution
How much can you earn? Depends on how well you can navigate the competition, ecommerce is a profitable but often tricky business
The top products to resell on Amazon this year
35. Poshmark
Poshmark is a social marketplace for fashion lovers to buy and sell new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories. It’s an extremely popular platform for fashionistas and bargain hunters alike, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities if you have a nose for a deal.
It’s easy to list your items and sell them on Poshmark, but there’s competition to fend off too - still, it’s possible to resell with success if your listings are good and you show them off well, and the app itself is community-driven and easy to use.
What do you need to do? List and sell items you want to resell on Poshmark
How much can you earn? Depends on the number and quality of items you have to sell
Find out all you need to know about Poshmark
36. Mercari
Mercari is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell almost anything from clothing and electronics to collectibles and handmade goods. It's a popular choice for its ease of use, as well as a wide reach that potentially gives you access to millions of buyers.
There are no listing fees on Mercari, but there definitely are buyer fees to watch out for - we’re talking a solid 12.9% per transaction. On the plus side, local meetups and contactless delivery are options too, so location matters.
What do you need to do? List your items for free on Mercari, although keep buyer fees in mind
How much can you earn? Again, depends on what sort of items you’re selling and how many
- Is reselling really worth it as a side hustle?
- How to sell on Mercari: Make money reselling your stuff
37. Declutter
Declutter is a hassle-free platform for selling used tech, books, games, and even Legos! Simply scan barcodes, get instant quotes, ship for free, and get paid.
It's a popular choice for anyone seeking a quick and easy way to declutter and earn some extra cash, and provides an interesting alternative to the traditional apps for selling stuff you don’t need anymore.
What do you need to do? List items you don’t need any more or curiosities on Declutter to get paid quickly and reliably
How much can you earn? As much as your items are worth on the used market
Apps that pay you for driving
38. Lyft
Lyft offers you a flexible side hustle if you’ve got a car and a clean driving record, letting you earn money on your own schedule by giving rides to passengers in your area.
It's a popular choice for its ease of use and potential for decent earnings, but consider the pros and cons before hitting the road - there can be risks when it comes to dealing with strangers, especially if you’re driving late and night.
That said, there’s potential for pretty solid earnings on this app, and you can work according to your own schedule. Plus, there aren’t too many crazy requirements when it comes to getting registered, and onboarding is super straightforward.
What do you need to do? Simply sign up for Lyft and go through the onboarding process to start driving paying customers around
How much can you earn? Per Lyft’s own data, the media US driver earned around $30 per hour including tips and bonuses. If you’re in California, Lyft guarantees earnings of at least 120% of the minimum wage while booked
39. Uber
With Lyft already on this list, we’ve absolutely got to include the other big name in the space - and it’s probably one of the first that comes to mind for earning money from driving.
Uber, of course, is one of the most popular apps in the business, and it offers a lot of the same benefits as Lyft does. It could be argued that Uber has even more potential for making money since it’s got even wider reach.
Ultimately with both of these apps you’ll have to weigh up the cons of gas and maintenance cost against your potential earnings, but they’re easy to get onto - and if you’re on one, there’s nothing to say you need to be exclusive. Use both, and double your opportunities to get bookings.
What do you need to do? Download Uber and register to get started as a driver
How much can you earn? It depends on your area and how good you are at managing peak times, your ratings, and Uber incentives. So, anything between $12 and $50 per hour
40. Uber Eats
Uber Eats transforms you from an app-powered taxi driver to delivery person, ferrying food to people placing online orders at a variety of restaurants and fast food places.
The requirements to get into this gig are low just like with the flagship Uber app, and you can choose to deliver in your local area or in far-flung neighborhoods - it all depends on how much and how far you’re willing to drive.
Of course, managing your schedule’s important here - there are some times of day that are great for delivering food, others not so much.
What do you need to do? Register as a driver and drive food to customers
How much can you earn? During peak times it’s possible to bump your earnings up to around $20 per hour not including tips
This is how much delivery drivers are making today
41. DoorDash
DoorDash is a delivery platform that focuses on food but lifts a bit of the dependency on mealtimes by also partnering up with retail stores. This means that by signing up, you’re going to be bringing folks a variety of online orders, not limited to but very much including food.
You can get signed up without any fuss, and DoorDash tends to have plenty of demand thanks to the number of stores it works with. This means plenty of opportunities for you, although watch out - some people do order bulky and heavy goods, so there’s a bit of lifting in addition to the driving.
What do you need to do? Collect orders and deliver them to customers after signing up
How much can you earn? Between $15 and $25 per hour, although peak meal times can bring in more dough
42. Instacart
Doordash sees you delivering orders of different kinds, but you just have to pick them up. Instacart goes one step further, tasking you with going into the grocery store yourself and doing someone’s shopping for them.
This means that Instacart might be the most strenuous choice of the lot given all of the legwork and carrying grocery bags, but at least that does cut down on gas and maintenance costs since only half of the job’s driving.
What do you need to do? Shop for groceries and deliver them to customers using this app
How much can you earn? Depends on order size, distance, and tips, with a reported average of around $17 per hour
How much do Instacart shoppers make - and is it a good side hustle?
43. HopSkipDrive
HopSkipDrive is a rideshare app with a difference, and it puts you in the position of family driver - so if you’re wanting to help out around the community while earning well, this might be the gig for you.
As a HopSkipDrive driver you’ll be helping busy families out, and you can work according to whatever schedule you want. And as should be expected, given that you’ll be responsible for the safety of kids while they’re in your car, there’s a strict screening process.
What do you need to do? Register with HopSkipDrive and go through their screening process before driving families and kids around
How much can you earn? This app can bring in more money than most thanks to the strict requirements, promising up to $50 per ride
Apps for making money online with gig work
44. Sharetown
Sharetown lets you take on a very unique sort of gig - retrieving oversized products. The app built its reputation by working with mattress companies to handle returns, but the remit’s now a lot broader.
As a gig worker on Sharetown, you’ll pick up returned oversized products, clean them up, and then resell them on different platforms such as the ones we listed earlier or even on sites like Facebook Marketplace.
Sharetown has a certain cost, but you can resell the stuff you pick up for a lot more - just remember that you’ll need a way to pick up and transport these oversized goods, and then store them until they’re finally sold.
What do you need to do? Pick up, clean, store, and resell returned oversized goods
How much can you earn? How much you can earn really depends on how good you are at reselling the items in question, but there’s plenty of profit on offer
Our best tips to succeed as an online reseller
45. Taskrabbit
TaskRabbit connects you with people in your neighborhood who need help with various tasks, from furniture assembly and cleaning to errands and delivery. It's a great choice if you’re looking for a flexible way to earn money using your skills and time.
The trick with TaskRabbit is to build your reputation, and you’ll have to finagle your way around the app by bidding on tasks that are offered. You’ll also have to deal with demanding clients - but that’s understandable, because they’re often bringing you into their home to get stuff done.
What do you need to do? Successfully bid on and then perform tasks like painting, cleaning, and shovelling snow
How much can you earn? Depending on the task, you can earn a cool hundred bucks with a couple of hours of work
How to make money on TaskRabbit: Side hustles to start right now
46. Oppizi
Oppizi offers you a flexible way to earn money as a brand ambassador, distributing flyers and promoting products in your local area. It's a great option for on-the-go gigs, but earnings can vary, and physical effort is required - wandering around in bad weather isn’t fun either.
Flyers and leaflets can also rub some people up the wrong way, but on the plus side Oppizi does offer incentives and bonuses. It’s simple work and doesn’t require any qualifications, and if you’re young and willing to do the leg work, this app will bring some cash in.
What do you need to do? Distribute leaflets and flyers in your area to get paid
How much can you earn? Around $20 per hour
47. Wonolo
The creators of Wonolo believe that you shouldn’t have to wait to get hired, and their app connects you directly to companies offering gigs and tasks across a variety of industries.
The entire premise of the business sees you just tap to signal your interest in a gig, and most of the work is quick - and same-day pay means that you’re compensated for your time and effort very, very quickly.
There’s a variety of jobs available on the platforms and none of them require any experience, but earnings can vary because some gigs pay a whole lot more than others.
What do you need to do? Download the app and just tap to start applying for different gigs
How much can you earn? Around $16 per hour on average
Apps that pay you to exercise
48. Cashwalk
Cashwalk turns your daily steps into rewards, offering gift cards for reaching walking goals. You earn rewards simply for walking, and your step count is tracked automatically. The interface of the app is simple too, and it’s very easy to use.
Now, Cashwalk is really appealing for its simplicity but comes with some caveats - foremost among which is the fact that it serves you with intrusive lock screen ads. This is something you might be able to get past since you’re earning money - or rather, claiming those rewards in gift card form, with no cash payouts currently on offer.
What do you need to do? Just download the app and start walking to earn rewards
How much can you earn? Around $40 per year if you’re consistent with your steps
49. Rover
We’ve got to give them points for the name - Rover does exactly what it suggests by connecting pet owners to sitters and especially walkers. So, if you love dogs and cats, this is a great app for making a few new four-legged friends and making money from it.
You can set your own rates and work whenever you’re free, and while dogs and cats are the main sorts of pets on the app, there’s other types of animals too. Insurance and support is provided by the platform, and you’ve got an opportunity to build a loyal client base as you spend more time on the app.
What do you need to do? Get paid for taking care of cats and walking dogs
How much can you earn? Around $16 per hour on average
50. StepN
StepN gamifies fitness and rewards users with cryptocurrency for their steps. It's a unique blend of health and wealth, and can be a pretty fun app to use once you really get into it and start playing around with your items.
However, StepN does come with its share of challenges, starting with the initial investment - you need to buy a pair of NFT sneakers to get started, which could cost anywhere upward of $20 or so dollars - and that’s the bare minimum. You’ll also need a cryptocurrency wallet that works with the Solana ecosystem.
What do you need to do? Download the app, create a Solana wallet, fund it, and buy some NFT sneakers before you start walking or running
How much can you earn? Depends on the crypto market and Solana in general, from a few cents up to $10 per day
Apps for monetizing your content
51. TikTok
We don’t really need to give TikTok any introduction, do we? It’s one of the most widely used apps on the planet, and it gives you every chance of turning your passion into a profit. This is possible through ads, brand partnerships, live gifting, and more content-based means, but today, TikTok is more.
In fact, it might be possible to class TikTok as an ecommerce app which does video as a side dish - there’s an incredible amount of traffic going on in the TikTok Shop, and TikTok is by far and away the top video platform for UGC (user-generated content).
What do you need to do? Create TikTok videos and monetize your hobby or top interests, create UGC, or build a business using TikTok Shop
How much can you earn? Lots, if you do it right, although there’s plenty of competition these days
52. YouTube
YouTube is the OG video platform, and is still very much the king when it comes to medium and long form video content. Ad revenue tends to be the primary source of income for content creators on YouTube, but you’ll have to hit 1k subscribers to get monetized.
Of course, there are other ways to bring cash in on YT - brand partnerships, sponsorships, channel memberships, and more. All of these can help you get money coming in, and given the platform’s popularity, you could build a global following in no time if your content’s good.
Mastering the (in)famous YouTube algorithm can be tricky, though, and the fact that practically anyone can post a video means that the platform’s saturated. Still, quality and authenticity pays.
What do you need to do? Build a following by tweeting consistently and then start leaning into revenue-earning features
How much can you earn? Varies depending on what revenue streams you can activate, but ad revenue tends to pay $2 to $5 per month per thousand followers
53. X
Formerly known as Twitter, X is a microblogging platform that thrives on real-time conversations and trending topics - and where there's discussion and influence, there’s money to be made.
Even though building a substantial following takes time and effort, and the algorithm can take a while to master, X offers several avenues for turning tweets into cash beyond just ad revenue.
Beyond sponsored tweets and affiliate links, X's new features like "Subscriptions" and "Super Follows" allows you to offer exclusive content for a monthly fee, creating a direct revenue stream from your audience.
What do you need to do? Build a following by tweeting consistently and then start leaning into revenue-earning features
How much can you earn? Varies depending on what revenue streams you can activate, but ad revenue tends to pay $2 to $5 per month per thousand followers
Read this guide to making money on X
54. Instagram
Instagram is one of Gen Z and Gen Alpha’s favorite platforms, and it’s no exaggeration to call it a creator’s paradise. Self-expression and community-building is what Insta is all about, but all of that can be leveraged to make some serious cash.
Shoppable tags and the “Flipping Page” option, for example, are features that let you showcase and sell products directly to your audience. That could be merch if you make it big, but anything goes - just remember that Instagram is a visual platform, and getting your stuff to look good is a non-negotiable.
What do you need to do? Create an Instagram page showcase your products, interests, or your own life - there are many ways to create great content
How much can you earn? Much like with TikTok there’s plenty of competition to match the money that can be made
Check out the ultimate creator guide to making money on Instagram
55. Whop
Whop is the ultimate monetization platform where you can buy and sell almost anything digital – from software and memberships to ebooks, online courses, and paid community access.
Whop fosters a thriving community of creators and consumers, making it more than just a transaction hub. It's a place to discover new digital trends, connect with like-minded individuals, and even build a following around your creations.
Thousands of creators are making more than $7000 a month with Whop, with top creators earning more than $250,000 a month.
Given Whop’s versatility though, you don’t have to go into full-on content creation to make money on Whop - you can make small videos of your own or just use existing creator content to fulfil Content Rewards that brands post. As far as money making apps go, this one’s a doozy!
What do you need to do? Create a whop and either complete Content Rewards or start selling your digital products - including paid communities, Discord servers, multi-format content, courses, and much more
How much can you earn? Many Whop creators are well into 6 figures and even pushing 7 from Whop alone
Can you really make money with apps?
Now that we have explored the top apps for making money online let's answer one burning question - can you actually make money with these apps? The answer is a resounding yes!
You absolutely can make money on your phone with apps, and the numbers speak for themselves. While some apps offer modest rewards like gift cards for completing surveys or watching videos, others can generate a substantial income if you're dedicated and strategic.
However, it's important to be realistic about your expectations. Headlines might tout the average side hustler raking in over a thousand dollars a month, but the reality is that most people earn closer to $200 if they use traditional apps.
If you want to increase that to $500 or more, you have to put some serious hours in.
Here's what you can expect to earn for some popular categories:
- Cashback apps: Earn anywhere from $10-$50 per month on average, depending on your spending habits and the app you use.
- Gig economy apps: Delivery drivers and rideshare drivers can potentially earn $15-$25 per hour, depending on the platform, location, and demand.
- Freelance platforms: Skilled freelancers can charge premium rates and earn hundreds or even thousands of dollars per month
- Investment apps: While the potential for high returns exists, remember that investment comes with inherent risks, and past performance doesn't guarantee future results.
It's crucial to set realistic expectations and choose apps that align with your interests and skills. With research and dedication, you can find apps that help you boost your income significantly.
Make money online with Whop
What if you could create a reliable, scalable income stream that practically runs itself?
Where your knowledge, expertise, and unique skills transform into digital products that people beg to buy... month after month, year after year.
That's the power of Whop.
Not just another ecommerce platform, Whop is the streamlined, user-friendly platform that makes building your business effortless.
No tech skills? No problem.
Whop's intuitive interface lets you launch your store, list your products, and start accepting payments faster than you can say "passive income."
Crypto coach? Sales guru? Creative genius? MMO master?
Whatever you're selling and whatever passions, interests, or skills you think you can monetize, Whop is your stage.
And if you don't want to sell anything - that's fine too! Head to Content Rewards and start submitting UGC and clips for cash.
Start your journey on Whop toward predictable income and limitless scalability.
