There’s nothing better than having a little cash handy, and you can do so with your smartphone in this digital world. With just your phone and internet connection, you can make money quickly without doing too much work.
There is a wide range of apps one can join to make money, from survey apps to gig economy platforms.
This exhaustive guide will explore the 33 best apps you can use to make real money quickly in 2024.
Best Apps To Make Money Fast
1. Survey Junkie
At the top of our list is Survey Junkie, which connects its users to leading companies for surveys, and offers points whenever you complete them.
The platform rewards 25 points for signing up and another 20 when verifying your email address. You also need to set up your user profile to increase the number of surveys you can complete.
Each point rewarded on Survey Junkie rewards $0.01. You can only make withdrawals with PayPal or turn points into gift cards.
It is only available in the United States, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries, to those 18 years and older.
Join Survey Junkie or read our review.
Pros:
- Legitimate and reputable.
- Easy to use.
- Straightforward PayPal withdrawals.
- Surveys are interesting.
Cons:
- Not available in all countries.
2. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is a user-friendly platform for making good money on the side.
Like other apps that pay you money, you receive points when you complete surveys, daily polls, referrals, poll streaks, third-party surveys, and more.
The app is available to those in the US, Canada, or the UK. Anyone can easily set up an account in a few minutes, but pre-qualification tests are required for surveys.
There is also a loyalty program and leaderboard for big bonuses. You can withdraw cash through PayPal and BPAY, processed within days, and there are other gift card options for Amazon, Airbnb, Walmart, Nike, and more.
Join Branded Surveys or read the review.
Pros:
- User-friendly and intuitive design.
- You get higher earnings on the loyalty program.
- Multiple gift cards are available.
- Many opportunities to make money.
Cons:
- PayPal payments take up to three weeks to reflect.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is well-known as one of the top free apps to make money, as it has over 20 million registered users.
You get SB points whenever you complete surveys, but you get only one point as compensation if you’re disqualified midway. You can also earn money by watching videos, searching, shopping, playing games, and more.
Swagbucks has almost 600 reward options, including gift cards for many businesses, charity donations, and PayPal. It is available in a wide range of countries.
Join Swagbucks and get a $10 bonus after completing your profile.
Pros:
- Hundreds of reward options.
- Multiple ways to increase your payouts.
- Easy to use with a browser extension.
- Different ways to earn points asides from surveys.
Cons:
- Survey disqualifications are common.
4. PrizeRebel
Another one of the top apps that pay you money on our list is Prize Rebel, which offers points when you complete surveys, watch videos, shop online, play games, and make referrals.
The app stands out with a level system, allowing you to increase your winnings when you reach some milestones.
Newcomers start with Bronze, and the highest level is Diamond. Each point rewards $0.01, and you must have at least 200 before withdrawing.
You can either exchange your points for gift cards or cash through PayPal, and for the latter, you need to have 500 points.
The platform is available in 183 countries, but not all surveys are available in all countries. Join PrizeRebel here.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn money.
- No limit to how many surveys you can take.
- Easy to use.
- The minimum payout is low.
Cons:
- Some surveys won’t be available in your country.
5. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research doubles as a survey app and product testing platform, but it is based on exclusivity, so not everyone can sign up.
The forum will send you surveys and products to test regularly, paying $3-$5 and $6, respectively.
You can only join Pinecone Research through an invite link, but there are usually limited spots available daily. You will fill out the questionnaire, as the products and surveys will be sent based on demographics.
Withdrawals are made by check, pre-credited Visa card, or PayPal. You can also redeem points with gift cards for Amazon, Starbucks, iTunes, Home Depot, Walmart, etc.
Pros:
- Pays better than other survey apps.
- You can test unreleased products.
- Considerate customer service.
- No minimum redemption balance.
Cons:
- It is invite-only.
6. Toluna
Toluna is another one of the top apps that pay you money through PayPal and gift cards. With a wide range of surveys and a large community, the platform is an excellent place to make quick money.
You also earn points when you create polls, contribute with your content, refer friends, and participate in contests, test products, and more. It even gives 500 points just for signing up, while surveys offer up to 2,000 points.
You can exchange your Toluna points for gift cards, checks, and cash through PayPal. Other methods include Sweepstakes.
Become a Toluna Influencer or read our review.
Pros:
- A large community of users.
- Diverse ways to earn points.
- Disqualifications from surveys give consolation prizes.
- Partners with leading companies.
Cons:
- The minimum cashout level is hard to meet.
7. InboxDollars
Another survey site, InboxDollars, has been running for over 20 years and offers rewards when you complete surveys, watch videos, play games and search the web.
Each survey pays between $0.50 and $5, and when you sign up, you receive a free $5 bonus. You only get the bonus when you confirm your account. After completing the profile survey, you can start earning money.
There are different ways to get paid with InboxDollars, including PayPal, Amazon and other gift cards, ePayment, and checks in the mail.
Only residents in the United States aged 18 years and above can join InboxDollars ($5 bonus).
Pros:
- Multiple payment methods.
- Fun activities to make money.
- Easy to use and navigate.
- Rewards in dollars, not points.
Cons:
- Only available in the US.
Free Money-Making Apps That Pay
8. Rakuten
Rakuten is one of those iOS and Android apps that pay you real money when you make purchases at online stores. There are over 2,500 stores that partner with Rakuten, including Samsung, Amazon, Target, Ugg, Forever 21, and more.
You will receive a $30 Walmart gift card or Rakuten cash bonus when you first sign up on this platform and make your first purchase of $30 or more.
It also features a well-paying referral program, rewarding you commission when your friends sign up.
Asides from giving you cashback whenever you make purchases, you can also participate in Rakuten events and double cashback bonuses.
Join Rakuten and get $30.
Pros:
- Different ways to earn money asides from cashback.
- Over 2,500 available stores.
- Low withdrawal threshold at $5.
- Easy to get started.
Cons:
- Not available to EU countries.
9. Kashkick
Kashkick is a relatively new platform for making money. As one of the top money-earning apps, the easy-to-navigate platform offers rewards when you complete small tasks, and it features quick and straightforward payouts.
Some of the ways you can earn money include shopping online, surfing the internet, completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, referrals, and paid offers.
While the app gives different avenues for making money, it is only available to Canada, Australia, the US, and the UK. It is easy to sign up and comes with a bonus.
Get KashKick and start earning.
Pros:
- Low withdrawal threshold.
- Includes PayPal for payment methods.
- A diverse range of surveys to participate in.
- Easy to use and navigate.
Cons:
- Only available to four countries.
10. Sweatcoin
If you’re looking for apps that pay you money for walking, you can get on the move with Sweatcoin. The app pays users for daily steps while collecting data on this.
The free app will pay you in Sweatcoins when you take steps. And if you meet the minimum withdrawal level, you can exchange it for gift cards, vouchers, and prizes.
Every 1000 steps you take will reward 0.95SWC, and you can also upgrade your account to earn more.
Keep in mind that it collects personal data than standard survey apps, so you can check the privacy policy before signing up to see what it does with this data.
It is easy to sign up with your name, email, and phone number, and your location must be on.
Here are other apps that pay you to walk.
Pros:
- Motivates you to walk.
- Different rewards to exchange your coins to.
- Privacy protection for your data.
- Easy to make money.
Cons:
- It may take a while to get enough points to redeem via PayPal.
11. MyPoints
MyPoints has established itself as one of the best apps that pay you money without investment, especially in the cashback space.
The platform gives you rewards when you shop online, complete surveys, play games, and do other activities.
It can be transformed into cash on PayPal or gift cards whenever you’re given points. The shopping portal is the highlight, allowing you to save money, earn points and get exclusive deals.
You can shop online, use coupons, fund deals, watch videos, participate in surveys, read emails, surf the web, refer others, and more with this platform.
Pros:
- More than enough ways to earn money.
- Impressive signup bonus.
- Saves money on your purchases.
- Reputable app.
Cons:
- The point conversion rate is inconsistent.
12. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is an excellent way to save money than make money online. It works as a browser extension and offers coupon codes and discounts that apply to the store you’re shopping at. Then, the best deal will be applied to your offer immediately.
Capital One Shopping will check through all online retailers when you want to make a purchase, find fantastic deals, compare price differences, and more at the same time.
Asides from these, you can also win gift cards and loyalty credits as you use the app or browser extension to shop and save money.
Pros:
- Offers different ways to save money.
- Easy and free to use.
- Features free credits and gift cards.
- Makes shopping easier.
Cons:
- Monitors your online activity.
13. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is next on our list of free apps to make money, allowing you to earn money without doing a lot. It is a market research panel to determine the apps and websites people like to use.
When you download the app (Android) or (iPhone), it gives you ten free credits. It then measures the trends and patterns on your phone and gives you credits each week. You can also complete surveys and earn credits from them.
The MobileXpression app does not offer cash payouts but will give you Amazon gift cards and allow charity donations.
Pros:
- Easy to sign up.
- Different ways to receive rewards.
- Offers passive income.
- No privacy concerns.
Cons:
- No cash withdrawals are available.
14. Nielsen Mobile App
The Nielsen Mobile App gives you different ways to make money online while monitoring your internet behavior.
It tracks your socializing, networking, browsing, and shopping, and you don’t have to do anything to earn essential rewards.
The research platform gives you $50 worth of points yearly, but you can make up to $10,000 monthly when you participate in other things.
You can make money by playing games, reading blogs, surfing the internet, streaming music, and watching videos.
You also get cash rewards as you participate in special surveys and receive Sweepstake entries. It’s a vibrant app with different things to do for extra cash.
Get the Nielsen Mobile app or read our review.
Pros:
- Offers free passive income.
- There are different ways to earn money.
- It keeps your data safe.
- It is compatible with multiple devices.
Cons:
- Cash rewards are unavailable in some countries.
15. Drop App
When looking at free apps to make money, Drop App is a popular choice. The app offers you rewards when you shop from popular stores, with users receiving up to $400 gift cards.
As a shopping app, you start by selecting your favorite stores and hooking your payment cards to them. Whenever you shop at these stores, you earn points.
While this can’t be your primary source of income, you can get free rewards on the side.
The app can be easily downloaded on your mobile device (U.S. and Canada only), and there are also bonus offers when you make referrals, link a second debit or credit card, and make a certain number of purchases.
Pros:
- Unlimited earnings are available.
- Wide range of online stores for all users.
- It is safe and secure for your credit and debit cards.
- Bonuses and rewards are available.
Cons:
- The minimum cash out is $25.
16. Earny
While Earny appears to be like other cashback apps that pay you money, it also offers price protection for customers as they shop at their partners. The platform connects to your email and sends you notification emails and receipts on your purchases.
So, the app has information on all that you bought and the prices. So, when the product’s price drops during the protection period, you get the cashback.
It works with a lot of retail giants in the United States. You also get cashback whenever you use the browser extension while shopping. And it’s entirely safe for use.
Pros:
- Partners with tens of big retailers.
- Offers price protection.
- Features cashback on your purchases.
- Safe and secure for your sensitive information.
Cons:
- You pay a subscription fee and deductions on your refunds.
17. Ibotta
The Ibotta app is a high-ranking platform on the Play Store and App Store, allowing users to earn cash back on their purchases.
They partner with over 300 retail stores, allowing you to save money when you buy products.
After making a purchase, you send Ibotta your receipt, and they will send the cashback within 24 hours.
Besides earning cashback when you purchase at in-store or online platforms, you can connect your loyalty account and instantly save money by taking advantage of special offers.
Ibotta also has hundreds of gift cards that you can win, offering you discounts and cashback on your purchases. It is entirely free to use.
Pros:
- It is free and easy to use.
- It saves money on your daily purchases.
- It partners with many retailers.
- You can win gift cards.
Cons:
- Poor customer support.
18. Checkout 51
While Checkout 51 is a legit cashback app, the platform is only available in the US, Canada, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The cashback app has over 100 offers weekly, allowing you to save money on groceries.
These offers cover snacks, pet products, care products, household products, and more, and they can be accessed through your phone or computer.
You can earn money through scanning receipts, surveys, contests, and paid videos. Using a paid check or PayPal, you can withdraw a minimum of $20 at a time.
Pros:
- It is easy to use on all devices.
- Hundreds of offers weekly.
- Multiple ways to earn aside cashbacks.
- It features Sweepstakes.
Cons:
- Only two payout options.
Best Game Apps That Pay You Real Money
19. Mistplay
If you enjoy playing online games, you might as well use this as an opportunity to earn money. Mistplay (Android devices only) is one of the best paying game apps that you can start with, rewarding you with gift cards when you play.
The app is legit to earn money on the side and gives its users access to different games. Developers use this as an opportunity to promote their game, and enthusiasts enjoy playing for the rewards.
You can receive gift cards from Google Play, Playstation, Amazon, Gamestop, Xbox, and more. Only those in the US, Singapore, Canada, and Europe can use the app.
Get Mistplay on your Android device.
Pros:
- A signup bonus is available.
- No ads on the app.
- Gift cards are available in many stores.
- Notable games are available.
Cons:
- Low rewards and only available in Canada and the U.S.
20. Blackout Bingo
Blackout Bingo is another fantastic way to make money while playing fun games. It allows you to compete for real rewards and money with other gamers, although cash tournaments are not available in all countries.
Bingo is one of the most popular casino games, and with each one you win, you receive bonus cash and real cash. Some other prizes include a phone case, camera lens, solar phone charger, mugs, portable speakers, and more.
Making withdrawals on this platform for cash rewards is easy on Blackout Bingo. If your wins are more than the original deposit, they will be sent through check.
Pros:
- A fun way to earn gifts and side income.
- Social aspect for a competitive twist.
- Withdrawals are easy and convenient.
- Customer service is reliable.
Cons:
- Only in the United States.
21. Solitaire Cube
Solitaire Cube is a popular app for playing Solitaire games, but you will compete with others for real money. Many people play Solitaire in their free time, so you can earn extra cash while doing it anyway.
It can be downloaded on iOS and Android devices and start you off with a practice game. This will gauge your skill level before playing games for real money withdrawals.
It’s free to play games on Solitaire Cube, but you might have to pay to enter competitions. Some payment methods include Apple Pay, PayPal, and credit card.
Pros:
- Easy to download and use.
- You can play against other gamers.
- Convenient payment methods.
- It is free to play all games asides from competitions.
Cons:
- Not all states can play in cash tournaments.
- U.S. residents only.
22. Lucktastic
Another fun way to make money online is through Lucktastic, allowing users to do scratch cards and games in exchange for rewards.
You can also watch videos, complete tasks, Sweepstakes, log in, and receive rewards. The app is entirely free with no in-app purchases.
To join this platform, you need to have a zip code in the United States. Keep in mind that if you’re wary about signing up, you can test drive the app. Whatever you win during the test remains yours once you fully register.
You can win cash prizes or tokens to exchange rewards, including a $1 signup bonus. Withdrawals are also easy, but you need a Dwolla app to get cash payouts.
Learn more in this Lucktastic review.
Pros:
- Games take seconds to complete.
- Other tasks are available to make money.
- Withdrawals are flexible and convenient.
- It is easy to get started.
Cons:
- Too many ads on the app.
23. Gamehag
Although Gamehag is one of the best paying game apps, it’s also a good way for non-gamers to make money. You can view ads, write posts, and complete surveys asides from playing games.
The platform calls the points soul gems, and they can be exchanged for Amazon gift cards, cryptocurrencies, steam wallet currency, prepaid Visas, Nintendo gift cards, and other rewards. Gamers even get iconic games with their soul gems.
You can quickly start by registering on the platform and verifying your email. It also makes learning easy with tutorials.
Pros:
- Diverse rewards for gamers and non-gamers.
- Offers new games.
- Other activities are available to make money.
- Easy to learn and get started with.
Cons:
- It takes time to earn gems.
24. StepBet
Another app that pays you money for walking and working out is StepBet. The health and fitness platform offers you rewards whenever you complete your previously set fitness goals. You first make a bet, and if you win the game, you get the stake and prize.
While it’s a free app, there is also a paid version. Both versions come with different games that encourage you to work out, and it monitors your progress with other trackers.
Whenever you complete tasks, you are rewarded with points. You can withdraw the points with a check or PayPal or use it for future games.
Pros:
- Encourages you to work out.
- Convenient payment methods.
- Different games are available for fitness fun.
- The bets are easy to win.
Cons:
- The platform takes 15% of the amount from a competition.
25. HealthyWage
HealthyWage (Android or iPhone) is an intriguing way to make money and lose weight simultaneously. The platform involves making a bet that you’ll lose an amount of weight before a set deadline, and if you do, you get rewards.
The top prize the app pays is $10,000, rewarded in team challenges. You can only place bets for weight loss between six and eighteen months, and pregnant people are not allowed.
There are also jackpots and other challenges, offering avenues for making more money. HealthyWage also holds promotions for its users.
Pros:
- Offers multiple challenges to make money.
- Promotions are available.
- You can join more than one challenge at the same time.
- There are customizable challenges.
Cons:
- You lose money if you don’t meet your goal, no refunds.
Side Hustle Apps That Pay Fast
26. DoorDash
If you’re looking for apps that pay you money instantly, DoorDash is the perfect side hustle. The company is a leader in the food delivery scene, and you can make money by becoming one of their Dashers.
You pick up food from the restaurant and deliver it to the customer. Then, you get paid and can even keep all the tips you get.
The company partners with many famous restaurants in the US and Canada, making it a good choice for those who want to make money on the side.
Before signing up, you need to meet specific requirements and go through background checks. Once that’s done, you can start working, and it works similarly to Uber.
Become a DoorDash Driver or read our DoorDash review.
Pros:
- Offers flexible working hours.
- Partners with many restaurants.
- It is free to get started and work.
- You get to keep all the tips.
Cons:
- Payments for doing deliveries are not fixed.
27. Instacart
Another convenient way to make money on the side is with Instacart, a platform that hires shoppers for your grocery needs. It features full-service and in-store shoppers, but they need to meet a long list of requirements.
The amount you earn depends on the delivery location and the type of shopper you are. The clients use the app to shop for groceries, and then the shopper delivers it while being tracked.
Instacart also features other events to make money for their shoppers, like the Super Bowl. It is pretty easy to get started.
Pros:
- It is easy to get started.
- You get extra pay for delivering alcohol.
- Special events make more money.
- Disabled persons can get jobs.
Cons:
- There are no rewards on the app.
28. Airbnb
Airbnb is widely known as an excellent way to make money on the side. The convenient mobile app allows you to rent a room or the entire house to others for a price. Simply list your place online, and you will receive requests.
Asides from this, you can make money through passive ways like referring friends for a reward. Since Airbnb is very popular, there’s a good chance that you will get requests for your place quickly.
Before starting, you should ensure to take attractive pictures of the rental, keep it clean, give fair prices and offer your guests incentives.
Visit Airbnb (Android or iOS).
Pros:
- It is very popular.
- Versatile and easy to use.
- Gives you international exposure.
- Airbnb protects all hosts by screening tenants.
Cons:
- Offers inconsistent income.
29. Turo
Besides renting places, you can also make money quickly by renting out your car. If you don’t use your car often and want to make some money from it, signing up on Turo is a good side hustle.
The platform is a car-sharing marketplace where people can rent their car for a short period. There’s a rigorous screening process before you start making money, but once that’s done, you can enjoy unlimited potential.
Turo also has different promotions for hosts in car maintenance, cleaning, and insurance. There is also 24/7 customer service and roadside assistance.
Pros:
- You can set your price.
- Security and customer service are always available.
- Hosts get different perks.
- You can list multiple vehicles.
Cons:
- There are different host fees and a commission.
30. Upwork
Finally on our list of side hustles is Upwork, one of the best money-earning apps that also help you build your portfolio. It is a market for graphic designers, writers, and web developers.
Although there is a free version, it is a bit limited, and you can get more opportunities and flexibility with the paid version. Asides from this, it is easy to get started, though it will take a while to build a good reputation that attracts clients.
You can set your price on Upwork but expect the app to take commissions from your earnings. The available payment methods include direct deposit, PayPal, and wire transfer.
Passive Income Apps That Pay You Real Money
31. Acorns
It’s always great to find apps that pay the most cash but don’t require you to do anything. Acorns are one of the top passive income apps on our list, allowing beginners to start investing quickly.
It is a micro-investing platform that sets up your investment portfolio based on your needs. There are also low-cost tiers, so anyone can get started. The app only invests your spare change.
There are different ways to invest and make money on this platform, and it is easy to get started. When signing up, you will be asked many questions, and it’s best to answer honestly to build your portfolio.
Join Acorns and get a sign-up reward.
Pros:
- The investment process is automatic.
- Educates users with tools and resources.
- Flexible account options for all.
- Good reputation.
Cons:
- Few asset classes are available.
32. SoFi
SoFi (Android) or (iOS) is another one of our recommended ways to make money online, even if you have only a little. It’s a reliable passive income app for novice investors in the US.
The platform provides automated investment accounts and crypto investments. It offers access to fractional shares, ETFs, and more, and you get help from the Robo advisor.
SoFi makes things easier by not taking any trading or account fees, and you can quickly get started by creating an account.
Invest with SoFi – Android or iOS devices.
Pros:
- No trading or account fees.
- No minimum threshold to start investing.
- Provides Certified Financial Planner services for free.
- Crypto investments are available.
Cons:
- Only available in the US.
33. Webull
Finally, we have Webull, another reliable investment app where you can make money passively. The app is beginner-friendly, with different technical indicators, stock charts, and tools.
You can easily customize your Webull charts with any tools and trade and withdraw without paying any commissions or fees. The platform also allows short selling.
With Webull, you get access to a wide range of stocks and other products to invest in. It also allows for commission-free brokerage.
Pros:
- Mostly free to use.
- Beginner-friendly and customizable.
- Allows short selling.
- Provides margin for free.
Cons:
- Have to pay for premium data.
Bonus: Robinhood
You can also earn money passively with Robinhood, offering over 5000 US-listed stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrency, and stock option trades. It is a zero-commission platform, too, allowing you to keep all the profit.
The US-based platform offers a wide range of investment opportunities and different types of accounts, depending on your skill level. And there are no trading commissions.
Investors also have access to other tools like the Robinhood Margin, Banking Card and Interest, Fractional Stock, and educational resources.
Pros:
- No fees or commissions are charged.
- Features thousands of US-listed stocks.
- Educates investors for easy use.
- No minimum deposit is required.
Cons:
- Not a lot of foreign stocks are available.
Can You Make Money Online Using Apps?
As long as you use a reliable and reputable app, you can make money online.
Whether it’s a side hustle or surveys, there are multiple apps out there that allow you to make money. It’s essential to research in-depth before signing up to prevent fraud.
What Are the Best Money Making Apps for 2022?
The best money-making app depends on how you want to make money. While some might want to play games, others prefer the delivery business.
You can check out our list of the top 33 apps and get started with one of them.
FAQ
What apps pay you cash instantly?
Money-making apps usually have to pay you in at least 24 hours, and this is because of the processing time. If you want quick payouts, you should join those offering PayPal as a cashout option.
Which Android apps make the most money?
Multiple Android apps give you impressive payouts when you do surveys, play games, and complete other activities. Check if they are downloadable on the Play Store before signing up.
Which iOS apps pay you instantly?
Although not many money-making apps are available on iOS, you can find many of them on the App Store. Check out the iOS apps on our list (e.g. Swagbucks, Drop App, Sweatcoin, etc.) to get started.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of how to make a little cash on the side, whether in the comfort of your couch or when you’re out and about, there is a vast market of apps available to you.
You can get started with the recommended apps on our list and choose one that works for you best.
