Smartphones have made it easy to earn extra money in your spare time.
There are dozens of legit apps that reward you with real cash (often via PayPal or bank deposit) for completing simple tasks, playing games, or even shopping.
Best of all, the apps listed here are free to use, and many are available worldwide.
Below, we highlight 25 of the best money-making apps that actually pay cash.
Each app on this list has a solid reputation, so you can download with confidence and start earning!
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards apps, letting you earn points (called SB) by completing various easy tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, or even playing games.
You can redeem those points for PayPal cash or gift cards, meaning you get real money for your time.
Swagbucks has been around since 2008 and has paid out over $832 million in cash and free gift cards to its members so far, making it a trusted choice for earning a bit of side cash.
2. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a well-established rewards app (available in the U.S.) that pays you to take surveys, watch short videos, read promotional emails, play simple games, and even scan grocery receipts.
New users get a $5 bonus just for signing up and confirming their email.
While you won’t get rich, it’s an easy way to earn a few dollars in your downtime.
Once you reach the minimum $30 balance, you can cash out via PayPal, a mailed check, or gift cards.
3. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a popular app dedicated to paid surveys.
It’s known for offering a ton of surveys and relatively higher payouts per survey compared to many competitors.
As you complete surveys, you earn points that can be redeemed for cash through PayPal (or e-gift cards).
This platform focuses on user experience and often provides interesting surveys on various topics.
While it’s only available in a few countries, active users report they can make up to around $100 a month if they consistently take surveys daily.
4. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is another reputable survey platform (open to users in the US, UK, and Canada) that lets you earn rewards for sharing your opinion.
What sets Branded Surveys apart is its low payout threshold, as you can cash out at just $5 (only 500 points) via PayPal or gift cards.
This means you don’t have to wait long to get paid.
The app also has a loyalty program (Branded Elite) that gives you bonus points for regular participation, helping boost your earnings over time.
It’s a user-friendly way to turn spare minutes into spare cash.
5. Toluna Influencers
Toluna is a worldwide survey community that rewards you for voicing your opinions.
The app is open to survey takers globally, making it a great choice no matter where you live.
You earn points for each survey completed, and you can redeem these points for PayPal cash or gift cards once you meet the minimum threshold (around $30 worth of points, depending on your country).
Toluna often gives new members a small point bonus for signing up, and with a large international user base, it frequently has surveys available.
It’s a legit way to make some pocket money by simply answering questions about products and services.
6. Freecash
Freecash is a newer GPT (Get-Paid-To) platform that compiles tons of quick tasks and offers them in one place.
Through the Freecash app or website, you can earn coins by taking surveys, playing games, trying out new apps, or even shopping for deals.
Those coins can then be cashed out as PayPal money, gift cards, or even cryptocurrencies.
Freecash stands out for its extremely low minimum cashout, as some rewards can be redeemed with as little as $0.50 worth of coins.
This means you can get paid almost instantly once you complete a few tasks, making it very appealing for quick earnings.
7. FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints is an all-in-one rewards app that pays you for various simple activities like trying new apps, playing games, taking surveys, and shopping online.
As you complete tasks, you accumulate points in the app.
These points can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or a variety of gift cards to retailers.
FeaturePoints has been around for years and is available worldwide, making it easy for anyone to join.
It’s a flexible way to earn a few bucks during idle moments – for example, you could try out a new game on your phone and get rewarded for it.
The app also occasionally offers instant win contests and referral bonuses to help you earn even more.
8. Mistplay
Mistplay is a leading rewards app for Android users who enjoy mobile gaming.
The app curates a list of new games for you to play, and as you try out these games and reach certain in-game milestones, you earn points (called “units”).
You can then redeem those points for gift cards or PayPal cash – essentially getting paid to play games.
Mistplay makes game recommendations based on your preferences, and the longer you play, the more points you accumulate.
It’s a fun way to monetize your gaming hobby, though keep in mind it’s currently only available on Android in select regions.
While you won’t make a fortune, it’s realistic to earn a few dollars’ worth of rewards each week just for playing free games in your spare time.
9. KashKick
KashKick is a rewards app and website that pays you for a mix of activities like filling out surveys, testing mobile games, watching videos, and even signing up for various offers.
It is relatively new on the scene but has gained popularity for its higher-paying offers because many tasks on KashKick can reward $5, $10, or more each, which is more than typical survey apps.
KashKick currently serves U.S. users (18+ years old) and has a low payout minimum: you can request a PayPal cashout once you earn just $10.
They even give new users a $1 bonus after completing their first few tasks as an extra perk.
If you’re in the U.S., KashKick is definitely worth trying as an easy side hustle app for a little extra money.
10. Ibotta
Ibotta is a hugely popular cashback app that literally pays you cash back for your everyday shopping.
Here’s how it works: before you shop, you open Ibotta and add cashback offers for products or stores you plan to shop at.
After purchasing those items at a participating store, you simply scan your receipt with the app (or link your store loyalty account), and Ibotta will credit you with cash back for the qualifying purchases.
You can find offers for groceries, household essentials, clothes, and more.
Once your Ibotta account accumulates at least $20, you can withdraw the money via PayPal or direct bank deposit.
It’s an easy way to save money on things you’d buy anyway.
According to users, reaching that ~$20 monthly cashback is very feasible if you use the app regularly.
11. Rakuten (Ebates)
Rakuten is a well-known app and browser extension that gives you cash back for shopping at thousands of retailers.
It’s free and simple: start your online shopping through the Rakuten app or site, and you’ll automatically earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash at checkout.
Rakuten partners with tons of popular stores (from Amazon to eBay to Walmart), often offering 1% to 10% cashback depending on the deal.
They also offer a nice sign-up bonus (around $10) for new users who make a qualifying purchase.
The cash back you earn accumulates in your Rakuten account, and they pay out every quarter via PayPal or mailed check (they call these payouts “Big Fat Checks”).
If you do any online shopping, using Rakuten is a no-brainer to get some of that money back, as some dedicated users earn hundreds per year just by clicking through Rakuten first.
12. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a free and easy app that pays you for something almost everyone does: scanning your shopping receipts.
After any shopping trip, simply snap a photo of your receipt using the Fetch app.
Fetch will automatically convert that receipt into rewards points – you don’t have to pre-select specific products or scan barcodes, any grocery or retail receipt can earn you points.
You’ll typically earn a minimum of 25 points per receipt, with more for special featured products or brands.
Points can be redeemed for a variety of gift cards, or even for Visa prepaid cards (which spend like cash).
Essentially, Fetch turns your receipts into free money.
It also occasionally offers in-app challenges or games for bonus points.
Many users easily rack up $100+ in rewards over time by consistently scanning receipts they’d otherwise throw away.
It’s a no-fuss way to make sure you’re not leaving money on the table when you shop.
13. Honeygain
Honeygain is a passive income app that lets you earn money by securely sharing your internet connection.
Once you install the app (available on mobile and desktop), it runs in the background and uses your unused internet bandwidth to perform tasks like web statistics and content delivery for Honeygain’s network.
In return, you earn credits daily.
Honeygain is available worldwide, and when your earnings reach the equivalent of $20, you can request a payout via PayPal (or in Bitcoin, if you prefer).
Because it’s passive, you won’t make a lot very fast – expect maybe a few dollars a month per device – but it literally requires no effort after setup.
It’s a “set it and forget it” way to earn a little extra cash for doing nothing beyond lending your internet’s idle time.
(Tip: Always use such apps securely; Honeygain encrypts your data and doesn’t access personal info, making it one of the more trusted apps in this space.)
14. UserTesting
UserTesting is a platform that pays you for giving feedback on websites and apps.
Companies are eager to hear real user opinions, so they’ll pay for people to test their site or app and share their experience.
With the UserTesting app (or website), you’ll be assigned tasks like “complete a checkout process on this website and talk about your impressions.”
You record your screen and voice as you perform the tasks.
Each test session typically takes about 15–20 minutes, and UserTesting pays $10 for every standard test you complete.
Some more involved interviews or live tests can pay even higher (up to $30–$60 for longer sessions).
Payments are sent via PayPal exactly one week after you successfully complete a test.
UserTesting is open to participants worldwide, and you just need to pass a sample test to get accepted.
Opportunities can be competitive (tests fill up fast), but it’s one of the highest-paying apps per task for those who qualify.
15. Clickworker
Clickworker is a micro-task app/website that offers a wide variety of short gigs you can do anytime, anywhere.
Once you sign up, you can choose from tasks like data entry, web research, typing up text, categorizing photos, translating short snippets, testing apps, or even participating in surveys.
Each task shows how much it pays (ranging from a few cents to a few dollars, depending on complexity and length).
Clickworker is open worldwide and allows you to work independently on your own schedule.
You can cash out your earnings via PayPal once you reach their minimum payout (around €10, which is roughly $10 USD), and payments are typically processed weekly.
While the pay per task is small, the key is that the tasks are very quick. If you complete many micro-tasks efficiently, the earnings add up.
It’s a legit way to monetize spare minutes throughout your day by doing simple online tasks on your phone or computer.
16. Field Agent
Field Agent is an app that pays you to go out and complete small jobs in your local area, essentially turning you into a secret shopper or on-demand field researcher.
Businesses use Field Agent to get eyes in stores, so typical tasks include things like checking if a product is on the shelf at Walmart, taking a photo of a store display, or reviewing the cleanliness of a shop.
When you open the app, you’ll see a map or list of available “missions” near you, along with what each one pays.
These gigs usually pay anywhere from $3 to $15 each, and they often only take a few minutes to do.
For example, you might earn a quick $5 for verifying a product’s price and snapping a photo of it.
Field Agent operates in several countries (including the US, Canada, UK, South Africa, and more).
All payments are in cash (not points). Once your submitted job is approved, the money is added to your in-app account, and you can withdraw it to your bank or PayPal.
It’s a fun way to make errand money if you’re out shopping anyway:
“Use your iPhone or Android device to become a field agent and earn cash with this app,” as the company says.
17. Gigwalk
Gigwalk is another app for earning money through fast, local gigs in your city.
After you install Gigwalk, you register and allow the app to access your location. It will then show you nearby “gigs” on a map.
These gigs can be as simple as taking a photo of a restaurant’s menu, checking the availability of a product in a store, or testing an app in a certain location.
You can apply for a gig with one tap, complete the task, and submit it all through the app.
Gigwalk gigs often pay anywhere from $3 to $10 on average, though some can pay more.
For instance, one user reported they earned $6 just for snapping a few pictures of a product in a store, and it only took five minutes.
Payments are processed through PayPal, and one thing to note is that Gigwalk may take about a week or so to pay out after your gig is approved (so don’t expect instant cash, but you will get paid).
It’s a very flexible way to make money on your own schedule, and you can do as many or as few gigs as you want, whenever you happen to be out and have time.
18. Foap
Foap is an app that allows amateur and professional photographers alike to make money from their smartphone photos.
If you have a good eye and a decent phone camera, Foap provides a marketplace to sell your photos (and even short videos) to brands and individuals around the world.
Using the Foap app, you upload pictures from your phone into your portfolio with tags.
When someone (like a company or marketer) searches the Foap marketplace and buys one of your photos, you earn cash.
Typically, photos on Foap sell for $10, and the profit is shared 50/50 – meaning you get $5 per sale.
There’s no limit to how many people can buy the same photo, so a single good shot could keep earning over time.
Foap also features “Missions” where brands ask for specific types of photos; if your submission is chosen as a Mission winner, you can earn a larger reward (often $50 or more).
It’s free to sign up, so it can be a nice passive way to earn from the photos sitting in your camera roll.
19. Shutterstock Contributor
Shutterstock is one of the largest stock photo agencies, and its Contributor app lets you upload and sell your photos and videos to a global customer base.
If you enjoy photography or graphic design, this can become a steady source of passive income.
You simply submit your high-quality images via the app; once approved, they go into Shutterstock’s library.
Every time a customer downloads your photo, you earn a commission (usually a few cents to a few dollars, depending on your contributor level and the license), and those small sales can add up.
Shutterstock pays contributors each month, and you can get paid via PayPal, among other options (as long as you’ve reached the minimum payout, which is $35).
According to Shutterstock, contributors worldwide receive payouts about twice a month on average, which is great considering you’re getting paid for work you might have done earlier.
The key is to upload consistently and build a large portfolio. Over time, you could earn a nice stream of cash if you have lots of in-demand images.
The app is available for both iPhone and Android, making it easy to manage your portfolio on the go.
20. Upwork
Upwork is a leading freelancing app/website that connects clients with freelancers in all sorts of fields, from writing, design, and marketing to programming, virtual assistance, and more.
If you have a marketable skill, you can create a profile on Upwork, bid on projects, or offer your services and get paid for freelance jobs.
Many people use Upwork as a source of full-time income, but it’s also great for side gigs.
According to Upwork’s own data, freelancers on their platform (in the U.S.) earn an average of about $20 per hour, though rates vary widely by expertise (skilled professionals can earn much more).
Upwork is free to join, but they do have a sliding service fee that gets smaller the more you bill a single client.
Clients pay through Upwork’s system, and then you can withdraw your earnings via direct bank transfer, PayPal, Payoneer, and other methods.
The app makes it convenient to communicate with clients and track your work.
For a globally available platform, Upwork is one of the best if you’re looking to make real cash from your skills, whether it’s a few extra bucks or a substantial side income.
21. Fiverr
Fiverr is another hugely popular freelance marketplace app where you can earn money by offering almost any type of service starting at $5 (hence the name Fiverr).
You create “gigs” advertising what you can do – for example, logo design, voice-over work, writing a blog post, video editing, coding a small program, etc. – and set your price.
While many gigs start at $5, you can offer upgrades and higher-priced packages to earn more.
Fiverr is used by clients worldwide, and it’s free to list your services.
The platform reports that the average active seller makes around $100+ per month, but top sellers who build a good reputation can earn thousands.
Fiverr handles the payment processing; once you complete an order, the money is added to your account (minus Fiverr’s 20% fee).
You can withdraw earnings via PayPal, direct deposit, or other options after a clearance period.
It might take some time to get your first few orders, but delivering quality work and getting good reviews will boost your visibility.
Fiverr is great because you can make money online doing what you’re good at, on your own schedule – whether that’s creative work, technical tasks, or even fun stuff like impersonations and birthday video messages.
22. Uber (Rideshare & Delivery)
Uber is the app that pioneered the gig-economy driving space.
By signing up as an Uber driver, you can earn money by giving people rides in your city on your own schedule.
If you’d rather not have passengers, you can deliver food with Uber Eats, as it uses the same driver app.
Uber is available worldwide in hundreds of cities, making it a flexible option for many people.
Drivers get paid per ride (or delivery) based on time and distance, and you keep 100% of any tips.
One great feature is Instant Pay, where you can cash out your earnings to your bank account instantly (for a small fee) instead of waiting for weekly payouts.
Many drivers treat it as a side hustle and drive during peak hours (like weekends or evenings) to maximize earnings.
Of course, you need a car and must meet Uber’s requirements (background check, valid license, etc.).
Earnings vary by location and how much you drive, but it’s not uncommon to make around $15–$20 an hour in many areas after expenses.
In fact, one report found that gig drivers (rideshare, delivery, etc.) make about $17 per hour on average in the US.
If you enjoy driving, Uber is a reliable way to turn miles into money.
23. DoorDash (Food Delivery)
DoorDash is a popular app for delivering food orders from restaurants to customers, and it’s a great way to earn cash if you prefer delivering items over driving people.
As a “Dasher,” you use the DoorDash app to accept delivery gigs in your area.
The app will show you an order pickup location, the drop-off, and how much it pays (including an estimate of tip).
You can choose the orders you want and work whenever you want – even just an hour here or there.
DoorDash is available in numerous cities across the US, Canada, Australia, and a few other countries (and growing).
Drivers get paid a base rate per delivery plus any customer tips, and you can cash out your earnings daily if desired.
During busy meal times, you can earn extra with peak pay bonuses or challenges.
Like other gig apps, the hourly earnings can vary, but many Dashers report making anywhere from $10 to $20+ per hour, depending on location and demand.
DoorDash, along with similar apps like Grubhub or Uber Eats, can be an excellent option to make spare cash as you’re essentially getting paid to drive around and make people happy with food.
Just remember to factor in your vehicle expenses and drive safely.
24. Airbnb
Airbnb isn’t about doing tasks or gigs on your phone; instead, it’s an app that lets you make money by renting out your extra space.
If you have a spare room or an unused property, you can list it on Airbnb for travelers to book nightly.
The Airbnb app makes it easy to manage your listing, communicate with guests, and handle bookings right from your phone.
As a host, you set your availability and price, and you have control over who stays at your place.
You’ll earn money each time a guest books a stay – Airbnb handles the payment from the guest and then pays you via bank deposit or PayPal (minus their service fee), typically 24 hours after check-in.
Many people use Airbnb to generate significant side income; in fact, surveys have shown that Airbnb hosts earn an average of around $924 per month (with a median of ~$440, though it varies widely).
Of course, your earnings depend on your location, the space you have, and how often you rent it out.
Being a host does come with responsibilities like cleaning and communicating with guests, but it can be very rewarding.
Essentially, Airbnb lets you turn unused space into cash, so it’s like running your own mini-hotel business through an app.
25. Rover
Do you love pets? Rover is an app that connects pet owners with trusted pet sitters and dog walkers.
By signing up as a sitter on Rover, you can earn money by caring for cats and dogs in your neighborhood.
Common ways to make money on Rover include dog walking (getting paid to take someone’s dog for a walk), pet sitting at the owner’s house, boarding pets overnight at your house, or even dropping in to feed cats while the owner’s away.
You set your own rates and availability, and pet owners will reach out to book your services through the app.
Rover is free to join (they do a background check on sitters for safety).
Once you complete a job, Rover handles the payment, and you get paid via PayPal or bank transfer after a short processing period.
It’s a fun and fulfilling way to earn money if you enjoy animals, as you get your pet “fur fix” and make cash at the same time.
Many sitters use Rover as a side gig, and some make several hundred dollars a month, especially if they take in multiple dogs for boarding.
Just like other gig apps, your earnings on Rover are tied to the time and care you provide.
And remember, most gig workers (including pet sitters) average around $17/hour of work according to ZipRecruiter data, so it can be worthwhile.
Rover operates in many regions (primarily North America and parts of Europe), bringing the neighborhood pet sitting market online.
Tips for Using Money-Making Apps Safely
Using these apps can definitely put some extra cash in your pocket, but keep a few things in mind.
No single app will make you rich, and the income is generally supplemental, so treat it as a side hustle or a way to cover small expenses.
To maximize your earnings, you might want to try a mix of apps.
For example, you could do survey apps when relaxing at home, and gig apps like driving or mystery shopping when you’re out.
Many of these platforms also offer referral bonuses, so inviting a friend can earn you extra on the side.
Crucially, stay safe and smart: All the apps listed above are free to join.
If you ever come across an app or site that asks for an upfront fee or has lots of complaints, that’s a red flag.
Be sure to check reviews and credentials of any money-making app before signing up, because while most are legit, there are some scams out there.
Things like very poor reviews, no updates, or requiring a payment to join are warning signs to avoid.
Stick with well-reviewed apps (like the ones on this list) and trust your gut if something feels off.