In 2024, there are more opportunities than ever to earn some extra cash from your smartphone. With so many apps available that pay real money, you can make money on the go whenever it’s convenient for you. From taking surveys and playing games to mystery shopping and delivering food, the options are diverse.
Best Apps That Pay You Real Money
We’ve rounded up the 10 highest paying apps that will actually pay you cold hard cash. Check out this list to discover new ways to pad your wallet using just your phone.
1. Swagbucks
Founded way back in 2008, Swagbucks is a pioneer in the rewards app space. This incredibly popular app offers myriad ways to rack up points (called “SB”), including taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, browsing the web via its toolbar, and shopping online. You can even earn SB for offline activities like walking into select stores.
SB can then be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon and Walmart or used to get cash back via PayPal. According to Swagbucks, the average user earns $50-75 per month, while some hardcore users claim to make well over $100.
2. Survey Junkie
As you might have guessed by the name, Survey Junkie focuses exclusively on survey taking as its income generating activity. After creating a profile, you’ll be served a steady stream of surveys to complete in exchange for points that translate to actual cash.
Survey Junkie claims its top survey takers make over $1,000 per month, although $100-200 may be a more realistic estimate for the average user. Payments are sent to PayPal once reaching the $10 minimum threshold.
3. Rakuten
Formerly known as Ebates, the rebate app Rakuten pays you cash back for qualifying purchases made through its shopping portal from over 3,500 top retailers like Nike, Macy’s, Best Buy, and Groupon. You also earn cash just for clicking through the portal and can receive bonuses for referrals.
Payments are issued quarterly via check or PayPal, and savvy shoppers boast some significant extra income. It’s not uncommon to get $100-200+ per quarter, especially around the holiday season with increased shopping volume.
4. Fetch Rewards
If you frequently buy groceries and household products, Fetch Rewards is an easy way to earn gift cards just by scanning your receipts. It works with any store’s receipt and rewards you points for each participating brand you buy. Fetch also offers bonus opportunities to earn more.
You can redeem points for a wide array of gift cards once hitting various point thresholds. User estimates calculate around $50 per month is reasonable depending on your shopping habits. An added perk, Fetch Rewards donates meals to shelters for every receipt scanned.
5. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel
You’re probably familiar with Nielsen ratings that track television viewership. The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel works on a similar concept except it collects data on internet usage and mobile app activity.
After installing Nielsen’s metering software on your devices, you’ll earn rewards just for using the internet and apps normally. You’ll also receive survey opportunities periodically. According to Nielsen, active members make around $50 per year. Not bad for just living your digital life!
6. Uber
Driving for a ridesharing platform like Uber has long been a popular way for everyday people to earn significant extra money leveraging their own car. Even better, you can drive whenever time permits, giving you ultimate flexibility.
Income varies widely based on location, hours worked, and seasonal demand but can provide full-time earnings or be a lucrative side gig in busier cities. Some drivers reportedly clear over $25 per hour after expenses. With no skill requirements beyond a driver’s license and clean record, it’s an accessible option. Bonus tip, optimize your strategy to maximize profitability.
7. TaskRabbit
Have a knack for minor home repairs like furniture assembly? A flexible schedule and transportation? TaskRabbit connects you with locals needing help on small odd jobs listed in the app. Categories range from cleaning and organizing to delivery services to lawn care.
You get to name your hourly rate (starting typically around $30) and can earn a nice piecemeal income on your own schedule. The more tasks you complete and the higher your reviews, the more jobs you’ll qualify for to boost your earning potential.
8. Instacart
The pandemic caused grocery delivery services like Instacart to explode in popularity. As an Instacart shopper, you earn money for accepting batches (grocery orders) and delivering items to customers. Earnings vary based on factors like location, day, time, current demand, speed, etc.
Some shoppers report routinely making over $20+ per hour, especially when strategic in selecting profitable batches and providing excellent service. While it involves more effort than passive apps, the extra hustle pays off. You can expect to earn at least $100 per week as long as you put in the hours.
9. Rover
For the animal lovers out there, pet sitting via Rover allows you to get paid to play with dogs and cats. After passing Rover’s basic background checks, you create a profile showcasing your services, rates, availability, and experience caring for animals.
Once booked with clients needing someone to walk, feed, or watch their pets either at their home or yours, you simply follow the booking specifics to provide first-class care. Average pay is approximately $15-25 per 30-minute visit or $20-50 per overnight stay. Cha-ching!
10. Poshmark
With the rise of decluttering gurus like Marie Kondo, reselling unwanted clothing and accessories on apps like Poshmark has never been hotter. If fashion is your forte, use your eye for hot trends to source valuable inventory selling for bargain prices from yard sales, thrift shops, etc.
After photographing pieces and creating attractive listings, profit big by selling items in-demand for higher prices on Poshmark’s virtual marketplace. Top sellers easily clear well over $1,000+ per month working from home in their PJs!
Conclusion
With so many legit money making apps to choose from in 2024 spanning multiple categories, everyone from teens to retirees can cash in during their spare moments. Whether you want to earn a full-time income or just occasional pocket money, apps provide flexible money making opportunities.
So give a few of these high paying options a try! With smart strategies maximizing your effort and decent volume across multiple apps, hitting $500+ per month is quite achievable to supplement your budget. Just imagine what you can do with that extra cash!
FAQs
What app pays the most money?
Based on average user estimates, Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, Rakuten, and Poshmark tend to pay the most for the average person generally falling in the $50-100+ per month range or more. However, Uber and Instacart offer the highest earning potential for those able to put in more hours.
How do I get free PayPal money fast?
Some of the fastest ways to earn free PayPal money include taking surveys on Survey Junkie, playing games and watching videos on Swagbucks, getting cash back from online purchases via Rakuten, scanning grocery receipts on Fetch Rewards, and selling used clothes and accessories on Poshmark.
Is Swagbucks real money?
Yes, Swagbucks does pay out real money rather than just site credit or coupons. You can cash out your SB for PayPal funds, physical or egift cards, and more once hitting the minimum threshold. Numerous users have confirmed receiving real payments.
How much does Rover pay per night?
Average Rover earnings per overnight pet sitting booking ranges from $20-50+ depending on factors like location, specific services required, your rates, number of pets, etc. Additional services like walks during the day or boarding extra days boosts your payout per client.
Can I make $100 a day on Instacart?
Yes, dedicated Instacart shoppers in busier markets claim it’s possible to consistently earn over $100 per day if you’re strategic about when, where, and which batches you choose. Maximizing hours during peak demand and providing excellent service leading to bigger tips are key to high daily Instacart earnings.
- Claude 3 Context Windows Pricing (guide) 2024 - March 5, 2024
- How AI Enhances Customer Service in 2024 - March 1, 2024
- What is a Counterfactual Explanation in the Context of AI? - March 1, 2024