Want to make extra cash right from your phone? Many apps actually pay real money for simple tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, or even just walking!

In this guide, we’ll cover the best legit apps that pay you cash, along with how much you can earn and tips to maximize profits.


💡 Best Money-Making Apps Summary

AppHow It PaysEarning PotentialPayout Method
SwagbucksSurveys, shopping cashback50200/monthPayPal, gift cards
RakutenShopping cashback10500+/monthPayPal, check
FoapSelling photos5100+/photoPayPal
AcornsMicro-investing spare change550+/monthBank transfer
IbottaGrocery cashback20100+/monthPayPal, Venmo
UpworkFreelance gigs5100+/hourPayPal, Payoneer
FiverrSelling small services5500+/gigPayPal, bank
StepBetGet paid to walk/run550+/challengePayPal
ProlificAcademic surveys520/hourPayPal, Circle
ShopkickScan products in stores1050/monthGift cards

1. Swagbucks (Surveys, Cashback, Videos)

💰 Earnings: 50200/month
📱 Best For: Easy side cash

  • Earn by:

    • Taking surveys

    • Watching videos

    • Shopping online

  • Payout: PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Visa)

  • Tip: Complete the daily poll for quick points.

[👉 Join Swagbucks Here]


2. Rakuten (Cashback Shopping)

💰 Earnings: 10500+/month
🛒 Best For: Online shoppers

  • Get 1%–40% cashback at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Nike.

  • Payout: PayPal or check (quarterly).

  • Tip: Use the browser extension for automatic cashback.

[👉 Sign Up for Rakuten Here]


3. Foap (Sell Your Photos)

💰 Earnings: 5100+/photo
📸 Best For: Photography lovers

  • Upload smartphone photos & sell to brands.

  • Payout: PayPal (minimum $10).

  • Tip: Shoot high-quality lifestyle images (food, travel, people).

[👉 Download Foap Here]


4. Acorns (Invest Spare Change)

💰 Earnings: 550+/month
📈 Best For: Passive investing

  • Rounds up purchases & invests the change.

  • Payout: Bank transfer (withdraw anytime).

  • Tip: Use "Found Money" partners for bonus investments.

[👉 Start with Acorns Here]


5. Ibotta (Grocery Cashback)

💰 Earnings: 20100+/month
🛍️ Best For: Saving on groceries

  • Scan receipts from Walmart, Target, etc.

  • Payout: PayPal, Venmo (min $20).

  • Tip: Stack with coupons for max savings.

[👉 Get Ibotta Here]


6. Upwork (Freelance Gigs)

💰 Earnings: 5100+/hour
💻 Best For: Skilled students

  • Offer services like writing, design, or coding.

  • Payout: PayPal, Payoneer (weekly).

  • Tip: Start with small gigs to build reviews.

[👉 Join Upwork Here]


7. Fiverr (Sell Mini Services)

💰 Earnings: 5500+/gig
🎨 Best For: Creative skills

  • Sell services like logo design, voiceovers, or social media help.

  • Payout: PayPal, bank transfer (after 14 days).

  • Tip: Offer quick-turnaround gigs for more sales.

[👉 Start on Fiverr Here]


8. StepBet (Get Paid to Walk/Run)

💰 Earnings: 550+/challenge
🏃 Best For: Fitness lovers

  • Bet on yourself to hit step goals & win cash.

  • Payout: PayPal (after completing challenges).

  • Tip: Join low-stakes games first.

[👉 Try StepBet Here]


9. Prolific (High-Paying Surveys)

💰 Earnings: 520/hour
📊 Best For: Serious survey takers

  • Academic studies pay better than most apps.

  • Payout: PayPal, Circle (min £5).

  • Tip: Check daily for new studies.

[👉 Sign Up for Prolific Here]


10. Shopkick (Scan Products for Points)

💰 Earnings: 1050/month
🛒 Best For: In-store shoppers

  • Earn kicks (points) for scanning barcodes in stores.

  • Payout: Gift cards (Target, Amazon).

  • Tip: Visit Walmart/Target for most scan opportunities.

[👉 Download Shopkick Here]


💰 Bonus: 3 More Money-Making Apps

  1. Fetch Rewards – Scan receipts for gift cards.

  2. Mistplay – Earn PayPal cash for playing games.

  3. UserTesting – 1030 for testing websites.


🚀 How to Maximize Earnings

✔ Combine apps (e.g., Rakuten + Ibotta for shopping).
✔ Set daily goals (e.g., 3 surveys/day on Swagbucks).
✔ Cash out frequently (avoid holding balances).


❌ Avoid Scam Apps!

⚠️ Red Flags:

  • "Pay to join" schemes.

  • Unrealistic earnings claims ($1000/day).

  • No PayPal/bank payout options.

Stick to trusted apps in this guide!


💬 Which App Will You Try First?

Comment below!

Want more? Check out: