Jason WyattWe spend hours on our phones every week. Apple’s screen time reports remind us of that. Why not turn those hours into income?
There are dozens of money-making apps for Apple and Android users. You can earn by taking surveys, playing games, watching videos, investing, and shopping.
I tested many apps, eliminated the weak ones, and compiled a list of the best-rated money-making apps.
The Ultimate Guide to 8 Money-Making Apps
Looking for ways to earn extra income? These apps provide different earning opportunities. Whether you want to take surveys, sell photos, or invest spare change, there’s an option for you.
Comparison Table
| App | How It Works | Earnings Potential | Payment Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| InboxDollars | Complete surveys, watch videos, play games, browse the web | $10–$50/month | PayPal, check | Android (4.1), iOS (4.5) |
| Tada | Scan receipts for grocery cashback | $5–$20/trip | PayPal, gift cards | N/A |
| Nielsen Consumer Panel | Scan grocery barcodes for points | $50–$100/year | Gift cards, prizes | Android (4.4), iOS (4.3) |
| Acorns | Invest spare change from purchases | $100–$500/year | Withdraw anytime | Android (4.5), iOS (4.7) |
| Rakuten | Earn cashback while shopping | $100–$500/year | PayPal, check | Android (4.2), iOS (4.3) |
| Swagbucks | Complete surveys, watch videos, shop online | $25–$100/month | PayPal, gift cards | Android (4.1), iOS (4.4) |
| Shutterstock | Sell smartphone photos | $100–$500/month | PayPal | Android (4.5), iOS (4.4) |
| Rover | Offer pet services like walking and boarding | $15–$25/walk, $1,000+/month | Direct deposit | Android (3.9), iOS (4.9) |
1. InboxDollars
Earn by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web.
How It Works
Companies pay InboxDollars for consumer insights. You get a share of the revenue by participating in these activities. The more you engage, the more you earn.
Best Strategies
- Focus on surveys that pay at least $1.
- Use the daily scratch-and-win feature for bonus earnings.
- Watch videos while doing other tasks to maximize time.
- Cash out when you reach the $30 minimum to avoid inactivity fees.
- Refer friends for additional bonuses.
2. Tada
Earn cash back on groceries by using coupons and scanning receipts.
How It Works
Tada partners with retailers to offer cashback deals. Add offers, shop, and upload your receipt to get money back.
Best Strategies
- Plan purchases based on available offers.
- Stack cashback with in-store sales for bigger savings.
- Refer friends for bonus rewards.
- Use Tada alongside other cashback apps for maximum returns.
3. Nielsen Consumer Panel
Get rewarded for scanning grocery purchase barcodes.
How It Works
Nielsen collects shopping data through barcode scans. You earn points for regularly submitting your purchases.
Best Strategies
- Scan every grocery trip to maximize points.
- Take surveys for extra earnings.
- Stay active to qualify for exclusive rewards.
- Redeem points strategically to get the best-value rewards.
4. Acorns
Invest spare change from purchases with as little as $5.
How It Works
Acorns rounds up your transactions and invests the difference in a diversified portfolio.
Best Strategies
- Use the round-up multiplier to invest more.
- Take advantage of the referral program.
- Automate recurring deposits for consistent growth.
- Link a rewards program to increase investment contributions.
- Monitor performance through the Acorns app.
5. Rakuten
Earn cash back when shopping online at over 2,500 retailers.
How It Works
Rakuten gives a percentage of your purchase back as cash. Link your account, shop through the app, and earn money.
Best Strategies
- Install the Rakuten browser extension to get notified of deals.
- Use Rakuten on major shopping events like Black Friday.
- Refer friends for additional bonuses.
- Stack cashback with credit card rewards for higher savings.
- Check Rakuten’s double cashback promotions.
6. Swagbucks
Earn by taking surveys, shopping, clipping coupons, and watching videos.
How It Works
Swagbucks rewards users for completing simple online tasks. Points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Best Strategies
- Focus on high-paying surveys.
- Use Swagbucks search engine daily.
- Take advantage of bonus streaks and promotions.
- Complete daily goal bonuses for extra rewards.
- Use Swagbucks Live trivia game for additional points.
7. Shutterstock
Sell smartphone photos and earn royalties.
How It Works
Upload your photos to Shutterstock. When someone buys a license, you get a percentage of the sale.
Best Strategies
- Upload consistently to increase visibility.
- Use trending tags to boost discoverability.
- Sell in multiple stock photo platforms for more exposure.
- Focus on high-demand photo categories like business, travel, and nature.
- Optimize image descriptions with relevant keywords.
8. Rover
Offer pet services like dog walking and boarding.
How It Works
Set your own schedule and rates to provide pet care services in your area.
Best Strategies
- Offer overnight boarding for higher earnings.
- Build positive reviews to attract more clients.
- Use high-quality photos to showcase your services.
- Set competitive rates to get initial bookings and build credibility.
- Use social media to promote your services.
Conclusion
These apps provide different ways to earn extra income. Whether you want to invest, complete surveys, or sell digital content, there is an option that fits your needs. Start using these apps today and take control of your financial future.
