Best Money-Making Apps of June 2024 (2024)

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Best Money-Making Apps

We reviewed dozens of the most popular money-making apps to determine our list. We recommend:

Swagbucks

Swagbucks offers a variety of ways to earn a little bit of cash. You can take online surveys, play games, watch videos or shop online at over 7,000 retailers to earn rewards.

Best for Consistent Surveys

The company estimates users can earn an extra $50 to $250 per month from taking surveys. Based on our first-hand experience using this app, it doesn’t require too much concentration to earn Swagbucks, so it’s easy to use the app regularly.

How Payment Works

Each task pays differently, but you can earn about $0.50 to $1.50 for short-form surveys, which typically only take you a few minutes to complete and ask you to give your feedback on an advertising campaign or report on brands you are aware of.

You can also earn $0.06 for every $1 spent with participating retailers. You typically use coupons or direct deals through the Swagbucks app to earn the cash back from retailers like Amazon or Home Depot.

Swagbucks are worth about $0.01 each, so 100 SB equates to $1. Once you have at least $1 worth of SB, you can cash out for an Amazon gift card. You must have at least $5 to transfer the money to PayPal.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app has 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.4 out of 5 stars on the Apple App Store.

Ibotta

Ibotta is a cashback app that allows you to earn money while shopping. What sets the app apart from similar companies is the multiple ways to earn cash. You can submit a receipt for in-store shopping, install the browser extension or link your customer loyalty account at certain retailers.

Best for Rewarding In-Person Shopping

Cashback apps are a way to earn money for buying items you were already planning on purchasing. But it can be challenging to earn rewards if you’re an in-person shopper. Ibotta fixes that by allowing users to upload receipts up to seven days after completing an in-store purchase. Rewards appear within 24 hours.

How Payment Works

Any cash you earn with Ibotta depends on the retailer, the items you buy and what special offers are open. Once you reach $20 in earnings, you can withdraw to PayPal or your bank account with direct deposit. You can also use your earnings to buy gift cards, but you usually must have at least $25 in your Ibotta account. According to the company, the average user earns $256 cash back every year.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

Survey Junkie

With Survey Junkie, you can make money in two ways: taking surveys or sharing data. While taking surveys requires active participation and effort, data sharing is a passive earning process. That’s because to earn money, you don’t need to do anything else once you allow the company to access your browsing history.

Best for Passive Income

Once you agree to partake in Survey Junkie’s Surf to Earn data-sharing program, you automatically earn cash-converting points every month — up to 1,350 points per year. That nets you a total of $13.50. However, being part of this program gives you access to exclusive surveys, helping you potentially earn even more. Being able to take surveys and share your data to earn cash sets the company apart from other apps since most only allow one or the other.

How Payment Works

You must have at least 500 points ($5) to cash out. You can redeem points for cash through PayPal or Dwolla or buy gift cards. The company states you will not get rich from Survey Junkie, but it’s possible to earn extra spending money each month.

Review and Ratings

The Survey Junkie mobile app earns 4.3 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.5 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

Rakuten

Rakuten is a cashback app that allows you to earn rewards for completing everyday purchases. The company partners with over 3,500 major retailers, restaurants and grocery stores including Target, Walmart, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Nike and Sam’s Club.

Best for Straightforward Cashback

Rakuten works by selecting the store you want to shop at and then by completing the purchase within the app. Each purchase you make earns you a percentage of price as a cashback reward, typically between 2% and 10% depending on the retailer – though some offer temporary deals that push the rate higher.

You also have the option to link a credit card or debit card for in-store purchases. Just make sure to activate offers within the app before you checkout.

The amount of cash you earn depends on the retailer and the amount you spend. Rakuten says the average user earned about $90 in 2023.

How Payment Works

You must have at least $5.01 in your account to cash out. Rakuten completes payments on a specific date every three months, and can be automatically received via check or PayPal. Upcoming payment dates include May 15, Aug. 15 and Nov. 15. On average, users earned $90.16 cash back last year.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app has some negative reviews on Google Play with a total score of 3.7 out of 5 stars. On the App Store, however, it received 4.8 out of 5 stars. The Android app has more than 71,000 reviews, while the iOS app has more than 359,000.

Upside

Upside is a map-based app that shows you retailers – usually grocery stores, restaurants and gas stations – near you that are offering discounts or deals. When you buy from these stores, you earn a percentage of the purchase as cash back. Plus, Upside provides a calculator where you can input your projected spending to view potential award amounts.

Best for Gas Station Rewards

Gas stations that partner with Upside offer various amounts of cash back per gallon depending on whatever deal is available at a given time or day. Here you can save money on a regular expense, especially if your preferred gas station is a participating company on the app. Upside’s map feature also helps save when you’re traveling and need last-minute fuel in an unfamiliar place.

How Payment Works

You can cash out with any balance amount, but if it’s less than $15, you might have to pay a $1 fee. You can receive your rewards through PayPal, directly to your bank account or as a gift card to retailers such as Amazon and Walmart.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app receives 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.8 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys partners with market research firms that work with Fortune 500 companies, so the primary focus is consumer opinions on topics such as brand awareness, consumer insight, product market research and partner surveys — which are essentially ads.

Best for New Users

Branded Surveys doesn’t overcomplicate the process of earning points. Every survey offer you receive tells you exactly how many points you’ll earn and how long it’s expected to take – making it easier to calculate how much money you can earn in a specific time frame. You don’t have to play games, watch videos or shop at specific stores.

How Payment Works

You must have at least 500 points to cash out. Each point is worth $0.01, so 500 points is equal to $5. You can receive your money through PayPal, as a gift card, or send it directly to your bank account. Branded Surveys also offers the option to donate your earnings to charity.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app earns 4.2 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.5 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

HeyPiggy

HeyPiggy is a survey site where users earn points for sharing their opinions. Like other survey sites, the payment structure is transparent and the payout is relatively quick. Some surveys pay around $1, while others can earn up to $10. What separates HeyPiggy is that teenagers can use the mobile app with parental consent.

Best for Teenagers

Users 14 years old and older can sign up with parental consent to earn cash with HeyPiggy. However, the app does not actually verify that the teen has a parent’s approval.

How Payment Works

Users can cash out with an Amazon gift card after earning as little as $1. Once your balance hits $5, you can use PayPal to access your cash. When you have $10, you can move your balance over to a Visa gift card.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app doesn’t score as high as some of the others on this list with 3.1 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 3.6 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

In a statement, HeyPiggy said that the poor ratings reflected earlier versions of the app that didn’t work well. “We acknowledge that we’ve faced some technical issues in the previous version of the app resulting in negative reviews,” the statement said. “However, we’ve been actively working to address any and improve user experience.”

The company also said that a soon-to-be-released update to the app should address any lingering concerns.

Capital One Shopping

Capital One Shopping is a browser extension that automatically checks for discounts, coupons and cashback offers from major retailers as you shop.

Best Browser Extension

Capital One Shopping’s price comparison feature compares the costs of various products — including shipping and membership costs — and directly links to cheaper options wherever they’re availables. The extension searches for deals in the background while you shop.

How Payment Works

You earn rewards through cashback promotions when you shop. The minimum balance to cash out is $0.01, which is much lower than most comparable sites. Shoppers can also redeem rewards for gift cards at major retailers.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app earns 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.9 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

Acorns

Acorns is an investing and savings app that also lets you earn money. However, unlike how most of the shopping and survey apps previously listed in this ranking eran rewards or cash back, this app works by adding bonus investments to your portfolio.

Best for Investments

Since there is a relatively long holding period involved, Acorns is not the best choice if you want quick access to cash. That said, it may be an option to grow your investments while you shop. That’s because when you shop through the app, you automatically earn money for your Acorns investment account. You can also use the browser extension if you prefer shopping on a computer.

How Payment Works

Acorns invests rewards in your account within 60 to 120 days, but you can view the rewards on your dashboard a few days after making a purchase. How much you earn depends on current promotions, your spending and where you shop.

Review and Ratings

The mobile app earns 4.7 out of 5 stars on Google Play and 4.7 out of 5 stars on the App Store.

>> Related: Learn about the best money saving apps

Pros and Cons Of Money-Making Apps

While earning extra money through apps like these can be lucrative, there is plenty to contemplate before signing on. Here’s what to consider as you embark on earning rewards.

Pros

Not much effort: You can typically complete surveys or other tasks within a few minutes. On cashback apps, you earn money while buying items you would have likely purchased anyway.

Straightforward payments: Once you have a previously specified account balance, you can cash out with a gift card or another preferred method.

No commitment: Money-making apps allow you to set your schedule, often making them a low-pressure way to earn.

Cons

Low earnings: You likely won’t get rich from these apps, and earnings can’t replace a full-time job. Gig economy apps such as Uber Eats, Rover, Instacart, Doordash or Upwork might provide better earning potential.

Minimum withdrawal amounts: Most apps require users to have a minimum account balance to withdraw funds.

Potential privacy concerns: Money-making apps usually require users to share data, including browsing history and location.

Strategies for Maximizing Earnings

Here are steps you can take to maximize those earnings.

  • Check the app regularly: Survey apps usually offer new surveys every day. If you’re serious about earning money, check the app at least once per day for new money-making offers. For cash back while shopping, check the app before checkout.
  • Keep your profile updated: Make sure your profile is up-to-date for surveys. Companies are often looking for users with specific characteristics, and you might not qualify for every survey offered. The more detail you provide in your profile, the better your chances of more earning opportunities.
  • Be strategic: Take advantage of an app’s welcome bonus or sign-up bonus to boost your rewards. For cashback apps, remember to check the app before making a purchase.

>> Related: Learn how to save money fast

The Bottom Line: Money-Making Apps

Money-making apps can be a legitimate way to earn extra money. Survey apps allow you to share your opinion and earn rewards, which you can eventually redeem for gift cards or cash. Cashback apps provide rewards for shopping. Both options allow you to boost your bank account as long as you’re strategic about your time. Start with an app that fits your current lifestyle and habits to maximize your earnings.

>> Related: Learn more about the best cash advance apps

FAQ: Apps You Can Make Money On

The best app to earn money depends on your scrolling and shopping habits. If you regularly scroll on your phone, survey apps such as Survey Junkie or Ibotta might be a great fit. Cashback sites including Rakuten and Upside are solid options for mindful shoppers.

Most money-making apps pay you real money; a few apps only provide gift cards. Swagbucks, Upside and Survey Junkie allow you to cash out to your PayPal account. If you prefer a check mailed to your home, Rakuten is the best pick.

Legitimate apps provide transparent explanations about rewards. You can typically expect to earn a few dollars for completing tasks or earning cash back. Scam sites usually advertise much bigger earnings, which is a red flag.

Methodology

Our team researched a comprehensive list of money-making apps, including survey sites, browser extensions and cashback rewards. We considered app usability, access to money-making opportunities, reward values and minimum thresholds for payment. We also considered how easy it is for new users to get started. The top picks offer strong customer reviews, as well as the ability for users to redeem rewards in various ways.

  • Savings and money market accounts (35% of total score): The best scores go to banks, loans and fintech companies with high interest rates and low or no fees or minimum opening deposits.
  • Checking accounts (30% of total score): High marks are given to those with multiple accounts and minimal fees, plus benefits such as reward programs and mobile check deposit.
  • Certificates of deposit (20% of total score): Top-rated financial institutions have low or no minimum opening deposits, as well as a variety of term options and specialty CDs for flexibility.
  • Banking experience and access (15% of total score): Providers that excel in this category have large branch and ATM networks and multiple checking and savings accounts, and they earn more points for offering CDs and money market accounts.

*Data accurate at time of publication

Editor’s Note: Before making significant financial decisions, consider reviewing your options with someoneyou trust, such as a financial adviser, credit counselor or financial professional, since every person’s situation and needs are different.

If you have feedback or questions about this article, please email the MarketWatch Guides team ateditors@marketwatchguides.com.

Best Money-Making Apps of June 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the highest paying money making app? ›

The top money-making apps include Swagbucks, Ibotta, Upside, Acorns and Capital One Shopping. Money-making apps are a popular way to earn extra spending money because the tasks require minimal effort and the payout is quick.

Which app is best for earning real money? ›

Best Money Earning Apps
Money Earning AppTypeDescription
MPLGamingPlay various games to earn money
ZupeeQuizAnswer quizzes to earn money
GetMetaTask-basedEarn rewards for completing tasks
Paytm GamesGamingPlay games to earn money and rewards through Paytm
26 more rows

Which app actually pays real money? ›

Scrambly. Scrambly is a free-to-download rewards platform that lets you earn real money by playing games, completing surveys, and trying new apps. The platform is accessible via web browser on desktop and mobile devices, as well as through an Android app on Google Play.

Which app generates more money? ›

Netflix is the most profitable app. It generates billions of dollars in-app revenue every quarter through subscriptions. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of Netflix users has surged.

What app pays you every day? ›

InboxDollars. Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars rewards users for completing various online activities, such as taking surveys, reading emails, and playing games. Payments are issued daily for tasks completed.

What is the easiest app to make money on? ›

These are our top picks for the best money-making apps:
  • Best for getting cash-back on purchases online: Rakuten.
  • Best for getting cash-your back on purchases in the store: Ibotta.
  • Best for making money through surveys: Survey Junkie.
  • Best for earning cash through a variety of ways: Swagbucks.
Jul 29, 2024

How to earn $500 per day from mobile? ›

Online Surveys

By signing up on platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or Toluna, you can start earning Rs 500 per day. The process is simple: you complete surveys tailored to your demographic, and each survey can pay anywhere from Rs 50 to Rs 200.

Which app has highest income? ›

According to AndroidPIT, these apps have the highest sales revenue across the globe between iOS and Android platforms combined.
  • Spotify.
  • Line.
  • Netflix.
  • Tinder.
  • HBO NOW.
  • Pandora Radio.
  • iQIYI.
  • LINE Manga.

Which app is best for earning money without investment? ›

BankSathi is the top recommendation for students looking to earn money without investment. It offers a platform to earn through referrals of financial products, with a simple setup and no need for certifications.

What site pays you instantly? ›

Like Swagbucks, another popular survey that pays cash instantly is InboxDollars. This website has so many ways to earn cash, including paid surveys, gaming offers, shopping offers, and by playing games. And, new members receive a $5 sign up bonus to make your first cash out that much faster.

What is the best free app to win real money? ›

Top 9 Best Game Apps That Pay Real Money
  • Solitaire Game: Solitaire Clash. ...
  • All In One Game: Pocket7Games. ...
  • Bingo Game: Bingo Tour. ...
  • Online Bingo: Bingo Clash. ...
  • Online Pool Game: 8 Ball Strike. ...
  • Play Pool Online: Cash Pool. ...
  • Underwater Bingo Adventure: Bingo Bliss. ...
  • Solitaire Journey: Solitaire Venture.
Jul 19, 2024

Which payment app is most profitable? ›

  1. PhonePe. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 5734.54. ...
  2. Google Pay. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 4442.86. ...
  3. Paytm Payments Bank App. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 1569.63. ...
  4. Cred. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 108.86. ...
  5. Axis Bank Apps. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 80.17. ...
  6. Amazon Pay. Transaction Volume (in Mn): 59.48. ...
  7. ICICI Bank Apps. ...
  8. FAM.
Feb 21, 2024

What app sends money the fastest? ›

Best for Domestic Transfers With Friends and Family Venmo

It's our top pick for sending money to friends and family in the U.S. thanks to its instant transfers and 0% fees when sending from a bank account, debit card, or Venmo wallet.

What is the highest selling app? ›

Top Grossing Apps Key Statistics
  • TikTok was the top grossing app of 2023, generating $2.7 billion revenue.
  • Google One was the top grossing app in the United States in 2023 with $510 million revenue.
  • Honor of Kings was the top grossing game of 2023, generating $1.47.
Feb 1, 2024

Can you become a millionaire by making an app? ›

Yes, you can become a millionaire by making a free app provided that you have developed a really useful app and you have a kickass business mindset.

Does the make money app really pay? ›

Some of these apps may be legitimate and offer ways to earn money through activities such as completing surveys or watching ads, while others may be fake or scams designed to take your personal information or money.

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