In today’s hyper-connected world, the smartphone has evolved from a mere communication device into a multifaceted tool capable of generating income. The proliferation of mobile applications has opened up new avenues for individuals to earn money, offering a diverse range of opportunities from completing simple tasks to investing spare change. With nearly ubiquitous smartphone ownership, apps that offer financial rewards have become a significant component of the gig economy, providing flexible earning potential for millions. This comprehensive overview explores 55 such applications, detailing their functionalities, earning potentials, and user feedback, offering a structured guide for those looking to monetize their mobile device.
Task-Based and Mystery Shopping Applications
A significant category of money-making apps revolves around completing discreet tasks in physical locations, often mirroring the role of a mystery shopper. These applications leverage user location and mobile capabilities to facilitate data collection and service verification for businesses.
Field Agent empowers users to earn by undertaking short, in-store tasks such as photographing product displays, verifying prices, and conducting mystery shopping assignments. Payments for these jobs typically range from $3 to $12. While the app offers direct deposit for payouts with no minimum cash-out requirement, users should anticipate a processing time of 5-10 days. Field Agent operates in the US, Canada, Mexico, the UK, Australia, South Africa, and Ecuador. User reviews indicate a general satisfaction with the ease and flexibility of tasks, though some users note a scarcity of opportunities outside major urban centers and a slower payout process compared to similar platforms.
Mobee offers mystery shopping missions at major retail chains like Target, CVS, and Best Buy. Participants earn points for completing assignments involving taking photos, answering questions, and detailing their experiences. Each mission yields points, with 100 points equating to $1, and a minimum of $5 is required for redemption. Rewards are distributed as gift cards to popular retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks, with no direct cash or PayPal option. Mobee is available in the US and Canada. Feedback suggests users appreciate the integration of missions into routine errands, but some have reported rejections for minor inaccuracies and a lower per-task payout compared to competing apps.
TaskRabbit operates on a different model, enabling individuals to offer local services ranging from furniture assembly and moving assistance to home repairs and cleaning. Taskers have the autonomy to set their own rates, retaining 100% of their earnings plus tips. The average hourly earnings for Taskers fall between $20 and $60, influenced by skill set and geographic location. A background check and a one-time registration fee, typically $25 in most cities, are prerequisites. Payments are processed via direct deposit. TaskRabbit is accessible in the US, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, and Spain. Recent user sentiment highlights the flexibility and earning potential, but also notes an increasing competitive landscape for securing consistent bookings.
Gigwalk compensates users for completing quick local tasks, including checking store displays, photographing products, and conducting website tests. Gig payments vary from $3 to $100, with the majority of tasks falling within the $12 to $15 range. Monthly earnings for active users typically range from $25 to $100, depending on the proximity of available gigs. Payments are made via PayPal, usually within 24-48 hours of approval. Gigwalk is available in the US, Canada, and the UK. User reviews commend its ease of use and flexibility, but many point to inconsistent gig availability, particularly for those residing outside metropolitan areas.
Observa requires users to visit stores to answer questions and photograph product displays, occasionally involving interactions with store employees. Each job pays between $4 and $15 and typically takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Observa processes payments via PayPal within 72 hours of approval, with no minimum balance needed to cash out. The app is available in the US and Canada. Positive feedback often centers on the prompt PayPal payments and clear instructions. However, some users report issues with unexplained rejections and inconsistent gig availability based on their location.
Survey Merchandiser focuses on retail-specific tasks such as product audits, shelf stocking, display building, and product demonstrations. Payments for these assignments range from $7 to $25, with larger projects offering higher compensation. Payouts are processed via direct deposit or a prepaid debit card through Openforce, approximately 6-8 days after submission. This service is exclusively available in the US. Users appreciate the flexibility and variety of tasks, but many have raised concerns regarding slow payment processing and disputes over unfulfilled bonuses.
Cashback and Receipt-Scanning Applications
A substantial segment of reward-generating apps focuses on providing users with cashback on their purchases or points for scanning shopping receipts. These platforms offer a tangible way to reduce household expenses and earn rewards on everyday shopping.
Fetch allows users to accumulate points by scanning shopping receipts, purchasing from over 600 partner brands, and engaging with in-app games. Every 1,000 points is equivalent to $1, redeemable for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon and Target. The minimum redemption threshold is $5. Active users can expect to earn between $10 and $30 per month. Fetch is available in the US. While users generally praise its simplicity, some have reported instances of points being inexplicably removed. The author notes personal satisfaction with Fetch’s functionality.
Upside provides cashback on purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants. Users claim offers within the app, pay with a debit or credit card, and upload their receipts to receive rewards. Payout options include direct bank transfer, PayPal, or gift cards, with no minimum for bank transfers. Frequent users can anticipate earning approximately $270-$290 annually, with gas purchases yielding the most significant savings. Upside is operational in the US. User reviews describe it as effortless passive savings, although offer availability can be inconsistent outside of major cities, and receipt uploads are occasionally rejected.
Ibotta requires users to select cashback offers before shopping at partner stores, which include Walmart, Target, Kohl’s, and over 3,000 others. After making the qualifying purchases and submitting a receipt, users earn cashback. The minimum payout threshold is $20, which can be redeemed via direct deposit or gift cards. The average user earns around $261 per year. Ibotta is available in the US. Users commend the extensive retailer network and real cash payouts, but the $20 minimum and the requirement to pre-select offers can be a hurdle for new users.
Checkout 51 presents weekly cashback offers on groceries, everyday items, and gas. Users purchase the advertised items from any store and upload their receipt for rewards. New offers are released every Thursday and expire the following Wednesday. Payouts are made via mailed check once the user reaches a $20 balance. Checkout 51 operates in both the US and Canada. Its flexibility in allowing shopping at any store is appreciated, but the $20 minimum and check-only payout method are viewed as somewhat outdated compared to more modern applications.
ReceiptPal rewards users with points for scanning receipts from any store, or by connecting their email and Amazon accounts for automatic credit. These points can be redeemed for gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, and Starbucks, among others. Completing four receipts earns a point card, and each scanned receipt also enters the user into weekly cash sweepstakes. The minimum redemption for gift cards is $5. Realistic annual earnings are estimated between $10 and $25. ReceiptPal is exclusive to the US. Users value its broad acceptance of receipts from all retailers, but the weekly earning cap can lead to slow point accumulation.
Receipt Hog incentivizes users to scan receipts from virtually any store, earning coins that can be redeemed for PayPal cash or Amazon gift cards. The app also includes bonus spins on an in-app slot machine and entries into monthly sweepstakes. Cash-out is available starting at $5 (1,000 coins). Consistent users typically earn around $25 per year. Receipt Hog is available in the US and the UK. While users enjoy the gamified experience, many find the coin-per-dollar rate to be lower than that offered by Fetch or Ibotta.
Rakuten operates by encouraging users to activate cashback offers through its app or browser extension before shopping at over 3,500 partner stores. Cashback is disbursed quarterly via PayPal, check, or gift cards. The service is free to use and can be combined with credit card rewards. Recent user feedback indicates some purchases, particularly larger ones, have been marked ineligible after the fact with minimal explanation, suggesting users should view cashback as a bonus rather than a guaranteed earning.
Further differentiating from standard cashback apps, Shopkick awards "kicks" for actions like entering partner stores, scanning product barcodes without purchasing, watching videos, and submitting receipts. These kicks are redeemable for gift cards from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and Starbucks, with gift cards starting at 500 kicks (equivalent to $1). Shopkick is available in the US. Users appreciate earning rewards without spending money, but the low per-kick value and slow accumulation rate outside of retail-dense areas are noted drawbacks.
TopCashback allows users to earn cashback by shopping through its app or browser extension at over 7,000 retailers. The site passes on 100% of its commission to users, with payouts available via bank transfer, PayPal, or gift cards, and no minimum requirement. Members report average annual earnings of $450. TopCashback is available in the US and Canada. Users praise its high cashback rates and extensive retailer network, but cashback can take weeks to become payable due to retailer return windows.
NCP Online (National Consumer Panel), backed by NielsenIQ and Circana, is a US-only panel that rewards users for scanning the barcodes of their weekly purchases via their app. Additional points are awarded for occasional surveys, and users receive automatic entries into monthly and quarterly sweepstakes. Rewards include gift cards to Amazon, Uber, Spotify, or a Vanilla Visa card, starting at approximately $5. Membership is application-based and contingent on household demographics, meaning not all applicants are accepted. However, those who gain entry find it a low-effort method to earn from ongoing shopping habits.
Reward-Based Applications for General Tasks
Beyond shopping-specific rewards, a broad category of applications offers earnings through a variety of online activities, including surveys, gaming, and offer completion.
Swagbucks is a versatile platform where users earn points for taking surveys, shopping online at over 1,500 retailers, playing games, and conducting web searches. Points are redeemable for PayPal cash or gift cards to Amazon, Walmart, and other retailers. Active users can earn between $20 and $100 per month, with a $10 sign-up bonus available. Swagbucks is available in the US and several other countries. While the variety of earning methods is a draw, frequent survey disqualifications are a common complaint.
KashKick offers real cash rewards (not points) for completing surveys, playing games, and engaging with brand offers. PayPal deposits are available starting at $10. Casual users can expect to earn $10-$50 per month, with game offers potentially yielding $15-$150 per completed challenge. KashKick is US-only. Users praise its low cash-out threshold and rapid PayPal payouts, though survey disqualifications are frequent, and some game offers have tight deadlines.
PrizeRebel allows users to earn points by completing surveys, playing games, watching videos, and signing up for offers. Points are redeemable for PayPal, Venmo, crypto, or over 200 gift card options, starting at $2-$5. Surveys pay between $0.25 and $2, with active users potentially earning $50-$150 per month. PrizeRebel is available worldwide, though surveys are limited to the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Users appreciate the fast payouts and diverse survey partners, but disqualifications are common, and some offer walls have a reputation for not crediting completed tasks.
InboxDollars rewards users with real cash for taking surveys, playing games, online shopping, and scanning grocery receipts. Payouts are available via PayPal, gift cards, or a prepaid Visa, with a $15 minimum for the first cash-out (dropping to $10 thereafter). New members receive a $5 sign-up bonus for email verification. Most users earn $20-$50 per month with casual use. InboxDollars is US-only. Users like the dollar-based earning display, but frequent survey disqualifications and the initial $15 cash-out minimum are recurring criticisms.
FeaturePoints offers points for taking surveys, downloading apps, and playing games. These points are redeemable for PayPal cash, Bitcoin, or gift cards to Amazon, Starbucks, and Xbox, starting at $5 (3,000 points). Solo users typically earn $10-$20 per month, with the referral program offering 50% of referred earnings for life. FeaturePoints is available globally. Recent user reports indicate points often remain in a "pending" status for extended periods before crediting, and survey payouts can be very low.
Freecash allows users to earn coins by completing surveys, downloading apps, and playing games. These coins are redeemable via PayPal, Venmo, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. Since its launch in 2020, Freecash has paid out over $50 million to users, with a low $5 minimum for most payout methods. Some users have reported instances of completed game offers not being credited, prompting advice to document progress with screenshots.
Dedicated Survey Applications
For individuals who prefer to offer their opinions, a dedicated set of applications focuses solely on survey participation, providing a convenient mobile alternative to web-based panels.
PaidViewpoint offers cash for short surveys (typically 5-6 minutes) paying $0.10-$2+. A unique TraitScore system rewards consistent, honest answers with higher-paying opportunities. The initial cash-out threshold is $15, decreasing to $5 thereafter, with payouts available via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards. PaidViewpoint operates in 50 countries. Users consistently praise its no-disqualification policy and straightforward survey experience, though reaching the initial $15 threshold requires patience. The author personally favors this platform.
Branded Surveys allows users to earn points by answering surveys from major brands, redeemable via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards, starting at $5. A tiered loyalty program rewards consistent users with bonus points. The app is available on both iOS and Android. As with most survey platforms, users should anticipate being screened out of surveys that do not align with their profile.
AttaPoll is a mobile-only survey app that pays $0.10-$10 per survey, featuring a star rating system to indicate qualification odds. Cash-out options include PayPal, gift cards, or charity donations, starting at $3. Most users earn $20-$40 per month with regular engagement. AttaPoll is available in over 70 countries. Users frequently highlight the instant PayPal payouts as a significant advantage, though survey disqualifications, sometimes occurring late in the process, remain a common frustration.
1Q sends single-question surveys, termed "Askverts," directly to users’ phones, paying $0.25 per answer instantly to PayPal with no minimum threshold. Users can also earn $0.25 per referral and opt into location services for more questions. 1Q is available in the US, Canada, and the UK. While users appreciate the instant PayPal deposits and zero-threshold model, survey frequency is very low for most, resulting in minimal monthly earnings.
Survey Junkie boasts over 20 million members and has paid out $75 million to date. Surveys typically pay $0.50 to $3 and take 5 to 20 minutes. Cash-out is available at $5 via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards. Completing a detailed profile upfront is recommended to receive better-matched surveys and reduce disqualifications.
Surveys On The Go rewards users with real cash for participating in surveys triggered by location, browsing habits, and daily activity. Most surveys pay $1-$5, with occasional product testing opportunities offering $10-$50. Cash-out to PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards is available at $10. Surveys On The Go is US-only. Users like the location-based surveys and the small amount earned even for screen-outs, but survey frequency can be low for many, making the $10 minimum a slow target.
Google Opinion Rewards, Google’s proprietary survey app, delivers short opinion polls (under a minute) based on user location and recent Google activity, paying $0.10-$1 per survey. Android users receive Google Play credits, while iOS users get PayPal cash, with a $2 minimum for cash-out. Available in 39 countries, users praise the speed and simplicity of surveys but cite inconsistent frequency as a primary drawback.
QuickThoughts, backed by Dynata, one of the largest market research firms, offers $0.50-$3 per survey on its mobile-only app. Cash-out is at $10 for Amazon or Apple gift cards (no PayPal cash option), with instant delivery. Available worldwide, recent user reviews are mixed. While some praise survey volume and customer service, account freezes at cashout time are a recurring issue, and a 2024 update reportedly reduced payouts and survey quality.
Toluna Influencers awards points for surveys, quick polls, and daily games, redeemable for PayPal cash, Amazon gift cards, or other retailer gift cards, starting at approximately $10 (30,000 points). Users typically receive 5-15 surveys weekly, with realistic monthly earnings of $30-$50. Available in 70+ countries, users appreciate the earning variety and consolation points for screen-outs. However, account closures without explanation are a frequent complaint, prompting advice to cash out points frequently.
Ipsos iSay, from the global research firm Ipsos, pays $0.50 to $1.50 per survey via a points system (100 points = $1). It features a low $5 cashout threshold redeemable through PayPal or gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more. Available in 55+ countries, users praise its reliable payouts and low threshold, though survey availability is limited, and mid-survey disqualifications are common, albeit with consolation points awarded.
Crowdtap is a US-only survey app where short, brand-focused surveys earn points redeemable for gift cards to Amazon, Target, Walmart, and more, with a low $5 minimum and two-day delivery. No PayPal option is available. Users enjoy the quick surveys and easy threshold, but account suspensions at cashout time are a consistent complaint, suggesting frequent redemption.
Applications for Selling Personal Items
For individuals looking to declutter and monetize their belongings, several applications facilitate the selling of various items, from clothing to electronics.
Vinted is a reselling platform for clothing, shoes, and accessories where sellers incur no fees, retaining 100% of their sale price as buyers cover a small protection fee. Listing is free, shipping is managed with a prepaid label, and payment is deposited into the seller’s bank account upon buyer confirmation. Vinted operates in 22 countries, including the US. Sellers praise the no-fee model and easy listing process, but lowball offers are common, and customer support is largely AI-driven, leading to limited recourse in disputes.
Depop offers a social-style reselling experience for clothing, shoes, and accessories. As of July 2024, US sellers pay no commission fees. Sellers retain the full sale price, minus a small payment processing fee of 3.3% plus $0.45 per transaction. Payouts are directly to the seller’s bank account, typically within a few days after delivery. Sellers migrating from Poshmark often commend Depop’s fee structure and active buyer community, though account suspensions and buyer-favored dispute resolutions are recent concerns.
Poshmark is a social selling app for clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor, enabling users to list items quickly. Poshmark facilitates shipping via prepaid USPS labels, and sellers can cash out via direct deposit, PayPal, or Venmo after sales clear. The fee structure is $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for sales of $15 or more, which is higher than many competitors. Sellers appreciate the built-in audience and easy shipping, but warn that low-priced items may not be profitable after fees, and consistent listing promotion is necessary for visibility.
Mercari serves as a selling app for clothing, electronics, home goods, and collectibles. Listing is free, and sellers pay a 10% fee plus a 3.6% buyer protection fee per sale. Shipping is handled through discounted USPS, UPS, or FedEx labels, and cash-out is available via free direct deposit or instant transfer for a $3 fee. Mercari is US-only. Sellers appreciate the wide range of accepted items and simple listing process, but automated customer support and fraudulent return claims are consistent frustrations.
OfferUp is a local selling app with no fees for in-person sales, making it an economical option for offloading items like furniture, electronics, and clothing to nearby buyers. Shipped sales are available in most states for a 12.9% fee (minimum $1.99) with a prepaid label. OfferUp is US-only. While local sales are generally smooth, shipped sales encounter issues with automated customer support, no-show buyers, and unresolved payment and shipping disputes.
Fitness-Oriented Applications
For individuals committed to health and fitness, certain applications integrate financial incentives to encourage adherence to wellness goals.
DietBet is a weight-loss betting app where participants join games, place bets starting at $10, and split the pot with others who achieve their goals. The Kickstarter game requires losing 4% of body weight in 4 weeks, while the Transformer game targets 10% over 6 months. DietBet takes a 10-25% fee before distribution, with payouts via PayPal. Available on iOS and Android, users appreciate the financial motivation and community support, though winnings can be modest if many participants succeed.
StepBet is a fitness betting app where users bet (typically $40) on themselves to achieve personalized weekly step goals over six weeks. Winners split the pot, and if too many participants win, StepBet waives its cut, ensuring no loss for winners. The app connects with various fitness trackers, and winnings are cashed out to PayPal within 48 hours. Available on iOS and Android, syncing issues are common, and average winnings are around $5 per bet.
Evidation is a health research app that rewards users with points for activities like walking, sleeping, logging food, and completing surveys. Users connect their existing fitness trackers, and points are redeemed at a rate of $10 per 10,000 points via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards. Available on iOS and Android, passive tracking yields about $30 annually, with occasional research studies offering up to $200.
Photography-Based Earning Applications
For those with a passion for mobile photography, several platforms offer compensation for submitting and selling photos.
Foap is a photo marketplace where users can upload smartphone photos for brands and buyers to purchase at $10 each, earning $5 per sale via PayPal. Brand missions offer opportunities to submit photos for specific briefs, with prizes ranging from $100 to $500. Available on iOS and Android, sales can be slow due to high competition, and some users report significant payout delays after winning missions.
Shutterstock Contributor allows users to upload phone photos to one of the largest stock marketplaces globally, earning royalties each time an image is licensed. Beginners start at a 15% commission per download, increasing up to 40% with higher sales volumes. Photos require approval before going live, and a $35 minimum is needed for cash-out. Available on iOS and Android, this platform offers slow-build passive income rather than quick cash, leveraging a massive buyer pool.
Data-Sharing Applications for Passive Income
A unique category of apps offers passive income by sharing internet connection or device usage data with companies and researchers. While this method offers effortless earnings, it requires users to be comfortable with sharing personal data.
Honeygain is a passive earning app that pays users for sharing their unused internet bandwidth. Installation and background operation generate automatic earnings across multiple devices. Payouts are available via PayPal at $20 or in cryptocurrency sooner. Available on Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux, earnings are modest but truly effortless, with users realistically earning around $20 every few months.
Reklaim is a data privacy app that informs users about companies holding their personal information and pays for sharing it on their terms. Users earn points passively by sharing device data, browsing habits, and shopping activity, with entries into weekly $1,000 and monthly $5,000 jackpot draws. Cash-out is available via gift cards, crypto, or prepaid cards at $10. Available on iOS and Android, passive earnings are low ($1-$4 per month), making the jackpot draws the primary draw.
Nielsen Mobile Panel, from Nielsen, is a passive earning app that tracks internet and app usage to help brands improve products. Users earn weekly points simply for having the app installed, redeemable for gift cards. Available on iOS and Android, earnings are slow, and some users report interference with mobile browsing, but it is a hands-off method once set up.
Pogo rewards users for transaction data generated by linking debit or credit cards through the Plaid system. The app automatically awards points for every purchase made anywhere. No receipt scanning or offer activation is required. Cash-out is available at $3 via PayPal or Venmo. Earnings are small due to the fully passive nature, but require no effort after initial setup.
Driving and Transportation Applications
For individuals who frequently drive, several applications offer earning opportunities related to transportation and delivery services.
Freebird provides cashback for Uber and Lyft riders who book their trips through the Freebird app. Users earn cashback on every trip and additional rewards at participating bars and restaurants. Earnings can be transferred to a bank account at any time with no minimum. Available on iOS and Android, it is most beneficial for regular riders.
OnMyWay pays users $0.05 per mile driven without phone interaction. The app automatically activates at 10 mph, locking distracting apps while allowing navigation and hands-free calls. Available on iOS and Android, earnings are tied to in-app deals and gift cards, not direct cash, and significant payouts typically require substantial referrals.
Turo operates as the "Airbnb of car rentals," allowing users to list their personal vehicles for rent. Hosts earn 65% to 90% of each trip price, with average monthly earnings around $545. Listing is free and takes approximately 10 minutes. Available on iOS and Android, users should consider vehicle wear and tear, and note that Turo automatically approves all booking requests, limiting host control.
Roadie connects drivers with package delivery gigs, ranging from local drop-offs to long-haul deliveries. Local trips typically pay $10 to $60, while long-distance gigs can reach up to $650. Owned by UPS, it operates in all 50 states and pays weekly via direct deposit, with Instant Pay available after five completed gigs. Availability varies by location, and bidding on gigs is required.
Miscellaneous Earning Applications
A final category encompasses unique applications that do not fit neatly into the above classifications but still offer earning potential.
Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change into diversified ETFs. Users can set recurring contributions, earn bonus investments from partner brands, and open retirement and kids’ accounts. Plans start at $3/month. Available on iOS and Android, this app focuses on long-term wealth building rather than immediate cash payouts.
Seated is a restaurant rewards app offering 5% to 30% back on dining bills at participating restaurants. Users link a credit card, and rewards post automatically, redeemable for gift cards from Amazon, Uber, Target, and Starbucks. Currently available in about 16 major US cities, rewards expire after 90 days of inactivity.
Mistplay allows users to download and play new mobile games through its app, earning points redeemable for gift cards to Amazon, PayPal, Walmart, and more. The app has paid out over $150 million and has 10 million downloads on Google Play. Payouts are gift card only, with earnings approximating $1 to $2 per hour of play.
Atlas Earth is a location-based game where users buy virtual land parcels for $5 each, earning virtual rent that can be cashed out to PayPal or Venmo once $5 is accumulated. The first parcel is free. Available on iOS and Android, earnings are extremely small, with most users reporting only a few dollars monthly, positioning it as a slow-burn game rather than a significant income source.
In conclusion, the smartphone has become an indispensable tool for individuals seeking to supplement their income through a diverse array of applications. From task completion and shopping rewards to data sharing and investing, the options are vast and cater to various lifestyles and preferences. While the earning potential can vary significantly, a thorough understanding of each app’s functionality, payout structure, and user feedback is crucial for maximizing returns and making informed decisions in this evolving landscape of mobile monetization.
