14 Best Money Making Apps That’ll Make Your Wallet Happy

Are you interested in downloading the best money making apps that really make you money real money through PayPal? There are so many ways to make money from your phone with free apps that are just a download away.

Sometimes you need some extra cash to pay a bill or you’re trying to save up for something you want. You don’t want to fall behind on bills and are wondering how to make money today or what apps pay you real money?

Sure, another 100 dollars earned today wouldn’t hurt. We’ve all been there, but what do you usually do when that happens? This is an exhaustive list of things that anyone can do, today, in order to make money through the best mobile applications I’ve found.

If you’re strapped for time, I’ll go ahead and share the best money making apps that you can add to your side hustle arsenal.

1. Branded Surveys (Android and iOS)

Branded Surveys is one of the world’s leading market research communities – rewarding you for your opinion. Branded Surveys asks for information about you so that they can match you with fitting surveys. At up to $5-10 a pop for some surveys and a free 100 points for signing up, it pays to check in daily to see which ones are available to you. You can likely make $10 fast this week by using it.

Payment:

Cashouts are through PayPal or gift cards. You’ll earn money just for signing up and they pay you straight cash via PayPal.

Pros:

Branded offers a rewards program (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) where you can level up by collecting credits, which is exhilarating. As you level up, you can unlock higher earning opportunities to earn even more.

Cons:

As with other competitor sites, some surveys will require you to visit another website to complete the task. The sites they route you to can be more difficult to use than Branded’s site, which is a downfall. Also, they do not have a mobile app available, but you can take surveys on mobile web or your desktop.

Download:

Android, iOS.

2. Survey Junkie (Android and iOS)

Taking online surveys with Survey Junkie to make extra money is a no-brainer. You definitely won’t get rich or make hundreds of dollars per day with surveys alone, but you won’t waste much time, and you can make some money the easy way.

Survey Junkie is a free survey app for your phone that pays you to take online surveys, participate in focus groups, and try new products. And, I really mean free all around – free to join and they don’t charge anything to be a member (they will actually pay you in cash via PayPal). You can read our full Survey Junkie review to learn more.

Payment:

Gift card or PayPal.

Pros:

You’ll get paid even if you are not qualified for a survey, they won’t waste your time. They are one of the higest paying survey sites currently available.

Cons:

Making money taking surveys online can be a slow process but they have a low cash out threshold of $5 in your account to cash out — which will be easy to reach.

Download:

Android, iOS.

3. Swagbucks (Android and iOS)

There are a lot of sites like Swagbucks but nothing can beat the king of reward apps. Here you can earn a special currency called Swagbucks for completing offers, answering surveys and logging online activity.

You can redeem the currency for gift cards or cash rewards once you’ve accumulated enough. This is one of the best apps that pays you through PayPal. You can read our full Swagbucks Review here.

Payment:

Gift card or PayPal.

Pros:

I personally use it and usually earn money taking surveys while watching TV, and it does add up. They even give new members a $10 sign up bonus with a qualifying $25 purchase.

Cons:

You won’t qualify for every task or survey and users often report getting kicked out of surveys randomly.

Download:

Android, iOS.

4. InboxDollars (Android and iOS)

The next thing you can do is sign up for InboxDollars which pays you, in cash, to watch fun videos and take surveys. If you sign up before the end of this month, they also give you a $5 free bonus just to give it a try.

By spending just 5-10 minutes per day on this (either on your lunch break or during TV commercial breaks) you can earn and earn an extra $50 per month. More people should be using this money making app.

Payment:

Gift card or check.

Pros:

InboxDollars offers a plethora of ways to make money, including getting paid to play games. It was listed highly on our list of game apps to win real money, it’s a legit money maker.

Cons:

It’ll require a ton of time to reach the minimum payout of $30. If you want your earnings in the form of cash, you’ll have to order a check. No PayPal cash out options available.

Download:

Android, iOS.

5. Dosh (Android and iOS)

The Dosh app is the free cash back app that finds you money for shopping, dining out, and booking hotels and travel activities with more than 100,000 merchants and brands nationwide. This company not only allows you to get cash back on everyday purchases, but no receipt scanning required.

Those who are interested can read an informative Dosh Review to see how much cash back they are eligible to earn starting today.

Payment:

Direct to a bank account or gift card.

Pros:

No receipt scanning is required and it is one of the best rebate back apps that I personally use on a daily basis. Members who join can link their first credit card or debit card for a $1 instant bonus added to their Dosh wallet.

Cons:

None, one of the best money-saving apps available to consumers currently.

Download:

Android, iOS.

6. MyPoints (Android and iOS)

MyPoints has it all — whether you want to shop at all your favorite retailers from the convenience of your phone or take surveys on the go, the MyPoints app has you covered.

Find a fancy hotel or shop for a new pair of kicks at your favorite retailer. Shopping not your bag? Like to share your opinion? Who doesn’t? Share feedback on a variety of topics including movies, TV shows, shopping experiences and even new products and services. Reward yourself with great experiences as well as free gift cards with MyPoints.

Payment:

Paypal or gift cards.

Pros:

You can earn money through cash back shopping and through taking surveys, reading emails, watching videos and more. They offer a $10 welcome bonus for new members if you make two qualifying purchases through MyPoints during your first 30 days of membership.

Cons:

MyPoints is limited to those who live in the US or Canada.

Download:

Android, iOS.

7. Upside (Android and iOS)

Upside is one of the best cash back apps for gas that provides users with a variety of helpful information. First, it gives you 25 cents back on every gas station receipt you submit. It also shows you the best gas station deals and the cheapest gas. This free cash back app for gas is saving users an average of $124 in a year. There is no minimum for cash outs, but a $1 fee will be made on withdrawals under $15.

You can read our full Getupside Review to learn more about the gas saving app.

Payment:

Paypal or gift cards.

Pros:

It’s a free app, and thousands of gas stations are offering cash back.

Cons:

You can earn cash back on gas in over 40 states, but if you want to earn using its grocery stores and restaurants features it is more limited.

Download:

Android, iOS.

8. Fetch Rewards (Android and iOS)

Fetch Rewards is a mobile rewards app that pays you for shopping (from any store). This is an easy and of the best money making apps to earn gift cards the easy way, and can add up to a large wad of free gift cards with time. And there is a low threshold to cash out, unlike other cash back apps.

You can read a full Fetch Rewards Review to learn more.

Payment:

Visa gift cards or retailer gift cards.

Pros:

You can use this cash back app with any receipt. The app’s interface is marvelous to use and earning money with Fetch Rewards is fun as they offer plenty of incentives and monthly bonuses/sweepstakes.

Cons:

Your cash back earnings can’t be withdrawn via PayPal, however, you can convert your Visa gift cards to cash if you really wanted to.

Download:

Android, iOS.

9. Drop (Android and iOS)

The Drop app tracks your purchases when you link up your credit card and debit cards to the free app.  Then, it automatically adds Drop points to your account when you spend at certain merchants you’ve picked from their list. It’s simple. When you reach a certain threshold, you can redeem Drop points for gift cards to popular retailers.

You can read a full Drop Review to get more insight into the app.

Payment:

Gift cards.

Pros:

Even if you are using Dosh or Ibotta, you can still use Drop in order to maximize your cash back efforts.

Cons:

Drop only gives you the option to redeem your points for gift cards. Compared to other cash back apps on this list, it is a slower earner.

Download:

Android, iOS.

10. Shopkick (Android and iOS)

Shopkick is a money making app that rewards you with free gift cards for the shopping you already do. You can get points for just walking in the door of some stores (including Walmart, Target, TJMaxx and more), for completing various offers or buying popular products. You can also earn rewards for referring friends or family. It’s a great money-making app to earn money the easy way and it’s totally free.

You can learn more about this app in a Shopkick review.

Payment:

Paypal or gift cards.

Pros:

You can join the millions of Shopkickers who have earned over $63.8 million in free gift cards to Walmart, Target, Amazon, Starbucks and more.

Cons:

You won’t make fast money with this app as it is a slow earner. You have more odds of earning more if you refer your friends to the app. Both new Shopkick users and current Shopkick users earn 250 kicks (500 kicks is worth $2) through the referral program, so everybody benefits.

Download:

Android, iOS.

11. Ibotta (Android and iOS)

There are a ton of apps like Ibotta but this app actually gives you cash back on things you buy every day, even booze. You heard me right, you can make money for the booze you buy at groceries.

Ibotta is a fun rebate app that lets you get cash back on your purchases from major stores like Walmart, Target, and almost every grocery store all over the country. They are conveniently offering a $10 welcome bonus after uploading your first receipt. So act fast.

You can read a full Ibotta Review to learn more.

Payment:

PayPal, gift card or direct to a bank account.

Pros:

It’s quick and easy to sign up and the app offers a $10 welcome bonus. You can also earn lucrative cash rewards by using Ibotta cheats like referring your friends and family to maximize your earning potential.

Cons:

In order to cash out your earnings you’ll have to reach $20 in cash back. This can take a while depending on how often you go shopping. To combat this, Ibotta helps you earn cash back online and in-store at thousands of retailers from grocery and clothing stores to beauty and pet shops.

Download:

Android, iOS.

12. Fundrise (Android and iOS)

Wouldn’t it be great if you could invest in commercial real estate and apartments without dealing with all the hassle of buying, improving, and re-selling real estate?

You don’t have to be a millionaire to invest in these types of properties. You can now invest in large-scale real estate for as little as $10 with Fundrise. Through their real estate investment products, investors earned an average of 8 – 11 percent on their money last year, and all without painting a wall or dealing with unruly tenants. If you’re interested, I recommend you learn more information in a Fundrise review.

Payment:

Payment via bank deposit.

Pros:

There is a reason why they currently have over 500,000+ users, this real estate investing app really pays you solid returns. A low minimum investment is required (only $10) and it is open to all investors. IRA accounts are also available and the app and website as easy to use even for beginners.

Cons:

Please keep in mind that shares you’ve held less than five years may be subject to a penalty. If you held your shares less than three year you are subject to a 3% penalty of the total share value. You will want to hold your shares for at least five years to avoid any fees. Fundrise should be considered a long-term investment strategy.

Download:

Android, iOS.

13. Nielsen Mobile Research (Android and iOS)

By using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can make money too. Personally, I downloaded this app and make around $50 a year passively, it’s a legit app. You don’t have to do anything other than initially registering your computer or phone. They will just track your internet browsing history, keeping your personal data anonymous, which is what most apps do, but now you can get paid for it.

You can read our Nielsen Review to gain more knowledge about Nielsen Mobile.

Payment:

Nielsen will pay you $50 a year to keep the app on your device.

Pros:

It’s quick and easy to sign up and you can get $50 per device just for downloading it and keeping it on your devices. It is considered one of the best passive income apps that help you earn money for doing almost nothing. Plus, the app won’t slow down your device.

Cons:

The app will collect data about your anonymously. Some people may not be comfortable with this.

Download:

Android, iOS.

14. Rocket Money (Android and iOS)

Rocket Money is a real, much better and desirable alternative to all the other money saving apps on the market. Have a cable bill that has been increasing over the years? You can now simply download a free app, and they will negotiate it down for you.

Rocket Money will help you take control of your money, users have saved over $15M to date, and all without being a financial expert or dealing with staying on top of your bills, which can be a full-time job. Learn more in this Rocket Money review.

Payment:

Payment is in the form of saving money on bills.

Pros:

With Rocket Money, users have saved over $15M for its users on their bills (think cable or cell phone bills) and canceling forgotten subscriptions. There is no real reason to not use the app for someone who wants to spend less each month.

Cons:

Rocket Money is a free to use app, but they do offer several optional services that do cost money.

Download:

Android, iOS.

Which Apps Pay You the Most?

For those of you looking to get paid instantly, you will likely benefit from taking advantage of app bonuses that’ll pay you just for signing up or completing a task.

If you are looking for a longer-term strategy to increase your earning potential then these apps will get the job done. It is very possible to earn a quick $50 this week if you use multiple apps like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie.

Just be careful about scams or providing your personal information to apps that you aren’t familiar with. You can usually get a good indication of the apps validity by reading the user reviews in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Once you get the ball rolling with money making apps, you’ll want to take it the next level.

What’s Next?

Once you built some cushion in your bank account using money earning apps — you’re on the right path. But money making apps can only get you so far, it’s time to think about longer-term financial goals.

What’s the next step you should take?

Here are ways to take your finances to the next level:

Step 1: Build an Emergency Fund

Having money in the bank for emergencies can help you improve your financial standing. You’ll want three to six months’ worth of expenses in your emergency fund. Be sure to stash your money in the right savings account that’ll grow your money.

Start with a high-yield savings account like CIT Bank that offers a Savings Builder that will pay a great APY and still give you instant access to your money in case of an emergency. You can open it with $100 and deposit $100 a month to help you get to $1,000 in less than a year.

Step 2: Evaluate Your Checking Account

The Chase Total Checking® account offers a $200 bank bonus and remains a top choice as it’s the most popular account from one of the country’s best banks.

With over 4,700 branch locations, 16,000 ATMs, and a highly-rated mobile app, you’ll have ample access to your money.

Opening a new account is a breeze with the online application, and earning the $200 bonus is simple: receive a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days, and Chase will credit the reward within 15 days.

While the account comes with a $12 monthly maintenance fee, it can be waived through various means, such as maintaining a minimum daily balance of $1,500 or making at least $500 in electronic deposits each month.

As long as you can avoid the maintenance fee, we highly recommend seizing this legit cash bonus from Chase!

Step 3: Get Free Stocks Instantly

While you’re at it, why not increase your net worth with a free stock? The investing apps below offer some great sign up bonuses that include free stocks or cash offers:

Step 4: Start Building Passive Income

Fundrise is definitely one of the best passive income apps. This app was originally an iOS app and it has just become available on Android.

By downloading this app, you can start investing in real estate all around the US in as little as 30 minutes and it’s super easy to get started. Then you can literally beat the stock market year after year and start making money in your sleep.

If you want to earn the big bucks then you can learn how to get started by getting more information from Fundrise here.

Step 5: Leave Your Family $1M

Who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? While we don’t all have trust funds waiting for us, there is still a way to provide protection for your loved ones with up to $1 million in term life insurance.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could do this for as little as $8 a month without dealing with all the hassle of wasting your time or money? You don’t have to have money in your pockets to get a free quote from the best life insurance companies:

There Will Always Be Money Making Apps that Pay You

There you have it. If you’ve finished the list, you can see there are so many different apps to use to earn a little extra money. I wish you the best of luck on your journey on how to make money with the best money making apps.

Just remember, with most of these services, consistency is key, so be diligent about completing your daily check-in and continue to use the service if you want to earn more lucrative amounts of cash or gift cards.

It’s always better to use these opportunities as additional cash for smaller purchases, rather than to rely on them for a steady income. You want to check out the latest post that shows you how to get free money through major companies.

To chalk it up, there are dozens of ways to make extra money with mobile apps that pay. Plus, they’ll all free so the only thing you are giving up is your time. So make sure you find the best money making apps to add to your side hustle arsenal.