13 Money Making Apps That Pay You Real Money in 2024
Have you ever bought something you later regretted? Perhaps those stylish shoes that pinch your feet or that shiny gadget collecting dust on the shelf? Instead of parting with your precious money for that short-lived high of a purchase, what if you could earn money while enjoying free apps? Read on to hook ’em apps reeling in real rewards.
We cast our net over 45 money-making apps and randomly caught 13 to highlight. Hold onto your rod because we’re going fishing for financial freedom!
1. Swagbucks – Earn Everytime You Browse
Kicking off our catch is Swagbucks, the money-making browser extension allowing you to earn while you spend time online as usual. Who said you can’t have your bytes and eat ’em too?
Install it as you would any other browser add-on, then continue surfing the web. Swagbucks awards points called “SB” for specific activities like watching videos, taking surveys, and shopping online. Not a bad haul for just looking at cat videos! Cash out SB anytime with Paypal or gift cards.
| Pros | Cons |
| Earn passively | Slow accumulation |
| Wide reward options | Lots of promotional emails |
So while you swag out watching that hilarious dog video, make every minute count by installing Swagbucks first!
2. Ibotta – Cash Back Savings Simplified
Ever feel like you’re missing out on savings when you shop? Unlock deals with Ibotta, which rewards you with cash back on everyday purchases!
Ibotta makes saving money a cinch. Just browse the app for offers before you shop, then upload photos of your receipts to get cash back deposited right into your account. With deals across multiple categories from groceries to clothing to rides, savings await around every corner. Ibotta also features fun games and bonuses you can play to earn even more.
| Pros | Cons |
| Get cash back on purchases you’d make anyway | Need to remember to scan receipts |
| Wide variety of offers across many retailers | Availability of offers varies by region |
| Fun games for chance to earn more | Minimum payout to cash out earnings |
Give your wallet a break and let Ibotta simplify your savings – browse deals, shop, scan, and earn! Cash back has never been so easy.
3. Fetch Rewards – Snapping Pics Pays Off
Let’s round up some receipts because Fetch Rewards pays you to collect them! Skip fishing for crumpled cash register tapes at the bottom of your bag. Just snap pics of any receipt to earn points.
Fetch Rewards is another money making app that recognizes the retailer and product categories from the receipt image. It tallies corresponding reward points after each receipt. Occasionally snap product pics or take brev surveys for even more! Redeem when you accumulate 2,000+ points. Choose gift cards from your favorite retailers or donate to charity.
| Pros | Cons |
| Earn for any receipt | Delayed gift card delivery |
| Charity donations | Occasional scanning issues |
Tidy up your messy purse and turn those forgotten receipts into rewards! Fetch makes every purchase give back over time.
4. InboxDollars – Earn Opening Emails
Don’t let coupon mailers line the litterbox! Put those inbox offers to work with InboxDollars. This cash-back site pays you for reading sponsored emails, taking surveys, playing games, watching videos and completing offers.
Sign up for an account to access options. Check your inbox daily for sponsored messages that earn by reading. Mix up earning activities so the money keeps pouring in. Cash-out anytime with gift cards or transfer earnings to PayPal.
| Pros | Cons |
| Pays for reading emails | Lots of promotional messages |
| Easy games and videos | Delayed PayPal delivery |
Stop deleting messages without opening them! InboxDollars rewards you for all those tedious inbox tasks.
5. Rakuten – Shop and Save
Avast ye scallywags! Set sail for serious savings with Rakuten. Install this browser button before online shopping trips. Click it when on retailer sites to activate cash back. Rakuten’s magic secures you discounts and rewards at over 2,500 stores.
Earnings vary by store from 1-20% back. Watch your Rakuten account accrue cash back from purchases. Balance transfers to PayPal quarterly when over $10. Or use points anytime for egift cards.
| Pros | Cons |
| Big brand options | Occasional unavailable offers |
| Easy earnings | Quarterly PayPal payout |
Rakuten puts the power in your hands to save and earn simultaneously!
6. Uber – Make Bank While You Drive
Gas up the old sedan because Uber turns it into a cash cab! Join Uber to shuttle passengers and earn up to 80% of ride fees.
Sign up online by submitting your license and insurance. Complete a vehicle inspection and criminal background check for safety. Once approved, log into the app to declare availability. Accept nearby ride requests. Use the app to navigate to passenger pickup and drop-off points. Cash-out instantly after each ride!
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible schedule | Inconsistent ride demand |
| Instant payouts | Need eligible vehicle |
Driving for dollars is a breeze with Uber. List your car to start making bank cruising your city!
7. Robinhood – Invest Spare Change
Ahoy first-time investors! Stop gambling on slot machine apps. Try Robinhood instead to profit from stocks with any budget.
Robinhood lets you invest real money, starting at just $1. Use the app to browse investment options and select companies or funds to back. Build a diversified portfolio. Watch your selections perform over time. Withdraw returns anytime or reinvest them.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fractional share trading | Research fees yourself |
| Easy bank linkups | No retirement accounts |
Ditch the risky digital slots for Robinhood’s smarter stock market plays. Build future wealth by investing pocket change!
8. DoorDash – Deliver on Demand
Bag up those boredom blues because DoorDash has an earning opportunity knocking! Join its delivery fleet bringing restaurant orders to hungry households.
Download the Dasher app for your area. Confirm valid license, insurance and background check to get started. Log in anytime with available hours. Accept nearby orders pinged to your app. Drive to the restaurant, pick up food bags and follow GPS to the customer’s address. Earn 100% of delivery fees plus tipped!
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible schedule | Inconsistent order volume |
| Instant pay after each delivery | Need eligible vehicle |
Become a Dasher if you’ve got wheels and spare time! DoorDash turns downtime into dollars delivering packages across town.
9. Mercari – Sell Your Stuff
Yo-ho-ho! Unearth riches…in your own home?! That’s right, mateys. Download Mercari to sell unused stuff lying around. It’s an online flea market letting you list goods from housewares to clothing to toys.
Snap photos of items and add descriptions through the app. Mercari provides shipping labels at variable rates based on the package size and weight. Print them once an order comes in! Relax as your package makes its way to the buyer. Mercari releases your earnings 24 hours post-delivery. Cha-ching!
| Pros | Cons |
| Fixed price shipping | 10% seller transaction fee |
| Quick mobile listing | 3-day payment processing |
Don’t let old possessions occupy space for naught. Mercari makes spring cleaning pay off!
10. Stash – Grow Wealth on Autopilot
Ahoy kids and noobs! Start stashing spare coins with Stash. This beginner-friendly investing app educates first-timers on building future wealth.
Stash simplifies complex stock topics. Browse themed investment pools. Select what appeals based on your values and goals. Begin with as little as $5 auto-drawn from your linked bank. Let the app work market magic over time! Withdraw returns anytime or keep reinvesting.
| Pros | Cons |
| Low minimum investments | Research fees yourself |
| Educational content | No retirement accounts |
Shiver those beginner jitters away. Stash makes anyone an effortless investor!
11. Survey Junkie – Cash for Opinions
Hear ye, hear ye! Survey Junkie needs your opinion. And yes, they pay cash for it. Sign on to share your viewpoint on corporate products and ads. Survey Junkie compiles data to help brands cater offerings to real customer needs. It also helps brands improve their products and marketing based on customer feedback
Create your secure member account linked to PayPal or gift cards. Qualify for surveys based on your background. Each one earns points converted to money. Most take 5-25 minutes by mobile or desktop. Questions cover purchase interests, shopping behaviors and brand feedback. Check your earnings growing daily!
| Pros | Cons |
| Interesting survey topics | Delayed gift card delivery |
| Short completion times | Inconsistent qualifying |
Speak up to cash in with Survey Junkie. You opinion really does matter – to the tune of extra spending money!
12. Upwork – Monetize Your Skills
Calling all experts! Polish up that portfolio because talent pays on Upwork. This global freelance hub connects skilled professionals with clients for both remote and on-site work opportunities. Join and create an online profile detailing your expertise like writing, design, programming or consulting.
Browse open contracts or pitch clients directly. Submit project quotes detailing deliverables, rates and timelines. Get hired and collaborate online. Clients release milestone payments as you complete work. Earn in consistent increments while building your services list!
| Pros | Cons |
| Flexible working hours | Stiff competition |
| Milestone payout system | Client fee deductions |
Stand apart from the rest on Upwork! Your special set of skills transforms into serious paydays.
13. Honey – Savings on Autopilot
Ever feel overwhelmed trying to find discount codes for online shopping? Let Honey take the reins and automate your savings!
Honey is a browser extension that searches the web for coupon codes and applies them for you at checkout. No more wasting time googling promos, as Honey tests code in the background to find ones that work, taking the guesswork out of savings. The dropdown also compares prices across retailers to show you the best deals. Plus, earn Honey Gold you can cash in for gift cards by using the extension.
| Pros | Cons |
| Automatically tests and applies coupon codes | Limited to online shopping purchases |
| Finds best price by comparing retailers | Codes don’t always work for every site |
| Earns rewards just for using it | Occasional issues with automatic application |
Take the stress out of saving with Honey’s set-it-and-forget-it browser extension. The automatic savings add up quickly!
Rounding Up our Money Making Apps
We’ve hit paydirt with these 13 money making apps paying real rewards! Try a few out to see which suit your background and lifestyle best. Consistent use earns steadily over time. What doubloons might they uncover in your schedule?
Set aside savings in bursts by cashing out earnings. Or apply them towards purchases you’d make anyway! Either way, these legit money making apps let you bank on your own terms. Just set the hook and watch financial freedom reel in.