Welcome to the world of easy earning! If you’re looking for ways to make money without spending a dime upfront, you’ve come to the right place. In today’s digital age, numerous money-making apps allow you to earn cash, rewards, or even gift cards, all without requiring any investment. These apps are perfect for anyone who wants to earn some extra cash during their free time, whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just looking to supplement your income.
But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones are worth your time? That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve handpicked the top 7 money-making apps that are completely free to use and don’t require any initial investment. Whether you’re looking to make money from surveys, watching videos, or completing small tasks, there’s an app for every preference.
The best part? These apps are trusted, safe, and have proven track records of paying users reliably. So, if you’re ready to start earning money with just your smartphone or computer, read on! We’ll dive into the details of each app, including how they work, their pros and cons, and provide a comparison table to help you choose the right one for your needs.
1. Swagbucks – Earn Cash and Gift Cards for Everyday Tasks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular and trusted money-making apps. By simply signing up, you can earn points (called Swagbucks or SB) by completing easy tasks such as watching videos, answering surveys, shopping online, or searching the web. You can redeem these points for gift cards from major retailers like Amazon or even cash via PayPal.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn (surveys, shopping, web searches)
- Redeem points for PayPal cash or gift cards
- Trusted and long-standing app with a large user base
Cons:
- Surveys can be time-consuming
- The app might not be suitable for users looking for quick cash
How to Maximize Earnings: Swagbucks offers daily bonuses and allows you to earn more by completing “Special Offers” or “Daily Goals.” Keep an eye on their promotions to boost your earnings.
2. InboxDollars – Watch Videos and Complete Surveys for Cash
InboxDollars is another highly rated app that lets you earn money by watching videos, taking surveys, reading emails, and completing offers. Unlike other apps that reward you with points, InboxDollars pays you in real cash, which can be withdrawn via PayPal or check.
Pros:
- Pays real cash (no need to convert points to money)
- Multiple earning methods
- New users get a $5 sign-up bonus
Cons:
- Payment thresholds can be high (minimum payout is $30)
- Some tasks may take a lot of time to complete
How to Maximize Earnings: InboxDollars offers cash bonuses for signing up for paid trials and offers special promotions for frequent users. Make sure to take advantage of these deals to speed up your earnings.
3. Mistplay – Earn Money by Playing Games
For mobile gamers, Mistplay is the perfect money-making app. It rewards you for playing Android games, and you earn units that can be converted into gift cards or PayPal cash. The more you play, the more you earn, making it a fun and rewarding app for game lovers.
Pros:
- Earn rewards simply by playing mobile games
- PayPal and gift card options for rewards
- Highly rated app with great user feedback
Cons:
- Only available for Android users
- Limited selection of games to earn rewards from
How to Maximize Earnings: The more games you play, the more points you accumulate. Mistplay often runs promotions for users to earn extra rewards, so check in regularly to maximize your earnings.
4. Foap – Sell Your Photos and Make Money
Foap is perfect for aspiring photographers or anyone with a good camera phone. This app allows you to upload and sell your photos to businesses and individuals looking for stock images. Each photo can earn you up to $10 if it’s sold. Plus, you get paid via PayPal.
Pros:
- No initial investment required
- Sell your photos to a global audience
- Get paid via PayPal
Cons:
- Not all photos get sold
- High competition with other photographers
How to Maximize Earnings: Upload high-quality, professional-looking photos and use popular tags to increase visibility. Participating in “Missions” (special photo challenges) can also boost your earnings.
5. Rakuten – Earn Cashback for Shopping
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping online. You can earn cashback for purchases made at over 2,500 stores. Simply make your purchases through the Rakuten app, and you’ll receive a percentage of the total amount as cashback, which can be withdrawn via PayPal.
Pros:
- Earn cashback for shopping at your favorite stores
- No need to pay extra; you earn cashback on regular purchases
- Offers sign-up bonuses
Cons:
- Cashback rewards can be small for some retailers
- You need to make purchases to earn money
How to Maximize Earnings: Use Rakuten’s browser extension to get notified of cashback deals while you shop. Pay attention to their seasonal promotions for extra cashback opportunities.
6. Survey Junkie – Get Paid for Sharing Your Opinions
Survey Junkie is one of the most popular survey apps where users can earn money by completing surveys and providing opinions on various topics. Once you’ve accumulated enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Pros:
- Straightforward app with easy tasks
- PayPal cash and gift card redemption options
- No hidden fees or costs
Cons:
- Surveys can be repetitive
- Not all surveys may qualify based on your profile
How to Maximize Earnings: Complete your profile to ensure you receive surveys that match your interests. Participate in daily surveys to maximize your earnings.
7. Shopkick – Earn Points for Shopping and Scanning Products
Shopkick is a rewards app that lets you earn points (called Kicks) for walking into stores, scanning barcodes of products, or making purchases through the app. You can redeem your Kicks for gift cards from popular retailers.
Pros:
- Earn points without making a purchase (by simply walking into stores)
- Large selection of gift cards available
- Easy-to-use app with a fun rewards system
Cons:
- Points can take a while to accumulate
- Limited earning opportunities in certain areas
How to Maximize Earnings: Take advantage of the store visits and barcode scanning features to rack up points quickly. Shopkick often runs special promotions to help you earn extra Kicks.
Comparison Table of Top Money-Making Apps
| App | Ways to Earn | Payout Options | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Surveys, shopping, web searches | PayPal, gift cards | Multiple earning options, large user base | Surveys can take time, not instant payout |
| InboxDollars | Surveys, watching videos, emails | PayPal, check | Pays real cash, easy-to-use | High minimum payout ($30) |
| Mistplay | Playing mobile games | PayPal, gift cards | Fun, great for gamers, easy rewards | Only available for Android |
| Foap | Selling photos | PayPal | Passive income from photos, global market | Not all photos get sold, high competition |
| Rakuten | Online shopping | PayPal, gift cards | Cashback for regular shopping | Small cashback for some stores |
| Survey Junkie | Surveys | PayPal, gift cards | Simple to use, reliable | Limited survey availability |
| Shopkick | Store visits, scanning barcodes | Gift cards | Easy, fun, rewards for walking into stores | Limited opportunities in certain locations |
Conclusion
In conclusion, making money through apps is easier than ever. The apps listed in this guide are completely free to use, require no investment, and offer various ways to earn. Whether you prefer taking surveys, playing games, or simply shopping online, there is a money-making app suited to your preferences.
By using the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can maximize your earnings and start seeing real results. So, download your preferred app today and start earning!