In the digital age, making money online has become easier than ever. Thanks to the rise of money-making apps, you can start earning from your phone with no upfront cost. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time income, these apps offer various ways to make money—from taking surveys and watching videos to shopping online and even playing games.
The beauty of these apps is that they require no initial investment, and you can get started right away. With so many options out there, however, it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones are worth your time. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best money-making apps that not only let you earn money without any financial commitment but also offer reliable, fast payouts.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to apps that are legitimate, easy to use, and designed to help you start earning immediately. We’ll cover various ways to make money, such as completing simple tasks, referring friends, or engaging with content. Plus, we’ll provide you with actionable tips on how to maximize your earnings. To help you decide which app is the best for you, we’ll include a comparison table that highlights the key advantages and disadvantages of each app.
So, if you’re ready to start earning real money with no investment, read on to discover the top money-making apps for 2024!
1. Swagbucks – A Versatile Way to Earn Cash with Surveys, Shopping, and More
Swagbucks is one of the most popular money-making apps, and for good reason. It allows you to earn rewards (called Swagbucks or SB) by completing a variety of tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and even searching the web. These rewards can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to retailers like Amazon.
Pros:
- Multiple earning options (surveys, shopping, watching videos)
- Trusted platform with an easy interface
- Earn sign-up bonus for new users
- No upfront investment required
Cons:
- Some tasks can be time-consuming
- Not all users qualify for every survey
How to Maximize Earnings: To maximize your earnings with Swagbucks, make sure to engage with the daily tasks like surveys and offers. Set Swagbucks as your default search engine, and participate in cashback offers for even more rewards. Keep an eye on bonus opportunities to earn extra SB points.
2. InboxDollars – Get Paid to Watch Videos, Take Surveys, and More
InboxDollars pays you real cash for completing simple online tasks like watching videos, reading emails, or taking surveys. Unlike other apps that pay in points, InboxDollars offers cash rewards, making it easier to track your earnings. This app is great for those who prefer straightforward payouts.
Pros:
- Pays cash (no points)
- Variety of earning options (videos, surveys, games)
- $5 sign-up bonus
Cons:
- Minimum payout threshold of $30 can take time to reach
- Limited survey availability
How to Maximize Earnings: Focus on completing high-paying tasks such as surveys and videos. Set aside time each day to engage with new offers or take advantage of special promotions. Referring friends can also boost your earnings with extra bonuses.
3. Rakuten – Get Paid to Shop and Earn Cashback
Rakuten is a cashback app that rewards you for making online purchases at over 2,500 stores. You earn a percentage of your purchase back as cash, which can be transferred via PayPal or redeemed for gift cards. This app is ideal for regular online shoppers looking to get paid for their purchases.
Pros:
- Earn cashback on purchases at top retailers
- PayPal or gift card payouts
- Easy to use with no hidden fees
- $10 bonus for new users
Cons:
- Requires you to make purchases to earn money
- Cashback offers vary depending on the retailer
How to Maximize Earnings: Always check Rakuten for cashback offers before making any online purchase. Use the browser extension to automatically find the best deals while shopping. Take advantage of bonus offers to maximize your cashback earnings.
4. Mistplay – Play Games and Get Paid
If you’re a gamer, Mistplay offers a fun way to make money by playing mobile games. The app rewards you with points for playing games on your Android device, which can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and more.
Pros:
- Passive income from gaming
- Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Only available on Android
- Limited game selection
How to Maximize Earnings: Play games daily to accumulate points quickly. Participate in special offers and missions to earn additional rewards. Try to level up in games to unlock bonus opportunities and higher payouts.
5. Survey Junkie – Get Paid for Sharing Your Opinion
Survey Junkie is one of the most reliable survey apps available, allowing you to earn money by answering surveys on a wide range of topics. This app is ideal for users who prefer taking surveys over other types of tasks. You can redeem your earnings through PayPal or gift cards.
Pros:
- Simple and easy-to-use
- Reliable payouts via PayPal or gift cards
- Offers surveys on a variety of topics
Cons:
- Limited surveys may be available based on your profile
- Some surveys take a while to complete
How to Maximize Earnings: Ensure your profile is completely filled out to get matched with more surveys. The more surveys you qualify for, the more money you can make. Check for daily surveys to keep your earnings steady.
6. Foap – Sell Your Photos for Cash
Foap is a great option for photographers looking to make money from their passion. Simply upload your best photos to the platform, and businesses or individuals can purchase them. Foap pays up to $10 for each sale, with payouts via PayPal.
Pros:
- Passive income from selling photos
- Global marketplace for photos
- Easy to use
Cons:
- High competition from other photographers
- Not all photos will sell
How to Maximize Earnings: Focus on taking high-quality, professional-looking photos that stand out from the competition. Participate in “Missions” (photo challenges) to increase your chances of earning money.
7. Shopkick – Earn Rewards for Shopping and Scanning Items
Shopkick is a unique app that rewards you with points (called Kicks) for visiting stores, scanning product barcodes, and making purchases. You can redeem these points for gift cards to popular retailers like Target, Walmart, and Amazon.
Pros:
- No need to make purchases to earn points
- Several ways to earn Kicks (store visits, barcode scanning)
- Redeem Kicks for gift cards
Cons:
- Limited availability in certain areas
- Points can accumulate slowly
How to Maximize Earnings: Maximize your points by scanning barcodes while shopping, visiting stores that offer bonus Kicks, and completing daily tasks. Keep an eye out for special promotions that offer extra points.
8. Toluna – Participate in Surveys and Win Prizes
Toluna is a survey app that lets you earn rewards for sharing your opinions. In addition to surveys, you can also participate in polls and sweepstakes to win cash prizes or other rewards. It’s a great app for those who enjoy expressing their views.
Pros:
- A variety of ways to earn rewards
- High payouts for surveys
- Opportunities to win cash prizes
Cons:
- Limited surveys based on your demographic
- Rewards may take time to accumulate
How to Maximize Earnings: Participate in daily polls and sweepstakes to increase your chances of winning prizes. Make sure to complete surveys and keep your profile up to date for better matches.
Comparison Table: Best Money-Making Apps
| App | Ways to Earn | Payout Options | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Surveys, shopping, videos | PayPal, gift cards | Multiple ways to earn, trusted platform | Some tasks can take time to complete |
| InboxDollars | Surveys, videos, games, emails | PayPal, check | Pays real cash, easy to use | Minimum payout of $30 |
| Rakuten | Online shopping | PayPal, gift cards | Cashback on purchases, no fees | Requires purchases to earn |
| Mistplay | Playing mobile games | PayPal, gift cards | Passive income from gaming | Only available for Android users |
| Survey Junkie | Surveys | PayPal, gift cards | Reliable, simple to use | Limited survey availability |
| Foap | Selling photos | PayPal | Passive income from selling photos | High competition, not all photos sell |
| Shopkick | Store visits, barcode scanning | Gift cards | Easy rewards for in-store activities | Limited earning in some areas |
| Toluna | Surveys, polls, sweepstakes | PayPal, gift cards | Opportunities to win prizes | Rewards take time to accumulate |
Conclusion:
With these 10 apps, you can start earning money today with zero upfront cost. Whether you’re taking surveys, shopping online, or selling photos, these apps offer a range of ways to generate income.