21 Best Money Making Apps For Your Android or iPhone (2022)
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Did you know that 25% of millennials have a side hustle that earns them $500 or more per month? What could you do if you had the extra money? There are many hustles you could be doing right now, and from your phone. Money making apps.
There is no shortage of money-making apps for iPhone and Android. Some give you cashback or earn rewards for shopping online, while others help you invest with a small amount of money. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to money-making apps.
Ahead, you’ll learn:
- How these apps help you make money fast from your phone
- How to find real money making apps that are legit
- The top money-making apps of 2019 for your iPhone or Android device
Contents
Researching the best money making apps of 2022
Before you use any app yourself, it’s recommended to perform some quick research to ensure that you’re aware of the business behind it. Here are two ways you can determine if you’ve really found one of the best money making apps.
Check the Better Business Bureau
We mention the BBB all of the time in our content. They are a non-profit that is dedicated to scoring companies on their customer service, history, licensing, and overall business practices.
Checking the Better Business Bureau page of any company will give you great insight into whether or not they are legit.
Visit the BBB homepage, and type in the name of the app you wish to check out.
Note: Some money apps will be found under their corporate name, not the name of the app itself.
Here you will find the official BBB rating. The rating is on a scale of “F” to “A+” and determined by a large number of factors.
If the business is accredited, it will be displayed on the right side. Those that have been accredited have a message in red, similarly.
The customer reviews can be found on the right, and clicking the blue text will bring you to all of the reviews themselves. Use this as a way to gauge whether or not you believe a company is trustable or not.
Read Trustpilot user reviews
Over 1 million new reviews are posted on Trustpilot every single month.
It’s the go-to authority for finding reviews about any app or service. Visit their website and search for the app you’re interested in using.
This will display a page that contains all of their reviews, a filtering system, and a quick explanation of what the business offers.
Take the time to sift through both positive and negative reviews. You want a genuine perspective on what’s good and bad, so you can make a more informed decision.
With this in mind, we’re going to show you some of the best money making apps for iPhones and apps Android apps that pay you money.
Best money making apps for passive investing and saving
Saving your income and investing it is key to improving your personal finances. However, 56% of millennials don’t have anything saved up for retirement. There’s the old adage of whether you’d take $1 million or a penny doubled for 31 days. Did you know that the second option would lead to over $10 million? That’s the power of compounding interest.
Over time, your savings accounts and investments will skyrocket your net worth. However, that’s easier said than done when you have bills to pay. Those can take priority and your savings account can end up looking like an anthill. Apps that help you save and investment get rid of this problem.
They automate putting away a specific amount of your earnings to an account without you having to lift a finger. Some will also put together a small investment portfolio and regularly contribute it to it based on the settings you choose.
1. Charlie
Charlie is a complex AI chat-bot built using algorithms and machine-learning technology. This allows this cute penguin to interact with the user and give surprisingly beneficial financial advice.
What makes Charlie so special is his ability to text with you just like one of your friends. Once you connect a bank account, Charlie can answer all sorts of questions about your finances.
He can also help you set goals and stay on track with them. Talk about a great friend.
2. Digit
Digit is a financial app that helps its users realize the power of micro-savings. Using an algorithm, Digit saves you the money you likely would have spent unnecessarily.
Digit was founded in 2013 by Ethan Bloch. Ethan had one single goal in mind – to develop an automatic, easy, and absolutely stress-free way to save money!
There were other saving platforms available at the time but none of them were automatic. Digit was the first, automated financial saving application of its kind.
3. Trim
In the most basic terms, Trim is a personal finance chatbot that helps you keep track of your recurring expenses and helps you negotiate with providers through its machine learning AI.
It’s like having someone watch your back for you.
Founded by Thomas Smyth after he realized that Comcast had been increasing his mother’s subscription charges until it was almost $35 more than she needed.
As the product idea fell into place, they introduced an automated bot. The Trim bot can negotiate fees with service providers on your behalf, helping you get the best bang for your buck!
4. Swell
Swell was founded with the idea of providing better investment options for people who want their money to be invested in a noble cause.
They do this by creating a portfolio called the “Impact 400” that identifies and compiles a list of the socially responsible company stocks available for you to invest in.
Swell’s investment options are divided into six categories; with 30-50 companies listed under each. You can choose to invest your funds in a combination of stocks, or limit yourself to one cause. With Swell, you’re investing for more than just your financial future.
Read our full Swell review.
5. Acorns
Over 4 million people use Acorns to build a smart investment portfolio from their phones. It works by setting aside spare change to gradually build your investments.
Like Stash, you can also sign up for an IRA to create a comfy retirement. Furthermore, Acorn users can get a special Visa card to use for shopping.
A portion of your money will be instantly invested and saved without lifting a finger.
6. Stash
Stash is a well balanced financial app that will help you achieve any goal you have. For as little as $5, you can begin investing for your future. Stash also offers retirement accounts, so you can ensure that you have a comfortable retirement when you’re older.
Stash also offers retirement accounts, so you can ensure that you have a comfortable retirement when you’re older.
Those with children will love that they have custodial accounts, allowing you to open them on behalf of a child to teach them financial lessons. They plan to launch online banking in the future, so stay tuned for that. You could potentially be handling every aspect of your finances from your phone.
Money making cashback apps
Do you shop on Amazon or online for that matter on a regular basis? Sure, we all do. Imagine if that every time you placed an order, you could get a percentage of that purchase back. It could seriously add up!
That’s why you need to download cashback and receipt scanning apps, which we’ll be showing you later. These apps work by connecting to your debit card and working on your behalf to get you a small percent of your total. This can be anywhere from 2% to 10% on some apps.
Similarly, cashback apps have shopping portals. These are special deals, coupons, and links you use to earn cashback. They’re typically connected to all of the big retailers you normally shop with, too.
7. Ebates
Ebates was founded in 1999 and is the world’s most popular cashback website. Over 10 million users have used their service to earn money while they shop, and you can, too.
An interesting feature of Ebates is that you can earn cashback from shopping at physical stores. All you have to do is link the credit card you use to your phone, and scan the receipt later. Instant cash!
Ebates also will allow you to be one of the first people to find the latest deals, free shipping offers, and gift cards. Shop at their “Double Cash Back Stores” and earn twice as much while you’re at it.
8. Ibotta
Ibotta will help you earn cashback from shopping at 284 different physical stores. Simply download the app, scan your receipt, and they will deposit a certain amount of cashback in your account.
They also allow you to connect a loyalty card to your account. This means that when you shop at that store, it transmits your purchase data to the Ibotta app, speeding up the cashback process.
9. Dosh
Dosh has one of the highest cashback rates we’ve seen across our reviews at an impressive 10%. If you were to spend $100, you’d get $10 back, and that’s just from one purchase!
This app is really simple, too. You begin by connecting a card that you commonly use to shop. As you shop with your card, Dosh adds money to your account. It can be transferred to your bank, a PayPal account, or you can donate to a charity of choice if you’re feeling generous.
Money making survey apps
Taking online surveys can earn you some extra side income. It’s a popular pastime for students and those that want to make money in their downtime. The beauty is that they can take as little as 15 minutes of your time. These paid survey sites take your demographics, interests, and behaviors to find relevant surveys for you to complete.
This information helps businesses improve their operations, and you get paid. Win, win! Many of these platforms also include other rewards, such as physical merchandise, vacations, and amazon gift cards.
We recommend that if you take this route, it’s wise to sign up for several survey sites at once. This is because it allows you to maximize your earnings. Some platforms may only send you a few short surveys a week, while others have new surveys available on a daily basis.
10. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the go-to websites for making money online. There are tons of activities to choose from, ensuring that you never get bored and get a variety every day.
Just like the cashback apps we mentioned previously, Swagbucks also includes this on their website. You can click through to any store they feature, including Amazon and Walmart.
You can earn points by watching videos, downloading mobile games, taking surveys, and more. Partake in contests and sweepstakes to win bigger prizes, too.
Read our full Swagbucks review.
11. InboxDollars
InboxDollars has paid out over $57 million in prizes, and you can earn quick cash with their website. You also get a free $5 bonus by signing up.
There are a plethora of tasks you can do to earn money on autopilot, such as taking paid surveys, getting paid to read emails, and playing games. InboxDollars also has exclusive coupons and discounts that you can use to save money.
Read our full InboxDollars review.
12. Survey Junkie
Initially named Active Measure and Blue Media Ventures, Survey Junkie was founded in 2013. Despite being a newer company, they are one of the best survey sites we’ve reviewed.
Every point you earn is equivalent to $0.01, and surveys pay between 25 to 90 points per survey. The minimum balance to withdraw is $10, so you’ll need to complete roughly 15 surveys on average before cashing out.
Read our full Survey Junkie review.
13. MyPoints
Another great survey website you need to add into your rotation is MyPoints. They offer cashback and coupons that you can use to save money while you do your regular shopping.
There are also exclusive deals you’ll gain access to that you might not find anywhere else. Take surveys, watch videos, and play games to earn points in your downtime, and put that towards gift cards, too.
A unique feature of MyPoints is that you can also generate points by comparing travel deals. Having a variety of things to do makes the website fun and gives you longevity.
Read our full MyPoints review.
14. Pinecone Research
Pinecone Research is owned by the Nielsen Company and has been paying people like you to take surveys for 20 years. Most surveys will net you several dollars for only 5 minutes of your time. If you want to earn a couple of bucks and voice your opinion, check them out!
Read our full Pinecone Research review.
15. Lifepoints
Gaining prominence during the internet boom, LifePoints’s sole purpose was to provide companies with research data using online surveys.
The rise in internet users looking for ways to earn money online makes Lifepoints a great earning option for customers who complete their short surveys.
Read our full LifePoints review.
Apps that make you money selling stuff online
So far, we’ve covered cash back apps, survey sites, and saving platforms. However, one of the best ways to make money with apps is through online marketplaces.
If you check your closet, basement, or garage, there’s probably plenty of things you could clear out to make extra space and money. Think of all of the old clothes, electronics, and little things you could sell for some quick cash. Try out one of these marketplace apps, and you can make this a reality.
16. LetGo
Let go of your secondhand items to make an extra buck with the app LetGo. You can sell literally anything, from cars to jewelry and electronics. With tens of millions of users, you’re sure to make sales quickly, too.
It’s specifically made for local selling, like online garage sales. That makes it easy to meet up with a buyer and have a fast exchange. You can chat right through the app with other users to negotiate prices and more.
Their artificial intelligence makes listing products hands-off, as well. It will create a title, description, and categorize items on your behalf to save you time.
17. OfferUp
OfferUp is available on both Android and Apple devices and makes selling locally super easy. You can create a detailed profile that includes ratings, badges, and transaction history to increase how many people contact you.
Posting your own listing takes less than 30 seconds, and you can directly connect with other users through their built-in messaging system. Millions of people are using OfferUp, so don’t miss out on making money.
18. Decluttr
DeCluttr is a marketplace dedicated to selling tech and works a bit differently than the other apps we’ve listed today.
Instead of selling locally, you get a valuation of how much your items are worth, and you ship it to their warehouse. DeCluttr will mail you a free welcome pack and shipping label, too. This saves you time and money from having to get these things yourself.
Once you’ve packed your electronics in the box, you ship it for free from the nearest UPS store. Once they’ve arrived at the DeCluttr warehouse and confirmed, you’re paid via direct deposit, PayPal, or check.
Read our full decluttr review.
Highest paying apps for making money with a side hustle
Just because you have a full-time career or studies doesn’t mean that you can’t be hustling on the side. There are plenty of ways outside of apps to be generating some serious coin. Here are a few you need to consider.
19. Upwork
Do you have special skills that you could offer as a freelancing service? Seeing as 77% of freelancers quit their job and make a full-time living, it’s nothing to scoff at.
Upwork is the largest freelancing network, instantly connecting you with potential clients and job opportunities. All you need to do is sign up with your email address, add a portfolio of work, and take tests that prove your proficiency.
If you gradually improved your skills, landed more clients, and raised your freelance rates, it could potentially generate more income than your day job.
20. Instacart
We’re sure you’re aware of apps like Instacart While you might have used these for grocery shopping yourself, you could be on the other side making money.
All you need to get started is a vehicle, and you get to choose your own hours. Drivers normally get paid on a weekly basis, and it’s a very relaxing job.
When an order gets placed, you simply pick it up from the r grocery store and deliver it to the customer. Simple as that.
21. Uber
There are many people that make a full time living driving Uber and you can, too. Heck, it’s even an awesome way to earn a couple of extra bucks every week on the side.
You have to go through a quick screening process to ensure that you’re eligible to become a driver, but it’s smooth sailing once you do. Drivers set their own hours, get paid quickly, and it’s a low effort hustle.
Drivers get a special app featuring 24/7 support, an exclusive community, and tracks your progress. This is the perfect side hustle for those that need a flexible and easy gig.
What types of apps make you money?
Money making apps are apps that pay you money and rewards for various tasks. They can fall into a few broad categories ranging from survey taking to gig apps (like Uber). Their common thread is that they help you make money from your android or iPhone. Here are a few common categories.
Passive investing and saving apps
These are apps that make you money by investing in the stock market in more efficient ways or reward you for proactively saving money.
Money making cashback apps
These cash-paying apps provide you rebates and refunds on your every day purchases. They do this by tracking your purchases via your email address or a scanned and uploaded receipts.
Apps that make you money selling stuff online
There are a ton of online marketplaces where you can sell your used books, clothes, electronics, etc. Think of these like online garage sales.
Money making survey apps
Did you know that market research companies will pay you for your opinion? These are typically free money makings apps that pay you to complete surveys on different products and services.
Apps to make money online with a side hustle
These are apps that help you make money from your phone. They enable you to trade your time for money by helping someone with a task that they need to be done. Jobs can range from driving people around to shopping for them.
As you can tell, they don’t all work in the same way. That’s the beauty of them. You can use several apps at once to maximize how much money you earn, save, and invest.
Is there any legit money making apps?
Can you trust money-making websites with your information and time? The last thing you want is your data stolen or misused. This is why researching these apps and companies is crucial.
Let’s look at some user reviews to get insight into what you can experience.
User review of Vindale Research
This is a review for the paid survey website Vindale Research.
The user has used the platform for five years and attests to the company’s honesty and responsibility. They have always received payment, and never experienced anything close to what other people have complained about.
They also make a very valid point to consider. All of the information, instructions, and help is available on all money apps. It’s up to you to take the time to learn the app thoroughly to get the most out of it.
User review of Ebates
Moving onto the cashback site Ebates, they’ve scored 8.4 out of 10 based on 846 reviews.
A large majority of their reviews are positive, raving about how much they earned, how easy it was, and that customer service is phenomenal.
Remember, If you see a ton of bad reviews, read into them further. There’s a good chance you’ll have a similar experience.
Do you use an app to make money online?
Money making apps can be a great way to create extra income streams. They require very little amounts of time and energy but can net you reasonable amounts of cash every month. This can be used to pay off debt, save, of put towards investing.
We recommend you try one of the saving and investing app we covered in this article. These will help you save for retirement, build a portfolio, and become more financially responsible.
Since most of us shop on a regular basis, it’s also highly suggested to use a cashback app. It’s essentially free money. Use these every time you shop, and watch the dollars stack up.
Selling old belongings is another fantastic way to make money, with apps like LetGo and OfferUp making the process effortless. DeCluttr is ideal if you have old cell phones, tablets, or wearables laying around, as well.
Try using money making apps in combination. That way you can look forward to a steady amount of side income while building a better future for yourself financially.
Have you used any of the apps we mentioned? Would you recommend them to friends?