One of our most popular blog posts on this entire site was the article about using Gigwalk to earn some extra money. In fact, any time we talk about money making apps, people seem to flock to our site. There's something about being able to make money from your iPhone or Android that just really excites people. Since people seem to get so excited about little quick income wins, we actually started writing an entire section in our monthly newsletter about what we called “QCIs,” which stood for “Quick Cash Infusions.” That section of our newsletter become one of our most popular sections that really got people excited.
Now that we're no longer printing our newsletter, we figured we'd bring our QCIs over to the blog and share these ideas with the world. In today's entry, we rounded up 25 apps that allow you to earn money through simple mobile apps…
Looking for some extra cash or simply a change in your work routine? With some special apps out there, you can do just that. These days the traditional 9-5 work schedule may be going extinct with the rise of a flexible app workforce. Companies and workers are finding ways to utilize technology to overcome challenges and cash in on bigger returns. Companies are using these flex workers to staff their business without the weight of a large monthly overhead. Workers are using these money making apps to bridge a gap in their budget, fund a vacation, or build up investment funds.
Many of these money making apps are very simple to use and can fit right into someone’s daily life without much effort. So why not make a little extra ca-ching while running errands or commuting home? For some people, this new economy means some people will no longer need “real jobs” anymore because they can simply participate in a handful of gigs to make ends meet. Whether you are interested in working gigs in place of a traditional job or just to supplement your income, this article will help you learn about some of the current opportunities out there. There are money making apps to suit all sorts of personalities, interests, and lifestyles. In this article, I have outlined some details that might help you discover the right opportunity for you.
As I worked on my research, I found that there are so many of these apps and plenty of opportunities everywhere to make some extra cash in a huge variety of industries. Most apps are available for iOS or Android making it easy to work from just about anywhere. Almost all of these programs have some age and qualification restrictions, so you will need to choose the apps that fit you and your needs.
First, let’s review some most well-known money making apps which may already be familiar to you. These include Uber, Lyft, TaskRabbit, Gigwalk, GrubHub and Dogvacay and have proven their leadership in this new, growing industry.
The Money Making Apps:
Uber
Uber is one of the most well-known mega companies in the money making app world. This rideshare app allows workers to use their own car to pick up Uber app users on a per ride basis. There are some rules and limitations to become a driver; you need to be 21 or older, own a 2001 or newer car (2006 or newer in some cities) and you must pass a background check. Drivers are able to use the app whenever convenient for them, and quickly find users who need a ride in their area. Drivers can make between $19-$35 per hour, potentially more if drivers work during peak hours or on holidays.
Uber Eats
Uber recently rolled out UberEats which allows drivers to pick up food deliveries in addition to driving users across town. Drivers can now fill in with deliveries when ride opportunities are slow and possibly score a tip in the process.
Lyft
Lyft is the other mega app in the rideshare space. While their service area is a little more limited than Uber, they offer a very similar service and money making opportunity to the app users. The payout for drivers via Lyft is a bit more generous, so this may be a better opportunity for drivers in bigger metro areas. Many drivers work for both companies in order to optimize their time and pack in as many rides as they can while available to work. Like Uber, drivers will need to meet the minimum car, age, and background check requirements.
TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is another well known and flexible money making app. With TaskRabbit you can use your varied skills to make money on the side using the TaskRabbit app and website. You can perform tasks in person or you can do them remotely with virtual tasks – there are wildly varied tasks such as building Ikea furniture, fixing sprinkler systems, or do online research. Rates vary from task to task, and allows workers flexibility to pick and choose opportunities that suit their skills.
Gigwalk
Gigwalk is an app that allows users to make a little cash for snapping a photo or recording data while out running errands. Gigwalkers are basically assisting with merchandising duties and confirming that in-store displays of products are handled correctly. Users can take on as much or as little contract work as they want by connecting with local businesses in need of your skill set. Download the app on your smartphone, register your account, then simply apply for gigs you see on the map or the list in your area. Gigs pay from $3 to $100 and range from just a few minutes to a few hours. Once you complete the gig, you get paid through PayPal. Gigs have been posted by mega companies like Google, Red Bull and Unilevel who are looking to build out data in localities that are far from their central office. See a more in-depth review here.
DogVacay
DogVacay is an app that my family has personally tested. We were able to open our home to hosting local dogs while their family was away on vacation. Dogs get to be a guest with a host family and live in the comforts of a home while their owners are away. Hosts are able to set dates that they have available for an extra four-legged friend, set limitations on specific breeds, and even set their own rate for their services. Personally, we thought it was a fun experience and our dogs loved having a new friend hang out and play. DogVacay recently teamed up with the app Rover, which focuses on similar services and also allow for dog walking services. This is certainly a dog lover’s dream side hustle.
GrubHub
Need a quick bite to eat but too busy to run out to pick something up? GrubHub allows you have have your food picked up and delivered to your doorstep. Many restaurants and stores are now working with the GrubHub app, allowing users lots of options in their area for a delicious meal and the gig workforce lots of money making potential. There are some requirements to sign up, drivers must be 19+ years old, have 2+ years driving experience, checking account and a valid license (or state ID if you drive a bike), own an iPhone iOS 8 or higher or an Android with 4.0 or higher and pass a background check. As with Uber and Lyft, many GrubHub drivers also work via the Uber Eats app to ensure they are keeping busy when on the clock.
All these well-known money making apps do require the worker to leave the house, but here are some other options of gigs you can complete while still in your pajamas. Some of these might fall into the “money savings apps” category, but they are still definitely worth considering because a dollar saved is a dollar earned, right?
iPoll
iPoll allows users to complete online surveys for cash and other rewards, such as gift cards. Users get paid to tell iPoll what their thoughts are on products and services you use every day. Opportunities are available on your mobile device from the comfort of your couch.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks allows users to earn rewards (gift cards or cash) for shopping online, watching entertaining videos, playing games, searching the web, and answering surveys. Users can redeem points earned for gift cards to your favorite retailers, like Amazon and Walmart or even get cash back from PayPal.
Slidejoy
This is a very simple app for Android owners that allows lock screen advertising. Users get paid an average of $5 to $15 per month for putting ads on their Android device’s lock screen. Every time the user checks his phone, he will see a card with a news story or promotion. Users can slide left to learn more about it, slide up to see another card or slide right to use the phone as normal. An easy way to make extra cash without even thinking about it.
BookScouter
Users can earn money by selling old books. This iOS and Android app allows users to scan or enter the barcode number of any book to instantly compare buyback prices from leading book-buying websites. This site basically allows you to optimize what you get for selling off old books cluttering up your shelf.
AppTrailers
AppTrailers allows users to watch trailers of new apps spanning 30 seconds or less on an iOS or Android device and get paid for it. Once a user has earned 500 points, they can cash out for instant digital gift cards or cash via Paypal.
Ibotta
Ibotta allows users to earn cash back for everyday purchases in store and online. Users can cash in by submitting a receipt or linking a loyalty account after downloading Ibotta with an iOS or Android device. Before shopping online, head to Ibotta to access the current special offers. After shopping at a store, simply scan your product barcodes and send a photo of your receipt to have your purchase verified. Cash back can be provided via Paypal or gift cards depending on the users preference.
Google Opinion Rewards
Google values your opinion. Users earn up to $1 per survey completed is the app on an iPhone or Android device. Google will alert you when surveys are available and you have the option for the app to monitor your GPS location for more opportunities.
eBates
eBates users get cash back in the format of gift cards or cash via Paypal for making purchases through the eBates site. Unlike some of the best apps to make money on the side, you actually need to buy things. The upside is that you can often buy things you already need and you may be able to pair it with credit card rewards.
Mercari
Mercari is an app that helps you sell online, kind of like eBay without the listing fees.
As a seller you only pay 10% of the listing fee and the shipping costs.
CashKarma
CashKarma is a popular app that will pay you for downloading apps, signing up for free trials and watching videos.
This app works on iOS or Android and pays users via Paypal or Amazon gift cards.
UserTesting
Users can earn $10 per website or app tested. The app will provide you instructions on how to run the test and then you record your feedback via their screen recording app. UserTesting has to approve your application and you will need a computer which is compatible with their screen recording program.
Now, for those who are looking for a way to make a little extra cash while out running errands and picking up groceries, here are a number of apps that allow you to cash in on small jobs in your local area.
Mobee
Get paid to mystery shop at businesses in your area. Simply download the app for your iOS or Android device and search for a mission that interests you. It only takes a few minutes to answer the five to 10 questions you’ll be asked, and within 24 hours you’ll be eligible to receive gift cards and other prizes.
Field Agent
Earn approximately $3 to $12 per task for completing simple jobs, such as visiting your local discount store and taking a picture of an assigned product and verifying its price. When testing this app out, I made $3 for a quick photo of a display at a Target. The app works with both Android and iOS operating systems.
Clashot
Clashot allows users to get paid by taking photos of art, cities, food and more with your smartphone and selling them on Depositphotos. Android and iOS users can sell photos for 50 cents to $80, and royalties average 44 percent per sale.
Shopkick
This iOS and Android app shows you popular products and rewards at popular retailers and gives you kicks (points) for walking in the door, more for scanning items and even more for making purchases. Most rewards are worth 250 kicks, and 500 kicks equals $2.
Foap
Foap allows users to upload their photos and sell them through the Foap market – and to keep things simple, each shot costs $10 to buy. Creators get half of each sale, and the cash can then be transferred into your bank account.
Sweatcoin
Make money while you walk? You can earn about 1 Sweatcoin for each 1,000 steps you take. These need to be outdoor steps, so you can't use this at the gym or just walking around your house all day.
One new and very notable addition to the mix is Amazon Flex which allows them a very flexible work force and give workers the opportunity to be a part of the Amazon team on their own schedule.
Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex Delivery Partners make $18-25 per hour working on their own hours to deliver items for Amazon in 50 metro areas. Hours are flexible and the opportunities are growing.
With Amazon getting into the mix, there will certainly be more exciting opportunities money making apps rolling out. This article only encompasses a fraction of the possibilities currently available. If you are looking for flexibility in your work schedule or some side gigs for additional income, you will certainly have no shortage in opportunities. Although not everyone is interested in using these apps as a route to a full time job, there are certainly a wide enough variety of options to appeal to almost anyone as a side gig.
So there you have it… 25 ways that you can earn extra income, using your phone.
This post was the first in many “QCI” posts that we'll be sharing. If you'd like to learn about other types of “Quick Cash Infusions,” be sure to enter your email on this page and we'll be sure to give you new ideas every single month.
If you enjoyed this, you'll also enjoy this strategy on how to make money through Amazon Drop Shipping… Or this post about making money on Udemy.
