Ever catch yourself scrolling on your phone and thinking, “Did I really just waste an hour of my life?”
Same.
Instead of getting sucked into another loophole of mind-numbing videos or lost in conspiracy theories, why not turn your screen time into some extra income?
There are plenty of legit apps to make money (and, sure, a few not-so-legit ones, too). Use this guide to help you spot the real deals, explore your options and find the opportunities for you.
Key Takeaways
- Legit apps to make money do exist—but they’re best for extra income and not full-time paychecks.
- KashKick, Swagbucks and InboxDollars make it easy to earn money by taking surveys, playing games and claiming offers.
- Freelance and gig apps, like Fiverr and Upwork, can be solid options for those wanting to turn their skills into cash.
- Ultimately, KashKick offers one of the best ways to start earning money through an app.
Do Money-Making Apps Actually Pay?
Yes — plenty of money-making apps actually pay. In fact, some don’t even require leaving your house.Â
The key is to keep your expectations in check. Any app promising “an easy way to get rich quick” is a red flag.
With many rewards apps, you can expect to earn enough money to pay for your next latte or chip away at your back-to-school budget. And that’s great—every little bit helps. But you’re not winning the lottery here.
There are also legit side hustle apps that can help supplement your income, though they usually require some skill and a bit more effort.
So, yes, money-making apps really can help you build your savings or cover extra expenses—just don’t expect overnight riches!
Legit Apps to Make Money This Year
From completing 5-minute microtasks while waiting in line to launching your freelance career, you’ll find some of the top legit apps to make money right now.Â
Each one works differently, so pick and choose based on your skills, interests and how much time you want to invest.
1. Kashkick
KashKick makes it easy to earn money by completing simple tasks like playing games, taking surveys, trying new apps or shopping online. And unlike other rewards apps, there are plenty of opportunities to earn without spending a dime.
Once you sign up (it takes two minutes), you can immediately start earning. Then, once you hit $10, you can cash out securely, straight through PayPal, choose a gift card or donate to charity.
KashKick is big on transparency. You can see how the app works behind the scenes, and within the app, each step or requirement to earn is spelled out. For example, with games, you can see which milestones you need to complete and how much you’ll earn. With surveys, you’ll know how long each takes to complete—and how much you can get paid.
Plus, KashKick not only helps members earn money, but you can also improve your finances with deals on tools to help pay down your debt or improve your credit score.
As for how much you can make? It all depends on how much time you commit, but one member shared that he made $500 in less than a year to help pay for groceries, while a stay-at-home mom was thrilled to earn around $60 in “fun money” before a trip to Disney with her kids.
With KashKick, there’s a little something for everyone, and with so many ways to earn, you won’t get bored!
Pros:
- Low payout threshold ($10)
- Fast payouts through PayPal
- Variety of earning opportunities
- Available for Apple and Android users
- Lucrative referral program (get 25% of your referral’s game and deals earnings)
Cons:
- Only available in the U.S.
- Some offers are limited-time
👉 Want to give it a try? Sign up for free or download the app (iOS or Android).
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a well-known rewards app that pays users for completing surveys, shopping online and playing games. It’s been around since 2008.
With Swagbucks, you earn points (SBs), which you can then exchange for gift cards or cash via PayPal. According to Swagbucks, the average user earns around $2 to $4 a day.
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- $10 welcome bonus when you spend at least $25 at a featured store
- Variety of ways to earn
Cons:
- Up to 10 days to receive rewards
- Can be difficult to qualify for surveys
- Higher cash out threshold
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is another platform that’s been around for ages (since 2000!). You can earn rewards for taking surveys, playing games, shopping online and even reading emails.
Like KashKick, InboxDollars doesn’t deal in points—just cash—so it’s easy to track how much you’ve earned. Cash out for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Pros:
- Long track record of being reliable
- $5 sign-up bonus
- Earn cash, not points
Cons:
- Time consuming
- Higher payout threshold ($15 for first request)
4. Fiverr
Looking to create more of a side hustle? Fiverr helps connect all kinds of freelancers—from writers and translators to developers and designers—to gigs.
Sign up for free and set up your “Gig.” This allows you to offer your services, which you can price anywhere from $5 to $995, to a global network of clients. You’ll get notified when you receive an order, and you can chat details with the customer. Once completed, you get paid 80% of each transaction.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Free to sign up
- Global reach
- Set your own rates
Cons:
- Fiverr takes a 20% cut
- High competition
5. Upwork
Upwork is similar to Fiverr in that it helps freelancers connect with clients. The biggest difference is that you submit proposals for the work you want, but you’ll still get to set your own rates and work flexible hours.
Once your work is completed and approved, you can cash out directly to your bank account for free.
Pros:
- Flexible
- Free to sign up
- Global reach
- Set your own rates
Cons:
- Fees up to 15% per contract
- High competition
- Low-paying clients
6. Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is a survey platform available on Google Play and in the Apple Store. For each short survey you complete—they typically take less than 20 seconds—you can earn up to $1 in Google Play or PayPal credit.
When a survey is available, you’ll get a notification. Once you earn $2, then you can cash out.
Pros:
- Quick surveys
- Easy to use
- Backed by Google
- Low payout minimum
Cons:
- Inconsistent survey frequency
- Surveys can expire quickly
- Payment balance can expire
7. UserTesting
With UserTesting, you can get paid to share your thoughts on products and experiences. To start earning, you’ll need to apply, which requires taking a practice test and meeting device requirements. (See more in the FAQ section.)
If approved, you’ll receive emails notifying you about test opportunities. Rewards vary for each test, and payments are typically sent 14 days after completion. Participants are paid through PayPal.
Pros:
- Higher paying with tests paying $4 to $10, according to reviews
- Reputable company
- Interesting, varied assignments
Cons:
- Low app ratings (perhaps stick to desktop)
- Device requirements
- Practice test required
8. Mistplay
Mistplay calls itself a loyalty program for gamers, meaning you can earn points (or “units”) when you play games and achieve certain checkpoints. Units can then be exchanged for gift cards, including a PayPal gift card. It can take up to 48 hours to process gift cards.
For years, Mistplay was only available for Android devices, but it’s now available in the Apple Store.
Pros:
- Variety of games
- Lots of reward options
- Now available for iPhones
Cons:
- Confusing points system (not dollars)
- Higher minimum to cash out via PayPal (vs. gift cards)
- $550 maximum payout per year
9. VYBS
VYBS, only available on Android devices, is a rewards app for mobile gamers. Earn points when you play, and cash them out for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Starbucks and more. PayPal cash is also available.
One Redditor said the cash out minimum is $25, and there’s a $2.50 fee.
VYBS also has a community engagement aspect, which allows gamers to connect, share tips and challenge each other.
Pros:
- Community aspect
- Legit way to make money playing games
Cons:
- Fee to cash out
- High payout minimum
- Only available on Android
- Rover
Love pets? With Rover, you can get paid to pet sit. Take dogs on walks, house sit or keep pets overnight in your home.
Create a profile, set your schedule, then review which requests you want to accept. You can withdraw payments within two days of completing a service. Note that Rover applies a 20% service fee to each booking, so you take home 80% of your earnings.
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Pros:
- Flexible
- Work with animals
- Built-in booking and payments tools
Cons:
- Service fee
- Work can be inconsistent
- Limited liability protection
11. Printful
Printful makes it easy to sell custom merchandise, like T-shirts, hats, phone cases and mugs. Create a design; set up an online store through Shopify, Etsy or others; and start selling.
You don’t have to maintain inventory or pay upfront costs. For new sellers, Printful is free, but when setting your prices, be sure to account for the cost of the product, fulfillment and shipping.
Pros:
- No inventory maintenance or risk
- Low startup costs
- No monthly fees for beginners
Cons:
- Apps available, but easier to use on desktop
- Products can be pricy
- Longer fulfillment times (2-5 days)
12. TaskRabbit
Handy around the house? With Taskrabbit, you can make money by assembling furniture, mounting TVs, hauling junk, cleaning, raking leaves, painting and more.
Register as a Tasker; choose the services you want to offer; and set your rates, schedule, and work area. In certain cities, TaskRabbit charges a $25 registration fee, but you’ll keep 100% of your earnings and any tips.
Pros:
- Keep 100% of earnings and tips
- Flexible jobs and schedule
- Set your own rates
Cons:
- Can be difficult, technical work
- Registration fee (in certain areas)
13. Rakuten
Rakuten is a cash-back app, meaning you can earn a percentage of your online and in-store purchases back when you use the app. Examples include 12% back from Macy’s and Sephora and 13% back from CVS.
It’s free to join, and you can get cash back via PayPal or check as quickly as 15 days after your first purchase. After that, payouts are quarterly.
Pros:
- Low $5.01 minimum
- Free and easy to use
- Many retailers
Cons:
- Quarterly payouts
- Fewer in-store earning opportunities
How to Choose the Best App to Make Money
The best app to make money ultimately depends on your goals, schedule and interests. When exploring apps, keep these tips in mind:
- Evaluate the time commitment required. Some apps require hours of gameplay or lengthy surveys just to earn a buck or two, while others make it easy to score quick wins while waiting in line at the grocery store or picking your kids up from school.
- Understand payment methods. For many, gift cards aren’t an ideal way to get paid. It’s easy to forget about them, and it limits where you can spend the money. If that’s you, look for apps that pay via PayPal or direct deposit.
- Figure out the points systems. Complicated points systems can make it confusing to understand how much you’ve earned—and how much you need to cash out. Make sure you understand how many points (or gems or units or whatever the currency is) equal $1. Or, better yet, opt for an app that uses a more straightforward cash system.
- Check how long it takes to get paid. If you’re looking for quick cash, keep in mind some apps have long processing times, so it could be several days (or, in some cases, weeks) before you finally get your rewards.
- Consider your interests. If you love gaming, you’ve got tons of options. If you’re a big-time shopper, find a cash-back app. For those who love animals, turn to Rover. What’s that saying? If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life!
- Find apps with multiple earning options. The best money-making apps are the ones that provide multiple ways to earn, so you never get bored. With KashKick, for example, you can earn by playing games, taking surveys, trying new apps and services, and shopping online.
Make Money with Legit Apps Online
When it comes to making money through apps, there’s something for everyone. The key is to stick to apps that are legitimate and vetted—and proven to pay out.
If you want a simple, low-stress way to start earning, KashKick is a solid option. It’s easy to use, fast to pay and doesn’t require any special skills.
FAQs on Legit Apps for Money Making
What is the most legit app to make money?
KashKick stands out as one of the most legit money-making apps because it’s free, transparent and provides a variety of ways to earn. You can also cash ou securelyt via PayPal.
Which app gives real money for free?
While no legit app gives away money for free, KashKick makes it easy to earn money by completing simple actions, like taking surveys and playing games.
Can I earn money by watching YouTube videos?
While some apps claim to pay you for watching videos, keep in mind the pay is very minimal. YouTube doesn’t pay you for watching.