9 Best Apps To Make Money
Making a little extra cash from your phone is no longer some mythical side quest.
These days, there are legit apps that pay you for surveys, deliveries, cash advances, rewards offers, and even simply sharing your data. Some are quick-win apps. Others are better for steady side income.
The trick is knowing which ones are actually worth your time.
Here are 9 of the best apps to make money, with a quick breakdown of what they do, how they work, and why they stand out.
1. EarnStar
EarnStar is a rewards app that pays users for completing offers, trying services, and taking part in simple online tasks. Think of it as a “get paid for your attention” app, but with a cleaner path to earning than the usual maze of clickbait nonsense.
You typically earn by finishing tasks like signing up for trial offers, answering surveys, or completing partner promotions.
You only need $5 to $10 to cash out. As for rewards, there's dozens of gift card options plus PayPal, which I always love seeing.
Why it’s worth a look: EarnStar is appealing because it gives you multiple ways to earn, not just one. That flexibility makes it the best money making app if you like having options instead of being stuck doing the same task over and over.
2. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is one of the better-known survey apps, and for good reason: it’s straightforward, easy to use, and built around one of the simplest money-making models online — giving your opinion for cash.
After signing up, you fill out your profile so the app can match you with surveys that fit your demographics. Complete surveys, earn points, and redeem them for cash or gift cards.
You only need $5 to cash out. You can redeem plenty of gift cards and PayPal. And I also like Branded Surveys since it has a pretty stellar loyalty program, the Branded Elite program, so earning bonuses is easy.
Why it’s worth a look: Branded Surveys is popular because it’s dependable and simple. It won’t make you rich, but if you’re looking for an easy way to earn a few bucks in your spare time, it gets the job done without making you jump through hoops like a caffeinated circus goat.
3. Kashkick
Kashkick is another rewards platform that pays users for completing offers, taking surveys, and trying out partner products or services. It’s built for people who don’t mind doing a little digital grunt work in exchange for money.
The app shows you available offers, and you earn when you complete them according to the terms. Some offers are quick and easy, while others may require a little more effort but pay more.
I also like Kashkick since it has some great banking bonuses and offers. Once you earn $10, you can cash out right through PayPal.
Why it’s worth a look: Kashkick stands out because it often focuses on higher-paying offers than your average survey app. If you like the idea of choosing between quick tasks and bigger payouts, it’s a good one to keep on the radar.
4. Freecash
Freecash is a popular get-paid-to app that rewards users for completing offers, surveys, app installs, and other online tasks. It’s especially known for its fast earning potential and flexible payout options.
You earn coins or points by finishing tasks from advertisers and then cash out once you hit the minimum threshold. Depending on your location, you may have access to different rewards and bonuses.
What's nice about Freecash is that you can redeem crypto alongside gift cards or PayPal cash. And it's pretty much the largest player in the rewarded app space. I've cashed out plenty of times with Freecash without having any issues.
Why it’s worth a look: Freecash is one of the more flexible apps in this category. It often has a low cash-out minimum, which is the kind of thing people love because nothing kills motivation faster than waiting forever to reach payout.
5. Uber Eats
Uber Eats isn’t a side hustle app in the survey sense, but it absolutely belongs on a list of apps that help you make money. If you’ve got a bike, scooter, or car and some free time, this one turns errands into earnings.
Drivers and couriers get paid to pick up and deliver food orders to customers. You can usually work on your own schedule, and earnings may include tips, promotions, and delivery fees.
Why it’s worth a look: Uber Eats is one of the most flexible gig apps out there. You can work when you want, scale up during busy times, and turn idle hours into income. It’s not passive money, but it is money — and that counts.
6. EarnIn
EarnIn is a cash advance app that lets you access money you’ve already earned before payday.
It’s not really a side hustle app, but it can still be useful if you need quick access to cash without the usual payday loan headache.
The app connects to your paycheck and lets you withdraw a portion of your earned wages in advance. Repayment happens automatically when your paycheck lands.
People can qualify for up to $1,000 in a given pay period. However, how much you qualify for depends on numerous factors, like your payment history, income, debt, and more data.
Why it’s worth a look: EarnIn is useful because it helps you avoid high-interest borrowing when cash flow gets tight. The big appeal is speed and convenience, especially if you’re stuck waiting for payday to save the day like a slow-moving superhero.
7. Scrambly
Scrambly is a rewards app that pays users for completing offers, trying apps, and participating in sponsored promotions. It’s designed for people who want quick online tasks that can turn into real payouts.
You sign up, browse available offers, and complete them to earn rewards. Many of the tasks are centered around app installs or partner sign-ups, which means the earning process can be pretty simple.
I like Scrambly since you only need $1 to cash out, which is low for the world of money making apps. And you can cash out with PayPal, CashApp, bank transfer, or tons of different gift cards.
Why it’s worth a look: Scrambly is a strong option if you want variety and fast-task style earning. It’s especially good for users who like a straightforward rewards app without a lot of extra fluff getting in the way.
8. Ark7
Ark7 is a real estate investing app that lets you invest in fractional shares of rental properties. This one’s a little different from the rest because it’s more about building long-term income than chasing quick cash.
Instead of buying an entire property, you can invest smaller amounts into curated real estate assets. If the properties generate rental income or appreciate in value, you may receive a return.
What's nice is that shares start at only $20. So you can literally create a new income stream that pays you monthly and begin investing in real estate without having a million bucks.
Why it’s worth a look: Ark7 stands out because it opens the door to real estate investing without requiring a massive down payment. It’s one of the more interesting apps on this list if your goal is to grow money, not just earn pocket change.
9. Nielsen Pulse
Nielsen Pulse is a market research app that pays users for allowing Nielsen to collect information about the TV shows and movies that they watch.
In plain English: you share usage data, and in return, you earn rewards.
The app runs in the background on your device and helps Nielsen understand what kind of content people stream.
It's completely set-and-forget once you sign up. SO if you want a passive money making app, I'd give this one a try!
Why it’s worth a look: Nielsen Pulse is appealing because it’s passive compared with surveys or task apps. Once it’s set up, it can keep working in the background without demanding much from you. That’s the dream, really — money with minimal button-mashing.
Final Thoughts
The best app for making money depends on what you want:
- Fast, easy cash: Freecash, Kashkick, Scrambly, EarnStar
- Survey-based earnings: Branded Surveys
- Gig work: Uber Eats
- Cash flow help: EarnIn
- Longer-term investing: Ark7
- Passive-style rewards: Nielsen Pulse
A few of these apps are great for quick wins. Others are better for building up extra income over time. The real win is mixing a couple together so you’re not putting all your eggs in one tiny digital basket.
