20+ Best Money-Making Apps to Earn Extra Income Today

15. Ibotta

The Ibotta app puts a unique twist on cashback rewards.

You can pay for purchases using the Ibotta app in physical stores as well. You’ll also be able to upload receipts to get rewarded. So you don’t always need to shop using a direct link, as you would with other cashback apps on the market today.

The network of Ibotta partners isn’t quite as extensive as other apps. However, you can still use it at national brands like Walgreens, Target, Walmart, GAP, Domino’s, and Booking.com.

Ibotta offers a $20 welcome bonus to new app users who make a qualifying purchase.

16. Mercari

Mercari is a marketplace app for selling goods. It’s similar to OfferUp, but there’s no option for in-person meetups.

You can start listing items within minutes of downloading the app. Just upload pictures, add a description, and set your own prices.

Mercari provides you with printable shipping labels via email.

Popular products sold on Mercari include headphones, tablets, speakers, handbags, and clothing.

There is no fee for using Mercari. The app takes a 10% commission on all completed sales. So just keep that in mind when you’re setting prices.

17. Survey Junkie

If you like the idea of getting paid to give your opinion, the Survey Junkie app is another top choice to consider.

Build a profile on the app so that Survey Junkie can match you with the most relevant surveys to your lifestyle. Simply complete the surveys in your spare time to earn virtual reward points.

Redeem those points for gift cards at popular stores like Target or Amazon. Alternatively, you can cash out points via PayPal.

18. Paribus

Paribus finds you refunds from purchases that you’ve already made.

Just provide them with the email address you use for online shopping receipts. Paribus scans those receipts for stores that they monitor.

If one of your purchases goes on sale after you buy it, Paribus refunds you for the difference. You can also get compensated for late deliveries from online orders.

Paribus currently monitors more than 25 major retailers. Examples include Best Buy, Home Depot, Target, and Amazon. The Paribus app is 100% free. They don’t take a commission from the savings, charge a monthly fee, or surprise you with any hidden charges.

19. Drop

More than three million people are currently using the Drop app.

Like many other money-making apps on our list, you’ll get rewarded for shopping. Each time you shop using Drop, you’ll get rewarded with points.

Drop won’t give you cash, but you can redeem those points for gift cards at places like Amazon, Starbucks, and Netflix.

20. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is an online rewards platform that allows users to earn money by participating in surveys, watching videos, playing games, completing offers, and reading promotional emails. 

To redeem earnings, users must reach a minimum balance threshold, typically $30, and can choose to receive payment via check or e-gift cards for popular retailers.

21. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is an online platform that allows users to participate in surveys and earn rewards for sharing their opinions. The platform connects users with companies and market research firms seeking consumer insights. 

Users sign up, provide demographic information, and are matched with relevant survey opportunities. As users complete surveys, they earn points that can be redeemed for cash via PayPal, gift cards, or virtual prepaid Visa cards. 

Branded Surveys also features a loyalty program called Branded Elite, where users can earn bonus points and access additional perks as they progress through different tiers. 

While the income potential may vary, Branded Surveys offer a user-friendly experience and regular survey opportunities for individuals looking to share their opinions and earn rewards in their spare time.

How To Make Money With Apps

Making money with apps is very straightforward.

In most cases, it’s as simple as downloading the app and creating a profile. Depending on the circumstances, you might be required to provide more information for some apps compared to others.

For example, if you’re using Uber to make money, you’ll need to go through an approval process that can take 5-7 days. They’ll verify your license and car details, and run a background check.

Other apps allow you to start making money within seconds of signing up without any lengthy process.

Make sure you have an active PayPal account. Most money-making apps issue payments via PayPal.

How To Choose The Best Apps That Make You Money

Not every app on here is ideal for everyone. There are certain considerations to look at when evaluating apps for making money.

This is the methodology that we used to create this list. I’ll explain what matters and how you can weigh these factors according to your personal needs.

Pay Amount

Most apps won’t make you rich. Lots of them won’t even qualify as part-time jobs or a side hustle. However, they provide simple ways to have extra cash.

Choose an app based on how much you want to get paid. For example, if you want to earn hundreds or thousands of dollars per month, you likely can’t do that by filling out surveys. You’d be better off using apps like Uber, Lyft, OfferUp, and TaskRabbit.

Those types of apps have a higher upside in terms of the payment amount.

Effort

The next thing you’ll have to decide is how much effort you want to commit.

Do you want just to complete small tasks from your smartphone while you’re lying on the couch or sitting at a coffee shop? Or do you want to visit retail stores, drive around, meet up with buyers in person, and do some manual labor?

The amount of effort it takes to do something usually has a direct correlation with the payment amount. Moving furniture on TaskRabbit pays more than completing a two-minute survey.

Payment Method And Frequency

Some apps let you get paid with cash. In most cases, cashouts are facilitated via PayPal. But there are a few apps that will mail you a check.

Other apps don’t offer cash but reward you with gift cards.

Again, you can’t make a living with a handful of Starbucks or Target gift cards. But if you’re just doing a few small tasks on the side, it could still be worth your time.

Certain money-making apps have redemption restrictions, so be sure to review the payment frequency and full terms before you get started.

Fees And Initial Investment

Many apps on our list are free. But some do require you to pay.

For example, an Acorns membership can cost up to $3 per month. Mercari takes a 10% commission for all sales facilitated through its marketplace.

Overall, these fees and initial investments are pretty low. But if you don’t want to spend any money, stick to the free apps.

App Reputation

Conduct your due diligence before you download any money-making mobile apps. Make sure the app has lots of positive reviews. Read the negative reviews to see what unhappy users are saying.

You can usually sign up for these apps with just an email address. Apps asking for sensitive information could be a potential scam.

Lots of apps on our list promise that they won’t sell your data. So if privacy is important to you, stick with an app with that reputation.

It’s never been easier to make money from apps in 2023. Use the apps that I’ve listed above to get started.

Looking for other ways to increase your income? Have a look at my video on how to find good business ideas.