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Famous financial expert Robert Kiyosaki once said, "The richest people in the world build networks." Today's mobile apps do exactly that — connecting you to cashback rewards, paid surveys, side hustles, and passive income opportunities.
The following list of the best apps for making money will show you how you can earn cash while playing fun games or completing small tasks like surveys. Get financial advice from Headway or turn spare time into real money with Rakuten and Mistplay.
Try Headway to access 15-minute summaries of top financial books and learn proven wealth-building strategies. Turn idle scrolling moments into payouts!
Quick summary: The top five for making money
Headway — Learn financial strategies through book summaries.
Rakuten — Earn cashback on everyday purchases.
Poshmark — Sell items online quickly.
Mistplay — Get paid for surveys and gaming.
YNAB — Find your budget tools.
Keep reading for the full list of money-making apps!
Top 10 money-earning apps that pay real cash
Making extra income doesn't require a full-time commitment anymore. These best apps deliver real money straight to your bank account or PayPal account.
Best apps for financial growth and learning
Financial literacy is the foundation of lasting wealth. These apps teach you how to manage and multiply your money effectively.
1. Headway: Learn to earn more
Best for: Learning financial strategies quickly.
Headway is a bite-sized learning app with an extensive library of thousands of book summaries. You will find key knowledge from various popular books, including financial masterpieces by celebrities and influential authors. The Headway app lets you grasp the core components of a book in just 15 minutes.
Whether it's Warren Buffett’s tips or side gig strategies, Headway helps you build financial literacy and make money online smarter.
Once you find the book you’re looking for, you can enjoy exciting features like achievements and goal trackers designed to keep you motivated to read long-term.
Download the Headway app and see your money habits transformed with techniques from our award-winning financial book summaries.
2. Mint: Budget like a pro
Best for: Tracking and managing personal finances.
The Mint app is a must-have budgeting tool for anyone looking to grow their income and become more mindful of their money.
It connects directly to your bank account and automates your spending notifications. This free app helps you identify money leaks, negotiate lower bills, and set realistic budgets.
It sends alerts when you're overspending, helping users save an average of $200 monthly by identifying unnecessary subscriptions.
3. YNAB (You Need A Budget)
Best for: Tightening up your budget.
YNAB provides you with the best budget tools and resources to let you take full control of your money.
The app teaches you to give every dollar a job and tracks real-time expenses to ensure you stick to your financial goals. Users report saving $600 in their first two months and $6,000 in their first year. With its loan calculator, YNAB shows how extra payments can reduce interest, offering both short- and long-term financial benefits.
Lastly, YNAB prides itself on its philosophy of being an ad-free app that doesn’t sell your data, meaning you’ll be getting an authentic budget app with only the motive of bringing you financial freedom.
Best buy and sell apps for quick cash
Turn your clutter into cash with these proven selling platforms that connect you to millions of buyers.
4. OfferUp: Local selling made easy
Best for: Selling unused items locally.
OfferUp lets you list items in under 30 seconds with just a photo and description. It’s trusted by millions and offers a TruYou verification system for safer transactions. Sellers often report making their first sale within 48 hours of listing, and the app has facilitated over $14 billion in transactions since its launch.
OfferUp requires users to arrange their own shipping processes or meet-ups with buyers, which means you are entirely responsible for how your shipping boxes and items are presented.
If you decide to go the shipping route, OfferUp will provide you with a shipping label after paying a 12.9% service fee. Otherwise, you can handle transactions directly with buyers in person and forego any added fees.
5. Poshmark: Fashion to fortune
Best for: Selling second-hand clothes and fashion items.
With 80 million users, Poshmark helps you sell fashion items and earn significant profits. Sellers can make $500 monthly, with top sellers earning over $10,000. Virtual "Posh Parties" can boost your sales by 300%, and the app handles all shipping.
Once your item is sold, Poshmark lets you receive payment through various methods such as PayPal, Venmo, cheque, and Instant Transfer. However, the app does charge a commission fee. This starts at $2.95 for sales under $15, to a 20% commission for sales of $15 and above.
6. CardCash: Gift cards to real money
Best for: Converting unused gift cards into cash.
CardCash lets you sell unused gift cards for up to 92% of their value. Most payments are process within 24 hours via PayPal or direct deposit. It’s an excellent way to earn from cards you don’t need, with users reporting earning $300-500 annually from forgotten gift cards.
As for people looking for a way to get free discounts, CardCash is a great way to save a few bucks on your favorite brands. Buyers can look for gift cards to their desired stores and purchase them at discounted prices.
Luckily, CardCash also offers protection for buyers in case their purchased gift card does not have the advertised balance with a 45-day guarantee.
Best cashback and reward apps
These apps pay you for activities you're already doing – shopping, dining, and even playing mobile games.
7. Rakuten: Shop and earn
Best for: Earning cashback while shopping.
As a cashback app, Rakuten offers up to 40% cashback at over 3,500 stores like Amazon and Target. These savings also apply to travel and vacation costs like flights, car rentals, and accommodations.
With over 5000 coupons available for your discretion, there is no shortage of saving and money-making deals you can receive from this app.
New users get a $30 bonus after their first $30 purchase. Payments arrive quarterly, with no minimum payout required. With over $3.7 billion in cash rewards paid out, Rakuten is a trusted option for shoppers.
8. Swagbucks: Multiple ways to earn
Best for: Earning money through surveys and online tasks.
Swagbucks pays users to complete surveys, watch videos, test apps, and more. On average, members earn $300-500 yearly, with some users making up to $1-5 per survey. You can get extra money or choose from numerous gift cards.
The app also provides daily challenges and bonus opportunities to help you earn even more. With Swagbucks, you can participate in a wide range of activities that match your interests and schedule.
It’s a flexible way to make money without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're commuting or relaxing at home, Swagbucks makes it easy to earn on the go.
9. Mistplay: Playing games for profit
Best for: Earning money by playing mobile games.
Mistplay allows you to earn points by playing mobile games, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash. The app boasts hundreds of free games across various genres, and average users make $50 monthly from casual gaming.
As you play, Mistplay tracks your progress and rewards you with more points as you level up in the games. You can also discover new games based on your interests, making the experience even more personalized.
Mistplay is an enjoyable and simple way to earn extra cash while having fun with games that you love.
10. Freecash: Fast payouts
Best for: Instant payouts from completing tasks.
Freecash has paid out over $50 million to users since its launch in 2020. Complete tasks, surveys, and offers for fast PayPal payouts. There’s no minimum withdrawal, so you can cash out even if you’ve only earned $0.50. Top earners make $100+ daily through referrals and tasks.
What sets Freecash apart is its wide variety of earning methods. You can complete daily tasks, engage with offers from different brands, or participate in referral programs to boost your earnings.
Freecash makes sure you can always find something new to do and earn, providing endless opportunities for users looking to maximize their income.
Common pitfalls to avoid while making money online
Not all money-making apps deliver on their promises. Here's how to spot legitimate opportunities.
1. Red flags in money apps
Avoid apps requiring upfront payment or promising unrealistic earnings. Legitimate apps never ask for your Social Security number unnecessarily.
Check App Store and Google Play reviews before downloading. Look for apps with at least 4-star ratings and thousands of reviews.
2. Protect your information
Only link bank accounts to established apps like Mint or YNAB. Use separate email addresses for money-making apps.
Enable two-factor authentication wherever available. Never share login credentials between apps.
Learn the best money-making strategies with Headway
Many people want to improve their finances but are too busy to learn how. Fortunately, the best apps for making money help broaden your financial knowledge and improve your budgeting and investing skills to reap long-term benefits. Headway offers access to key strategies that teach you how to scale your career and build your income.
The Headway app aims to make it easier to maintain productivity and learn new things while on a busy schedule, using fun achievements and daily goal-setting. Listen to financial book summaries while on the go to make the most out of your personal development experience.
Download the Headway app to access unlimited book summaries on over 1500+ books on career-building, money-making, and financial literacy.
Frequently asked questions about the best apps for making money
How much can I realistically make with money-making apps?
Most users earn between $100 and $500 monthly by consistently using 3-5 apps. Top earners who treat it like a side hustle can make $1,000+ by combining cashback, surveys, and selling apps. Your income will depend on your time investment and chosen apps.
Which apps pay instantly to PayPal?
Apps like Freecash, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie offer instant PayPal payouts. Rakuten pays quarterly, while most survey apps process payments within 24-48 hours. These instant payouts make it easy to access your earnings quickly.
Are money-making apps safe for my bank account?
Yes, as long as you stick to established apps like Mint, Rakuten, and Cash App, which have millions of downloads and strong security measures. Be sure to research new apps and avoid linking your bank account to unverified platforms.
Can I use money-making apps on both Android and iOS?
Yes, all apps mentioned are available on both Google Play and the App Store. Some gaming apps like Mistplay are Android-only, but there are alternatives for iPhone users that provide similar features.
How do I avoid scam money-making apps?
To avoid scams, check for verified developer badges and read recent user reviews. Legitimate apps will never ask for upfront fees or your personal information. Always check app ratings and reviews before downloading to ensure their credibility.
