Making extra money is easier than ever if you know which apps actually pay and which ones waste your time. The truth is most people scroll on their phones every day without realizing they could be earning real cash, gift cards, or even passive income the same way. The right money making apps can help you cover bills, stack savings, or hit short term goals without needing a new job or a complicated setup.
Our team at Smarts tests these apps constantly so you do not have to. We look at payout speed, earning potential, ease of use, and whether the app is truly legit. Below you will find the best money making apps right now. These are the apps that consistently pay and offer real ways to earn from your phone starting today.
If you want fast results this list is where to start.
1. Survey Junkie – $1.25 sign up bonus
Taking online surveys to make extra money is a no-brainer. You definitely won’t get rich or make hundreds of dollars per day with a survey alone, but you won’t waste much time, and you can make some money the easy way. Survey Junkie pays between $.50 and $1.25 per survey, and many of them take less than 5 minutes to complete.
So if you took 10 surveys per day, every day for a month, you could make close to $400 per month. If you took more surveys a day… the possibilities are endless. If you wanted to sign up for Survey Junkie to make extra money you can get started here.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
2. Swagbucks – $10 sign up bonus
An increasingly popular way for people who want to make money the simple way is by filling out online surveys in their free time. Research companies are always recruiting new people to answer surveys and test new products. The #1 survey site per BeerMoney.co is Swagbucks and they are giving users a free $10 sign up bonus, so act fast.
Sign up for Swagbucks which rewards you for taking easy surveys as well as playing games and watching videos on your phone, tablet, laptop or mobile browser.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
3. Blitz Win Cash
Blitz Win Cash is a fast paced game app where you can play quick skill based matches for real money. It feels simple at first but gets addicting once you start entering head to head games.
It is available for iPhone users and the setup is easy. The app matches you with players who have a similar skill level so every round feels fair.
What makes Blitz Win Cash stand out is the cash tournaments. If you deposit money you can join real prize competitions and win actual cash. Payouts go straight to PayPal and I had no issues cashing out.
How to play. You jump into short timed matches and try to beat your opponent's score. It is simple to learn and easy to get hooked.
Download: iOS
4. Mistplay
Mistplay is one of the easiest ways to turn your gaming time into real rewards. If you already play mobile games you might as well get paid for it. Mistplay lets you download games, play for a few minutes, and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards from Amazon, Visa, and more.
What makes Mistplay stand out is how fast the rewards build. You earn just for playing and you can cash out with no hassle. There is no learning curve and no complicated steps. Open the app, pick a game, and start stacking points.
Mistplay is best for anyone who wants effortless earnings while relaxing on their phone. If you want a steady stream of small wins without spending money this is the app to start with.
Download: Android
5. Nielsen Mobile – $60 per year
By using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can make money too. You don’t even have to do anything other than register your computer or phone.
Nielsen will pay you $60 a year to keep their app on your favorite internet browsing device and they also give away $10,000 each month. So you can possibly make more than $50 and it’s definitely one of the best money making apps.
Sign up through here for a registration bonus
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
6. Upside
Upside is one of the simplest ways to earn real cash back on everyday purchases. You get paid for things you already do like buying gas, grabbing food, or picking up groceries. Just check the app, claim an offer at a nearby location, and snap a quick receipt. The cash back hits your account fast.
What makes Upside so good is the earning potential. Some gas stations pay back a surprising amount per gallon and restaurant offers can stack real savings. You can cash out to your bank, PayPal, or gift cards with no hassle.
Upside is perfect if you want guaranteed money back without changing your routine. Open the app before you fill up or grab a bite and you are literally earning free money.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
7. Branded
Branded lets you earn real cash by trying new apps and completing simple tasks. You can get paid for playing games, signing up for services, testing apps, or reaching small milestones inside each offer. The payouts are some of the strongest in the industry and many offers pay fast.
What makes Branded Offers so good is the earning potential. You can stack multiple offers in a single day and hit meaningful earnings without a complicated setup. Everything is straightforward. Pick an offer, complete the task, and watch the points hit your account. You can cash out through PayPal or gift cards once you reach the minimum.
Branded Offers is perfect if you want a quick path to real money and enjoy exploring new apps. It is one of the easiest ways to make extra cash today.
Download: Desktop
8. Freecash – $5 sign up bonus
Freecash is one of the fastest paying reward platforms online. You can earn real money by completing offers, playing new games, taking surveys, or trying apps. Many users cash out within minutes because the earning potential is strong and payouts move quickly.
What makes Freecash stand out is the flexibility. You choose the tasks you want and skip the ones you do not. Rewards are high, the interface is clean, and you can cash out to PayPal, crypto, or gift cards with almost no friction.
Freecash is perfect if you want fast earnings and low effort. If you want to make money today this is one of the best places to start.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
9. Arrived
Arrived lets you invest in real rental properties with as little as $100 and collect passive rental income. You choose from single family homes, vacation rentals, and long term properties. Arrived handles the tenants, management, and upkeep while you earn your share of the income.
The setup is simple. Pick a property, buy shares, and start receiving monthly distributions once the home begins generating rent. You also benefit from potential property appreciation over time. Arrived is backed by well known investors and has become a popular way for beginners to get into real estate without the stress of owning a home outright.
Arrived is perfect if you want real estate income without becoming a landlord. If you want an easy way to build long term wealth from property this is one of the most beginner friendly choices.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
10. Fundrise
Fundrise makes it possible to invest in real estate without needing huge capital or landlord experience. You can start with $10 and get access to professionally managed real estate portfolios that aim to generate long term growth and steady income.
The platform focuses on private real estate deals that are normally out of reach for everyday investors. You simply open an account, choose your strategy, and Fundrise does the work. You earn through potential appreciation and quarterly dividends which makes this a powerful hands off wealth builder.
Fundrise is best for anyone who wants real estate exposure with low minimums and zero hassle. If you want a simple path to long term investing this is one of the strongest options available.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
11. DoorDash
If you’re free nights and weekends, you can make money delivering food around your city. You can earn $500 fast this week just for becoming a DoorDash Dasher and delivering takeout. It is a perfect way to make a good amount of extra money whenever it’s convenient for you.
A lot of people do this full time, so you can imagine that’s it definitely possible to do this on the side and make $100 every day and be able to save it.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
12. EarnIn
EarnIn lets you access money you have already earned without waiting for payday. There are no mandatory fees, no credit check, and no interest. You simply connect your bank, track your hours, and cash out a portion of your earnings whenever you need it.
What makes EarnIn powerful is the flexibility. You can get up to $150 a day from your upcoming paycheck and the money arrives fast. You only tip what you think is fair. It is one of the easiest ways to smooth out your cash flow and avoid overdraft fees.
EarnIn is best for anyone who wants quick access to earned wages without loans or high costs. If you need money before payday this app is a lifesaver.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
13. Cleo
Cleo is an AI powered money app that helps you budget smarter and get cash when you need it. You connect your bank and Cleo analyzes your spending, builds a simple budget, and gives you daily money insights in a fun chat style that actually keeps you engaged.
The standout feature is Cleo Cash. Once you set up your account and show regular income, you can qualify for up to one $250 of instant cash with no interest and no hidden fees. You just repay it on your next payday. Cleo also offers savings tools that round up your purchases and stash extra money automatically.
Cleo is perfect if you want a money app that is both helpful and entertaining. If you want support, smart budgeting, and fast cash access, Cleo is a strong pick.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
14. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash lets you turn a classic card game into real money. You play quick skill based rounds of solitaire and compete against players with a similar ability level. The better your score, the higher your chance of winning cash prizes.
The app is smooth, fast, and easy to pick up. You can enter low cost tournaments or play free practice rounds to build confidence. When you do win, payouts go straight to PayPal with no issues.
Solitaire Cash is perfect if you want a trusted money app with simple gameplay and real earning potential. If you enjoy solitaire even a little, this one can pay off.
Download: iOS | Android | Desktop
Final Thoughts on the Best Apps to Make Money
Money making apps can be a powerful way to boost your income with almost no barrier to entry. The key is choosing apps that are legitimate, pay quickly, and match how you already use your phone. Whether you want instant payouts, passive rewards, or long term earning potential, the apps on this list give you real opportunities to make extra money starting today. Keep checking back as we update this guide with the latest high paying apps and new earning options that can help you reach your financial goals faster.
