(This post will contain some affiliate/referral links- if you sign up, I'll receive referral incentives!)
Let me preface this post by saying this: using apps to make money is a way to supplement your income, but it won't get you out of serious debt or break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle unless you want to be on your phone all your waking hours. Don't kid yourself into thinking you don't need to find a part-time job or that you can charge whatever you want on a credit card because you will use these apps to get caught up later!
That said, some of these apps are a nice way to earn a few extra bucks, especially if you have time to kill on a snow day, waiting in a long line, or because you are quarantined due to a global pandemic. Sometimes I work on them while watching TV or waiting for my dinner to finish cooking. Why not?
Survey apps:
Swagbucks: This is probably the most popular app and the way I make the most money, because there's so many options. There are surveys that vary in value and time, there are videos that you can watch to earn points, you can scan any receipts from shopping, and there is a shopping option where you can earn cashback by shopping online (either having it shipped to your home or picking it up at the service desk of a physical store, like Target). Of course, that part only saves you money if you use it while shopping for things you need!
Once you hit 2,500 points, you can apply for a cash payment via paypal. There are store-specific gift cards available for lower point values, but if you want cash, 2,500 points is the minimum. I've cashed out a few times and it's quick and easy!
MSR: (Referral code: 8DGCr0Nz) This app asks you to take screen recordings of different apps on your phone for data- I love it because they only take a few minutes and easily pay as much as a 20-30 minute survey on other apps.
InboxDollars: This one is similar to Swagbucks in that it has multiple ways to get paid. It also includes surveys, shopping for cashback, and videos. InboxDollars also includes a paid email option where, after reading enough emails, you get to scratch a virtual scratch off card and see how much you won (usually between 5 and 15 cents). Inbox Dollars shows actual dollar amounts earned, and once you hit $30 you can cash out for a small fee, or $40 and you can cash out for free. I've cashed out a few times and they can either direct deposit your earnings, or send you a paper check in the mail.
FushionCash: This one is a bit slower because it's not an app- you have to log in from your browser and some of the activities only work from a laptop computer. But it does have profitable surveys and a few other easy ways to earn a few cents here and there. You can cash out once you've earned $25. I have cashed out twice and it takes a bit, but it is always direct deposited into your bank!
SurveyMonkey Rewards: (No referral link for this one but it's easy to search in the app store). These are easy, quick surveys that appear in your notifications and pay anywhere from 10 cents to a dollar. They are redeemable for charity donations or Amazon gift cards- so you can't put your earnings on debt or in savings, but you can use it to save money on necessary purchases. (I'm hoping to use mine to buy my cat her kitty litter next time she needs a refill!). I've only had it a few months and I'm already past $10. You can cash out after $5!
Google Opinion Rewards: (Again, no referral link, but easy to find in the app store!). This app sends you surveys here and there that are good for 24 hours. They usually take less than a minute- it's usually a question about places you have been recently or recent internet searches. Every time your balance hits $2, they deposit it into your paypal account.
ZapSurveys: I haven't actually cashed this one out yet (the minimum is 25$) but it also runs on surveys and cashback offers. You get $6 for signing up!
SurveyJunkie: This one is purely surveys. It can be tricky to find one that's a good fit for you, but they are higher value and you can cash out at $5. (I also haven't cashed out this one yet!)
Receipt Apps:
Okay, I have played around with a lot of these and it is really hard to make any money when you are a single person shopping for yourself. However, I have heard people with families say they are a nice way to get rewards and cashback for every day shopping.
Receipt Hog: Scan receipts from shopping, get coins, cash out for gift cards or paypal cash. Really easy!
Receipt Pal: Again, scan receipts. get points. This one lets you cash out for Amazon or retail gift cards, so more money in the budget for necessary purchases.
Shopkick (referal code: FREE497543): This app gives you the most points for scanning receipts, but it can also give you points just for entering a store and scanning merchandise that you don't buy. Fun way to keep yourself entertained on boring shopping trips!
Paid Fitness Apps:
If you like working out (which I do!) there are some easy apps to download!
Achievement: This app mostly gives you points for steps- so if you're a runner or a walker, or if your job involves lots of walking around, it's incredibly easy. It can also give you points if you connect it with other apps or a fitbit to track your food, weight, sleep, or if you check into a gym. Once you get 10,000 points, you can cash out for $10 in paypal. You don't have to open it or anything, just download it and set it up and let it go! I've cashed out several times- it takes a long time to get to 10,000 points, but it's pretty effortless!
Sweatcoin: This app gives you points for steps you take, but it varies what kinds of prizes are available- sometimes there's cash and sometimes there isn't. I'm guessing this one will take years to cash out, but, hey, it's also pretty effortless.
Sales Apps:
Poshmark: This app is for selling clothes, makeup, and accesories. The app takes a small fee for each sale, but they also cover shipping and give protection to the buyer and the seller (unlike free selling sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace). Some people earn Poshmark Ambassador or Poshmark Affiliate status and make a lucrative side hustle of it (search them on YouTube!) but it's also an easy way to clean out your closet and get paid!
Decluttr: This app is for selling tech. It's easy to scan or type in what you are selling, see what they offer, and ship it. I've made small amounts of money selling old CDs!
And finally, my favorite:
Field Agent (referral code: yfmhsw8): This app has lots of little mini gigs that involve going to a store and completing a mystery shop or audit. They can be a few dollars or as high as $50 (but those usually involve driving and some hard work!). But it pays instantly, and if you're already out shopping, it's fun to see what you can do for a few bucks!
So, let me reiterate: you can't app your way out of serious debt or financial struggles. But, you can challenge yourself to earn a little side cash! When you're fighting your way out of debt, every penny counts!!
Comments
Post a Comment