I Tested 50 Money Apps. These 15 Were the Only Ones That Paid

After testing dozens of money-making apps over the past year, I found that most of them are not worth your time. Many promise easy cash but end up paying only a few cents or making it difficult to cash out.

However, some apps really do pay. I personally tested each app for at least a couple of months and received real payouts. Together, these apps helped me earn more than $4,000.

Here are the best options worth trying if you want to make extra money from your phone.

Best Apps for Beginners

If you're new to earning money online, these apps are the easiest places to start.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most versatile rewards apps available. You can earn points by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and completing various tasks.

What makes it stand out is the variety of earning opportunities. If one method isn't available, there are always other ways to earn.

My earnings: $615 in 3 months

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie focuses almost entirely on surveys. Most surveys take less than 10 minutes and pay between $3 and $5, although some special studies can pay much more.

The platform is simple, easy to use, and doesn't bombard users with spam.

My earnings: $420 in 3 months

Freecash

Freecash offers quick tasks such as downloading apps, testing games, completing surveys, and signing up for services.

One of its biggest advantages is fast payouts. Once you reach the minimum withdrawal amount, money can arrive in PayPal within minutes.

My earnings: $380 in 3 months

InboxDollars

InboxDollars rewards users for activities such as surveys, videos, games, and shopping.

Unlike many reward platforms that use complicated point systems, earnings are displayed directly in dollars.

My earnings: $285 in 3 months

Easy Passive Income Apps

These apps require very little effort once you set them up.

Nielsen Mobile Panel

Nielsen pays users simply for keeping the app installed on their phone. The app collects anonymous internet usage data for research purposes.

Once installed, there's almost nothing else to do.

My earnings: $120 over 2 years

Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards turns everyday receipts into rewards. Simply scan receipts from grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and other retailers.

The process takes only a few seconds per receipt.

My earnings: $285 in 3 months

Upside

Upside gives cash back on purchases such as fuel, groceries, and dining.

Before making a purchase, claim an offer in the app and upload your receipt afterward to receive cash back.

My earnings: $175 in 3 months

Fundrise

Fundrise is different from the other apps on this list because it focuses on investing.

Users can start investing in real estate with a small amount of money and earn passive returns over time.

My experience: 8.2% return over 14 months

Apps That Pay You to Play Games

If you already spend time gaming, these apps can help you earn rewards while playing.

Mistplay

Mistplay rewards users for playing mobile games. As you spend time in supported games, you earn points that can be exchanged for gift cards.

It's not life-changing money, but it turns a hobby into a small income stream.

My earnings: $195 in 3 months

Solitaire Cash

Solitaire Cash adds real-money competitions to the classic card game.

Players compete using identical decks, so results depend on speed and skill rather than luck.

My earnings: $110 profit in 2 months

App Testing Platforms

Companies are willing to pay for feedback on new apps and games. These platforms connect testers with those opportunities.

Testerup

Testerup pays users to complete specific app and game challenges. Some offers require reaching certain levels in games, while others involve testing apps and providing feedback.

Higher-paying tasks often take more time but can offer substantial rewards.

My earnings: $215 in 3 months

Branded

Branded allows users to test apps, complete offers, and participate in market research.

Some opportunities pay significantly more than standard survey platforms.

My earnings: $195 in 3 months

KashKick

KashKick combines surveys, app testing, videos, and special offers in one platform.

Payments are made directly through PayPal, making the process straightforward.

My earnings: $145 in 2 months

Delivery Apps with the Highest Earning Potential

For people willing to do real work instead of completing online tasks, delivery apps can generate much higher income.

DoorDash

DoorDash allows drivers to deliver food on their own schedule.

Depending on location and working hours, drivers can often earn between $18 and $25 per hour.

Potential earnings: $800 to $1,200 per month

Uber Eats

Uber Eats works similarly to DoorDash and offers flexible delivery opportunities.

Many drivers use both platforms simultaneously to maximize earnings and reduce downtime.

Potential earnings: $18 to $25 per hour

Which Apps Are Worth Using?

After trying more than 50 money-making apps, these are the ones I still use regularly:

Daily Apps

• Swagbucks
• Survey Junkie
• Fetch Rewards
• Upside

Weekly Apps

• Freecash
• Mistplay

Set-and-Forget Apps

• Nielsen Mobile Panel
• Fundrise

Using a combination of these apps, it's realistic to earn between $300 and $550 per month with moderate effort.

Apps to Avoid

Not every money-making app deserves your attention. Some common red flags include:

• Extremely high minimum withdrawal amounts
• Apps that pay only fractions of a cent for watching ads
• Multi-level marketing programs that require recruiting people
• Free-trial offers that ask for credit card information
• Walking apps that offer tiny rewards for large amounts of activity

If an offer sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Final Thoughts

Making money with apps is possible, but expectations should be realistic. Most users will not earn hundreds of dollars per day from surveys and simple tasks.

For beginners, a good starting combination would be:

1. Swagbucks
2. Survey Junkie
3. Freecash
4. Fetch Rewards

These apps provide a mix of surveys, tasks, and passive rewards without requiring much experience.

If your goal is to earn serious side income, delivery platforms like DoorDash and Uber Eats offer the highest earning potential, although they require much more effort.

The best strategy is to combine several apps, focus on the ones you enjoy using, and gradually build a consistent stream of extra income.