12 Legit Money Making Apps
Updated: Nov 11, 2022
The 12 Best Money Making Apps
Are apps that can Make you money too good to be true?
Yes and no. While there are some bogus apps that promise lottery-level earnings for questionable services, there are also legitimate apps that can earn you real money by using - and you should download these legit apps ASAP. These apps range from market research apps (meaning you’ll be answering polls and quick surveys) to photography apps, and even apps that pay you for playing games or participating in online forums.
To see a full list of our favorite legit money-making apps, just keep reading.
The real question is: ‘Can you spare enough time to actually use the app?’
In this article, we’ll help you identify trustworthy apps that can help you earn honest money, and we’ll let you know what to look out for so that you’ll know what to avoid. As a general rule of thumb, legitimate apps won’t promise you loads of cash, but you’ll earn enough extra money to pay for your phone bill or to add to your shopping money.
Extra savings are always exciting, right?
Most of them don’t require too much effort either, just engagement from you - perhaps during your lunch break or daily commute. That being said, it’s always nice to have an extra source of income, especially these days. Indeed, every dollar counts.
Apps That Will Help You Earn Money
Field Agent pays you for doing tasks such as mystery shopping, market research, digital product demos, and performing audits at retail stores within a specified amount of time.
The app is free and is owned by a company that specializes in data collection and digital marketing services. They work with brands who want actual consumer information and insight, and through mobile research, they are able to provide this information from recorded photos, videos, and reviews done by the app’s users.
Upon downloading, users may be asked to complete a series of quick tasks as part of training. Jobs can then be customized according to location, so you have the choice to work on nearby jobs or further ones.
There are location options to assist you with your job search, such as 'Closest Jobs,' 'Near Me,' or 'Zip Code.' You can also choose by distance which varies from 3 Miles, 10 Miles, or 30 Miles from your location.
The jobs may fall under the following categories:
In-Store Surveys: Jobs that must be completed inside specific stores
Audits: Jobs that require on-site visits to inspect products and/or services.
Client Experience: Various jobs such as traveling to retailers and reviewing products/ store display or the retail experience itself
Transcription: Jobs that require you to transcribe Universal Product Code (UPC) barcodes from various products which you may purchase or may already have in your pantry
Bonuses: Bonus pays may be given upon job completion and meeting of certain extra specifications
Average Rates: $3 to $15 per job
Payment Schedule: Immediately upon completion of each job
Modes of Payment: Direct deposit, checking account, prepaid debit card, or savings account
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal. Jobs usually range from a few mins. to 30 mins. maximum
Ratings & Reviews: Most common feedback: App is easy to use and tasks are easy to accomplish
2. Gigwalk
Gigwalk pays you to perform 'gigs,' or short jobs and other small tasks near your location. They typically partner with retail stores that are in need of brand audits and customer feedback on products and in-store displays. The app is free to download, and you’ll only need to register with your e-mail address and answer a few questions.
Consistent with its name, Gigwalk allows you to choose which gigs best suit you according to your schedule, location, and skills. It’s up to you if you want to get jobs within your hometown or if you’re willing to go on a drive.
A lot of the gigs are for retail brands which need users to check their store displays and products on-shelf. They ask users to verify product pricing, stock availability, as well as overall store conditions.
They may also ask you to check whether their marketing campaigns are done on time and executed correctly. In this case, you’ll have to take photos of the products highlighted, store display, and other special sections which may be part of their marketing event.
Again, most of the gigs are from big retailers, so Gigwalk would be perfect for you if you live in a city where stores are accessible and won’t take much of your time.
Average Rates: $3 to $100 per job, depending on the number of gigs you accept
Payment Schedule: Within 24-36 hours of each job
Modes of Payment: PayPal
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal. However, if you choose to accept more gigs, it’ll also take up more time and effort
Ratings & Reviews: Most common feedback: App experiences connectivity issues when location services are not turned on
3. iPoll
The iPoll app pays you for completing surveys which can easily be done while grocery shopping or running your weekly errands. On top of cash rewards, you can also earn perks such as gift cards and airline miles.
The app is free to download and would only require you to key in information about yourself so they can fit you into a consumer profile, which they will then match to specific surveys. Most iPoll surveys require the user to be physically located within a certain location, which they check via your location services.
For example, answering a survey while inside a movie theater would pay you $5 for a moviegoer’s poll. Locations may also be very specific, such as having to go to Target’s hair care section to answer a poll about available products, display, etc. These polls usually pay around $15.
Users are often asked to take photos and answer certain questions about product placement and store arrangements. They may also ask you to answer more opinion-based questions such as 'How appealing does this food item look to you?' Again, these are polls you can complete during your weekly grocery run, and depending on the time you have, you can easily earn $10-$50 per trip on average.
Another helpful feature of the app is that it gives you an estimate of the time usually needed to complete a certain survey, so you can choose which ones you can fit within your schedule at any given time. You’ll also be notified in case you’re located near a store or location where a poll needs answering.
Average Rates: $0.50 to $30 per poll
Payment Schedule: Credits are given immediately upon completion of each job; For cash payouts, it may take 2-6 weeks
Modes of Payment: PayPal transfer for balance over $50. For lower levels, shoe store gift certificates, magazine subscriptions, etc.; For higher level, Visa or Amazon gift card
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal. Jobs can be completed one-time weekly during grocery runs/errand days
Ratings & Reviews: 3.8 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: App is easy to use, helpful, and payouts are fast
4. EasyShift
EasyShift pays you to 'shop, eat, and explore in your city by doing small jobs which vary from quality control checks to taking photos, doing price checks, and promo reviews. The app shows users available jobs at local stores and shops and they can complete these jobs according to their schedule.
EasyShift is a bit different from the other apps we’ve mentioned so far since the app uses a points system to reward and score users. This scoring system is based on how many jobs a user has completed and how well they were executed. Before you get on a 'shift,' you can pick jobs based on the following info, which will be provided to you:
Average completion time
Point earnings
How much you’ll get paid per task
How many miles away the job is
The app will also let you know how much time you have for each task, which may differ from a couple of hours to a full day. You’ll also be able to reserve your desired shift/job. Depending on your level, the number of shifts you are allowed to reserve will vary, and so will the number of points you earn.
For example, you start at the 'Rookie' level upon registration and are entitled to reserving only one shift at a time. The ninth level is the 'General Manager' level which allows you to reserve ten shifts.
Average Rates: $4 to $20 per shift
Payment Schedule: Within 48 hours of each job
Modes of Payment: PayPal
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Moderate. Shifts are longer at 12-24 hours typically and photo requirements are more detailed
Ratings & Reviews: 3.6 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Users ran into problems with store staff not allowing them to take photos
5. Surveys On The Go
Surveys On The Go is also an app that is in the mobile market research industry. With this app, you’ll get paid for sharing your views and opinions on various subjects such as products and shopping, entertainment, sports, media, and technology.
You’ll receive one to two surveys per week. Surveys On The Go claims that these are not your usual surveys. They pride themselves on paying their users handsomely for taking interesting surveys.
Aside from answering surveys, you’ll also have the option to participate in product testing or watching movies and TV shows. You’ll then need to provide honest feedback regarding these. You can also earn via these means as they will use your feedback for market research.
One important thing for Surveys On The Go is the demographic you fall under, so as to make their research accurate. For example, you’ll have to be located in the US and above 16. Make sure to answer questions accurately, and turn on your location so they can suggest surveys for you to accomplish based on your location.
Average Rates: $1 to $2 per survey
Payment Schedule: Within three to five business days of survey completion
Modes of Payment: PayPal cash out for $10 and above, or by applying your earnings to a Virtual Visa account, Amazon gift card, or Starbucks gift card
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal. Surveys are usually short and can be accomplished in 10-15 mins
Ratings & Reviews: 4.4 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: App is straightforward, easy to use, and pays out quickly
6. Shiftgig
Shiftgig connects companies with people looking for gigs in certain industries. With Shiftgig, you can choose to work as little or as much as you want. Jobs here are short-term but are specified per skillset and industry, so if you’re looking for extra cash or a way to gain experience, you might want to give it a try.
You’ll have to register via their website https://www.shiftgig.com/, submit your CV and go through an interview before taking jobs. Aside from these, you are also required to:
Have experience in a specific field
Live near one of the cities in which Shiftgig operates
Be at least 18 years old
Be eligible to work in the US
Have a phone that can run the Shiftgig app
Shifts also vary from multiple shifts to last-minute shifts and on-call shifts. Again, you can choose which shift to take based on your availability. Another important thing to note with Shiftgig is that they are very particular about skills. Below are the tags that should appear on your profile to qualify for certain jobs:
Experience tag - indicates that you have the experience to work specific types of shifts
Client-specific tag - indicates that you have met the eligibility requirements set by the clients
Compliance tag - indicates that you’ve passed tests or other requirements for the job (Ex. background checks, drug tests, or certifications)
The great thing about this app is that it can connect you with many employers and you can explore various opportunities for work. Shiftgig currently has offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Jersey, New Orleans, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Tampa, so it would be great if you live in one of these states.
They are currently looking for workers with experience in the following industries:
Food service
Hospitality
Hotels
In-store retail
Warehouse/distribution centers
Experiential marketing and promotion
Customer service and call centers
Average Rates: Rates may vary per industry/ shift, but the average reported range is $11 to $19 per hour
Payment Schedule: Weekly payouts
Modes of Payment: Direct deposit or Shiftgig Paycard (provided by Money Network)
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Moderate to Maximal. Since you are going to work actual shifts according to your industry, these shifts will require more effort compared to other market survey app shifts
Ratings & Reviews: 4.3 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Reviewers say work options are consistent, of high quality, and pay really well.
7. WAGE: Find Odd Jobs
WAGE is great for people looking for part-time jobs or side hustles they can fit into their busy schedules. WAGE is a paid jobs community marketplace where you can look for odd jobs and freelance tasks around your neighborhood.
Odd jobs with WAGE fall under a vast category. According to them, their app is currently used by landscape professionals, dog walkers, lawnmowers, house cleaners, handymen, editors, writers, car washers, photographers, video editors, photo editors, babysitters, garbage removers, gardeners, pool cleaners, and many more. The bottom line: If you’re looking for an odd job to earn extra income, you’ll likely find one here.
WAGE is also pretty widespread - you can find odd jobs across all fifty U.S. states.
Average Rates: Rates may vary per job/industry. There is currently no average rate posted by the developer or company owner.
Payment Schedule: Since arrangements are done within the app between the employer and worker, there is currently no published fixed schedule regarding payouts.
Modes of Payment: Direct deposit
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Moderate. Since you are going to work odd jobs that will likely require manual labor or traveling to a specific location to carry out a task, these jobs will require more effort compared to other market survey tasks
Ratings & Reviews: 3.5 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Most users complained about the lack of differentiation between employers and job seekers in the postings
Consistent with its name and tagline, MeThinks: Money for Thoughts connects you with companies that will pay you for your feedback and opinion as a consumer. This is great for people who may be tired of answering traditional surveys and polls, as MeThinks offers video chat interviews during which you can provide real-time feedback and your honest opinions regarding the topic.
Based on your profile, which you’ll have to complete upon signing up, you’ll be connected with businesses and available gigs within your area. You’ll then be tapped by various businesses as a 'thinker.'
As a thinker, you’ll speak with these businesses regarding different subjects or topics. It could be a new game, app, technology, or something sports-related. Depending on their project, you may be asked to speak to researchers or test new apps/games/tech.
Some gigs would require speaking to management or business owners themselves. To keep your information safe, all conversations are recorded and must be done through the app.
With this app, you can earn as much as $100 for a full product review. Standard video chats on the other hand are not too shabby as well at a rate of $30 for around 30 mins.
Below are the tasks you can complete as a thinker:
Interviews - You can join face-to-face interviews or video calls to share your opinions regarding certain products.
Apps and Website Tests - Conduct user acceptance tests on new apps and websites before their market launch.
Multi-day Studies - Participate in multi-day studies where you’ll get to collaborate with research teams and other business personnel regarding a certain topic
Short surveys - Accomplish short surveys or fill out questionnaires
Average Rates: $10 to $100 depending on the task
Payment Schedule: Credits are given immediately upon completion of each gig; payouts are done weekly
Modes of Payment: PayPal
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal to Moderate. Tasks may range from simple chats/reviews to one-on-one interviews and product reviews which are more detail-oriented and would take more time
Ratings & Reviews: 3.4 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Most users complained about the lack of available jobs
9. Mindswarms
Like most market research tools, Mindswarms is also an app that pays you for sharing your opinions through surveys. However, their method of data gathering is unique because you’ll have to submit your answers in video format.
Upon registration, make sure to complete your profile so you can access the dashboard where available surveys are listed. You’ll be pre-qualified for surveys according to your profile. There are two different types of surveys which you can choose from:
One-question survey - You’ll simply have to answer the question and share some opinions on the topic
Multiple-questions survey - You’ll have to answer a survey with up to seven questions; This type of survey pays higher
Again, all answers will have to be submitted by recording a video, which you can easily do on the Mindswarms app. Most questions are regarding a specific product, which you’ll also have to show in the video. Below are the guidelines from Mindswarms regarding video responses:
Letting out emotions is okay, even encouraged. So don’t be afraid to just be yourself!
Honesty is the best policy: Give real feedback and don’t sugarcoat things.
Light your face, shoot from the hip and show the product
Eliminate background noise
Respond to each question for a full minute to make sure you have a well-rounded answer
Average Rates: $10 for one question surveys and $50 for multiple question ones
Payment Schedule: Within 24 hours of successfully submitting answers to your chosen survey
Modes of Payment: PayPal
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal to Moderate. Depending on your comfort level with speaking on camera and the type of survey you choose, jobs may require little to moderate effort on this platform
Ratings & Reviews: 3.6 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: The main complaint is that higher-paying surveys come infrequently
Influence by Voxpopme is an app that pays you for video surveys and allows you to be heard by your favorite brands through your recorded feedback about them. It works by sending out survey invitations to its members. These are available for you to respond to on a first-come, first-serve basis.
There will be simple questions regarding a specific product or brand, to which you’ll have to respond via a recorded video. Much like Mindswarms, emotional and organic responses are also encouraged and sought out, hence the use of video to capture the consumer’s facial expressions and body language. Influence by Voxpopme is a little different from Mindswarms in that it only reveals the next question after you’ve answered the preceding one.
This is an interesting platform if you’re comfortable speaking on-camera and are looking for short surveys to answer during your free time. They also have a referral program that gives you incentives for every friend who downloads the app and registers.
Average Rates: $0.71 per response or around $10 monthly
Payment Schedule: Within 72 hours of successfully submitting answers to your chosen survey
Modes of Payment: PayPal
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal to Moderate. Depending on your comfort level with speaking on camera and the type of survey you choose, jobs may require little to moderate effort on this platform
Ratings & Reviews: 4.3 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Reviewers love that surveys are short and payouts arrive on time. However, only a few surveys are available and screening processes take a while.
Swagbucks rewards its users for many things, mostly simple web-based tasks, which we’ll list down below. Among these are browsing the web, watching videos, and participating in surveys. Users are paid in Swagbucks points which they can redeem as cash or gift cards. Swagbucks offers gift cards to around 1,500 retailers including Amazon, iTunes, Currys PC World, and Tesco.
The smart thing about signing up for Swagbucks is that you already do most of the tasks they pay users for, so it’s just an easy extra step - and a little more cash in your pocket.
To give you an idea, here are just some of the tasks you’ll get rewarded for at Swagbucks:
Making Swagbucks your default search engine instead of Google or Bing
Completing surveys and polls
Downloading apps and games to your phone
Online shopping from partner establishments such as Argos, ASOS, Currys PC World, eBay, Just Eat, and Wilko - earn cashback too
Getting friends to sign up using your referral code
Downloading the SwagButton browser extension to receive notifications about 'Swag Codes'
Complete daily goals suggested by Swagbucks through the taskbar
Joining Swagbucks' regular limited-time giveaways (or 'Swagstakes')
Playing games online and on mobile
Signing up for free trials and subscribing to services like TV and online gaming
Watching videos with Swagbucks watch
Average Rates: $1 to $100 daily
Payment Schedule: Swagbucks (points) are credited instantly; These can then be redeemed in cash via PayPal or through gift cards
Modes of Payment: PayPal or Amazon gift card
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal. Tasks are already usually part of an internet user’s daily routine, while other tasks require minimal effort as well
Ratings & Reviews: 4.0 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Users report that most tasks are easy to do, however, some surveys may be long and time-consuming.
12. Fluid Market
Fluid Market is a vehicle-sharing app that allows users to lend and borrow vehicles with other people. According to their blog, users can list any type of car, from box trucks to sports cars, at an hourly, daily, or weekly rate.
This app is great for those who have spare cars, or older cars that they don’t want to part with yet. With Fluid Market, your spare car can earn you money, instead of just sitting in the garage unused.
Like most car owners, however, you may be worried about damages. The good news is that with this app, your vehicle is protected with up to $300,000 in liability insurance and coverage against theft and physical damages. According to Field Market, they also verify every renter with a DMV background check.
Here’s how it works:
List your vehicle on Fluid Market. It takes about 10 minutes to list by sharing photos and some basic information.
Promote your vehicle. Fluid Market suggests cross-posting listings on NextDoor, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and other community groups so you can double your reservations.
Average Rates: $5 to $10 per hour or $20 to $49 per day, plus an additional per-mile charge for trucks
Payment Schedule: Weekly payout for the previous week’s reservations
Modes of Payment: Direct deposit
App Fee: Free
Effort Required: Minimal to Moderate. Much of the effort is in creating your listing and promoting it, as well as maintaining your vehicle
Ratings & Reviews: 4.2 stars on Google Play. Most common feedback: Most clients had a great experience with the app; Some lenders complained about app glitches
Final Thoughts
Apps are a great way to earn extra money. Depending on your schedule and skills, you have a wide range of apps to choose from. What’s great about these apps is that they give you the freedom to commit based on your availability and desired job.
The important thing to remember is that you need to be careful in choosing which apps to trust. A general rule of thumb is that legitimate apps that will earn you money will not solicit money from you before signing you onto the platform. Take note that among the apps we’ve listed above, none required an initial fee or investment.
Now that we’ve listed down some legitimate money-making apps, feel free to shortlist a few and download whichever you think would work best for you. Good luck!
