22 Best Apps to Make Money (I’ve Earned $10,000+)

I've spent the last 7 years testing every money-making app I could find. Most are garbage. But some? They've put real cash in my pocket—we're talking thousands of dollars combined.

After downloading 100+ apps, getting scammed by a few, and finally figuring out which ones actually pay, I'm sharing the 37 best apps to make money that I personally use and recommend.

These apps give you free money just for signing up. No tricks—I've collected every one of these bonuses myself.

1. Freecash — $5 Bonus

Freecash is my #1 pick right now because they actually pay well. You complete offers, take surveys, and test apps—pretty standard stuff. But Freecash consistently has higher payouts than competitors.

Last month alone I made $87 from Freecash, mostly from “play this game to level X” type offers. Some of those pay $30-50 for a few hours of playing.

• Higher payouts than most GPT sites
• Instant PayPal withdrawals (no waiting)
• Great selection of game offers
• Clean interface that doesn't feel sketchy

2. Acorns — $20 Bonus

If you're not using Acorns yet, you're leaving money on the table. This app rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change automatically. Buy a coffee for $3.50? Acorns rounds up to $4 and invests that 50 cents.

Sounds small, but here's the thing: I've invested over $2,000 without even noticing. The round-ups add up fast, and the $20 sign-up bonus is real—I withdrew it to test.

• Set it and forget it—completely automatic
• Only $3/month for individual plan
• $20 bonus for signing up
• Perfect for people who “can't save money”

3. Current — $75 Bonus

Current is a mobile banking app that actually pays you to use it. When you set up direct deposit of at least $200, you can get your paycheck up to 2 days early AND score a $75 bonus with code PAYROLL75.

I switched my direct deposit to Current last year and honestly haven't looked back. No hidden fees, no minimum balance, and their app is actually good (rare for a bank).

• Get paid up to 2 days early with direct deposit
• Earn points on purchases (redeemable for cash)
• No overdraft fees
• $75 bonus with $200 direct deposit (code: PAYROLL75)

4. Swagbucks — $10 Bonus

Swagbucks is the OG of money-making apps, and there's a reason it's still around after 15+ years. I've made over $500 from Swagbucks doing surveys, watching videos, and using their cashback portal.

The key with Swagbucks is to focus on the high-paying activities: their cashback shopping portal and the occasional high-value survey. Don't waste time on penny surveys.

• Cash back on online shopping
• High-paying surveys ($1-5 each)
• Discover offers (some pay $20-50)
• Get paid to play games

Yes, you can actually get paid to play games. These aren't scams—I've cashed out from all of them. The catch? You need to be decent at the games and manage your entry fees wisely.

5. Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash lets you play bingo for actual cash prizes. This isn't your grandma's bingo—it's fast-paced, competitive, and the prizes are real.

I was skeptical at first, but I've won $340 playing Bingo Cash over the past few months. Start with practice games to learn the mechanics, then move to cash games.

• Play bingo against real opponents
• Win cash prizes (withdraw via PayPal)
• Practice mode available
• Tournaments with bigger prize pools

6. Solitaire Cash

If you've ever wasted time playing Solitaire, now you can waste time AND make money. Solitaire Cash matches you against players of similar skill levels.

My best day on Solitaire Cash? $47. My worst? Lost $5. You can lose money if you're not careful—stick to lower-stakes games until you're consistent.

• Start with free practice games
• Stick to $1-2 entry fees at first
• Speed matters—faster = better score
• Withdraw regularly

7. Blitz Win Cash

Blitz Win Cash is perfect if you like variety. Instead of one game, you get access to multiple games—all with cash prizes. Blackjack, solitaire, match-3 games, and more.

I like Blitz because I can switch games when I get bored. Some days blackjack, other days solitaire. Flexibility is nice.

Surveys won't make you rich. But they're perfect for earning $50-100/month during downtime—waiting rooms, TV commercials, lunch breaks. Here are the legit ones.

8. InboxDollars — $5 Bonus

InboxDollars has been around since 2000 and has paid out over $80 million to members. Unlike other survey sites that use confusing points, InboxDollars shows actual dollar amounts.

I earn about $30-40/month from InboxDollars. Covers my Netflix and Spotify. Their video section is great for passive earnings.

9. Survey Junkie — $1.25 Bonus

Survey Junkie is my go-to for quick surveys. They're upfront about how long surveys take and how much they pay, so you can cherry-pick the best ones. Most pay $1-3 and take 5-15 minutes.

Pro tip: Complete your profile 100%. Survey Junkie matches you based on demographics—complete profile = more invites.

10. Branded — Up to $100 Per Offer

Branded pays you to test apps and games—and the payouts are insane. Some offers pay up to $100 each. Way better than grinding penny surveys.

I've made over $200 from Branded in the past few months just testing random apps. Easy money if you don't mind downloading stuff.

• Get paid up to $100 per offer
• Test apps and games (not just surveys)
• Cash out through PayPal
• Featured on CBS

These apps give you money back on stuff you're already buying. Literally free money—just remember to use them.

11. Upside — $5 Bonus

Upside gives you cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants. I save about $20-30/month on gas alone. The app shows which gas stations near you have cash back offers.

My move: check Upside before every fill-up. Usually save 15-25 cents per gallon. On a 15-gallon tank, that's $2-4 per fill-up. Use code MMGCASH and claim your first offer to get a $5 bonus.

• Cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants
• Save 15-25 cents per gallon on gas
• $5 bonus with code MMGCASH (after first offer)
• Cash out anytime via PayPal

12. Fetch Rewards — $3 Bonus

Fetch is dead simple: scan any receipt, get points. Doesn't matter where you shopped or what you bought. Certain brands give bonus points, but you earn on everything.

I've redeemed over $150 in gift cards from Fetch. Takes 5 seconds to scan a receipt. Zero reason not to use this.

These apps make you money while you sleep. Set them up once and let them run.

13. Nielsen — $60/Year

Nielsen pays you just to have their app installed. They collect anonymous data about internet usage for market research, and you get paid for it.

I have Nielsen on my phone and laptop. Easy $60/year for doing nothing. Plus they run monthly $10,000 sweepstakes.

14. Earnin — Access Up to $750/Pay Period

Earnin isn't exactly a “make money” app, but it saves you from overdraft fees and payday loans—basically the same thing. Access up to $150/day and $750/pay period of your already-earned wages before payday.

I've used Earnin twice when unexpected expenses hit. No interest, no mandatory fees. Saved me from $35 overdraft fees both times.

• Access up to $150 per day
• Up to $750 per pay period
• No interest, no mandatory fees
• Get your earned wages before payday

These apps help you build wealth AND give you free money to start.

15. Fundrise — $10 Bonus

Fundrise lets you invest in real estate without buying property. With just $10, you can own a piece of commercial real estate and earn quarterly dividends.

I've had money in Fundrise for 3 years. Returns have averaged 8-10% annually—better than savings, less volatile than stocks.

16. Arrived

Arrived is similar to Fundrise but focused on single-family rental homes. Buy shares in rental properties and earn a cut of rental income plus appreciation.

What I like about Arrived: you can see exactly which properties your money is in. Not some vague fund—it's 123 Main Street in Austin. Very transparent.

These require actual work, but pay significantly more than survey apps. If you've got time and transportation, these bring in serious money.

17. DoorDash

DoorDash is my top pick for delivery gigs. The app is smooth, pay is transparent (you see the offer before accepting), and you can cash out instantly with Fast Pay.

I Dashed part-time for 6 months and averaged $18-22/hour after expenses. Best times are dinner rush (5-9 PM) and weekends. Sign up for DoorDash and you could be earning by this weekend.

• 18 years or older
• Valid driver's license (2+ years experience)
• Access to car, bike, or scooter
• Smartphone (iPhone or Android)
• Pass a background check

18. Uber Eats

Uber Eats is DoorDash's main competitor. I recommend signing up for both and running them simultaneously—more orders means less downtime.

Uber Eats often has good promotions for new drivers. I've seen “complete 30 deliveries, get $150 bonus” type deals.

19. HealthyWage

This one's different: HealthyWage pays you to lose weight. Bet on yourself—put up money, set a weight loss goal, and if you hit it, you win cash prizes.

One of my readers made $656 losing just 15 pounds. That's $44 per pound. Not bad motivation.

20. Airbnb

Got a spare room? List it on Airbnb. People in my area make $1,500+/month renting a spare bedroom a few nights per week.

21. Turo

Turo is Airbnb for cars. List your car when you're not using it. One user made $3,496/year listing their car just 5 days per month.

22. Getaround

Similar to Turo, Getaround lets you rent out your car. Hosts can earn up to $10,000/year. Car needs to be 2010 or newer with less than 125,000 miles.

Making money with apps won't replace your day job—but it can absolutely pad your wallet. I've made over $10,000 from these apps over the years, and that money has funded vacations, paid off credit cards, and padded my emergency fund.

Start with 2-3 apps, get comfortable, then add more. The key is consistency.

Small amounts add up. Trust me.

— Brian Meiggs