How to Make Money From Your Phone
Joy Wallet is advertiser-supported: we may earn compensation from the products and offers mentioned in this article. However, any expressed opinions are our own and aren't influenced by compensation. To read our full disclosure, click here.
It has never been easier to make money online through your smartphone. There are a plethora of apps that provide various methods for turning your smartphone into a personal side hustle. Since many of us already spend a significant amount of time on the phone, we might as well take advantage of it and turn it into a way to make money.
Many apps can help you earn extra income; however, it can be challenging to determine which ones will result in financial gain and which are a total and utter waste of time. Of course, these apps wouldn't make you rich, but a little cash doesn't hurt. The mobile apps we're listing here are available for Android devices and iPhones.
Jump To
Overview of how to make money from your phone
App | Best for |
Survey Junkie | Taking surveys |
Freecash | Taking surveys, watching videos, testing apps, and completing offers |
KashKick | Taking surveys, watching videos, browsing the web, and completing special offers |
Swagbucks | Taking surveys, playing game, browsing the internet, shopping online |
Ibotta | Cashback |
InboxDollars | Taking surveys, watching videos |
Poshmark | Selling gently-used clothing |
Decluttr | Selling older tech items |
Foap | Selling your photograph to brands |
Gigwalk | Completing small gigs |
Airbnb | Renting out property |
Instacart | Delivering groceries |
Doordash | Making deliveries |
Uber/Lyft | Ride-sharing |
How to make money from your phone
Survey Junkie
Participating in online surveys is a tried-and-true way to earn money online. While many survey websites provide other opportunities to earn money, such as cashback or online games, Survey Junkie focuses solely on surveys. It allows visitors to complete questions in exchange for gift cards or cash through PayPal.
You can get points by validating your email address and answering questions about your health, buying habits, technology use, and general interests. You will have $1.50 in Survey Junkie points by finishing your profile and bonus questions. As survey opportunities become available, they are displayed on the homepage dashboard. You can earn $0.50 to $3 for each survey you complete. Once you achieve $5 in your account, you can cash out using PayPal, electronic gift cards, or direct transfer. Gift cards and direct deposit are only available to members in the U.S.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Freecash
Freecash is an innovative platform that allows users to earn money and rewards by completing various online activities. By participating in tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, testing apps, and completing offers, users can accumulate points redeemed for cash, gift cards, or cryptocurrency. The platform is designed to be user-friendly and offers a wide range of opportunities to earn, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to make extra money in their spare time. Whether you're looking to supplement your income or simply enjoy earning rewards for your online activities, Freecash provides a convenient and enjoyable way to boost your financial health.
KashKick
KashKick is a user-friendly platform that enables individuals to earn extra money by engaging in various online activities. Users can accumulate cash rewards by participating in tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, browsing the web, and completing special offers. Unlike many other platforms, KashKick directly deposits your earnings into your PayPal account, making it easy and convenient to access your money. Whether you're looking to make a bit of extra cash in your spare time or explore various earning opportunities, KashKick provides a straightforward and enjoyable way to boost your income from the comfort of your home.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks allows you to earn money for completing surveys and other online chores like watching videos, playing games, browsing the internet, and online shopping. It claims to have paid members over $722 million since its founding. For your activity, you're rewarded with Swagbucks points, or SB, which can be exchanged for gift cards from well-known merchants such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as PayPal cash. The conversion is straightforward: 100 SBs equal $1.
The amount of money you can earn from Swagbucks is determined by several factors, but surveys are generally the most lucrative option. There's also a welcome bonus of up to $10 worth of SB and a 300 SB bonus when someone you referred signs up.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Ibotta
Groceries are households' most significant expense. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2020, the average American household spent over $7,361 on food, including eating at home and eating out. Ibotta helps you get cash back on groceries, other in-store and online purchases, and dining out. It collaborates with thousands of retailers, restaurants, movie theatres, convenience stores, home improvement centers, pet stores, pharmacies, and brands to encourage customers to check out their new merchandise and reward them for their purchases. There's a $10 referral bonus and a $20 sign-up bonus – that's free money.
While applications like Ibotta are most linked with grocery shopping, you can also receive cashback on various other purchases, including those made at Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Ibotta users can earn between $10 and $20 per month. You can cash out via PayPal or gift cards once you have $20 in your Ibotta account.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
InboxDollars
By completing easy tasks online, such as accessing survey sites or purchasing items from major retailers, you can earn a modest but steady stream of extra money with InboxDollars. In addition to surveys, you can also watch videos to make some money. The company claims to have paid over $80 million in rewards. You can cash out via PayPal cash and gift cards. But to do that, you must have accumulated at least $30 in your InboxDollars account. There's also a $3 processing fee that'll kick in. InboxDollars also has a $3 sign-up bonus to entice new users.
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Poshmark
Poshmark is a website where users can buy and sell new, gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, and household items. Poshmark was founded in 2011 and has grown to over 80 million members. Poshmark began as a modest business specializing in the sale of pre-owned women's apparel, shoes, and accessories but has expanded over time to include items for men and children, pets, beauty products, and household goods, among others.
Poshmark can be a great way to supplement your income. Some people earn a few hundred dollars monthly on Poshmark, while others claim to have made thousands a month. Ultimately, it boils down to how many items you sell and at what price. Once a deal closes, Poshmark deposits the funds into your account three days after the buyer receives the item.
Related: Best Apps to Sell Stuff
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
Decluttr
As cleanliness guru Marie Kondo said, "If it doesn't spark joy, throw it out." If decluttering appeals to you, you will love Decluttr, a website that makes it simple to sell old cell phones, CDs, DVDs, and even books and Lego sets. "Make room. Make money," their tagline says. Decluttr also offers a welcome bonus of 10% of your first deal and a $5 referral bonus. It pays in real money by direct deposit the day after an order is accepted.
Related: 21 Simple Ways to Save Money
Foap
Businesses and well-known brands frequently purchase images for commercial usage. They may require photographs to promote their products, display on their website, or use in company brochures. The Foap app draws the attention of potential buyers from all around the world to your images. Foap is a free app that allows you to monetize your photographs.
On the Foap marketplace, photos you upload to your profile sell for $10 each, and Foap charges a 50% commission. As a result, each photo sold will net you $5. However, you can also enroll in specific tasks to earn more money. Each assignment offers a prize for the best image, which starts at $50, and you can earn hundreds of dollars by completing these missions. Whatever money you make, you can choose to get that deposited into your PayPal account.
Gigwalk
Gigwalk rewards you for doing chores in your area. Brands are always looking for feedback on a product. The versatility of Gigwalk is one of its most appealing features. You decide
Earn Real Money Fast by Filling Out Surveys!
- Sign up for FREE & complete your profile
- Earn points for taking surveys
- Redeem your points for cash or gift cards
- $55k+ Paid to Survey Junkie members daily
- Complete 3+ surveys a day, earn up to $100/mo.
whether you want the gig, if it suits your schedule, or would rather do anything else.
Companies decide the rates but typically pay between $2.50 and $50 per gig. Most gigs will be in the $5 range, however. In the mobile phone app, a gig is represented by a point on the map and can take anywhere from 5 minutes to a few hours to complete. Gigwalk pays using PayPal, which can take two to seven days to process.
Airbnb
Airbnb runs an online marketplace for housing and tourism activities, principally homestays for vacation rentals. According to Earnest, Airbnb hosts earn an average of $924 monthly. Multiplying the year-round occupancy rate with your average daily rate is a straightforward approach to computing your Airbnb revenue. If you charge $150 per night and have a 70% occupancy rate, your profit will be $38,325 before expenses and taxes. Airbnb allows you to cash out via different methods like PayPal, ACH, and Western Union.
Instacart
Instacart is a supermarket delivery service that serves metro regions in 50 states. You can earn money via Instacart in two ways: either as an in-store shopper (which is exactly what it sounds like) or as a full-service Instacart shopper, which means you'll buy and deliver the order. Instacart says shoppers earn at least $5 for delivery-only orders and $7 to $10 for full-service orders. Weekly earnings potential for Instacart full-service delivery drivers is determined by various parameters, including the number of batch deliveries performed and the distance traveled.
Instacart lets you cash out when shopping and delivery requests are completed. This, however, charges $0.50 each time you use it, and you must have $5 in your account.
DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery service that pays $25 per hour plus bonuses, and you get to keep 100% of the tips. The best part? You don't even need a car. Payments to your bank account may take two to three days to appear. Your earnings potential can increase dramatically if you work during peak hours. Fast Pay allows you to cash out your income daily for $1.99 instead of waiting for the weekly direct deposit.
Lyft/Uber
Ride-hailing companies like Lyft have become a significant side hustle for thousands of people. According to Glassdoor, a Lyft driver's average pay is $18 per hour, and Salary.com pegs an Uber driver's average monthly pay at $3,100 per month. But both companies take a percentage of your earnings, so you should consider that. Lyft also has a generous referral program, rewarding $3,000 if you complete ride requirements. On the other hand, Uber pays new drivers a cash bonus of up to $1,000. But you can increase your earnings potential by driving in the city, driving only during higher pricing, and capitalizing on any promotions.
How to make money on your phone FAQs
How much can I potentially make playing games or taking surveys?
Apps like Survey Junkie, InboxDollars and Swagbucks will not fetch you much, and you shouldn't see them as a legit side hustle. But you can make a few bucks here and there if you're dedicated.
Do I have to pay taxes on money I earn from Uber or Lyft?
Yes, earnings from Uber and Lyft must be reported to the IRS on Schedule C.
Do I need a car to deliver for Instacart?
Yes, but if you don't have a car, you could deliver for DoorDash instead.
The bottom line
Everybody likes to have a little extra cash lying around. Fortunately, there are many apps that you can install on your phone to achieve just that. Simply by putting in a little time, you can earn cash right in the comfort of your home on your smartphone. Many such money-making apps are now available, allowing you to earn from gaming to shopping to filling surveys in your spare time. This is the way for people who wish to generate passive income. But if you'd like a legit side hustle, you can explore options such as driving for a ride-hailing company or delivering groceries and takeout.
Joy Wallet is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor, financial advisor, loan broker, insurance producer, or insurance broker. Its articles, interactive tools and other content are provided to you for free, as self-help tools and for informational purposes only. They are not intended to provide investment advice. Joy Wallet does not and cannot guarantee the accuracy or applicability of any information in regard to your individual circumstances. We encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific investment issues. Featured estimates are based on past market performance, and past performance is not a guarantee of future performance.
Our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market. We are compensated by our partners, which may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on our site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice. Our editorials are grounded on independent research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services.
We value your privacy. We work with trusted partners to provide relevant advertising based on information about your use of Joy Wallet’s and third-party websites and applications. This includes, but is not limited to, sharing information about your web browsing activities with Meta (Facebook) and Google. All of the web browsing information that is shared is anonymized. To learn more, click on our Privacy Policy link.
Images appearing across JoyWallet are courtesy of shutterstock.com.
Writer
Jasir Jawaid is Joy Wallet's Assistant Editor. He has more than 13 years of experience as a journalist covering Wall Street, equities, financial policy and regulation, and cryptocurrency and blockchain.
Share this article
