So many people are doing it tough right now. The economy isn’t great, there are wars raging around the world, and everyone is nervous about what the future holds.
Money worries are a reality as the cost of living has hit us all hard. Waiting for a pay raise that may never arrive isn’t exactly a plan. If you’re looking for ways to put a little extra cash in your pocket without taking on a second job, keep reading.
Your smartphone is more than just a communication device; it’s a way to earn money. And no, it’s not dodgy, it’s all perfectly legal and legitimate. It’s simply the new way to make extra money, the same way coupon cutting used to be a thing; we’ve now moved on.
12 Apps That Earn You Money Straight Away
These 12 apps are free to download, and they pay you real money, starting the moment you sign up. Some will earn you a few extra dollars a week. Others will add up to something more meaningful over time. None of them will make you rich overnight, but every little bit helps right now.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks has been around long enough to be one of the most trusted names in the rewards space. You earn points by watching videos, completing surveys, shopping online, and playing games.
New members pick up a $10 bonus just for joining. Points cash out via PayPal or gift cards for stores you’re already shopping at.
KashKick
KashKick keeps things simple. Confirm your email after signing up, and a $25 bonus lands in your account immediately.
From there, you earn by completing surveys, watching videos, and trying out apps. Withdrawals go straight to PayPal, so no waiting for a check that never arrives.
Ibotta
If you shop at the grocery store, Ibotta is one of the easiest wins on this list. Scan your receipts and earn cashback on everyday purchases, from food to clothing to restaurant meals.
Cashback ranges from $0.25 to $5 per receipt, and it adds up faster than you’d expect. Rewards come in the form of gift cards or direct deposits.
Acorns
Acorns is for anyone who’s thought about investing but has no idea where to start. The app rounds up your everyday purchases and puts the spare change to work in a portfolio chosen for you.
Sign up and set up a recurring deposit to unlock a $20 welcome bonus. Estimated annual returns range from 4% to 10%, which beats a savings account that sits idle.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars pays you for the kind of online activity you’re probably already doing. Watching videos, reading emails, taking surveys, and shopping online all earn you cash.
You get a $5 bonus the moment you join. Once you hit the withdrawal threshold, your money is sent via various digital payment options.
Opinion Inn
If you’re someone who has opinions (and who doesn’t), Opinion Inn pays you to share them. Companies actually want to know what consumers think, and they pay for it.
A $10 bonus awaits new members who complete their profiles. Payouts are made via PayPal or gift cards.
MyPoints
MyPoints rewards you for reading emails, completing tasks, and shopping with partner retailers. Sign up and complete the registration steps to unlock a $10 bonus.
Gift cards and PayPal transfers are both on the table when it comes time to cash out.
BeFrugal
If online shopping is already part of your life, BeFrugal makes it pay. The app tracks your purchases across thousands of retailers and returns an average of 7% cashback on your spend.
You’d be spending the money anyway. BeFrugal just makes sure some of it comes back to you.
Honeygain
Honeygain is as passive as it gets. You share a small portion of your unused internet bandwidth, and the app pays you for it.
New users receive a $5 bonus on signup. You don’t have to do anything after that. Just let the app run in the background.
Upromise
Upromise takes a slightly different angle. Instead of direct cashback, it channels your rewards into a 529 college savings plan, making it a smart option if you’re planning for future education costs.
Link your savings account and pick up a $25 signup bonus. Everyday spending contributes to something bigger over time.
Tada
Tada works a lot like BeFrugal, but with a particularly large network of retail partners. Shop through the app, and cashback gets tracked automatically.
New users receive a $10 bonus to get started. Redemption options give you flexibility in how you withdraw your money.
Blackout Bingo
If you want to make earning money feel less like a chore, Blackout Bingo is for you. You play against real opponents in bingo games and win actual cash prizes.
Verify your account and confirm your phone number, and a $25 bonus is yours. Not every session will be a win, but it beats mindlessly scrolling for free.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Earnings from these apps vary by user and activity level. Always read the terms and conditions before signing up for any platform.