According to the Pew Research Center, over two-thirds of Americans are smartphone users now. More than likely, you are using your smartphone to read this article. Thanks to the beauty of technology, you can now use your mobile device to make extra cash here and there, that can add up to gas money, food or even help pay a bill!
Here is a quick list of apps that will put some money in your pocket, by practically doing nothing at all.
1. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the best paid survey apps out there. The Better Business Bureau recently gave them an A+ rating which many startup apps don’t have. For answering simple survey questions like, “McDonalds or Wendy's?” you’ll receive points that add up to dollars. Statistically, for 30 minutes of surveys, you will receive $5 or more. Try it out and start making money in your downtime today.
2. Shopkick
For all my shopaholics out there, there is a wonderful mobile app made just for you. Download Shopkick in your app store, and you will get money for shopping. Once signed up, the app pays you in “kicks” that can be converted into gifts for your favorite stores such as Target, Walmart and Macys. You can get even more “kicks” if you make your purchases with a connected card. It’s that simple.
3. Decluttr
Now I know your momma, granny or even your auntie has a bunch of old DVDs and CDs that they don't use. Even you may have old electronics that are just laying around. Decluttr will pay you for them! Decluttr buys your old video games, CDs, DVDs, plus hardware like cell phones, tablets, game consoles and iPods. Plus, enter PENNY10 at checkout to get an extra 10% for your trade-ins! Prices vary, but you can unload your media in bulk to make an extra $50 to $100 this week. With Decluttr, you can sell stuff online without having to deal with buyers, and the shipping is free.
Similar to Swagbucks, Inbox Dollars is a market research app that pays you to take surveys (which are emailed to you), play games and browse the internet. Once you rack up $30, they allow you to cash out. It's funded by advertisers who need consumer data for their campaigns and better understand consumer behavior. It’s that simple and you’re always told how long each survey will take to complete, so you’re not stuck endlessly answering questions for $1.
5. Bookscouter
College Students, got old college textbooks laying around? The Bookscouter app is an answer to your prayers. You just type your book’s ISBN (International Standard Book Number) into the search bar, and let Bookscouter connect you with the best buyback companies online. Once you’ve found the buyback company offering the most cash, you tell them how to pay you (usually PayPal) and ship the book to the company. Most of the companies offer prepaid shipping labels too, so that is always a plus. It's a way better than deal than selling your books back for crumbs.
All my Law and Order lovers, I've got the perfect app for you! Quick Thoughts turns your smartphone into top-secret technology. This app sends you on missions to spy on your local stores like CVS. A mission may be to sneak a picture of a holiday display or even a public restroom. The money relies on how many clear pictures you can get. It even has missions you can accept and complete in the future to earn Amazon and iTunes gift cards.
7. SavingStar
Love to cook? Is meal prepping your thing? SavingStar offers cash back on your groceries. Before you shop, check the app to see what offers are available at your grocery store or drugstore you choose. Scan your receipt to redeem the offers, then get cash deposited into your bank account or PayPal account.
8. Gigwalk
Similar to Postmates, use Gigwalk to find small, paying gigs in your area. Gigs can take anywhere from five minutes to a few hours to complete, and pay anywhere from $1 to $150 via PayPal. The more reliable you are to the app, the better gigs you receive and can start making the big bucks.
9. Foap
Love taking pictures? Turn your photos into cash with Foap. It’s a stock photography website, so you need to have an eye for quality shots. Once you download the app and sign up, you can add your photos to the marketplace. When someone buys your photo, you make $5, so the more pictures you upload, the better. This app takes freelance photography to a new level.
10. Popular Pays
If you’re Instagram “famous” (meaning you have thousands of followers), get the Popular Pays app. Brands will pay you to take photos of their products and broadcast them to your followers through your Instagram feed. Prices vary depending on the brand and how many followers you have so all you need is 500 or more followers and you can get started.
11. Checkout 51
Similar to SavingStar, Checkout 51 is a rebate app for your iPhone or Android. Each Thursday they update their list of rebates and offers. Select the ones you want, buy those items at the store and snap photos of the items and your receipt. Once your account reaches $20, they’ll send you a check. Sounds like a plan to me.
12. ESPN Streak
Last, but definitely not least, here's something for all my sports lovers out there. You will have so much fun with this app. With the ESPN Streak for the Cash app, you make predictions for upcoming games in 10 different sports. If you keep a long streak of correct predictions going, you get cash rewards. It’s worth a try.
