Do you want to use your free time to earn passive income as easily as possible?
You can do it only with your smartphone and a reliable internet connection Whether it’s watching videos, playing games, or taking surveys, these simple tasks can now translate into real money.
However, with numerous scams out there, finding a legitimate platform is crucial. This blog brings you the top 11 legit apps that will pay you money for your services, ensuring a hassle-free and secure way to boost your income.
Rakuten
Payment Method: Big Fat Check, Paypal
Rakuten rewards shoppers with cash back on purchases from various retailers, restaurants, and delivery services. It was formerly known as Ebates. The process is straightforward:
- Create an account.
- Choose a store on the app.
- Purchase through the portal and
- Earn cash back.
Linking a card enables in-store cashback, which can be activated through the app. Cashback is credited after confirming the purchase, which takes several hours to several days.
Pros:
- Rakuten offers unlimited cash back.
- New users receive a $10 bonus on their first purchase.
- Get referral bonuses to boost earnings.
- One can donate a portion of your cashback to nonprofits.
Cons:
- You have to spend to earn.
- Earnings are not immediate, Rakuten pays every three months.
- Unlike some competitors, you must start purchases within the app.
Swagbucks
Payment Method: Paypal, Gift Cards
Swagbucks is a user-friendly cash-back and rewards app. By engaging in activities like online shopping, surveys, video watching, gaming, and more, you collect points known as “SB.”
These points can then be exchanged for gift cards or transferred as cashback to your PayPal account. Points earned are specific to each task. For example, you can earn around 40 to 200 SB points with surveys.
The minimum balance for redemption depends on your chosen payout method. Some gift cards are available for as little as 110 SB.
Pros:
- Easy Earning: Multiple ways to earn rewards.
- Payments usually arrive within 10 business days.
- Get a $10 bonus with a qualifying $25 purchase upon joining.
Cons:
- Certain tasks are time-consuming.
- Earning potential is relatively low.
Survey Junkie
Payment Method: Paypal, Gift Cards
Survey Junkie is a leading market research platform with over 10 million satisfied members and an “Excellent” Trustpilot score.
A notable advantage is the low $5 cash-out minimum, making it convenient for users to access their earnings. The platform stands out with a large inventory of surveys and allows members to explore different earning opportunities.
Although there’s no sign-up bonus, new users can quickly reach the $5 minimum payout by completing profile surveys and watching high-value videos.
Pros:
- Earn quickly with short surveys.
- Redeem points for e-gift cards or PayPal.
Cons:
- Some surveys might be expired, impacting accessibility.
- Certain surveys may include repetitive questioning, affecting user experience.
Upside
Payment Method: Paypal, Gift Cards, Bank Transfer
Upside was formerly known as GetUpside. Upside collaborates with businesses nationwide and provides personalized cash-back deals. The app is primarily recognized for fuel savings and includes restaurants and grocery stores.
Just download the app, create an account, and let Upside access your location for local offers.
Claim deals, pay with a card, and submit your receipt or check-in. Once your purchase is verified, cash out to your bank account, PayPal, or a gift card.
Pros:
- A simple app with a map offers easy navigation.
- You can combine Upside’s cash-back offers with your existing loyalty programs for extra savings.
Cons:
- It does not support cash transactions.
- Certain locations may have few or no available cash-back offers.
InboxDollars
Payment Method: Gift Cards, PayPal
InboxDollars is a popular money-making app that offers earnings through surveys and various tasks. Owned by the same company as Swagbucks, it distinguishes itself by allowing users to get paid for reading emails.
Pros:
- InboxDollars offers a $5 sign-up bonus for new users.
- InboxDollars pays users in actual cash, not points, for completing tasks.
- Users can earn lifetime referrals, enhancing their earning potential.
Cons:
- InboxDollars requires a $30 minimum cash-out requirement.
Decluttr
Payment Method: Direct Deposit, PayPal, Check
Decluttr is a resale app designed to sell tech and media products you no longer need, such as old smartphones, laptops, tablets, DVDs, game consoles, and video games.
Simply download the app, search for the item, scan its barcode, and receive an instant price quote. If you agree, Decluttr provides a free UPS shipping label.
Upon receiving the item, you’ll be paid via direct deposit or PayPal within 24 hours. If, for any reason, Decluttr doesn’t accept the item, they’ll return it to you at no cost.
Pros:
- You can sell both old and broken electronics on Decluttr.
- Enjoy the benefit of no fees and receive quick payments for your items.
Cons:
- The valuations provided by Decluttr are not open to negotiation.
- There’s a possibility that Decluttr might send your item back for reasons they determine.
Ibotta
Payment Method: Paypal, Gift Cards, Direct Bank Transfer.
Ibotta offers cash back on in-store and online purchases from over 2,000 retailers. Initially, it was focused on groceries, but now it spans clothing, entertainment, dining, and more.
Offers range from product-specific to retailer-specific, sometimes requiring tasks like watching a video. Earn cash back in stores by adding offers and submitting your receipt within 7 days.
You can also link loyalty accounts or buy a retailer gift card through the app to get cashback. Online, shop through the app or use the Ibotta browser extension.
Pros:
- Get cashback within 24 hours for in-store purchases.
- New users get a welcome bonus upon joining.
- Earn extra bonuses through Ibotta’s referral program.
- Choose from different payment methods for added convenience.
Cons:
- Earnings accumulate gradually.
- $20 cashback minimum for redemption ($25 for some gift cards).
- Ibotta charges an account maintenance fee for inactivity after 6 months, which is deducted from your balance.
MyPoints
Payment Method: Paypal, Gift Cards, travel miles.
MyPoints is a website where you earn points by doing various things like shopping at 1,900+ stores, taking surveys, watching videos, and playing games.
To begin, create an account using your email. Once registered, start earning points through various activities.
MyPoints is accessible on both desktop and mobile devices, with a dedicated app for iOS and Android users.
Pros:
- MyPoints provides various ways to earn points
- It offers a referral program, allowing users to earn extra points by referring friends and family to the platform.
- Members get cashback by shopping online at retailers, including Amazon and Target.
Cons:
- While various earning opportunities exist, payouts for most activities are relatively low.
- MyPoints primarily serves users in the United States and Canada, limiting options for international users.
- Accumulating substantial rewards on MyPoints demands significant time and organization.
Fiverr
Payment Method: Credit/Debit card, Fiverr Balance, PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, Payoneer, Bank Transfer (For US only)
Fiverr is a freelancing platform with gigs in 200+ categories, ranging from programming to video and animation.
Create a seller account, showcase your expertise, and post your services with pricing. Jobs on Fiverr range from $5 to $995, and you get paid once the task is completed.
As you grow through seller levels based on performance, additional selling opportunities unlock, such as faster delivery times.
Connect with clients, known as “buyers,” and showcase your skills on Fiverr’s versatile marketplace.
Pros:
- No need to search for buyers as they come to your Fiverr profile.
- Additional income through tips from satisfied clients.
- Work on gigs at your own pace, making it suitable for those with 9-5 jobs or other commitments.
Cons:
- Fiverr deducts a 20% fee, including tips, from your earnings for each gig.
- There’s a standard 14-day waiting period to withdraw money after completing an order.
- Even top-tier sellers must wait seven days for funds to clear before withdrawal.
Poshmark
Payment Method: PayPal, Venmo, Check, Direct Bank Deposit,
Poshmark is a specialized app designed for selling clothes, accessories, and home decor. Sign up, upload photos of your item, provide a description, set a price, and share the listing.
The app’s “Posh Parties” allow you to showcase items in virtual shopping events focused on specific brands, categories, and themes.
After making a purchase, Poshmark provides a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label. You can easily send the package using USPS.
Pros:
- Poshmark handles the entire selling and shipping process.
- No need to meet strangers; Poshmark manages issues and covers lost packages.
- Receive payment within three days of the buyer receiving the order.
Cons:
- Poshmark charges a $2.95 commission for sales under $15.
- For sales of $15 or above, a 20% commission is deducted from the sale amount.
Upwork
Payment Method: PayPal, Direct Bank Deposit, Instant Pay, Payoneer, Wire Transfer.
Upwork connects freelancers with opportunities in writing, design, marketing, and various other categories. To start, create a profile highlighting your field of interest, qualifications, availability, and desired rate.
Submit proposals; clients will offer you opportunities if you align well with a project. Each month, you have a set number of “Connects” to contact potential clients.
While you can earn or purchase additional Connects, there’s no charge when clients contact you. Upwork offers flexibility in payment, allowing freelancers to get paid on either an hourly or per-project basis.
Pros:
- Upwork simplifies the process of finding clients, establishing connections, and receiving payment.
- You can set your preferred rate, providing flexibility in your earnings.
- Upwork allows you to determine your work schedule, giving you control over when you work.
Cons:
- The app is free, but initiating contact with many clients requires payment.
- Upwork charges a service fee and deducts 10% from your earnings You’ll receive earnings 10 days after the billing period concludes.
- Competition with other freelancers on the platform may impact your chances.