We can get sucked into the vortex of social media for hours and hours every day. With the ability to track and report exactly how much time we spend on our smartphones, the numbers can be staggering. But wouldn’t it be great if we could be productive while inevitably killing time on our smart devices? As more opportunities are created in the vast digital landscape, there are now apps that let users earn some money by answering surveys, sharing content, and even watching videos. These apps may not pay enough for a person to quit their day job, but they allow people to make some extra dollars for their time. Explore this list of reliable apps that can make you money.
iPoll
The iPoll site and app lets people answer 15-20 minute surveys. A user earns money first by providing personal information, then by answering surveys that pay at least $1 each. The more surveys you accomplish, the more you earn towards getting rewards such as magazine subscriptions or gift cards from Amazon, Best Buy, or iTunes. (Available on iOS and Android.)
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is similar to iPoll in that it provides a rewards program that lets you put cash back in your wallet for the everyday things you already do online. Answer surveys, search the web, watch videos, earn points and also shop within the app. Redeem points for gift cards at Walmart, Target, eBay, Starbucks, and more. Paypal can also give you cash back once you reach a certain threshold. (Available on iOS and Android.)
BookScouter
If you’re looking to dispose of books from your personal library, BookScouter introduces you to a list of vendors looking to purchase. Just type in the ISBN, and BookScouter gives you an aggregate catalog of vendors and how much they’re willing to pay for your book. You will receive payment a few days after the book is shipped. (Available on iOS and Android.)
AppTrailers
Collect rewards points when you watch the trailers of different apps with AppTrailers. Uploading videos and getting likes also entitles you to earn points. These points can be redeemed through gift cards for Amazon, Sephora, Footlocker, and iTunes. You also get to discover new apps relevant to your interests! (Available on iOS and Android.)
Surveys on the Go
Get paid for sharing your opinions on different topics—entertainment, news, technology, sports, and more. Just sign up, provide preliminary personal information, and you’ll soon receive notifications for any new surveys available. Surveys pay an average of $1 but can go up to $5. When you reach $10, you can cash out through PayPal. (Available on iOS and Android.)
Tap Cash Rewards
The app suggests easy daily tasks such as installing and running new apps or watching videos to earn credits. You can redeem credits for cash and gift rewards from PayPal, G2A, Skype, and Google Play. When you connect your Facebook and Google accounts to Tap Cash Rewards, you get premium offers. (Available on iOS and Android.)
Google Opinion Rewards
The app is a rewards-based program that allows users to answer surveys weekly and earn rewards up to $1 in Google Play credits. Once you download the app and answer a few questions about yourself, you wait for the app to send you a questionnaire. You can get an average of one survey every week on topics such as, “When do you plan to travel next?” or “Which logo is the best?” (Available on iOS and Android.)
Money Machine
Complete tasks every day, like downloading apps and watching videos. Money Machine has offers available daily, which lets you earn points continuously. You can earn special referral points by sharing the app with friends. Points can be cashed out through PayPal. (Available on Android only.)
Snap by Groupon
Snap gives you cash back for your daily grocery purchases. You can check the app for featured products, then purchase them from the grocery store. Snap a picture of the receipt, and you’re entitled to receive cash back. There’s no more need for paper coupons or mail-in rebates. (Available on iOS, Android, and desktop.)
Field Agent
You can earn between $3 to $12 every week through this app. It requires location-based tasks such as checking prices on groceries, finding specific products or checking in-store displays at specific locations. Take a photo, upload it in the app and answer questions regarding the products. You can also answer surveys to help companies like General Electric and Johnson & Johnson understand consumers better. Earned money can be sent to PayPal or Dwolla. (Available on iOS and Android.)
Iconzoomer
The app is a network of people who share photos of their consumer activities. By collecting these snapshots, companies all over the world get insights into consumer trends to improve their products and services. Assignments include taking pictures of your shoes, or your dinner. You earn credits for each fulfilled assignment, and you can request to cash out via PayPal when the balance reaches 200 credits.
iBotta
In the iBotta app, add items with rebates on your virtual grocery list. Once you’ve purchased the items, you can take a photo of the receipt, and the app will know which items have rebates. It will send rebates to your account within 24 hours. Once the amount reaches $20 you can exchange it for gift cards with Amazon, Walmart, iTunes, Best Buy, and more. You can also choose to withdraw through your PayPal or Venmo account. (Available on iOS and Android.)
CheckPoints
The app allows you to scan barcodes of products while you are shopping. Each time you scan products you earn CheckPoints. You also get a chance to get extra points and promotions. As you collect points, you can redeem rewards like restaurant meals, airline miles, gadgets, and hotel stays through your phone.(Available on iOS and Android.)
Maximize your smartphone usage productively by using the apps that make sense for you. These apps can make you money, provide extra cash, and give access to promos for less. This is one more way to generate and save money—it requires very little work and the rewards are worth more than the effort.
