If you buy something through our links, we may earn money from our affiliate partners. Learn more.
Making money with your smartphone has become easier and easier. There are lots of opportunities to earn extra money from your phone in a variety of different ways. If you’re looking to top up your bank account, your smartphone might be just the way to do that. We’ll go through some of the top ways to make money from your phone and how to get started.
How to Earn Money on Your Phone
If you’re looking for ways to earn cash in your spare time, your smartphone can help you make some extra income. Whether you only have a few minutes or a couple of hours, there are lots of opportunities to earn quick cash or earn gift cards and other types of prizes through many apps, including gig apps on your phone.
14 Ways to Earn Money on Your Phone
If you’re looking to understand how to make money on your phone, there are many opportunities available. We’ll look at some of the best ways to make money online through legit money-making apps and how to get started.
1. Playing Games
One of the top ways Android users and iPhone users can make more money is through games. You can play games by downloading the apps on your phone. With games, you can earn points that you redeem for money or receive payouts in the form of PayPal cash, gift cards, and more, depending on the game.
2. Watching Videos for Extra Cash
If you have a few minutes and want to earn a few bucks, you can watch videos to make extra money. Free apps such as Swagbucks, ClipClaps, and FusionCash will all pay you for watching videos. Through these apps can earn rewards and earn bonus points that are redeemable for cash and gift cards.
3. Downloading Investment Apps
Investment apps are one of the best passive income streams. Available on both Google Play stores and the iPhone IOS app store, you can download an investment app and create an investment account in minutes.
You can opt to invest in auto-managed funds or invest in stocks and ETFs of your choice. Remember that your capital is at risk with investing, so only put in as much as you can afford to account for market fluctuations.
- Robinhood:
- Robinhood offers commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. Its simple user interface makes it suitable for beginners, encouraging them to dip their toes in the world of investing.
- Acorns:
- Acorns takes your spare change from daily purchases and invests it in diversified portfolios. It simplifies investing by making it automatic, ensuring consistent growth over time.
- Wealthfront:
- Wealthfront is a robo-advisory platform that creates diversified portfolios tailored to your risk tolerance. They also employ strategies like tax-loss harvesting to optimize returns and reduce tax implications.
- Betterment:
- Betterment offers tailored investment strategies based on your financial goals and risk appetite. As a robo-advisory platform, it provides automated investing while also offering advice from certified financial planners.
- Stash:
- Stash allows users to start investing with as little as $5, making it accessible to a broad audience. With an emphasis on financial education, it’s great for those looking to learn while they invest.
- E*TRADE:
- E*TRADE provides a platform for trading stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, and options. With research tools and professional insights, it caters to both beginners and experienced investors.
- Fidelity:
- Fidelity offers a wide range of financial services, from trading to retirement planning. It’s known for its in-depth research, diverse investment options, and robust mobile app.
4. Downloading Survey Apps
If you’re looking to make some money and share your opinion, taking paid surveys could be the right option for you. Many market research companies will pay you to complete online surveys through apps such as Survey Junkie.
All you have to do is complete surveys and answer survey questions n different topics to earn money, including user testing and product testing. After you’re done taking surveys, you receive points that you redeem for gift cards and PayPal cash. The key to making sure you are using legit paid surveys.
5. Online Shopping
A lot of major retailers offer amazing cashback deals by working with apps such as Rakuten, BeFrugal, Drop, and more. All you’ll need to do is download the app, set up an account, and start shopping online like you usually would.
The app pays you a certain percentage back as cashback for each purchase. These apps are completely free and are an excellent option for saving money while shopping. Other apps like Ibotta will also give you cash back when shopping in-person and online purchases.
6. Taking Photos and Videos for Extra Money
Many apps will pay for your photos and videos, such as Foap, Snapwire, and EyeEm are some options that you can use. You can upload photos from your cell phone to their platforms and make them available in their marketplace.
The apps offer you a percentage every time your photos sell or your videos sell to agencies and buyers.
7. Utilizing Gig Apps
There are plenty of gig apps that enable you to make money in your free time. Gig apps can include driving for Uber and Lyft or delivering food using apps such as GrubHub and UberEats.
Other apps such as TaskRabbit can be useful for general tasks that you complete when you have a few hours free. Gig apps are a great option if you’re looking for something flexible where you can set your own hours.
8. Selling Clothes
Another great way to earn extra cash is to sell items, such as clothing and homeware, on online apps. You can use apps such as Poshmark, Mercari, and eBay to sell your items. Some apps like
Poshmark take a percentage of fees but offer a free shipping label so that you can ship your items quickly. Other apps such as eBay will require you to cover shipping fees. That’s why it’s important to price items with these nuances in mind to ensure you’re making enough money. This is a growing segment with a lot of choices, so choose the best app to sell clothes.
9. Using Mystery Shopping Apps
Another avenue for earning some more money is by using a mystery shopping app. Companies such as FieldAgent and GigWalk have mobile apps where as a user, you’ll be notified where to shop with different brands and report back their experience. You receive a small payment for each mystery shopping experience, and it can be a good option for supplementing your income.
10. Become a language tutor
There are many on-demand language services, such as TutorJob, where you can tutor others through your phone. Depending on the languages you know, you can teach and set your own hours for lessons. After completing lessons with students, you’ll receive payment, making it a straightforward and easy process.
11. Take on a customer service role
Many customer service roles can be done through cell phones, making it an effective way to earn money while working part-time.
You can answer phone calls and solve customer issues while at home and earn per hour. Many companies hire for this kind of role, so it’s worth keeping a lookout on popular job sites for customer service opportunities.
12. Freelancing Platforms on the Go
Freelancing is a versatile way to earn money, and many platforms offer mobile apps to stay connected with clients. Apps like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer allow you to offer services in various domains, from writing and graphic design to voice-over and technical tasks.
By setting up a profile, you can start bidding for projects, communicate with clients, and get paid directly through the app. Moreover, it offers a flexible working schedule, allowing you to accept projects based on your availability and expertise.
13. Affiliate Marketing via Social Media
With the rise of social media influencers and bloggers, affiliate marketing has become a viable means to make money. By promoting products and services through your social media accounts or blogs using dedicated affiliate links, you can earn commissions for every sale made through your link.
Apps like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate offer mobile versions where you can track your earnings and performance. Consistency in content creation and genuine recommendations can help boost your affiliate income over time.
14. Participate in Competitions and Contests
Several apps host competitions, quizzes, and contests with cash prizes or vouchers. Apps like HQ Trivia or Qureka allow users to participate in daily or weekly quizzes, answering questions in real-time, and earning money if they get the answers right.
Though it might not be a consistent source of income, participating regularly can increase your chances of winning and, at the same time, offer an entertaining break.
Ways to Make Money on Your Phone Summary
| Ways to Make Money | Description | Examples of Apps/Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Playing Games | Earn points through gameplay to redeem for money, PayPal cash, or gift cards. | Generic (no specific app mentioned) |
| Watching Videos for Extra Cash | Get paid to watch videos; redeem rewards for cash or gift cards. | Swagbucks, ClipClaps, FusionCash |
| Downloading Investment Apps | Invest in auto-managed funds or select stocks and ETFs; passive income potential. | Robinhood, Acorns, Wealthfront, Betterment, Stash, E*TRADE, Fidelity |
| Downloading Survey Apps | Earn money by completing online surveys on various topics. | Survey Junkie |
| Online Shopping | Earn cashback from major retailers; save money through rebates. | Rakuten, BeFrugal, Drop, Ibotta |
| Taking Photos and Videos | Earn by uploading and selling photos or videos to agencies and buyers. | Foap, Snapwire, EyeEm |
| Utilizing Gig Apps | Earn money in flexible jobs such as driving, delivering, or doing general tasks. | Uber, Lyft, GrubHub, UberEats, TaskRabbit |
| Selling Clothes | Sell items like clothing and homeware; earn a percentage of the sale price. | Poshmark, Mercari, eBay |
| Using Mystery Shopping Apps | Shop with brands and report back on the experience; earn per task. | FieldAgent, GigWalk |
| Become a Language Tutor | Offer language lessons and earn per session. | TutorJob |
| Take on a Customer Service Role | Work in customer service remotely via phone; earn hourly. | Generic (no specific app mentioned) |
| Freelancing Platforms on the Go | Offer freelance services in various domains; bid on projects and earn per task. | Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer |
| Affiliate Marketing via Social Media | Promote products/services and earn commission per sale. | Amazon Associates, ShareASale, CJ Affiliate |
| Participate in Competitions and Contests | Engage in quizzes and contests to win cash prizes or vouchers. | HQ Trivia, Qureka |
Start our Making Money on Your Phone Today
Thanks to smartphones, making money on your phone has become easier than ever, and there are plenty of easy options that you can start doing today to make extra cash. You can find other making money posts on our website for more inspiration and detailed tips to help you start earning money today.
Image: Depositphotos
Shaheen
What? I can earn 50K working from home. It’s unbelievable to me that I can earn through mobile and that too, such a huge amount. I don’t know how far the MyFIRST Partner app is going to help me financially, but it’s worth giving it a try after I have read your answer. Being a student, it’s a great stroke of luck for me to support myself financially using this app. Can you please tell me more about this app? How can I sign up and what documents are required to begin? I want to start immediately because I am in the final year of my graduation and after that, I don’t want to stay dependent on my family’s income.
Patrick
An app that allows you to make money in a legitimate way is a great solution for people who want to make money on the side, I am one of those people myself and I was looking for such an app for a relatively long time. I finally came across Paidwork, an app where you can earn money by filling out surveys, playing mobile games, watching videos or at least creating accounts. Honestly, I recommend everyone to try Paidwork, in my case trying it paid off!