It's true - there really is an app for everything. Find the latest fintech and money-making apps here.
If you are looking for real ways to make money from your phone for free then consider checking out my quick list of the best game apps to make money. Don’t worry, I’ve personally tested all of the recommended apps and they are all legit and have great user reviews on the App Store and Google Play Store. If you are also looking for ways to additional ways to make money from home check out our most popular article, 30 real ways to make money from home part-time. We uncovered the best apps to make money that you may have never heard of with really great earning potential.
15 Best Money Making Apps Available for Download
The average young adult now spends nearly 5 hours a day on their phone. Start using your phone to earn money instead of waste time.
Read NowGig App Reviews
Postmates
With no extensive orientation, no vehicle requirements, and instant access to “going online,” making money with Postmates is quick and easy compared to the variety of other delivery services out there.
Instacart
Instacart is a great service that helps people who don’t have time to shop for groceries by delivering food to their door. For people who like grocery shopping, it can be a fun way to make a few extra dollars in their spare time.
DoorDash
DoorDash also has an impressive benefits package that may be reason enough to sign up. They partner with Stride Health to help its drivers find affordable health, dental, and vision coverage.
Airbnb
Whatever your reason for wanting to get started, our comprehensive Airbnb hosting guide will introduce you to the necessary rules and requirements for listing with Airbnb, and lays out helpful tips for maximizing your earnings.
Cash Back and Survey App Reviews
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online rewards platform that offers up to 20% cash back when users complete surveys, shop online, purchase gift cards, watch videos, sign up for free offers, and more. Points can be redeemed for gift cards and PayPal cash, with a minimum payout of $3.
Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is an app, browser extension, and website that offers cash back to consumers who click on its links before checking out at a physical store or online retailer.
Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash back shopping app. Earn rewards when you shop at Target, Amazon, Kroger, and more. Visit stores in person or online, scan your receipt or link a store loyalty card, and Ibotta will credit your account within 24 hours.
Dosh
Many who have written Dosh app reviews say it’s the cash-back app to beat. In a world where Rakuten and Swagbucks have typically dominated, Dosh has really come out of nowhere. Its “set it and forget it” approach, an impressive list of participating merchants, and generous referral bonuses are enough to make anyone sit up and take notice.
Budgeting App Reviews
You Need a Budget - Zero Based Budgeting
YNAB takes a unique approach to budgeting: “All the dollars in your checking account are no longer at your disposal, because now you are spending from the budget, from the plan, from your categories.”
Tiller - Best for Spreadsheet Lovers
A common complaint of many budget tools is that they are too rigid and don’t give users enough flexibility to customize certain parts of their budget. For users who want a higher level of control and prefer using spreadsheets over cookie cutter apps, Tiller is a great solution.
Mint
Mint is an all-inclusive budget management tool that focuses on helping users track their spending automatically. The app allows users to set spending targets for each category in their budget, and transactions are categorized in real-time.
Personal Capital
Personal Capital’s main claim to fame is their investment software, but the app also boasts a powerful set of budgeting tools for everyday users. The app allows user to connect all their financial accounts, including checking, savings, credit cards, loans, mortgages, and more.
Investing App Reviews
Betterment
Betterment has low fees, automatic rebalancing, and high-quality investment options. This is a top choice for hands-off investors that are planning for retirement or other significant goals.
Acorns
When it comes to round-up investing apps, Acorns is among the best in the business. It’s easy to use, has an excellent education platform for new investors, and simple, straightforward fees.
M1 Finance
Win real money slots. M1 Finance is a combination online brokerage and robo advisor. It's very highly rated across the personal finance community for it's interface, fund availability, and low costs. They offer investment portfolio templates you can choose from, and you can invest completely free.
Stash
Stash is an app that aims to make investing easier, less scary, and more fun. You can get started with just a little bit of money, add to your balance over time, and invest in industries and companies you’re passionate about.
DollarSprout's Latest App Coverage
PayPal is one of the most popular payment platforms out there.
According to statistics, in 2018, there were 254 million active PayPal accounts.
That’s a huge number of people using the platform!
One of the main reasons for PayPal’s popularity is that you can get your money pretty much instantly!
Handily enough, there are tons of apps and reward sites that pay through PayPal.
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Below, we cover apps for both Android and iOS devices.
Most of these are apps that pay instantly to PayPal. Others will send payments to your PayPal account within 24 hours or so after requesting a cashout.
iPhone (& Android) Apps that Pay You PayPal Money Fast
In this section, we cover a list of iOS (iPhone, iPad and other Apple devices) free money apps that send money to you via PayPal. Most of these apps also have an Android version. So if you have a device that runs on the Android platform, you can install the Android version.
1. Rakuten
Rakuten (former eBates) gives you cashback when you purchase items online.
There are more than 2,000 stores featured on there, and you can get cashback up to 40%.
There are coupons available too, and you get a $10 reward when you sign up. Gift cards are also a payment option in addition to PayPal.
Install the app
- Download Rakuten for Android devices here.
- Download Rakuten for iOS devices here.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the best rewards apps out there, as it allows you to earn points in a number of different ways.
You can get paid for doing super simple tasks, like:
- Browsing the internet
- Playing games
- Watching videos
- Taking surveys
- Shopping online
In return for completing these tasks, you receive points, called Swag Bucks, or SB. You can redeem SB for money to your PayPal account. You can also redeem your points for gift cards to retailers like Amazon and Walmart.
You can make anywhere from $50 to $125 plus a month using Swagbucks, according to Reddit users, with one user earning almost $300 a month.
Install the app
- Download Swagbucks for Android devices here.
- Download Swagbucks for iOS devices here.
- Check out our Swagbucks review to learn more about this app.
3. Ibotta
Ibotta pays you for receipts, but works slightly differently to other ones on this list.
Rather than paying for whole receipts, Ibotta pays you when you buy specific items. So you browse offers in the app, buy the item featured in the offer, upload a photo of your receipt, and Ibotta will give you a rebate.
In addition to offering PayPal payments, Ibotta also allows you to get your payment on a gift card.
Install the app
- Download Ibotta for iOS devices here.
- Download Ibotta for Android devices here.
4. Shopmium
Shopmium gives you cashback when you upload a photo of a receipt. You can get discounts on a range of products from cosmetics to groceries.
Install the app
- Download Shopmium for Android devices here.
- Download Shopmium for iOS devices here.
5. Receipt Hog
Receipt Hog allows you to upload receipts from stores, restaurants and cafés and earn rewards.
You can redeem your rewards for money through PayPal. You can also redeem your rewards for an Amazon gift card.
Install the app
- Download Receipt Hog for iOS devices here.
- Download Receipt Hog for Android devices here.
6. iPoll
With iPoll, you get paid to give your opinion on the products you buy, the services you use and the places you visit.
In addition to PayPal payments, you can also get your earnings on a gift card for Amazon or iTunes.
Install the app
- Download iPoll for iOS devices here.
- Download iPoll for Android devices here.
7. Toluna
Toluna pays you for providing your opinion to brands on their products and services.
It’s actually one of the highest paying survey apps that pay through PayPal.
You’ll get points which you can redeem for money or for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks and Petco.
Install the app
- Download Toluna for iOS devices here.
- Download Toluna for Android devices here.
8. Univox Community
When you share your opinion in surveys, Univox will give you points, which you can redeem for money to your PayPal account.
Amazon gift cards are also a redemption option, as well as Virtual Visa Cards.
For signing up, you’ll get 200 bonus points, which have a $2 value.
Install the app
- Download Univox Community for iOS devices here.
- Download Univox Community for Android devices here.
9. Appdown
Appdown gives you points when you download apps. You can redeem these points for money through PayPal. Gift cards to retailers like Amazon, Google Play and iTunes are also a redemption option.
Install the app
- Download Appdown for iOS devices here.
- Download Appdown for Android devices here.
10. BerryCart
You can upload photos of your receipt on BerryCart (app review), and you’ll get cashback via PayPal. Gift cards are also available.
BerryCart has a focus on organic and non-GMO type food.
Install the app
- Download BerryCart for iOS devices here.
- Download BerryCart for Android devices here.
11. Perk
Perk is a rewards app that gives you points when you complete tasks, like watching videos and answering trivia questions.
You can redeem these points for rewards, chiefly gift cards, but also for cash through PayPal or Perk Plastik.
You can make $360 a year with this app. Take a look at our Perk review to learn more.
Install the app
- Download Perk for iOS devices here.
- Download Perk for Android devices here.
12. Qmee
Qmee gives you rewards when you give your opinion. There are coupons and deals available on the app too.
Aside from PayPal payments, Qmee also offers gift cards. What’s good about Qmee is that there’s no minimum withdrawal limit, meaning you can withdraw your earnings when you want to.
Install the app
- Download Qmee for Android devices here.
- Download Qmee for iOS devices here.
- Download the Qmee Chrome Extension here.
13. SavingStar
Get cashback on eligible purchases with SavingStar. If you wanna get paid for scanning your receipts, this is a great app to do it with. You just need to upload a photo of your receipt and you’ll get paid.
You only need $5 in your account as well to withdraw your money.
Install the app
- Download SavingStar for Android devices here.
- Download SavingStar for iOS devices here.
14. InboxDollars
With InboxDollars, you get paid to complete tasks, like checking emails, completing offers, shopping online, taking surveys and playing games.
Best Apps To Make Money
Install the app
- Download InboxDollars for iOS devices here.
- Download InboxDollars for Android devices here.
15. Viggle
This is another app from Perk. It focuses on live TV and streaming.
Basically, you get paid for watching your favorite TV shows.
With Viggle, you earn points when you check into any live TV or streaming program. You can check into TV shows and movies live on TV or through providers like Netflix, Amazon and Hulu.
Aside from payment through PayPal, you can also exchange your points for gift cards, or a Perk Plastik card, which is a prepaid debit card. You can also use your points to get prizes.
Install the app
- Download Viggle for Android devices here.
- Download Viggle for iOS devices here.
Top Apps To Make Money
16. MooCash
Get money from MooCash when you complete tasks, like watching videos, playing games, trying new apps and taking surveys.
Aside from PayPal payments, you can also get your cash on gift cards for retailers like Whole Foods, Netflix, and Starbucks.
Install the app
- Download MooCash for Android devices here.
- Download MooCash for iOS devices here.
17. YooLotto
YooLotto gives you rewards when you complete tasks and offers.
Payment is sent via PayPal or you can get it on an Amazon gift card. Also, you can use YooLotto to check whether you have a winning lottery ticket.
Even if your ticket is not a winner, you can still get rewards, such as coupons and deals.
Install the app
- Download YouLotto for iOS devices here.
- Download YouLotto for Android devices here.
18. Embee Meter
Embee Meter runs in the background of your phone to monitor the quality of your phone’s internet calls and just how well your phone works in general. So, you basically use your phone as you normally do, while Embee Meter runs in the background and gives you points for it.
Aside from redeeming your points for money to your PayPal account, you can also get gift cards and, in some countries, mobile airtime.
Install the app
- Download Embee Meter for Android devices here.
19. ShopAtHome
ShopAtHome is a cashback app. When you shop through ShopAtHome, you can get cashback to your PayPal account. Or, if you prefer, you can get the cashback on an Amazon gift card.
When you sign up, you’ll get a $10 bonus as well.
Install the app
- Download ShopAtHome for Android devices here.
- Download ShopAtHome for iOS devices here.
20. TopCashBack
TopCashBack is a cashback app. You can get payment through PayPal, and also from Amazon, which earns you an extra 3% cashback.
Install the app
- Download TopCashBack for Android devices here.
- Download TopCashBack for iOS devices here.
Android Apps that Pay You Money Through PayPal
Above, we covered apps that pay you through PayPal, which are available for both Android phones and iPhones.
But, there are also apps that pay through PayPal that are only available to Android users.
These apps range from game apps to apps that pay you to watch ads on your phone’s lock screen.
So take a look at these apps.
21. AppBucks
Complete offers and other easy tasks and AppBucks will pay you. Aside from PayPal payments, you can also choose to get a Google Play gift card.
Plus, there’s a $10 sign up bonus available.
Install the app
- Download AppBucks for Android devices here.
22. AppKarma
AppKarma gives you money to your PayPal account, or gift cards when you download and try new apps. You can also get paid via gift cards for brands like Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.
Install the app
- Download AppKarma for Android devices here.
23. FeaturePoints
FeaturePoints gives you points when you try out new apps. You can redeem your points for money to your PayPal account.
Gift cards are also a redemption option for places like Amazon and Starbucks.
Install the app
- Download FeaturePoints for Android devices here.
24. AppLike
Earn points for playing games and trying new apps recommended by AppLike. You can redeem them for money to your PayPal account or for gift cards for brands like Amazon, Netflix, the Google Play store and Spotify.
Install the app
- Download AppLike for Android devices here.
25. Fronto
Fronto is an app that pays you when you display content on your phone’s lock screen. It’s such an easy way to make money from your phone without really doing anything.
Install the app
- Download Fronto for Android devices here.
26. Slidejoy
Slidejoy pays you to display ads and news content on your phone. Gift cards are also a payment option.
Install the app
- Download Slidejoy for Android devices here.
27. ScreenPay
ScreenPay will pay you to display personalized deals and promotions on your phone.
Install the app
- Download ScreenPay for Android devices here.
28. AdMe
AdMe pays you to display news, deals and coupons on your phone’s lock screen. Aside from PayPal payments, you can also get gift cards for places like Best Buy and Walmart.
Install the app
- Download AdMe for Android devices here.
29. SurveyCow
SurveyCow is an app that displays mini-surveys on your phone’s lock screen. When you complete these surveys you earn points that you can redeem for cash through your PayPal account.
Install the app
- Download SurveyCow for Android devices here.
30. Paid Unlock
Paid Unlock pays you to display ads on your phone’s lock screen.
Install the app
- Download Paid Unlock for Android devices here.
31. Mr. Rebates
Mr. Rebates gives you between 8% and 10% cashback when you shop at the stores it features. There are more than 2,500 stores and brands on the app, like Dell, Macy’s and Walmart.
There’s a $10 reward available for signing up too.
Install the app
- Download Mr. Rebates for Android devices here.
32. AppKarma
Stardust social casino apps. AppKarma is an app that pays you to try out new apps. In addition to PayPal payments, you can also get your money on a gift card to retailers like Amazon, iTunes and Google Play.
Install the app
- Download AppKarma for Android devices here.
33. Fitplay
Fitplay recommends game apps to you, and if you try out these apps, you’ll earn points. Points can be redeemed for cash to your PayPal account or for gift cards for stores like Amazon and the Google Play store.
Keno no deposit. Install the app
- Download Fitplay for Android devices here.
34. EarnHoney
Complete easy tasks, such as participating in surveys, playing games or shopping online with EarnHoney. In return for completing tasks, you’ll earn points. You can redeem these points for money to your PayPal account, but also for gift cards to places like Amazon, eBay and Target.
Install the app
- Download EarnHoney for Android devices here.
35. Gift Hunter Club
Complete tasks, like trying out apps, completing offers and taking surveys and Gift Hunter Club will pay you.
Aside from PayPal payments, you can also get gift cards for Amazon, Xbox Live and iTunes.
Install the app
- Download Gift Hunter Club for Android devices here.
36. BeFrugal
BeFrugal is a cashback app that features more than 5,000 stores, including well-known stores, like Best Buy, Target and Walmart.
Aside from payments to your PayPal account, you can also get gift cards to places like Amazon.
Install the app
- Download BeFrugal for Android devices here.
37. Watch2Earn
Watch2Earn is an app that gives you points when you watch videos. You can get your earnings to your PayPal account or on gift cards.
Install the app
- Download Watch2Earn for Android devices here.
38. Rewardable TV
Rewardable TV gives you points for watching trending videos, movie trailers and gifs. You can then redeem your points for cash through PayPal.
Install the app
- Download Rewardable TV for Android devices here.
39. CreationsRewards
CreationsRewards gives you points for browsing websites, watching videos and taking surveys.
You can redeem your points for cash to your PayPal account. Also, gift cards for places like Amazon and Walmart are a redemption option.
There’s a $3 sign up bonus available too.
Install the app
- Download CreationsRewards for Android devices here.
40. GrabPoints
GrabPoints gives you points for doing things like downloading apps, completing offers, participating in surveys, and watching videos.
You can redeem your points for money to your PayPal account. Also, you can redeem your points for gift cards to places like Amazon and Walmart. You can get $5 just to sign up.
Install the app
- Download GrabPoints for Android devices here.
PayPal Money Earning Apps (High Paying Gig Apps)
The paying gig apps below pay you to do a tasks both offline, like visiting local businesses to provide your feedback, and online, such as data processing.
You can take on as many or as few tasks as you want to, making this a flexible way to make money.
41. EasyShift
- Download EasyShift for Android devices here.
- Download EasyShift for iOS devices here.
42. Gigwalk
- Download Gigwalk for Android devices here.
- Download Gigwalk for iOS devices here.
43. Field Agent
- Download Field Agent for iOS devices here.
- Download Field Agent for Android devices here.
44. Spare5
- Download Spare5 for iOS devices here.
45. Clickworker
- Download Clickworker for iOS devices here.
- Download Clickworker for Android devices here.
Closing Thoughts
As you can see, there are plenty of apps to make money for PayPal. So if you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to get paid, give some of these money making apps a try.
What’s great about these apps is that they give you easy ways to earn PayPal money instantly (in some cases).
Playing games and taking surveys can be done anywhere, and these types of tasks don’t require you to block out huge chunks of time to complete them. Not to mention, with some of these apps, such as the lock screen apps, you literally don’t have to do anything to make money.
These apps won’t make you rich, but they do give you an easy way to make a little extra spending money! These truly are some of the best legitimate iPhone and Android apps that pay you through PayPal.