Apps helping you make money with your cell phone. That may seem like a crazy idea, but you can actually earn extra money with your smart phone. Yes the same smart phone that cost you an arm and leg can now help you get some of that money back.
Making money with apps is nothing new. As I explained in this post as well as this one, you can make money developing apps. That was for developers. But here, we’re talking about the end users of these apps.
Try Swagbucks, the famous rewards program that pays you for watching videos, taking surveys, shopping and more.
I was really intrigued by this idea that I went on the hunt to find some of the best money making apps. And I found 20 great apps that let you earn money with your phone.
Of course, none of these apps are going to pay your bills. Nonetheless, it’s a great way to earn extra money on the side. Ready to earn your cellphone bill? Here are 20 great apps that will help you make money:
1. Swagbucks
This is a popular online program that enables you to earn money for searching the web. Available to both Android and iPhone users, you can make mobile searches, daily polls among others. For 1000 searches which earn you 450 points, you receive a gift card worth $5. You can read my review here.
2. GigWalk
This service considers itself the mobile work marketplace. By carrying out simple tasks using GigWalk’s iPhone or Android mobile apps which may range from delivering items, taking photographs, mystery shopping or testing mobile apps, these simple field work duties can earn you an upwards of $3 to $90 per task. It has been known for GigWalkers with a great reputation to earn more than a thousand dollars in a week! GigWalk is available in major US metro areas.
3. Viggle
I recently wrote a post about getting paid for watching TV. This app is the same one described in that post. All you have to do is log in to Viggle app, that will activate your smartphone’s microphone. You watch your favorite shows as you would another time. Viggle will automatically recognize the show and credit your account accordingly. To give you an idea of the earning potential, you can get a $5 gift card for 75 hours of TV watching
4. ShopKick
This program is available as an app for Android and iPhones and is tailor-made for those of us who love shopping. You will be able to earn kicks for going shopping, even if you don’t buy anything. These kicks are redeemable for gift cards or store discounts. Although you do not earn cash by participating in Shopkick, you will be able to make savings. When you scan items or buy from partner stores, you earn even more kicks.
If you have to only sign up for one paid survey site to make money with, I recommend Ipsos-iSay. Ipsos is the most fun and well-paying panel. Give it a try to see how you like it. It is free anyway!
5. Field Agent
Field agent is quite similar to GigWalk as it requires you to use your iPhone to perform simple tasks such as reading bar-codes, mystery shop, take tolls, check prices and explore the neighborhoods. You are then paid between $3 and $12 per task. The money may seem little but has the capacity to grow as you are able to perform these tasks easily.
6. CheckPoints
This program is similar to Shopkick, as it enables you to earn points and rewards for checking in at different stores, scanning items, completing offers and playing games. You can redeem the points for discounts, gift cards, or products.
7. EasyShift
As the name suggests, you will earn between $2 and $20 for a quick and easy shift of recording prices or taking pictures. This application is only available on iPhone.
8. Daily Feats
Say hello to the first mobile app that actually pays you for doing good deeds. What deeds are considered as “doing good” by Daily Feat? Well, anything from brushing your teeth to helping a stranger can earn you points. Once you have accumulated 2,500 point, you can redeem for a $5 gift card of your choice.
9. iPinion
iPinion is basically a paid survey app that allows you to make some extra money by participating in market research studies via your phone. Needless to say, your phone has to be connected to the Internet for this to work.
10. IconZoomer
Get cash for taking photos. You will be given different assignments (scenes, objects, etc to photograph) throughout the day. Simply complete them and earn cash.
11. Staree
With Staree you simply upload and share photos with your friends through Facebook and Twitter. You earn money from ads that are displayed in your photos and videos by Staree.
12. WeReward (WR has merged with Staree)
WeReward is an application that allows you to earn points by simply checking in at specific locations. These points can be redeemed for money, with every point costing a penny. This program is open to both iPhone and Android users, although, you will be required to have a twitter, Foursquare or Facebook account to qualify. An example of a task is to earn 50 points by taking a picture at a specific location with a specified product.
13. ParkingPanda
This app allows you to earn money by renting your parking space. Whether you are a big parking company with thousands of parking space, or an individual with empty space in his drive way, you can make money by simply renting out your parking space.
14. App Rewards Club
Use a lot of apps? Then this is for you – Simply write reviews about apps you use and earn points that can be exchanged for cash paid to you via PayPal. You can also get premium apps for free in exchange for reviews.
15. Airbnb
How about an app that lets you rent out your empty bedroom? That is exactly what AirBnb does. Simply enter your location,price, maximum stay time, and any other requirement right from your smart phone, then post it. Get paid when the guest arrives.
16. TapJoy
You get paid to download suggested apps. The more apps you install, the more money you earn. They offer amazon and iTunes gift cards.
17. Wikets
People join this app to recommend products and services they like. If you buy a product that someone has recommended, you both get rewarded with points that can be converted to cash and prizes.
18. App trailers
Enjoy watching movie trailers and commercials? Well, now you can get paid for it! Simply install the app and whenever there is a video available, watch and earn points. Points can be redeemed for gift cards (from stores like amazon, eBay, iTunes) or PayPal payment.
19. Super Gift Card Reward Plus
Download their partners Apps to earn points. You can earn $1, $5, $10, $15, $50, $100 iTunes, Amazon Gift Certificates.
20. Bamboo Wallet
A mobile rewards app that allows you to complete simple tasks in exchange for “JunoCredits” (i.e points) that can be redeemed for gift certificates for stores like iTunes, Amazon.com, Dominoes, eBay and an option to donate to your charity of choice,
Again, I don’t think any of these apps could help you quit your job, but you could earn enough to buy yourself a new phone (maybe?). I mean, we all use smart phones anyway, and we pay a lot of money for both the phone and the plan (text, Internet, etc), may as well earn a little extra cash with it when you can.