Our editors independently research and recommend the best products and services. You can learn more about our independent review process and partners in our advertiser disclosure. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.The average person spends about four hours a day on their cell phones—and about 90% of that time is spent using apps. So why not turn your mindless scrolling into cold, hard cash? We rounded up our favorite money-making apps, from apps that help you earn cash back on online purchases, pay you for your opinions, invest your spare change for you, and even apps that will pay you to exercise. Yes, really. Read on to see which apps made the list.The 8 Best Money-Making Apps of 2021Best for Bargain Shoppers:RakutenRunner-Up, Best for Bargain Shoppers:ShopkickBest for Automatic Payment:ibottaBest for Photographers/Videographers:FoapBest for Investors:AcornsBest for Surveys:Google Opinion RewardsRunner-Up, Best Survey App:iPollBest for Fitness Buffs:SweatcoinBest for Bargain Shoppers:Rakuten
Over 2,500 stores available.
Cash back can apply to in-store purchases.
Must have a PayPal account to receive payout electronically.
Non-electronic payments sent out via check.
Payouts every quarter.Also a great browser extension for those on a desktop computer, Rakuten (formerly Ebates) has a solid money-making app, as well. With this tool, you can use in-store coupons, scan items as you go to compare prices, and perhaps its most well-known feature—earn cash back on certain purchases from certain retailers.Here’s how it works: Once you download and start using the app, you’ll earn a set percentage of cash back when you shop with Rakuten’s list of 2,500-plus eligible retailers. While cash back is usually between 1% to 2%, we’ve earned as much as 10%. You’ll also get access to in-store coupons and other perks. Rakuten even compares coupons for you, so you can be sure you’re getting the very best deal.Another plus is that once you sign up and start using it, you’ll automatically get paid every three months, as long as you’ve earned at least $5.01. Rakuten is an industry staple in the world of money-making apps. Founded in 1997, it’s given more than $1 billion in cash back to its customers.Runner-Up,Best for Bargain Shoppers:Shopkick
You can earn rewards by walking into partner stores.
Alternative ways to earn points.
Over 250,000 retail locations offering walk-in and barcode scan rewards.
Can only redeem rewards via gift cards.
Only works on mobile app, no browser capabilities.If you love to shop and frequently find yourself at your favorite retail destination browsing the aisles, then Shopkick is a great money-making tool. Shopkick pays solely via gift cards, so keep that in mind.Making money with Shopkick is easy. You download the app, then engage in one or more of these activities: walk into the store, no purchase necessary (yes, it’s just that easy), scan barcodes of select products (again, you don’t have to buy anything), purchase items at an eligible store with your Shopkick-linked card, purchase items and submit your receipt, visit online stores or view online products (no purchase necessary), make an online purchase with a Shopkick partner, or watch in-app videos.While you aren’t paid in actual cash with this app, you don’t always have to make a purchase to earn, which is a nice perk.Best for Automatic Payment:ibotta
Actual cash back, no points or coupons.
Works on mobile app and via browser extension.
Low cash out threshold.
Lower cash back than other apps.
Eligible retail locations may not include regional and local stores.ibotta is another great cash-back app, and you have three options to make money using it: Upload your receipt to the app when you purchase eligible items, link a store loyalty card before you shop to get access to special offers, or make purchases at eligible stores via the ibotta app.With ibotta, you’ll have to complete tasks within the app to access its money-saving tools, which can be a drawback, depending on how much free time you have. You’ll also have to upload receipts manually, and there are only about 400 eligible retailers. However, you can get cash deposited directly into your ibotta account, which you can then withdraw—no waiting on checks via snail mail or trying to navigate cryptocurrency.Best for Photographers/Videographers:Foap
Doesn't require a DSLR camera.
Only $5 needed to withdraw cash.
Payouts are only through PayPal.
Payments are sent at least one full month after withdrawal.Great for aspiring photographers and videographers, Foap is a money-making app that makes it simple to sell your photos and videos. Simply download the app, then upload your photos and videos to your online portfolio.If your work is purchased by an agency, brand, or another user on Foap, then you’ll get paid, but you’ll share the profits with Foap 50/50. So, if Foap sells a photo for $10, you’ll make $5. But one photo can sell more than once, which is a nice plus. You can also submit photos to a specific project (Foap calls them "Missions)" for the chance to be paid hundreds for your photo.Best for Investors:Acorns
No minimum deposit needed to begin using the app.
No work required to invest.
IRA and checking account options.
High fees for smaller accounts.