What if you could earn a little extra without changing your routine at all? Apps and sites that let you do this are out there, and don't cost anything to start using, nor do they take much time to use.
These five apps are all free to download and pay you in real money or gift cards just for doing things you already do every day!
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1. Fetch
Fetch is the easiest one on this list, and I've been paid by them most recently. You earn points just by uploading photos of your shopping receipts, and this can be any receipt, from almost any store. Groceries, restaurants, gas stations, clothing, and more will all count towards your points.
Those points add up fast, and you can cash them out for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. I chose an Amazon code when I had enough to cash out, and it took less than 72 hours for them to send it to me. It only took 3 weeks of using the app to get there, so this one would be great if you're trying to save up for Amazon codes, or codes from other retailers prior to the holidays this year.
There's also a Special Offers section in the app where you can earn extra points by buying specific products before you shop.
2. Upside
If you drive at all, Upside is a no-brainer. It's a free app that gives you cash back on gas purchases at thousands of stations across the country. You just open the app before you fill up, claim the offer at a nearby station, pay like you normally would, and the cash back hits your account.
This is another that I've used recently and cashed out. They paid me within 24 hours (I chose Paypal for this one).
Upside also works at many grocery stores and restaurants, so it's not just for gas. Frequent users earn an average of around $270 a year just from using it consistently. Cash out to PayPal, your bank account, or gift cards — your choice.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks has been around since 2007 and with good reason! It's one of the top rewards sites out there, and they have paid out over $100 million to members. You earn points (called SB) by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and doing simple tasks. Those points can be cashed out for PayPal money or gift cards.
It's not going to replace an income, but it's a fun and easy way to earn a few extra dollars in your spare time.
I've personally been using Swagbucks since 2007 and can vouch that it's legit, and I've been paid several times.
Sign up for Swagbucks free here.
4. Honeygain
This one is the most hands-off app on the list. All you do is install Honeygain on your phone or computer, and it runs quietly in the background while you go about your day. It earns money by sharing a small portion of your unused internet bandwidth, internet you weren't using anyway.
Once you hit $20, you can cash out via PayPal. Most users earn somewhere between $5 and $20 a month depending on their location, internet speed, and how consistently the app runs.
It won't make you rich (none of these will or replace a job), but it truly requires zero effort once it's set up.
Note: Only use it on your home WiFi, not on mobile data or public networks.
5. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Nielsen (a company you may have heard of for TV ratings) will pay you just for having their app installed on your phone or computer. That's it. You don't have to do anything at all!
The app runs silently in the background and collects anonymous data about how people use the internet. In exchange, you're entered into monthly prize draws and earn points toward gift cards.
Of course not everyone is comfortable with what this app does, but if you are, it's truly a passive way to earn extra.
Download the Nielsen app free here.
The Bottom Line
So as mentioned, none of these apps are going to replace your paycheck, but that's not the point. The point is that you're already shopping, driving, and browsing the internet! So, Yyu may as well get a little something back for it.
If you stack a few of these together in particular, you will see it all accumulate to something meaningful over time.
Good luck!
Anna is a work at home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. Her findings are published weekly here at Real Ways to Earn.