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 regularly, Upside is another app you may want to try. It’s free to use, and you can earn cash back on gas at participating stations. They also have offers at some grocery stores and restaurants, so you can check for those while you’re in the app.
You just claim an offer before you shop, pay with your credit or debit card, and follow the steps in the app to verify the purchase. Your cash back is added after the purchase is approved.
This is another that I’ve used and been paid by! My earlier cash-out went to PayPal within 24 hours. Just so you know, Upside no longer offers PayPal payments.
You can choose a bank transfer or a gift card instead. The minimums and any fees depend on the option you choose, and payment isn’t immediate, so it’s worth checking those details before you cash out.
You can download Upside free here, or read my full Upside review first.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the best-known rewards sites, and it reports more than $705 million paid to members. You earn points (called SB) by taking surveys, playing games, shopping online, completing special offers, and doing simple tasks. New members currently see a $10 signup bonus, and points can be redeemed for PayPal rewards starting at $5 or for popular gift cards. Bonus terms can change.
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. MobileXpression
MobileXpression rewards eligible users for installing its research software on a smartphone and leaving it active while using the device normally.
The app is operated by Comscore and collects mobile browsing and usage data for market research. The current iOS offer says new members can earn enough credits for a $10 PayPal payment after keeping it active for 10 days, then continue earning credits toward additional rewards.
After the initial setup, there are no surveys or tasks to complete. Eligibility and the exact rewards available can vary, but this is one of the more hands-off apps on the list.
Sign up for MobileXpression here, or read my MobileXpression review first.
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 Thurman 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.