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The 23 iPhone and Android Apps That Make You Money in 2024

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Since practically everyone on the planet now uses a smartphone, it makes sense to look at how you can make money using your iPhone or Android device.

Whether it is browsing through social media, chatting with friends, shopping online, or playing games, we are spending an awful length of time fiddling with mobile devices daily.

In fact, one study shows that average mobile usage is now over 3 hours and 30 minutes per day.

With this in mind, this blog post covers how you can monetize your smartphone usage and make some money with iOS and Android apps that pay you.

These apps will hardly make you rich; however, you can earn a little bit of extra cash while burning through your mobile internet data.

iPhone and Android Apps That Pay You Money

The money-making apps listed below are mostly free to download and install on your mobile device. They include iOS and Android apps that fall into the following categories:

  • The Best Cash Back Apps
  • The Best Passive Income Apps
  • The Best Side Hustle Apps
  • The Best Personal Finance Apps
  • The Best Fitness and Game Apps That Pay

Read on to learn about the best smartphone apps to earn extra cash.

Best iPhone and Android Apps To Make Money

Best Cash Back Apps To Make Money

Cash back apps pay you to shop. Whether you shop online or in the store, there’s a free cash back app (iPhone and Android) that can put money back in your wallet.

1. KOHO

To maximize cash back earnings online and in-store, consider using KOHO as your main cash back payment card.

KOHO offers a free prepaid Mastercard that combines all the best features of savings and chequing accounts, and cash back credit cards. Neo Money is not your typical cash back app. It also comes with a free budgeting app.

Users earn up to 5% unlimited cash back on purchases and also get a 3% savings interest on their balance.

  • App Store rating: 4.8/5 from 77,000+ reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: Get a $20 welcome bonus when you sign up here (use referral code CASHBACK and make at least one purchase to get an instant $20 bonus)

Your money at Neo Financial is protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and you can get more details in this Neo Money guide.

2. Neo Money

Neo Money is not your typical cash back app. Instead, it combines an intuitive budgeting app with a prepaid cash back card that puts debit cards everywhere to shame.

Use the Neo Money card when you pay for purchases and earn up to 5% cash back.

  • App Store rating: 4.8/5 from 26,000+ reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: Get a $20 welcome bonus when you sign up here (bonus when you fund your account with at least $50 and complete your first purchase)

Your money at Neo Financial is protected by the Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation, and you can get more details in this Neo Money guide.

3. Rakuten

With online shopping playing a more prominent role in our lives than ever, the Rakuten app is a must-have this year.

Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten has partnerships with more than 3,000 stores which means that a huge portion of your online purchases can qualify for cash back.

Simply sign up and visit Rakuten before proceeding to the website of your preferred retailer. Cash back is automatically tracked and credited to your account.

  • App Store rating: 4.3/5 from 25,615 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.2/5 from 58,025 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the United States
  • Promo: sign up here and get $30 after making your first purchase of $30 or more

With cash back offers of up to 30%, this app is definitely worth your while. To learn more, read our Rakuten review.

4. Caddle

Is Caddle worth your time? It depends on what you buy for groceries. The Caddle app pays you to shop for groceries, complete short surveys, and watch video ads.

I find that the rebate offers on Caddle are limited compared to Checkout 51; however, if you shop at Costco or like craft beer, there’s always an offer for you.

Following a purchase, upload your receipt via the app and get cash back.

  • App Store rating: 3.7/5 from 574 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 2.7/5 from 4,294 reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: Get $1 when you sign up

You can cash out your earnings through a cheque in the mail when your balance reaches $20. Learn more about the app in this Caddle review.

5. Checkout 51

This grocery shopping app is Canada’s version of Ibotta and works well for grocery shopping in Canada and the United States.

Download the app and watch out for new offers every week. Redeem cash back offers by purchasing the item at your favourite store and uploading your receipt using the app.

Cash back is credited to your account within days, and you can cash out when it reaches $20.

  • App Store rating: 4.1/5 from 5,219 ratings
  • Google Play rating: 4.4/5 from 67,469 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the United States

Learn more about grocery receipt scanning apps.

Best Side Hustle Apps To Make Money

Want to earn some income on the side and in addition to your 9 to 5? Check out these side hustle apps for iOS and Android devices.

6. Swagbucks

Swagbucks rewards you with points when you complete paid surveys, watch video ads, surf the internet, shop online, and more. There are over 10 ways to earn with Swagbucks.

Given that this site has paid its members more than $900 million over the years, we can easily rank it as one of the best sites for generating side income.

The points you earn are called SB and can be redeemed for gift cards and PayPal cash.

  • App Store rating: 4.4/5 from 27,852 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.1/5 from 45,144 reviews
  • Available: Worldwide
  • Promo: Get $5 when you sign up here.

7. Survey Junkie

This free rewards site is one of the best market research panels out there.

Survey Junkie is straightforward to use, and you can earn some cash by completing surveys daily.

  • App Store rating: 4.5/5 from 25,052 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.1/5 from 12,570 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the United States
  • Promo: Get 25 bonus points

You can cash out your earnings from Survey Junkie via PayPal or popular free gift cards. Learn more in this Survey Junkie review.

8. DoorDash

This side hustle app is similar to Postmates and pays you to deliver food to others in your area. You can do deliveries using your car, scooter, motorcycle, or bicycle and work only when you want to.

Doordash drivers also keep all the tips they are paid in addition to the delivery fee.

  • App Store rating: 4.8/5 from 6,857,413 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4/5 from 668,153 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the U.S.

9. Pinecone Research

If you are going to get paid for your opinions, one legit way to accomplish this is by signing up for Pinecone Research.

Operated by Nielsen, Pinecone Research won’t waste your time, and you can expect at least $3 per completed survey.

10. Nielsen Homescan

Want to get paid to scan barcodes on your grocery purchases? That’s what the Nielsen Homescan panel pays its members to do.

This gig has been around for decades. They give you a handheld scanner to scan the barcodes on the products you purchase every week. You can also use their mobile app.

Points earned can be redeemed for merchandise, and you may also receive Visa prepaid cards.

Sign up here or learn more in this Nielsen Homescan review.

11. Mobilexpression

Get paid for browsing the internet when you download the Mobilexpression app (iPhone) or (Android).

If you are comfortable with their privacy policy, you can get a $5 Amazon gift card when you keep the app installed for just seven days.

Keep it installed for longer than that, and they donate a tree on your behalf.

  • App Store rating: 4.1/5 from 146 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4/5 from 41,749 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the U.S.

Learn more about the app in this MobileXpression review.

Mistplay is an Android App you can use to make money while playing games. It is free to join.

Become a Delivery Driver With Uber Eats

Uber Eats is one of the best food delivery platforms available in thousands of cities worldwide.

You can sign up to become a delivery driver with Uber Eats if you have a valid driver’s license, a 2- or 4-door car less than 20 years old, proof of vehicle insurance, and are at least 21 years old. You will also need to pass a background check.

You can deliver as many or as few hours as you want on your schedule and cash out earnings easily. You also keep 100% of the tips you get. This side gig is a great way to bring in extra income.

12. Task Rabbit

Task Rabbit is a central location where you can find all kinds of odd jobs and simple tasks and get paid for completing them.

For example, you could help someone install their TV or Ikea furniture, plant flowers, run shopping errands, etc., and earn up to $70 per hour.

  • App Store rating: 4.7/5 from 10,771 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4/5 from 4,854 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the U.S.

Best Passive Income Apps To Make Money

Passive income apps help you generate money without much ongoing effort. Simply set things in motion and watch compounding interest do the rest.

13. CoinSmart (Bitbuy)

CoinSmart is the top crypto trading platform in Canada (now Bitbuy).

You can use its app to trade 40+ digital currencies and get a $50 bonus when you open an account and deposit $250 or more.

  • App Store rating: 3.5/5 from 571 reviews
  • Google Play rating: No reviews
  • Available: Canada

Learn more about them in this CoinSmart review.

14. Moka App

Would you like to invest your spare change and save towards future financial goals? The Moka app can be of help.

This micro-investing app rounds up your purchases to the nearest $1, $5, or $10 and invests the difference in a portfolio of low-cost Exchange-Traded Funds.

The investment portfolio is managed by professionals and is automatically rebalanced. You pay a $3 monthly fee.

  • App Store rating: 4.4/5 from 11,158 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.1/5 from 4,412 reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: Get $5 when you sign up for Moka

Learn more in this Moka review. Residents of the U.S. can sign up for Acorns, which is similar.

15. Questrade

Questrade is Canada’s best brokerage platform when you consider the account types they offer, trading fees, and investment products.

The app offers access to trading stocks, ETFs, mutual funds, IPOs, bonds, GICs, precious metals, and options. When you sign up for an account and deposit at least $1,000, you receive $50 in free trades.

The company has been around since 1999 and has more than $9 billion in assets under management. Note that their web interface works much better than the app.

  • App Store rating: 1.9/5 from 447 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 2.4/5 from 726 reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: $50 in free trading credit when you fund your account with $1,000 or more

Learn more in our Questrade review.

Best Personal Finance Apps To Make Money

These savings and personal finance iPhone and Android apps can help you make money starting right now.

16. Simplii Financial

Simplii Financial is one of Canada’s most popular online banks, with no-fee chequing and high-interest savings rates.

You can open a free savings account and earn a high interest rate plus a $400 bonus when you open a free chequing account.

All your banking transactions can be completed using their mobile app.

  • App Store rating: 4/5 from 8,800+ reviews
  • Google Play rating: 3.8/5 from 6,400+ reviews
  • Available: Canada

Learn more about the Simplii Financial Chequing Account and how to get a $400 bonus.

17. EQ Bank

If you are looking for a savings interest rate that is always one of the best in Canada, consider EQ Bank.

With a high interest rate that is non-promotional coupled with free and unlimited debits, this online bank always stands out.

  • App Store rating: 4.6/5 from 2,964 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.5/5 from 1,177 reviews
  • Available: Canada

Learn more about earning high interest in this EQ Bank review.

18. Wealthsimple Trade

This stock trading app is the only one to completely offer commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs in Canada.

This means that you can purchase a stock or ETF on stock exchanges in Canada and the U.S. without paying trading commissions (FX fees may apply).

Wealthsimple Trade is great for beginners who are looking to build an investment portfolio using a user-friendly investment app.

  • App Store rating: 4.6/5 from 19,306 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.1/5 from 1,868 reviews
  • Available: Canada
  • Promo: Get a $25 cash bonus when you sign up and deposit at least $200

Learn more in this detailed Wealthsimple Trade review. U.S. residents can check out Robinhood.

19. Wealthsimple Invest

Wealthsimple Invest is another investment app that simplifies investing for beginners and expert investors alike. This robo-advisor service invests your money in a personalized portfolio that matches your investment objectives and risk profile.

It is hands-free, and all you need to do is set up an automatic savings plan. Compared to mutual funds that cost more than 2% per year on average, a Wealthsimple Invest account will cost you 0.40% to 0.50% per year, plus an average of 0.20% for ETF fees.

  • App Store rating: 4.5/5 from 4,350 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 3.6/5 from 1,864 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the U.S.
  • Promo: Get a bonus when you invest $500 or more

Learn more about hassle-free investing in this review.

Apps That Pay You To Exercise or Play Games

In addition to the health benefits derived, the Sweatcoin iPhone and Android apps pay you to walk. The other apps reward you for playing games.

20. Cashyy

Cashyy is a free game app that rewards players with cash prizes, gift cards, and more.

The Cashyy app is only available on the Google Play Store.

  • Google Play rating: 4.6/5 from 106,061 reviews

21. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin is a free fitness app that pays you to be active. You earn 0.95 sweatcoin for every 1,000 steps you take and 5 sweatcoin for every friend you refer.

Easily redeem your points for sports merchandise or PayPal cash.

  • App Store rating: 4.2/5 from 10,967 reviews
  • Google Play rating: 4.2/5 from 146,718 reviews
  • Available: Canada and the U.S.

Sign up for Sweatcoin, and you can learn more about how the app works in this Sweatcoin review.

22. Daily Rewards

DailyRewards is a get-paid-to site operated by Prodege, the same company that runs Swagbucks. You can earn cash on the site when you take paid surveys, play games, and watch video ads.

New members get a bonus after signing up. Learn more in this Daily Rewards review.

23. Skillz Games

Skillz is a mobile games platform in the United States and Canada. If you are looking for competitive gaming and big paydays, Skillz may be worth checking out.

The top mobile games on the platform are:

Money Making iOS and Android App FAQs

Before installing an app, you should check out reviews and take a look at how much you can earn, payout options, and whether an app has any associated fees.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions relating to money-making apps.

What apps make you the most money?

Cash back apps such as Neo Money, Rakuten, and Caddle pay you when you shop at a participating store. The more you shop using the apps, the more you earn.

Side gig apps such as DoorDash, Swagbucks, and Postmates are great for generating extra income right away, and you can scale up when you need more funds.

How can I make money on my iPhone?

Sign up for several of the phone apps listed above to earn money actively and passively. Passive income apps such as Wealthsimple Trade, Questrade, and Lending Loop require very little effort to make money.

What are the best cash back apps?

Checkout 51, Rakuten and Neo Money are the best cash back apps by far based on my experience. If you prefer to spend using your debit card or cash, Neo will still reward you with up to 5% cash back which is pretty impressive.

How can I earn PayPal money?

Sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and Pinecone Research offer PayPal as one of the payment methods when you want to redeem your earnings.

What apps pay you real money to play games?

In Canada, you can try Daily Rewards, Swagbucks, and Swagbucks Live. In the U.S., Inbox Dollars, Cashyy, and Mistplay offer great options.

Top Make Money Offers this month

Start with a free $5 on the most popular get paid to site

Get paid to answer surveys and complete other simple tasks.

Redeem earnings for gift cards and cash rewards.

$5 bonus when you complete the initial short profile questionnaires.

Get a $30 bonus on the best cash back website for online shopping

$30 cash bonus after your initial online purchase of $30+.

Get access to 750+ popular retailers and up to 35% discounts.

Cash back is automatically tracked and credited to your account.

Make money on the side by delivering food orders in your area

Easily deliver restaurant and grocery orders using your car, scooter, or bike.

Work on your own schedule - day, evening, or weekends.

Get paid weekly and also keep 100% of the tips earned.

Get rewarded for testing products and services in your spare time

Reputable global market research company.

Earn points for completed surveys and redeem them for cash and prizes.

Influence which products make it to the market.

Author

Gravatar for Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)
Enoch Omololu, MSc (Econ)

Enoch Omololu, personal finance expert, author, and founder of Savvy New Canadians, has written about money matters for over 10 years. Enoch has an MSc (Econ) degree in Finance and Investment Management from the University of Aberdeen Business School and has completed the Canadian Securities Course. His expertise has been highlighted in major publications like Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC News, Toronto Star, Financial Post, CTV News, TD Direct Investing, Canadian Securities Exchange, and many others. Enoch is passionate about helping others win with their finances and recently created a practical investing course for beginners. You can read his full author bio.

About Savvy New Canadians

Savvy New Canadians is one of Canada's top personal finance platforms. Millions of Canadians use our site each year to learn how to save for retirement, invest smartly, maximize rewards, and earn extra cash. We have been featured in prominent finance media, including Forbes, Globe and Mail, Business Insider, CBC, MSN, Wealthsimple, and TD Direct Investing. Learn more about Savvy New Canadians.

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