Want to make extra cash from your phone without falling for scams? In 2025, legit money-making apps let you earn through surveys, shopping, freelancing, or even passive tasks like sharing data. From a few bucks a day to $100+ monthly, these apps fit any schedule. I’ve rounded up 30 trustworthy apps you can start using today, based on their reputation, user reviews, and payout reliability. Whether you’re a student, parent, or side hustler, there’s something here for you. Let’s dive in!

Survey & Opinion Apps

1. Swagbucks: Earn $1–$5/day via surveys, videos, or shopping. Cash out at $5 via PayPal or gift cards. Tip: Use the browser extension for extra points.
2. Survey Junkie: Pays $0.50–$5 per 5–15-minute survey. Low $5 cashout via PayPal. Tip: Complete three surveys daily for $40/month.
3. Branded Surveys: Offers $0.50–$5 per survey, with a $5 cashout. Bonus points via Branded Elite loyalty program. Tip: Answer profile questions to get matched.
4. InboxDollars: Earn via surveys, games, or emails ($0.50–$5/task). $30 cashout with a $5 signup bonus. Tip: Stack tasks for faster payouts.
5. OneOpinion: Pays $0.50–$5 per survey, available in multiple countries. Cash out via PayPal or gift cards. Tip: Check daily for new surveys.
6. Google Opinion Rewards: Earn $0.10–$1 per short survey for Play Store credits. Tip: Turn on location for more offers.
7. Qmee: Pays $0.10–$1 per survey with no minimum cashout. Tip: Focus on high-value surveys for $20–$30/month.
8. Pinecone Research: Offers $1–$3 per survey or product test, $3 cashout. Tip: Apply early, as spots are limited.
9. Lightster: Earn via surveys or user testing ($1–$10/task). Auto-qualify feature matches you to tasks. Tip: Join niche-specific surveys for higher pay.
10. KashKick: Pays for surveys, videos, or browsing ($0.50–$5/task). $10 cashout via PayPal. Tip: Regular use yields $20–$30/month.

Cashback & Shopping Apps

11. Rakuten: Get 1–40% cashback at 3,500+ stores. $5.01 cashout quarterly via PayPal. Tip: Use the browser extension for auto-savings.
12. Ibotta: Earn $0.50–$5 per grocery receipt scan. $20 cashout via PayPal. Tip: Stack with store loyalty cards for $130/year.
13. Upside: Offers up to $0.25/gallon or 45% back at gas stations/restaurants. $10 cashout. Tip: Compare gas prices to maximize savings.
14. Dosh: Auto-cashback (1–10%) at partner stores. $25 cashout via PayPal. Tip: Refer friends for $5 bonuses.
15. Capital One Shopping: Earn gift card rewards via coupons and cashback. Tip: Install the extension for seamless savings.

Freelancing & Task Apps

16. Upwork: Earn $20–$28/hour freelancing (writing, design). Tip: Start with small gigs to build your profile.
17. Fiverr: Make $5–$995 per gig (e.g., graphic design). 20% fee, 14-day payout wait. Tip: Offer niche services for less competition.
18. Freelancer.com: Pays ~$20/hour for projects like coding or marketing. Tip: Bid on multiple projects to land gigs.
19. TaskRabbit: Earn $15–$50/hour for odd jobs (e.g., furniture assembly). Tip: Schedule peak hours for more tasks.
20. Wonolo: Pays for local gigs (e.g., warehouse work) with same-day pay. Tip: Check daily for high-paying tasks.

Delivery & Gig Apps

21. DoorDash: Earn $10–$20/hour delivering food. Tip: Work dinner rushes for bigger tips.
22. Uber Eats: Make $10–$18/hour delivering meals. Tip: Stack orders in busy cities for efficiency.
23. Instacart: Pays $12–$25/hour for grocery delivery. Tip: Target weekend shifts for bulk orders.
24. Rover: Earn $10–$50/hour for pet sitting/walking. Tip: Add photos to your profile for trust.

Passive Income Apps

25. Honeygain: Earn $3–$10/month sharing unused internet bandwidth. $20 cashout. Tip: Run on multiple devices.
26. MobileXpression: Pays $5–$10/month for sharing app usage data. $10 gift card cashout. Tip: Keep it running for steady rewards.
27. Caden: Earns ~$10/month passively for anonymized data sharing (iOS-only). Tip: Ensure unlimited data plans.

Gaming & Rewards Apps

28. Bingo Cash: Win $10–$50 in bingo tournaments (entry fees apply). Tip: Practice free games first.
29. Solitaire Cash: Earn $10–$70 in solitaire tournaments. Tip: Focus on high-prize games if skilled.
30. Cash Giraffe: Pays gift cards for playing mobile games. Tip: Run games in the background for passive points.

Tips to Maximize Earnings

• Stack Apps: Use multiple apps (e.g., Swagbucks + Ibotta) to double-dip on rewards.
• Avoid Scams: Skip apps asking for upfront fees or promising “$500/day.” Check reviews on Google Play/App Store.
• Track Earnings: Use a free app like Notion to log income and optimize your time.

Your First Move

Download one app today—like Swagbucks for surveys or Ibotta for shopping—and complete a task (e.g., a $1 survey or receipt scan). These apps won’t make you rich, but they’re legit ways to earn extra cash fast. Which app will you try? Share in the comments, and I’ll suggest a tip to boost your start!

Warning About Get-Rich-Quick Schemes: Be cautious of apps or programs promising huge earnings (e.g., “$1,000/day”) that require upfront payments or subscriptions. Legit apps like those listed here are free to join and don’t charge for access to opportunities. Always research reviews and avoid sharing sensitive info with unverified platforms. Stick to trusted apps to keep your time and money safe.