In today’s digital economy, smartphone apps can be powerful tools for earning extra cash in the U.S. A money-making app can pay you for activities like online shopping, playing games, watching videos, or taking surveys. These apps transform everyday tasks into sources of side income or passive rewards. Whether you want spending money or a true side hustle, these top apps cover many approaches — from quick surveys and micro-tasks to gig work, cashback shopping, freelancing, selling items, and automated investing.

1. Swagbucks – Earn Points for Surveys and Online Tasks

Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards apps for earning extra money or gift cards. The app lets you accumulate points (called SB) by completing a variety of tasks on your phone or web browser. You can take paid surveys, watch short videos, play games, search the web, or shop online through the Swagbucks portal. Each activity earns SB points that you can later redeem for cash or gift cards. Because Swagbucks offers so many earning options, it effectively turns leisure time or downtime into small amounts of extra cash or rewards. It’s easy to use on the go via mobile app.

• Earn SB points by taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, searching the web, or shopping online.
• Redeem points for PayPal cash or popular retailer gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) once you reach the required threshold.
• Available as a free app on iOS and Android, making it easy to earn from anywhere.

2. Fiverr – Freelance Gig Marketplace

Fiverr is a leading freelance marketplace app where anyone can offer their skills and services to clients worldwide. Freelancers create “gigs” by listing services they provide — from graphic design and copywriting to video editing, marketing, and programming. Once your seller profile is set up, you define your rates and gig details. Buyers browse the marketplace and hire freelancers directly. When a buyer purchases one of your gigs, you complete the work and deliver it through Fiverr’s platform securely. This means freelancers get paid without chasing invoices, and you can manage orders from the Fiverr mobile app. Fiverr is great for creative or professional skills; you decide your hours and pricing, turning spare time into paid work.

• Offer any skill-based service as a “Gig” in Fiverr’s marketplace (e.g. writing, design, marketing, or tech services).
• Set your own prices and turnaround times; buyers search the app and hire you directly.
• Get paid through Fiverr’s secure system after delivering work; funds are held in your Fiverr balance until you withdraw.

3. Rakuten (formerly Ebates) – Cash-Back Shopping

Rakuten is a cashback app that gives you money for shopping at online retailers. When you shop through the Rakuten app or its browser extension, Rakuten pays you a percentage of your purchase back as cash. It partners with thousands of stores, including major names like Amazon, Macy’s, and Walmart. To use it, activate cash-back offers in the app before you shop. After you make a purchase, Rakuten verifies your order and credits the cash-back to your account. Earnings accumulate in your account and are paid out quarterly by check or PayPal. Since Rakuten is free to use, it’s an effortless way to earn rewards on purchases you were already planning to make.

• Shop at your favorite online stores through the Rakuten app or browser and earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash.
• Cash-back rates vary by retailer and sale events, so check the app for the best deals before you shop.
• Rakuten deposits your cash-back rewards into your account for redemption by check or PayPal.

4. Ibotta – Grocery and Retail Cash-Back

Ibotta is a popular rewards app that pays you for everyday shopping, especially groceries. Before heading to the store, browse the Ibotta app for offers on common items like cereal, snacks, or household products. When you buy those items at a participating retailer, scan your receipt in the app or link your loyalty card to claim the cash back. Ibotta will credit your account with the specified cash reward for each qualifying purchase. Over time, these small rewards can add up to significant savings (once you reach around $20, you can redeem it). After that, you can withdraw your balance via PayPal, Venmo, or gift cards. Ibotta works at major U.S. grocery chains and many retailers.

• Activate offers in the Ibotta app before you shop, then scan your receipt or link your loyalty card to earn cash back on qualifying items.
• Earn cash rewards on groceries, household essentials, and even some online purchases at major retailers.
• Free on iOS and Android, making it easy to earn back money in your everyday shopping routine.

5. DoorDash – Food Delivery Gig

DoorDash is a gig-economy app for delivering food and beverages. As a DoorDash driver (a “Dasher”), you use the app to accept delivery requests in your area. Once an order comes in, you pick up the meal from a restaurant and deliver it to the customer’s address. DoorDash pays a base fee for each delivery plus 100% of any tips you earn. Because DoorDash is especially busy in urban areas during lunch and dinner rushes, Dashers can often stack multiple orders during peak times. You have complete flexibility: log in to the app when you want to work and go offline when you’re done. DoorDash may also offer occasional promotions (e.g. bonus pay challenges) to earn extra. You just need a car, scooter, or bike (depending on your city) and the DoorDash app to start earning.

• Deliver orders from local restaurants to customers’ doors and earn money per trip.
• Choose your own schedule – log in to the app when you want to work and go offline when you’re done.
• Earn money per delivery plus all customer tips; busy areas and stacked orders during peak hours increase your total payout.

6. Instacart – Grocery Shopper and Delivery

Instacart is a delivery app focused on groceries and everyday essentials. When you sign up as an Instacart Shopper, you receive grocery orders through the Instacart app. You then shop for the items on the order at a local store and deliver them to the customer’s home. Instacart pays a base fee per batch (order) plus any tips. Since many customers order multiple items, larger orders and batch runs generally yield higher pay. Shoppers can schedule shifts in advance or take on-demand orders during busy hours. The Instacart app provides step-by-step guidance, making it easy to complete orders accurately. This way, even a routine grocery trip becomes a paid gig if you use the Instacart shopper app.

• Accept grocery orders through the app; shop for the items in-store, then deliver them to the customer’s address.
• Earn a per-order payment plus tips; larger orders and busier stores usually mean higher earnings.
• Work when you want – schedule shopping shifts in advance or go online for on-demand orders during peak times.

7. TaskRabbit – Local Errands and Handyman Services

TaskRabbit is an app that connects you with local people who need help with everyday tasks. As a Tasker, you might do anything from assembling furniture, installing appliances, or helping someone move, to running errands or doing yard work. You browse available tasks in the TaskRabbit app, each listing the pay and details. You can then accept tasks that match your skills and schedule. On TaskRabbit, you set your own hourly rate; the app shows you the job details and pay upfront so you know what you’ll earn. Once you finish a task, the payment is processed through TaskRabbit, so you don’t have to deal with customers directly. It’s a convenient way to monetize practical skills and help neighbors with their needs.

• Choose from a variety of local gigs (furniture assembly, moving help, home repairs, cleaning, deliveries) posted by people in your area.
• Set your own rates and availability; TaskRabbit shows you the job details and pay upfront.
• Get paid through the app after finishing each job; TaskRabbit processes payments and releases your earnings.

8. Acorns – Automated Micro-Investing

Acorns is a micro-investing app that turns your spare change into investments, making it a passive way to grow your money. When you link a debit or credit card and make purchases, Acorns automatically rounds each transaction up to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change in a diversified portfolio of ETFs. Over time, those round-ups accumulate, effectively saving and investing without much effort. Acorns also lets you make one-time or recurring deposits and offers cash-back bonuses from partner companies. It’s ideal for passive investors who prefer a hands-off approach, automating the process of saving and investing for you. Acorns charges a small flat monthly fee and is available on both iOS and Android.

• Automatically invest spare change from everyday purchases (the “Round-Ups” feature) into diversified ETF portfolios.
• Choose from preset portfolio levels (conservative to aggressive) and let Acorns rebalance your portfolio and reinvest dividends automatically.
• Get started with minimal funds; Acorns charges a low flat fee and is available on both iOS and Android, making investing easy on the go.

9. Poshmark – Sell Clothes and Accessories

Poshmark is a marketplace app for selling new or used clothing, shoes, and accessories. Think of it like a social shopping app for fashion. You create listings by taking photos of your items and adding details. Other users can follow you and share your listings to help them sell faster. When someone buys an item, Poshmark collects the payment and gives you a prepaid shipping label to mail the item. You pack up the item and ship it to the buyer; shipping costs are paid by the buyer. You keep most of the sale price (Poshmark charges a flat $2.95 fee on sales under $15 or 20% on higher sales). Poshmark is especially popular in the US and is free to use, making it a convenient way to make extra money from your closet.

• List clothing, shoes, and accessories by uploading photos and descriptions; Poshmark’s social features help you reach interested buyers.
• When an item sells, Poshmark provides a prepaid USPS shipping label; you just package and ship the item to the buyer.
• Sellers keep the majority of the profit (Poshmark’s fee is a flat $2.95 for sales under $15 or 20% for higher-priced items).

10. Uber – Rideshare Driving

Uber is a ridesharing app available in most U.S. cities. By signing up as an Uber driver, you can earn money by giving people rides in your own vehicle. After downloading the Uber Driver app and passing a background check, passengers can request rides from your phone. You pick them up and drive them to their destination, earning a fare for each trip. Uber pays a base rate plus any surge multiplier during busy periods, and you keep 100% of the tips. You choose your own hours – drive during commute times or weekends to maximize earnings. Many drivers rely on Uber to make steady side income on their own schedule.

• Give rides on demand using your own car. The Uber Driver app will match you with nearby passengers who request rides.
• Set your own hours: drive when you need money. Mornings, evenings, and weekends usually have more requests and higher fares.
• Earn fares plus tips; Uber pays weekly or lets you cash out instantly for a small fee.

Conclusion

These top 10 apps cover a wide range of ways to earn extra money in the U.S. – from taking quick surveys on your phone to performing freelance gigs, delivery runs, or even passive investing. Many of them offer flexible schedules and intuitive mobile apps, making them ideal side hustles or passive income sources. To maximize your earnings, use multiple apps together and stay consistent with your chosen activities. Always read each app’s terms, payout methods, and user reviews before signing up. A good strategy is to allocate a few hours each week across several apps; over time the extra income can really add up. By using these tools wisely, you can make the most of your spare time and work toward your financial goals.