What if you could earn a little more without changing your routine at all? Apps and sites that allow you to do this exist and don’t cost anything to start using them, nor do they take much time to use.
These five apps are all free to download and pay you real money or gift cards just for doing things you already do every day!
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1. Recover
Fetch is the easiest on this list, and I got paid by them recently. You earn points simply for uploading photos of your purchase receipts, and they can be any receipt, from almost any store. Grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, clothing and more will count towards your points.
These points add up quickly, and you can redeem them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. I chose an Amazon code when I had enough cash, and it took them less than 72 hours to send it to me. It only took 3 weeks of using the app to get there, so this one would be ideal if you’re trying to save for Amazon codes or codes from other retailers before the holidays this year.
There is also a Special Offers section in the app where you can earn extra points by purchasing specific products before you shop.
2. On the rise
If you are driving, Upside down is obvious. It’s a free app that lets you get cash back on your gas purchases at thousands of gas stations across the country. Simply open the app before filling up, claim the offer at a nearby station, pay as you normally would and the cashback arrives in your account.
This is another one I used recently and cashed in on. They paid me within 24 hours (I chose Paypal for this one).
Upside also works in many grocery stores and restaurants, so it’s not just for gas. Frequent users earn on average around $270 per year just by using it regularly. Cash out to PayPal, your bank account or gift cards – your choice.
Download Upside for free here.
3. Swagbucks
Swagbucks has existed since 2007 and for good reason! This is one of the best rewards sites, and they have paid out over $100 million to their members. You earn points (called SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and completing simple tasks. These points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
It won’t replace an income, but it’s a fun and easy way to earn a few extra dollars in your free time.
I’ve personally been using Swagbucks since 2007 and I can vouch that it’s legit, and I’ve gotten paid multiple times.
Sign up for Swagbucks for free here.
4. Honey gain
This one is the most practical app on the list. All you have to do is install Honeygain on your phone or computer, and it runs silently in the background while you go about your day. It makes money by sharing a small portion of your unused Internet bandwidth, Internet that you weren’t using anyway.
Once you reach $20, you can withdraw via PayPal. Most users earn between $5 and $20 per month depending on their location, internet speed, and how regularly the app works.
It won’t make you rich (none of these will replace or replace a job), but it really doesn’t require any effort once set up.
Note: Use only on your home Wi-Fi, not on mobile data or public networks.
Download Honeygain for free here.
5. Nielsen IT and 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 return, you enter monthly sweepstakes and earn points toward gift cards.
Of course, not everyone is comfortable with what this app does, but if they are, it really is a passive way to earn more.
Download the Nielsen app for free here.
The essentials
As mentioned before, none of these apps will replace your salary, but that’s not the point. The fact is, you already shop, drive and browse the internet! So, Yyu might as well get a little something in return.
If you stack a few in particular, you’ll see it all add up to something meaningful over time.
Good luck!
Anna is a work-from-home blogger and mom of two. She has been researching and reviewing remote jobs for over 15 years. His findings are published weekly here on Real Ways to Earn.
