Passive income is a dream for many individuals who are looking to earn extra money without putting in a lot of effort. With the advancement of technology, it is now possible to make money while you sleep, thanks to passive income apps.
These apps allow you to generate income by performing simple tasks or by making investments.
In this article, we will explore 15 legit passive income apps that can help you make some extra cash starting today.
Set It and Forget It Apps
The first category of passive income apps we will explore are the “set it and forget it” apps. These apps require minimal effort and allow you to earn money without actively engaging with them. Let’s take a look at three popular apps in this category.
1. S’Mores Lockscreen
S’Mores Lockscreen is a simple-to-use app that allows you to earn money by doing various activities. Whether it’s watching videos, playing games, or simply using your lockscreen, you can earn money effortlessly. The income you earn comes in the form of gift cards from major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart. The app is extremely user-friendly and offers a hassle-free way to make some extra cash.
Pros of S’Mores Lockscreen:
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- Easy to use and start earning money
- Earn money by doing activities you already do on your phone
- Redeem earnings for gift cards from popular retailers
Cons of S’Mores Lockscreen:
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- Only pays in gift cards, not cash
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.1
2. MobileXpression
MobileXpression is another popular app that allows you to earn credits by simply downloading and using it. With over two million downloads, MobileXpression has already given out more than $5 million in eGift cards. The app is easy to get started with, and you can redeem your credits for eGift cards on a weekly basis. Additionally, you can also get a free $5 Amazon gift card for signing up.
Pros of MobileXpression:
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- No need to pay to get started
- Free $5 Amazon gift card for signing up
- Earn eGift card rewards every week
Cons of MobileXpression:
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- Must be at least 18 years old to use the app
- Only offers gift cards, not cash
Play Store/App Store Rating: 3.9
3. Honeygain
Honeygain is a unique passive income app that allows you to earn money by sharing your unused internet data. By installing the Honeygain app and choosing your data level, you can start earning dollars effortlessly. You can also refer the app to friends and earn 10% of their revenue share. Once you earn $20, you can request a payout, which will be deposited to your PayPal account.
Pros of Honeygain:
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- Earn cash by sharing your unused internet data
- Referral system allows you to maximize your earnings
- Payouts through PayPal
Cons of Honeygain:
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- Some users may not feel comfortable sharing data
- Average rating in the app store
Play Store/App Store Rating: 2.9
Shopping Apps
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll love this category of passive income apps. These apps allow you to earn money while shopping. Let’s explore some of the best shopping apps that can help you make extra cash.
4. Earny
Earny is a must-have app for online shoppers. It rewards you when you shop from your favorite retailers, including Target, Fandango, Home Depot, and more. Earny not only helps you save money by offering discounts, but it also ensures you don’t overspend on Amazon. The app recommends the best times to shop and notifies you when prices drop on items you’re interested in. Additionally, Earny offers various sweepstakes where you can win prizes like gift cards, prepaid Visa cards, or even cash.
Pros of Earny:
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- Earn rewards for shopping from your favorite retailers
- Prevents overspending on Amazon
- Offers sweepstakes for additional prizes
Cons of Earny:
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- Requires access to email receipts for tracking purchases
Play Store/App Store Rating: 3.0
5. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is one of the pioneers in the field of cashback apps. With Rakuten, you can earn cash back when you shop at over 3,500 stores. From Target to Old Navy, Macy’s to Nike, Rakuten has partnerships with major retailers. To get started, simply create an account and shop through the Rakuten extension, app, or website. You can cash out your balance through PayPal or check.
Pros of Rakuten:
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- Earn cash back when you shop at major retailers
- Wide range of participating stores
- Cash out through PayPal or check
Cons of Rakuten:
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- App may be slow and glitchy
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.0
6. Dosh
Dosh is an app that offers automatic cash back on shopping, hotel bookings, and dining out. With Dosh, you can earn money back into your account by simply using linked cards for your purchases. The app features a wide range of retailers, grocery stores, hotels, and big-box retailers, giving you plenty of opportunities to earn cash back. Once you have $15 in your Dosh app, you can send it to Venmo or PayPal, or even donate it to a charitable cause.
Pros of Dosh:
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- Automatic cash back on shopping, hotels, and dining out
- No need to upload receipts or scan barcodes
- Multiple options for cashing out
Cons of Dosh:
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- Limited customer service support
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.5
7. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a free app that helps you save money while shopping online. By adding the Capital One Shopping extension to your internet browser, you can automatically apply free coupon codes and get epic discounts. The app learns your preferences and offers personalized deals on the things you want and need. With Capital One Shopping, you can enjoy savings on a wide range of products and services, including hotels, home improvement, and more.
Pros of Capital One Shopping:
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- Save money with free coupon codes and discounts
- Personalized deals based on your preferences
- Simple and free to use
Cons of Capital One Shopping:
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- Some users may not find significant savings
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.8
8. Drop App
Drop App is a shopping app that rewards you with points for making purchases from over 500+ brands. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, beauty products, or even travel, Drop App has a wide range of options for you. The app offers a free Drop Premium membership, where you can enjoy premium benefits and earn extra points. Every 1000 Drop points equals a dollar, which can be redeemed for various gift cards.
Pros of Drop App:
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- Earn points for purchases from popular brands
- Free Drop Premium membership for additional benefits
- Redeem points for gift cards
Cons of Drop App:
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- Some users may not find significant cash back
- Linking debit or credit cards may not be comfortable for everyone
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.3
Surveys/Referrals/Emails
Taking surveys or referring friends can be a simple way to earn passive income. Let’s explore two popular apps in this category.
9. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is an app that allows you to earn money by taking surveys and participating in various tasks. The app recommends surveys based on your preferences and interests, and you can easily complete them in 5 to 30 minutes. In addition to surveys, you can also earn money by setting up your profile or attending group sessions. The payout threshold is low, allowing you to withdraw your earnings through PayPal once you reach $10.
Pros of Survey Junkie:
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- Get paid for sharing your opinion
- Earn money by completing tasks and surveys
- Low payout threshold and various redemption options
Cons of Survey Junkie:
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- Surveys can be time-consuming
- Not a sustainable income source
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.4
10. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a fun app that allows you to earn money by doing various activities, including reading emails, playing games, and taking surveys. The app offers a $5 bonus just for signing up, making it a great way to make quick bucks. You can also earn money by sharing referral links with friends and family. InboxDollars offers cash rewards and gift cards, and you can cash out once you reach the minimum payout threshold.
Pros of InboxDollars:
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- Earn money by doing simple activities
- $5 bonus for signing up
- Multiple options for cashing out
Cons of InboxDollars:
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- Some users may experience delays in payment
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.8
11. Google Pay
Google Pay is not only a payment and transaction app but also an app that allows you to earn money. By inviting others to create an account through your referral link, you can earn rewards, cashback, and discount vouchers. Google Pay also offers various rewards for regular payments made through the app. It provides an excellent passive income opportunity for those looking to make some extra cash.
Pros of Google Pay:
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- Trusted source for earning passive income
- Secure transactions with Google’s two-factor authentication
- Referral program for additional earnings
Cons of Google Pay:
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- Some users may experience technical issues with the app
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.0
Finance and Investment Apps
If you have some financial capital to invest, there are passive income apps that can help you grow your money. Let’s explore two popular finance and investment apps.
12. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a comprehensive finance app that offers spending, borrowing, and investing features all in one place. With M1 Finance, you can create custom investment portfolios, track your financial performance, and make smarter financial decisions. The app offers various features, including pies for easy allocation of investments, financial research tools, flexible credit lines, and more. M1 Finance allows you to grow your wealth while staying informed about your finances.
Pros of M1 Finance:
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- All-in-one app for spending, borrowing, and investing
- Easy allocation of investments with pies
- Financial research tools for smarter decisions
Cons of M1 Finance:
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- Some users may find certain features cumbersome
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.7
13. Public.com
Public.com is an investment app that allows you to invest in a wide range of assets, including stocks, ETFs, crypto, treasuries, and more. As a regulated broker-dealer, Public.com is regulated by FINRA and SEC, ensuring the safety of your investments. The app offers recommendations for stocks and provides financial guidance to help you make informed investment decisions. With Public.com, you can grow your wealth and potentially earn passive income through dividends and asset appreciation.
Pros of Public.com:
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- Diverse investment options, including stocks, crypto, and more
- Regulated by FINRA and SEC for investor protection
- Financial guidance and recommendations for smarter investments
Cons of Public.com:
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- Limited customer service support
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.7
Other Apps
In addition to the categories mentioned above, there are various other passive income apps that can help you make extra cash. Let’s take a look at two popular apps in this category.
14. OnMyWay
OnMyWay is an app that not only helps you make passive income but also promotes safe driving. The app activates when you start driving and rewards you with cash for every mile you drive without texting or using distracting apps. Additionally, you can earn referral bonuses for every safe mile driven by friends you refer. OnMyWay offers various rewards, including cash, instant-win cash games, contests, gift cards, and more.
Pros of OnMyWay:
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- Earn passive income while promoting safe driving
- Cash rewards for every safe mile driven
- Referral program for additional earnings
Cons of OnMyWay:
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- Some users may experience issues with real-time chat
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.1
15. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile app that allows you to earn money by completing specific tasks. You can earn SB points by taking surveys, using Swagbucks as a search engine, redeeming Swag codes, meeting daily goals, and referring friends. These SB points can be converted into cash or transferred directly to your bank account. Swagbucks offers multiple opportunities to earn money and has a wide range of redemption options.
Pros of Swagbucks:
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- Multiple ways to earn money through various activities
- Cash rewards and gift cards available for redemption
- User-friendly search engine with occasional SB credits
Cons of Swagbucks:
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- Some users may experience slow loading times
Play Store/App Store Rating: 4.4
Conclusion
Passive income apps offer a great opportunity to make some extra cash with minimal effort. Whether it’s set it and forget it apps, shopping apps, survey apps, or finance and investment apps, there are various options available to suit your preferences and financial goals. It’s important to remember that passive income apps should not be relied upon as a sole source of income, but rather as a way to supplement your earnings. So why not make the most out of your spare time and start earning some extra cash today?
Remember to do thorough research and exercise caution when using these apps. While they offer opportunities for passive income, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and make informed decisions. Happy earning!
FAQs
What is passive income?
Passive income is income that is earned with minimal effort and time investment. It allows you to generate income while you’re not actively working.
How much time do I need to invest in passive income apps to earn money?
The time investment required for passive income apps can vary depending on the app and the tasks involved. On average, you may need to invest 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of app and the tasks you’re performing.
Are all these apps free to use?
Most of the passive income apps mentioned in this article are free to use. However, some apps may offer premium memberships or additional features that may require payment. It’s important to review the terms and conditions of each app before signing up.
