15 Ways to Make Money on Your Phone

Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
If you’re already going to spend your free time scrolling on your phone, why not make money while you’re doing it? Here are 15 ways to make money on your phone:
1. Play Games
- How it works: Play games like bingo on websites like Swagbucks and win tournaments to earn real cash
- Payout method: Paypal, Venmo and more
2. Watch Videos
- How it works: Download an app like Swagbucks or InboxDollars that will reward you with cash or points to watch videos.
- Payout method: PayPal and gift cards
3. Sell Your Items
- How it works: If you have extra stuff around your house that you don’t need, use smartphone apps to sell your items and turn them into cash. Use apps like OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace or Poshmark.
- Payout method: Depends on app
4. Filling Out Surveys
- How it works: Apps like Survey Junkie will pay you to fill out surveys. Payment depends on the length of the survey.
- Payout method: Some apps will reward users with cash, while others offer points that can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards.
5. Complete User Tests
- How it works: User testing requires you to try out websites, apps, and products to provide feedback to the company. Some of the best user testing platforms include UserTesting and IntelliZoom. They pay users to complete surveys and interviews
- Payout method: PayPal
6. Take Pictures and Videos
- How it works: Foap is an app where users can upload their pictures and videos to be bought by brands or individuals. When someone buys your picture, you split the sale with Foap. Other apps you can use similarly are Shutterstock and Dreamstime.
- Payout method: PayPal
7. Earn Rewards for Walking
- How it works: Sweatcoin allows users to track their steps and convert them into Sweatcoins. You can redeem Sweatcoins for products such as shoes or electronics, donate to a charity of your choice or convert them to SWEAT cryptocurrency
- Payout method: Crypto, subscriptions, vouchers and more
8. Share Your Knowledge
- How it works: Apps like JustAnswer allow people with high levels of knowledge in one area earn money to answer questions about their expertise. The application process involves a background check, but you can set your hours and choose which questions you answer.
- Payout method:
9. Use Gig Apps
- How it works: Gig apps include a lot of different options, including delivering food, ridesharing, dog walking, freelancing and more. Some of the best apps include Instacart, DoorDash, TaskRabbit and Rover. You can choose gigs based on your availability and skills.
- Payout method: Transfer to bank account, PayPal
10. Use Secret Shopper Apps
- How it works: Apps like Field Agent or Gigwalk have various secret shopping tasks for just about anyone to complete. Some jobs may include taking photos of a product, checking prices on signage or leaving reviews.
- Payout method: Direct deposit, PayPal
11. Become a Customer Service Agent
- How it works: Being a customer service agent can be a full-time job, so it has the potential to offer more cash than some of the other methods to make money from your phone. However, it also might require additional resources, such as a computer, separate phone line or anything else that a company requires.
- Payout method: Direct deposit, PayPal
12. Become a Language Tutor
- How it works: Many online platforms allow users to teach languages to other people. Some of the most popular websites include Verbling and iTalki. You can choose your rates within certain limits, and tutors have the potential to turn this gig into a full-time income.
- Payout method: PayPal
13. Earn Cash Back for Online Shopping
- How it works: Many apps like Rakuten or Ibotta will let you receive cash back anytime you shop. Each app functions differently, so some might link to your payment card, while others might have you upload receipts and answer questions about your shopping trip.
- Payout method: Direct deposit, PayPal
Final Take To GO
The first thing you should do to make money on your phone is to research your options. Make sure you know how much money you’d like to make and how much time you will need to dedicate to the activity or job. If you have to provide personal information or invest money to get started, make sure that you are choosing a reputable company to work with.
FAQ
- How can I use my phone to make money?
- Yes, here are a few ways to make money on your phone:
- Completing user tests
- Taking pictures and videos
- Earning rewards for walking
- Earning rewards for helping the environment
- Yes, here are a few ways to make money on your phone:
- How can I make money online with my cell phone?
- There are many ways you can make money online with your cell phone such as:
- Sharing your knowledge
- Using gig apps
- Becoming a customer service agent
- Becoming a language tutor
- Earning cash back for online shopping
- Investing with apps
- There are many ways you can make money online with your cell phone such as:
- Can you make money on your cell phone?
- Yes, you can make money on your cell phone, here are a few clever ways to try:
- Playing games
- Watching videos
- Selling your data
- Selling clothes and other items
- Filling out surveys
- Yes, you can make money on your cell phone, here are a few clever ways to try:
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.