Interest in Freecash.com has exploded in the last three years. In fact, it’s second only to Swagbucks in terms of daily search interest amongst “make money online” platforms according to Google Trends.

Keeping with our mission to review popular side hustle apps, we took the plunge and tested it for ourselves, bringing you a no-nonsense look at what it’s like to try and earn extra cash through the site.

From our first click to cashing out, we compared how Freecash stacks up against other popular get-paid-to (GPT) sites so you can decide whether or not the platform is worth it for you.

What Is Freecash?

FreeCash.com is a micro job site that offers users the opportunity to make extra money through completing surveys, testing apps, playing games, and performing various online tasks.

Users can redeem their earnings for cash via PayPal, cryptocurrencies, or gift cards, making it a versatile choice for those looking to generate extra income. Ultimately, the site appeals to anyone 13+ years of age anywhere in the world looking for a flexible way to earn from home or on the go.

Earning Potential

While not the only important variable, to many side hustlers, the top dollar figure is the most important. Our experience revealed that, while not without flaws, users of Freecash will make as much or more than with competing GPT sites.

How Freecash Works

Signing up for Freecash is fast and easy. Simply head to their website and create an account using your email address and a password of your choice.

You’ll need to verify your email to unlock the free “welcome bonus” case they offer (users will randomly win between $0.05 and $250).

Once registered, users can immediately begin to complete small tasks to earn Freecash coins (1,000 coins is equal to $1 USD).

Specifically, Freecash users can start to earn redeemable coins and cash in the following ways:

• Offers
• Surveys
• Leaderboard (ongoing promotion)
• Affiliates (refer users)
• Arcade (gamble coins)

Toggle through the tabs below for an in-depth look at each feature and our experience with them.

OffersSurveysLeaderboardAffiliatesArcade

Offers

These represent the second-highest earning feature available through Freecash (referring users is technically the highest since there is no income cap). Users will earn anywhere between $0.01 and hundreds of dollars by completing the “fine print” steps required to convert on an offer.

Offers generally require signing up for a free or paid service, playing a game and reaching a certain level, making a deposit on an app, or signing up for a free trial of some sort.

Tasks can take anywhere from a few seconds to days or even weeks to complete.

Our Experience: Unless you’re a content creator or otherwise have an audience for referring users to the app, odds are the Offers feature will represent your highest earning potential.

While some offers claim payouts of $1,000 or more (we’ve seen as high as $12,000) odds are they are extremely difficult or next to impossible to achieve.

That said, we regularly see users complete offers in the $20 to $300 neighborhood. Generally speaking, these are Game offers where a user reaches a certain level. Converting on the offer may require in-app purchases that ultimately lower your final (net) payout.

During our testing, we converted on 9 offers totaling $205.85 in value (an average of $22.87 per offer). We had to make a purchase (or cash deposit) totaling $46 across 4 of the 9 offers to unlock their payouts.

For example, we deposited $10 onto Fanduel, Crypto.com, and the Draft Kings Sportsbook, each, to unlock the Offer payouts.

While we spent money making these deposits, we came out ahead in the end because these businesses are banking on consumers becoming long-term customers (hoping they’ll extract consumer spending that exceeds this initial customer acquisition cost).

Notably, the number of Offers available to users on Freecash is finite. You will eventually run out of relevant, high-paying offers in the near-term, so you’ll want to occasionally check the Offer tab to see if there’s anything new that’s relevant to you.

Our recommendation: Only complete offers that are relevant to you or that you’ve strategically identified will result in a net positive outcome after expenses are considered. There is a community chat option within Freecash where you can ask other users about specific offers and we recommend utilizing it. It’s a simple way to get real-time feedback about some of the better-paying Offers.

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Surveys

If you’ve ever taken paid surveys for money, you’re aware of the experience and likely have tempered expectations for how much you’ll earn.

Freecash is no different in this regard because its platform hooks up to many of the same survey databases that you’ll find amongst other survey platforms.

That said, Freecash does differ in two significant ways, in my opinion.

1. They have API access to several large survey networks including Pollfish and BitLabs. This is significant because a common complaint about survey sites is that users quickly run out of paying surveys.
2. The survey screening process seems better. This is anecdotal, but we find that we waste less time getting disqualified from surveys early on versus getting screened out 35 minutes into a survey, only to receive pennies or nothing at all.

Users will still get screened out — it’s an inevitability in this environment — but Freecash does throw users a bone by awarding them a randomly assigned coin value so that even screened-out surveys aren’t a total waste of time.

Our Experience: As previously alluded to, our experience taking Surveys through Freecash was on par or even slightly better than through predominately survey-focused platforms.

One feature that we particularly like is that you can sort the available surveys list by user rating. This is good because it allows us to quickly find the “5-star” rated surveys (surveys that actually work). Every survey site has broken surveys that glitch out or don’t pay, so this helps us quickly find the ones that do.

This is a massive time-saving (and money-making) feature.

Generally speaking, we’ve earned between $0.25 and $2.00 for each survey taken. All-in-all we earn somewhere in the neighborhood of $3.00 to $6.00 per hour via this feature, putting it on par or slightly higher than even survey-exclusive platforms.

Note: We generally avoid surveys that have an advertised duration of 30 minutes or longer. While these are some of the higher-paying surveys, getting screened out at any portion of the survey grossly lowers your hourly earnings. In our experience, the repeated small wins back out better in the long run.

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Leaderboard

One of Freecash’s best value propositions is its daily and monthly Leaderboard feature where they give a cumulative $20,000 or more to over 1,000 users each month.

It’s not random, so you have some control over your chances of appearing on the Leaderboard on any given day.

Although unverifiable, where Freecash likely has hundreds of thousands (if not millions) of monthly active users, appearing on either Leaderboard is difficult and will require some strategic thinking.

In either case, users will likely have to unlock earnings for one or more high-ticket Offers to have a shot at appearing towards the top of the Leaderboard.

That said, they do pay out the top 1,000 slots on both the Daily and Monthly Leaderboard, so you may get some incremental payout so long as you’re a moderately active user.

Our Experience: Even on days we were earning $15 to $30 in coins, we were not making the top 1,000 of the Daily Leaderboard. This suggests that coming in near the top is extremely difficult.

Our recommendation? Stack offers that have instant payouts so that you can complete them all on the same day, if possible. Making the top 1% of the monthly leaderboard will require unlocking several high-ticket Offers and is likely not attainable for the average user.

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Affiliates

One semi-unique feature that separates Freecash from competitors is its generous revenue share-oriented affiliate program. While referral programs among GPT apps are commonplace, they generally pay a flat one-time bonus (let’s say $5 for inviting a family or friend).

Instead, Freecash offers a 10-tier system where users can work their way up based on the number of people they refer. The kicker is that you earn a lifetime percentage of your referred users’ earnings based on the tier you’re in.

Let’s say you reach Tier 6 by referring several friends and family members who have now cumulatively earned at least $500.00 in total earnings (not unusual across several active users). You’re now entitled to 10% of their future earnings, forever.

It’s not hard to see how this will far eventually exceed a flat $5 per referred user model.

Checkout Freecash’s tips for earning affiliated users to learn more.

Our Experience: We’ve yet to refer a user at the time of publishing, but we’ll be updating this review if we progress through the Tiers.

If you use our referral link to try Freecash, you’ll get to open up to four free cases valued between $0.05 and $250 (you can open these cases whether or not you use our link).

That said, we’re reader-supported, so we appreciate the assist!

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Arcade

Casino-like in nature, the Arcade offers users the opportunity to exchange coins for entries into random giveaways. There’s a house edge in both of the games they offer — Jackpots and Cases — with between 10% and 25% going to the house (Freecash).

At the time of writing, High Risk Cases dangled $599 iPhones and $150 AirPods in front of users for a mere $0.75 entry fee (they transparently display ~0.01% and 0.01% odds of winning respectively).

Our Experience: As a semi-professional poker player in the distant past, I was conditioned to never make negative expected value plays. As such, I’m not a fan of giving up a known portion of my winnings to the house over the long run.

Being the massive rebel that I am, I risked $0.11 to win $1 on the lowest tier Jackpot wheel. I did not win.

Fortunately, I bought a $0.75 entry into a Low Risk Case game and walked away with the $0.85 prize, nearly recouping my previous $0.11 loss.

Now, back into gambling retirement.

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+ Jump back to Features

While these features predominately cover the main ways users can earn money with Freecash, there are a few other time-sensitive opportunities to look out for.

For example, users can earn a free $0.15 by following Freecash on X (formerly Twitter).

Here, they periodically posted Bonus Codes that users can enter under the Rewards tab to claim additional earnings.

Similarly, Freecash frequently holds “Events” where they have an allotted prize pool they’ve elected to giveaway. This month, for their Spring giveaway, they’re divvying up $200,000 ($50k per week) worth of Apple and Google Play gift cards, AirPods, and iPhones, among eligible users.

Pros & Cons

Like every GPT site, there are benefits and drawbacks users may want to know about before investing time or energy into the platform.

Pros

1. Large Number of Earning Opportunities. Freecash offers a variety of ways to earn money, including surveys, games, and different tasks, providing users with multiple options to choose from based on their preferences and skills.
2. Low Payout Threshold. The platform stands out with a very low payout threshold of just $0.50 for Crypto and $5 for PayPal and gift cards, allowing users to access their earnings quickly and frequently, which is particularly appealing for those who need fast cash.
3. Clean User Interface. The clean and intuitive user interface makes it easy for new users to navigate the platform, reducing the learning curve and enhancing the overall user experience.
4. Good Payout Options. Users have a variety of payout options including PayPal, various cryptocurrencies, and gift cards, catering to diverse preferences for accessing earned money.
5. Robust Survey Offerings. Freecash provides a wide range of surveys, making it easier for users to find opportunities that match their demographics and interests, which can lead to higher earnings.

Cons

1. Offers May Not Track Correctly
   Some users may experience issues with offers not tracking properly, which can lead to frustration and lost potential earnings if completed tasks are not recognized by the system.
2. Some Broken/Expired Offers. Occasionally, the platform might list offers that are broken or expired, wasting users’ time and potentially discouraging continued use of the service.
3. Difficult to Level Up at Start. New users might find it challenging to advance to higher levels of earning opportunities, as leveling up can require significant initial effort and time investment.
4. Time May Be Better Spent on Higher-Earning Side Hustles. For some users, the time invested in Freecash might yield lower returns compared to other side hustles or part-time jobs that offer higher earning potential.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings

To help users make the most out of their time on Freecash, we’ve come up with some practical tips for maximizing earnings on the platform:

Disable Your Ad Blocker. We learned this one the hard way. Ad blockers can break the tracking parameters used to track when you convert on an Offer. If the tracking is broken, you won’t earn your payout as desired.

Choose High-ROI Tasks First. Prioritize tasks and surveys that offer the best ROI on your time. This ensures you’re making the most money for your time spent on the platform.

Complete Daily Goals. Freecash often offers daily goals or challenges that can unlock additional bonuses. Make it a habit to complete these each day to boost your earnings. Modest earnings add up over time.

Freecash Alternatives

Freecash operates in a competitive space with several well-established platforms that offer similar opportunities to earn money through micro tasks, surveys, and games.

Here’s how it stacks up against its three largest competitors.

Freecash vs Swagbucks

Both platforms offer multiple avenues for earning money online, but they excel in different areas. Freecash stands out with its exceptionally low payout threshold of just $0.50, making it easier for users to access their earnings quickly, compared to Swagbucks’ $3 minimum. On the other hand, Swagbucks offers a broader variety of activities, including shopping and video watching, which may appeal to users looking for more diverse earning opportunities beyond the surveys and tasks that FreeCash emphasizes.

Freecash vs Survey Junkie

Freecash and Survey Junkie cater to users interested in earning money through online surveys, but Freecash differentiates itself by offering additional ways to earn, such as playing games and completing various tasks. This variety can appeal to users looking for more engaging and diverse earning opportunities, beyond just surveys.

Freecash vs InboxDollars

While Freecash features a mix of surveys, games, and micro-tasks, InboxDollars offers an even broader range of activities including reading emails, watching videos, and shopping, potentially appealing to users who prefer more everyday activities as earning mechanisms. However, Freecash stands out with its ability to pay out in cryptocurrencies in addition to traditional methods like PayPal and gift cards, providing a unique option for users interested in digital currencies, which InboxDollars does not offer.

Is Freecash Worth It? Our Verdict

After thorough exploration and firsthand testing of Freecash, it’s evident that the platform is a legitimate and viable option for those looking to supplement their income with accessible online tasks. With its low payout threshold and diverse earning methods, Freecash distinguishes itself in the competitive field of GPT sites.

While Freecash is never going to replace a full-time job, it offers a practical solution for anyone—from teenagers to adults around the world—seeking a flexible way to earn a bit of extra pocket money each month. Particularly for those who may not have access to higher-paying side hustles, Freecash presents a straightforward, low-commitment option that’s worth trying out, potentially even preferable to its competitors for earning a little on the side.

Related: 56 Legit Ways to Make Money Online

FAQs

Rating Methodology

To determine the review score for Freecash, we considered the following criteria, each of which contributes to the overall effectiveness and user experience of the platform:

The post Freecash Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Is It Worth It? appeared first on DollarSprout.

I downloaded Sweatcoin in June of 2019 and have since tracked 6,071,005 steps. While I’ve cashed out $320 in rewards over the past four years — and have a balance of $48 in earned $SWEAT — much has changed since I originally downloaded the app.

In this Sweatcoin review, I share my first-hand experience with the app, what’s changed about it (for better and for worse), tips for earning the most rewards, and realistic earning expectations should you choose to download it.

Key Takeaways

• Sweatcoin is a get paid to walk app that rewards users for sharing step data.
• 1,000 verified steps convert to 1 earned Sweatcoin (SWC).
• Free users can earn up to 10 Sweatcoin per day (10,000 steps).
• No clear Sweatcoin to cash conversion rate.
• Few good options in the Sweatcoin Store makes redeeming rewards difficult.

What Is Sweatcoin?

The U.K.-based Sweatcoin is a free step-tracking app that rewards users in its own digital currency known as Sweatcoins (SWC), for the steps they take. SWC can be redeemed for prizes, gift cards, and vouchers, or, exchanged for $SWEAT, their new cryptocurrency.

Sweatcoin claims that users become 20% more active each day, even after 6 months of use, in large part because of the incentive structure the app provides.

User reviews of Sweatcoin claim that the app motivates them to move, offers excellent customer service, and they enjoy being able to donate to charity. Primary complaints include bugs and other glitches with the app, a lack of redeemable rewards, and how long it can take to accumulate Sweatcoin to convert to prizes.

Visit

$0 Price Free to use

$4.99 Price Sweatcoin Premium

DollarSprout Rating 2.5 out of 5 stars

Sweatcoin is a free step-tracking app that rewards users in its own digital currency known as Sweatcoins (SWC), for the steps they take. SWC can be redeemed for prizes, gift cards, and vouchers, or, exchanged for $SWEAT, their new cryptocurrency.

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Benefits

• Completely free to use.
• Earn Sweatcoins or $SWEAT (cryptocurrency) for step data.
• Redeem rewards for crypto, discounts at popular merchants, or donate to charity.

Drawbacks

• App may not count legit steps.
• SWC can not be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
• Few redeemable physical offers.
• Low step-to-SWC conversion rate.
• 5% fee on earned SWCs.
• Drains battery life.
• Must download Sweat Wallet to reap real rewards.

How to Sign Up for Sweatcoin

Creating a Sweatcoin account is quick and easy. All you need to do is visit the website or download the app on your smartphone.

Sweatcoin will walk you through the initial signup process.

You’ll be agreeing to provide your first name, email address, and cell phone number so Sweatcoin can send you a four-digit code to verify the device you’ll be using when you walk.

The app also requires you to have your GPS location turned on with high accuracy for the best step conversion.

At this time, Sweatcoin doesn’t integrate with step trackers like Fitbit or Android Wear.

It can currently track steps on iPhones, Android smartphones, or Apple Watches (except Series 1), so if you forget your phone while you’re out for a walk, you’ll miss those steps.

Sweatcoin requires GPS, which isn’t included with some wearables.

Plus, its unique algorithm (which eliminates steps unrelated to exercise) is limited to certain devices. Sweatcoin’s future goal is to integrate with more wearable devices.

Related: 13 Data Collection Apps That Pay You for Your Information

How to Earn Sweatcoin

Every 1,000 steps you walk net you .95 SWC. The average person takes 2,000 steps per mile and should generally walk at least 10,000 steps per day._[1]

If you fall into this category, you can expect to earn approximately six SWC per day.

This is because the average step-to-Sweatcoin conversion rate is 65%.

(This means that for every 1,000 steps you take, you’ll earn SWCs for 650 of them.)

For Android and iPhone 7 or later models, indoor and outdoor steps are counted in your step total and are applied to your conversion rate.

Sweatcoin also offers tips on how to improve your conversion rate.

Some of these tips include turning off your phone’s battery saver or removing your phone’s protective cover, which could block GPS signals.

The website indicates that while walking is the primary way to earn SWC, some users report that if they keep their phone in their pocket while biking, they can earn extra SWC.

Related: 13 Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk by Tracking Your Steps

Tips for Boosting Earnings

1. Claim daily bonuses

Sweatcoin offers up to 3 daily bonuses for watching ads on the app. Users can earn between 0.1 and 1,000 Sweatcoin for watching ads.

Ads are usually around 30 seconds in length. After viewing the ads, users have the option to Spin and Win to multiply their earnings. Multiples vary but generally range from 1.1x to 5x their original Daily Reward. The Spin and Win feature requires viewing an additional advertisement.

2. Turn off your battery saver

Using a battery saver could keep Sweatcoin from accurately counting your steps. Depending on the device you’re using, you could be losing indoor steps or steps that aren’t specifically taken for exercise, so turn off your battery saver to help maximize the steps you take.

3. Turn your GPS on high accuracy

It may drain your battery faster, but setting your GPS to high accuracy will help Sweatcoin count more steps. You can turn it off while you’re inside for an extended period of time, but remember to turn it on during your hikes and outdoor walks.

4. Walk outside

You might not realize how many steps you take inside versus outside. Don’t be surprised if Sweatcoin doesn’t pay you for more than half of your daily steps. It’s important to schedule outdoor walks if you want to earn more on Sweatcoin.

5. Upgrade your account

Sweatcoin offers a paid tier beyond the free service that you’re automatically opted into when downloading the app.

Known as Sweatcoin Premium, users can choose to pay $4.99 per month or $24.99 if paying for a yearly Subscription upfront (58% discount) for the following benefits:

Earn double Sweatcoins for every 1,000 steps.
Avoid the daily [10 SWC] cap and earn unlimited.*
Premium Marketplace with special offers.
Charity donations are doubled by Sweatcoin.
Custom app icons.

*Please note that the Premium plan is subject to their fair use policy that prevents abuse of the system. There is still a daily limit for the Premium plan at 100 Sweatcoins (equivalent to over 52,000 steps). Depending on your stride length, this is equivalent to running 1 or 2 marathons daily.

6. Invite your friends to try Sweatcoin

You can earn five SWC for every friend who signs up using your unique referral link. You can text that link to your friends or share it on social media.

7. Check social media for giveaways

To Sweatcoin’s credit, they do regularly host cool giveaways with some decent-sized prizes. Simply follow them across their social profiles and follow the entry rules each time a contest pops up.

For example, they recently hosted an enormous giveaway with over $35,000 in physical prizes.

Enter the Biggest Sweatcoin Giveaway with $35K of prizes. Walkpads, iPhones, playstations & MORE
⠀
Each Sweatcoin = 1 entry, so ramp up your chances by walking more.
⠀
Rules:
⠀
1. Follow @sweatcoin
2. QRT this with your Sweatcoin invite link
⠀
T&C https://t.co/99ApZfadLg pic.twitter.com/9GSmr551Ua

— Sweatcoin (@Sweatcoin) August 22, 2023

Competition is fierce amongst Sweatcoin’s enormous user database, but the prizes are legit.

How Much Can You Earn with Sweatcoin?

The amount a Sweatcoin user can earn per day and per month varies based on their activity level and the membership tier they are on.

For the free tier, a user can earn a maximum of 10 Sweatcoins per day, which equates to 10,000 steps. This means in a month, a user can earn up to 300 per month Sweatcoins if they consistently reach the daily maximum.

Users who have a synced Sweat Wallet can earn 1 $SWEAT per day from their first ~5,000 steps; roughly $0.01 per day at current market rates.

Unfortunately, there are no cash-equivalent redemption options native to the Sweatcoin app.

It’s important to note that these calculations assume maximum daily steps are reached every day of the month.

Realistically, the actual amount earned can be lower depending on a user’s daily activity and adherence to the app’s requirements.

While less consistent, users occasionally have the opportunity to exchange earned Sweatcoin for entries into a merchant gift card or PayPal cash giveaway.

These are less common, difficult to win, and don’t offer a reliable way to redeem earnings.

How to Withdraw Sweatcoin

You currently can NOT cash out Sweatcoins via PayPal, bank transfer, or check.

Users can only redeem them for products in the Store or Premium Marketplace, or through paid Sweatcoin subscriptions.

Sweatcoin partners with over 300 brands and offers can change daily.

If you can’t find something you like, check back again a few days later for new offers.

If you see a tempting offer that you could cash out on immediately, do it.

While there are no real cash-earning opportunities on the free tier, you can still save real money by using SWCs to fund these purchases.

This is a noted degradation in the app experience, in my opinion, as users could previously redeem Sweatcoins to cover the cost of a piece of tech in its entirety — aka a real prize — versus redeeming them for a discount.

Again, note the 5% commission when redeeming Sweatcoins.

Sweatcoin Alternatives

If you’re looking to supplement your earnings, or are frustrated by Sweatcoin’s lack of redemption options (and don’t plan on getting Sweat Wallet), you may find these alternatives more to your liking.

• Winwalk. Notable for its lower step threshold for earning rewards; users earn coins for every 100 steps they take, compared to Sweatcoin’s 1 SWC per 1000 steps. This makes earning rewards faster and more accessible. Additionally, Winwalk is a mix of a Get-Paid-To (GPT) app and a fitness app, allowing users to earn coins not only through walking but also by answering surveys and playing new mobile games. Winwalk also provides a broader range of options for cashing out. Users can exchange the coins they earn for gift cards from a variety of stores, including popular ones like Dominos and Starbucks​.

• CashWalk. Also free to use but does not require location services or an internet connection, making it cost-effective and a battery-life saver. It can be used both indoors on a treadmill and outdoors. Users earn one “stepcoin” for every 100 steps taken, similar to Sweatcoin’s earning mechanism, although the exact reward ratio may differ. In terms of rewards, Cashwalk pays out in gift cards and merchandise from well-known brands like Amazon, Starbucks, Nike, and Adidas, rather than in cash. Additionally, Cashwalk offers other ways to earn stepcoins, including playing games like “lucky scratches”​​ and inviting new users through a referral code.

• Evidation. Formerly known as Achievement, Evidation and Sweatcoin differ significantly in their rewards systems and how much users can earn. Evidation allows users to earn points by completing various activities in the app, such as filling out daily check-ins, taking surveys, reading articles, joining health programs, and participating in research studies. Users can earn up to 100 points per day for healthy actions tracked by health apps and wearables.

	Sweatcoin	Winwalk	Cashwalk	Evidation
App Type	Rewards for walking, watching ads, and referrals	Pedometer that rewards steps, surveys, and playing mobile games	Pedometer that rewards steps	Crowdsourcing platform for health data research
Rewards System	Earns 1 SWC per 1000 steps	Earns coins every 100 steps	Earns 1 stepcoin per 100 steps	Points for healthy activities
Rewards	Discounted merchandise, crypto	Gift cards	Gift cards	Bank transfer, PayPal, gift card, donation
Step Tracking	Does not count indoor steps	Counts all steps	Counts all steps	Integrates with health apps
Cost	Free	Free	Free	Free
Special Features	Encourages outdoor movement, gamifies exercise	Lower step requirement for rewards, GPT elements	Doesn’t require internet or location services, battery saver	Focus on health data for research

FAQs

The Bottom Line

Using Sweatcoin to earn rewards for walking is legit, and you can reap some real health benefits from daily exercise. Plus, it’s a good way to break up the monotony of the day, especially if you have a work-from-home job.

Based on my experience in the marketing world, Sweatcoin has clearly morphed to become a top-of-funnel user acquisition route for the Sweat Economy. The app looks, feels, and ultimately operates as a giant ad where Sweatcoin monetizes its users. (The end goal being to promote their new cryptocurrency, $SWEAT.)

I’m personally not a fan of what that means for the Sweatcoin app, as it means less value for users of the app as they push people to help mint $SWEAT instead of offering more redemption choices for earned Sweatcoins.

But, if you already like to walk, this is an easy, safe, and completely legitimate way to start earning modest sums of money from taking your phone with you on walks. If having an app track your every step doesn’t bother you, then downloading the app is a good place to start. If you don’t like it, you can always delete it later.

Related:

• 5 Apps That Will Pay You to Lose Weight
• 13 Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk
• 17 Best Passive Income Apps to Earn Extra Money

The post Sweatcoin Review 2024: Pros, Cons & Tips to Earn Real Money appeared first on DollarSprout.

In a digital age where new gadgets rapidly replace the old, the question arises: what do we do with our outdated tech?

Decluttr presents itself as an answer, promising an easy and profitable way to recycle electronics.

With supposed instant cash offers, free shipping, and speedy payouts, I decided to put the company to the test.

I bought a pristine condition cell phone from their store and immediately sold it back to them.

Here’s what I learned.

What Is Decluttr?

Decluttr is a company that buys and resells your old CDs, DVDs, video games, textbooks, and virtually any other technology. They act as the middleman so you don’t have to manage a listing, pay for shipping, or deal with buyers.

According to the site, Decluttr has paid out more than $300 million to over 6 million customers worldwide. They have an A+ rating and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB). A review of Decluttr’s Trustpilot profile shows that the company also boasts an excellent 4.3 of 5-star rating over 27,000 reviews. Users report that the process for selling devices is easy, payment is quick, and the Decluttr app and website are intuitive and easy to use.

Complaints generally involve receiving a lower payment than initially offered for a device, and on the buyer’s side, occasionally receiving damaged products.

Get Your Instant Offer

Free Price No selling fee

DollarSprout Rating 4.0 of 5 stars

Decluttr buys your old CDs, DVDs, video games, textbooks, and various other tech. Select your technology or scan the barcode on your media items for an instant valuation. Shipping is free and all you have to do is pack the device and drop it at your nearest UPS location, or schedule a pick-up.

How Decluttr Works

Decluttr makes the process of buying and selling used media and technology simple.

Notably, they’ll buy your used:

Get a Free Instant Valuation

The site gives you a free instant valuation on all your devices before you send them in. For tech devices and cell phones, choose the make, model, and condition to receive a quote.

There are three options to choose from for your device’s condition:

• Good: The device works properly, has no major damage, and only light signs of wear and tear
• Poor: The device works properly but has scuffs, dents, and major scratching
• Faulty condition: The device may not be working properly or at all (major software problems, significant physical damage, water damage, cracked screens, etc.)

Bent or crushed devices or those missing components are not eligible for sale.

For CDs, DVDs, games, and other items, you’ll need to enter the barcode. Decluttr’s free app allows you to scan them rather than enter each item manually. And for Lego products, you need to make sure they are genuine Lego brand and the total weight is at least 1.1 pounds.

If Decluttr is accepting your item, you’ll receive an immediate offer. If you can’t find the tech item on their list, it means they’re not currently taking it. In addition to older model iPhones (iPhone 6 or earlier), a few items they don’t accept include vinyl, cassette and VHS tapes, pirated copies, and promotional items received from a magazine or other publication.

Reviewer’s Experience:

The Decluttr store both buys and sells a large variety of tech; virtually every popular make and model you can think of, so long as it isn’t too dated and there’s still some consumer demand for the device.

For the purpose of our Decluttr review, I went the budget route and purchased an older, “Pristine” condition Galaxy S7 32GB using their app with the expectation that I could immediately sell it back to them. I paid $75.81 for the device after confirming they were accepting the device for consignment.

I received the item in 2 business days and was pleasantly surprised that the item was legitimately in the stated Pristine condition. There wasn’t a single aesthetic issue with the phone — it looked like it was straight out of the box.

Decluttr Samsung Galaxy S7 Front

Decluttr Samsung Galaxy S7 Screen

Decluttr Samsung Galaxy S7 Back

The item was factory reset and was ready for use immediately upon turning it on.

If you’re on a budget and looking for sleek, functional modern tech without paying retailer MSRP on brand new devices, Decluttr has a robust selection with good prices. With a free 12-month limited warranty, there’s virtually no risk in receiving a faulty refurbished device you’re simply stuck with. They offer free returns here too, so buy with peace of mind.

Ship Your Phone or Electronics

When you sell directly to buyers through sites like eBay and Amazon, shipping cost typically falls on your shoulders. With Decluttr, that’s not the case.

Once you accept Decluttr’s offer, they’ll email you a welcome kit with a prepaid shipping label. Pack your goods into any box, print out your free shipping label, and send it through UPS at one of dozens of local Access Points.

Getting Paid

With Decluttr, you don’t have to wait weeks for payment. Once they receive your items, they’ll check everything over, remove any personal data from your tech devices, and pay you the day after your shipment arrives.

Payment options include direct deposit, PayPal, or a donation to the charity of your choice.

Related: 42 Creative Ways to Make Money Fast

Convenience vs. Highest Possible Payout

Like any company, Decluttr’s ultimate goal is to make a profit on the items it buys. If it didn’t, then they wouldn’t stay in business. That means you may earn less money than if you listed your items and sold them yourself.

As we previously alluded to, what you miss in earnings you get back in the form of time. That’s time you don’t have to spend making accounts, creating listings, writing descriptions, communicating or haggling buyers, and possibly getting scammed.

Is the Offer You Receive What You Actually Get Paid?

When you enter the information for your tech devices, Decluttr will lock in their offer for 28 days. Once they receive your order, Decluttr reviews your item. If it matches your description, you’ll get the full offer.

If your device is damaged or doesn’t match your original description, Decluttr may revise your offer. In that case, the Decluttr Tech Price Promise allows you to request it back free of charge. After Decluttr sends you a revised offer, you have 14 days to respond.

Media such as DVDs, CDs, games, and books operate differently. They’ll also check these items for quality to make sure they match your description. However, if they fail the quality assessment, you won’t get them back. So if you’re not sure an item will pass the quality control and you aren’t willing to part with it for free, you might want to rethink sending it in.

How Much Can You Make with Decluttr?

The amount you can expect to make with Decluttr depends on the quality, number, and type of items you have to sell. For instance, I also have a 64GB iPhone 8 that’s been sitting in a drawer for months that clocks in at $176.

I also cleaned out my CD and DVD collections years ago. But to give you an idea of how much you can reasonably expect to make selling on Decluttr, I scanned some books that have been sitting in boxes since my most recent move.

In total, that’s $186.98 for stuff that’s just lying around my house in boxes and drawers. If you have old books, CDs, Legos, and tech devices you’re not using, check Decluttr to see how much they’re worth.

If you have newer technology — maybe something you received as a gift or even purchased for yourself but never use — then you could earn even more.

I bought my 4th Generation iPad Pro brand new for $1,649. Decluttr offered me $790 for it after a year of use. Since it’s in excellent condition (I’ve only used it a handful of times), I could probably get more selling it myself. But for someone like me who prefers not to haggle with buyers or spend time messaging back and forth, Decluttr’s offer again seems fair.

Referral Program

In addition to giving you top dollar for your tech devices, books, CDs, and other items, Decluttr has a program that allows you to earn an extra $5 by referring your friends. All you need to do is claim your unique code and share it via social media, text, email, or in person. When your friend completes a trade, they’ll also receive a $5 credit.

There’s no limit to how many friends you can refer.

Tips for Earning the Most

There were a few obscure titles in my book collection that Decluttr gave a hard pass. But I was also surprised at the books it accepted, including some yoga-related ones that came in at more than $1 apiece. That leads me to believe that even your most unsellable items have a shot.

However, you’ll want to follow some best practices to get the most out of your goods. A review of Decluttr’s terms and conditions offers some helpful advice:

• All items must have a barcode.
• Covers, disc artwork, and/or sleeve notes should be in good condition.
• Games should contain the original instruction booklet and artwork.
• Electronics and tech devices must match the reported condition.

One final tip: be honest. Decluttr reviews every item before finalizing their offer. Not describing an item accurately might cause them to lower your offer or even send the item back to you. For instance, if you say your old iPhone is in “good” condition but there’s actually a crack in the screen, you’ll likely get a lower offer when Decluttr reviews it, or it may not qualify for an offer at all.

Decluttr Alternatives

Compared to similar sites, Decluttr offers on the lower side for smartphones and tech devices.

Each site has a different method for evaluating your phone’s condition. For consistency, I noted that each device was in “good” condition and chose the carrier as “factory unlocked.” You might get a slightly higher offer if you have the original packaging, charger, or additional accessories.

For most of the devices below, Decluttr’s offer was comparable to or lower than similar buyback competitors.

Is Decluttr Worth It?

Decluttr is one of the easier-to-use selling apps on the market and a convenient alternative to selling directly to buyers. They offer a free instant valuation on all your items, so as long as you’re honest about the condition, you’ll know how much you’ll earn before sending anything in.

Selling on Decluttr is as simple as scanning barcodes, printing your shipping label, and dropping a box at UPS. The biggest downside is that they won’t send back any media items (books, CDs, DVDs, games, etc.) that don’t make it through the quality assessment and that they tend to pay less for your device than competing buyback sites. But as long as you’re willing to risk a few cents for the convenience of not having to sell anything yourself, there are few drawbacks to trading in your electronics with Decluttr.

Methodology

The 4.0 out of 5 stars rating for Decluttr was determined through an in-depth examination of various elements, drawing from a mix of our first-hand evaluation, insights from user reviews across multiple platforms, expert assessments, and comparisons with similar marketplace apps.

This multifaceted approach aimed to aggregate and analyze data from these diverse sources to offer a balanced and comprehensive view of Decluttr’s functionality, the satisfaction level of its user base, and its overall value in the online selling space.

The methodology encompassed several key factors, including user interface design, competitiveness of offers, efficiency of the shipping and payment processes, and the reliability and customer feedback as evidenced by user ratings and comments. Here’s a detailed outline of the criteria used and the rationale behind each:

The post Decluttr Review 2024: How Much We Earned Selling a $75 Phone appeared first on DollarSprout.

These companies typically flip the phones for a profit, meaning sellers usually get less than what their devices are worth. To explore a different option, I decided to try a consumer-to-consumer marketplace where I could potentially get more for my phone. That’s when I turned to Swappa.

After successfully buying and selling a phone using the platform, I’m ready to share the pros and cons of my experience. Whether you’re looking to get the best price for your old tech or considering Swappa as an alternative to buyback sites, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace, I’ll walk you through my journey and offer tips on how to maximize your earnings.

What Is Swappa?

Swappa is a consumer-to-consumer marketplace that launched in 2010 as an alternative to platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace. The platform was designed to address concerns about counterfeit devices and fraudulent listings by focusing on security and transparency.

Swappa operates differently from traditional buyback sites that typically offer lower payouts because they resell devices. Instead, it allows users to list their own devices, set prices, and sell directly to other consumers. Each listing undergoes manual review to ensure it meets Swappa’s quality standards, accepting only fully functional devices that are not blacklisted or broken.

Transactions on Swappa are conducted through PayPal, which offers a level of protection for both parties. Users have noted that while Swappa’s process may be slower than instant buyback options, it can potentially result in higher payouts.

The Buying Experience on Swappa

For the purpose of later reviewing the seller experience, I purchased an Apple iPhone 7 Plus (T-Mobile/Sprint, Rose Gold, 32 GB) for $66.95, listed in “Good” condition. The seller shipped the phone within two business days, and it arrived within a week.

Upon arrival, the phone was actually in better condition than would be expected. Despite being listed as “Good,” it was in near-perfect aesthetic condition and was fully functional. (They had a perfect 5-star rating across 383 sales and 84 reviews.)

As previously noted, the transaction was processed through PayPal Goods and Services, which offers the option to open a case if an item isn’t as described. Choosing sellers with high ratings can help minimize the risk of issues, but as with any peer-to-peer marketplace, some due diligence is required. Overall, the transaction was efficient and I didn’t encounter any issues.

The Selling Experience on Swappa

Swappa offers a unique combination of being both a buyback aggregator and a dedicated consumer-to-consumer (C2C) marketplace. For sellers, this means you have the option to receive immediate cash offers from nearly 100 buyback sources or choose to list your device directly on the platform for a potentially higher return.

The buyback option is typically faster, though it yields lower payouts since these sites need to resell the device for profit. In my case, I opted to sell directly on Swappa’s peer-to-peer marketplace.

Swappa has fairly strict criteria for listing phones, ensuring that only fully functional devices in good condition can be sold. If your phone doesn’t meet these requirements, you’ll likely need to consider other platforms or the buyback options available through Swappa.

Getting Started with Listing

Listing a phone on Swappa is a straightforward process. To begin, I entered the details of my device—carrier, color, model, storage capacity, and battery health.  One of the things I appreciated was the transparency regarding fees; before finalizing the listing, Swappa clearly displayed the seller fee, so I knew exactly how much I would earn after the sale, excluding the shipping cost, which sellers are responsible for.

After providing the required details, I snapped a few photos of the phone and submitted the listing. Swappa’s team manually reviews each submission to ensure it meets its standards, which adds a layer of security for buyers. My listing was approved within 10 minutes, but the platform advises that if your listing isn’t approved within an hour, you should check your email for further instructions, as they may need additional details.

Once the listing was live, I noticed an initial surge of views within the first few hours, a common occurrence on many sales platforms. Swappa allows listings to stay active for up to 60 days, giving plenty of time for potential buyers to consider the purchase.

Setting Competitive Prices

Pricing your device competitively is key to attracting buyers on Swappa. In my case, I opted to price my iPhone 7 Plus on the lower end of the market at $55, slightly below what I had initially paid ($66.95), with the goal of facilitating a quick sale. Swappa does provide some guidance on pricing, showing recent sale prices for similar devices, which can help in setting a realistic price. However, the ultimate decision is left to the seller, allowing for flexibility based on your goals (quick sale or maximizing profit).

Despite having the lowest-priced iPhone 7 on the platform, my phone did not sell in the first two weeks. This likely reflected the declining demand for older models rather than any issue with the platform itself. I decided to drop the price to a ridiculously low $25 when I renewed the listing, just to get the phone out the door. This adjustment made a significant difference, with the phone selling that same evening. The buyer, who was looking for a basic phone for his young daughter, left a 5-star review for the straightforward experience. 

Swappa’s transparent pricing structure includes a 3% seller fee, which is relatively low compared to other platforms like eBay, where fees can reach 15% or more. This low fee structure can help sellers retain more of their earnings, though it’s important to account for additional costs like shipping, which you’ll need to cover as the seller.

Managing Communication with Buyers

Swappa facilitates this through an on-site commenting system, where interested buyers can ask questions directly on your listing. These comments trigger email notifications, making it relatively easy to stay engaged with inquiries and respond promptly.

During my selling experience, I didn’t encounter an overwhelming number of questions, likely due to the straightforward nature of the listing. In my case, the buyer who ultimately purchased the phone didn’t require much additional information but did reach out after the sale to confirm shipping details, which was easily handled through the platform.

Finalizing Sales

After the phone sold, I received immediate payment via PayPal Goods and Services. (I paid just over $4 to ship the phone the next day.) Swappa doesn’t provide specific shipping labels, so sellers must arrange shipping on their own, which can affect your overall earnings. Understanding the most cost-effective shipping options will be key to maintaining your profit margin.

After two business days, the buyer received the phone and was seemingly satisfied with its condition, leaving a 5-star review for the transaction. Notably, Swappa’s system encourages these reviews, and positive feedback can significantly influence future sales.

Pros & Cons of Swappa for Sellers

Here are some key pros and cons to consider when using Swappa, based on both my personal experience and general user feedback.

What We Like

What We Dislike

Maximizing Profit as a Seller

Successfully selling your device on Swappa involves more than just creating a listing; a strategic approach can help you achieve the best possible return. Here are some tips to maximize your profit when using the platform:

• Research Market Prices. Before setting your price, look at recent sales of similar devices on Swappa (or eBay) to understand the current market value. This helps in pricing your item competitively while ensuring you don’t undervalue it.
• Provide Detailed and Accurate Descriptions. Clearly describe your device’s condition, including any minor scratches or wear. Honesty builds trust with potential buyers and can justify your asking price.
• Include High-Quality Photos. Upload clear, well-lit photos from multiple angles to showcase your device’s condition effectively. Good visuals can attract more interest and potentially higher offers.
• Choose Cost-Effective Shipping Options. Research and select reliable yet affordable shipping services; I’ve found USPS Ground Advantage to generally be the most cost-effective option (it usually comes in at less than $5).
• Time Your Listing Strategically. Consider listing your device during peak buying seasons or shortly after new device releases when demand for used devices may increase. Similarly, time of day matters too, as buyers tend to be more active in the evening hours EST.

Pitfalls to Avoid

While aiming for maximum profit, it’s important to be aware of common pitfalls that could negatively impact your selling experience. Overpricing your device, for instance, may deter potential buyers and result in your listing remaining active for an extended period without interest. This is especially true for older models where the market demand is lower.

Neglecting to disclose all relevant information about your device’s condition can lead to disputes and returns, ultimately costing you time and money. Always provide complete and accurate details to avoid misunderstandings and maintain a good seller reputation. Additionally, using poor-quality photos or insufficient images can make your listing appear unprofessional and less trustworthy, reducing buyer interest.

Lastly, ignoring buyer messages or delayed responses can lead to missed opportunities; staying responsive and engaged is key to facilitating successful transactions on Swappa.

Related: 56 Legit Ways to Make Money Online

Swappa vs. Other Selling Platforms

When exploring options for selling used tech, it’s important to consider the other selling apps available, each with its own strengths and user base. Here’s a look at some of Swappa’s main competitors and how they compare in terms of size, popularity, and features.

1. eBay is one of the largest global online marketplaces, offering a platform for buying and selling a vast range of products, including used tech. With millions of active users worldwide, eBay provides sellers with access to a vast audience, increasing the likelihood of finding a buyer. eBay charges listing fees and takes a 10-15% commission on sales.

Related: 21 eBay Alternatives for Sellers Looking to Increase Profits

How Users Feel About Swappa

Swappa generally receives positive feedback from users across the web. On Trustpilot, Swappa holds a solid 4.8-star rating (out of 5) across 30,000+ reviews with many users appreciating the platform’s strict listing criteria and PayPal integration.

Similarly, Swappa holds a 4.6-star rating on both Google Play and the Apple App Store, with users frequently praising its ease of use and safety features, though some note the smaller user base as a potential drawback. Swappa maintains a B-rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

To give you a better idea of what it’s like to sell on Swappa, here are some user reviews from Reddit (the linked thread reveals an extremely positive sentiment overall).

• “I’ve sold a few phones on Swappa, and it’s been a smooth experience. The buyer pays, and once I ship the phone and the buyer confirms they received it, I get paid. The process feels safer compared to Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.”*
  — u/SirHennington on Reddit
• “As someone who’s used Swappa to sell, I appreciate their strict listing requirements. It keeps out a lot of the scammers you see on other platforms. Plus, the PayPal integration means there’s some recourse if something goes wrong.”*
  — u/Pacovilla on Reddit
• “I’ve sold a couple of phones on Swappa and felt it was a pretty secure platform. Their process for approving listings and using PayPal helps prevent a lot of the issues you might encounter on other sites.”*
  — u/TheotherJD on Reddit

Verdict

Overall, Swappa is a reasonable and safe platform for buying and selling used tech, especially for those who like to comparison shop or cross-list when selling. Its low fees make it an attractive option for sellers looking to maximize their earnings, though it may not be the quickest platform to offload devices due to its smaller user base when compared to Facebook Marketplace or eBay. Volume sellers will most benefit from including Swappa in their cross-listing strategy because of the additional exposure.

One of the standout features is the PayPal Goods and Services integration, which offers both buyer and seller protections—an added layer of security that isn’t always available on other peer-to-peer marketplaces. For sellers, this protection is particularly valuable as it covers disputes, such as claims that an item wasn’t received or issues with unauthorized transactions, without any dollar limit on the coverage. This makes Swappa a reliable option for tech transactions, even if it’s not the fastest in terms of sales turnover.

Related: 

• 11 Best Places to Sell Your Phone for Cash
• 16 Legit Ways to Make Money From Your Phone

FAQs

Swappa Rating Methodology

My rating of Swappa is derived from a detailed analysis across five key areas. Each area is scored individually, contributing to the overall rating.

The post Swappa Review 2024: Our Experience Selling Used Tech appeared first on DollarSprout.

But using Mistplay was different. Mistplay is a fun app where you play popular games and earn points that you can redeem for gift cards to well-known retailers like Amazon, Google Play, and the iTunes store.

Once I started playing games on Mistplay, I forgot that this was a side hustle app. I was having fun, playing trivia, shooting bubbles, and playing a Game of Thrones-themed slots game.

Some people download Mistplay to make money, not just to have fun. But is it a good side hustle or just an interesting diversion?

What Is Mistplay?

Mistplay is an app that pays you for playing games, and it has a 4.1 rating on the Google Play store. Unfortunately for Apple users, it’s only available on the Google Play Store, but iPhone users can join the iOS waiting list to be notified when it’s available.

It only takes about a minute to create your account. You have to share your birthday, gender, and choose an avatar.

Once you input that information, you’ll be asked to pick your favorite games. Mistplay will then use this information to decide which games to show you.

The Mistplay games list includes Super Mario Run, Pokemon Go, Fruit Ninja, chess, Solitaire, Candy Crush Saga, Wordscapes, and dozens of others. There are games in every category from action to arcade to sports, strategy, and word games.

You can select multiple games to play. I chose Super Mario Run, Bubble Shooter, and Words with Friends 2, and I got 200 bonus points just for getting started.

You can use the points to buy new avatars or cash them in for gift cards to retailers like Amazon, eBay, Starbucks, and the Apple Store. They also have gift cards for relevant stores such as GameStop, PlayStation Store, and Xbox. If you love to play other types of video games, then you can use Mistplay to earn money to support your video game hobby.

You can also find Mistplay codes that provide bonus points. Follow the app on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to see when they post these codes. 

Another Mistplay hack is to try to play games on consecutive days, because you’ll earn more bonuses. Set a reminder on your phone to play every day to continue the streak.

Here’s a review of Mistplay’s pros, cons, and what to know before you sign up:

200-Point Welcome Bonus

200 Points Welcome Bonus Earn bonus points for downloading your first game.

DollarSprout Rating 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Mistplay pays users in gift cards to play mobile games on their smartphones. It's a good way to pass the time and earn a few dollars worth in gift cards. The app is available to Android users but the company plans to extend it to Apple users as well. Join the waiting list to get notified.

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Pros

• 4.1 rating on the Google Play Store
• Wide variety of games
• Can earn gift cards to popular retailers

Cons

• Only available on the Google Play store
• No desktop version available
• Takes a long time to earn real money
• Have to download each game individually
• Can drain battery life quickly

Is Mistplay Worth It?

Mistplay has good reviews from users who verify that the app pays points and that it’s simple to earn gift cards. However, Mistplay doesn’t make it clear how much you have to play to earn enough points for even a $5 gift card.

The hourly rate is very low once you consider how much time it takes to earn a few bucks. If you truly only care about making extra money, there are better side hustles out there.

But if you’re limited to what you can do and don’t have constant access to a laptop or desktop computer, then Mistplay may be a decent avenue for making extra money. For example, if you work a job where you have access to your phone or commute on the bus, then Mistplay may be one of the few ways to make extra money during that time.

If you already love playing games on your phone, then this may be one of the only side hustles that doesn’t feel like “work.” Another upside is that it doesn’t require any money to sign up. You don’t have to drive around in your car and pay for gas and wear and tear.

Related: 13 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

How Does Mistplay Work?

To use Mistplay download the app, create a profile, choose your favorite games, and start playing. Each game has to be downloaded individually on your phone, which can take several minutes.

As you start playing the games, you’ll earn points that you can eventually use to redeem for a retailer gift card. If you play the same games every day, you’ll level up and potentially earn more points the more you play.

A review of Mistplay’s games shows that there are dozens to choose from, so you won’t get bored playing the same one or two games.

While Mistplay is probably one of the most fun side hustles you can have, it may be one of the lowest-paying. I’d play each game for about 10 minutes and would earn between 2 and 20 points each time.

You need 400 points to earn a 50-cent Amazon gift card. Based on my gameplay, it would take about six hours to earn a 50-cent gift card or about 12 hours to earn $1.

There may be ways to earn more points faster once you gain experience and level up, but it’s not clear how much this would boost your total earnings.

May drain battery life

To use the app, I had to change my phone’s battery settings from power-saving to optimized so the games can run faster and more smoothly. This will likely drain my battery life faster, but thankfully I can charge my phone easily at home.

If you’re playing games on-the-go, make sure you have a charger or battery pack with you. You can also set reminders to turn the battery settings down when you’re done playing.

Large variety of games

Mistplay has a lot of different games available, and you’d be hard-pressed not to find a game that you genuinely enjoy playing. Although I don’t consider myself someone who seeks out mobile games, I’ve enjoyed the game variety that Mistplay offers.

However, one downfall to Mistplay is that you have to download games separately onto your phone; you can’t play them directly in the app as I had assumed. For instance, if you want to play Scrabble GO, you have to install it before you can play.

It can also take some time to download all the games. Sometimes even loading the games can take a while. I’m not sure if that’s because of my WiFi or the game, but if you’re going somewhere without WiFi, make sure to download all the games you want beforehand.

Apps like Mistplay 

Mistplay isn’t the only app of its kind. Here are some of the top apps like Mistplay that pay you to play games.

Swagbucks

While Swagbucks is known for their surveys, you can also play games on the site. Their games are somewhat similar to Mistplay and include Wheel of Fortune, Trivial Pursuit, and Angry Birds Champion. You can play the games for free or pay a cash entry fee for the chance to win real money. You’ll also earn Swagbucks points if you pay these fees.

Related: DollarSprout’s Swagbucks Review

InboxDollars

When you play games on InboxDollars, you earn scratch cards. These scratch cards may have cash prizes that you can win. Games include Wheel of Fortune, Sudoku, Solitaire, and more.

If you spend money on the cash tournament games, you’ll earn a percentage of that back in your InboxDollars account. New users get $5 for signing up for InboxDollars.

Related: DollarSprout’s InboxDollars Review

Mistplay Review Summary: It’s Fun, but You Won’t Earn Much Money

Although I did enjoy using the app, if your primary goal is to make money playing video games, you might want to try something else. Mistplay has such a low-paying hourly rate that you’re likely better off with a different side hustle like taking surveys, delivering for DoorDash, or grocery shopping for Instacart.

Plus, there’s no option to cash out directly into your bank account or a prepaid debit card; you can only cash out for gift cards.

But if you already love playing mobile games and want to be rewarded for it, then using Mistplay is a good choice. If I was stuck on a five-hour flight or car ride and only had my phone, Mistplay would be a fun way to earn money while killing time.

The post Mistplay Review 2024: Is the Gamer Rewards App Worth It? appeared first on DollarSprout.

When you spend time on these websites, e-commerce stores and other businesses learn about your browsing habits, buying behavior, and interests. This data helps them improve their marketing campaigns, launch new products, and ultimately make more money.

Most of these websites take your valuable data for free (and sometimes without your explicit permission). But if you don’t mind sharing your personal information, you can find data collection apps that will pay you for your data.

Get Paid for Your Data with These 14 Apps

Each data collection app will be interested in a different type of data, so don’t worry if you’re not comfortable sharing some of your personal information. You may find an app that only collects data you couldn’t care less about.

Online data

If you spend a lot of time searching the internet, visiting different websites, and checking social media, you can make money with an app that reimburses you for data about your online activities. 

1. Tapestri

The newest and easiest-to-use data collection app to hit the market, Tapestri pays consumers for access to the same day we regularly give away for free on the daily: our location data. 

Starbucks, Facebook, Waze, Instagram, TikTok, you name it. They literally all require location data to function, and we quickly and thoughtlessly give it to them, for free.

With Tapestri, users can earn up to $25 each month — every month — by simply sharing their location data. Tapestri then works with big brands like Lowes, Kohls, Amazon, and more, to fine-tune their advertising campaigns to more effectively reach consumers.

The data shared is completely anonymous, so you aren’t actually contacted by any of the brands.

The best part? You can literally just install the app on your phone and completely forget about it. You never actually have to interact with the app if you so choose. That’s about as passive as income streams come. 

Download: 

• Android; Google Play (4.6/5 stars, 697 ratings)
• iPhone; App Store (4.0/5 stars, 400 ratings)

2. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel

The Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel app tracks how people use their smartphones, tablets, and other devices to surf the web. It was designed by Nielsen Research, one of the largest consumer research companies that’s famous for its Nielsen Ratings.

If you sign up and install the app on a device, you can earn up to $50 each year and get entered into various sweepstakes. You can also collect points for having the app run the background while you’re online. These points can be redeemed for gift cards and merchandise.

3. MobileXpression

MobileXpression is an app created by Comscore, which is a media measurement and analytics company. It gathers data related to your browsing history and duration.

If you install the app on your phone, you can earn credits, which you can redeem for gift cards at different retailers like Dunkin’ Donuts, Cold Stone Creamery, and AMC. The app says you can earn a $10 gift card after you’ve been a member for one week.

Tom Blake has used MobileXpression on and off for the past two years and earned a little more than $100 in Amazon and Starbucks gift cards.

“Just be sure to hold out until you can cash out for the $10 rewards as they give a better value-per-credit than cashing out at $5,” Blake said. “Also, try restarting the app occasionally if you stop earning credits because the app can be finicky sometimes.”

Related: 18 Best Sites for Taking Paid Surveys

4. Honeygain

Honeygain is an app that monitors your web usage data and reports it to companies. You can download the app on Android, Windows, and MacOS devices.

According to its website, you can earn up to $19/month if you download the app on three devices. That’s almost $230 a year for not doing anything except allowing the app to access your usage history.

This average may vary depending on your location (some pay more than others), your internet speed, and how much daily content and traffic you share with Honeygain.

The app has a 4.0 rating on Trustpilot with more than 600 reviews.

Related: 15 Legit Ways to Make Money From Your Phone

5. UpVoice

UpVoice tracks the ads you receive while you browse sites including Facebook, YouTube, and Amazon. The site is the research division of BrandTotal, a competitive intelligence platform that supports brands in its advertising initiatives.

If you visit these participating sites while logged onto the app, you can earn $75 or more in annual rewards. You’ll get a sign-up bonus of 300 tokens, or $5, and receive 10 tokens each day you’re on one or more of the sites.

Once you accrue at least 600 tokens (equal to $10), you can redeem them for e-gift cards to places like iTunes, Spotify, and Target.

Shopping Data

If you like to shop, you might as well earn some extra cash while doing so through an app that collects your shopping data.

6. Dosh

You can use the Dosh app to earn cash-back for both in-store and online purchases you make with a linked credit or debit card at participating stores. Even though stores and offers change on a regular basis, the Dosh app typically includes popular chains like Target and Walmart.

Once you download the app, you’ll add your credit or debit card. Any time you make a purchase at a participating store, the cash-back rewards will be automatically added to your account. While most stores pay 2% to 3%, some have a 10% cash-back reward.

Even if your credit card already offers cash-back rewards, you can earn even more with the Dosh app. Once you have at least $25, you can transfer it to your PayPal or bank account or donate the money to charity.

Related: How to Maximize Your Cashback with Dosh

7. Drop

With the Drop app, you can earn cash rewards for shopping at your favorite stores. After you download Drop, you’ll link your credit or debit card and choose five stores you shop at most often. When the app notices you’ve made a purchase at one of these stores, you’ll receive points.

The number of points you can earn will depend on the stores you shop at. For example, Target may reward you 8 points per dollar while Starbucks offers 12 points per dollar. Once you have at least 5,000 points, equal to $50, you can get gift cards to places like Amazon, Trader Joes, and Domino’s Pizza.

DollarSprout reader Blake earned $52 in free gift cards via Drop over the past two years.

“The app offers plenty of bonuses when you try out a new service,” he said. “I’ve seen it pay anywhere between $30 and $150 in Drop points.”

For example, Drop is currently giving new Sun Basket delivery subscribers 30,000 Drop points, and users can receive 150,000 Drop points for trying Payoff to consolidate credit card payments.

Related: 10 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

8. Pei

Pei is a newer app that gives cash back at certain stores and restaurants. Once you download the app and link your credit or debit card, Pei will track your spending at participating stores and automatically credit your account with points.

After you accumulate at least $15 worth of points, you can cash out via PayPal, bitcoin, or a gift card. Cash-back percentages on Pei range from 1% all the way up to 20%. To maximize your earnings with the app, you can link to multiple credit or debit cards.

Related: 16 Must-Have Cashback Apps for Your Phone

Mileage Data

If you drive every day, you can make some extra money with a mileage data collection app.

9. OnMyWay

OnMyWay pays users to stay off their phones every time they drive to stop distracted driving. Once you enter your phone number on the OnMyWay website, you’ll receive a link to download the app.

You’ll get $10 for becoming a user and earn $0.05 for every mile you don’t text and drive. If you refer a friend, you’ll also lock in $2 plus $0.02 for every mile they drive without texting. You can redeem your OnMyWay Cash for “deals” within the app. These deals are coupon codes to stores like Jordan Lash or Hollywood Sensation. There’s no way to convert that money into PayPal credit or direct deposit.

10. Mobilio

Mobilo’s mission is to reward people for not using their phones while driving. After you download the app, it will activate the GPS feature on your phone. Any time it detects a speed above 12 mph that lasts for at least 2 minutes, the point tracker will begin.

You’ll get one point for every minute you don’t use your phone. If the app notices you’re using your phone, it’ll deduct a point. If you use Google Maps, Spotify, or another app, make sure you put your phone in a cradle so that it won’t move while you’re driving.

You can exchange your points for a new cryptocurrency called Mobilio. In February 2020, Mobilio announced the Mobilio Airbag, the first product you can purchase with its cryptocurrency.

If you use a car-sharing service like Zipcar or Share Now and buy the Mobilio Airbag at least 30 minutes before a ride, it’ll pay for the Zipcar or Share Now damage fee if you get into a crash, as long as you didn’t use your phone during the trip.

11. Safe 2 Save

Safe 2 Save promotes safe driving by rewarding you for paying attention to the road. After you create an account and download the app, you can start earning points. You get two points for every minute of safe driving while going at least 10 mph. If you touch your phone while you’re driving, the app will stop adding points to your account.

You can redeem your points at a specific business, all in-store options that are local to you. Once you visit the business, you’ll present the promotion to the cashier. An example of an in-store promotion is a free ice cream cone at Panera or smoothie at Tropical Smoothie Cafe.

Step Data

These data collection apps pay you to lead an active lifestyle and improve your health.

12. Achievement

Achievement rewards users with points every time they walk, meditate, log meals, and participate in other healthy activities. It’s an aggregator by Evidation Health that syncs to more than 20 other health and fitness apps.

The number of points you earn depends on the apps you choose and the healthy activities you participate in. You’ll get $10 for every 10,000 points and can redeem them via PayPal, direct deposit, or by donating to charity. You need a minimum of 10,000 points to redeem your rewards.

Right now you can earn six points for tracking your heart rate, 100 points for completing a survey on diabetes, and 39 points for walking 14,000 steps. With numbers like that, it may take some time to get to 10,000 points.

Related: 5 Apps That Incentivize Weight Loss with Cash Rewards

13. PK Rewards

PK Rewards incentivize you to exercise. Once you activate the app, it’ll track your workouts.

You’ll receive an effort score after every workout, which will convert to coins. The longer you work out and the higher your heart rate is, the more coins you’ll earn. You can redeem your coins for prizes from brands like Lululemon, Amazon, and Nike.

14. Runtopia

Runtopia offers a variety of features to motivate you to run every day. The app records running data like distance, pace, and calories. It also provides personalized running-focused training plans that can help you meet your unique goals.

If you download Runtopia, complete daily exercise tasks, and track your steps, you’ll earn Sports Coins. You can exchange your Sports Coins for PayPal cash, fitness clothes, and other free products.

Related: 13 Apps That Pay for Your Smartphone Step Data

Watch Out for Illegitimate Data Collection Apps

While data collection apps can be a great way to earn passive income with your smartphone, not all apps that claim to pay for your data are legitimate. It’s important to do your research and only give out information and permissions to trusted apps. Not only can malicious apps slow down your phone, they can create unnecessary identity theft and financial troubles.

Before you download an app that’s not on this list, read its privacy policy, and look for reviews from people who have used it. If something doesn’t seem right, look for a different option.

The post 14 Data Collection Apps For Earning Easy Passive Income appeared first on DollarSprout.

Sometimes it’s because you want to wear clothes you fit into years ago. Or maybe your doctor said some of your health problems could be relieved if you lost some weight.

But finding the motivation and discipline for weight loss is hard. A survey from 2013 to 2016 found that half of the adults surveyed reported trying to lose weight at some point in the previous 12 months._[1]

With so many different types of diets, workout plans, and apps available, it seems overwhelming to find a specific plan to follow.

That’s where getting paid to lose weight comes in. Money can be a powerful motivating factor, and the consequences are real when you lose money from your wallet. These weight loss bet apps and programs pay people money when they successfully reach their weight loss goals.

But not all apps that pay you to lose weight are made equally. Research the various options and find which one works best for your goals and lifestyle.

5 Apps that Pay You to Lose Weight

With so many different kinds of diet bet apps to choose from, sifting through them can be confusing. Here are five highly reviewed apps to check out.

1. HealthyWage

HealthyWage is one of the premier weight loss apps. It has a simple premise — people decide they want to lose weight and place a bet on themselves.

How it works

Users pick an amount they want to lose and then decide how much money they want to wager. HealthyWage has a prize calculator that determines how much you can win. Then you decide how much time to give yourself. If you register as a team, the total winnings can equal up to $10,000.

It should be enough to motivate you to stick to your workout plan, even if you’ve struggled in the past. If you need more time, you can extend the bet by buying more time.

Pros

The app’s payouts are significant, and you’ll win cash — no need to convert points into a gift card.

Cons

There’s no way to cancel the bet once you’ve started. If you have a personal tragedy or a health problem, you’ll still have to complete the bet. The only way to get your challenge suspended is if you get pregnant.

Related: DollarSprout’s HealthyWage Review

2. DietBet

DietBet is another weight loss app that pays you when you reach certain weight loss goals. You can’t win as much as with HealthyWage, but you might be more likely to win something.

How it works

DietBet offers three different challenges you can join:

• Kickstarter: Lose 4% in 4 weeks
• Transformer: Lose 10% in 6 months
• Maintainer: Keep it off for 12 months

Pros

The long-term challenges make it easier to win some money. DietBet also discourages people from trying to lose weight in an unhealthy way, so you can’t win if you’ve lost too much weight at the end.

Cons

The amount you win depends on who else is competing with you. The more people that win, the smaller the payout will be. You also have to pay your bet upfront.

DietBet charges the following fees:

• 25% fee for bets between $0-$99
• 20% fee for bets between $100-$249
• 15% fee for bets between $250-$500
• 10% fee for bets more than $500

3. Achievement

Achievement is an app where users can earn points which can be redeemed for rewards. Users can earn up to 80 points per day for tracked activities such as biking, running, or walking. Other non-physical activities such as logging your sleep or meditating will earn you up to 6 points for each activity.

How it works

You can redeem 10,000 points for a $10 reward. It can take 5 to 7 business days to see your reward.

Achievement is available on both iPhone and Android devices. You connect the Achievement app to your other fitness apps and devices including Fitbit, MapMyRun, and Apple Health.

Every time you log something on one of these devices, you’ll earn points with Achievement. In this sense, you’re not betting anything so there’s no money to lose. You’re simply being rewarded for healthy activities.

Pros

Achievement lets you track different kinds of physical activity, not just losing weight. This can promote a more holistic look at your health. You can also redeem your rewards for cash via PayPal, so you’re not stuck with a gift card you don’t want.

Cons

It can take a long time to earn enough to cash out for a reward. If you earn the maximum of 80 points every day, it’ll still take you four months to earn a reward.

Related: 12 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

4. StickK

StickK isn’t just a weight loss app, it’s an app to help you commit to any kind of goal, whether it’s losing weight or competing in an Ironman. Users have to sign Commitment Contracts that cost money if they don’t reach their goal.

If you fail to meet your goal, the money will go to a pre-determined person, charity, or StickK itself. You can also pick a charity with a mission you don’t support for some extra motivation to succeed.

How it works

An official StickK “referee” will verify your claims. You can also invite people to watch your progress and encourage you.

If you choose an ongoing commitment, you have to submit a report every week to update StickK on your progress. You can also pick a one-shot commitment, where you only report at the very end.

StickK referees are the ones who decide if you successfully completed your check-in. What’s interesting is that the referee is someone you know, such as a friend or partner.

Pros

It’s available on both iPhone and Android devices. Users decide how much money to put on the line when they make a commitment contract, and there’s no limit to this.

Cons

The biggest downside to StickK is that you can’t actually win money. There’s no positive reinforcement with StickK. It’s only the threat of losing money that binds someone to a goal. This can be discouraging for people.

5. Walgreens Balance Rewards

The Walgreens Balance Rewards for healthy choices program is a four-week health challenge that people can join for free. There are two types of challenges: physical and lifestyle. You can participate in both of these at the same time.

When you complete one week of each challenge, you’ll earn 100 points. You can earn a maximum of 2,000 points after successfully completing a four-week challenge. This is worth $2 toward Walgreens purchases.

How it works

You can track your progress manually or automatically, which you can do by connecting your phone to a Walgreens-approved app. Then you have to link it to the Balance Rewards program.

Pros

Because this is a free program, there’s no risk by signing up. If you complete the challenge, you’ll earn a small reward you can redeem at Walgreens.

Cons

You won’t earn as much money using this program compared to other diet bet and weight loss apps. You can also only use your rewards at Walgreens.

Related: 13 Apps That Pay You to Walk

Other Ways to Make Money Losing Weight

If you’re not a fan of these apps or challenges, you can find other ways to get paid to lose weight.

Office challenges

Instead of using a formal app, you can create an in-person office challenge between coworkers. Set up an honor system and see who loses the most weight after a certain number of weeks. You can also do this between friends or family members.

Instead of doing it by pounds lost, you can do it by the percentage of total body weight lost. Each person can put in a certain amount of money, and you can divide the prizes for first, second, and third place.

Insurance reimbursements

Some insurance plans offer extra benefits to encourage members to lose weight. They may pay for your gym membership, cover the fee for Weight Watchers, or reimburse your 5K entrance fee.

You’ll have to check your insurance plans for these ancillary benefits.

Bets with friends

Instead of doing a diet bet, you can do a different kind of bet with friends. You can all decide to stop drinking for a month or make a pact to give up dessert. This will be based on an honor system so it will be harder to track. Each person can put in $5 or $10, and the winner takes the entire pool.

How to Stay Motivated While Getting Paid to Lose Weight

Losing weight isn’t something you can put on autopilot, even if you’re using a third-party app. You’ll need to find other ways to motivate yourself.

Pick an exercise plan you enjoy.

When people complain about exercise, I always tell them the same thing: “Find a workout that doesn’t feel like exercise.” Instead of forcing yourself to run when you hate running, find a workout you like.

It can be anything from hiking with your dog on the weekends or doing Pilates on your lunch break. If possible, find both cardio and strength-training workouts so you’re targeting both fitness aspects.

If you find a workout you enjoy, you’ll be more likely to go to the gym. Instead of dreading it, you’ll find the motivation to go even when the weather is bad or when you’re stressed with work deadlines.

Share your goals.

Sharing your goals with friends and family members can help you if you’re trying to avoid certain foods or if you’re training for a race. When you share your goals, you may be able to find kindred spirits who will cheer you on and offer encouragement.

Be wary of sharing your goals, though. Sometimes sharing your goals releases a rush of endorphins, even though you haven’t actually accomplished anything. But if you have a friend who’s achieved a similar goal, it might be helpful to share your aspirations and pick their brain for advice and tips.

Find an accountability partner.

Trying to lose weight by yourself is tricky, especially if you live alone or your partner isn’t committed to the same goal. That’s why it helps to have an accountability partner. You can find one by posting about it on social media and asking someone from your gym.

Your ideal accountability partner should be someone who has similar goals. You should check in with each other on a weekly basis, in a text or email thread. You can even set up a Slack channel just for the two of you.

Accountability partners will help you find solutions to your problems, let you vent when you’re frustrated, and celebrate your success. They’ll cheer you on and remind you not to be hard on yourself.

Celebrates wins.

Trying to lose weight often isn’t a linear road map. It can ebb and flow. Some weeks you might only lose half a pound. Other weeks you may not lose any. And during the holidays, you may even gain a few pounds.

That’s why it’s important to celebrate small wins along the way. You should celebrate any kind of success, like when you start running more than one mile at a time or when you find a way to enjoy kale. Non-scale victories deserve recognition, too.

Celebrating wins can keep you motivated even if you’re months away from your target weight. You can celebrate wins with your accountability partner, publicly on social media, or privately in a journal. Seeing how far you’ve come can help you feel proud, especially if you’re likely to start comparing your weight loss journey to someone else’s.

Write down your why.

Losing weight for its own sake isn’t enough. You need a concrete reason. For example, instead of saying “I want to lose 15 pounds” say, “I want to lose weight so I can feel more energized for my kids.”

You can also have multiple reasons that can change as you progress. Your initial “why” might be to run a 5K, but you can change it to a marathon.

Having a strong why will keep you going when it’s 15 degrees and you haven’t worked out. It’ll keep you on track when you’re at a restaurant and want to order dessert.

A specific why is more likely to work, so think about this one. Then write it down somewhere and post it where you can regularly see it — on your bathroom mirror, on your computer at work, or even as the background on your phone.

Related: 16 Passive Income Apps to Earn Money on Autopilot

How to Choose Your Favorite Weight Loss Challenge App

Struggling to pick which app you’re interested in? You may not have to pick just one. Some of the apps listed here can be used together so you can double-dip and earn points in two separate systems.

Figure out what you’re really looking for in an app. Is it the social camaraderie or the possibility of getting paid to lose weight? Then pick an app that features that option.

There are other choices if you don’t love the idea of possibly losing money or aren’t into tracking your weight regularly. You can also use apps like MyFitnessPal, which lets you add friends who can see your food journals and how often you exercise. Although these apps aren’t as structured as weight loss challenge apps, they can offer other benefits.

The post 5 Apps That Will Pay You to Lose Weight appeared first on DollarSprout.

But that often keeps you sitting in one place, working on a computer, driving a car, or using an app. And while it’s great for earning extra money, it’s not necessarily the best thing for your health. 

That’s why many people look for ways to earn money while staying active. The easiest way to do this is simply by walking, because you can do it anywhere, it’s free, and it’s low-impact.

Oddly enough, there are several apps you can download where you can actually get paid to walk. It might not be as lucrative as other side hustles like freelance writing or delivering for Grubhub, but it can still be a good way to earn a few extra bucks here and there.

13 Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk

If you’re going to use one of these passive income apps, it’s best to pair them with a fitness tracker like a Fitbit or an Apple Watch. You can use the tracker on your smartphone, but you might miss some steps if you don’t have your phone on you while you walk.

Furthermore, these devices often pick up steps better if you’re in a building where your smartphone may miss steps altogether. To temper expectations, you shouldn’t expect to make a significant sum of cash on a daily basis using any of the below apps. That said, it’s perfectly reasonable to net a few dollars a day across several of the apps if you’re consistent about checking in. Consistency that can pay off to the tune of several hundred dollars per year.

Related: Get Paid to Lose Weight with These 5 Apps

1. Achievement

Rating: 4.0/5.0 

You can earn points with Achievement by syncing your fitness tracker, and it pays you $10 for every 10,000 points you earn through the app.

For example, you’ll earn six points every day you record your weight, body fat percentage, sleep, steps, food intake, water intake, and heart rate through your Fitbit.

Periodically, Achievement will also give you the ability to earn extra points by reading certain articles. Each of those articles you read is worth three points.

Because this app operates in the background, is easy to use, and gives you credit for so many different activities, it’s a great way to earn a small amount of passive income.

2. StepBet

Rating: 4.0/5.0

With StepBet, you make a $40 bet that you’ll be able to reach customized daily step targets for six weeks. StepBet uses your own step history to generate this, adding on a bit more than you usually walk each time to challenge you.

If you don’t meet these daily goals, you’ll lose your $40 bet. But if you do, you’ll win back your original $40 plus a share of the winnings. Winnings are calculated based on the amount of participants who didn’t win their bet, and are split up among those who did.

You can only play one StepBet game at a time with a basic membership or you can pay a $50 yearly fee to play up to three games at a time.

StepBet earns a four-star rating because as long as you’re successful, you can expect to win around $10 per six-week game, or a 25% return on your investment.

3. Charity Miles

Rating: 4.0/5.0

If your budget doesn’t have enough money for charitable donations but you’d still like to contribute to causes that are important to you, Charity Miles is a great option. You won’t get paid directly, but you can choose from 40+ charities to walk and earn money for.

You’ll earn up to 25 cents for each mile you walk or run for your chosen charity, or 10 cents if you choose to bike instead.

You’ll need to start the app before each walking session because Charity Miles uses your phone’s GPS or accelerometer to record how far you’ve gone, so make sure you keep your phone with you to track your miles.

Since this app makes it easy to donate to charity and meet fitness goals at the same time, it gets a four-star rating.

4. Walgreens

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Most people use the Walgreens app to fill prescriptions and earn rewards from purchases. But there’s also a lesser-used area of the app that allows you to set personal four-week physical or lifestyle challenges, such as hitting 10,000 steps or eating more fruits and vegetables.

For each week you’re successful, you’ll earn 100 Balance Rewards points, which is worth 10 cents towards a Walgreens purchase. If you’re successful for all four weeks, you can spin a prize wheel for a chance to earn up to 2,000 Balance Rewards points (equal to $2).

This app that pays you to walk gets three stars because while it does offer up rewards, they won’t get you very far and they require you to make a purchase at Walgreens in order to use the points.

Related: 12 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

5. MapMyFitness

Rating: 3.0/5.0

MapMyFitness is a great app for tracking your runs and walks. And while this app doesn’t offer you a way to earn money for walking, it does offer the possibility of earning prizes.

To have a chance at winning a prize, you’ll need to sign up for a Featured Challenge, which appears to be MapMyFitness’s language for a regular challenge.

Unfortunately, these challenges are more for fun than a serious way to get paid for walking. For example, in October 2019, there was only one Featured Challenge offered and that was the chance to win a prize for running 1019 total kilometers in all of 2019.

If you sign up now, this challenge isn’t worth it. Not only are the prizes not specified, but the year is almost over and there’s no guarantee that you’ll win anything.

If you like fun challenges to keep you motivated, this might be a good option for you but if you’re looking to get paid to walk, it’s probably not your best choice.

6. Sweatcoin

Rating: 2.0/5.0

Sweatcoin doesn’t pay you directly in cash, but rather in a proprietary virtual currency called Sweatcoin. You can use Sweatcoins to get discounts on products or even pay for purchases within the app.

Unfortunately the selection is limited to just a few choices at a time, such as a discounted BarkBox subscription or designer clothing. But if you keep an eye on the ever-changing rewards, there’s a good chance you’ll eventually find something valuable to you.

Related: DollarSprout’s Sweatcoin Review

7. Lympo

Rating: 2.0/5.0

Lympo offers a proprietary currency, known as LYM coins, that you can earn by participating in step challenges, referring new users, and by watching ads from sponsor companies.

You can redeem LYM coins for discounts or purchases of certain products in Lympo’s store. There are a few more options than on similar apps like Sweatcoin, but the choices are still fairly limited. For example, the “digital goods” section currently only offers discounts off protein shakes, women’s athletic clothing, and supplement snack bars.

This app gets a two-star rating because like Sweatcoin, you can only redeem rewards for walking for a select number of items or discounts on those items. You may not like what’s offered, and the discounts mean you still need to pay for the items.

8. PK Rewards

Rating: 2.0/5.0

PK Rewards is an app you can download to track your workouts and then convert those efforts into “coins” that you can redeem for rewards like gift cards and travel discounts.

The app also gives you the ability to join and create groups with friends and family to stay motivated and accountable to your goals. However, you do need to input your phone number in order to gain access to the app features and rewards listings, and the app integrates with Facebook so if you have privacy concerns, this might not be the app for you.

If using your phone number or Facebook account doesn’t bother you, PK Rewards can be a good way to earn rewards for walking and discounts for working out.

9. Higi

Rating: 1.0/5.0

Higi is a company that makes the automated blood pressure measurement stations you see outside of many pharmacies. If you download its app, you can participate in monthly challenges that offer the possibility of winning a $50 Visa gift card by earning over 600 watts throughout the month.

You can earn watts by checking your blood pressure (50 watts), your weight (50 watts), or both at a local Higi station. Checking in at a gym on Foursquare will net you 15 watts. You’ll also earn watts by syncing your fitness tracker with the app, although Higi doesn’t say how many points you’ll earn per step.

We gave this app one star because you aren’t actually guaranteed anything, only the possibility of winning a $50 Visa gift card. In addition, the app is not transparent about how many steps translate into watts.

10. FitFetti

Rating: 1.0/5.0

FitFetti claims to offer you rewards for meeting certain step goals, but the details are light and the app is confusing. For example, you can get sponsors or sponsor someone else, but it’s not clear how this works or what the benefit is.

It’s also not clear how the step goals are set, or if you can change them. Finally, the rewards section in the app is locked from view when you first sign up, so you can’t see what is available to help you make an informed decision about using this app.

Related: 22 Apps to Make Money on Your Phone

Other Ways to Get Paid for Walking

While the previous apps reward you for your steps, these apps help you earn money by walking dogs, which can also be a lucrative side gig.

11. Rover

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Rover is a popular pet care app that allows you to offer pet care services, including taking dogs for walks. You can create a profile, and set your own schedule and rates through the app. In certain larger metro areas you can also find jobs directly from clients through the Rover Now feature.

Rover does take a 20% commission off your rate, but if you’re charging $20-$30 per visit, this is still a great way to get paid to walk.

Related: 6 Ways Dog Lovers Can Make Money with Their Canine Pals

12. Care.com

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Care.com is a web and app-based marketplace that connects people for a wide range of care services. You can set your own hourly rates on Care.com rather than a per-walk rate. This means that if someone wants their dog walked for longer than the standard 30-minute walks, they have an easier way to pay you for that extra effort.

To find clients, you can create and list a profile for dog owners to contact you, or you can apply to a dog walking job posting. This may make it easier to find a steady dog-walking gig, rather than one-off dog walks that might be more common through other apps.

13. Wag!

Rating: 3.0/5.0

Although Wag! has expanded and now allows you to offer multiple kinds of dog care services, it’s still primarily a site for dog walkers to find gigs. And it offers more features than other apps, too. For example, owners can request a Wag!-branded lock box that holds a key you can access while the owner is away from home.

However, Wag! isn’t exactly transparent about how much you’ll earn per walk or who gets to set the prices, but it does say owners can choose to tip you and you keep 100% of all tips.

No Extra Effort Needed

We’d recommend these apps to just about anyone as a way to walk and earn money. If you already walk a lot as part of your daily commute, it’s an easy way to earn a few extra bucks on the side. If you don’t move much, you can use it as a way to reward yourself for staying active.

Either way, apps that pay you to walk are an easy way to knock out two goals at once. You can take care of your physical health while you make money from home at the same time.

The post 13 Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk appeared first on DollarSprout.

There are tons of money-making apps out there that allow you to work online — more than you’d expect.

You can get paid directly through PayPal, receive free gift cards to your favorite retailers, or get cash back on all your purchases. Companies are eager to get new app users — and they’re willing to pay you for it. If you’re going to spend hours on your phone each day, it can’t hurt to make a little extra money while you’re at it.

21 Best Money-Making Apps for 2024

This list of best apps to make money using your phone is broken down into the following categories:

• Side Hustle Apps
• Cash Back Apps
• Apps That Pay for Things You Already Do
• Passive Income Apps

This list has some of the best apps for making money, both for Android and iPhone. Some even have a browser-compatible version you can use, helpful if you have time at work.

Side Hustle Apps

Whether you’re saving to buy a house or trying to pay off credit card debt, using a side hustle app can be a simple way to make more money when you need it.

1. Freecash

3. Uber

Driving with Uber remains one of the most popular and lucrative side hustle apps. The Uber app is available 24/7, so you are free to make your own schedule and drive on your own time. Driving during high demand hours can lead to higher earnings and providing great service for your riders is a great way to earn tips.

The application to become a driver is straightforward. Signing up takes just a few minutes, then once you clear the background check (safety screening) you can log into the app and start earning money.

Get started on the Uber app.

4. DoorDash

Working as a driver for DoorDash entails picking up food from local restaurants and chains and delivering it to customers. DoorDash drivers earn a base pay and also get to keep 100% of their tips.

As a driver, you can earn extra money when DoorDash offers special promotions and challenges. There’s also special “Peak Pay,” when drivers can get paid more.

Unlike rideshare companies, you can have any kind of car to deliver for DoorDash. You do need to have a driver’s license, a clean driving record, a smartphone, and be at least 18 years old.

In some cities, you’re allowed to deliver on a bike, scooter, motorcycle, or even by foot. However, you’re responsible for expenses such as gas, parking, and tolls. 

Related: How to Make Money Driving for DoorDash

5. Decluttr

If you’ve got piles of used DVDs, CDs, Blu-rays, or video games lying around your house, you can make a few dollars selling them with the Decluttr app. It also accepts electronics like phones, tablets, and game consoles.

You can download the Delucttr app and scan items directly with your phone. It’ll give you an instant offer on your item.

Once you’ve accepted the offer, you’ll print out the pre-paid label and send off your goods. You can drop off the box at a UPS Store, customer center, authorized retail outlet, or with a UPS driver.

Related: 11 Best Places to Sell Your Phone for Cash

6. Swagbucks

One of the best money-making apps out there, Swagbucks quickly stands out because they offer an unlockable $10 bonus for new users.

Swagbucks also allows users to accrue points (SBs) by completing various micro-jobs that they can put towards PayPal cash or free gift cards. Specifically, users can earn points by:  

• Taking paid surveys
• Watching videos or ads
• Getting cash back when shopping online
• Using the Swagbucks search engine
• Playing games
• Discovering deals
• Referring other people to Swagbucks

There’s no limit to how much you can earn. You’re not going to replace your full-time income with it, but if you start using Swagbucks as your web browser, play some games, and take a few surveys, you could potentially boost your income by $25 to $50 each month.

With an A rating with the Better Business Bureau and over 20 million active members, there’s no reason not to try one of the best money-making apps out there.

Related: Swagbucks Review 2024: The Best (and Worst) Features of the Rewards App

7. Turo

If your car spends more time in the driveway than on the road, you might consider renting it out on Turo. Turo is an app where you can list your car for other people to rent. It’s an easy way to earn money, especially if you don’t need your car on a regular basis.

You can use Turo’s “carculator” to see how much you can make using the app. According to its site, a 2016 Toyota Camry in Seattle would earn $244 a month.

Your car must meet certain requirements before you can sign up:

• No more than 130,000 miles
• Clean title
• Fewer than 12 years old
• Not registered in New York
• Not listed on any other site

If you’re renting out a specialty or classic car, then it must be:

• 1990 model or earlier
• Valued at least $85,000
• Safe and in excellent mechanical condition

Turo isn’t available in every city, but if you live in a major city like Los Angeles or Washington, D.C. then check to see how much you could make with the app.

Related: 9 Ways to Generate Passive Income with Your Car

8. Rover

Rover is a money-making app that helps pet owners find qualified pet sitters and dog walkers to care for their animals. You can offer various services such as overnight pet boarding, dog walking, or doggy daycare. This is an especially great option if you have a work-from-home job.

The major perk? You can set your own rates. Rover collects a service fee of 20%. So if you charge $20 per walk, you’ll keep $16 and Rover will take the other $4. Once your services are complete, you can redeem your earnings for free via PayPal or pay $2 to receive a check in the mail.

You’ll have to pass a background check and provide references. Once approved, you can start making money fast with Rover. The platform offers 24/7 veterinary support, insurance, and you can accept as many or as few pet sitting or walking jobs as you want.

Related: How to Make Money Dog Sitting with Rover (Advice from an Experienced Sitter)

9. Instacart

Instacart is a grocery delivery service where customers order their products online and Instacart shoppers (potentially you) prepare the order for pickup or delivery. As a full-service shopper, you’re an independent contractor. You’ll shop for the products your customer wants and deliver them to the address.

Chris Cucchiara, a DollarSprout reader and Instacart super-shopper, made over $4,500 in his first two months as a full-service shopper. He recently shared “the real secret to achieving high earnings is to be selective with the batches you pick. The key is to wait to take orders until they make you about $30 per hour. This is done by getting preferably only one order and not two or three.” 

If you’d rather do the shopping than the delivery portion, you can apply to be an in-store shopper. This part-time position comes with a flexible schedule and doesn’t require a vehicle. You’ll prepare your customer’s order for them to pick up in-store.

In either position, you can expect to make $10 to $15 per hour and get paid via direct deposit. However, full-service shoppers have the ability to receive tips whereas in-store shoppers do not.

You need to be 18, eligible to work in the US, have access to a car, able to lift up to 50 pounds, and have a relatively new smartphone.

10. Gigwalk

Gigwalk is one of the more unique app-based job services. It pays people to help them gather data for market research. You don’t need a vehicle and you won’t be making deliveries or filling out surveys. Gigwalk helps companies with a range of small tasks. Many of the gigs involve going to a local business and taking pictures of how certain products are displayed or stocked.

Users can make anywhere from $3 to $100 per gig depending on the difficulty and length. Most take as few as five minutes, but others can take a few hours.

It can take a few days for your work to be approved and for you to get paid. You also have to follow the instructions carefully to make sure you understand. If you misread it, then you may not get paid, so pay close attention to all the instructions for each gig. 

Related: 17 Best Places to Find Small Task or Micro Jobs

Cash Back Apps

Cash-back apps give you money or points when you make a qualifying purchase at partner stores. These are usually easy to use and work with a variety of different in-person and online retailers.

11. Capital One Shopping

Do you ever wonder if you’re actually getting the best price when you’re buying something? Or do you assume that you’re getting the best deal if you shop on Amazon? If you’re not shopping around, you could be missing out on savings.

That’s where Capital One Shopping comes in. Capital One Shopping is an app or browser extension that notifies you when there’s a coupon available for something you’re viewing or if the same item is selling for a lower price elsewhere.

You can earn Capital One Shopping credits by shopping through partnered stores and restaurants, which you can redeem for gift cards to places like Walmart, Lowe’s, and Nordstrom Rack. Capital One Shopping also includes a watchlist where it’ll notify you when an item on your list drops in price.

12. Dosh

Dosh is a smartphone app that gives you cashback every time you make a purchase at participating outlets using your linked card.

Not having to jump through hoops to earn cashback is probably the biggest perk of Dosh. For instance, I’ve been getting cash back from Exxon each time I fill up my gas tank and I didn’t even realize it until recently. The money just gets added to my Dosh account.

Download the app, link your credit card (the app is secure), then spend as you normally would. You can start shopping at participating merchants using your credit card and points will be added to your “Dosh Wallet” straight away.

Once your balance reaches a minimum of $25, you can cash out via direct deposit or PayPal.

13. Ibotta

Ibotta is yet another of the money-making apps you’ll see on this list that revolves around cash back shopping.

But unlike apps similar to Ibotta, the company has become immensely popular worldwide because it extends to grocery brands, warehouse clubs, and drugstore chains including Walmart, Food Lion, Kroger, Walgreens, CVS, and Sam’s Club. Ibotta also works with high-end grocery stores like Whole Foods and discount ones like Aldi.

When you open the Ibotta app, you can look at your favorite stores and see what offers they have. If you see an offer you’re interested in, you can select it and add it to your account. Once you’re done shopping, take a photo of the receipt to get the special rebate.

It also has an affiliate program that allows users to earn even more money by inviting friends to the app.

Ibotta offers a $5 sign-up bonus for new members and will pay you $5 more for each friend you refer.

Related: Ibotta Review 2024: Grocery Cash Back Simplified 

Apps That Pay for Things You Already Do

While some apps require you to change your shopping habits or spend time taking surveys, others will reimburse you for activities and habits you already engage in regularly.

14. Mistplay (Android Only)

If you love playing video games and want more money to indulge your hobby, consider trying out the Mistplay app. You can play games and earn gift cards to Amazon, iTunes, Nintendo, and Xbox. These are perfect rewards for a video game lover.

If you have a job where you’re allowed to be on your phone, then this app can be a fun way to kill some time and earn rewards for something you care about. The Mistplay app has a 4.1 rating on the Google Play Store.

Related: 22 Real Money Earning Games That Pay You Cash to Play

15. HealthyWage

If you’re trying to lose weight and need extra motivation, how about the chance to earn $10,000 while doing it?

HealthyWage offers a variety of ways to earn money and is one of a few apps that pay you to lose weight. You can take on a weight loss challenge on your own, or you can enter a team challenge and motivate each other to shed more pounds. The minimum weight loss goal is 10%. With HealthyWage’s 10% Challenge, if you drop 10% of your body weight in six months, you could earn upwards of $300 (depending on how many friends you invite to participate).

HealthyWage beats those at-work pools where people don’t pay up, or worse, the competition never gets started. If you can’t find a gym buddy to hold you accountable, then try using an app that targets your wallet.

Related: HealthyWage Review: Get Paid Up to $10,000 to Lose Weight

16. Achievement

If you need additional accountability to reach your health goals, another good app is Achievement. You can double-dip and earn furter rewards for exercising and sticking to a meal plan. The app syncs with other fitness apps such as your Fitbit or MyFitnessPal. Users earn points which you can then redeem for cash. Every 10,000 points equates to $10 which you can withdraw to your bank or PayPal. You can also donate points to charity.

Start by syncing the Achievement app to your other fitness apps and make sure to log your activity in those apps (if it’s not already done automatically). It can take a long time to earn enough points to redeem for cash but think of this as a passive way to get paid for being healthy and to provide an incentive to stick to your healthy habits.

Related: 13 Legit Apps That Pay You to Walk by Tracking Your Steps

Passive Income Apps

If you want a way to earn more money without a lot of extra work, consider these apps for ideas to make passive income.

17. Tapestri 

My new favorite app, Tapestri pays users up to $25 per month to share their location data. 

It’s completely passive and you don’t even have to interact with the app in order to earn the money. Merely leave it installed each month, pass go, and collect your goal money. 

You likely already share your location data with dozens of apps on your phone — think Starbucks, Snapchat, Waze, pretty much everything — so you might as well get paid for it.

Tapestri uses your anonymous data, along with the data of thousands of others who have the app installed, to help big brands learn more about consumer behavior. Basically, they want to know where you shop, how often, and how long you shop for. This helps brands best decide how to advertise their products in the most effective way possible. 

18. Neighbor

Neighbor users make passive income by storing people’s belongings in their spare space at home. If you have a shed, closet, or attic you’re not using, you could make passive income with this app.

Take Justin, for example. He transformed his backyard into a lucrative RV storage space using Neighbor.com, earning $1,200 monthly with minimal effort. This extra income has allowed him to pay down debt and reinvest in real estate.

Like all forms of passive income, renting out your space requires a little bit of a time investment upfront. But Neighbor takes care of most of the work for you by connecting you with local renters.

You’ll make a listing and renters will apply to reserve your space. You have 48 hours to view the candidate’s profile, ask questions, and make a decision. If you don’t act within that timeframe, the reservation will automatically be declined.

If you find a renter looking for a long-term option, you could earn passive income renting out your unused space each month. 

Related: 7 Ways to Make Money Renting Out Your Space

19. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel

You may have heard of Nielsen ratings for TV shows, but it turns out that Nielsen pays you to collect data on more than just TV. One area it’s interested in is your internet usage.

What does that mean for you? It means Nielsen will pay you $50 a year to keep its app on your favorite internet browsing device. The app itself collects statistics on your internet usage anonymously, so you never have to worry about any data being linked to you.

The app doesn’t take up much space and won’t slow down your phone or tablet. Better yet, they’ll give you $5 just for signing up using an eligible device as long as you remain active for 30 days. 

Related: 13 Companies That Pay You for Your Data

20. Honeygain

Similar to Nielsen, Honeygain is an app that uses data from your internet browsing history to help companies with research. According to its website, users who download Honeygain can earn up to $19 a month.

However, this amount depends on your internet speed, location, and other factors. Even if you earn less than the projected figure, it’s a completely passive way to earn money. Once you download Honeygain, you don’t have to do anything.

You will need to earn at least $20 before you can withdraw the funds. Once you do have that amount, you can request your money via PayPal. 

21. Acorns

If you want to start saving up for your future and investing for retirement, consider checking out Acorns.

With a beginner-friendly platform and interface, Acorns is one of the best investing apps available. It’s easy to sign up, and you can set aside a certain amount every month or round up money from every purchase you make with a linked account. The app will take the change and invest it in your Acorns account.

Acorns also offers a $10 signup bonus for new users.

Once you sign up and complete your registration, Acorns will deposit $10 into your account to give your investments a head start.

App Developers Are Constantly Looking for Ways to Reward Users

These apps are just some of the ones that can make you money. There are new apps coming out all the time. Just be careful about what you download and what kind of information you provide.

If you don’t mind getting the legwork out of the way and filling out a bunch of registration forms over the next hour, you can get started with many items on the list right now and be making money from your phone in no time.

The post 21 Best Money Making Apps for Earning On the Go appeared first on DollarSprout.

Much has changed about the app over the past seven years, and almost none of it for the better. Here are what remain of the pros, the notable cons, and why we think you’re better off using other popular cash back apps.

What Is Drop?

Drop is a popular loyalty rewards app designed to help users earn points for their everyday purchases. By linking your debit and credit cards to the app, you can accumulate points automatically whenever you shop at partnered retailers.

These points can be redeemed for free gift cards from a wide range of popular brands, making Drop a seemingly effortless way to get rewarded for the shopping you’re already doing.

In addition to its seamless integration with your payment methods, Drop offers a variety of ways to maximize your earnings. Users can also participate in activities such as paid surveys, playing games, or referring friends to the app to rack up even more points.

Why We’re Concerned About Drop

Drop is the only cash back app we’ve ever reviewed that can claim they provide fully automatic cash back to users. It was, and remains, an enormous perk, as all competing apps require receipt scanning, offer loading, or some form of manual offer activation.

Drop is theoretically as simple as linking a preferred payment method and earning free cash back — or so it was.

There are several red flags that have arisen since our last annual review which have prompted us to drop our rating from 3.5 to 1.5 (out of 5 stars):

 Concern #1:  Users must manually opt-in to earn cash back each Wednesday, despite their card information already being linked. Drop is plausibly receiving attribution and payment from merchants for qualifying user purchases, but not distributing points to users if they haven’t opted in that week.

 Concern #2:  Users — myself included — report extreme difficulty redeeming gift cards for earned points during “drop” periods. Drop seems unable to fulfill on-demand withdrawals from users for earned points, resorting instead to periodic withdrawal windows where users can try and redeem a seemingly small number of valid gift cards.

 Concern #3:  For the small percentage of users able to successfully redeem their points for a gift card, there is now a company-stated [up to] 60-day waiting period for gift card delivery, with few users ever reporting card arrival.

While we’re not privy to the inner workings at Drop, we’re concerned users are being left little in the way of options for redeeming rightfully earned points. Our experience isn’t isolated, with hundreds of Reddit users reporting similar experiences.

How Drop Works

Understanding how Drop works is essential to making the most of its features and maximizing your rewards. Here are the app’s key features and tips for maximizing your earnings.

Signing Up for Drop

To begin using Drop, download the app from the App Store or Google Play.

Follow the prompts to create an account by providing your email and setting up a password. After verifying your email, you can complete your profile, which helps tailor the app’s features to your preferences.

Completing all the steps can unlock up to 8,800 points — equivalent to an $8.80 Welcome Bonus.

Select five merchants to earn ongoing points

Drop will ask you to choose the retailers you use most. My list included Safeway, Urban Outfitters, Lyft, Walgreens, and Whole Foods.

Once you log in for the first time, you’ll be able to see the wider list of Drop retailers which includes:

This initial setup is straightforward and prepares you to start earning rewards on your everyday purchases.

Linking Your Cards

Once your account is set up, the next step is to securely link your debit and credit cards to the Drop app. This process is crucial as it allows Drop to track your purchases and award you points automatically.

To link your cards, navigate to the card linking section in the app and follow the instructions to enter your card details. With your cards linked, you can start earning points on eligible purchases without any extra effort.

Earning Points

With your cards linked, you can start earning points on your everyday purchases. Drop automatically tracks your spending at partnered retailers and awards you points for every eligible transaction. These points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for various rewards.

Drop offers personalized deals based on your spending habits, allowing you to earn bonus points for shopping at specific stores or purchasing certain items.

In addition to earning points through purchases, Drop offers a few other ways to boost your earnings: Games, Surveys, and Refer Friends.

Related: 17 Legit Ways You Can Get Paid to Shop

Games

Currently, the only available game on Drop is called “Pets.” In this game, users are awarded a virtual pet to care for. The experience begins with watching your pet hatch from an egg.

To keep your pet happy, you need to interact with it daily, which includes tasks like feeding and playing with it. Consistent care rewards you with gifts from your pet, such as points and other surprise perks.

Surveys

Drop also offers paid surveys as a method for users to earn additional points. These surveys are provided both by Drop and through partnerships with market research companies like Tap Research. They cover a wide range of topics, allowing users to share their opinions and insights on new or established products or services.

By participating, users can accumulate points for each completed survey. Occasionally, you’ll encounter Boosted Surveys, which offer double the usual points, making them ever-so-slightly more worth your time. Engaging in these surveys regularly can modestly boost your point balance, helping you reach your redemption goals more quickly.

Refer Friends

Drop’s “Refer a Friend” feature allows users to earn additional points by inviting friends to join the app. Each user receives a unique referral link to share.

When a friend signs up using this link and makes their first purchase on Drop, both the referrer and the friend receive a 5,000-point bonus ($5).

Redeeming Points

Once you’ve accumulated enough points, redeeming them on Drop is straightforward. Points can be exchanged for gift cards from a variety of popular retailers, including Amazon, Starbucks, and many others. To redeem, simply navigate to the Rewards section in the app, browse the available gift card options, and select the one you want. Confirm the redemption, and you’ll receive the gift card electronically, ready for immediate use.

Gift cards are available in two tiers: those starting at $5 (Amazon and Starbucks only) and those starting at $25, which include options like Uber, Apple, Dunkin, Ulta, StubHub, Airbnb, Target, Best Buy, Walmart, and more.

Related: 20 Best Money Making Apps for Earning On the Go

Pros & Cons

While Drop offers several opportunities to earn free money, it is not without several limitations. Here’s a look at the upsides and downsides of using the Drop app:

Pros

Ease of Use. Automatically earn points through linked cards.
Variety of Rewards. Wide range of gift card options starting at $5.
Earning Opportunities. Collect points through games, surveys, and referrals.
Amazon Cash Back. One of few platforms offering cash back at Amazon.

Cons

Hard to Redeem Points: Major concern over point redemption issues.
Feature Restrictions: Some features may be locked or have limited access.
Limited Survey Availability: Fewer surveys compared to other sites.
Gift Card Tiers: Higher minimum point thresholds for many gift card options.

Alternatives to Drop

Given our concerns about Drop, you might be better off using a different cashback app. Here’s a comparison of some popular alternatives that offer reliable rewards and a smoother user experience:

Verdict

While Drop offers an appealing array of features and opportunities to earn rewards, our experience and the feedback from other users indicate significant concerns that outweigh the benefits. The manual weekly opt-in requirement, difficulty in redeeming points, and prolonged waiting periods for gift card delivery are substantial drawbacks.

From personal experience, these issues have transformed what was once a user-friendly app into a source of frustration and disappointment. Despite its automatic cash back feature, the current state of Drop falls short of expectations, making it less reliable compared to other cash back apps.

We recommend exploring alternative options like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Capital One Shopping, which provide a more consistent and rewarding experience for users looking to earn cash back on their everyday purchases.

Related:

• 18 Best Passive Income Apps to Earn Extra Money
• How This Frugal Mom Earned $830 With Cash Back Apps
• 12 Best Shopping Apps to Score Epic Savings

FAQs

Rating Methodology

To ensure consistency and objectivity in our cashback app reviews at DollarSprout, we use a standardized evaluation framework. Here is the detailed methodology for evaluating the Drop app, which can be applied across all cashback app reviews:

The post Drop Review 2024: Why Better Cash Back Apps Exist appeared first on DollarSprout.