Earn $500 a Month with These 7 Apps You Already Have on Your Phone

We all want to make a little extra cash, but finding the time or energy for a traditional side hustle can feel overwhelming. What if I told you that you could start earning money right now, using apps you probably already have on your phone? No complicated setups, no special skills, just your smartphone and a bit of spare time.

In this post, I’ll tell you about seven apps that can help you earn up to $500 a month (or more!) without breaking a sweat. Whether you’re looking to cover your coffee habit, pay off debt, or save for a vacation, these apps can help you get there. Let’s start it!

1. Rakuten (Cash Back on Everyday Purchases)

You’re probably already shopping online, so why not get paid for it? Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at your favorite stores. Whether you’re buying groceries, clothes, or electronics, Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers to give you a percentage of your purchase back.

Here’s how it works:

1. Download the app or use the browser extension.
2. Before making a purchase, check if the store is on Rakuten.
3. Shop as usual, and watch the cashback add up.

Pro tip: Combine Rakuten with store sales and coupons to maximize your savings. Some users earn $100+ a month just by shopping smarter.

2. Swagbucks (Earn Money for Simple Tasks)

Swagbucks is one of the most popular reward platforms out there, and for good reason. You can earn points (called SB) for doing things you’re already doing, like watching videos, taking surveys, or even searching the web.

Here’s how to make the most of Swagbucks:

1. Complete daily surveys for quick points.
2. Complete tasks such as installing apps, scanning receipts, and many more.
3. Once you’ve earned enough points, you can redeem them for gift cards or cash via PayPal. Until this article was published, I have earned $150. You can join and claim your points here.

3. Ibotta (Cashback on Groceries)

If you’re buying groceries, you’re leaving money on the table without Ibotta. This app gives you cashback on everyday purchases like milk, bread, and even wine.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Before heading to the store, browse Ibotta for offers.
2. Add the offers you want to use to your account.
3. After shopping, upload your receipt to claim your cashback.

Ibotta also offers bonuses for redeeming multiple offers in a week, so the more you use it, the more you earn. It’s not uncommon to earn 20–30 a month just by buying what you already need.

4. Acorns (Invest Your Spare Change)

Acorns is a micro-investing app that helps you grow your money effortlessly. It rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. Over time, those small amounts can add up significantly.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Link your debit or credit card to the app.
2. Every time you make a purchase, Acorns rounds up and invests the spare change.
3. You can also set up recurring investments to grow your savings faster.

While Acorns won’t make you rich overnight, it’s a great way to build wealth passively. Other than that, you can earn $5 just for signing up with a referral link.

5. DoorDash or Uber Eats (Deliver Food for Extra Cash)

If you have a car and some free time, food delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats can be a lucrative side hustle. You set your own hours, work as much or as little as you want, and get paid weekly.

Here’s how to maximize your earnings:

1. Work during peak hours (lunch and dinner) to take advantage of higher demand and tips.
2. Deliver in busy areas to minimize downtime between orders.
3. Track your mileage for tax deductions.

Many drivers earn 15–25 an hour, and working just 10 hours a week could easily add 200–300 to your monthly income.

6. Survey Junkie (Get Paid for Your Opinion)

If you enjoy sharing your thoughts, Survey Junkie is a great way to make money in your spare time. The app pays you to complete surveys on topics like consumer products, lifestyle, and more.

Here’s how it works:

1. Sign up and complete your profile to qualify for more surveys.
2. Spend a few minutes answering questions and earn points.
3. Redeem your points for cash or gift cards.

While each survey pays a small amount, they add up quickly. Dedicated users can earn 50–100 a month just by completing surveys during their downtime.

7. Google Opinion Rewards (Earn Google Play Credit)

If you’re an Android user, Google Opinion Rewards is a no-brainer. The app sends you short surveys (usually 1–2 questions) and rewards you with Google Play credit for answering them.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Download the app and answer the profile questions.
2. Check your notifications regularly for new surveys.
3. Use your credits to buy apps, games, or even rent movies.

While the earnings are in Google Play credit, you can use them to offset expenses like streaming subscriptions or app purchases. Most users earn 10–20 a month with minimal effort.

Tips to Maximize Your Earnings

Now that you know about these apps, here are a few tips to help you reach that $500-a-month goal:

1. Be Consistent: Set aside a little time each day to complete tasks or surveys.
2. Stack Apps: Combine cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta to earn more on every purchase.
3. Refer Friends: Many apps offer referral bonuses, so invite your friends to join and earn extra cash.
4. Track Your Earnings: Keep a log of how much you’re earning from each app to stay motivated.

Making $500 a month might sound too good to be true, but with the right apps and a bit of effort, it’s entirely possible. The best part? You can start today, using the phone you already have. Whether you’re earning cashback on groceries, delivering food, or taking surveys, these apps make it easy to turn your spare time into extra income.

If you are on a journey looking to earn money online, you can read more app and site reviews. You can earn money by counting your daily steps, using Pinterest to earn cash, and even selling your feet pics.