The Best Ways to Make Money Online Using Only Your Phone

Gig Economy Jobs

Looking for simple and realistic ways to make money online with just your phone? Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or anyone hoping to earn extra cash from home, youre in the right place. This guide will walk you through the best beginner-friendly methods, what to expect, and how to get started—no tech skills or big investments required.

Table of Contents

1. Paid Online Surveys

How It Works

Paid survey apps let you share your opinions on products, services, or brands in exchange for cash or gift cards. Companies value feedback and are willing to pay for it. All you need is your phone and a few spare minutes.

Earning Expectations

Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $3 each. Completing several surveys a week can add up to $20“$50 per month. Some high-paying surveys or focus groups may pay more, but theyre less common.

Time Commitment

Surveys usually take 5“20 minutes. You can do them while watching TV, commuting, or during breaks.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with internet access
  • Email address
  • No upfront costs
  • Must be at least 13“18 years old, depending on the app

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: No experience needed, flexible, instant sign-up, low effort
  • Cons: Low earning potential, some surveys may disqualify you, occasional payout delays

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up for multiple trusted survey apps (like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars) to access more surveys.
  • Complete your profile honestly for better survey matches.
  • Be wary of sites that ask for sensitive info or upfront fees—these are red flags for scams.

Real-World Example

Maria, a stay-at-home mom, spends 15 minutes each morning on survey apps. She earns about $30 a month in Amazon gift cards, which she uses for groceries and gifts.

2. Microtask and Gig Apps

How It Works

Microtask apps pay you to complete small online tasks, such as data entry, photo tagging, or categorizing products. Gig apps like TaskRabbit or Gigwalk pay for quick, local jobs—sometimes even mystery shopping or taking photos of store displays.

Earning Expectations

Most microtasks pay $0.05“$1 each, but some can pay more. Gig jobs may pay $5“$20 per task, depending on complexity and location.

Time Commitment

Tasks can take anywhere from 1 minute to 30 minutes. You can pick up as many as you want, whenever you have time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with a camera and internet
  • Some apps require basic English skills or passing a short test
  • No upfront costs for most microtask apps

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Flexible, quick payouts, wide variety of tasks
  • Cons: Pay per task is low, some apps have limited tasks in certain areas, competition can be high

Beginner Tips

  • Start with reputable apps like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, or Field Agent.
  • Check the apps ratings and reviews before signing up.
  • Set realistic expectations—these are best for earning small amounts in your spare time.

Real-World Example

Jake, a college student, uses Clickworker during his commute. In a month, he makes about $40, which helps cover his phone bill.

3. Cashback and Receipt Scanning Apps

How It Works

Cashback apps reward you for shopping at partner stores or uploading receipts from your everyday purchases. Some apps automatically track your purchases, while others require you to scan receipts.

Earning Expectations

Typical earnings range from a few cents to several dollars per receipt, depending on promotions. Most users earn $5“$20/month, but heavy shoppers can earn more.

Time Commitment

Scanning a receipt or activating an offer takes less than a minute.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with a camera
  • No upfront costs
  • Must shop at participating stores

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Easy, passive, works with regular shopping, no special skills needed
  • Cons: Limited to certain stores or products, small earnings per receipt, payout minimums

Beginner Tips

  • Try apps like Ibotta, Fetch Rewards, or Rakuten for the best offers.
  • Combine multiple apps for more savings.
  • Always check for new offers before shopping.

Real-World Example

Tina, a busy parent, scans her grocery receipts with Fetch Rewards. Over six months, shes earned $60 in gift cards—just for buying what she already needs.

4. Selling Items or Handmade Goods

How It Works

Use your phone to snap photos and list items you no longer need on apps like Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or eBay. If youre crafty, you can sell handmade goods on Etsy or similar platforms.

Earning Expectations

Earnings vary widely—$5 for a used book, $50 for a gadget, or much more for collectibles and crafts. Some sellers make hundreds per month, but this depends on what you sell and demand.

Time Commitment

Listing an item takes 5“10 minutes. Packing and shipping sold items adds a bit more time.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with a camera
  • Items to sell (no cost if youre decluttering)
  • Shipping supplies (for some platforms)

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Potential for higher earnings, declutters your home, flexible
  • Cons: Takes effort to list and ship, earnings not guaranteed, possible platform fees

Beginner Tips

  • Take clear, well-lit photos and write honest descriptions.
  • Start with items you no longer need—books, clothes, gadgets.
  • Be cautious of scams—meet in safe locations for local sales and use secure payment methods.

Real-World Example

Sam sold unused electronics and clothes on Mercari, earning $200 in his first month. He reinvested some of that into supplies for his small candle-making side hustle.

5. App and Website Testing

How It Works

Companies pay real users to test websites or apps and provide feedback about the experience. Youll be asked to complete tasks, record your screen, and share your thoughts—all from your phone.

Earning Expectations

Most tests pay $5“$15 each and take 10“20 minutes. Opportunities are limited, so this is best for occasional extra cash.

Time Commitment

Each test usually takes under 30 minutes, including setup and feedback.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone with screen recording capability
  • Clear spoken English (for most platforms)
  • No upfront costs

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Higher pay per task, fun and interesting work, helps improve real products
  • Cons: Limited availability, may require quiet space, not a steady income

Beginner Tips

  • Sign up with UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics.
  • Follow instructions carefully and speak clearly during tests.
  • Check your email regularly for new test invites.

Real-World Example

Alex, a part-time worker, completes two website tests a week on UserTesting. He earns about $40 a month—enough to cover streaming subscriptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it really possible to make money online using only my phone?
    Yes! While you wont get rich, you can earn extra cash or gift cards using your phone for surveys, microtasks, selling, and more.
  • Are these methods safe and legit?
    Most popular apps are legitimate, but always research before signing up. Avoid any site that asks for upfront payments or sensitive personal info.
  • How do I get paid?
    Payment options vary: PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards, or direct deposit. Always check the payout methods before joining.
  • How much time do I need to invest?
    Most methods are flexible—spend as little or as much time as you like. Even a few minutes a day can add up over time.
  • Can I do this if Im outside the U.S.?
    Many apps are international, but some are U.S.-only. Always check eligibility before signing up.

Summary & Next Steps

Making money online using only your phone is realistic for anyone willing to put in a little time and effort. Start with surveys, microtasks, cashback apps, selling, or testing—choose what fits your lifestyle and goals. Remember, small earnings add up, and every extra dollar counts!

Ready to discover more ways to earn? Explore the latest opportunities and honest reviews here on Survey Soda. Your next side hustle could be just a tap away!