Smartphones are capable of doing virtually everything today. But many people are unaware that these little devices can also help them make money. That’s right! There is a slew of apps out there that pay you to complete simple tasks, pick up a side gig, or sell unwanted stuff to add cash to your pocket. However, not all apps are genuine, and some can waste your time, efforts, and compromise security.

Here is a list of the best and most reliable money-making apps available in 2022 that can help you earn money on the side.

Swagbucks

Founded in 2008, Swagbucks is a highly-rated, popular money-making app. The app pays users to do things most people already do on smartphones, like online shopping, finding great deals, watching entertaining videos, searching the web, playing games, and answering surveys. The payment is made in the form of gift cards to several top retailers or cash back from PayPal. Starting with Swagbucks is pretty easy, and new users may be able to earn a $10 joining bonus.

Rakuten

Rakuten, previously known as Ebates, is known for offering cashback rewards to online shoppers. You can earn on everything from clothes and electronics to restaurants and ride-sharing, provided you use the Rakuten app or the website for the purchase. To date, the company has paid over $2 billion in cash back to its massive community of more than 15 million members. You can join Rakuten for free and can even score a $10 Welcome Bonus if you spend at least $25.

Ibotta

Ibotta is another excellent cashback app that can help save big on nearly all your purchases. The app rewards you with cash back at hundreds of top national retailers every time you shop online, in-store, or from your phone. All you have to do is take a photo of your receipt and upload it to the app. Ibotta allows you to withdraw your earnings directly to your bank, PayPal, or gift cards. Also, note that new users may be able to get 100% cashback on their first purchase.

OfferUp

OfferUp is considered the best money-making app for selling old goods. Begun nearly a decade ago, OfferUp is changing the way people buy and sell items by making the entire process as easy as taking a picture on the smartphone and uploading it on the marketplace with a short description and ask price. The app is easy to use, has a streamlined listing process, and gives sellers the option to sell locally or nationwide.

Survey Junkie

If taking surveys in exchange for points that can be instantly redeemed for gift cards or payment via PayPal sounds appealing to you, check out Survey Junkie right now. The sign-up process is simple and requires you to create a profile by answering a few questions so the app can offer relevant surveys. The app has surveys that take 15 minutes or less to complete based on demographic questions. Survey Junkie’s interface is easy to use and allows users to view all the available surveys on a single dashboard.

Upwork

Have a skill that others can make use of? Try Upwork! It’s one of the largest freelance marketplaces for skilled workers to connect with clients. Whether it’s computer programming, writing, designing, marketing, or customer service, you can find any type of gig on the platform and charge your rate. You just need to create your profile and include key information, such as the field you’re interested in and the skills you have, along with your qualifications and availability.

Acorns

If you’re fascinated by the idea of investing spare change to build wealth over time, download Acorns today. With every purchase you make, the Robo-investing app rounds up to the next dollar and automatically puts your spare change into your exchange-traded funds (ETF) portfolio designed to meet your financial goals. The app provides bank-level security, 256-bit encryption, and two-factor authentication, so you can invest for as long as without having to worry about the safety of your money.

Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin is the go-to money-making app for fitness enthusiasts. The app is free to use and pays you for walking. All you have to do is download the app and keep it running on your phone in the background at all times while you keep moving. The app rewards you in Sweatcoins, a type of cryptocurrency, which you can redeem for items such as athletic wear, audiobooks, and more.