Do you have an old phone that’s just sitting in a drawer somewhere?
Do you wish your current phone could earn you some money?
Here’s a list of 5 great smartphone apps that can do just that. The best part is, you barely have to do anything once they’re installed (just keep an eye on your battery!).
These are all passive income apps I’ve talked about before on the site. If you want to browse other ways to make money online, check out the Resources page.
5. Panel App
Platforms: Android and iOS
Who can use it?: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia (but you might be able to get away with using it elsewhere).
You get points to share location data (anonymously, of course) from your phone. It happens passively, so you don’t even need to open the app.
You can gain a few extra points by completing surveys, or referring friends. You can redeem your points for Amazon gift cards or MasterCard balance, at a rate of 2460 = £1, or purchase entries into sweepstakes for larger rewards in the same two options.
Earning potential: £1 every 1-2 months, or much more if you’re lucky with sweepstakes. In fact, I recently won a £100 Amazon gift card through sweepstakes purchases.
My Rating: 2/5 . I’d give this a lot more if it had more withdrawal options, namely PayPal. The earnings are also a little slower than alternatives, especially since they recently doubled the cost of the guaranteed rewards.
You can sign up here if you’re interested.
4. Cash Magnet
Platforms: Android
Who can use it?: Everyone
Earn money while your phone is idle – just remember to hit the ‘Start Earning’ button. Cash Magnet will automatically read articles, click ads, and load apps. Work through the level system to maximize your earnings with this app. You can also have multiple phones on the same account to increase your earning potential!
Eventually you’ll be able to cash out at a rate of 1,000 points to $1 on Amazon, or 5,50o to $5 on PayPal (extra because PayPal charge a fee).
Earning potential: £5 every 1-2 months, or more if you have more phones.
My Rating: 3/5. Cash Magnet is great for earning while your phone is idle, but you need to remember to activate it and can’t use your phone while it’s running.
You can sign up here if you’re interested.
3. Slidejoy
Platforms: Android
Who can use it?: Everyone
Get paid to show ads on your lock screen. You earn points for using your phone normally, but can earn extra points through free scratchcards (they recharge every 5 hours) or by completing offers through TrialPay, PeanutLabs, etc. on their Offer Wall.
Points are redeemable at a rate of 1000 = $1, and can be exchanged for PayPal cash; or gift cards including Amazon, Starbucks and Facebook.
Earning potential: $5 every 1-2 months, or more if you complete offers regularly.
My Rating: 3.5/5. The best part about Slidejoy is that you don’t need to do anything special once it’s installed, just use your phone as you normally would and you’ll earn plenty.
You can sign up here if you’re interested.
2. Embee Meter CX
Platforms: Android
Who can use it?: Only lucky people – Embee Meter CX is quite selective as to who can download it based on your phone and region. It’s worth heading to the app page anyway to see if you’re one of the lucky ones!
Embee Meter CX collects (anonymous) app usage data and pays you for it. It’s non-intrusive, and takes up none of your time, simply install it and you start earning.
Points are redeemable at a rate of 150 = £1, or 500 = £5 (recommended).
Earning potential: Varies depending on your phone and location. I’m currently using a Samsung Galaxy S6 in the UK, and I’m earning 25 ‘Meter Points’ per day, equivalent to £0.25 per day. That’s £5 every 25 days!
My Rating: 3.5/5. This would be much higher if Embee Meter CX was compatible with more devices. If you’re one of the lucky few who can download it, I highly recommend you do so.
You can get it here if you’re interested.
1. Smart Panel
Platforms: Android, iOS, Windows
Who can use it?: United States and United Kingdom
Smart Panel collects anonymous app usage data and pays you for it. Head to the site, complete the sign-up survey, and download it via the link you receive.
Earning potential: £4 per month, plus quarterly loyalty bonuses that start at £4 and increase to £8.
My Rating: 4.5/5. It’d be 5/5 were it not for the lengthy sign-up process. Smart Panel is a fantastic way to reliably boost your earnings in return for none of your time.
You can sign up here if you’re interested.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to download all of the above, I highly recommend it. Doing so will earn you an extra £10-£20 a month for practically nothing.
Why not take it to the next level; start a collection of old phones and do the same for all of those? Build a ‘phone farm’ that earns passive income!
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