Just like everyone else, I could use a little extra cash. Sometimes, my earnings from these apps haven’t been “extra.” I’m sure you all would like some extra cash too, so I’m sharing my favorite rewards apps and earning routines. These rewards schemes have helped me pay my bills during tough times.
My engagement with these apps and sites started in 2004 when I first started teaching high school. We all know that teachers, especially, can use a little extra cash. Since then, I’ve come a long way financially, but I want to share some of the ways I have successfully supplemented my income even while working full-time. Not all of these are referral links. While I hope you will help me out, my main goal is to help you earn some money!
Over the years, my earning routines have changed depending on my workload and the ebb and flow of rewards apps. Since the pandemic, earning opportunities have changed quite a bit to reflect the economy. Despite having fewer opportunities for passive earning on rewards apps, I still have a few routines that allow me to earn supplementary income, while working full-time, that take very little effort (no more than 20 minutes a day).
Table of Contents
Favorite Rewards Apps and Earning Routines
- Daily
- While making breakfast play Shopkick ads
- While eating breakfast look through rebate sites for freebies
- When working from home, set up work station and play TrueX ads on Swagbucks
- During breaks, click on one-point offers on Upromise, InboxDollars, Swagbucks, or MyPoints
- During lunch, play ads on Dabbl
- Around lunchtime, take the Qmee Pop quiz (and post on social media)
- During dinner or before bed click on MyPoints Bonus Mail
- While winding down for bed complete the daily lists on Upromise, InboxDollars, Swagbucks, and MyPoints
- Weekly
- Every Sunday morning, during breakfast, scan receipts
- When a spare 5 minutes comes up, take a survey on a survey app
Keep reading for other tips and tricks for rewards apps. For the most up-to-date list of sites and apps, click here. You can also follow my Facebook page or follow me on Instagram for tips and tricks.
Doc also started a Telegram channel because Facebook won’t share her posts for free. For the best tips and deals join her channel.
To earn cash or gift cards by taking surveys click here.
To earn money watching videos, taking surveys, or shopping online click here.
To earn cash back for shopping online click here.
To earn money just by scanning your receipts click here.
For mystery shopping gigs click here.
For legal and free Amazon rebates click here.
For other fun stuff click here.
For honorable mentions click here (sites that have come highly recommended, but I have not used).
I also recommend joining Facebook groups where you can learn more about these sites/apps and other money-earning apps.
Surveys!
I was hesitant to try this survey app at first, but I am glad I did. The feature that sets Qmee apart from other survey apps is the ability to cash out within hours after earning your money. There is no minimum payout amount, and you can send your earnings directly to PayPal. Like other survey apps, I stick to short surveys with a higher payout. I try to earn at least $1 per 10 minutes of time.
There’s also a daily pop quiz worth 3 pennies that takes seconds to complete. Like my Facebook page or follow me on Instagram @docsdealz for the answer!
If this sounds like something you want to try, check out my referral link and we will both get 50 cents! http://qm.ee/HHZGO6XDBUNLA
Paid Viewpoint
Paid Viewpoint was a site that I tried many years ago, but I had little success. In recent times, I’ve had many more short survey offers that are worth my time. Most of the time, these surveys take less than 5 minutes and pay at least $0.10 for an attempt. The only survey I’ve had take longer than 3 – 4 minutes paid me $5.
Check out Paid Viewpoint here.
AttaPoll is a lot like Qmee. I earn a few bucks on this app by using the same strategies that I do for Qmee. I thought I was done adding survey apps until I gave AttaPoll a try. Because I try to maintain my hourly rate, I have found that I need to use a few survey apps so that I get more higher-paying offers. I recommend AttaPoll as a supplement to Qmee. Check it out here: http://join.attapoll.com/iwgsj
Surveys on the Go
This is another app that I’ve had for years. It takes a while to earn enough money to cash out, $10, because there aren’t many opportunities. The app contains mostly surveys, but when they do have a survey, it pays about $2 for 5 – 10 minutes of your time. Recently, there have been more surveys. I have also done a couple store audits and product trials through this app. I made $34 in about 10 minutes doing one store audit. I’m keeping this app around.
Here’s a referral link: www.mysotg.com
I found out about this app about a year ago. It’s relatively easy to earn money, but not widely available in the US. Recently, their PayPal payout option is glitchy. I still recommend the app as a supplemental source of income.
You might want to check it out. Here’s my referral link: https://y2pge.app.goo.gl/premise
Variety Sites
MyPoints – The Original Ebates and Rakuten, But Better
I joined MyPoints on 8/27/2004. Yes, that’s 18 years ago! I love MyPoints because there are several ways that you can earn money such as click-to-shop (like Rakuten), surveys, printing coupons, and more. Sadly, Prodege canceled their Watch activities, hence this update, so here’s some updated tips.
Tips for making MyPoints worth your time:
- Check your e-mail! Click on MyPoints Bonus Mail for 5 points per click.
- Find one-click offers in the Offers page.
- Focus on surveys that are 15 minutes or less and at least 100 points.
- You earn points for non-qualifying surveys too.
- Use MyPoints click-to-shop to buy things that you normally buy online.
- They will have specials. I waited to sign up for Hulu until they were offering 5,000 points.
- Take advantage of the Daily 5, Point Perks, and Monthly Bonuses. Those are smaller point offerings, but they add up and take only a few seconds of your time.
If MyPoints sounds like something that you would like to try, as promised, here’s my referral link: https://www.mypoints.com?rb=22267783
Swagbucks – the MyPoints Knock Off
Swagbucks came along a few years after MyPoints. It takes a bit longer to earn points, but it’s almost exactly the same as MyPoints. There are a couple features that set it apart. Anyhow, Swagbucks acquired MyPoints in 2016, so they’re basically the same things.
Tips – in Addition to MyPoints
- Swagbucks will give you points for scanning grocery receipts. It’s only a couple points, but like I said, small points add up and take very little effort. This is also true on MyPoints and Inbox Dollars now.
- I try to take the daily poll every day. Those points add up slowly but surely too.
Here’s my referral link: https://www.swagbucks.com/refer/jenibond007
Also, if you add their SwagButton to get extra points and coupon codes while shopping online, we’ll both get extra points.
InboxDollars — Which came first — Swagbucks or InboxDollars?
I tried this site years ago, and I found that it was not worth my time. With some encouragement from other users, I decided to try it again. They have made some improvements for sure. My strategies for Inbox Dollars are similar to those for MyPoints and Swagbucks.
A few notes:
- Now that Watch is gone, I mostly earn through one-click offers, clicking on e-mails, and printing coupons.
- The minimum cash-out requirement is $10.
If you have the time, this site is worth adding to supplement your MyPoints and Swagbucks earnings. https://www.inboxdollars.com/r/1350252686/76
Upromise– for College Students & Everyone
My account transactions on Upromise only go back to 2010, but I’m pretty sure I joined before then.
Upromise was originally a cashback site, as you may have seen in some of my first blog posts. Since this blog post was originally written, Upromise was purchased by Prodege, and it now has many features that are offered on Swagbucks, MyPoints, and InboxDollars. See this post for more info.
Dabbl is a fun and easy way to earn a few extra dollars. This app rewards surveys and watching ads.
Tips
- I “watch” ads while I’m making breakfast, getting dressed, or other mindless activities. The points add up quickly and effortlessly.
- The surveys are kind of fun, and they reward points for every attempt.
If this sounds like something for you, here’s the referral link: https://share.getdabbl.com/link/ycNWp
There really is not anything “instant” about earning on this site, but there are several options for earning points such as playing videos or taking surveys. I use this site as a back up for playing videos when the other sites run out of ads to play.
Cash Back Shopping Sites or Apps
Top Cash Back I only learned about this site recently, and it was right on time for Black Friday 2020. I earned a nice cashback bonus, and so far this has had the highest cashback offers for online shopping. Enjoy the savings!
Rakuten I have been a member of Rakuten since they were Ebates, but I was never impressed with their offers. I usually had better offers from other sites or through my credit cards. However, recently, they have been more competitive. They are worth checking out. Any cash back is better than no cashback.
I started using Shopkick years ago. I earn easy points (see tips). It does take a while, but it’s too easy not to share.
Tips
- I play ads while making breakfast and other mindless activities. They usually have 3 to 10 points a day available. Those points slowly but surely add up.
- I get walk-in points for going to stores where I frequently shop.
- Sometimes, the app will give you points just for walking past a store in a mall. I’ve even gotten points for driving by a store.
- Occasionally, I’ll find items to scan. I don’t go out of my way to do this, and sometimes the store doesn’t carry the product.
- If you buy the products, you can earn more points. They hardly ever have anything that I actually buy.
- I have credit cards linked, but I hardly ever earn points this way.
- I don’t regularly shop at the retailers where you can earn points for linked cards.
If you like to shop or earn easy points, here’s the link: https://getsk.co/joy494584 referral code: JOY494584
Pogo is one of the easiest apps, I’ve used to earn cashback. I just had to link my credit cards, and I earn points for almost all of my purchases. I even earn points at Costco, my favorite store! Click here for my link.
This app is amazing. You can earn cash back on gas purchases! This is what we have been waiting for, for years. Link credit cards or scan receipts, and you will save money on gas. Click here for a referral bonus.
Dosh is a great app if you eat out at local spots that advertise on Dosh. I used to live right next to one of their clients, so, in the beginning, my cash added up quickly. They also have a $20 cash out, so it can take a while. It’s super easy though. You just link your credit cards and eat at the places listed in the app. You can also earn points through click-to-shop. I keep this app around because a few dollars are better than no dollars, especially when I don’t have to work to get them.
Help me get to my $20, please! Here’s the referral link. https://link.dosh.cash/JENIFEH17
Honey is another site like Top Cashback or Rakuten. It has been around for a while. I have saved a few dollars through their coupon codes.
Be Frugal is the same as Honey, but their cashback offers are a little better.
Scan Your Receipts
Fetch Rewards
This is another app that will give you points for scanning receipts. I like this app because it accepts more than grocery receipts. I can scan my Home Deport receipts, and we shop there a lot! It takes time for points to add up if you don’t buy their promotional products. I usually don’t buy the promos, but I am already scanning receipts into Ibotta and Swagbucks, so I do it all at once—effortless points!
Tips
- Scan receipts as soon as you get home so that you don’t forget.
- Use multiple receipt scanning apps, so it’s worth your time.
- Fetch recently added e-receipts so you can get rewarded for the money you spend online too!
Here’s my referral link: https://fetchrewards.onelink.me/vvv3/referralsocial?code=R7VFQ
Coin Out is my second favorite receipt-scanning app. Most receipts are accepted, and I can link my Amazon account o earn cash back on those orders.
Receipt Pal — Nice Addition to Fetch
Receipt Pal works a lot like Fetch rewards. Like, I said, I might as well earn as many points as possible from each receipt. Receipt Pal also tracks e-receipts.
Check it out: https://app.adjust.com/oqlq9t9?label=92T45323
Ibotta is another receipt-scanning app. This app takes me forever to earn enough money to cash out. I started using it years ago, and I stopped because it took too long to cash out until they added alcohol. You can’t cash out until you have $20. I just don’t buy their promotional offers very often. I’m a bargain shopper, so the products I buy cost less than the offers on Ibotta, even with the cashback. However, I keep the app because I usually get $0.10 a receipt, and I’m scanning receipts anyway. Plus, I will, occasionally, buy one of their offers. You can also earn points through click-to-shop offers, but you know who I’m going to for those points. Hey, $20 is $20 even if it takes a while to earn it.
Help me get to my $20, please!!! Here’s the referral link. https://ibotta.com/r/jptcuva
Mystery Shopping
I just started using this app. It is mostly store audits, but they can be easy money. I made $8 doing one store audit, and it only took about 5 minutes. Just be choosy, and don’t go out of your way. A friend of mine has made close to $30 an hour using this app.
No referral program for this one either, but here’s the info: http://www.easyshiftapp.com/
I started using this app years ago, and I’ve only completed a couple gigs. Mostly due to availability, and again, the store audits/mystery shopping aren’t my go-to for extra cash. I just don’t have the time, but if you do have the time check it out.
Here’s the link. http://www.gigwalk.com/gigwalkers/
Field Agent
I haven’t actually done any jobs with this app. A close friend has used this app though, and she said it was very easy. I have seen it recommended on multiple sites and forums. It definitely seems worth it to keep around.
Here’s my referral link: https://fieldagent.page.link/nqNW
This is another store audit app. It looks fun, but it’s another one that I haven’t had time to use. There’s a shop coming up near my house soon though. I intend to try it out. You should too. I think they even have a sign-on bonus.
Here’s my referral link: http://www.getmobee.com/app/
Amazon Rebate Sites
With a quick Google search, you can find many of these sites, here are my favorites that I know are legit. The only catch is that you have to purchase the items and may need to wait about 35 days for a rebate.
Amazon deal sites — search for “deals” or “glitches” on Facebook and you will find a variety of deal groups that share promo codes for Amazon products. Occasionally, they will share glitches and deals for other retailers too. I have even gotten free products through these groups! For more info on how I used these groups, click here.
Vipon — this is an app that provides coupon codes for Amazon products. You can easily search for anything you need. I rarely pay full price for anything on Amazon anymore.
Other Fun Ways to Earn Some Cash
Evidation– Get Paid to Exercise—Finally!
If you use a fitness tracker or fitness app, you can probably link it to Evidation. Then you earn points just for exercising. It’s super easy too. Once you link the app, you basically don’t have to do anything. Just exercise, track your sleep, and diet, and get paid. This does take a while because I’m not diligent in logging all of my fitness activities. I have friends who earn points quickly though. Check it out.
Referral link: http://tinyurl.com/y883mxux
Similar to Evidation, Miles tracks everywhere that you drive and walk. You basically earn points for moving. If you are in constant motion, you definitely need this app. It doesn’t burn battery power as you would think either. Click here!
Microsoft Rewards
I have been using MS Rewards for a while. If you already have a Microsoft account through Outlook or Hotmail, why not try their rewards program? It’s free and a little fun actually. It does take some time to earn money in the sense that you can only earn a limited amount per day. However, I find it fun to take a couple silly quizzes at the end of my day while I’m watching TV and winding down. You’re taking silly quizzes on Facebook anyway, so use that time to do the same thing and earn money. They don’t presently have a referral program, but I’ll share anyway.
Link: https://account.microsoft.com/rewards/
Clickworker is an easy way to earn money. You complete little tasks that take 5 minutes or less and you get paid a little money. IT is a small amount, so I’m very selective about these tasks.
Here’s my referral link: https://clickworker.page.link/zKMS
If you like completing simple tasks online (e.g., Google searches for companies), this site is a great way to earn some extra cash. I earn a few dollars a week for about a minute per task. Click here!
Amazon Turk
Amazon Turk has been around for a while. I signed up about five years ago, but I haven’t earned much from it. I find that it’s usually too time-consuming and doesn’t pay enough. It’s worth checking out though. I save this one for the holidays when I actually have more than 20 minutes to spare.
There’s no referral program, but it’s worth a share. https://www.mturk.com/
I think I found out about Paribus on Swagbucks. Yes, I earned points for signing up. Anyhow, at first, I was wary because Paribus goes through your e-mail inbox looking for purchases. I haven’t made much money from this, but I have gotten money back from Amazon for delivering packages late. Paribus might not pay much, but it’s free and effortless. I’ll take it! If Paribus finds a better price on a purchase, they will negotiate the difference in purchase prices for you. Paribus has now partnered with CapitalOne, which is my bank, so I feel much better about the security practices.
They don’t have a referral program, but here’s the link: https://paribus.co/
Arcadia Power — No, It’s Not a Scam & It’s FREE
- I signed up for their automatic bill pay, so I can earn cashback by using a credit card to pay my electric bill without paying any fees.
- Arcadia often has sign-up bonuses, like gift cards and Google Home Minis.
Save money on your utilities and support clean energy by clicking on my link: www.arcadia.com/referral/?promo=jenifer6207
Free Stocks with Robinhood
This is not my favorite investment company, but you can get a free stock for signing up, and I’ll get a free stock when you sign up. So go ahead and sign up while stocks are low. This is the perfect time to invest in the stock market.
Here’s my referral link: https://join.robinhood.com/jenifeh51
For other FREE stocks, check out WeBull and Public.
Free Samples with PINCHme
I get free samples every few months with Pinch Me. It’s easy enough, and it’s fun getting something other than bills and junk mail in the mail.
Honorable Mentions
Here are some other mystery shopping/store audit apps that I haven’t had a chance to use.
iSecretShop – link: https://isecretshop.com/register
iVueit –link: https://ivueit.com/
Observa—link: https://www.observanow.com/observers/
Other sites that have been referred to me, but I have found underwhelming or not had time to tap into their true earning potential.
Curious Cat is a survey app. I found this app to be underwhelming (very low payout). It might be better for younger people.
Survey Junkie is a survey app. I have never tried this one, but I have seen several people recommend it.
Prize Rebel Here’s another survey app that I found underwhelming, but the guy who shared it was earning a lot of money.
Fiverr is a reputable gig-work/freelancer site. I have never actually had time to use this site.
Influenster Become an influencer! I am signed up on here, but I haven’t really used it. Seems cool though.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I earn about $100 a month using these websites and apps. I work full-time, and I do not have much free time, so I do not keep a hard record of my side earnings. If I had a few hours a day to dedicate to taking surveys, playing ads, and getting referrals, I would probably make a few hundred dollars a month. I update my Facebook page with offers and deals more regularly. To stay current, like my Facebook page.
If you’re curious about why I wrote these blogs in the first place, for my original post, click here. And my second post is here.
Also, see the original post for other smart and easy ways to make a little extra money.
3 responses to “Doc’s Favorite Rewards Apps and Earning Routines”
[…] through quick and easy active routines. For my favorite rewards apps and earning routines, click here. This post, here, also shares some of my new strategies for earning with little effort. Read below […]
[…] I already mentioned MyPoints and Swagbucks above. Those were some of the original cashback sites. Click-through offers are not my primary ways of earning on those sites. Thus, they didn’t make my favorite cashback earning list. They are worth mentioning though. You can also complete cashback offers on the other top Prodeges sites, InboxDollars and Upromise (also linked credit cards for dining). I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention other apps that offer click-through shopping on your mobile phone such as Miles App, Bitmo, and Klarna. Qmee, mostly a survey app, also offers click-through cashback offers. Follow me on social media for the answer to the daily Qmee Pop Quiz. For more information on how I earn with these variety rewards sites and for all of my favorite rewards apps, read here. […]
[…] apps that I don’t use often or have been recommended by others. You can read about them in this previous post. For the most up-to-date list of Doc’s rewards apps, click here. You can also follow me on […]