Are you an Australian looking for the best money making apps to make extra cash? From cash back apps to micro tasking apps that will pay you to scan barcodes, there are plenty of legit mobile apps to consider!
My search for money making apps to help me make some extra cash was frustrating. This is because most cashback and money-making apps like Ibotta, Inbox Dollars, AppTrailers and Slidejoy are not available to Australians. If you are located in Australia, it can prove difficult to find money-making mobile apps that pay well.
Lucky for you, I have done the research. So, here is a list of 13 best money-making apps similar to Ibotta for Australians who want to make money on their phones when there is simply too little money and too many days left in the month.
13+ Best money-making apps for Australians
Contents
Living in Australia is a great privilege, but with it comes the high cost of living.
Without proper money management such as budgeting and saving money, you will definitely find yourself living pay check to pay check. Sometimes, you will even come up short for utility bills, rent and the unexpected medical expense.
This is especially true now for the current pandemic-induced recession. As of today, 2 million Aussies have exceeded their credit card limit, which shows how common the problem is. Being short on cash should not be the status quo, as it causes personal stress and puts strain on relationships. If you would like to be proactive in taking control of your finances, making more money is the first step.
Micro-tasking Mobile Apps for Extra Cash
First of all, what are micro tasks? This article on Medium states that micro tasks are repetitive, simple tasks that require human judgment. This series of micro tasks will then compose a larger unified project. An example of a micro task includes uploading shopping receipts, identifying usability of websites and finding road signs in pictures.
Below are some mobile apps that will pay you cash or reward you with online gift cards to do the following:
- Upload Job Vacancies
- Scan product barcodes and write reviews
- Watch ads and give comments
1) ReceiptJar: Turn Receipts Into Cash
Remember how you are always asked, would you like a receipt at the check out? Well, here is a good reason to start saying “yes” and keeping your receipts!
How It Works
With Receipt Jar, you get paid and rewarded for taking photos of receipts from your local grocery store, retailers and restaurants. Although most receipts are accepted, service receipts are not. These include when you receive a massage, a physiotherapy adjustment or gas station receipts.
Receipt Jar DOES accept online receipts, which is great for those who frequently shop online. You can forward the receipts to a specific email address within the ReceiptJar app. Receipt Jar is one of my favorite money making apps because it is designed like a gaming app. For every time you upload receipts and fill up “Shake Jars”, you will get to shake the jar and win bonus points.
How Will You Get Paid:
In order to make $5, you will need up to 1100 points. It takes about 60 receipts or more to reach this point. Since you can't really make a lot of money from this app, use it only for emergencies or saving some money when necessary.
You also have the option of redeeming your points by getting a Wish, Coles, Myer, Priceline, Caltex or Woolworths eGift card. It is definitely a great option for saving money over the holiday season!
Download the ReceiptJar app to start turning your receipts to cash
**Use my unique code YIMINGL3 to get started with ReceiptJar.
2) Shping: Turn Product Bar Codes Into Cash
Have tonnes of products lying around your house? Pick up your mobile phone right now and start scanning their bar codes!
How It Works
Shping is an amazing mobile app that pays you to scan product bar codes, take photos or videos of the products and writing honest reviews. The more steps you complete within this process, the more points you will get. The app pays you via direct bank transfer or cryptocurrency according to how many points you have.
For about 30 products I have scanned, I have racked up enough points for nearly $1. The earnings are definitely low if you look at it that way, but over time, you can definitely make up to $5 to $20 if you keep it up.
Another element to the Shping app is the price comparison it gives you. After scanning a product, you will be able to quickly see the best deals and the retailer with the best prices. Not only will you save more money during your future shops, you can also upload receipts to Shping and get points.
Download Shping now to shop smarter and get cash back.
3) Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the best mobile apps to make money from online activities you already do daily. Whether you are on the go or chilling out at home, you can conveniently earn points called SB(Swagbucks) on your phone!
Here are some activities you can do easily on the app to earn SB:
- Watch videos
- Play games
- Search the web
- Answer surveys
- Shop online at your favorite stores
- Discover great deals and discounts
You can then redeem your points on the app to your favorite stores.
Swagbucks has awarded over 100 million dollars in real rewards to over 13 millions of its members. If you are already spending lots of time online, why not grab this FREE app that pays you to do those activities?
Grab the 100% free Swagbucks app right here—yes, Australians have access to this!
4) AirTasker
Similar to TaskRabbit, AirTasker is an Australian based mobile app that connects freelancers and micro taskers with customers. From mounting someone's TV onto their wall to gardening tasks, you can literally make money helping strangers with the littlest of jobs.
Unlike meal delivery or grocery delivery apps, AirTasker covers anything from Handyman and home cleaning services to IT support. As a worker, you have the potential to earn up to an extra $100 to $500 depending on your hours.
Download the AirTasker app and start making the extra cash you need on the side.
Potential monthly earnings:$100-500
Mystery Shopping And Drop Shipping Apps
Have you ever heard about mystery shopping? As a mystery shopper, your job is to carry out shopping “missions” undercover. After conducting your shopping task, you will then write feedback or give a review about the entire shopping experience.
It is a pretty straightforward gig and perfect for those of you who love to shop. Having a great memory also helps! Staying anonymous is also part of the deal, so make sure that you keep a low profile when mystery shopping.
However, dropshipping is entirely different to mystery shopping. If you have a knack for selling things, as well as having experience in marketing and sales, then dropshipping is a great way to make extra money from home without spending LOTS of time.
5) BriskSelling
BriskSelling is a dropshipping app that connects people with products. As a BriskSeller, you make commission by introducing products to the right people.
How It Works
As a user of this app, you basically connect shoppers to products. If you are very knowledgeable about the type of products and the people who would be interested in buying them, you could earn a fair amount of commission by creating campaigns.
If you are really good at doing campaigns, or if you have expertise in sales and marketing, then this app will be a great fit for you. However, even if you are a total beginner when it comes to selling stuff, this app could potentially help you get some regular cash through selling and referral. You will get a unique referral code in your app to earn double commission for both you and the friend you referred this app to.
Commissions for products range from $0.50 to $20. You can offer a discount for items you are selling by sacrificing some of your commission amount. Campaigns can be shared through Facebook and Twitter via the app.
Learn more about how BriskSelling works right here.
Related: Can You Really Make Money Dropshipping?
Potential monthly income: From $500 upwards
6) Snooper: Mystery Shopping
Snooper is another awesome app that you can use to get some extra cash. The tasks on Snooper are typically of taking photos of some products to check their prices. Sometimes, this app also has mystery shopping jobs up for grabs.
I personally do not use Snooper a lot, as the tasks available are usually a little too far for me to get to. As I don't own a car, that is one of the cons for me when using this app.
However, if you do own a car and find yourself having a few hours of free time between jobs, then Snooper could be a fun money-making app you could use to boost your cash flow!
Potential monthly income: From $100 upwards
Survey Apps For Extra Cash
7) QuickThoughts
Ever since I became obsessed with making extra money, I have come across many blog posts that mentioned making money through online survey websites and apps. At first, I was really skeptical because I have tried these survey apps before and they usually pay you peanuts. It ended up being a HUGE waste of my time.
However, that being said, my favourite survey app that has earned me some cash is Quick Thoughts. I love apps that actually pay me cash that I could use( such as a cup of coffee- FREE COFFEE ANYONE?) This app is fairly easy to use. Once you have downloaded it, you just need to enter some of your details to set up an account.
As of this blog post, QuickThoughts pays you via iTunes gift card. They used to pay me cash via PayPal but now they reward you with a $10 iTunes gift card once you reach $10 in your balance.
Download the QuickThoughts app here to start getting paid for your opinion.
Potential monthly earnings:$40 iTunes gift card
8) Zap Surveys
Another great app that is similar to Ibotta is Zap Surveys, which is available to Australians. Once you download the app, Zap Surveys will pay you $6.25 for your very first survey.
On their website, Zap Surveys claims to have paid out $30,000,000 to its members. And with 12 different cash options including PayPal, Visa and Amazon, you will be able to convert your earnings from answering surveys to your bank account within a few clicks.
Here's what members of Zap Surveys have to say about the app:
Download the Zap Surveys app on your phone right here and start making cash giving your opinion.
Cash Back Mobile Apps
Cash back apps essentially pay you for shopping online with merchants via their app. These apps usually have partnerships or affiliation with companies and brand. As you shop with them, they get paid a commission and in turn will pay you well for spending your money through them.
Similar to Ibotta, there are plenty of cashback apps like CashRewards and ShopBack to pay you real money on your everyday purchases.
9) PokitPal
PokitPal has been around for 10 years! Its mission is to help their members live life more by offering the easiest way to earn instant cashback. When you spend money in many of Australia's entertainment venues and retail outlets using PokitPal, you will get money back instantly.
How It Works
All you have to do is link your debit or credit Visa or Mastercard within the PokitPal app. When you pay with the linked card at participating businesses and retailers, you can then start to enjoy real cashback and other rewards such as points and gift cards.
Apart from in-store rewards, you can also earn cashback when you shop online. PokitPal rewards you for shopping with brands such as EB Games, JB Hi-fi and major fashion retailers such as The North Face, Super Dry and The Iconic.
Want to start earning rewards while you shop?
Use my unique code “7DJH6TC” to get the PokitPal app right now!
10) CashRewards
This is definitely one of my favorite online shopping cashback app that has an extensive partnership with Australian retailers and brands. In my opinion, the automatic cashback from online and in-store shopping makes it one of the best cashback apps for Australians.
If you shop online regularly for groceries, beauty items, tech and even everyday items, be sure to shop through CashRewards. I myself just had a $20 cashback that I just withdrew to my Paypal account:
So, the next time you are thinking about doing a shop online or in-stores with Woolworths, eBay, Groupon, Myer and Apple, make sure to use the CashRewards app to save money!
- Learn more about how CashRewards works right here.
- Get $20 into your account and make a qualifying purchase before 11th November 2022 AEDT.
Potential monthly cash back: from $50 and up
11) ShopBack
Do you love shopping online but wish you could save some money in the process?
ShopBack is a Singaporean-headed e-commerce startup which allows shoppers to get some of their cash back when they buy online using their service. ShopBack Australia is partnered with many major retailers like Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse and Booking.com.
Is this legit?
Yes. Just like Ebates, the American cashback app that rewards you for your shopping habits via their services, ShopBack earns money through affiliate network links. In other words, ShopBack is an affiliate with the companies that they are partners with.
When you shop with companies such as Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse that ShopBack is a partner of, ShopBack pays you cash back but gets paid by the companies they are affiliate with. It is a win-win for you the consumer, ShopBack and businesses that use ShopBack as a referral source.
Sign up with ShopBack here and start getting cashback while you shop online.
Potential monthly cash back: Depends on your shopping habits, from $100
Declutter Your Stuff For Cash
12) BookScouter
Selling your unwanted books and textbooks using BookScouter is another great way to earn extra cash. You get to declutter your house AND get some extra dough for the week. Awesome, right?
The app is fairly easy to navigate. Just do a quick search around your house for books that are collecting dusts and scan the barcodes on the back of your books.
You would think that selling your books through Amazon and eBay is your best bet. However, when it comes to the best price offers, sometimes Amazon and eBay will pay you the least amount in order to make a profit from the second hand books that you are selling to them.
As with these book selling apps, it really depends on what type of books you are selling. Sometimes, certain books which you think will earn you a lot of money will not necessarily be so. It all depends on the current market, so yeah. Supply and demand.
Potential cash rewards: Depending on the books you own, from $50
Related: How To Declutter And Make Money Selling Your Stuff
Make money delivering food and groceries
13) UberEats
Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit in early 2020, UberEats was already becoming a popular side hustle for international students, backpackers and local youngsters alike. To cope with the changing demands due to COVID-19, UberEats now also offers grocery delivery for those who work from home or would prefer to stay indoors.
A relatively easy side hustle to start, as an UberEats delivery driver or “partner”, here are some things you will need to start:
- Bicycle, scooter, motorcycle or car
- A license for driving a valid motorcycle or scooter
- Mobile phone
In order to start making money with UberEats, here are some documents you will need to provide:
- Driver's license( if you choose to deliver with your car or motorcycle)
- Proof of ID
- Vehicle Insurance Certificate
- Vehicle Registration Certificate
Sign up to deliver with UberEats and become a delivery partner.
Potential monthly income: from $200 to S1000+
You might also like:
14) Deliveroo
Similar to UberEats, Deliveroo is another great mobile app for Australians to make money as delivery drivers. Using your motorcycle and your mobile phone, you can literally start making money within 24 hours.
Here are some of the things you will need to start making money with Deliveroo:
- Smartphone(iPhone iOS 11 and above or Android(6.0 or above)
- A valid ABN(Australian Business Number) and the right to work in Australia
- A scooter, motorcycle, bicycle or car(must have necessary safety equipment)
- Valid insurance policy for your motorbike, car or scooter
According to their website, as a Deliveroo driver you will get paid per delivery and get to keep 100% of your tips.
Additionally, you will also get perks such as flexible work hours and access to high-quality safety gears such as protective clothing and lights and phone holders. Lastly, you will also get to access online resources and an active community of rider-partners to get involved.
Apart from being a rider for Deliveroo, you can also consider these careers that are currently open right now to application.
Apply to become a Deliveroo rider right here.
Potential monthly income: from $200
15) SmartSpotter
Do you enjoy window shopping, or running errands? What if you can make an extra $10 just by being a “spotter”?
SmartSpotter is a really fun yet rewarding app that pays you real money for doing tasks such as:
- Spotting certain brands and products on the shelf
- Taking photos of products as well as off-the-shelf marketing promotions
- Purchase a product, record your customer experience and answer some questions
- Checking out the prices of various sizes of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks
If you enjoy going for a walk near your locale, or if you have some spare time while you grocery shop, open up your SmartSpotter app to make some extra cash!
You can choose from 20+ different assignments as a Spotter, as well as the location that is closest to you. Once you accept a “spot”, which is an assignment, you must follow the directions provided carefully. Otherwise, you will not be rewarded with the cash promised for the accepted task.
Sign up to be a spotter and start making extra cash
Final Thoughts
If you are looking to make some extra cash to supplement your income, these 13 apps are a great way to start. Although the earnings are not substantial, sometimes an extra $50 can go a long way to help you get some groceries, pay your bills or reduce your debt.
Which apps will you start using? Let me know which ones are your favorite to make extra cash whenever you need it!
You might also like:
Top Side Hustles for Women: 18 Great Ideas to Make More Money