Mobile screen showing saving money apps logo with App for Earning Money or Cashback as a title

The need for extra income is a common concern for many individuals and families. I, for one really desire to have extra income and explore different ways to achieve this. For moms like me, you can also check out our article on side hustles you can do to earn money.

Whatever your reason for finding this extra income, whether to cover daily expenses, save for the future, or indulge in occasional luxuries, don’t worry because those are all valid reasons, and you are doing the right thing.

Nowadays, there are a lot of apps that help people earn money, and these have become increasingly popular. 

These apps offer a convenient and flexible way to make extra cash, whether you’re a student, a professional looking for a side hustle, or a stay-at-home parent like me. 

But with many options, how do you know which ones are trustworthy? 

Let’s go through how you can identify legit apps and what are some apps you can explore. Please be mindful that these are just app suggestions, and you still need to do your due diligence when dealing with these apps.

What are Legit Apps to Earn Money?

Legit apps for earning money are online applications developed by reputable companies that offer users a clear and secure way to generate additional income. These apps can function in various ways, but they all share some common characteristics.

Characteristics of a Legitimate App

  1. Legitimate apps prioritise user security. Legitimate apps typically operate through trusted platforms like the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, which have measures to weed out fraudulent apps.
  2. Legit apps have transparent earning methods. Legitimate applications clearly explain how users can earn rewards, whether it’s through completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, creating content, or offering freelance services, you can learn more from our freelancing guide
  1. Legit apps have a clear and accessible payout system, allowing users to easily withdraw their earnings through e-wallets like GCash or bank transfers.

How Do you Earn from these Apps?

So, how exactly do these apps generate revenue to share with users? 

Many apps rely on an advertising model. They might display targeted ads to users while they complete tasks or browse content. 

The app earns revenue from these ads, and a portion of that gets passed on as rewards to users. 

Other apps might generate income through microtransactions within the app itself or by partnering with companies to offer users cashback rewards for online shopping.

Types of Apps

Now, let’s explore the various types available in the Philippines:

  1. Microtasking Apps

These apps offer users small, bite-sized tasks to complete in exchange for rewards. 

Tasks might involve taking surveys, watching short videos, data entry, or simple image classification. 

I have tried some apps like this in the past, and this may take a lot of time but pays so little, so this may be for people who are always holding their phones and browsing. You can replace it with doing some mini tasks instead of some micro-tasking apps.

A sample for this could be your Shopee application, you can earn coins by watching videos in the Shopee app, and then you can use it when you purchase an item in Shopee.

There are other apps you can earn money from, like reading an article, and they will give you some points I tried this before, and it’s really time-consuming. If you found a good one, you can leave a comment below to share with others.

  1. Content Creation Apps

Content creation apps might be a good fit if you’re creative and enjoy expressing yourself. 

These apps allow you to share photos, videos, or live streams and potentially earn income through in-app advertising, virtual gifts from viewers, or brand sponsorships. 

Popular examples in the Philippines include Kumu and Bigo Live.

  1. Freelancing Apps

Do you have specific skills like writing, graphic design, or virtual assistance? 

Freelancing apps connect you with clients who need these services. You can also get a full-time job from these apps.

You set your own rates and work on projects that fit your expertise and schedule. Some popular freelancing apps in the Philippines include Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer.com and OnlineJobs.ph.

  1. Games with Rewards

Gamers, rejoice! 

Some apps allow you to earn rewards by playing games. 

This might involve playing for a certain time, reaching specific levels, or completing in-game challenges. 

While the earning potential can vary, it can be a fun way to make extra cash while doing something you enjoy. Some examples are Swagbucks and Axie Infinity.

  1. Cashback Apps

These apps reward you for shopping online through their platform. 

You can earn cashback on purchases at partnered retailers, a great way to save money while you shop. 

Popular cashback apps in the Philippines include ShopBack and Shopee.

Top Legit Apps to Earn Money in the Philippines

Now that you understand more about what a Legit App is and its types, here are a few popular and well-regarded options to consider:

GCash

GCash is a popular e-wallet offering various financial services, including money transfers, bill payments, and online shopping. Users can earn reward points for various activities within the app.

How to Use and Earn

Simply use GCash for everyday transactions such as bill payments and online shopping to accumulate rewards points. These points can be redeemed for discounts or converted into credits.

GCash offers 1% cashback on drugstore, supermarket, cinema, and bill transactions. If you spend ₱10,000 monthly using your app then you can earn up to ₱100. So if you are purchasing in these anyway then why not use your GCash App.

ShopeePay

Shopee’s e-wallet service rewards users with points for using their platform. Points can be redeemed for discounts or converted into credits.

How to Use and Earn

Utilise ShopeePay for transactions within the Shopee platform to earn rewards points. Points can be redeemed for discounts on purchases or converted into credits.

Swagbucks

A rewards platform where users can earn points for completing tasks like taking surveys, watching videos, and shopping online.

How to Use and Earn 

Complete tasks offered by Swagbucks, such as surveys and watching videos to earn points. Points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

Freelancer.com

Freelancer.com is a global freelancing platform offering projects in various fields, including writing, graphic design, and programming.

How to Use and Earn

Create a freelancer profile on Freelancer.com and bid on projects suited to your skills and expertise. Complete the projects and they will pay you for the service.

Upwork

Upwork connects businesses with independent professionals and agencies around the globe. It opens different opportunities across different industries.

How to Use and Earn

Sign up as a freelancer on Upwork and browse through available projects. Submit proposals and complete projects to earn income. 

It may sound easy but this platform is saturated and could be very challenging to apply nowadays but if you do have the skills, you can go for it.

OnlineJobs.ph

A platform focused on freelance jobs in the Philippines, connecting Filipino talent with clients worldwide.

How to Use and Earn

Create a freelancer profile on OnlineJobs.ph and apply for jobs relevant to your skills. Most of the postings here are actually real jobs that you might need to do full time but there are projects such as web development or web design or video editing that you can do in a project-based type.

YouTube

YouTube is the world’s largest video-sharing platform where users can earn money through advertising revenue and sponsorships.

How to Use and Earn

Create engaging video content on YouTube and monetise your channel through advertisements and sponsorships.

TikTok

A popular short-form video platform offering a creator fund that rewards users based on views and engagement.

How to Use and Earn

Create entertaining short videos on TikTok and participate in the creator fund to earn money based on views and engagement.

Facebook Gaming

It is Facebook’s gaming platform where users can live stream their gameplay and earn income through donations and subscriptions.

How to Use and Earn

Stream your gameplay on Facebook Gaming and monetise your content through viewer support.

Amazon Mechanical Turk

Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) is a crowdsourcing marketplace that allows individuals and businesses to outsource their processes and jobs to a distributed workforce who can perform these tasks virtually. Complete small microtasks on MTurk to earn small amounts of money.

How to Use and Earn

Sign up as a worker on Amazon Mechanical Turk and complete various microtasks to earn money. 

You have to make sure to sign in as a worker here, please read more about it to understand how it works.

PureSpectrum

PureSpectrum is another survey site that rewards you for your participation.

How to Use and Earn

Sign up with PureSpectrum and participate in surveys to earn rewards.

Axie Infinity

Axie Infinity is a play-to-earn game where you can collect, breed, and battle NFT creatures to earn cryptocurrency.

How to Use and Earn

Play Axie Infinity and earn cryptocurrency by participating in battles and breeding virtual creatures.

The Sandbox

A play-to-earn game where you can buy virtual land, build experiences, and earn rewards.

How to Use and Earn

Play The Sandbox and create virtual experiences to earn rewards.

Decentraland

Like The Sandbox, Decentraland is a play-to-earn metaverse where you can buy land, create experiences, and interact with others.

How to Use and Earn

Engage with the Decentraland platform to create virtual experiences and earn rewards.

These legit apps offer diverse opportunities for Filipinos to earn money through various means, whether completing tasks, participating in surveys, freelancing, or engaging in play-to-earn games. Explore these options, discover what works best for you, and start earning extra income!

How to Find Legit Apps and Avoid Scams

Let’s be honest, the digital marketplace can be a breeding ground for scams. 

So here are some crucial tips to help you identify legit apps and avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes:

  1. Beware of Unrealistic Earning Promises. If an app promises exorbitant payouts with minimal effort, it’s likely a scam. Legit apps tend to offer modest but achievable rewards.
  2. Check User Reviews. Before downloading any app, read reviews from other users. Pay attention to negative reviews and watch out for complaints like difficulty withdrawing earnings or unresponsive customer support.
  3. Verify App Developer. Research the company behind the app. Look for a reputable developer with a proven track record. Legit apps are typically developed by established companies with clear contact information available.
  4. Scrutinize App Permissions. Be cautious of apps requesting excessive permissions on your phone, such as access to your location or camera. Legit apps should only request permissions directly related to their core functionality.
  5. Stick to Trusted Sources. When searching for legit apps, download them from official app stores like Google Play Store or Apple App Store. These platforms have security measures in place to weed out malicious apps.

By following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of finding legit apps and avoiding scams.

Realistic Earning Potential and Time Commitment

Now let’s be honest having realistic expectations is important when using apps to earn money. 

These apps are unlikely to replace your full-time job, but with dedication and choosing the right apps that suit your skills and interests, you can generate a supplemental income or cover small expenses. 

The amount you can earn will also vary depending on the app, the time you invest, and your performance within the app. Some apps might offer a few pesos per task, while others might allow you to earn a higher hourly rate through freelancing services.

Most of these apps could be for people who are playing most of the time anyway or browsing most of the time. Why not just use the time with these money or point-earning apps instead?

Conclusion

Legit apps to earn money can be a valuable tool for Filipinos looking to boost their income. 

These apps offer flexibility, accessibility, and the opportunity to try new things. By understanding the different types of apps available, avoiding scams, and managing expectations, you can make the most of these platforms while enjoying their benefits. 

Have you tried any legitimate money-making apps in the Philippines? 

Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this guide with others who might find it useful!