11 Apps that Pay You to Run in the Background

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I am just as guilty as anyone about being on my phone all day. Unless an update requires a restart, there are only a few times a year when my phone gets shut down. The majority of people rely on their phones to give them access to information. Most people are on or near their phones the majority of the time. 

If this is you, you may as well get paid for having your phone on continuously. Consider installing apps that pay you to run in the background. This means you can even make money when youโ€™re not even trying. Apps like this collect information from your phone based on your activity and what you search for.

If you use your phone to play white noise or music at night, you could even get paid while you sleep because those apps would be actively collecting information during that time. With so much research that is needed in order to progress in the world, apps that pay you to run in the background are key to what kind of products and services the world needs in the future.

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11 Highest Paying Passive Income Apps

Take a look at these apps that pay you to keep them on your phone. Try one or all of them out to see which are the highest-paying passive income apps.

1. Capital One Shopping’s Automatic Coupons

Even if you are not a Capital One cardholder, you have access to the Capital One Shopping app. This app automatically applies coupons to your online shopping purchases. Let the app run in the background while you make the necessary purchases for your family.

There is also an option to download the browser extension to your computer or laptop to optimize your saving. No matter where you are while you are shopping online, the Capital One Shopping app and extension will help you keep more of your money. I set it up one time and now get notifications when cheaper items are available while I’m shopping online!

2. MobileXpression

MobileXpression is a research community that is determined to make an impact by improving the internet. Users who install the MobileXpression software allow the company to use your information for research. Let the app run in the background while you use your phone for other things.

Each week, you get to claim all the credits that you have earned. You can then use those credits to redeem for e-gift cards. Check the MobileXpression app to pick your favorite reward. The app has already awarded over $5,000,000 in e-gift cards to members.

Related: Apps That Pay Real Money

3. Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel

On the list of apps that pay you to run in the background is the Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel. This company has been around for decades specializing in market research. It is a trusted company that now offers market research through a mobile and computer app.

With Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel, simply download the app and let it run in the background. The goal is to understand internet behavior from people like you. Your information shows Nielsen what you search for and how you use the internet. Get up to $50 in gift cards each year, get entered into $10,000 sweepstakes, and get game tokens just for allowing the app to collect your internet behavior.

4. Mistplay

For anyone who already plays mobile games and wants to earn passive income, Mistplay is one of the best free passive income apps. Download Mistplay and find your favorite games to play through the app. You will be rewarded for reaching new levels in the games, showing up each day to play, and earning even more based on how long you stay playing.

Mistplay rewards players in units. The more units you have, the better your chances are of cashing out for bigger prizes. Go to the Mistplay shop when youโ€™re ready to redeem and select the prize you want. Choose from gift cards to Visa, Xbox, Uber, and more.

5. Fundrise

Fundrise is a user-friendly app based in Washington D.C. that makes investing in real estate easy for everyone. It uses technology to simplify the process, allowing people to put money into private real estate without having to buy or take care of properties themselves. The app provides a variety of investment options, from business real estate projects all over the U.S. to Fundrise IPOs and venture funds, through a crowdfunding model that could lead to substantial returns.

Fundrise works like a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT), which means it owns different types of real estate, such as apartment buildings and commercial properties. This lets users get involved in the real estate market without dealing with the hassle of managing properties. What makes Fundrise stand out is its low starting point of just $10, making it a great choice for beginners or those on a tight budget.

While there are risks involved, like any investment, including costs and the fact that its REITs are not readily converted to cash, many believe the chance to invest in real estate in such an easy way is worth it. Best of all, Fundrise is an app that pays you to run in the background, making it a passive income opportunity that works for you even though you’re not actively buying or managing your own properties.

6. Cash App Boosts

If you are a Cash App user, then you have exclusive access to Cash App Boosts. Boosts are used to earn you money instantly when you make purchases using your Cash App debit card. Even the smallest coffee shop purchases are eligible.

All you have to do is activate the boosts on your app and then let the app work for you. Swipe your card and watch as your earnings are applied directly to your purchase. Cash App Boosts are free to use. There are no additional fees for this service. Check the boosts often to see when your favorite stores become eligible for this feature.

7. Cash App Round Ups

Effortlessly earn cash back and invest change when you shop using your Cash App debit card. The round ups feature is free to all users. Activate your round ups so that you can invest and earn money daily. Cash App is among the top apps that pay you to run in the background because it looks for ways to reward you for things you already do.

Choose to invest in Bitcoin or select which stock you want your round up to be invested in. Each time you use your uniquely designed Cash App debit card, the purchase amount is rounded up to the nearest dollar and that extra change is then saved for you within the investment option of your choice.

Use Cash App free money code NMXPRV7 to get an INSTANT cash bonus! Just swap $5 with a friend through the app to qualify.


8. InboxDollars Web Search

InboxDollars is a popular member rewards site that is free to use. Simply set up a free account and earn a welcome bonus to get you on your way to earning free money. Once you have confirmed your account, you can begin using InboxDollars as one of the apps that pay you to run in the background.

Get paid for each internet search by using the InboxDollars search engine instead of Google. You will earn actual money for the time you spend searching on InboxDollars. Redeem those points for PayPal cash or gift cards to places like Amazon, Home Depot, and many more.

9. Savvy Connect

Register with Savvy Connect to start earning for your internet usage on all the devices in your home. Search the internet as you would normally while Savvy Connect runs in the background collecting your data. Then get paid for that data in the form of cash rewards.

Savvy Connect offers its members more opportunities to earn compared to other apps, making it a higher-earning app. Your personal information and data collected are protected so you never have to worry about your information falling into the wrong hands. Install on Google or Apple devices to start earning in as little as two minutes.

Related: How to Get Paid to Do Weird Things

10. SJ Pulse

Survey Junkie is a highly trusted platform that rewards members for completing tasks. The best part about being a Survey Junkie member is that you get access to the SJ Pulse community, a feature that allows you to get paid for browsing the internet.

All you have to do is download the app to your phone or install it on your computer. It is free and easy to use. Earn points for your internet usage and redeem them on the Survey Junkie site. Rewards include PayPal cash or gift cards to Walmart, Amazon, Visa, and more.

11. Sweatcoin

If you are someone who is active during the day, consider adding Sweatcoin to your list of free passive income apps. All you have to do is download the app and let it pay you for the steps you take each day.

With Sweatcoin, you earn coins for your steps (walking or running). The purpose of the app is to encourage an active, healthier lifestyle while also rewarding users for their part in cutting healthcare costs. Earn rewards such as an Apple Watch, iPhone, anti-gravity yoga classes, and more. You can also choose to donate your Sweatcoins to charity.

Related: How to Get Paid to Exercise

Get Paid for Things You Do Daily

There is nothing more satisfying than getting paid for the things you are already doing in your daily life. No more wasting energy trying to hustle for a few extra dollars. Now, you can relax while surfing the web, playing mobile games, or going for a walk, all while making some extra money.

In life, everyone is trying to find that balance between work and home life. Instead of trying to hustle for that side money or getting a second job, download these apps to put extra money back into your wallet each month. Really increase your financial health by participating in more than one of these apps that pay you to run in the background.

Related: Best Lazy Jobs


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