When money’s tight, the idea of getting paid without lifting a finger sounds like a scam. But the truth is, there are apps that actually pay you to do almost nothing. Not life-changing money—but enough to cover a small bill, build a tiny savings cushion, or feel a little less stressed.
If you’re living paycheck to paycheck, dealing with debt, or trying to save for something important—like a house or emergency fund—these kinds of apps can give you a low-effort way to make a bit extra. You won’t get rich. But you will feel like you’ve finally found a small financial win in a world full of losses.
Let’s get straight to it.
1. Sweatcoin
Sweatcoin pays you for walking. Literally. The app converts your steps into digital currency called Sweatcoins, which you can exchange for rewards.
Here’s how it works. You install the app, let it track your steps, and earn coins as you move throughout the day. You don’t need to run or do anything extreme. Just live your normal life. Walk at work. Take your dog outside. Go to the store. It all adds up.
The more you walk, the more coins you earn.
You can use Sweatcoins for:
- Gift cards
- Discounts on fitness gear
- Donations to charities
- Cash via PayPal (in select cases)
Pros:
- No effort required
- Great for people already walking daily
- You don’t need to spend money to start
Cons:
- Can take a while to earn enough for valuable rewards
- Location tracking is always on (may affect battery)
- Not all offers are cash-based
This is one of those apps that makes you feel like you’re winning for doing what you already do. It’s slow, but steady.
2. Honeygain
Honeygain lets you earn passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth with their network.
After installing the app on your phone or computer, Honeygain runs in the background. It uses a small portion of your internet to help companies do research, run content delivery, or verify services globally. You don’t do anything except install it and let it run.
You earn credits based on how much bandwidth is shared. Once you hit the threshold (usually $20), you can cash out through PayPal.
Pros:
- True set-it-and-forget-it
- No tasks or surveys to complete
- You can use it on multiple devices
Cons:
- Works better with unlimited internet plans
- Can be slow if your connection isn’t strong
- Some people are uneasy about data-sharing (though it claims to be secure)
This one’s best for people with Wi-Fi and a desktop computer that stays on. If you already pay for internet, Honeygain helps you get something back.
3. Nielsen Mobile & Computer Panel
Nielsen, the same company that tracks TV ratings, will pay you for allowing them to anonymously collect data on how you use the internet.
Once you sign up and install their app on your phone, tablet, or computer, you’re automatically enrolled in their rewards program. You don’t have to do anything. Just use your device normally—browse, stream, text, scroll—and you earn passive income.
Most users make about $50 per year per device. Doesn’t sound like much, but if you enroll more than one device, it adds up.
Pros:
- Set it up once, then forget about it
- Runs in the background
- Doesn’t slow down your device
Cons:
- Limited to certain regions or device types
- You have to keep the app installed to keep earning
- $50 a year per device isn’t a lot, but it’s passive
This is perfect if you want to build a slow, steady fund with zero effort. Think of it like your internet habits paying rent.
4. Capital One Shopping (formerly Wikibuy)
Capital One Shopping is a browser extension and app that automatically finds you discounts and rewards while you shop online.
Technically, you’re not doing nothing—you’re shopping. But since you were going to buy something anyway, it counts.
Here’s what it does: when you check out on major websites, Capital One Shopping searches for working coupon codes and applies them automatically. It also gives you reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards.
Pros:
- Saves money on things you were going to buy anyway
- Automatically applies discounts
- Works on most major online stores
Cons:
- Requires you to actually shop to earn
- Some rewards take time to build
- Data sharing involved (read privacy policy)
You’re not technically making money, but you’re definitely keeping more of it. It’s the kind of app that quietly saves you cash while you do your usual thing.
5. Achievement
Achievement pays you for healthy habits like walking, sleeping, meditating, or tracking your meals.
You connect it to health apps you already use—like Fitbit, Apple Health, MyFitnessPal—and it syncs your activity automatically. No extra effort needed.
You earn points for:
- Steps
- Sleep tracking
- Weigh-ins
- Food logs
- And more
Once you hit 10,000 points, you can cash out $10 via PayPal or bank transfer. It’s not fast, but it’s consistent.
Pros:
- No manual logging needed
- Encourages better health habits
- Completely free
Cons:
- Slow payout
- Only earns a small amount
- Not available in all countries
For anyone trying to get a little healthier while also earning some cash, this is a no-brainer. You get rewarded for simply being mindful of your body.
Who Should Use These Apps?
These apps aren’t going to pay your rent. Let’s be real. But if you’re someone who:
- Feels overwhelmed trying to save
- Lives paycheck to paycheck
- Wants a stress-free way to start building something
- Needs small wins to stay motivated
Then these apps are a solid start.
They don’t demand your time. They don’t ask you to change your habits. They meet you where you are and quietly work in the background.
Even earning just $5, $10, or $20 a month can help:
- Pay a phone bill
- Cover groceries
- Save for emergencies
- Put gas in the tank
- Build momentum
Every bit counts. Especially when you feel like nothing’s working.
Tips to Maximize Earnings
You can use most of these apps together. There’s no rule that says you can only earn from one. In fact, stacking a few at once is the best way to grow your earnings.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Install Honeygain on your desktop. Let it run all day.
- Use Nielsen on your phone and computer. Set it up once.
- Link Sweatcoin to your daily walks. Don’t change your routine.
- Use Capital One Shopping anytime you shop online. Save as you spend.
- Connect Achievement to your Fitbit or health apps. Let it track in the background.
That’s 5 ways to earn or save without adding stress or effort.
Is This Really Passive Income?
Technically, yes. These apps pay you for either doing nothing or doing things you were already doing. That’s the definition of passive.
But it’s not the kind of passive income that replaces a full-time job. It’s not rental income. It’s not dividends.
It’s small, steady, and realistic.
And that’s okay. Because small wins are still wins.
What to Watch Out For
Not every app that promises “free money” is worth your time. Watch for:
- Apps that sell your data without telling you
- Scammy apps that make you watch ads but never pay
- Payout thresholds that are too high to ever reach
Stick with trusted, reviewed apps. And check what kind of data you’re sharing. Most of the ones listed here are transparent, but always read the fine print.
Also, keep in mind your phone’s performance. Some apps may slow it down or drain battery.
Final Thoughts
Getting paid to do nothing sounds fake—until you try it and see that first $5 hit your PayPal account.
It won’t change your life overnight. But it’s a small move in the right direction.
If you’ve felt stuck, tired, or defeated by money, apps like these can be a spark. Not a solution. Just a spark. Something that reminds you, “Hey, I can do something.”
Start small. Stack your apps. Let them run.
Then use what you earn to start building something better—even if it’s just a $50 emergency fund or a little breathing room in your budget.
Because when you’re working hard just to survive, even a few bucks for doing nothing can feel like a win.
