That expensive smartphone you're carrying may be the key to earning a little pocket money. Several services will pay you to install their apps and perform market research or otherwise point and click with your smartphone. They're easy tasks anyone can do. While you won't likely be able to make a living off these apps/services, the extra money you make may well be worth the minimal effort.
Gigwalk describes itself as a "mobile work marketplace." You can earn a second paycheck using Gigwalk's iPhone or Android mobile apps and performing simple field work, such as mystery shopping, delivering items, testing mobile apps, taking photos, and more. Available in major US metro areas, Gigwalk pays from $3 to $90 per task, depending on your experience and reputation. (High-earning Gigwalk earners can make more than a thousand in a week or several hundred in a weekend doing many small tasks.) More »
Similar to Gigwalk, Field Agent turns iPhone users into mobile workers who scan barcodes, mystery shop, check prices, take polls, explore neighborhoods, and more using their smartphones. In return, agents get paid between $3 and $12 for each task. It may not seem like a lot of money, but when you're bored waiting on a line, might as well take a survey and earn a few bucks--that can really add up.
Another rewarding app is WeReward, which gives you points for completing tasks or just checking in at specific locations. Those points are redeemable for cash (1,000 points = $10, so a penny per point). Both iPhone and Android users can join the program, and you'll also need a Twitter, Facebook, or Foursquare account. An example task for "oinkers" is to take a picture at a location or with a product for 50 points (50 cents).
Shopkick rewards you just for going shopping--whether or not you buy an item. If you walk in with your smartphone, you earn "kicks" redeemable for gift cards or store discounts (so you're not actually getting pocket money but getting savings instead). When you scan items or buy from partner stores, you earn even more kicks. Available as an app for both iPhone and Android.
CheckPoints, like Shopkick, earns you points and rewards for scanning items, checking in at different stores, playing games, or completing offers. Points are redeemable for discounts, gift cards, or products. More »
Get paid to search the web--on your phone or on your computer. Swagbucks is a popular online rewards program, and both Android and iPhone users can make money on the go. Mobile searches, daily polls, and other ways to earn Swag Bucks are available from your phone. For about 450 points, you can earn a $5 gift card--that's the equivalent of about 1,000 searches but there are lots of ways to earn points (including random drawings).
Pick up a quick (one- or two-minute) shift and you can earn a couple of bucks. Like Gigwalk, EasyShift assignments include taking a picture or recording a price. Payments range from $2 to $20 per shift. Currently, the app is iPhone-only.