Imagine turning your smartphone into a money-making machine. It’s not a far-fetched dream anymore; it’s a tangible reality.
In today’s digital era, there are countless apps that make you money by leveraging your skills, time, or even spare change.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle through apps like Fiverr or TaskRabbit, or you prefer earning passive income through investment apps such as Robinhood and Acorns, the opportunities are vast.
But are all these apps worth your time? That’s where I come in. With years of experience in app development and a keen eye for financial technology, I’ve sifted through the noise to bring you the most reliable options.
From survey apps for money like Survey Junkie to cashback apps like Rakuten, there’s something here for everyone.
By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly which apps to download for maximizing your earning potential, helping you to not just save, but earn smarter.
Let’s dive in and discover how these extraordinary apps can change your financial landscape.
Top Money-Making Apps
| App Name | Main Purpose | Best for… | Monetization Method | Platform Availability | Payment Type | Payout Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ibotta | Cashback for shopping | Grocery shoppers | Cashback on purchases | iOS, Android | PayPal, Gift Cards | $20 |
| Rakuten | Online cashback | Online and in-store shoppers | Cashback from partnered retailers | Web, iOS, Android | Check, PayPal | No minimum; Paid quarterly |
| Swagbucks | Rewards for tasks | Survey lovers, video watchers | Points for various online activities | Web, iOS, Android | Gift Cards, PayPal | $3 (for certain gift cards), $25 for PayPal |
| Fiverr | Freelance services | Freelancers in various fields | Payment for service completion | Web, iOS, Android | PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card | $1 |
| Upwork | Freelance projects | Professional freelancers | Payment for project completion | Web, iOS, Android | Direct to Local Bank, U.S. Bank Transfer, PayPal, Payoneer | $100 for direct bank, less for other methods |
| OfferUp | Local buying and selling | Second-hand buyers and sellers | Sale of goods | iOS, Android | Cash, App Wallet | No minimum |
| Poshmark | Fashion marketplace | Fashion enthusiasts | Sale of fashion items | iOS, Android | Bank Transfer, Check | $0.01 |
| Branded Surveys | Paid surveys | Opinionated individuals | Point collection for survey completion | Web | PayPal, Gift Cards | $5 |
| Survey Junkie | Market research via surveys | People who like sharing their opinion | Point collection for survey completion | Web, iOS, Android | Gift Cards, PayPal, Direct Bank Transfer | $5 |
| InboxDollars | Variety of online tasks | Those who like a mix of activities | Cash for completing various tasks | Web, iOS, Android | Check, Prepaid Visa, Gift Cards | $30 |
| DoorDash | Food delivery service | Drivers/riders | Delivery fees and tips | iOS, Android | Direct Deposit, DasherDirect | $0 (Immediate Withdraw with DasherDirect) |
| Uber | Rideshare and food delivery | Drivers/riders for ride and delivery | Fees from rides/delivery & tips | iOS, Android | Direct Deposit, Instant Pay | Varies |
| Instacart | Grocery shopping & delivery | Shoppers/drivers | Delivery and shopping fees & tips | iOS, Android | Direct Deposit | $10 |
| Capital One Shopping | Automated coupons & rewards | Online shoppers | Savings and rewards on online purchases | Web, iOS, Android | Gift Cards | No minimum |
| Acorns | Micro-investment services | Anyone looking to invest change | Investment of spare change | iOS, Android | Bank Transfer | No minimum |
| Rocket Money | Personal finance management | Those looking to manage finances | Savings on bills through negotiation | iOS, Android | Bank Transfer | No minimum |
| Upside | Cash back on everyday purchases | Anyone buying gas, groceries or dining out | Cash back from participating businesses | iOS, Android | Bank account, PayPal, Gift Cards | $10 |
| M1 Finance | Automated investing services | Investors looking for automation | Investment management | iOS, Android, Web | Bank Transfer | $25 |
Ibotta
Shop, snap, and save—it’s that simple with Ibotta. A pioneer among cashback apps, this savvy tool reimburses you for purchases across a myriad of stores. The process involves selecting offers, buying the products, then photographing your receipt. Hello, savings!
Best Features
- Cashback on everyday purchases
- Bonuses for referring friends
- Compatible with many retailers
What we like about it: The real-time cash rewards for everyday shopping can really add up, making it a hit for budget-conscious folks.
Rakuten
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten sweeps in as your cashback cupid, hitting you with money arrows every time you shop online. It’s a breeze—a click-through gateway to most of your favorite online retailers, and poof, part of your spend is back with you.
Best Features
- Expansive network of partner merchants
- Periodic double cashback events
- User-friendly browser extension
What we like about it: You’re shopping anyway, so why not earn some of that money back? The browser extension nails it for ease of use.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks turns your digital rambles into rewards. From surveys to web searches, and even games, each task adds up to points—Swagbucks (SB). Trade ’em in for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Best Features
- Diverse ways to earn points
- Free gift cards or cash as rewards
- Daily goal bonuses
What we like about it: The sheer variety of ways to earn makes it stand out. Surveys, videos, shopping: choose your weapon.
Fiverr
Welcome to Fiverr, the bustling freelance bazaar. This platform is a matchmaker between your skills and those scouring for them—graphic design, digital marketing, you name it. Set your rates, offer your gig, and start raking in cash on your terms.
Best Features
- Diverse categories of gigs
- Direct communication with clients
- Control over your pricing
What we like about it: Flexibility is king here. Work as much or as little as you want, based on your life’s rhythm.
Upwork
Freelancers, assemble! At Upwork, you’re the hot ticket item. The site’s a goldmine for gigs—writing, coding, designing—all up for grabs. Create a profile that sings your praises, then pitch for projects that scream your name.
Best Features
- Range of job categories
- Protection through escrow payment system
- Ability to work with a global client base
What we like about it: Serious clients with serious projects—this platform is where careers are carved.
OfferUp
Picture this: a virtual garage sale where your phone’s the cash register. OfferUp invites you to sell whatever’s collecting dust in your abode. Snap, post, sell—it’s the circle of stuff, and cash.
Best Features
- User-friendly mobile app
- In-app messaging
- User ratings for trustworthiness
What we like about it: Safety’s a standout, with real profiles and ratings for a smoother, transparent local selling scene.
Poshmark
Fashionistas and closet clearers, unite at Poshmark! It’s a social marketplace for your clothes, shoes, and accessories. Click a photo, add a description, set a price, and you’re in business, style guru.
Best Features
- Social features like ‘parties’ for selling
- Flat rate shipping
- Posh Protect buyer guarantee
What we like about it: The community vibe is solid, making buying and selling feel like a fashionable get-together.
Branded Surveys
Opinions wanted? Branded Surveys needs ’em! A questionnaire queue lines up, hungry for your thoughts on… well, tons of stuff. Finish a survey, bag some points, and redeem them for gift cards or cash.
Best Features
- Points for even attempting surveys
- Reasonable payout thresholds
- Option for charitable donations
What we like about it: Consistency. They’ve got a steady flow of surveys, keeping that points pot simmering.
Survey Junkie
Chime in, and get those coins. Survey Junkie adds your voice to brand decisions by turning your views into virtual Visa cards or PayPal payouts. The surveys are quick-ish—the perfect tag-along activity to your daily scroll.
Best Features
- Clean, easy-to-use interface
- Quick point accumulation
- E-gift cards and cash options
What we like about it: The streamlined experience makes it a breeze for anyone to jump in and start earning immediately.
InboxDollars
InboxDollars injects a doze of fun into earning extra cash. Surveys, emails, even watching TV shows—little tasks, here and there, build up to a tidy sum. No points, no gimmicks, just real dollars.
Best Features
- Cash payment, not points
- Variety of activities
- Signup bonus
What we like about it: Ditching the points system for actual cash is a game-changer. Literally, money for almost nothing!
DoorDash
Cruising the city as a DoorDash deliverer, you feed the hungry masses while fattening up your wallet. You’re the hero with the takeaway—a few clicks on the app, a few meals delivered, and boom, you’re making bank on your schedule.
Best Features
- Choose your delivery hours
- Immediate payment option
- Tips go 100% to you
What we like about it: Time’s on your side. Work around your life’s chaos, not the other way around.
Uber
Uber, the OG ride-share ruler, turns your car into a money motor, zipping passengers here and there. Tap the app, find a fare, and the meter in your pocket ticks up the earnings.
Best Features
- Flexibility in work hours
- Surge pricing during high demand
- Instant pay options
What we like about it: You’re behind the wheel in more ways than one; drive when you want, earn as you please.
Instacart
For the supermarket savants, Instacart pays you to play personal shopper. Grab a cart, fill it with groceries on someone else’s list, check out, and deliver. Simple.
Best Features
- Flexible scheduling
- Ability to choose orders
- Tips can boost earnings
What we like about it: It’s perfect for those who know their way around the grocery aisles and love a bit of hustle.
Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is your stealthy sidekick in the game of deals. This genius browser extension seeks out coupon codes, price drops, and better offers. Save as you spend, effortlessly.
Best Features
- Automatic coupon application
- Price comparison tool
- Credits for gift cards
What we like about it: Saving money without having to think about it? That’s some serious shopping-leveling up.
Acorns
Acorns is like your digital piggy bank but smarter. It rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change. Over time, it’s a little acorn that could grow into a mighty oak of savings.
Best Features
- Painless savings and investment
- Round-up from everyday purchases
- Educational content on finance
What we like about it: Investing without the heavy lifting; it’s making future you quite the money-savvy squirrel.
Rocket Money
Previously known as Truebill, Rocket Money is your finance tracker with a black belt in bill negotiation. It monitors your subscriptions, finds better rates, and even cancels stuff you forgot you’re paying for.
Best Features
- Subscription monitoring
- Automated savings options
- Bill negotiation services
What we like about it: Who doesn’t want their own automated financial advocate, right? Money management, on cruise control.
Upside
Upside turns your errands into earnings by offering cash back on gas, groceries, and dining out. Before you pump or munch, check the app for participating spots and tap into the savings.
Best Features
- No points, just cashback
- Generous % back on gas
- User-friendly design
What we like about it: The rewarding feeling of saving cash on that tedious tank fill-up is way underrated.
M1 Finance
Meet M1 Finance, where the automated investment brigade assembles. Build custom portfolios or go for expert pie—yeah, they call ’em pies—of stocks and bonds, then let the robo-adviser handle the rest.
Best Features
- Automated investing
- Customizable portfolios
- No management fees
What we like about it: The hands-off approach of a robo-advisor, with the control to cook up your investment strategy your way.
Comparison of Top Apps
Having taken a closer look at each app, let’s stack them up against each other.
In terms of earning potential, TaskRabbit and Rover can bring in substantial income, especially if you’re in a busy area. Acorns has potential for long-term growth, while Swagbucks and Sweatcoin are more about a bit of extra pocket money.
When we talk about ease of use, apps like Swagbucks and Acorns shine with their user-friendly interfaces. TaskRabbit and Rover may require more active management, but they’re pretty straightforward too.
As for reliability, these apps have built solid reputations over the years. However, like any app, they have their quirks and issues. Always check out user reviews and do your own research before diving in.
FAQ On Apps That Make You Money
What are the best apps to make money?
The best apps that make you money include a mix of micro-investment platforms like Acorns and Robinhood, freelance apps such as Upwork and Fiverr, and rewards-based apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars.
Each of these apps provides a unique way to earn, whether through passive income or active tasks.
How do survey apps for money work?
Survey apps like Survey Junkie ask you to fill out questionnaires in exchange for cash or gift cards. Simply sign up, complete your profile, and start completing surveys. As you provide valuable consumer insights, you get rewarded, turning small bits of your time into earnings.
Can you really make significant money with these apps?
It’s possible to earn a decent side income, but it requires commitment. Apps like TaskRabbit and Uber offer more substantial opportunities, while apps like Rakuten provide cash back on everyday purchases. Your earnings depend on the time you’re willing to invest and the apps you choose.
What are some passive income apps?
Passive income apps such as Robinhood and Acorns allow you to invest spare change or larger sums in stocks and ETFs. Over time, your investments can grow, providing a steady stream of income with minimal effort. It’s about making your money work for you rather than just you working.
Are there any free apps to make money?
Yes, many money-making apps are free to download and use, including Foap for selling photos and Google Opinion Rewards for quick surveys. These apps don’t charge you anything upfront, allowing you to start earning without any initial investment, making it easier to try multiple options.
How do cashback apps work?
Cashback apps like Rakuten partner with retailers to offer you a percentage back on your purchases. Simply shop through the app or activate the cashback deal, and you’ll receive a portion of the purchase price back in your account. It’s a straightforward way to earn money on what you’re already buying.
What is the best gig economy app?
Uber and Lyft are top choices for driving, while TaskRabbit is excellent for various tasks. DoorDash and Postmates are ideal for food delivery. These gig economy apps connect you with people who need services, allowing you to earn by completing tasks or providing transportation.
Can you earn money by playing games on apps?
Absolutely. Apps like Mistplay reward you for playing games on your phone. You earn points for playing, which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash. It’s a fun way to turn your gaming hobby into a source of income, although earnings may vary based on how much time you spend playing.
How do investment apps help you make money?
Investment apps like Robinhood and Acorns let you invest in stocks, ETFs, and other financial instruments right from your phone. These apps often feature educational content to help you make informed decisions. Over time, your investments can grow, generating returns that add to your income.
What are apps for earning through tasks?
TaskRabbit, Fiverr, and Upwork connect you with individuals or businesses needing freelance services. Whether it’s assembling furniture, writing content, or designing graphics, these apps let you offer your skills for pay. It’s a flexible way to earn money based on your expertise.
Conclusion
Exploring apps that make you money, it’s clear the landscape is rich with opportunity. From gig economy apps like Uber and TaskRabbit to survey apps for money like Survey Junkie, the possibilities are vast and varied. These platforms are more than just digital tools; they are gateways to financial empowerment.
Side hustle apps offer valuable ways to earn extra income, while investment apps like Robinhood turn your pocket change into potential wealth. With cashback apps such as Rakuten, even your everyday purchases start contributing to your financial growth.
Each app offers a unique avenue to generate income. Leveraging these tools effectively can transform your financial landscape, providing both immediate and long-term benefits.
Whether you’re looking for passive income or active tasks, there’s an app out there tailored to your needs. Equip yourself with the right apps, and unlock new financial opportunities.
Embrace this digital age and start earning smarter. Your financial journey awaits.
If you liked this article about apps that make you money, you should check out this article about apps that pay you to walk.
There are also similar articles discussing apps like MoneyLion, cash advance apps that work with Chime, cash advance apps that don’t use Plaid, and apps that pay instantly to Cash App.
And let’s not forget about articles on apps like Cash App, apps like Brigit, money apps like Dave, and apps like Solo Funds.
