Who doesn’t want to find work simply by using your gadgets, earning extra cash at your convenient time? Have you, perhaps, already heard of or even used online apps to make money?
Some of these online applications have been around for almost two decades. There’s a variety of useful apps for different purposes or job types.
This post will give you a run-through of the best apps you can use for job hunts, side hustles, and even saving money and investing. Imagine all that convenience at your fingertips.
Let’s begin!
Why Money-Making Apps are Popular Now
The work-from-home concept has been around for a long time, but when everyone had to do it during the global pandemic, there was a mass realization that you don’t need to travel an hour to your corporate 9-to-5 job. You can make money online while sitting in your pajamas at home.
People found out that besides that, there are gigs or side hustles they can do through apps. This discovery opened another world of opportunities that people could avail themselves of to make some passive income.
This boom led to a massive influx of people on apps such as Uber, DoorDash, Upwork, and some creative minds saw an opportunity in the market, a need that wasn’t there before. Capitalizing on that, they launched their applications.
Who wouldn’t want to sit in the comfort of their home and make money while saving up on travel expenses and being their own boss? Or use various apps to find work and manage your jobs?
Here are some of the most helpful apps available to start you off:
20 Best Apps to Make Money
1. DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery application. If someone orders food from a restaurant or fast-food chain, you’ll be alerted through the app. Then, you receive it and deliver it to the person who ordered it.
You sign up for shifts, or as the app calls it, Dashes. After that, you’ll stay active and make deliveries. Peak Pay also has a feature that allows you to make more money during rush hours.
You need a car, insurance, a smartphone, and a driving license to work for DoorDash.
Read our DoorDash review for more information.
Pros:
- You can schedule your shift
- Keep all the tips
- Peak Pay lets you make more money during rush hours
- Choose which orders to accept
- Dashes ensure that only a certain number of people are working at any time
Cons:
- Less scheduling flexibility as you can only work during your shift
- Hourly pay varies
Its unique selling point is the Peak Pay feature, and shifts allow you to take more orders. That means more money since only a certain number of people are working at any moment.
If you want to make $500 a week with DoorDash, give the program a try starting today.
2. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the most versatile apps to make money with. It offers many options that you can choose from. These options include taking surveys, using their search engine, watching videos, playing games, cashback for online shopping, etc.
All you need is a smartphone, and you’re good to go.
You receive payment in the form of gift cards or Paypal cash. You can also receive points referred to as Swagbucks, or “SB.” A hundred SB equals $1, so one SB is equal to roughly one cent.
You won’t be able to make massive money with this, but you can certainly make quick cash if you need money now. You can make anywhere from 40 SB to 200 SB by taking surveys. The high-paying surveys are particular and limited people have access to them.
Unless you fit the description, you won’t be able to take the survey, or you’ll get kicked out during it, as reported by a lot of users. Another thing to note is that receiving cash can take up to 10 business days.
Pros:
- Easy to earn points
- Fast points redemption
- $10 bonus if you spend $25
- Easy setup
- Can receive payment through Paypal or gift cards
Cons:
- SB points aren’t worth a lot
- High-paying surveys are demographically locked and available to a specific audience.
- Have to wait ten business days to receive payment
Swagbucks has a $10 bonus for new users; you can also receive an extra $5 with this link. Furthermore, when you refer friends, you get 10% of their earnings as long as they are active on the platform. The app is available on both Android and iOS.
Learn more about Swagbucks through our full Swagbucks review.
3. InboxDollars
InboxDollars is a sister application of Swagbucks. This app allows you to earn extra cash by doing surveys or other activities.
We’ve been comparing Swagbucks vs. InboxDollars. What sets InboxDollars apart from Swagbucks is that it has the added option to read emails and make extra cash. It also has no points system and directly pays you in cash, though the minimum limit to redeem is $30.
Pros:
- Easy-to-follow user interface
- Paid directly in cash
- Just read emails to earn money
Cons:
- Minimum $30 limit before you can cash out
InboxDollar offers a $5 bonus at sign-up. For more information on the platform, head on to our InboxDollars review.
4. Fundrise
Fundrise is an excellent application if you’re interested in earning passive income through investments.
Fundrise allows users to start investing at a low price of $10. In addition, you’ll receive profits in quarterly dividends.
Fundrise also has an option called eFund. Through eFund, users combine their money, buy property or land, develop it and then sell it to make a profit.
Learn more about this easy-to-use investment app in our full Fundrise review.
Pros:
- Anyone can invest through this application
- $10 minimum investment
- Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA) are available
Cons:
- The procedure can be difficult to understand
- Not a very liquid investment
5. Trim
Trim is an app that doesn’t exactly help you make some extra money, but it does help you save a lot. Trim can help you get lower rates on your bills, subscriptions, insurance, etc.
Linking the Trim application to your bank account will help it analyze the earnings and expenditures and propose a method to save every penny you can.
Pros:
- Highly secure application using 256-bit SSL encryption
- Takes care of your finances and negotiates for the lowest rate it can
- Simple download and setup
Cons:
- It takes a 15% fee upon scoring a lower bill rate
The best part about Trim is its security. Due to its high encryption protocol, you don’t have to worry about data leaks. You just have to download and let it work its magic, and soon, you’ll be saving up a lot more than before.
We reviewed this money-saving app to make trimming your expenses easier for you. Check out our full Trim review for more detailed information.
6. Rover
If you’re an animal lover, Rover is an excellent choice.
Rover enables you to care for pets by offering boarding and daycare. It’s the most popular dog walking app out there. You can set your price per walk; Rover will keep 20% of it.
You need to pass a background check to work on this app and provide references to assure that the pets are in safe and capable hands. You can receive the money directly in your Paypal account.
Pros:
- You decide how much work you want to take
- You can set your price per walk
- Rigorous approval protocols ensure safety and quality
Cons:
- Rover collects a service fee of 20% per walk
This application is a great option as it offers a chance to spend time with your cute little fur babies. And when you do take them out for a walk, it will also keep you in shape. While you make money, such benefits make for a win-win situation.
7. Rakuten
Rakuten is rated as the best cash-back application out there. It offers a minimum of 1% cashback to a maximum of 40% cashback. It has a list of 3,500+ retailers, including big names like Target, Best Buy, etc.
New users get a $10 bonus upon spending $25, and you can also receive $30 if someone uses your referral link. Rakuten also has a browser extension making it easier to get deals and compare coupons on the desktop. In addition, in-store purchases are possible by linking your card to the app before buying anything.
You must have a minimum of $5 through cashback to redeem the money. You can receive the cash in your PayPal account or through a check every three months.
Pros:
- 3,500+ retailers to choose from
- Has a browser extension
- $30 incentive to refer new users
- New users get a $10 bonus upon spending $25
- Can avail up to $40 cashback
Cons:
- Minimum of $5 to redeem the cash
- Payments are made once every three months
The best aspect of Rakuten is its massive array of retailers to choose from. So you can always find a better deal that will give you the maximum cashback. In addition, its popularity makes it easy to refer friends and family giving you an extra boost in your account.
Check out our full Rakuten review to learn more about this app.
8. Ibotta
Ibotta gained fame as the best cash-back app for groceries. It has increased its collection by including local and big brands. Ranging from drug stores to sports and fashion, it has a list of 300 retailers.
You simply look at the deals offered in-app, purchase them in-store and afterward upload the receipt, and that’s it. Depending on the retailer, you might sometimes have to watch a video, which will mostly be around 15-30 seconds long.
You can receive the payment in your PayPal or Venmo account, but you must have a minimum of $20 before redeeming it. It also has a browser extension which makes it easier to use.
It also offers a $20 bonus upon signing up, and referring each friend will make you $5.
Pros:
- You receive money quickly
- $10 sign-up bonus
- $5 referral bonus for each friend you refer
- It has an extension for your browser
Cons:
- Minimum of $20 before you can redeem it
- Cashback percentage lower than competitors
- It has only 300 retailers on its list
What I like most about Ibotta is how quickly you can receive your cashback. Of course, it depends on the retailer, but this app is way better than its competitors.
Here’s my full Ibotta review of this handy app.
9. MyPoints
Established in 2004, MyPoints is an application through which users can gain points by doing various tasks, such as filling out surveys and playing games.
Once enough points are collected, you can redeem gifts by using them or receive cash should you wish. The surveys are accessible to everyone. Even if individuals do not qualify for the survey, they will still receive half the points mentioned.
Pros:
- You can receive surveys by email
- Referring a friend earns you 10% of their points
- 2000 retailers on the app
- 40% cashback upon shopping with big brands
- Sign up bonus
Cons:
- Have to earn a lot of points to make it worthwhile
- Only available for US and Canada
This application is one of the best options because it’s free, has many retailers, has a simple and easy-to-follow design, and you get your money quickly. All of this combined makes downloading MyPoints a no-brainer.
Get more information about this app from our MyPoints review.
10. Acorns
Acorns is a very beginner-friendly investment app. It has a monthly subscription of $1, but that should not put users off. The rewards you can gain from this app are tremendous.
You only have to link your account with your card, and whenever you buy something, Acorns will collect the change and invest it, which is a great way to save up while simultaneously increasing your savings.
The other option is to set a specific amount invested each month. In addition, a $20 signup bonus for new users will boost your investment portfolio.
Acorns has a bunch of brands on its retailer list. Through Acorns Earn, a feature of the app, a specific percentage is invested in your account whenever you purchase something from these retailers.
Pros:
- Super easy to use
- Has IRA accounts
- Great for people wanting to invest for savings or retirement
- Your investment starts as soon as you buy something
Cons:
- Chance of losing the money
Acorns’ great thing is that you don’t have to delve into investing in stocks and NFTs. It saves you the hassle by doing the investing for you; you just have to use it to reap the rewards.
Purchase items through the application, and your investment portfolio will keep growing. For more information about micro-investing with Acorns, read our full Acorns review.
11. Mistplay
How does killing time and making money at the same time sound? It sounds great, doesn’t it? With Mistplay, you can do that.
This application is for Android only, though an iOS version is expected.
All you have to do is play on your mobile and earn points. You can redeem points for Amazon, Xbox, etc. You can also receive cash in your PayPal account. You’ll need a minimum of 1,500 points before you can cash out.
Pros:
- You receive the points or units instantly
- An excellent way to make money out of something you like to do
Cons:
- A minimum of 1,500 points are needed before redemption
- You can’t expect to make a lot of money through this
The great thing about Mistplay is how it incorporates fun with making money. The mobile gaming community is bound to love this app. It’s for everyone, casual gamers, people who love to grind.
Who wouldn’t like to make money doing what they love? More details are ahead in our full Mistplay review.
12. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the best survey applications in the market right now. The app teams up with organizations and corporations that need real users to fill out market research surveys.
It offers its users to take surveys which they earn points for. Later, you can redeem those earned points for gift cards or direct payment to your PayPal account. One hundred points equal $1, and a minimum of 500 points are needed to cash out.
Pros:
- Completely anonymous
- Easy to use
- Earn up to $50 per survey
Cons:
- Will stop the survey if you don’t meet the required demographic
- Repetitive questions
A single survey can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes. Upon joining, the app offers a couple of tasks with high points that you can do to reach the minimum cash-out mark quickly.
Head to our site for a full review of Survey Junkie and some helpful Survey Junkie hacks to make using this app a breeze.
13. Decluttr
Decluttr is a super easy-to-use and user-friendly app. First, you have to create your account, and that’s about it. Pretty straightforward, isn’t it?
Decluttr allows you to sell off electronics such as mobile phones, smartwatches, DVDs, games, computers, etc. You just have to scan the items, and Decluttr will tell you how much they will go for.
Ensure that your items are in the best condition and have their original components, meaning no modification, after-market chargers, etc. If they don’t have those, then the app will reject them.
Once the offer is selected, simply drop it off at a collection center or a UPS branch, and the shipping is paid for.
Pros:
- User-friendly and easy-to-use
- Free shipping
- Quick to scan the item
- Free of scams
Cons:
- Low prices offered as compared to its competitors
- Have to wait to see whether they will accept the items or not
If you have stuff lying around like DVDs or a computer that you don’t use anymore because who buys DVDs nowadays? Then, you can sell them off using this app. Again, the process is quick, and you have nothing to lose because the shipping is paid for.
14. Fiverr
Fiverr is one of the oldest freelancing websites. It’s a great platform if you want to freelance on the side or move to full-time freelancing. It has many options, and you can post a gig for programming, design, accounting, or your expertise.
It has a solid mobile application, and you can do most of your deals there. The best part about Fiverr is that you’re the one who sets the gig and the price. The buyers come to you for your professional assistance.
However, Fiverr generally takes 14 working days to clear out payments, one week for top-rated sellers. After that, you can receive the payment in your bank or PayPal account or a Fiverr Revenue Card.
Pros:
- You set your gig and its price
- Buyers often give you tips for a job well done
- Solid platform with a long history
- Lots of gig options to choose from
Cons:
- It takes 14 days for you to receive payment
- Fiverr takes 20% from each gig
- Saturated
Fiverr has been around since 2010, becoming a big name in freelancing. It’s a safe and legit platform. Anyone can join it and start earning by utilizing their skills.
Start Earning Money From Fiverr
15. TopCashBack
TopCashBack has the most extensive retailer list, boasting 4,440+ stores; it blows the competition out of the water. In addition, it has a web browser extension, and the best way to utilize this is through online shopping, which is the only format it supports.
It has an amazing redemption policy allowing you to redeem your cashback at just $0.01. Moreover, TopCashBack doesn’t take any percentage of your purchases, and you get to keep all the commission.
Pros:
- Super low payout amount of $0.01
- Partnership with over 4,400 stores
- Perfect for people who like to shop online
- $10 bonus for each friend you refer
Cons:
- No signup bonus
- Works only for online shopping
This application is perfect for people who love online shopping rather than going out. Using its web browser extension, you can turn your online shopping into a money-making session.
16. Shopkick
Shopkick lets you make money without filling out any surveys, playing games, taking quizzes, or buying anything. So, how does it work?
All you have to do is download the app, visit any store you want on the retailer list and scan the items and that’s it; you’re done.
“Kicks” will be added to your account. 250 kicks equal $1.
While that may not seem like a lot, it makes for a sweet deal when you consider that you don’t even have to buy the product. Buying the product will give you more kicks, so it’s a win-win situation.
Pros:
- Walking into a store will give you 25 kicks
- Just have to scan the products to receive kicks
- Purchasing items and submitting the receipt will give you an extra 100 kicks
- Easy to use
- Easy to incorporate into your routine
- Linking your credit card gives you 200 kicks
Cons:
- A lot of kicks are needed to make it worthwhile
- Very location-dependent
Shopkick is an excellent application to get free gift cards you can redeem at stores like Target, Walmart, Best Buy, Amazon, etc. You can use this app while shopping, or simply entering the store will earn your kicks.
17. Upwork
Upwork, like Fiverr, is a freelancing website that has stood the test of time and come out on top.
It’s a secure and legal platform freelancer can use to make money. You have to fill out your qualification and which field you’d like to work in and submit your profile.
If your profile gets approved, you can instantly start working by spending your “connects” and contacting clients for the gigs you want. However, there is a chance that your profile might not get approved.
Whatever you earn from Upwork, you can transfer it to your bank account, Payoneer, PayPal, or Instant Pay, but you’ll have to wait 10 days for the payment to clear. Upwork takes a portion out of your earnings that can be a minimum of 5% to a maximum of 20%.
Pros:
- Reliable and tested platform
- Has a mobile application
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
- Has over 1600+ skills to choose from
- A secure payment system ensures you get your payments
Cons:
- Upwork takes a 5%-20% cut each time
- Have to wait 10 days for the payment to clear
- High competition
You can make recurring clients through Upwork if they like your work, and the more you earn, the less cut Upwork will take, so that is a good workaround. Other than that, your Upwork profile also acts as a CV to land other well-paying jobs.
18. Uber
Uber has made its name worldwide as one of the side job apps. Signing up is easy, and as soon as your profile is verified, you can start driving and making money.
It is active 24/7, 365 days, so you have the option of working whenever you want. You can pick up rides while going to work or coming back from work. It’s very convenient.
You can also make food deliveries with Uber Eats, giving you another option to make money. Working in peak hours will make you more money; an Uber driver makes $20 per hour on average.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Ride sharing is available
- Another option of Uber Eats is available
- Cashless
Cons:
- Have to pass the background check
- Safety might be at risk
Due to its tier system, you can use any type of car you have to earn through Uber. In addition, you can switch to delivering food if you don’t want to pick and drop off people, which is equally as beneficial.
19. OfferUp
OfferUp is an application that lets you sell anything you want.
It has a simple setup. First, you download the app, take pictures of what you want to sell, and list it. Then, potential buyers can contact you on the app, and you can set up a meeting with them or ship the item.
You receive the payment in cash or through a deposit in your bank account. Do note that sellers must pay a service fee of 12.9% of the item’s price. If you’re shipping, then you’ll have to pay $1.99.
Pros:
- You can sell anything on the marketplace
- Easy to use
- Can communicate with buyers on the app
- Simple selling procedure
- Hand-to-hand dealing is possible
Cons:
- Sellers have to pay a 12.9% service fee or $1.99 for shipping
The rating system of this application makes it easy to judge who is contacting you, making you stay away from potential scammers. Furthermore, there is no limit to what you can sell, and the procedure is straightforward.
Here are more sites where you can find where to sell stuff locally.
20. Turo
Turo lets you rent your vehicle. If you’re not using it, you can stay and rent your car to make money. You must meet a couple of conditions before your car can qualify to be rented out.
Those conditions include no New York registered cars, less than 130,000 mileage, clean, and less than 12 years old. Vintage cars have other conditions, such as the 1990 model or older, and must be in good condition and stable.
Pros:
- Excellent support
- A lot of demand
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Customer service needs improvements
- 15% – 40% cut taken for each booking
- Available in limited cities
Turo is an excellent app to use if your car doesn’t see a lot of road action. It’ll keep it running instead of staying idle, which is bad for your car in the long run.
Tips to Maximize Money Making Through Apps
While looking to make money through apps, you need to focus on several things. You need to check out your schedule, your goal, etc.
If you don’t have the time, then apps like Uber aren’t for you because you’ll have to put in the time to make a good amount of money.
You can download a couple of apps and then use them whenever you see an opportunity.
For example, you can pick someone up on your way back with Uber, drop them off, and earn a little. Afterward, you go shopping; you can use the Shopkick app to earn some kicks. Combine it with apps like Rakuten, and you’ll make a lot of money.
More options mean more money, so figure out which combination works for you and start earning!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Apps to Make Money
Which Apps Give Real Money?
Applications like InboxDollars give you real money. It claims to have paid more than $60 million in cash, PayPal, and gift card rewards to its members.
Read our full InboxDollars review here.
What Is the Best App for Making Money?
All of the apps listed are best for making money. It depends on how you want to earn, whether through investments, cashback, or surveys.
What Is the Most Current and Popular Money-Making App?
Ibotta is the most current and popular money-making app that lets you earn while spending. Shoppers can earn cash back by uploading their receipts or completing simple tasks such as watching a short video, participating in surveys online, etc.
You will get paid via PayPal, digital gift card, or direct to a bank account.
Are Money Making Apps Legit?
Most money-making apps are legit. They don’t offer much in return, but the extra cash is cash.
To be on the safe side, research about it and then decide whether you want to go forward with it or not.
Conclusion – Apps to Make Money
With the ongoing global pandemic changing how we work in our increasingly digital world, money-making platforms have served as springboards and provided opportunities for finding jobs and earning money.
The variety of these apps caters to people’s different working preferences and financial goals. It would be best to do your research and find an app that would suit your circumstances and needs.
Get that gig online and fatten your bank account! Welcome to the digital economy.
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Journalist
Expertise: Personal finance and travel content
Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Experience: Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform, and Spark Nomad, a travel platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
