It is no wonder that, in the age of digitalization, mobile applications are becoming effective and convenient sources of income that millions of people worldwide can utilize. Statista indicates that worldwide expenditure on mobile applications was approximately $171 billion in 2023, and this number continues to rise as the general population utilizes smartphones in various ways to find additional sources of income.
However, as thousands of money-making apps are flooding App Stores; it is essential to distinguish between genuine and user-friendly platforms and scams and time-wasting apps. This guide does just that for you.
This list is aimed at students who need some extra pocket money and stay-at-home parents who want to find a flexible job to combine with household chores as well as everyone who wants to make some extra money without having to acquire complex skills.
Due to the specifics of listing the most helpful apps, every tip throughout this list consists of high requirements:
- User-friendliness: A simple usage of tools or interface
- Expert reward choice: PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit
- Good user ratings: Reviews, App Store ratings are also good
Continue to find legit mobile apps that will place real cash coins in your pocket – now!
What Makes a Good Money-Making App?
You should not trust every app that offers you to make lots of money in no time. So that you could sort out the phony money-making apps and the genuine ones, the following are the main characteristics that every reliable money-making application must possess:
Real payout methods:
A genuine app will always provide safe and convenient methods of payment, such as PayPal, direct bank transfer, or popular gift cards (e.g. Amazon, Google Play). And if some application requires you to pay some unreasonable costs, or only compensates you in fishy points, which have no apparent monetary equivalent, avoid it.
High user trust:
Review actual customer feedback at the App Store or Google Play Store. Good apps will have ratings that are above 4.0 stars and usually have positive reviews regarding payment assurance and customer service.
Fair time vs. reward ratio:
Time is money. Legitimate apps are upfront about the level of effort required to earn. And you have to work hours and get paid in pennies, then it is likely that it is not worthwhile. Research applications that will give generous rewards regarding a survey or task or passive income option.
Transparency & privacy:
The privacy policy of a legit app must be clear and must state how the data you provided is used. Do not use the applications that require a lot of opening or do not specify how they process your data.
20 Best Money-Making Apps You Can Start Using Today
1. Fiverr
Type: Freelance jobs
Platform: iOS/Android/Web
Payout options: PayPal, direct, bank deposit, Fiverr Revenue Card
Fiverr is an international freelancing platform on which you can offer virtually every digital product or service, such as a voiceover or graphic design. It is easy to start working on and allows getting down to business with small gigs at rates starting at $5 and above.
Advantages: A Massive audience in the world, reasonable prices, and the interface is easy to use.
Disadvantage: Fiverr charges a 20 percent commission and becoming competitive may not be very easy as a newbie.
Projected profits: 50- 500+ dollars, per project, based on your proficiency.
The reason why it should be trusted: The 2010 app has more than 4.6 stars on both the App Store and is used by millions of people.
I began working as a freelancer on Fiverr during my college days and now it has turned into my primary source of income! — Certified customer, App Store review.
2. Upwork
Type: Freelance jobs
Platform: Android/IOS/Web
Exit mode: PayPal, direct deposit, and wire transfer
Upwork is a platform that links highly qualified freelancers with their clients who are seeking a wide range of services including service in codes and administrative services. It would be great if you desire to have projects that will last longer and clients who are professionals.
Pros: Well-paying customers, safe payment system, wide offers.
Cons: 10-20 per cent service charge, and it takes good proposals to secure jobs.
Estimated earnings: 100-1,000 + per project.
The reasons to trust it: 4.4 stars in the App Store; it is used by such companies as Microsoft, Airbnb, etc.
3. TaskRabbit
Category: Homely odd jobs & errands
Platform: iOS/Android
Direct deposit Payout
TaskRabbit is an app that connects you with individuals in your immediate area to do tasks you may get paid to complete, such as running errands, putting up furniture, or carrying out household repairs. Wonderful, in case you love practical activity and working hours.
Positives: Fast local jobs, work on your terms, and get paid immediately.
Negatives: It is not present in every location; certain chores may be physically tough.
Potential income: between 30-100 + dollars per task.
What makes it credible: It is owned by IKEA, has an average rating of 4.1 stars, and has positive reviews in the thousands.
I earned 200 dollars in a weekend by simply assisting people to move furniture! — review by one of the users of TaskRabbit
4. Swagbucks
Type: Survey & cashback
Platform: iOS/Android/Web
Payments: PayPal and various gift cards (including Amazon, Walmart, and more)
Swagbucks is among the most well-liked reward and survey applications. Earn points (SB) by watching videos, completing surveys, or shopping online. Redeem your points for real cash or gift cards.
Advantages: Really simple assignments, regular bonuses, and low withdrawal requirements.
Disadvantages: It is low on earnings per task; it is not a full-time source of income.
Calculated profitability: 1-5/dollars per day, using casually.
The reason it can be trusted: More than $800 million paid to individuals; 4.2 stars on the App Store.
I can get at least two gift cards that cost 25 dollars in Amazon every month, just by completing surveys! User Swagbucks, Google Play
5. InboxDollars
Type: Survey & micro jobs
The platform: iOS/Android/Web
Payout options: PayPal, Gift cards, Check by Mail
InboxDollars rewards one to do uncomplicated services via the internet including reading emails, playing games, and taking questionnaires. You get hard cold cash (no points).
Pros: Facile non-active jobs, immediate sign-up bonus, openness of finances.
Cons: It has surveys that may riddle you out; the minimum payout is 15-30.
Projected money: Between 5-20 dollars a month for casual usage.
Why you should trust it: It has been in business since 2000; it has paid out more than 80 million dollars; it has 4.2 stars at the App Store.
I make a monthly cashout of 30 PayPal by doing surveys during my break time. – App Store Verified review
6. Toluna Influencers
Category: Paid surveys product testing
App: iOS/Android/Web
Payment systems: PayPal, shopping cards (Target, Amazon, and so on)
Toluna Influencers allows you to get rewards by expressing your opinion about products, brands, and trends. At times, you may also test products at home.
Pros: Years to participate regardless of the location, there are many surveys and opportunities to test products.
Cons: Surveys are tedious and you might be rejected in case you do not match.
Figured income: About 1-10 dollars a day sliding with activity.
Reasons to Trust it: It has been trusted by large brands, and has gained at least 4.0+ stars, and business for over 15 years.
It is a fantastic application to make some extra money in your spare time, and they pay quickly. I am a Toluna user, Trustpilot.
7. Poshmark
Category: Resale of second-hand clothes and fashion
Platform: iOS/Android
Payout ways: Check, direct deposit
At Poshmark, it is simple to convert your wardrobe to cash. Take a snap of used clothes or accessories, which are in good condition, upload, and sell to an in-built fashion community of fashion enthusiasts.
Pros: In place audience, easy listing, and shipping.
Cons: 20 percent commissionable after selling $15.
Potential incomes: $5 to $200 a piece, based on the brand.
The reasons to trust it: More than 80 million users, a 4.7-star rating in the App Store, publicly traded company (POSH).
Poshmark: I have sold more than $1,000 just by getting rid of the clothes I no longer wear! I read before that Poshmark has an option to buy and sell clothes in which I think is the best way to spend my money. I have heard that Poshmark integrates with Facebook and Instagram, where I believe this is the most creative solution. I recently read an article about Poshmark, which I feel is the most effective to use.
Also Read: Earn on Social Media: App Like Instagram & TikTok
8. Depop
Type: Vintage and second-hand clothing
Platform: iOS/Android
Mode of payment: PayPal
Gen Z buys and sells fashion on Depop. It would be Instagram on a hybrid with eBay so it would be great on vintage clothing and streetwear, and niche styles.
Pros: Young, easy to share on social media, perfect for selling unique products.
Cons: Fee 10 percent fee, and selling is creative and time-consuming.
Approximate income: $10-$150, depending on brand and style.
The reason to trust it: 35M+ users all over the world, Etsy bought it, 4.5 stars.
The depop hobby changed my thriftiness into a real source of revenue. Verifiable Depop seller
9. eBay
Category: Web selling
Platform: iPad/Android/Web
Ways of payout: Direct bank transfer (managed payments)
eBay also offers an opportunity to sell almost anything: gadgets, collectibles, home goods, and so on. It is an ancient international market with a huge scope.
Advantages: A Massive number of buyers, auction or fixed price, protections to sellers.
Disadvantages: Commissions to sell it (10-12%), logistic shipping needed.
Approximate income: Varies: 50$ to 1 000$ and more according to the items sold.
Its reliability: Has been one of the e-commerce masters (since 1995), and received 4.7 stars in the App Store.
On eBay, in less than 2 hours I sold my old iPhone. Easy money!- eBay user, Google Play
10. Facebook Marketplace
Category: Local
Platform: Web/iOS/Android
Methods of payment: Cash, transfer (bank transmission of the shipping order)
Facebook Marketplace is the most suitable place to make local sales: furniture, bikes, electronics, etc. It does not charge to place an ad and gives wide coverage in your hometown.
Pros: Free of charge local transactions, Reach buyers built-in, Instant chat.
Cons: In-person deals have no buyer/seller protection.
Potential profits: 10-500+ dollars or more according to goods.
The reason it should be trusted: It is integrated with Facebook (2.9B users).
The very day I placed my advert I sold my sofa. Now it has become my default place, Marketplace.” — Approved Facebook account holder
11. Robinhood
Category: Investing and stocks
Platform: Web/Android/iOS
Payout methods: Transfer to the bank
Robinhood allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies with zero commission fees. It is an ideal investment option for new investors who want to get into the stock market with a small money.
Pros: No commission, not complex, up-to-date trading.
Cons: Requires risk-taking; it is not a sure source of income.
Anticipated profits: Depends on the assessments (market-dependent); receives returns of 10-100+ dollars/per month.
The reason it is trusted: FINRA/SEC-regulated; 4.2 stars; more than 22M people.
“Robinhood has allowed me to invest with a small sum of initial capital (50 dollars) and now I browse the app at least once a day.” Certified Robinhood review
12. Acorns
Category: Passive investing
Platform: IOS/Android/Web
Ways of payouts: Bank transfer
Acorns makes passive money management. Connect your debit card and have the amount of purchases rounded up to the next dollar, and invest the change.
Pros: Investing without guidance, educational material, and easy to use.
Cons: fee per month ($3+), remuneration is related to the market.
Potential revenue: 100-500$/year (based on round-up + repeated donations).
Why it is trusted: Endorsed by CNBC and PayPal, 4.7 rankings, more than 10 million users.
According to HuffPost, Acorns simplified the process of investing: I managed to save 1200 dollars last year, but could not even realize that. Reddit State versus nomadic tribes, users of acorns.
13. Coinbase
Category: Crypto investment
Platform: iOS/Android/Web
Withdrawal options: Bank, PayPal, Crypto Wallet
Coinbase will be among the most convenient places to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also has crypto rewards for education.
Pros: Nice UI, 100+ cryptos, and learning rewards.
Cons: Transaction fees may be high.
Projected income: Depends; up to 3-10 dollars on free rewards; possible profits on cryptocurrency investments.
The reason it is trusted: It has 110M+ verified users, it is publicly traded (NASDAQ: COIN).
I got 20 free dollars’ worth of tutorials. Simple entry point in crypto.” Coincidentally, [I am] a user of Coinbase.
Also Read: Cost To Develop An App Like Coinbase Using React Native
14. Uber
Category: Ridesharing
Platform: iOS/Android
Mode of payout: Instant Pay, direct deposit
Uber provides an opportunity to earn money by driving passengers to their destinations. Monumental flexibility and surge pricing will be able to increase profit during the peak time.
Pros: You make your agenda, immediate payments, and popular markets.
Cons: Vehicular needs, wear and tear, and investigations.
Salary Pay: The most likely gains range between 15 and 30 dollars per hour based on location.
What makes it credible: it is a worldwide brand, rated at 4.5 stars on the App Store, and has more than 100 M riders across the globe.
As he says, his first week of driving earned him 600 dollars after work hours. Then, Uber driver reviews.
Also Read: Uber App Development Cost: Build Your Own Uber App
15. DoorDash
Category: Food delivery
Platform: iOS/Android
Methods of payout: Fast Pay, direct deposit
DoorDash enables you to make payments by transporting food and groceries to your city. You can work anytime, anywhere; there is no boss or workplace.
Pros: Flexible hours, instant redeeming gratification, high-achieving peaks.
Cons: Transportation costs: gas, goods, and vehicles; high traffic hours are not always the same.
The projected wages: 18-25 dollars/hour with tips at busy times.
The reason behind the trust: 7,000 cities and above; 4.6 stars in the App Store.
Dashing allowed me to settle a credit card within 2 months in a flexible and quick cash-type loan. DoorDash driver review
16. Instacart
Category: Grocery delivery
Platform: iOS/Android
Payout options: Cashout instantly (using a debit card), direct deposit
Instacart also provides you with an opportunity to earn cash by picking and delivering groceries to people. You can be a full-service shopper who can both shop + deliver or be an in-store shopper and just pick orders.
Pros: Flexible working hours, a tip on each order, and an increasing demand.
Cons: You need a vehicle; you will work with your hands.
Projected income: 15 -25$/hour including tips.
Reasons to trust it: More than 5,500 cities covered; 4.4 stars; works with such major grocery chains as Whole Foods and Kroger.
According to the model, she claims to earn a hundred and twenty dollars in a single day shopping on behalf of three clients – Instacart pays off given you can hustle. Reddit Shopper
17. Rakuten
Category: Cashback and other shopping rewards
Platforms: iOS/Android/Web
Payout arrangements: Check, PayPal
Rakuten (previously Ebates) rewards you with cashback on your purchases from more than 3500 stores such as Walmart, Target, and Best Buy. All you have to do is shop via the app or browser extension.
Pros: Passive income, high cashbacks, and a welcome bonus of $10.
Cons: The payout is done every quarter, thus it takes time.
Projected income: $50-$200/year in the case of a regular shopper.
Trustworthy because: It is a publicly traded company in Japan; the money paid to members was over 2 billion dollars; 4.8 rating in the App Store.
I received $100 back during my last vacation. It is free money.” — Review by the user of Rakuten.
18. Honeygain
Type: Passive/sharing/network
Platform: Android/iOS/Windows/macOS
Payout options: PayPal, Bitcoin
Honeygain buys your unused internet bandwidth. It is operating in the background, and it makes money without any actions of a person on the device, which is great when people have unlimited data services.
Pros: Passive, multi-device, and forget it.
Cons: Low income without smart usage on different devices with a stable internet connection.
Projected income: 20 to 50 dollars a month when the uptime is stable.
The reason to trust: More than 1 million users, good privacy policy, 4.2 stars.
I earn 40 dollars a month on autopilot on my work tablet and computer. It is easy money.” It finds #Honeygain is thoroughly enjoyable and has left raving reviews on Trustpilot.
19. Dosh
Category: Cashback
Platform: iOS/Android
Options for paying out: PayPal, Venmo, wire transfer
Dosh automatically rewards you with cash back when you shop, dine, or book hotels with the connected credit and debit cards – no receipts, no codes.
Advantages: Earnings are made hands-free, can be combined with other offers, and hotel cashback is generous.
Disadvantages: Cashback can take some days to be processed.
Estimated profits: 10-100 dollars/month based on how much they spend.
Why it is trusted: 4.5 through star reviews, over 100M dollars paid, and secure encryption.
I forgot that it was on my phone and was graced with a $30 PayPal payment. It is just working.” Certified Dosh customer
20. Skillshare
Category: Teaching of any type online & creative skills
Platform: Web/iOS/Android
Methods of payout: PayPal
Skillshare users are compensated to post video courses about themes such as design, business, productivity, or illustration. You are paid per hour of watching and for referrals.
Advantages: Passive income, it is possible to teach wherever they are, and a massive community of creators.
Disadvantages: Their implementation involves a video production effort and teaching skills.
The potential earnings: 200-2,000+ a month and above based on popularity.
The reason to trust it: 4.6 stars at App Store, millions of students, and support from big creators such as Marques Brownlee.
After 6 months, I started to earn the Skillshare income as the primary one. #1 Best Skillshare teacher I have ever interviewed
How to Choose the Right App for You
There are many money-making apps around currently, so you will need to find your place depending on your lifestyle, aims, and time. The trick is going to line up your platform preference with the way you perform, the frequency of payment you desire, and the skills you can utilize comfortably.
Match the App to Your Lifestyle
In case you do not have anything to do on the weekend, you can become an Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit, earn actively, and according to your schedule. In case you are not much into hands-on earning, you can use such apps as Honeygain, Dosh, or Rakuten to earn while hardly trying.
Consider Payout Method & Frequency
In need of some immediate access to the money that you have earned? Search Swagbucks, Inbox Dollars, or Uber that offer instant pay or PayPal transfers. Others, including Rakuten, are quarterly-paid-in-advance, which is a good deal when it comes to building savings but not so good as a quick source of funds.
Also Read: How PayPal Encourages Businesses: Future of eCommerce
Match with Your Skill Level
First-time freelancer? Begin your journey with such simple-to-understand sites as Fiverr or Toluna. Are you a designer, writer, or video-maker? More profitable and lasting options can be Skillshare or Upwork.
Check Geographic Availability
Not every app is international. Ensure that the site is compatible with your country, currency, and the local legal environment. As an illustration, Instacart operates in the U.S. only, whereas Coinbase has more than 100 countries.
Combine Multiple Apps for More Income
A survey app, a freelance gig, and a cashback tool are a good combination to have a well-rounded income strategy. Variety will guarantee constant income in case one of them dries up.
Pro Tip: Before spending time, read reviews, look at ratings, and always ensure that options on payment options are available. An intelligent combination of applications that suit your lifestyle can transform your phone into a steady income stream.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Wish to get the best of money-making apps? These are some of the workable solutions to increasing your income and remaining safe in these turbulent times:
Manage Your Time Wisely
Allocate a particular time slot in using each application. Work should be consistent, and perhaps it is time to fill out questionnaires, drive for Uber, or sell something on Depop. Passive apps allow you to earn during idle time such as a commute to work or a lunch break.
Take Advantage of Referrals & Bonuses
Most apps have an incentive to refer to others such as Swagbucks, Rakuten, and Skillshare where they have a sign-up credit. Connecting your referral link with other people can earn you a bonus amount of money at no additional cost.
Track Your Earnings
Keep track of what you are paid by either spread sheet or financial software. This will enable you to know your more profitable apps and spend your time accordingly.
Stay Safe from Scams
Never install apps that you found on unreliable websites and never accept applications with low evaluations and unclear payment conditions. Read feedback from the users and then commit.
Be Realistic
These apps are not about getting instant wealth. You have to be patient, have a reasonable set of expectations, and see your income rise every day.
Conclusion
Making money in apps is not a fad; it is a handy form of income that is available to students, freelancers, side-hustlers, and anyone in the world who needs to improve his or her finances. Earning money with these apps can be done via completing surveys, freelance services, or cashback, and all are flexible, trusted, and easy ways of earning an extra income.
Test out only a few platforms that fit your life and slowly grow the system that fits you. There will always be more to gain in terms of consistency, transparency, and wise work than pursuing a system to get-rich-quick.
Consider building your revenue-generating application or website. Team up with an established mobile app development company or web development company such as Infowind Technologies and make your idea a reality.
Does it make you have a favorite app that works for you? Write a comment or propose a tool that we should consider adding to our updates; we would be glad to know them!
