In today’s digital age, your smartphone is more than just a communication device—it’s a powerful tool that can unlock various income streams. With the right apps, earning extra cash or even building a full-time income has never been more accessible. This guide dives into the best apps to make money, categorizing them to help you find opportunities that match your skills and schedule. Whether you’re looking to monetize your spare time or seeking a more substantial online income, there’s an app for you.
For international earners and businesses managing global finances, we’ll also highlight how Wise Business provides a seamless solution for receiving and managing your earnings across borders.
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Discover the Best Money-Making Apps
To simplify your search, we’ve organized the top apps to make money into these key categories:
- Longer-Term Freelancing Platforms: Ideal for project-based work and building consistent income.
- Short-Term Task Apps: Perfect for quick gigs and earning money on demand.
- Delivery and Rideshare Apps: Leverage your vehicle to generate income through deliveries or taxi services.
- Platforms for Selling Your Items: Monetize your unwanted goods by selling them online.
For each app, we’ll provide a clear overview of its services, guide you through the sign-up process, and give you insights into potential earnings.
Longer-Term Freelancing Platforms for Consistent Income
If you’re seeking project-based work and aiming to build a more stable online income, these freelancing platforms offer a range of opportunities:
- Upwork
Upwork stands out as a leading online marketplace connecting businesses with freelance talent for diverse projects and services. From web development to graphic design and writing, Upwork provides a vast landscape of remote work possibilities. The platform facilitates project management and secure payment processing, making it a comprehensive solution for both freelancers and clients.
Getting started on Upwork involves creating a detailed profile showcasing your skills and experience and submitting an application to join the platform. While Upwork’s acceptance criteria are not publicly disclosed, ensuring a professional and well-crafted profile can increase your chances of approval.¹
According to Upwork’s own data, U.S. freelancers on the platform average around $20 per hour, with some specialized professions earning upwards of $28 per hour.² While Upwork offers the potential for solid earnings, it’s important to factor in the platform fees associated with transactions. For detailed information on these costs, you can refer to articles discussing Upwork fees.
Upwork supports various withdrawal methods for your earnings, including direct bank transfers, wire transfers, and instant pay options for US-based freelancers. For freelancers withdrawing USD outside of the United States, Upwork offers integrations with third-party payment vendors such as Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and M-Pesa, as detailed in resources about how to withdraw USD outside the US from Upwork.
- Fiverr
Fiverr is a dynamic digital marketplace that specializes in connecting freelancers with clients seeking a wide array of services, from creative graphic design to content writing and technical programming. Fiverr is known for providing efficient and often affordable solutions for businesses and individuals looking for professional services.
To begin your journey on Fiverr, you’ll need to set up a seller profile and create “Gigs.” Gigs are essentially packages of services you offer, allowing you to showcase your talents and clearly outline what you provide to potential buyers. Fiverr emphasizes that creating a Gig is your opportunity to “show off your talents, and provide buyers with all the information they could need to help them decide to do business with you.”³
Research from Earnest indicates that the average Fiverr user earns approximately $103 per month, with a median income of around $60 per month.⁴ If you’re weighing your options between platforms, resources comparing Upwork and Fiverr can provide further insights.
- Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com serves as a robust online platform designed to connect businesses with skilled freelance professionals across a broad spectrum of project needs. The platform offers access to a wide range of services critical for business growth, including web design, content creation, digital marketing, and software development.
Registration on Freelancer.com is a straightforward and free process. You can sign up using your Facebook account or an email address. You’ll also be required to choose a username, which, importantly, cannot be changed later.⁵
Similar to other freelance networks, Freelancer.com offers earning potential that aligns with industry averages. As previously mentioned, you can generally expect to earn around $20 per hour on such platforms. For a comparative perspective, you might find it helpful to explore articles that compare Upwork and Freelancer.
- Toptal
Toptal distinguishes itself as a highly selective platform, focusing on connecting businesses with elite freelance talent from across the globe. Toptal’s rigorous screening process is a cornerstone of its service, ensuring that clients are consistently matched with top-tier professionals in their respective fields.
According to Toptal’s website, successful freelancers on their platform typically possess at least 2-3 years of relevant professional experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to quickly adapt and contribute to projects. Joining Toptal involves a comprehensive screening process, which may extend over several weeks to ensure only the most qualified freelancers are admitted.⁶
Reports from Career Karma and Glassdoor suggest that annual earnings for Toptal freelancers range significantly, from approximately $50,355 to as high as $234,368. This variability depends on factors such as your specific area of expertise, your set hourly or project rate, and the volume and complexity of projects you undertake.⁷
- FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a specialized job search platform that focuses on providing users with access to flexible and remote job opportunities. The platform’s mission is to facilitate connections between individuals seeking work-life balance and companies offering telecommuting, part-time, and freelance positions.
To begin using FlexJobs, you need to register and create a resume profile. This profile enables you to apply for featured job listings and allows their automated system to suggest ‘New Jobs of Interest’ that match your skills and preferences from their frequently updated database.⁸
Data from Glassdoor users indicates that average annual salaries found through FlexJobs range from $30,000 to $80,000. More senior and specialized roles listed on the platform can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 per year.⁹
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Wise Business: Your International Business Account Solution
Wise Business offers significant advantages for businesses operating internationally, particularly those managing cross-border transactions. Here are some key benefits:
- Mid-Market Exchange Rate: Wise Business is known for utilizing the mid-market exchange rate, ensuring fair and transparent currency conversions.
- Lower Fees: Typically offers lower fees compared to traditional financial institutions for international payments.
- Multi-Currency Account: Hold and manage funds in over 40 currencies within a single account.
- Accounting Integration: Seamless integration with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, FreeAgent, Sage, and NetSuite.
- Instant Payments: Facilitate instant payments in select currencies, enhancing transaction speed.
- Wise Multi-Currency Card: Use a Wise Multi-Currency Card for spending and withdrawals internationally.
- Local Account Details: For a one-time fee, obtain local account details in major currencies (GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, AUD, JPY) to receive payments like a local.
Looking for cost-effective international business financial management?
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Short-Term Task Apps for Earning on the Go
These apps specialize in connecting you with short, on-demand tasks that allow you to earn money flexibly in your spare time:
- Ibotta
Ibotta is a popular cash-back app that rewards users for purchases made at participating stores. By scanning receipts and verifying purchases through the app, users earn cash back, making shopping more rewarding. Ibotta has gained popularity due to its diverse reward options and user-friendly interface.
According to Ibotta’s official website, starting with the app requires a compatible mobile device and a PayPal account. Alternatively, users can opt to accumulate rewards and redeem them for gift cards from select retailers if they prefer that over direct cash payments.¹⁰
User reviews of Ibotta suggest that reaching a $20 threshold each month is quite achievable with regular use of the app.¹¹
- Rakuten
Rakuten is a well-known e-commerce platform and app that offers a broad selection of products from numerous retailers. Beyond shopping, Rakuten provides deals, discounts, and a robust cashback program that allows users to earn money back on their purchases.
Joining Rakuten is free and straightforward. You can sign up using an email address and password, or through your Facebook, Google, or Apple account credentials.¹²
While specific earning figures for Rakuten users are not widely publicized, CNBC reports that new users can qualify for a $10 bonus after spending $25 within the first 90 days of membership. Rakuten distributes cashback earnings every three months via check or PayPal.¹³
- Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a widely used rewards app that enables users to earn points, known as Swagbucks (SBs), by completing various online activities. These activities include taking surveys, watching videos, and browsing the web. SBs can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash, offering a simple way to generate extra income using your phone.
You can sign up for Swagbucks either online or through their mobile app. The sign-up process is quick, with Swagbucks estimating that creating an account “should only take about 45 – 60 seconds.”¹⁴
Swagbucks states that active members can typically earn “anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand extra dollars a year.” Daily earnings can range from $1 to $5, translating to a potential annual income of $365 to $1,825. Occasionally, higher-paying offers ranging from $50 to $250 become available, but day-to-day earnings usually average in the $1 to $5 range.¹⁴
- Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a dedicated survey platform that allows users to earn money by participating in online surveys. It acts as a bridge between market researchers and consumers, providing valuable data to companies while rewarding participants for their time and opinions.
Upon registering with Survey Junkie, you have the option to enroll in one or both of their data collection services. “SJ Opinion” involves traditional surveys and focus groups, while “SJ Pulse” collects data on your browsing behavior to further refine market research insights.¹⁵
The blog Money Done Right reports average earnings of about $3.18 per hour for completing surveys on Survey Junkie. However, the article notes that disqualifications from surveys can reduce effective hourly earnings. Focus groups offered through the platform may offer higher compensation rates, although consistent average earnings are not clearly defined.¹⁶
- Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit is an online platform designed to connect individuals with local freelancers, referred to as “Taskers,” to assist with a wide variety of tasks and errands. Users can post task requests, specify their budget, and hire a Tasker to complete the job, ranging from moving help to furniture assembly and cleaning.
To become a Tasker, you need to download the Tasker app, create an account, and build a profile detailing your skills and availability. Identity verification is required, typically involving submitting a government-issued ID and a photograph.¹⁷
Earnest data indicates that Taskrabbit users average around $380 in monthly earnings, with a median income closer to $110 per month.⁴
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Delivery and Taxi Apps: Monetize Your Vehicle
If you own a vehicle, these popular apps in the US offer opportunities to earn income through deliveries or ridesharing:
- Uber
Uber is a leading transportation app that connects riders with drivers for on-demand transportation services. It provides a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional taxi services, operating in cities worldwide.
To drive for Uber, you must meet legal driving requirements, including possessing a four-door vehicle, a valid in-state driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and proof of residency. Uber also typically requires drivers to have 1-3 years of driving experience.¹⁸
According to Earnest, Uber drivers earn an average of $364 per month, with a median monthly income of $155.⁴
(Learn about the best business accounts for Uber drivers)
- Lyft
Lyft is another major ridesharing app that allows users to request and pay for rides from drivers in their vicinity. Similar to Uber, Lyft offers a convenient and often more affordable transportation option compared to traditional taxis.
Like Uber, becoming a Lyft driver requires a valid driver’s license, successful background check, and necessary documentation such as vehicle insurance. You’ll also need a car, which can be your own vehicle or a rental that meets Lyft’s requirements.¹⁹
Earnest reports that Lyft drivers average monthly earnings of $377, with a median income of $210 per month.⁴
- DoorDash
DoorDash is a prominent food delivery app that partners with local restaurants to provide on-demand meal delivery services. Customers can browse restaurant menus, place orders, track delivery progress, and have meals delivered directly to their location.
DoorDash’s requirements for “Dashers” (delivery drivers) include being over 18 years of age, having access to a vehicle, and providing necessary documentation such as a government-issued ID and a Social Security number.²⁰
Earnest data indicates that DoorDash Dashers earn an average of $229 per month, with a median income of $100 per month.⁴
- Instacart
Instacart is a specialized grocery delivery app that allows users to order groceries from their preferred local stores and have them delivered to their homes. It offers a time-saving solution for individuals who are busy or prefer not to shop in person.
To become an Instacart shopper, you must be at least 18 years old and legally authorized to work in the United States. You also need access to a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a bank account for direct deposit of earnings.²¹
According to the blog Route4Me, Instacart shoppers earn an average of $11-$16 per hour, or approximately $16.06 per delivery trip.²²
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Selling Your Stuff: Turn Clutter into Cash
The secondhand market in the US is booming, presenting a significant opportunity to earn extra income by selling your pre-owned items online.
- Poshmark
Poshmark is a leading fashion marketplace app focused on buying and selling new and used clothing, accessories, and home goods. It incorporates social media elements, allowing users to follow others, share listings, and participate in virtual shopping events.
The Poshmark ProTools blog suggests that an average seller can “expect to earn about $500 a month” on the platform. Dedicated, full-time sellers have the potential to earn up to $5,000 per month.²³
- Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is a widely used online platform that facilitates local buying and selling of goods and services. It leverages Facebook’s extensive user base to connect individuals within their communities for convenient transactions.
To start selling on Facebook Marketplace, you need a Facebook account. Facebook recommends that sellers upload original photos of their items, write honest and detailed descriptions, provide any original purchase documentation if available, price items competitively, maintain professionalism in communications, and keep listings current.²⁴
Estimating average earnings on Facebook Marketplace is challenging due to its region-specific nature and the vast range of items sold. However, Capital One reports that approximately 40% of Facebook’s user base utilizes Marketplace, indicating its potential as a viable selling platform.²⁵
- OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile-first marketplace app designed to connect local buyers and sellers. The platform’s user-friendly interface allows for easy browsing, listing, and communication for a variety of items ranging from furniture to electronics and clothing.
To use OfferUp, you need to access their app or website and create an account using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.²⁶
Specific data on average earnings for OfferUp sellers is not readily available.
- Vinted
Vinted is a mobile marketplace specializing in secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. It offers features like virtual closets for sellers to organize their items, personalized recommendations for buyers, and social networking functionalities for fashion enthusiasts.
Vinted requires users to verify their account, which can be done through Google or Facebook. Using a profile picture is also recommended to enhance trust and visibility.²⁷
Individual seller earnings on Vinted are not widely published. However, Productmint reports Vinted’s valuation at $4.5 billion, with $562.3 million raised in funding, highlighting its strong position in the secondhand fashion market.²⁸
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Sources used:
Sources last checked on 12-January 2024.
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