Making money in today’s digital age has become increasingly accessible, thanks to the proliferation of smartphones and innovative online platforms. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or embark on a full-time earning journey, a plethora of apps are available to guide you.
This article dives into the best apps to make money, covering various avenues from quick cash opportunities to more sustained income streams. We’ll explore platforms for freelancing, short task completion, delivery services, and even selling your pre-loved items.
Furthermore, for those involved in international earnings, we’ll touch upon how Wise Business can be a valuable tool for managing international funds efficiently and cost-effectively.
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Top Apps to Earn Money: Your Comprehensive List
We’ve categorized the top money-making apps into four distinct sections to help you navigate and find the best fit for your needs:
- Long-Term Freelancing Platforms: For skilled professionals seeking project-based work.
- Short-Task & Gig Economy Apps: Ideal for quick earning opportunities and flexible schedules.
- Delivery and Ride-Sharing Apps: Leverage your vehicle to earn on your own time.
- Platforms to Sell Your Items: Turn your unused possessions into cash.
Within each category, we’ll provide a detailed overview of each app, outlining its services, how to get started, and realistic earning expectations.
Long-Term Freelancing Platforms: Build a Sustainable Income
For individuals with specialized skills looking for consistent work, these freelancing platforms offer opportunities to build lasting client relationships and establish a reliable income stream.
1. Upwork: Connect with Businesses for Diverse Projects
Upwork stands as a leading online marketplace connecting businesses with freelance talent across various disciplines. From web development and graphic design to writing and virtual assistance, 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: Begin by creating a detailed profile showcasing your skills and experience. While the application process to join Upwork can be selective, focusing on highlighting your expertise and crafting a compelling profile increases your chances of acceptance.¹
Earning Potential: Freelancers on Upwork in the U.S. generally average around $20 per hour, with some specialized fields commanding rates up to $28 per hour.² It’s important to factor in Upwork’s service fees when calculating your net earnings. Upwork offers diverse withdrawal methods, including direct bank transfer, wire transfer, and instant pay for US-based freelancers. For international freelancers receiving USD, options like Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and M-Pesa are readily available.
2. Fiverr: Showcase Your Skills and Offer Gigs
Fiverr is a dynamic digital marketplace that links freelancers with clients seeking a wide spectrum of services. Renowned for its affordability and efficiency, Fiverr caters to businesses and individuals in need of professional services like graphic design, content writing, programming, and digital marketing.
Getting Started: To begin your Fiverr journey, establish a seller profile and create “Gigs”—service packages outlining your offerings. Fiverr emphasizes Gigs as “the 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 Crafting compelling and well-defined Gigs is key to attracting clients.
Earning Potential: While earning potential on Fiverr varies, reports suggest the average user earns around $103 per month, with a median income of approximately $60 per month.⁴ Fiverr can be a valuable platform to start building your freelance portfolio and client base, especially when starting out. If you’re weighing your options, consider comparing Upwork versus Fiverr to determine the best fit for your skills and goals.
3. Freelancer.com: A Global Network for Freelance Professionals
Freelancer.com serves as a robust online platform connecting businesses with a vast network of skilled freelance professionals for a diverse range of projects. The platform supports business growth and provides individuals with ample work opportunities in areas like web design, writing, marketing, software development, and data entry.
Getting Started: Registration on Freelancer.com is free and straightforward. You can sign up using your Facebook account or email address and choose a username (which cannot be changed later).⁵ Building a comprehensive profile showcasing your skills and portfolio is crucial for attracting project opportunities.
Earning Potential: Similar to other freelance networks, hourly rates on Freelancer.com can average around $20 per hour. For a comparative analysis, you might find it helpful to explore how Upwork and Freelancer stack up against each other in terms of features, user base, and project types.
4. Toptal: Access Elite Freelance Opportunities
Toptal distinguishes itself as a highly selective platform, connecting businesses with top-tier freelance talent from around the globe. Their stringent screening process ensures clients are matched with highly skilled and experienced professionals in fields such as software development, design, finance, and project management.
Getting Started: Toptal emphasizes a rigorous screening process for freelancers. According to their website, successful applicants typically possess “at least 2-3 years of relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and are able to get up to speed on projects quickly.”⁶ The application process can span several weeks and involves skill assessments and interviews.
Earning Potential: Reflecting its focus on top talent, Toptal offers significant earning potential. Reports from Career Karma and Glassdoor indicate annual earnings ranging from $50,355 to $234,368 for Toptal freelancers.⁷ Your specific earnings will depend on your expertise, hourly rate, project volume, and the nature of the projects you undertake.
5. FlexJobs: Find Flexible and Remote Job Opportunities
FlexJobs is a dedicated job search platform specializing in flexible and remote work arrangements. It aims to connect individuals seeking work-life balance with companies offering telecommuting, part-time, freelance, and contract positions. FlexJobs curates its job listings, helping to filter out scams and low-quality postings often found on general job boards.
Getting Started: To begin using FlexJobs, you’ll need to sign up and create a resume profile. This profile “will allow you to apply to great featured jobs and allows the automated system to match you with ‘New Jobs of Interest’ that have been recently posted to the database.”⁸ While FlexJobs is a subscription-based service, the fee grants access to a curated database of legitimate flexible job opportunities.
Earning Potential: Salary expectations on FlexJobs are diverse, reflecting the wide range of job types listed. Glassdoor user reports suggest average annual salaries between $30,000 and $80,000.⁹ Specialized or higher-level positions can command salaries exceeding $100,000 per year.
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Wise Business: Streamline Finances for International Businesses
Wise Business emerges as a particularly advantageous solution for businesses engaging in international transactions. It offers a suite of features designed to simplify and reduce the costs associated with cross-border payments.
Key Benefits of Wise Business:
- Mid-Market Exchange Rate: Wise Business is renowned for utilizing the mid-market exchange rate, ensuring fair and transparent currency conversions.
- Lower Fees: Compared to traditional financial institutions, Wise Business typically offers significantly lower fees for sending and receiving international payments.
- Multi-Currency Account: Hold and manage funds in over 40+ currencies within a single account, simplifying international transactions.
- Accounting Integrations: Seamlessly integrate with popular accounting platforms such as QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, FreeAgent, Sage, and NetSuite for streamlined financial management.
- Instant Payments: Facilitate rapid payments in select currencies for faster transactions.
- Wise Multi-Currency Card: Utilize a Wise Multi-Currency Card for convenient spending and withdrawals when needed, both domestically and internationally.
- Local Account Details: For a one-time fee, obtain local account details in major global currencies (GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, AUD, JPY) to receive payments like a local.
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Short-Task & Gig Economy Apps: Earn Money with Flexible Gigs
These apps are designed for individuals seeking quick, short-term earning opportunities. They offer flexibility and are often ideal for supplementing income or earning money in your spare time.
1. Ibotta: Get Cash Back on Everyday Purchases
Ibotta is a popular cash-back app that allows users to earn money by making purchases at participating stores and scanning their receipts. It offers a user-friendly way to save money on groceries, household items, and more, effectively putting cash back in your pocket for your regular spending. Ibotta has gained popularity due to its diverse reward options and ease of use.
Getting Started: To start using Ibotta, you’ll need a compatible smartphone or device and a PayPal account. Alternatively, you can opt to redeem your earned rewards for gift cards from select retailers if you prefer that over cash payments.¹⁰ The app is free to download and use.
Earning Potential: User reviews suggest that reaching a $20 threshold in earnings each month with Ibotta is quite achievable.¹¹ Your earning potential will depend on your shopping habits and how actively you utilize the app’s offers.
Alt Text: Ibotta app interface showcasing cash back offers on groceries and household items, highlighting potential savings.
2. Rakuten: Earn Cash Back While You Shop Online
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a well-established e-commerce platform and app that offers a vast selection of products from numerous retailers. Beyond shopping, Rakuten is known for its cashback program, enabling users to earn a percentage back on their purchases at thousands of participating online stores. It’s a simple way to get rewarded for your online shopping.
Getting Started: Joining Rakuten is free. You can sign up using your email and password, or through your Facebook, Google, or Apple account.¹² Once signed up, you can browse for deals and activate cashback before making purchases through the Rakuten app or website.
Earning Potential: While specific earning amounts vary based on spending, Rakuten often offers attractive sign-up bonuses. CNBC reports that new users can earn a $10 bonus after spending $25 within the first 90 days of membership.¹³ Rakuten typically distributes cashback payments via check or PayPal every three months.
3. Swagbucks: Earn Rewards for Various Online Activities
Swagbucks is a popular rewards app that allows users to accumulate points, called “SB,” by completing a variety of online tasks. These tasks include taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and browsing the web. These SB points can then be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers or cash via PayPal. Swagbucks offers a fun and accessible way to earn extra money while engaging in everyday online activities.
Getting Started: You can join Swagbucks easily through their website or mobile app. Account creation is quick and straightforward, taking approximately “45 – 60 seconds to create your Swagbucks account.”¹⁴
Earning Potential: Swagbucks states that “Most Swagbucks members can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand extra dollars a year.” Daily earnings typically range from “$1 to $5 a day (or $365 to $1,825 a year).”¹⁴ While some higher-paying offers exist, consistent engagement with daily tasks is key to maximizing your Swagbucks earnings.
Alt Text: Swagbucks app displayed on a smartphone, showing various earning opportunities like surveys, watching videos, and daily polls.
4. Survey Junkie: Share Your Opinions and Get Paid
Survey Junkie is a dedicated survey platform that connects market researchers with consumers, providing a mutually beneficial exchange. Users earn money by completing online surveys, sharing their opinions on products and services, and influencing future market trends. It’s a straightforward way to contribute to market research and earn rewards for your time.
Getting Started: Upon signing up for Survey Junkie, you have the option to participate in either or both of their information collection services. “SJ Opinion” is the standard survey and focus group component, while “SJ Pulse” collects data on your browsing behavior.¹⁵ You can choose the level of participation that aligns with your preferences.
Earning Potential: The blog Money Done Right estimates average earnings of $3.18 per hour for completing surveys on Survey Junkie.¹⁶ However, earnings can vary based on survey availability and completion rates. Focus groups offered through Survey Junkie may offer higher earning potential, although consistent estimates are less readily available.
5. Taskrabbit: Get Paid for Local Errands and Tasks
Taskrabbit is an online platform that connects individuals with local freelancers, known as “Taskers,” to assist with a wide array of tasks and errands. From furniture assembly and moving help to cleaning and handyman services, Taskrabbit provides a convenient way to find help with everyday to-dos or offer your services to others in your community.
Getting Started: To become a Tasker, you’ll need to download the Tasker app, create an account, and build a profile showcasing your skills and availability. Identity verification is required, typically involving submitting a government-issued ID and a photo.¹⁷ Background checks are also standard procedure.
Earning Potential: Reports indicate that Taskrabbit users earn an average of $380 per month, with a median income of around $110 per month.⁴ Earning potential on Taskrabbit is highly dependent on your location, the types of tasks you’re willing to undertake, your pricing, and your availability.
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Delivery and Ride-Sharing Apps: Drive and Earn on Your Schedule
If you have a vehicle and enjoy driving, delivery and ride-sharing apps offer flexible earning opportunities with the ability to set your own hours.
1. Uber: Provide Rides and Earn as a Driver
Uber is a leading transportation app connecting users with local drivers for on-demand rides. It offers a convenient and widely used alternative to traditional taxi services. For drivers, Uber provides a platform to earn income by providing transportation services within their local area.
Driver Requirements: To become an Uber driver, you must meet certain legal and vehicle requirements. These typically include having a four-door car, a valid in-state driver’s license, vehicle insurance, proof of residency, and a minimum of 1-3 years of driving experience.¹⁸ Background checks are also mandatory.
Earning Potential: Average monthly earnings for Uber drivers are reported to be around $364, with a median income of $155 per month.⁴ Earnings can fluctuate based on location, hours driven, demand, and surge pricing.
(Learn about the best business accounts for Uber drivers)
2. Lyft: Another Popular Ride-Sharing Platform
Lyft is a prominent ride-sharing app that, similar to Uber, connects users with drivers for car rides. It offers a convenient and often more affordable transportation option compared to taxis. For drivers, Lyft provides an alternative platform to earn income through ride-sharing services.
Driver Requirements: Lyft’s driver requirements are generally comparable to Uber’s. You’ll need a valid driver’s license, successful background check, vehicle insurance, and a car (which can be your own or a rental).¹⁹ Vehicle inspections are sometimes required.
Earning Potential: Lyft driver earnings are reported to average around $377 per month, with a median income of $210 per month.⁴ Similar to Uber, earnings are influenced by location, driving hours, demand patterns, and any bonuses or incentives offered by Lyft.
3. DoorDash: Deliver Food from Local Restaurants
DoorDash is a leading food delivery app that connects users with local restaurants for on-demand meal orders. It allows customers to conveniently browse menus, place orders, track deliveries in real-time, and have meals delivered directly to their doorsteps. For “Dashers” (DoorDash drivers), it’s an opportunity to earn income by delivering food orders.
Dasher Requirements: To become a DoorDash Dasher, you must be at least 18 years old, have access to a vehicle (car, scooter, or bicycle in some markets), and provide necessary documentation such as an ID and Social Security Number (SSN).²⁰ Background checks are also conducted.
Earning Potential: DoorDash Dashers are reported to earn an average of $229 per month, with a median income of $100 per month.⁴ Earnings are affected by factors like location, delivery hours, order volume, delivery distance, and any peak-hour incentives offered by DoorDash.
4. Instacart: Shop and Deliver Groceries to Customers
Instacart is a grocery delivery app that enables users to order groceries from their preferred local stores and have them delivered to their homes. It offers a time-saving and convenient solution for busy individuals or those who prefer not to shop in-store. For “shoppers” (Instacart drivers), it’s an opportunity to earn by shopping for and delivering grocery orders.
Shopper Requirements: To become an Instacart shopper, you must be over 18 and authorized to work in the U.S. You’ll also need a vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a bank account for direct deposit payments.²¹
Earning Potential: The blog Route4Me estimates that Instacart shoppers earn an average of $11-$16 per hour, or approximately $16.06 per delivery trip.²² Earnings can vary based on location, order size, delivery distance, shopping speed, and customer tips.
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Selling Your Stuff: Declutter and Earn Cash
The secondhand market is thriving, and selling your unused items is a great way to declutter your space and generate some extra income. These apps make it easy to reach potential buyers.
1. Poshmark: Sell Fashion and Home Goods Online
Poshmark is a popular fashion marketplace app specializing in buying and selling new and pre-owned clothing, accessories, shoes, and home goods. It offers a social media-like experience with features such as following other users, sharing listings with followers, and participating in virtual shopping parties. Poshmark is particularly popular for selling higher-end fashion brands.
Seller Insights: According to the Poshmark ProTools blog, the average seller “can expect to earn about $500 a month.” Dedicated, full-time sellers have the potential to earn up to $5,000 per month.²³ Earnings are dependent on the types of items you sell, your pricing strategy, and your engagement with the Poshmark community.
Alt Text: Poshmark app interface displayed on a tablet, showcasing listings of clothing, shoes, and accessories for sale.
2. Facebook Marketplace: Reach Local Buyers in Your Community
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform integrated within Facebook where individuals can buy and sell goods and services locally. It provides a convenient way to connect with potential buyers and sellers within your immediate community. From furniture and electronics to clothing and household items, Facebook Marketplace supports a wide range of item categories.
Selling Tips: To start selling on Facebook Marketplace, you’ll need a Facebook account. Facebook recommends sellers use their own high-quality photos, write detailed and honest descriptions, provide original purchase documentation (if available), price items competitively, maintain professional communication, and keep listings up-to-date.²⁴
Earning Potential: Estimating specific earnings on Facebook Marketplace is challenging due to its region-specific nature. However, Capital One reports that a significant 40% of Facebook’s vast user base utilizes Marketplace, suggesting a substantial potential market reach.²⁵ Success on Facebook Marketplace often depends on your location, the types of items you sell, and your pricing.
3. OfferUp: A Mobile Marketplace for Local Selling
OfferUp is a mobile-first marketplace app designed to connect buyers and sellers within their local area. It provides a user-friendly interface for buying and selling a variety of items, ranging from furniture and electronics to cars and collectibles. OfferUp emphasizes in-person transactions and local community building.
Getting Started: OfferUp is accessible through their app or website. You can create an account using your email, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.²⁶ Creating clear listings with photos and descriptions is key to attracting buyers.
Earning Potential: Reliable information on typical earnings for OfferUp users is limited. Success on OfferUp, like Facebook Marketplace, is influenced by your location, the types of items you list, and your pricing strategy.
4. Vinted: Focus on Selling Secondhand Fashion
Vinted is a mobile marketplace specializing in secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. It offers features like virtual closets to organize your listings, personalized recommendations for buyers, and social networking features for fashion enthusiasts. Vinted is particularly popular in Europe but has a growing presence in North America.
Account Setup: Vinted requires account verification through Google or Facebook and encourages users to add a profile picture.²⁷ Creating detailed listings with good photos and descriptions helps attract buyers.
Earning Potential: Specific individual earnings data for Vinted sellers is not readily available. However, Productmint reports Vinted’s valuation at $4.5 billion with $562.3 million in funding, indicating a robust and growing platform.²⁸ Earning potential on Vinted is tied to the types of fashion items you sell, your pricing, and your engagement with the platform’s community.
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Sources used:
Sources last checked on 12-January-2024.
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