If you’re itching to boost your income and maintain financial stability, you’ll be thrilled to know that there are several incredible apps that can help you earn some extra cash or save money on your everyday purchases. These money-making apps make it easy for you to use your trusty mobile device to pick up side gigs, take online surveys, sell unused items, cut down on your bills, and more. The best part? These apps allow you to sign up for free, receive quick payments, and set your own working hours. Without further ado, here are our top app picks for 2024.
Best Money-Making Apps Compared in 2024
Our Recommendations for the Best Apps to Make Money
1. Best for Earning Gift Cards: Swagbucks
Swagbucks offers a plethora of ways for you to earn points, from answering surveys and playing games to watching videos and searching the internet. You can also enjoy cashback and access exclusive deals and coupons when shopping at over 1,500 in-store and online retailers, including popular grocers. Membership is free, and you can redeem your points for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, or receive cash via PayPal.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn points
- Redeem points for gift cards or cash
Cons:
- Low earnings potential
- Some tasks can be time-consuming
2. Best for Online Surveys: Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is an online market research community that rewards you with virtual points for completing surveys. You can instantly redeem these points for e-gift cards or PayPal payments. After answering a few questions and creating a profile, Survey Junkie will match you with relevant surveys. While taking surveys won’t make you rich, the company claims that you can earn $40 monthly by completing three surveys a day.
Pros:
- Earn money by completing brief surveys
- Redeem points for e-gift cards or PayPal
Cons:
- Surveys might be expired
- Some surveys have repetitive questions
3. Best for Keeping Track of Your Finances: Rocket Money
Rocket Money, brought to you by the same company behind Rocket Mortgage, is a fantastic money management and budgeting app. It allows you to view all your financial accounts in one place, create budgets, automate savings, and monitor your credit score. With Rocket Money, you can save more, spend less, and stay on track. While the app itself is free, premium services such as subscription cancellation, chatting with a money expert, and bill negotiation (which costs 30% to 60% of your first-year savings) range from $3 to $12 monthly.
Pros:
- Offers numerous budgeting and savings features
- Provides credit reports and tracking
Cons:
- Free version has limitations
- Bill negotiation service can be pricey
4. Best for Delivery Drivers: DoorDash
Are you interested in making money as a delivery driver? Look no further than DoorDash! As a DoorDash “Dasher,” you can earn money by delivering products from various establishments, including restaurants, convenience stores, pet stores, grocery stores, and more. Getting started is as easy as signing up, setting up your profile, and scheduling your shifts or starting right away. DoorDash offers you the flexibility to choose when and how much you want to work, and you can earn a guaranteed base rate for every order, along with tips. With DasherDirect Instant Pay, you can enjoy free, automatic weekly payouts or get paid instantly after every delivery without any fees.
Pros:
- Set your own hours
- Keep 100% of your tips
Cons:
- Consider vehicle costs (such as gas and wear and tear)
- No earnings while waiting for food orders
5. Best for Cash Back: Rakuten Rewards
Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten Rewards specializes in offering cash back, deals, and coupons at over 3,500 stores. Whether you’re shopping for clothes, electronics, or even planning to dine out or use ridesharing services, Rakuten Rewards has your back. Sign up for a free account, start shopping through Rakuten.com, their app, or browser extension, and connect your credit card to earn in-store cash back. Rakuten Rewards will even notify you by email when cash back is added to your account, and you’ll receive payments every three months by check or PayPal.
Pros:
- Enjoy unlimited cash back
- Receive a $10 welcome bonus as a new user
Cons:
- Some cash back rates may be low
- Cash back is awarded every three months
6. Best for Gas Station Rewards: Upside
Upside partners with businesses nationwide to offer personalized cash back offers. While Upside provides cash back opportunities at restaurants and grocery stores, it particularly shines when it comes to helping people save money at the pump. Simply download the app, create an account, and allow Upside to access your location to view offers near you. Claim the offers that appeal to you, pay with a credit or debit card, and submit your receipt or check-in via the app. Upside will verify your purchase, allowing you to cash out your earnings via bank transfer, PayPal, or a gift card.
Pros:
- User-friendly app displays a map view of offers
- Can be used in conjunction with existing loyalty programs
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with cash payments
- Some locations may have limited or no offers
7. Best for Freelancers: Upwork
Upwork is a freelancing marketplace that connects gig workers with clients from various industries and job sectors. Once you sign up and create a profile, you can pitch projects and bid for jobs that match your skills and interests. On Upwork, you’ll handle invoicing, track your earnings, and choose your preferred payment method, whether it’s direct deposit, PayPal, Payoneer, or wire transfer. Keep in mind that Upwork charges a 10% freelancer service fee on your earnings.
Pros:
- Pitch projects and bid for jobs
- Enjoy payment protection to ensure you get paid
Cons:
- Pay a 10% freelancer service fee
- Receive payment 10 days after the billing period ends
8. Best for Active Traders and Investors: TradeStation
TradeStation is well-known for its powerful desktop platform, but active traders on the go will appreciate its updated mobile app. The app allows for quick and secure login, offers sophisticated charting with real-time data, advanced analysis tools, a streamlined order interface, intuitive order tracking, account monitoring, and much more. Additionally, you’ll have access to pre-built hot lists, news, analyst ratings, and earnings calendars. The app supports trading in stocks, options, futures, and cryptocurrencies, with the ability to toggle between live and simulated trading environments.
Pros:
- Provides advanced tools and trade execution
- Offers commission-free trades
Cons:
- Not as robust as the desktop platform
- Difficult learning curve
9. Best for Passive Investors: M1 Finance
M1 Finance is an excellent low-cost robo-advisor for self-directed investors who prefer managing their investments, banking, and borrowing in one convenient app. M1 Finance offers various attractive features, such as a Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured savings account that earns a competitive 5% APY (as of Nov. 2, 2023). Additionally, they provide a Visa credit card that offers generous cash back rewards of up to 10%. If you require personal loans, M1 Finance also offers no-fee options. Self-directed investors will appreciate M1’s competitive margin loan rates, digital tools, and automated investing with dynamic rebalancing to keep your portfolio allocation in check.
Pros:
- Seamlessly integrates investment, banking, and borrowing
- Offers trade automation with dynamic rebalancing
Cons:
- $10 monthly fee required for the best offers
- No access to advisors or recommendations
10. Best for Selling Tech and Media: Decluttr
Decluttr is a convenient resale app that allows you to sell tech and media products you no longer need, such as old smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, DVDs, game consoles, and video games. To get started, simply download the app, search for the item you wish to sell (or scan its barcode), and receive an instant price quote. If you’re satisfied with the offer, Decluttr provides a free UPS shipping label. After receiving your item, they will promptly pay you through direct deposit or PayPal within 24 hours. Alternatively, if Decluttr does not accept your item for any reason, they will send it back to you at no cost.
Pros:
- Accepts old and broken electronics
- No fees and prompt payments
Cons:
- Valuations aren’t negotiable
- Decluttr might return your item
TIME Stamp: Money-Making Apps Can Supplement Your Income
While it’s vital to set realistic expectations when using money-making apps, they can indeed help you supplement your income and provide flexibility in setting your own schedule. However, keep in mind that these apps are not get-rich-quick schemes, and they do not offer employee benefits such as health insurance or a 401(k). Additionally, your earnings may not be consistent. Nevertheless, using certain apps together can increase your earning potential. For example, if you become a DoorDash driver, you can use Upside or the DasherDirect prepaid Visa to save money on fuel. Every little bit counts when it comes to maintaining a balanced budget.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which apps pay you instantly?
While there is usually a slight delay between earning cash through money-making apps and receiving it, certain apps have low minimum thresholds for requesting payouts. For instance, Survey Junkie allows you to cash out with just $5 in earnings. Keep in mind that you might need to verify your bank account or PayPal details, which could take several days.
Are money-making apps safe?
Many money-making apps are indeed safe to use. Legitimate apps will provide transparency regarding payment methods and user protection. If you have any doubts about a particular app, research the company, read user reviews online, and assess ratings and download statistics on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
How much do money-making apps cost?
Most money-making apps are free to download and use. However, some may offer in-app purchases to unlock premium features or charge user fees, which are typically deducted from your earnings. Additionally, some apps may require you to spend money to earn cash through rebates. In such cases, carefully consider whether your purchases are necessary. It’s not financially wise to buy something you don’t need solely to receive a rebate.
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of these amazing money-making apps, it’s time to explore and see how they can help you achieve your financial goals. Remember, with these apps in your pocket, your income potential and financial freedom are only a tap away!