12 Best Money-Making Apps for 2024

If you're looking for ways to balance your budget, numerous apps can help you earn extra cash or save money on everyday purchases. These money-making apps make it easy to use your mobile device to pick up a side gig, take online surveys, sell stuff you no longer use, lower your bills, and more. The best money-making apps let you sign up for free, get paid quickly, and set your own hours. Here are our top picks.

Our recommendations

Best for earning gift cards

Swagbucks

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Best for earning gift cards

Swagbucks

Average payout

$50 to $250 a month

Why we like it:

Swagbucks lets you earn points by completing easy tasks like answering surveys, playing games, watching videos, and searching the internet. You can also earn cash back and access exclusive deals and coupons when you shop at over 1,500 in-store and online retailers (including grocers). Membership is free, and you can redeem your points for gift cards to retailers like Amazon or Walmart or get cash back from PayPal. Membership is free.

How the payment works

As you complete activities, you’ll earn Swagbucks points called SB (100 SB = $1). You can donate to a charity with as little as 5 SB, redeem 110 SB for a $1 Amazon gift card, or snag a $5 Walmart gift card with 500 SB. The more SB you earn, the more gift card options you’ll have. You can also cash out with PayPal. Most rewards take at least a couple of days to process.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Multiple ways to earn points
• Redeem points for gift cards or cash

Cons:

• Low earnings potential
• Some tasks are time-consuming

Best for online surveys

Survey Junkie

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Best for online surveys

Survey Junkie

Average payout

$40 monthly by completing three surveys a day

Why we like it:

Survey Junkey is an online market research community. As a member, you complete surveys in exchange for virtual points, which you can instantly redeem for e-gift cards or PayPal payments. You'll answer a few questions and create a profile to get started, and then Survey Junkey matches you to relevant surveys.

How the payment works

Once you’ve earned 500 points (100 points = $1), you can redeem them for electronic gift cards (from retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target) that you receive instantly. Alternatively, you can transfer earnings to your PayPal or bank account, though processing can take a couple of days.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Earn money completing brief surveys
• Redeem points for e-gift cards or PayPal

Cons:

• Surveys might be expired
• Some surveys have repetitive questions

Best for playing games

FreeCash

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Best for playing games

FreeCash

Average payout

$100 to $1,000 per month

Why we like it:

FreeCash lets you earn money by playing games, taking surveys, watching videos, and more. The website says you can earn up to $399.89 per offer, though users earn an average of $27.90 daily. Once you sign up for a free account, you can browse a large selection of offers, choose one you like, complete the steps, and get paid in FreeCash coins ($1,000 coins equals $1). From there, you can cash out your rewards via PayPal, various cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or in-game items on games like Valorant and League of Legends. Once you sign up for a free account, you can browse a large selection of offers, choose one you like, and complete the steps to earn Freecash coins–the app’s virtual currency.

How the payment works

For every completed task, you’ll earn Freecash coins (1,000 coins = $1). Once you’ve reached a modest withdrawal threshold, you can cash out your rewards via PayPal, various cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or in-game items on games like Valorant and League of Legends (thresholds vary depending on your preferred reward). Most withdrawals are approved in under two minutes.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Quick sign-up process
• Numerous ways to earn

Cons:

• Earnings can be low
• Rewards may expire

Best for investing spare change

Acorns

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Best for investing spare change

Acorns

Average payout

Depends on your spending, where you shop, and current promotions

Why we like it:

Acorns makes it easy to save and invest with little to no effort. The app automatically rounds up purchases you make from linked accounts, debit cards, and credit cards to the next dollar. Then, Acorns invests that spare change in a diversified portfolio of professionally managed exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Acorns also offers a browser extension called “Earn” that helps you earn money when you shop online. Subscriptions cost $3 per month for Acorns Bronze; $6 per month for Acorns Silver; $12 per month for Acorns Gold.

How the payment works

Most rewards are earned by shopping through the offers in the Earn section of the Acorn app, though you can also install a browser extension to earn rewards when you shop online. You should receive a reward confirmation email within three to seven days of making a purchase, and the reward will be invested within 60 to 120 days, depending on the offer.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Automatically invests your spare change
• Earn cash back at 450+ retailers

Cons:

• Fees are high for small accounts
• No tax-loss harvesting

Best for keeping track of your finances

Rocket Money

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Best for keeping track of your finances

Rocket Money

Average payout

Depends on your existing subscriptions and bills—and whether bills are successfully lowered

Why we like it:

Rocket Money (the same company behind Rocket Mortgage) is a money management and budgeting app that lets you see all your financial accounts in one place, create budgets, automate your savings, and monitor your credit score so you can save more, spend less, and get (and stay) on track. The app is free, but you'll pay $3 to $12 monthly for premium services, including subscription cancellation, chatting with a money expert, and bill negotiation (which costs 30% to 60% of your first-year savings).

How the payment works

Unlike many of the best money-making apps on our list, you don’t earn cash or rewards with Rocket Money. Instead, the app helps you budget, spend less, and save money on subscriptions and bills.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Numerous budgeting and savings features
• Credit reports and tracking

Cons:

• Free version is limited
• Bill negotiation service can be pricey

Best for active traders and investors

TradeStation

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Best for active traders and investors

TradeStation

Average payout

Depends on how much money you risk, your risk tolerance, and your investment strategy

Why we like it:

TradeStation is best known for its flagship desktop platform, but on-the-go traders will appreciate its freshly updated mobile app. With a quick and secure login, the app offers sophisticated charting with real-time data, advanced analysis, a streamlined order interface, intuitive order tracking, account monitoring, and more. You'll also have access to pre-built hot lists, news, analyst ratings, and earnings calendars. The app supports stocks, options, futures, and crypto currency trading—with the option to toggle between live and sim trading environments.

How the payment works

TradeStation is a trading and investing platform, so you don’t earn rewards or cash back. Instead, the only ways to make money are through interest, dividends, and investment appreciation (capital gains). You can transfer funds between your TradeStation account and a linked external account via the Client Center webpage or the TradeStation app.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Advanced tools and trade execution
• Commission-free trades

Cons:

• Not as robust as the desktop platform
• Steep learning curve

Best for passive investors

M1 Finance

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Best for passive investors

M1 Finance

Average payout

Up to $200 cash back per calendar month (depending on how much money you risk, your risk tolerance, and your investment strategy)

Why we like it:

M1 Finance is a low cost robo-advisor that's ideal for self-directed investors wanting to manage their investing, banking, and borrowing in one app. Offers like an Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured savings account that earns 5% APY (as of Nov. 2, 2023), a Visa credit card that offers up to 10% cash back, and no-fee personal loans may appeal to anyone. 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.

How the payment works

The Owner’s Rewards Card by M1 Visa credit card lets you earn up to 10% cash back on qualifying purchases. Rewards are available within 60 days of the transaction settlement date and are loaded onto your M1 Invest or M1 Spend account for you to reinvest through the M1 platform. Alternatively, you can transfer your rewards to an external checking account.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Integrate investment, banking, and borrowing
• Trade automation with dynamic rebalancing

Cons:

• $10 monthly fee to get the best offers
• No access to advisors or recommendations

Best for cash back

Rakuten Rewards

Best for cash back

Rakuten Rewards

Average payout

$90.16 per user in 2023

Why we like it:

>Rakuten Rewards (formerly Ebates) offers cash back, deals, and coupons at over 3,500 stores on everything from clothes and electronics to restaurants and ridesharing. Sign up for a free account in less than 30 seconds and start shopping on Rakuten.com, the Rakuten app, or the browser extension. You can also link store offers to your credit card to earn in-store cash back.

How the payment works

Rakuten processes payments four times a year on Feb. 15, May 15, Aug. 15, and Nov. 15. You’ll need at least $5.01 in confirmed cash-back earnings to get paid. If your balance is $5.00 or less, it will automatically carry over to the next payment date. You can receive your cash back payments by check or PayPal.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Unlimited cash back
• $10 welcome bonus for new users

Cons:

• Some cash back rates are low
• Cash back awarded every three months

Best for delivery drivers

Doordash

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Best for delivery drivers

Doordash

Average payout

Base payment ranges from $2 to over $10; $16.30 and $18.45 an hour based on sources.

Why we like it:

DoorDash "Dashers" make money delivering products from restaurants, convenience stores, pet stores, grocery stores, and more. To get started, sign up and apply online, set up your profile, and then schedule shifts or start dashing right away. You choose when and how much you want to work and earn a guaranteed base rate for every order, plus tips and applicable promotions.

How the payment works

Dashers have a few payout options. Weekly direct deposit payments are processed at the end of each Monday – Sunday week and typically land in your bank account by the following Wednesday. Fast Pay lets you cash out your earnings daily for a $1.99 fee. With DasherDirect, your earnings are deposited to a prepaid debit card after every dash with zero fees—plus you get 2% cash back on gas purchases at any station, anytime.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Set your own hours
• Keep 100% of your tips

Cons:

• Vehicle costs (gas, wear and tear, etc.)
• No earnings while waiting for food orders

Best for gas station rewards

Upside Cash Back Rewards App

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Best for gas station rewards

Upside Cash Back Rewards App

Average payout

$148 each year (earnings vary by location and how much you spend in each category)

Why we like it:

Upside (formerly GetUpside) partners with businesses nationwide to provide personalized cash back offers. While Upside offers cash back opportunities at restaurants and grocery stores, it's best known for helping people save at the pump. Download the app, create an account, and let Upside access your location to view offers in your area. From there, you'll find and claim offers, pay with a credit or debit card (that’s linked to your Upside Wallet or use Upside Pay), and submit your receipt or “check-in” using the app.

How the payment works

Once Upside validates your purchase and the cash back you earned appears in your account, you can cash out through a bank transfer, PayPal account, or gift card. Bank deposits can take up to seven business days to process, while gift cards and PayPal transfers take up to 48 hours. Note that if you cash out less than $15, you may be charged a $1 fee.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• User-friendly app shows map view of offers
• Can stack with existing loyalty programs

Cons:

• Doesn’t work with cash
• Some locations have few or no offers

Best for finding customers

Bark

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Best for finding customers

Bark

Average payout

Depends on services, lead response rate, converted leads into paying customers

Why we like it:

Bark is a lead generation service that connects you with potential customers. After creating a free Bark profile describing your services, the platform alerts you when a promising lead comes through. You’ll use Bark credits if you’re interested in contacting a lead, with the cost based on the service, the value of the job, and supply and demand in your area. After that, any further contact with the lead is free. The optional Elite Pro subscription helps you stand out from the crowd, and thecompany claims one extra customer a month could more than cover the cost (a free one-month trial is available).

How the payment works

You don’t receive payments from Bark. Instead, the app connects you with potential leads. You pay a one-time fee to respond to a lead and keep 100% of the money you make from the job.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Connects you with potential customers
• Only pay for the leads you want to contact

Cons:

• The credit system can be confusing
• Need an Elite Pro account to gain visibility

Best for finding customers

Decluttr

Best for finding customers

Decluttr

Average payout

Depends on what you sell

Why we like it:

Decluttr is a resale app that lets you sell the tech and media products you no longer use, such as old smartphones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, DVDs, game consoles, and video games. To get started, download the app, search for the item you want to sell (or scan the barcode on your media), and get an instant price quote. If you accept it, Decluttr sends a free UPS shipping label. You pack your box and drop it off at a UPS store, customer center, or authorized retail outlet.

How the payment works

Once Decluttr receives your item, you'll get paid by direct deposit or PayPal, usually within 24 hours. If Decluttr doesn't accept the item for some reason, it will send it back to you for free.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Accepts old and broken electronics
• No fees and quick payments

Cons:

• Valuations aren’t negotiable
• Decluttr might send your item back

Best money-making apps compared

TIME Stamp: Money-making apps can supplement your income

It's essential to set realistic expectations when using money-making apps. They aren't get-rich schemes, and you might not earn enough to make ends meet. And as a side gig, you won't receive any employee benefits like health insurance, a 401(k), or paid time off—and your earnings may be sporadic.

Still, money-making apps can be an excellent way to earn extra income while enjoying the flexibility of setting your own schedule. Keep in mind that using certain apps together could boost your earnings potential.

Average payout	$0.40 – $2	$1 – $3	$0.50 – $5.00
Payment method	Paypal or gift cards	Paypal, eGift cards, or bank transfer	Paypal Cash, Amazon gift cards, Starbucks gift cards, and more
Minimum to cash out	$3 for gift cards; $25 for PayPal	$5 (500 points)	$30
Promotion	$10	N/A	$5
	View Offer	View Offer	View Offer

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Which money-making apps pay right away?

There is usually a delay between the time you earn cash through a money-making app and when you receive it. Depending on the app, the delay could be 10 days or longer. Still, some apps have low minimum thresholds for requesting payouts. For example, Survey Junkie lets you cash out with just $5 in earnings. You may have to verify your bank account or PayPal details before the app can send you money, which could take several days.

How much do money-making apps cost?

Most money-making apps are free to download and use, but some offer in-store purchases to unlock premium features or charge user fees, typically deducted from your earnings. Of course, some apps let you earn cash through rebates—meaning you'll need to spend money to make money. In these situations, consider whether you really need the item. It doesn't make financial sense to buy something you don't need just to score a rebate.

How safe are money-making apps?

Many money-making apps are safe. Legitimate ones will be transparent about how they pay and protect users. If you're unsure about an app, research the company, read online user reviews, and check its Google Play or Apple App Store ratings and download statistics.