Top 7 Money Making Apps

These days earning extra income doesn’t require a 9-to-5 job. With the rise of mobile technology, there are a plethora of money-making apps that allow users to generate income on the go. Whether you're looking to fill some free time or build a steady stream of passive income, there's an app for that.

But which ones are the best? In this article, we will dive deep into some of the top-rated and most reliable money-making apps available today. From survey-based apps to freelancing platforms, here’s everything you need to know to start earning money with your smartphone.

How Do Money Making Apps Work?

Money-making apps are designed to help you earn by completing small tasks, using your skills, or engaging in activities such as shopping, driving, or participating in surveys. Some apps give you cash, while others reward you with points or gift cards that can be redeemed for prizes or money.

Types of Money Making Apps

1. Survey Apps - Apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars pay users to take surveys, watch videos, and perform other simple tasks.
2. Freelance Apps - Platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork allow users to sell services like graphic design, writing, and programming.
3. Cashback Apps - Apps like Rakuten give users a percentage of their spending back when they shop through their platform.
4. Gig Economy Apps - Platforms like Uber, Lyft, and TaskRabbit let users earn money by providing services, whether it’s driving or completing odd jobs.

Each of these apps provides a convenient way to make money, often on your own schedule.

Top 7 Money Making Apps to Consider in 2025

When deciding on the best money-making app for you, it’s important to consider your time availability, skill set, and financial goals. Each app offers a different way to earn, so let’s take a deeper dive into some of the top-rated money-making apps of 2025.

1. Swagbucks – Get Paid for Surveys and Shopping

Swagbucks is one of the most popular apps for earning money through simple online tasks. Swagbucks has paid out over $500 million in rewards to its users, making it one of the most reliable apps for earning money online. You can earn "SB" points by participating in various activities such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, or even completing offers.

How it works

After signing up, you complete tasks like answering surveys or shopping through Swagbucks’ affiliate links. You accumulate points, known as SB, which can later be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards to stores like Amazon, Walmart, and more.

Pros

• Multiple Earning Methods – You can earn by completing surveys, watching videos, shopping, and more.
• Variety of Rewards – Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash, gift cards, or other rewards, offering flexibility.
• Trusted Platform – Swagbucks has been around for years and is known for its reliability and large user base.
• Sign-Up Bonus – New users often receive bonus points upon joining, providing an easy start.

Cons

• Slow Payouts – Payouts can take a while to process, especially for newer users.
• Survey Qualification – Not all users qualify for every survey, making it frustrating at times.
• Time-Consuming – Some surveys and tasks require a lot of time for relatively small rewards.

2. Rakuten – Cash Back for Shopping

Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) is the ultimate shopping companion that rewards you with cashback on purchases made through its platform at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Macy’s, and many more. Rakuten offers up to 40% cashback on certain purchases, depending on the retailer and current promotions.

How it works

You sign up and start shopping at participating stores via the Rakuten website or app. Once you complete a purchase, Rakuten gives you a percentage of that purchase as cashback. You can also earn additional rewards by referring friends to join the app.

Pros

• High Cashback Rates – Offers up to 40% cashback on certain purchases, making it a great choice for frequent shoppers.
• Wide Retailer Selection – Rakuten partners with major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Macy’s.
• Easy to Use – The process of earning cashback is simple – just shop through the app or website.
• Referral Program – You can earn more by referring friends and family to the platform.

Cons

• Limited to Participating Stores – Cashback is only available at stores Rakuten partners with, so choices are restricted.
• Quarterly Payouts – Payouts are made only once every three months, which may not be ideal for those looking for immediate rewards.
• Conditions on Cashback – Some deals have specific conditions (e.g., minimum purchase requirements), which can limit your earnings.

3. Fiverr – Sell Your Skills and Services

Fiverr is a leading freelancing platform where you can sell a variety of services, including graphic design, writing, video editing, and much more. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, Fiverr provides an opportunity to monetize your skills.  A beginner graphic designer can list basic logo design services starting at $5. As they build a reputation and gain positive reviews, they can increase their prices for more premium gigs.

How it works

You create a profile, list the services (called "gigs") you offer, and set your own prices. Fiverr takes a commission on each sale, and you earn money once a client buys your service.

Pros

• Low Entry Barriers – It’s easy to get started by simply setting up a profile and offering your services.
• Global Audience – Fiverr connects you to clients from all over the world, providing access to a large marketplace.
• Customizable Gigs – You can offer different service packages, set your own prices, and highlight your skills.
• Quick Payments – Fiverr offers relatively quick payment transfers once a job is completed.

Cons

• High Competition – The platform is saturated with freelancers, especially in popular categories like writing or graphic design.
• Fees – Fiverr takes a commission on each gig, typically 20%, which can reduce your overall earnings.
• Initial Low Pricing – New freelancers may need to start with low prices to attract clients, which can be tough to increase as you gain more experience.

4. TaskRabbit – Get Paid for Odd Jobs

TaskRabbit connects you with people in your local area who need help with a wide variety of tasks. From assembling furniture and moving items to cleaning and running errands, TaskRabbit allows you to earn money by completing small, everyday jobs. A TaskRabbit user can make anywhere between $15 to $60 per hour depending on the task, with higher-paying jobs like moving furniture or running errands.

How it works

You sign up, create a profile listing the tasks you're willing to do, and get matched with local clients who need help. After completing a task, you get paid directly.

Pros

• Flexible Work Hours – You can choose which tasks you want to take on, and the hours are entirely flexible.
• Variety of Tasks – Offers a wide range of jobs, from cleaning to moving to handyman work.
• Higher Earnings for Specialized Tasks – More complex jobs like furniture assembly or moving can pay higher rates.
• Local Opportunities – It connects you to local clients, which can reduce travel time and expenses.

Cons

• Physical Labor – Many of the tasks are physically demanding, which might not appeal to everyone.
• Availability of Jobs – Task availability depends on your location; it can be limited in less-populated areas.
• Inconsistent Income – Earnings can fluctuate based on job availability and local demand for services.

5. Uber/Lyft – Drive for Money

Both Uber and Lyft are well-known ride-sharing services that allow you to earn money by driving passengers to their destinations. If you own a car and have some free time, these platforms are a flexible way to make money on your own schedule. Uber drivers in the U.S. earn an average of $25 per hour after expenses, according to a study by Business Insider.

How it works

Sign up as a driver, use your car to pick up passengers, and get paid based on the distance and time of each ride. You can work as much or as little as you want, making it a great option for part-time or full-time income.

Pros

• Flexible Working Hours – You can work as much or as little as you want, making it a great option for part-time or full-time income.
• High Earning Potential During Peak Times – Surge pricing during busy hours can lead to higher earnings.
• Easy to Get Started – The process to sign up and start driving is simple and quick.
• Bonus Programs – Both Uber and Lyft offer bonus opportunities for completing a set number of rides or working during specific times.

Cons

• Car Maintenance Costs – You'll need to factor in the costs of car maintenance, insurance, and gas, which can eat into your earnings.
• Unpredictable Earnings – Earnings can vary greatly depending on the time of day, demand, and area you drive in.
• Safety Concerns – While both platforms have safety features, driving strangers can still pose a risk.

6. Honeygain – Passive Income from Internet Sharing

Honeygain lets you earn passive income by sharing your unused internet bandwidth. It runs in the background on your device and, as you share bandwidth, you earn money. If you have 1GB of unused bandwidth, you could make around $0.03 per day, which isn’t much but can accumulate over time.

How it works

Once you download and install the app, it connects your device to the Honeygain network, sharing your internet connection with others. For every GB of data shared, you earn a small amount of money.

Pros

• Completely Passive Income – Once set up, the app works in the background and you don’t need to do anything to earn.
• Easy to Set Up – Simply install the app and let it run to start earning.
• Earn From Multiple Devices – You can install Honeygain on multiple devices to maximize your income.

Cons

• Slow Earnings – The amount of money you earn can be very low, and it takes a long time to accumulate significant earnings.
• Limited Income Potential – The maximum you can earn is capped based on how much data you share, so it’s not a major income source.
• Requires a Stable Internet Connection – To make the most of the app, you need to have a consistent and fast internet connection.

7. Foap – Sell Your Photos

Foap is an app that allows photographers to sell their photos to brands and marketers who need high-quality images for their marketing campaigns. A photographer can earn anywhere from $5 to $100 per photo, depending on how the photo is used by the buyer.

How it works

You upload your photos to Foap, and when a brand or company purchases one of your images, you earn a commission. Foap also organizes “missions,” which are contests where you can submit photos based on a specific theme, and win additional money.

Pros

• Monetize Your Photography – Great for photographers looking to earn money from their photos by selling them to brands and marketers.
• Easy to Use – Uploading photos is simple, and you can start earning right away.
• Photo Missions – Foap organizes missions where you can submit themed photos for extra earnings.
• Global Marketplace – You can sell your photos to companies and brands around the world.

Cons

• High Competition – Many photographers are uploading their work, so it can be hard to stand out.
• Quality Requirements – Your photos need to meet certain quality standards, which may require time and effort to perfect.
• Commission Fees – Foap takes a commission from each sale, which can limit the amount you make per photo.

Tips for Maximizing Earnings with Money Making Apps

To get the most out of your money-making apps, it’s essential to approach them strategically. Here are some actionable tips that can help you maximize your earnings and ensure a steady stream of income.

1. Choose Apps that Suit Your Schedule and Skills

The best way to maximize your earnings is to choose apps that align with your available time and skill set. This will ensure that you’re not just wasting time on tasks that you don’t enjoy or can’t complete efficiently.

• For example: If you’re skilled at writing, freelance platforms like Fiverr or Upwork can be a great way to monetize your skills. These apps allow you to set your own rates and work on projects that match your expertise.
• If you’re looking for something more hands-off and less time-consuming, consider apps like Honeygain, which allow you to earn passive income by sharing unused internet bandwidth. This doesn’t require you to spend much time, but you can still generate a steady stream of income.

By selecting apps that match your skill set, you can earn more efficiently and enjoy the tasks you’re completing.

2. Don’t Rely on Just One App

Relying on just one money-making app can limit your income potential. Each app has its own earning capacity, so it’s beneficial to diversify and use multiple apps to create a more stable cash flow.

• For instance: You could use Swagbucks to earn points from surveys and watching videos, and at the same time, shop through Rakuten to earn cashback on your purchases.
• By spreading your efforts across different apps, you increase your chances of earning more money. Plus, it ensures that if one app isn’t paying out as much one month, you can still rely on others to fill the gap.

Don’t be afraid to juggle multiple apps. Just ensure they complement your lifestyle and don’t become overwhelming.

3. Track Your Earnings

Most money-making apps provide a dashboard that lets you track your earnings in real-time. This feature is extremely useful for staying motivated and understanding which tasks or activities are bringing in the most money.

• How it helps: By tracking your earnings, you can see exactly how much you’re making and identify which types of tasks give you the best return on time and effort.
• For example, if you’re using Swagbucks, you might find that taking surveys brings in more points than watching videos, so you can prioritize surveys to maximize your earnings.

Tracking your income also gives you a clear picture of whether you’re meeting your financial goals, and helps you adjust your strategy if needed.

4. Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to maximizing your earnings from money-making apps. While the tasks themselves might seem small, the more consistently you complete them, the more money you can earn.

• How it works: Completing tasks daily or weekly, such as taking a few surveys on Swagbucks or driving for Uber, adds up over time. By staying consistent, you’ll find that your efforts compound into significant earnings over time.
• Even if you don’t have hours to spare each day, making a habit of completing small tasks regularly will keep your earnings ticking.

The more consistently you engage with these apps, the more money you will earn. Treat it like a side hustle and set aside a small amount of time each day or week to complete tasks.

Are Money Making Apps Legit?

While many money-making apps are legitimate, it’s important to be cautious, as some apps may be scams or fail to pay you as promised. To protect yourself, always research and evaluate the apps before committing your time and personal information.

How to Avoid Scams

1. Research the App

Before using any money-making app, look up reviews and ratings from other users to get an idea of the app’s legitimacy. Use trusted sources like Trustpilot, the Google Play Store, or App Store to read reviews from people who have already used the app. If the app has a lot of negative reviews or complaints about non-payment, it’s a red flag.

• Tip: Look for apps with a high rating and a strong user base. Apps that have been around for a while and have a good reputation are usually more trustworthy.

2. Check the Payout Terms

Every legitimate money-making app should have clear and transparent payout terms. Make sure the app clearly explains how you will get paid (PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards, etc.) and what the minimum payout threshold is.

• Warning: Avoid apps that require you to pay upfront fees or subscriptions in exchange for access to money-making opportunities. Legitimate apps won’t ask for money to participate.

3. Use Secure Payment Methods

Only use apps that offer secure payment methods like PayPal, gift cards from major retailers (like Amazon), or bank transfers. These payment methods are widely used and provide protection against fraud.

• Tip: If an app only offers untraceable methods (like cryptocurrency) or asks you to give your credit card information upfront, it’s best to steer clear.

By doing your due diligence, you can avoid scams and ensure that the apps you’re using are legitimate, trustworthy, and safe to use.

Final Thoughts: Which Money Making App is Right for You?

With so many apps out there, choosing the right one depends on your personal preferences, skills, and available time. Whether you're looking for a passive income stream or a side hustle, there's an app that fits your needs.

Apps like Spocket can provide you with a simple way to generate income by dropshipping products from reliable suppliers. Explore different options, stay consistent, and enjoy the flexibility that comes with earning money through your smartphone.