In today’s world of freelance workers, social commerce, and gig economy opportunities, there are dozens of ways to pad your bank account and even gain some extra experience as a bonus. Whether you want to make money while you shop, sell your services, or just exchange some of your unwanted goods for extra income, there’s something for everyone.
The biggest challenge is figuring out which apps you should use. We’ve searched through dozens of options to bring you this list of the best, highest paying apps of 2023, for a range of use cases.
What Are The Best Money Making Apps?
1. Survey Junkie
Best for Online Surveys
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Survey Junkie is probably one of the most popular apps for earning money online in 2023. Simple and convenient, the app allows you to earn cash by providing your opinions on various products and services. You simply answer questions and earn money every time you do.
While you might not earn a fortune with Survey Junkie, you also don’t need any specialist skills to get started. You can fill out surveys even while watching Netflix.
How it works
All you need to do is sign up for a free account and fill out your profile, so Survey Junkie knows what kinds of surveys to send you. You’ll receive invites to answer questions based on your interests and demographic information, and you’ll earn points. Eventually, you can redeem your points for gift cards, or PayPal payments.
Available
Survey Junkie is available worldwide throughout countries like the UK, Canada, and the US.
2. Swagbucks
Best for Odd Online Jobs
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Designed to save you money while you shop, Swagbucks is a great way to save cash on things you would have purchased anyway. You can also earn money simply by browsing the internet, watching videos, participating in online surveys, or playing games.
Every activity you complete online gives you more points you can use towards gift cards for PayPal, Amazon, and countless other great resources. If your idea of the best money making app is something which gives you a lot of options for earning, this could be it.
How it works
You can register for an account with Swagbucks for free either using your personal email address or Facebook account. From there, you’ll be able to search through a range of activities where you can earn points, like watching video ads, or playing games. Eventually, you can redeem your points for prizes like PayPal gift cards.
There are new activities to explore on a daily basis, so you can constantly find something to do that will add to your points total.
Available
Swagbucks is available in Canada, Australia, the USA, India, Germany, France, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Spain and Portugal.
3. Rakuten
Best for Cashback
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Rakuten is one of the top cash back apps available for earning a “passive” income. The solution actively pays you to do what you’re doing already (shopping online). If you’re sick of spending money and never getting anything in return, Rakuten could offer an ideal alternative.
The app is easy to use and available in regions around the world. Plus, you don’t actually have to do much to earn some cash.
How it Works
Users sign up for Rakuten for free then visit the Rakuten website whenever they want to shop online. Click on one of the retailers partnered with Rakuten and your cashback will automatically be delivered to your account when you checkout.
Available:
US, Canada, and the UK
4. Fiverr
Best for Freelancers
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If you’re looking to take on some side jobs as a way of upgrading your income, joining the freelance revolution could be the perfect solution. Fiverr is an application which allows you to essentially sell your services for any price you choose, to customers around the world.
You can build a reputation for yourself online, and start seeking out freelance jobs in seconds. Sellers can offer virtually anything, from voiceovers to graphic design.
How it Works
Sellers need to create an account with Fiverr to get started, and fill out their profile with information a customer might need to know. Next, you can create a “gig”, which is basically the product page for the service you want to offer. When someone wants to hire you, you’ll receive a notification, and get to work on the project. Your payment will be transferred to you when the job is done.
Available
Fiverr is available worldwide.
5. Upwork
Best Fiverr Alternative
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If you’re keen to join the gig economy, but you’re not a fan of “selling yourself” on Fiverr, then Upwork could be a great alternative. Rather than posting gigs and waiting for customers to come and purchase your services, you can apply to a range of jobs on a regular basis.
Upwork has something to offer virtually every skillset, from development and IT jobs to designing and creative tasks. This can be one of the highest paying apps for freelancers too.
How it works
To get started on Upwork, you’ll need to create a free profile on the site. This is where you’ll showcase your skills, your portfolio, and set an ideal “pay rate” showing what you expect to earn from each job. You can then apply for jobs, create purchasable projects, and accept roles offered to you as they emerge. You’ll get paid securely at the end of each job.
Availability
Upwork is available worldwide, though there are specialist job listings available specifically within the United States.
7. Uber
Best for Car Owners
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Uber is easily one of the biggest apps in the world right now. This incredible application introduced the planet to the concept of “ridesharing”, and offered everyone an easier way to get around without spending a fortune on cab fares.
If you have your own car, you can become an Uber driver, and ferry customers to wherever they want to go in exchange for cash. You’ll also be able to set your own schedule and drive whenever you want to, so it’s great if you’re looking to be your own boss.
How it works
Uber is quite strict about who it allows to become a driver. You’ll need to sign up for an account with the website, and gain a private hire license. This means taking a test and proving both you and your car can be trusted on the roads. You’ll also have to upload a valid driver’s license, bank statement, driver profile picture, and private hire insurance to your account.
The required years of driving experience differ depending on your location, and you’ll need to complete a virtual onboarding course before you can activate your account. From there, you’ll receive job options to your phone whenever you want to work, and you can decide which ones you take. Uber takes a portion of each fare, and you get the rest.
Availability
Uber is available in every country in Europe, most of Asia, and various other countries around the world, but it’s not operational in every town and city.
8. OfferUp
Best for Selling Old Goods
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If you’re looking for the best money making app to help you clear some space at home, this could be it. OfferUp is a mobile-first customer-to-customer marketplace. This basically means it’s a place where you can sell anything you no longer want to other people in your area. The experience is similar to selling something on Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace, but with more protection.
The best thing about OfferUp is the peace of mind you get. Each seller has a profile with ratings from previous sales, so you can instantly see if someone isn’t as reliable as they appear.
How it works
You’ll start by creating a profile with the OfferUp app. From your mobile, you’ll be able to post a new listing, complete with a photo and other information about whatever you’re selling. You can also promote your item with the in-built promotional options from OfferUp.
When someone wants to buy your product, you’ll get a message, and you can respond and decide whether you want to sell. You’ll also be able to choose whether to meet the buyer in person with a “Community MeetUp spot”, or ship the item to your customer. When the sale is done, you’ll mark the item as sold, and the payment will be transferred to your account.
Availability
OfferUp is available exclusively in the US.
9. Acorns
Best for Spare Change Investing
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Spending money to make money isn’t a new concept. Sometimes, if you want to earn in the long-term, the best thing you can do is invest your available cash now. Acorns offers an excellent way to do just that, by allowing you to place small amounts of cash into your portfolio, without spending a fortune. You can even invest in Bitcoin!
Acorns is great for people who have always wanted to try investing, but haven’t had the spare cash or trading savvy to join the wider investing world. There’s also a cashback component too.
How it Works
You can sign up with an account on Acorns in under 5 minutes, and build investment accounts for yourself, and your entire family. When you create your account, you’ll be able to choose whether you want to get started with investing, banking, or “earning”.
The “earning” option allows you to earn money while you shop through cashback options, while the “investing” option allows you to place any cash you might have left over from your bills into various accounts, chosen based on your interests, risk portfolio, and other important details.
As an added bonus, Acorns can also help you to find part-time, full-time, and remote jobs, so you have more cash to put into your portfolio.
Availability
Acorns is only available to people in the US.
10. Robinhood
Best for Investing
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If you like the idea of using money now to increase your cash in the long-term, then Robinhood could be just the app for you. Similar to Acorns, this app is designed to simplify investing and make it more accessible to the masses. However, there are a lot more options to build your portfolio with Robinhood, and develop a deeper knowledge of the market.
You can start building a portfolio with as little as $1 and invest in everything from stocks and options to ETFs, without commissions.
How it works
Robinhood allows users to set up an account in a matter of minutes, and start accessing various kinds of investment opportunities straight away. You’ll create an account and answer some questions about your investment goals. There are also various learning tools available to help you understand where you should be spending your money.
You’ll need to be 18 or older, with a valid Social Security number, and a US address to invest in Robinhood. Once you’re set up, you can simply start clicking on stock and investment options to spend your money however you choose.
Availability
Robinhood is available in the US, and the United Kingdom, but you will have to join a waiting list to access the app in the UK.
11. CapitalOne Shopping
Best for Discounts and Offers
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Sometimes the best way to save money is to take advantage of offers and deals for the products you were already going to buy. CapitalOne Shopping allows users to shop at the stores they already love, and get cheaper rates for the products they want. After you install the app into your browser, you’ll be connected instantly to the ecommerce stores offering the best price for the items you want.
The intuitive mobile app offered by CapitalOne Shopping even comes with it’s own barcode scanner, so you can check the price of products you see in-person on other online stores. The app will also automatically add coupons to your cart for you.
How it works
You can access CapitalOne Shopping either via a browser add-on or a mobile app. Both options will allow you to search through stores online to find the best deal on the products you want. You simply access the app, search for a product, and you’ll get a list of the best deals and offers.
Installing the mobile app on your phone will also allow you to scan barcodes and check for the best deals wherever you go.
Availability
You can access CapitalOne Shopping in the United States only.
12. Airbnb
Best for Real Estate Owners
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Like Uber, Airbnb has quickly become one of the most popular apps in the world, with over 150 million users. The app allows people with a spare room, space, or home to rent out their property to make instant cash from travellers. You can list your property for the price that makes the most sense to you, and reach billions of people on a global scale.
Airbnb is a very popular platform already, so you don’t really need to worry about promoting or marketing your location too much. Plus, the app handles secure bookings for you.
How it works
To become a host, all you need to do is sign up for an account with Airbnb, and provide some information about your accommodation. You’ll need to list your property, choose a price per night for anyone who wants to stay, and set the terms and conditions for using your accommodation.
As a host with Airbnb, you’ll need to do a lot of the work of making sure your property looks great, and keeping up with maintenance. Airbnb does cover bookings with insurance against accidents and property damage – just in case. When you earn money from a guest, you’ll keep a portion of the cash, and Airbnb keeps a small amount too.
Availability
Airbnb is available all over the planet, with new hosts joining all the time.
13. TaskRabbit
Best for Odd Local Jobs
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If you consider yourself to be something of a handyman, or you’re an expert at putting together flat-pack furniture, TaskRabbit could be one of the best money making apps for you. This app caters to people who need extra help with odd local jobs, like mounting a TV, or cleaning a kitchen.
The great thing about TaskRabbit is how diverse it is, you can make cash doing everything from planting flowers, to lifting furniture.
How it Works
You’ll need to register for an account with TaskRabbit to get started, which can incur a registration fee of $25 in some areas. You’ll also need to submit the documentation required for any licensed jobs, confirm your identity, and address your skills.
You’ll be able to set the schedule for when you’re willing to work, and choose the areas where you can provide your services, then choose a fee for your work. Whenever someone wants someone with your skills, you’ll get a notification, and can arrange to complete the task.
Availability
TaskRabbit is available across three countries in 45 countries. You can sign up in Canada, the United Kingdom, or the United States.
14. Poshmark
Best for Selling Old Clothes
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Poshmark is one of the best money-making apps for people who want to make some cash, and channel their inner Marie Kondo at the same time. It offers users an opportunity to get rid of clothing, fashion accessories, and even makeup they haven’t used, worn, or no longer want. The app primarily specializes in helping users to sell well-known brands.
If you have piles of clothes in your wardrobe you’ve never gotten around to wearing, or you have a designer piece in great shape, this is the app for you.
How it Works
To sell with Poshmark, you’ll need to sign up for an account on the app, then click on the option to list a product. Take a photo and upload it to your “closet” straight from your phone, then share the listing to your network of shoppers. You can share the link elsewhere online too, to help capture a wider range of potential buyers.
Once you get a buyer, you’ll be able to download a pre-paid label from Poshmark for delivery. Once the item arrives (through USPS), you’ll get paid.
Availability
Poshmark is currently available in Australia, Canada, India, and the United States.
15. Rover
Best for Dog Lovers
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If you want to make some cash and some new four-legged friends at the same time, it’s hard to go wrong with Rover. This easy-to-use app is perfect for anyone with a passion for pets. You’ll be able to make money walking dogs, or offering pet-sitting services to a host of different animals in your local area.
Rover comes with insurance already included, to give you extra peace of mind, and it allows you to offer a range of services from doggy day care, to dog boarding.
How it Works
To work with Rover, you’ll need to sign up for an account and share all the information someone might need to know when deciding whether to leave their pet with you. You can set your own schedule and prices, and list the services you offer, with specifics on the kind of age or size of pet you’re willing to look after.
Rover will send you a message whenever someone wants to access your services, and you’ll be able to communicate with your client from then on.
Availability
You can sign up for Rover in the US, Canada, and the UK.
16. Sweatcoin
Best for Active Individuals
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If you’re constantly on your feet, why not earn some extra cash when you’re rushing from one location to the next? Sweatcoin is a unique fitness app which rewards you for walking and exercising. The more time you spend up and about, the more points you earn.
The “Sweatcoins” you collect from your activities can be redeemed for various services, like yoga classes, as well as cash and merchandise. Or you can donate them to charity.
How it Works
Start by signing up for a Sweatcoin account, and make sure the app has access to track your movements from your phone. The app will automatically convert your steps at 1000 steps to 95 sweatcoins. You can also boost your earnings by doubling your coins during your most active times of the day.
The app will also pay you extra coins for referrals. Once you earn enough coins, you can convert them into vouchers, money, or charitable donations.
Availability
Sweatcoin is available in countries all around the world.
The Best Money Making Apps
Ultimately, the best money making apps for you will depend on how you’re looking to earn some extra cash. If you have an in demand skills like graphic design or social media management you can try to monetize your skills via freelance marketplaces like Fiverr or UpWork. Alternatively, you can start with something as simple as getting cashback from your purchases thanks to Acorns, and evolve all the way to investing with Robinhood.
On the other hand, if you want to keep things simple, apps like Rover can allow you to earn money doing things you love, like looking after pets, while Airbnb allows you to make the most of your real-estate. You can even combine multiple of the apps above to boost your earnings.
