Are you looking for ways to make some extra cash on the side? Have you ever thought you can make profit from apps? Money-making apps might be just what you need! However, it’s important to have realistic expectations when using these apps. While they do pay you for completing various tasks, they are not a get-rich-quick scheme, and you may not earn enough to cover all your expenses.
Also, keep in mind that as a gig worker, you won’t receive any employee benefits like health insurance, 401(k), or paid time off. But the good news is that these apps provide flexibility in setting your schedule, allowing you to do it all in your free time. Plus, you can increase your earnings by using certain apps together and save money on everyday purchases. In this article, we’ll introduce you to some of the best apps that pay you and share tips for making the most of them. Read on to find out how you can supplement your income and achieve your financial goals!
These apps that we hand-picked out for this list can help you make money quickly by using your mobile device to pick up a side job, complete online surveys, reduce your expenses, sell items you no longer need, and more. The top money-making apps are free to join, pay quickly, and offer flexible work schedules. Here are our top picks for making money from apps in 2024.
Top 10 Apps That Pay You
| What it’s used for | What its used for |
|---|---|
| Survey Junkie | Online Surveys |
| Rocket Money | Keeping track of your finances |
| Door Dash | Delivery Drivers |
| Swagbucks | Surveys & gift cards |
| UpWork | Freelancers |
| TradeStation | Active traders and investors |
| Rakuten | Cash Back |
| Decluttr | Selling tech and media |
| Upside | Gas station rewards |
| M1 Finance | Passive investors |
Top apps that pay you
The apps that pay you in Australia are accessible to anyone who has a mobile phone. This list shows the best way to make a profit from apps. Making money from apps in 2024 has never been easier.
1. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is an online community that conducts market research. As a member, you can earn virtual points by completing surveys, which you can then redeem for e-gift cards or PayPal payments. To get started, you need to answer a few questions and create a profile. Once you do, Survey Junkie will match you to surveys that are relevant to your interests. Please note that taking surveys is not a substitute for a full-time job, nor will it make you rich. However, if you complete three surveys a day, you can earn up to $40 per month.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Redeem points for Paypal or e-cards | ✔Some surveys have repetitive questions |
| ✔Earn money completing brief surveys | ✔Surveys might be expired |
2. Rocket Money
Rocket Money, which is the company behind Rocket Mortgage, offers a money management and budgeting app. With this app, you can view all your financial accounts in one place, create budgets, automate your savings, and monitor your credit score. This helps you to save more, spend less, and stay on track. The app itself is free, but you’ll need to pay $3 to $12 every month for premium services. These services include subscription cancellation, chatting with a money expert, and bill negotiation. The cost of the bill negotiation ranges from 30% to 60% of your first-year savings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Credit tracking and reports | ✔Bill negotiation service can be pricey |
| ✔Numerous budgeting and savings features | ✔Free version is limited |
3. DoorDash
DoorDash “Dashers” are individuals who make money by delivering products from various stores, including restaurants, convenience stores, pet stores, grocery stores, and more. To get started, you can sign up and apply online, set up your profile, and then schedule shifts or start dashing right away. You can choose when and how much you want to work and earn a guaranteed base rate for every order, plus tips. Additionally, you have the option to set up free, automatic weekly payouts or get paid instantly after every dash for no fee with DasherDirect Instant Pay.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Keep 100% of your tips | ✔No earnings while witing for food orders |
| ✔Set your own hours | ✔Vehicle costs |
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a platform where you can earn points by completing simple tasks like answering surveys, playing games, watching videos, and searching the internet. Additionally, you can earn cash back and access exclusive deals and coupons when you shop at over 1,500 in-store and online retailers, including grocers. It’s free to become a member, and you can redeem your points for gift cards to retailers like Amazon or Walmart. Alternatively, you can also get cash back from PayPal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Redeem points for cash or gift cards | ✔Some tasks take time |
| ✔Multiple ways to earn points | ✔Low earnings potential |
5. Upwork
Upwork is an online platform that connects freelancers with clients. To get started, you need to sign up and create a profile that highlights your skills, experience, and expertise. Once you have done that, you can start pitching projects and bidding for jobs across various industries. Upwork allows you to invoice clients and track your earnings, and you can choose from different payment options such as direct deposit, PayPal, Payoneer, or wire transfer. However, keep in mind that Upwork charges a 10% fee on your earnings as a freelancer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Payment protection ensures you get paid | ✔Get paid 10 days after billing period ends |
| ✔Pitch projects and bid for jobs | ✔10% freelancer service fee |
6. TradeStation
TradeStation is known for its popular desktop platform, but the company has also recently updated its mobile app. This app is perfect for traders who need to stay connected while on the go. With a quick and secure login process, the app provides advanced charting tools with real-time data, advanced analysis capabilities, a streamlined order interface, intuitive order tracking, and account monitoring. In addition to these features, the app also provides pre-built hot lists, news, analyst ratings, and earnings calendars. The app supports trading in stocks, options, futures, and cryptocurrency, and you can easily switch between live and simulated trading environments.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Commission-free trades | ✔Not as robust as the desktop platform |
| ✔Advanced tools and trade execution | ✔Steep learning curve |
7. Rakuten
Rakuten Rewards (formerly known as Ebates) provides you with cashback, deals, and coupons at over 3,500 stores selling everything from clothing and electronics to restaurants and ridesharing. You can 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 even link store offers to your credit card to earn in-store cash back. Rakuten Rewards will notify you via email when it adds cash back to your account, and every three months, you’ll receive a payment via check or PayPal.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔$10 welcome bonus for new users | ✔Some cash back rates are low |
| ✔Unlimited cash back | ✔Cash back awarded every three months |
8. Decluttr
Decluttr is a fantastic resale app that allows you to sell your old tech and media products, such as laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, DVDs, game consoles, and video games. To start the selling process, simply download the app, search for the product you want to sell (or scan its barcode), and receive an instant price quote. If you accept it, Decluttr will send you a free UPS shipping label. Once they receive your item, you’ll get paid through direct deposit or PayPal within 24 hours. In case Decluttr doesn’t accept your item for some reason, they’ll send it back to you at no cost.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Quick payments and no fees | ✔Might not send your time back |
| ✔Accepts all time tpyes of electronics | ✔Valuations aren’t negotiable |
9. Upside
Upside is a platform that partners with businesses across Australia to offer personalized cash-back rewards. Although it provides cash-back opportunities at restaurants and grocery stores, its main focus is on helping people save money on fuel. To get started, download the app, sign up, and allow Upside to access your location to display offers available in your area. Once you’ve found and claimed an offer, pay using your credit or debit card and submit your receipt or check-in on the app. Upside will verify your purchase, and then you can cash out your earnings to your bank account, PayPal, or a gift card.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Can add onto existing loyalty programs | ✔Does not work with cash |
| ✔User-freidnly interace showing offers | ✔Some locations have no or few offers |
10. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a robo-advisor that is perfect for self-directed investors who want to manage their investing, banking, and borrowing needs in one app. With its Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-an 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, M1 Finance is a great option for anyone looking for low-cost financial solutions. Self-directed investors will also appreciate M1’s competitive margin loan rates, digital tools, and automated investing with dynamic rebalancing, which helps to keep portfolio allocation in check.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔Auto trading with dynamic rebalancing | ✔Monthly fee of $10 to see best offers |
| ✔Intergrate invesment, borrowing, and banking | ✔No access to mentors or recommendations |
Conclusion
It is essential to have realistic expectations when using money-making apps. Even though these apps that pay you are a real thing, these apps are not a quick and easy way to get rich, and you may not earn enough to cover all your expenses. Additionally, as a gig worker, you will not receive any employee benefits such as health insurance, a 401(k), or paid time off. Your earnings may also be unpredictable.
However, money-making apps can be a great way to supplement your income while enjoying the flexibility of setting your schedule. Something you can do on the side during your free time without the stress of a 9-5 job. You can also increase your earnings potential by using certain apps together. For example, if you work for DoorDash, you can use Upside or the DasherDirect prepaid Visa to save money on gas. Every little bit helps when it comes to managing your budget.
Numerous mobile apps can help you earn some extra cash or save money on everyday purchases. From completing surveys and picking up side jobs to selling items you no longer need, these apps offer flexible work schedules and pay quickly. Whether you’re looking to make a few bucks on the side or start a side hustle, these apps can help you achieve your financial goals. We hope one of these apps that pay you makes you the money you are hoping for.