The 7 Best Money-Making Apps of 2024

Free apps can be very benifical to your wallet

Looking to earn extra cash conveniently? Mobile apps offer diverse opportunities, from completing surveys to freelancing or selling items, all accessible from your smartphone.

Here’s a roundup of seven top-rated money-making apps. NerdWallet selected apps with ratings of at least 3.8 stars and over 25,000 reviews on both Google Play and the iOS App Store.

Discover these top 7 apps for making money:

1. Ibotta
2. Rakuten
3. Swagbucks
4. Fiverr
5. Upwork
6. OfferUp
7. Poshmark

(Image credit : gigsincorporation.com)

Looking for ways to earn money online? Check out these top money-making apps:

Ibotta

(Image credit : ibotta.com)

1. How it works: Ibotta offers cash back on purchases from over 2,000 retailers, including groceries, clothing, entertainment, dining, and more. Earn cash back by adding offers, linking loyalty accounts, or purchasing gift cards through the app. Online shopping can be done through the app or browser extension.
2. Payment: Receive cash via PayPal, digital gift cards, or direct bank deposits.
3. Pros: Quick cash back on in-store purchases, various bonuses for new users and referrals, and flexible payment options.
4. Cons: Accumulating cash back may take time; $20 minimum to redeem (higher for some gift cards), and inactive account fees apply.
5. Download: Available on Android and iOS.

Rakuten

(Image credit : rakuten.com)

1. How it works: Formerly Ebates, Rakutenoffers cash back on purchases from popular retailers, restaurants, and travel services. Simply shop through the app or link your credit/debit card to earn in-store. Cash back is credited to your account after purchase confirmation.
2. Payment: Cash via PayPal or “Big Fat Check.”
3. Pros: Wide range of eligible stores and purchases, welcome bonuses for new users, and options to donate cash back.
4. Cons: Payments are sent quarterly, minimum balance required, and purchases must be initiated through the app.
5. Download: Available on Android and iOS.

Swagbucks

(Image credit : swagbucks.com)

• How it works: Swagbucks is a versatile cash-back and rewards app where you earn points, or “SB,” by shopping online at over 1,500 retailers, taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, and completing various tasks. Points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal. Surveys typically offer 40 to 200 SB points each, and some gift cards start at just 110 SB.
• Payment: Choose from e-gift cards, PayPal, or redeem SB for Bitcoin through Cryptovoucher Gift Cards.
• Pros: Multiple ways to earn rewards, quick payment processing within 10 business days, and a $10 bonus with a qualifying purchase when you join.
• Cons: Low earnings per task (about 1 SB = 1 cent), tasks can be low-paying, and not all surveys/tasks qualify. Users may get disqualified from surveys mid-way.
• Download: Available on Android and iOS.

Fiverr

(Image credit : fiverr.com)

• How it works: Fiverr is a popular freelancing marketplace offering services across 200+ categories like programming, video editing, and more. Create a seller profile, list your services (gigs) with pricing and descriptions, and buyers can place orders directly. Earn money upon completing gigs. Seller levels increase with performance, unlocking more opportunities and faster delivery options.
• Payment: Withdraw earnings via PayPal, direct bank transfer, Payoneer, or Fiverr Revenue Card (prepaid). Minimum withdrawal amounts vary by method.
• Pros: No need to find clients—they come to you. Earn tips on top of gig payments. Flexibility to work around other commitments.
• Cons: Fiverr charges a 20% commission on earnings (including tips), and there’s a standard 14-day waiting period for funds to clear after completing orders (seven days for top-tier sellers).
• Download: Available on Android and iOS.

Upwork

(Image credit : upwork.com)

• How it works: Upwork connects freelancers with gigs across various categories like writing, design, and marketing. Start by creating a detailed profile showcasing your skills, qualifications, availability, and desired rate. Submit proposals to clients who review and may offer you projects.
• Monthly Connects: Begin each month with a set number of Connects, which allow you to contact clients. Additional Connects can be earned or purchased. Upwork does not charge when clients contact you. Payment can be hourly or per-project.
• Payment: Options include direct deposit to U.S. and international bank accounts, wire transfer, Instant Pay, PayPal, and Payoneer. Fees may apply based on the payment method.
• Pros: Simplifies client acquisition and payment processes. Flexibility to set rates and work schedules.
• Cons: Charges for additional Connects and service fees (10% of earnings). Payments are made 10 days after the billing period ends. Competition from other freelancers can impact client selection.
• Download: Available on Android and iOS.

OfferUp

(Image credit : offerup.com)

• How it works: OfferUp, now merged with Letgo, is a local marketplace for selling items. You can also ship within the U.S. (excluding Alaska, Arkansas, and Hawaii). Create an account, snap a photo of your item, add details, and set a price. Communicate with buyers via the app and arrange for local pickup or shipping.
• Payment: Local sales prefer cash transactions. For shipping, set up deposits to a bank account or debit card.
• Pros: Easy listing creation, instant payment for cash sales, and buyer reviews for trust verification. OfferUp manages shipping labels for seller convenience.
• Cons: In-person meetings required for local sales. Service fee of 12.9% (or minimum $1.99) for shipments. Shipping label printing and handling buyer interactions are seller responsibilities.
• Download: Available on Android and iOS.

Poshmark

(Image credit : poshmark.com)

• How it works: Poshmark specializes in selling clothing, accessories, and home decor. List items by uploading photos, adding descriptions, and setting prices. Participate in “Posh Parties” to boost visibility. Poshmark provides prepaid shipping labels for buyer purchases sent via USPS.
• Payment: Options include check, PayPal, Venmo, Instant Transfer, or direct bank deposit.
• Pros: Manages sales and shipping processes, including issue resolution and package insurance. Fast payment turnaround; funds released within three days of buyer receipt.
• Cons: Fees apply: $2.95 for sales under $15 and 20% for higher sales.
• Download: Available on Android and iOS.