7 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2024
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For those looking to earn money in an easily accessible way, apps provide plenty of avenues to consider. You can use your smartphone to take surveys, pick up a side gig, sell your unwanted stuff and more.
Here’s the scoop on seven free money-making apps. NerdWallet considered apps with at least 3.8 stars and 25,000 reviews in both Google Play and the iOS App Store.
7 of the best apps to make money
- FIND NON-PPP LOANS
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- Shopping for Medicare Advantage plans? We have you covered.
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- How to maximize your rewards
- Does homeowners insurance cover tree removal?
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- Winner for the number of destinations served: Qatar
- 1. Check online community marketplaces
- Tactic 1: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
- 1. Home-based or easily accessible
- Individual: $10.99 per month
- 1. How long has the position been available?
- 1. Know when to sell stocks
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- The failure to pay penalty and more
- 1. Google Flights
- GA income tax rates: Single filers
- Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union
- Google’s Search Network
- 2. Sample products
- What’s covered?
- In this article:
- Cheap full coverage auto insurance companies
- AtoB
- 2. Flexible hours
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- Why it’s the best
- 1. Accounting and bookkeeping
- 1. Ibotta
- Bitcoin pros
- When doesn’t home insurance cover tree removal?
- GA income tax rates: Married filing jointly or head of household
- Ally Bank: Best bank and best CDs
- Freeze your Equifax credit report online
- Understand the budgeting process
- When is the last day to file taxes?
- What is a good FICO score?
- Student: $5.99 per month
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
- 1. Food trucks
- Notices start to arrive within 1-3 months
- What should I sell?
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- What to know about cash advance apps
- Monthly after-tax income
- 3. Low financial investment
- 1. Child tax credit
- Add new offerings
- Who needs life insurance?
- Additional Medicare tax
- Best Western points value over time
- Front-end ratio
- GA income tax rates: Married filing separately
- Stocks
- Example savings APYs at select institutions
- Charles Schwab: Best for ATM access
- 1. Decide how you want to invest in the stock market
- Google’s Display Network
- Appliance failure
- Family: $16.99 per month
- 2. How is the interview process structured?
- 2. Business consulting
- If any of these situations apply to you
- What are the market trends?
- 3. Enroll in loyalty programs
- Minimum down payments and credit scores
- 1. Set financial goals
- 1. Reserve a longer stay
- Who has to personally guarantee an SBA loan?
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- 50% of your income: needs
- 2. Child and dependent care credit
- Florida condo insurance rates by coverage level
- Symbotic Inc. (SYM)
- Our pick for: Rich travel rewards
- Tax liens and collections calls may follow
- 1. Choose a rollover IRA account type
- Net investment income tax
- Cheap auto insurance from large companies
- 1. Cast a wide net
- 1. Determine your junk car’s value
- Bitcoin cons
- Back-end ratio
- 1. Give your money a goal
- Coast
- Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and best for branch access
- Freeze your Equifax credit report by phone
- What is a good VantageScore?
- Tuesday and Friday flights can help you avoid the rush earlier in the week
- Optimize your existing market
- 1. Market your business and attract new clients
- 2. Decide on an order type
- 2. Car wash services
- Alliant: Best for fast funding
- Lowest premiums: Geico
- Your budget
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- Pay the difference in cash
- 3. American opportunity tax credit
- Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST)
- Why it’s the best
- 3. Marketing services
- 4. Use your library card
- How much underlying coverage is required?
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Pros
- Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience
- 1. Decide how much coverage you need
- How a claim affects Florida condo insurance rates
- ARE YOU EARNING ALL THE MILES YOU CAN?
- Claim a niche market
- Junior miners
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- 1. Open an options trading account
- 2. Rakuten
- Types of residency statuses in Arizona
- Bonds
- Step 1: Find a gold ETF
- Freeze your Equifax credit report by mail
- 30% of your income: wants
- 1. Academic tutor
- 4. Lifetime learning credit
- Wednesdays and Saturdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally
- 3. What’s helpful to know about the hiring manager?
- 2. Test websites and apps
- 4. Real estate business
- EveryDollar
- 2. Kayak
- Will I make money?
- 5. Take online surveys
- Debt-to-income ratios
- 2. Track your money
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- Be realistic about how much you can make
- 2. Compare offers
- Warren Buffett
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- The gym’s location
- Cons
- WEX
- SoFi: Best for checking account overall and best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance
- Track your expenses
- 1. Paying for childcare under the table
- Compare insurance rates for 20-year-olds
- What if I didn't get an extension?
- Leaks
- Move into new markets
- 3. Auto repair
- First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
- Cheap car insurance from midsize companies
- GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
- 1. Pick an off-peak date
- The summary method
- Step 2: Analyze the ETF
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- 2. Car washing
- 5. Student loan interest deduction
- 1. Get sponsored
- IRS levies and passport restrictions
- 6. Cash in on credit card rewards
- Resident status rules
- 3. Gather the necessary documents
- Home equity loans pros and cons
- Index examples
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- The cheapest best full coverage car insurance companies
- UFB Direct: Best savings account
- Use low balance alerts
- 2. Ignoring overseas income
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- 5. Event planning
- Senior miners
- Credit Karma
- 2. Choose a rollover IRA provider
- 2. Extend your trip by a few nights
- Can you buy your policies from different companies?
- Fidelity Investments
- The quality of the gym
- How much does tree removal cost?
- DTI ratio examples
- Book with points
- 2. Decide how much help you want
- Basic EPS
- 2. Skip the Saturday wedding
- 2. Choose an investment account
- Larger welcome offer
- 3. Child care
- 6. Adoption credit
- Fly on the holidays (or as far from it as possible)
- Seek referrals
- Why it’s the best
- Medicare Parts A, B, C and D: What’s the difference?
- 7. Download an app for freebies
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- Vio Bank: Best money market account
- Reconsider overdraft protection
- Bitcoin pros
- 2. Score sponsorships
- 1. States with no income tax
- 4. How long do people typically stay in this role?
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- Our pick for: Intro APR + high rewards on everyday spending
- 6. Video production
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- Mortgage insurance
- Part-year resident status rules
- 3. Budget for emergencies
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- 2. Verify their credentials
- How much coverage should you buy?
- Resident status rules
- Mutual funds
- Partner awards from other airlines
- Diluted EPS
- 3. Try a nontraditional venue
- Other fuel cards to consider
- More robust rewards
- Renegotiate with the seller
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- 3. Banking on cryptocurrency
- 4. Pet sitting or dog walker
- 7. Earned income tax credit
- More about the best Florida condo insurance companies
- Winner for ease of miles: Qatar Privilege Club
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- Explore online sales channels
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- Goodbudget
- 1. Making money
- 4. Personal trainers
- 3. Swagbucks
- Check your plan's rules for 401(k) loans
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- Other ways may require more patience
- 4. Prepare your car and complete the sale
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- The gym’s hours
- Hawaiian Airlines
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- 1. Shop the supermarket with intentionality
- Step 3: Buy the gold ETF
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- 2. Evaluate add-ons and endorsements
- Backed-up drains and sewer lines
- Stock mutual funds = higher potential returns (or losses)
- 7. Podcasting
- Gold streaming companies
- 8. Use coupons
- Fewest complaints: Progressive
- Michael Novogratz
- Stay at a Hilton hotel
- Part-year resident status rules
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- Arrive early to enjoy the lounge
- The detail method
- The best full coverage car insurance companies
- Bid and ask
- Other ways to overcome an appraisal gap
- 5. Lawn care business
- 8. Charitable donation deduction
- State Farm
- Bitcoin cons
- Partner with other businesses
- 5. What do you know about the employer’s development programs?
- 3. Move the money
- Calculate whether you can afford loan payments
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- Delta premium economy luxury amenity kit
- Alternative ways to exercise
- Does home insurance cover damage caused by your neighbor’s tree?
- Tactic 2: Use points or miles
- 1. Cash dividends
- Adjusted EPS
- Cost-plus pricing
- Rain and flooding
- 2. States with flat income tax rates
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- 3. Expedia
- 9. Indulge in national food holidays
- 4. Tackle high-interest debt
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- Nonresident status rules
- 3. Pick an investment account
- 4. Negotiate unexpected costs
- Choose the right bank account
- 4. Not reporting income from an all-cash business or illegal activities
- 9. Medical expenses deduction
- Chubb
- Acquire a new business
- Why it’s the best
- 8. IT consulting
- Nonresident status rules
- Home equity lines of credit pros and cons
- Take surveys on Hilton's Guest Opinion Rewards
- Employer requirements
- 2. Stock dividends
- Consider 'fifth freedom' routes
- 2. Skill up on the skillet
- Volume, average volume and day’s range
- More bonus points for loyalty
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- 6. Housecleaning
- 3. Consider insurance for flooding and earthquakes
- 3. States with progressive tax structures
- Price
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- Learn what happens if you leave your job
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- The Apple Card
- Other perks of Delta premium economy
- Does homeowners insurance cover tree damage to your neighbor’s property?
- Icelandair
- 5. Use the venue's resources
- Market share pricing
- 10. Deduction for state and local taxes
- Nationwide
- Bond mutual funds = lower returns (but lower risk)
- Franchising
- 9. Catering
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- 2. Pick which options to buy or sell
- 4. Fiverr
- 10. Sign up for a free trial
- 3. Book recently added properties
- 3. Make sure they’re a good fit
- Highest customer satisfaction: State Farm
- Your motivation
- Donate Hilton points
- Index funds
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- Splurge for a suite
- When to use basic, diluted or adjusted EPS
- Beta
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- 7. Housesitting
- 6. What experience should I emphasize?
- 4. Take surveys for money
- Pros of gold stocks
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Mortgage rates
- 1099-A
- Consider alternatives
- 5. Plan for retirement
- 4. Barclays rewards
- 3. Don’t quit restaurants cold turkey
- Cheap full coverage car insurance companies by state
- Recourse if you need a refund
- When are taxes due in October?
- 11. Mortgage interest deduction
- Putting out a fire
- 3. Tap TikTok’s ‘Creativity Program Beta’
- 10. Social media management
- 2. Promote your business
- Your money management style
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- Which is better when?
- What if a tree lands on your car?
- 4. Special dividends
- EPS (TTM) and earnings date
- Dynamic pricing
- 8. Errand-running
- Pay bills on time
- Money market mutual funds = lowest returns, lowest risk
- Research your competition
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- 3. Fill out the trade ticket
- Cons of gold stocks
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- 4. Capital One Travel
- 11. Enter sweepstakes
- 1099-B
- 4. Review their fees
- Spend on a Hilton credit card
- 1. Have a goal for your index funds
- Cash-out refinance
- JSX and Silver Airlines
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- 12. Gambling loss deduction
- Book one to three months in advance
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- Bonus features
- 1. How long you have to rollover a 401(k): The 60-day rule
- Most coverage options: Allstate
- Trial periods
- Cash management accounts
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Leverage elite status
- Ex-dividend date
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- 3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds
- 9. Seasonal chores
- 4. Get quotes from at least three companies
- Keep credit utilization below 30%
- 11. Business planning service
- 4. Sell some merch
- 6. Optimize your finances with tax planning
- Allstate
- How to protect your home from tree damage
- Pros of buying a condo:
- 6. Go paperless
- Competitive pricing
- 13. IRA contributions deduction
- 2023 tax rates by state
- 7. What kind of people has the company typically preferred?
- Account linking
- 2. Taxes are withheld
- Loan limits
- 1099-C
- 4. Take advantage of an early bird discount
- Prime Visa
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- 2. Research index funds
- Exchange-traded funds
- 6. Dividend funds
- Purchasing a Plumeria Lounge day pass
- PE ratio
- Cheap full coverage auto insurance for drivers with an accident or DUI
- 1-year target estimate
- No annual fee
- 10. Selling handmade crafts
- Keep credit accounts open
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- 12. Tax consulting
- 2. Managing money
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 5. Upwork
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- Pros of buying a co-op:
- Home equity sharing agreement
- Qatar Airways
- 7. Print your own
- 14. 401(k) contributions deduction
- Individual gold stocks
- 1099-CAP
- Transfer Hilton points from AmEx
- Resident status rules
- 4. Shop online with purpose
- Moving averages
- Fleet expense management tools
- Value-added pricing
- 11. Making greeting cards
- Space out credit applications
- 4. Use gifting
- 8. What should I wear to the interview?
- Cheap pet insurance in California for dogs
- 5. Offer memberships
- Resident status rules
- Security
- 3. Predict the option strike price
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 5. Do a final check
- 4. Open your account
- EPS growth
- Consider paying with miles
- Set a price alert
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Property standards
- 1099-DIV
- 7. Invest to build your future goals
- Most tech-friendly: Geico
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- Long-term accounts
- Personal loan
- More attainable bonus rewards
- 12. Art teacher
- 15. Saver’s credit
- Monitor your credit reports
- Cheap pet insurance in California for cats
- 13. PR agency
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- 3. Pick your index funds
- Tactic 3: Use your military benefits
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- Dwelling coverage
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- Gold stock ETFs
- Customer support
- Purchase discounted Airbnb gift cards
- Stocks
- Get a referral
- Purchase Hilton points
- Options
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- 5. Stop solving problems with new products
- Support and resistance
- Longer 0% intro APR period on purchases
- 13. Musician
- 16. Health savings account contributions deduction
- 9. What is the starting salary range for this position?
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- 5. Kiwi
- 1099-G
- 8. Grow your financial well-being
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Amica
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Dividend yield
- IHG Rewards Club
- Part-year resident status rules
- Dividend payout ratio
- 8. Check out department stores
- Upgrading to Main Plus
- 5. Buy your home insurance policy and read it closely
- 14. Professional organizing
- Part-year resident status rules
- 4. Determine the option time frame
- 6. OfferUp
- Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- Piggyback on someone else’s membership
- Cheap full coverage car insurance for drivers with poor credit
- Benefits
- 4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
- 14. Music lessons
- 17. Self-employment expenses deduction
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- User experience
- 1099-INT
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- Bonds
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- 9. Consider bridal consignment
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- 5. Sell with TikTok Shop
- 15. Photography
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- Use employee benefits
- Ride with Lyft
- 4. Decide where to buy your index funds
- 5. Choose investments that match your tolerance for risk
- 6. Sanitize your social feeds
- Drawbacks
- 15. Farmers market vendor
- 18. Home office deduction
- Personal property
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- Past years' state tax rates
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- Reviews
- 9. Estate planning: Protect your financial well-being
- 5. Use a rewards card to pay for Airbnb
- YOTEL
- Nonresident status rules
- 10. Shop sample gowns
- How do you get a perfect credit score?
- Nonresident status rules
- Refinancing
- 1099-K
- Mutual funds
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- Look for offers
- Eat with Hilton Dining Rewards
- Dividend payout ratio
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- 16. Candle maker
- 19. Educator expenses deduction
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- 16. Event space
- 11. Borrow accessories
- Golden crosses and death crosses
- Loss of use
- 5. Build a community
- 7. Poshmark
- Avis and Budget Rent-a-Car
- 17. Retail arbitrage
- 20. Solar tax credit
- 6. Monetize using the Series feature
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- 17. Interior decorating
- 10. Vacation rentals
- An example of buying a call
- Extra features
- Auto-Owners
- Exchange-traded funds
- Ask about special discounts
- Book a rental car
- 5. Buy index funds
- 5. Focus on investing for the long-term
- Personal liability
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- 6. BookWithMatrix
- 1099-LTC
- 6. Book through an airline portal
- Target Circle™ Credit Card
- 7. Make a budget
- 18. Graphic designer
- 21. Energy efficient home improvement tax credit
- Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- 3. Building a budget
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- 11. Electronics repair
- An example of buying a put
- 1099-MISC
- Complete financial plan and investment advice
- 12. Ask about excess inventory
- 19. Technology tutor
- 22. Electric vehicle tax credit
- Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
- 6. Keep an eye on your index funds
- Pay off debt
- Medical payments
- 7. Collect tips from viewers
- 19. Graphic design
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- PE ratio below industry average
- 13. Borrow from other newlyweds
- Testing a resistance level
- 6. Manage your stock portfolio
- 20. Blogger
- Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- Conventional loans
- 1099-NEC
- Specialized guidance and/or want to meet with an advisor face-to-face
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- 7. Message the host
- Geico vs. Progressive
- Loss assessment
- How to compare life insurance quotes
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- 20. Clothing boutique
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- Chubb
- Avoid taking on more debt
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- 14. Scout out decorations at craft stores
- 8. Find your 'why'
- 21. Podcaster
- Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- 4. Saving money
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Life insurance quotes vs. rates
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- 12. Academics courses
- FHA loans
- 1099-OID
- Portfolio management only
- Wait to apply
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- 15. Stick to in-season blooms
- 22. Social media influencer
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- State Farm vs. Allstate
- Rising EPS that beats analyst estimates
- Find your niche
- 22. Food truck
- 1099-PATR
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- California adoption cost tax credit
- 23. Live-streaming gamer
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- California adoption cost tax credit
- 16. Get the most out of your flowers
- Above-the-line deductions
- 13. Language courses
- 1099-Q
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- Comparing full coverage car insurance quotes
- 24. Photographer or videographer
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- Geico vs. State Farm
- Winner for premium seating classes: Etihad
- 1099-R
- Farmers
- Dividend payout ratio below 80%
- 25. Web designer
- Below-the-line deductions
- 24. Craft brewery
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- Be authentic
- 1099-S
- 26. Transcription
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- 11. Sell your photography
- Pros
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- 17. Price out multiple meal options
- 25. Ice cream shop
- Allstate vs. Geico
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- 1099-SA
- 18. Simplify your drink options
- 27. Data entry
- Serve your audience and set small goals
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- 26. Personal chef
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- Cons
- 15. Personal wellness
- Geico
- 28. Create an app or online game
- 27. Landscape services
- Progressive vs. Allstate
- Use multiple strategies
- 28. Pet grooming
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- 5. Maximizing your credit cards
- 19. Go for a shorter cake
- 29. Florist
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- Progressive vs. State Farm
- 20. Dress up a store-bought cake
- 30. Massage therapist
- Liberty Mutual
- 21. Pick a nontraditional dessert
- Winner for lowest fees: Tie
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- Who are the top five insurance companies?
- 31. Nutritionist
- Which insurance company is best at paying claims?
- 6. Borrowing money
- 18. Consulting
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- 22. Keep things intimate
- Compare insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- Is State Farm cheaper than Geico?
- 23. Choose a charitable favor
- Is Geico a good insurance company?
- Nationwide
- 33. Beauty services
- 24. Limit photographer and videographer hours
- 34. Life coach
- 19. IT support
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- 35. Tutor
- 20. Graphic design
- Progressive
- 36. Daycare provider
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 37. Senior care provider
- 21. Social media management
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- USAA
- 39. Housecleaning
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 40. Automotive repair
- 7. Your credit score
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- 41. Handyman services
- 18. Rent out your car
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- 42. Dry cleaners
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 43. Hardware store
- 1. Do your research
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 44. Self-storage business
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- 46. Rideshare driver
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 3. Find the right financing
- 47. Website development and design
- 48. Sell clothes online
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 49. SEO consultant
- 8. Taxes
- 50. App development
- Trip cancellation
- Trip interruption
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- 9. Paying off debt
- Trip delay
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- Cancel For Any Reason
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Baggage delay
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- Lost baggage
- Travel medical insurance
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Compare car insurance companies
- 10. Insurance
- 11. Investing
- 12. Starting or running a business
- 13. Travel
- The NerdWallet Smart Money podcast
The best money-making apps
1. Ibotta
How it works: Ibotta lets you earn cash back on in-store and online purchases at over 2,000 supported retailers. Originally for groceries, it has expanded to include clothing, entertainment and eating out, pet supplies and other categories. Offers can be product or retailer-specific. For others, you’ll need to complete an additional task such as watching a video or taking a poll.
There are three possible ways to earn cash back in stores: Add offers and submit your receipt in the app after your shopping trip (you have 7 days to send in your receipt through the app), link your retailer loyalty accounts or purchase a retailer gift card through the Ibotta app. For online purchases, you shop through the app or with the Ibotta browser extension on your computer.
Payment: PayPal, digital gift card or direct to a bank account.
Pros: You’ll receive cash back on in-store purchases quickly — typically within 24 hours. Ibotta also offers a welcome bonus to new users, referral bonuses and a variety of payment methods.
Cons: Making money can be a slow process. You must have at least $20 in cash back to redeem your earnings (some gift cards require at least $25 in earnings). For online shopping, the pending period for earning cash back varies by retailer. Ibotta also charges an account maintenance fee for inactive (no activity for 180 days) or deactivated accounts. The fee is deducted from your balance, not your bank account.
2. Rakuten
How it works: Rakuten (formerly known as Ebates) rewards shoppers with cash back on purchases from well-known retailers, restaurants and food delivery services. Users can also earn cash back on travel, gift cards and more. It’s straightforward: Create an account, tap on the store where you want to shop in the app, then make the transaction through the portal. You can also link a credit or debit card to your Rakuten account to earn cash back in-store — as long as you activate the deal through the app first. Rakuten credits the cash back to your account after it confirms the purchase with the retailer.
Payment: PayPal or "Big Fat Check."
Pros: Thousands of stores and purchases are eligible for cash back, so you’ll likely find deals where you already shop. New users can earn a welcome bonus after their first qualified purchase. You can also earn sign-up and referral bonuses. You can make an impact with your cash back earnings by donating a portion to nonprofit partners.
Cons: As with most cash-back services, you have to spend money to make money. You won’t see your earnings right away, either; Rakuten sends out payments every three months on the company's payment schedule, and you need to hit the minimum cash-back balance to get paid. Unlike other apps like Ibotta, you have to remember to initiate your purchase in the app first. If you forget and make your purchase outside of the app, you can't get credit retroactively.
3. Swagbucks
How it works: Swagbucks is a cash-back and rewards app. You earn points, called "SB," by shopping online (there are over 1,500 participating retailers), taking surveys, watching videos, playing games or fulfilling other tasks through Swagbucks. You can redeem those points for gift cards or get cash back to your PayPal account. The total points awarded can vary by task. For example, surveys are typically worth about 40 to 200 SB points each. The minimum balance required to redeem depends on the payout option you choose, but some gift cards are available for as low as 110 SB.
Payment: E-gift card or PayPal. You can also redeem SB for Bitcoin through the new Cryptovoucher Gift Card options.
Pros: Swagbucks offers many easy ways to earn rewards, and there’s no waiting period to cash in. Payments usually arrive within 10 business days after redemption. You can also get a $10 bonus with a qualifying $25 purchase when you join.
Cons: It doesn’t pay much; one SB is worth about a cent. With many tasks valued at pennies, it can take a fair amount of time and effort to make substantial money. Additionally, you won’t qualify for every survey or task, although users can earn up to 5 SB per day if they disqualify. Users often report getting kicked out of surveys in the middle of taking them. This can be due to demographics or dishonest or inconsistent answers, according to Swagbucks.
4. Fiverr
How it works: Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace that features gigs in over 200 categories, such as programming and video and animation. Create an account first, then you can set your profile as a "seller" highlighting your expertise. Post the gig you’re offering, which will include pricing and a description of your services. Pricing ranges from $5 to $995. Clients, known as "buyers," can click through and place orders. You’ll get paid once you complete the job. Fiverr assigns seller levels based on performance. As you move up each tier, you’ll be able to sell more “extras,” such as a faster delivery time.
Payment: PayPal, direct to a bank account, Payoneer or credit to a Fiverr Revenue Card (a prepaid card). Minimum withdrawal amounts vary, and your payment processor may charge a withdrawal fee, depending on which option you choose.
Pros: You don’t have to worry about tracking down buyers because they come to you. You can also earn tips. Fiverr also boasts its flexibility, allowing sellers to complete gigs in their own time or around their 9-5 jobs.
Cons: Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings for every gig, including tips, and there’s a standard 14-day waiting period to withdraw money after completing an order (top-tier sellers wait seven days for funds to clear).
5. Upwork
How it works: Upwork connects freelancers to gigs in writing, design, marketing and other categories on the marketplace. First, you’ll create a profile. It should include information such as the field you’re interested in plus your qualifications, availability and desired rate. Then, you can submit proposals. Clients will review them and offer projects if you seem like a good fit.
You begin each month with a set number of “Connects,” which are like credits that allow you to contact prospective clients. You can earn or pay a small sum for more Connects, but you won’t be charged when clients contact you. You can get paid on an hourly or per-project basis.
Payment: Direct to U.S. Bank, direct to your bank account, wire transfer, Instant Pay, PayPal and Payoneer. Charges apply to some payment options, so be sure to check Upwork for details.
Pros: Upwork helps take the work out of seeking out clients, establishing relationships and getting paid. The service also gives you the flexibility to set your preferred rate and schedule.
Cons: The app is free to download, but initiating contact with lots of clients costs money. Users also get charged a service fee. Upwork takes a 10% cut of your earnings based on how much you’ve billed a client. The more you earn, the more you get to keep. However, you won’t get paid until 10 days after the billing period ends. Remember, too, that you’re competing with other freelancers on the platform. That means clients may choose those who’ve set lower rates.
6. OfferUp
How it works: OfferUp, which combined with competitor Letgo in 2020, functions as a local marketplace you can use to sell your stuff. If you want to reach a broader audience, OfferUp also allows shipping anywhere within the United States except for Alaska, Arkansas and Hawaii. Create an account and snap a picture of your smartphone, car, sofa or whatever it is you’re selling. Once you add a title, description and price, you can post your listing and chat with buyers directly through the app. Then, you'll ship to or arrange a meeting with the buyer.
Payment: When selling locally, OfferUp recommends sellers take cash from buyers and stay clear of accepting payments by check, cashier's check or using other apps. For shipments, sellers can set up deposits to a debit card or bank account.
Pros: Creating a listing is simple and fast, and you’ll get paid instantly when you make a cash sale. You can also view a prospective buyer’s reviews and ratings to get an idea of how trustworthy they are beforehand. If you ship your item, the buyer pays the cost, and OfferUp provides the label.
Cons: You’re responsible for meeting local buyers in person and handling transactions. Sellers must pay a 12.9% service fee, or a minimum of $1.99, for shipments. To be successful, you’ll likely need to invest in a printer so you can print the shipping labels and mail items to buyers.
7. Poshmark
How it works: The Poshmark app is tailor-made for selling clothes, accessories and even home decor. After signing up, you take or upload photos of your item, fill out a description, price it and share the listing. You can also feature items in the app’s "Posh Parties," which are virtual shopping events centered around particular brands, categories and themes. Poshmark emails you a prepaid and pre-addressed shipping label once a purchase is made. Then, you send the package via USPS.
Payment: Check, PayPal, Venmo, Instant Transfer or direct deposit to a bank account.
Pros: Poshmark facilitates the entire process, from selling to shipping. Plus, you don’t have to meet with strangers to make a sale. The company will cover lost packages and handle issues between you and the buyer. Getting paid is relatively quick, too; Poshmark issues the money within three days of the buyer receiving the order.
Cons: You’ll pay a fee for selling through Poshmark. The company takes a $2.95 commission for sales under $15 and a 20% commission for sales of $15 or above.