7 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2024
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For those looking to make 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
- Compare Medigap plans
- Table of contents
- What's next?
- Compare Medicare Part D plans
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- How to maximize your rewards
- Quick summary of traditional IRA rules
- Find a cheaper credit card processor
- Getting behind the wheel
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- When are W-2s sent out?
- 1. Mark your calendar
- Tactic 1: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
- 1. Review your electricity bill
- Fixed or adjustable rate?
- What immigrants earn
- The rewards structure
- 1. Start saving early
- Baggage allowance on Qatar
- 1. Multiple credit cards earn Capital One Miles
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- 1. Delay your application
- Pedal to the metal
- Jump to ...
- Winner: American Airlines
- What’s the difference between a first-party and third-party debt collector?
- 1. High ongoing rates
- 33.3 million small businesses across the U.S.
- Alliant Credit Union: Best credit union
- Universal Studios Florida
- Welcome bonus
- Domestic travel with an adult
- 1. Create educational content or activities
- Pay more than minimums
- Pros
- 1. Understand the terms
- A broker
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- 1. Ibotta
- 1. Pick up freelance work online
- Easy redemption but fewer perks
- Credit card surcharging
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- Stay at Marriott hotels
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card*
- Upgrades at booking
- Car loans
- Use the right flight booking tools
- Know your needs
- 16 million new business applications since 2021
- 1. Accounting and bookkeeping
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- Ally Bank: Best bank and best CDs
- Universal’s Islands of Adventure
- T-Mobile
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- 2. Start earning
- Hours of operation
- 2. Offer virtual team-building
- 1. It applies only to investments held in taxable accounts
- Step 1: Identify your market
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- 1. A jet-setting welcome offer
- 1. Alaska-Canada
- Online lenders
- Coverage eligibility
- 2. A sign-up bonus
- Understand the budgeting process
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Pre-installation evaluation: $250 for a 2,000 square foot home
- Best overall business expense tracker
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- Annual fee
- Standard with ads: $6.99 per month
- Hyatt points value over time
- 2. Decide how much home you can afford
- 1. Food trucks
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
- Check in baggage chart
- What to know about cash advance apps
- Buying term life online or through an app
- Student loans
- What’s the difference between MPI, PMI and MIP?
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- Debt snowball
- Your travel goals
- What is a collection agency?
- 2. Evaluate your sunlight exposure
- 1. You can purchase United TravelBank credits for your account
- Medicare Part B IRMAA
- For those age 21 and older
- Example savings APYs at select institutions
- An ETF
- Home loans
- Annual fee and authorized user fee
- Charles Schwab: Best for ATM access
- If any of these situations apply to you
- 2. Work longer
- Choosing a card based on your spending
- Other uses of Form W-9
- Universal’s Volcano Bay
- Verizon
- Down the road
- 1. Reserve a longer stay
- 3. Start a meal-prep business
- 2. It’s not as financially fruitful if you’re in a low tax bracket
- Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- 1. Decide how you want to invest in the stock market
- 3. A variety of redemption options
- 1. Do chores and odd jobs around the house or neighborhood
- 1. Money market accounts
- How much immigrants send to their native countries
- Benefits of the on-ramp
- 17.3 million jobs created
- 2. Business consulting
- Follow USDA food plans
- 1. Consider your vending machine options
- 529 savings plans
- Robo-advisors
- Choose an LLC name
- Debt avalanche
- Our pick for: Intro APR
- Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the cheapest days to fly domestically
- Repayment choices are simpler
- Monthly after-tax income
- Ductwork and design: $500 to $7,500
- Credit cards
- Pick a bank that will grow with you
- Standard: $15.49 per month
- The annual travel credit
- 3. Check and polish your credit
- Types of employee stock options
- SoundHound AI Inc. (SOUN)
- Boarding
- Chase: Best for sign-up bonuses and best for branch access
- Grants.gov
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- 3. Link the card to electronic payment accounts
- 4. Create a food waste solution
- 1. Practice with fake money
- Pros of consumer discretionary stocks
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Alliant: Best for fast funding
- 2. Big travel rewards
- Cons
- 1. Inspect the check
- Common size vertical analysis
- 3. Estimate and compare the cost of solar panels for homes
- Down payment
- 2. Babysit, walk dogs and feed pets for pay
- Drawbacks of the on-ramp
- 1. Withdraw your CD funds and transfer them into a different account
- Directly from the U.S. government
- Small businesses contributed to 70% of net job increases
- 2. Car wash services
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- Pros
- Short-term capital gains tax
- Cash discounting
- Domestic travel as an unaccompanied minor
- Mortgages
- Donations
- Automate
- 50% of your income: needs
- Side perks
- Personal loans
- The value of redeemed points
- Symbotic Inc. (SYM)
- Seats
- 3. Marketing services
- Documents to have on hand for Global Entry renewal
- Discover® Bank: Best online banking experience
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- 2. Rakuten
- 3. Earn more
- Using an agent or a broker to buy term life
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- 5. Capitalize on plant-based foods
- 3. If you're going for it, you have only until Dec. 31
- Cons of consumer discretionary stocks
- Consolidate high-interest debt
- Upgrades before departure
- Advantages of a lady bird deed
- Other things to consider
- More income is sheltered
- 2. The Bahamas
- Credit score
- 2. United TravelBank credits are valid for five years
- 4. Airline statement credit
- Average percentage of income immigrants remitted
- Disneyland
- For those under 21
- Unlimited movie and TV streaming
- 2. Withdraw your funds and deposit them into a different CD
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Find a bank that rewards loyalty
- Premium: $22.99 per month
- 20% of new businesses close within a year
- EveryDollar
- National Endowment for the Arts
- Cons
- 1. Contributions can be withdrawn at any time
- Long-term capital gains tax
- 2. Test websites and apps
- VA minimum property requirements
- Annual fee
- Google Fi Wireless
- Brand partnerships
- 2. Actually invest your money
- Step 2: Design your T-shirt
- Pros of sole proprietorship
- Common size horizontal analysis
- Saturday and Monday flights can help you avoid the Sunday rush
- How Colonial Penn’s pricing works
- 3. Sell your stuff in person or online
- 2. Online high-yield savings accounts
- Collect and keep track of your payments
- Amica: Best for customer satisfaction
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Dive deep to compare fares
- Rules about the complimentary 4th night hotel stay
- 4. Real estate business
- Information to have on hand for Global Entry renewal
- Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries
- SoFi: Best for checking account overall and best checking account for overdraft fee avoidance
- 1. Consider replacing pros
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- 4. Sign up for paperless statements
- Car loans
- 529 prepaid tuition plans
- 6. Start a dropshipping business
- Advantages of mortgage protection insurance
- Online financial planning services
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- Designate a registered agent
- First Tech: Best for co-sign and joint loan options
- Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
- 3. AmEx Offers
- VA and USDA loans: 0% down payment
- Debt-to-income ratio
- Credit unions
- 5. Transfer partners
- Unlimited reading
- 3. Let your bank renew your CD
- You’ve maxed out your retirement accounts
- The type of central air unit: $600 to $24,000
- Best feature-rich business expense tracker
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- 4. Explore mortgage options
- 3. Auto repair
- Boost
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®
- Are you transferring your balance onto a new credit card?
- Home improvement
- 2. Ask yourself why you received the check
- Cons of sole proprietorship
- Will insurers look at my finances?
- 30% of your income: wants
- 1. Open a brokerage account
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Cell phone protection
- Upgraded economy tickets and seat selection
- Want to compare the best of the best?
- UFB Direct: Best savings account
- Credit Karma
- Is online banking safe enough?
- Buy park-to-park tickets
- 2. Look into suburban venues
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- 5. Start planning a trip
- Why it’s the best:
- 2. Extend your trip by a few nights
- 3. Explore funds over individual stocks
- 4. Tax-loss harvesting is most useful if you’re investing in individual stocks, actively managed funds and/or exchange-traded funds
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- 0% balance transfer credit card
- AI for consumers: Foundation, DALL-E, ChatGPT and GPT-4
- Disadvantages of a lady bird deed
- Cash reserves
- 3. You can get United TravelBank credits by holding an IHG card
- 4. Sell lemonade in the summer or hot cocoa in the winter
- Advice for sending money abroad
- Disney California Adventure
- Unlimited music streaming
- Pay on time, every time
- 5. Event planning
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- Economic Development Administration
- 4. Consider your spouse
- Spending toward elite status
- Pros and cons of 529 plans
- 7. Curate subscription boxes
- Merchandise
- Automobiles and components
- Hold a co-branded credit card — or two
- Chase Freedom Flex℠
- How often you travel
- Upgrade priority
- Conventional mortgages: As low as 3% down payment
- 2. Choose an investment account
- Wednesdays and Thursdays are the cheapest day to fly internationally
- 3. Bermuda
- Medicare Part D IRMAA in 2024
- Help you choose or switch repayment plans
- You have a lifelong dependent, such as a child with a disability
- 1. Can the borrower pay its bonds?
- $27.5 billion in SBA 7(a) loans were provided to small businesses
- Vio Bank: Best money market account
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- 3. Learn to use AI tools
- 3. Trim the guest list
- Buying term life directly from the insurer
- Winner: Alaska Airlines
- Airport lounge access
- 4. Research stocks the right way
- Disadvantages of mortgage protection insurance
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- Personal loans
- PenFed: Best for a seamless application process
- How many credit card balances are you transferring?
- Step 3: Make your business legal
- What fees do Chase checking accounts have?
- Safety concerns, removal and return of Sam Altman
- Required payment is cut in half
- Documentation
- The percentage method
- How to test the battery health of a used EV
- Bitcoin pros
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- Whole Foods deals
- 2. Set a stock trading budget
- Bring a bigger down payment to the table
- Is rental car coverage primary or secondary?
- Whether your options have value
- 6. Video production
- Goodbudget
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- 2. More time means more growth
- 3. Swagbucks
- Dharma Merchant Services
- Stay on-site
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- International travel with an adult
- 5. You must keep your apples and oranges straight
- Learn more about Zelle
- Our pick for: Rich travel rewards
- Do tipped workers earn the minimum wage?
- FHA loans: As low as 3.5% down payment
- 3. Don’t use the money
- 4. Take advantage of government incentives
- Banks
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- 5. Teach others a skill
- 3. Cash management accounts
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- 2. Organize your documents
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Bonus categories
- For free checking: Bank of Colorado
- 50% of SBA microloans went to Black- and Latino-owned businesses
- 4. Personal trainers
- Grant databases
- 1. Open an investment account
- Perks that are the same
- 4. Seek an off-peak season
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- Personal loan calculator
- Traditional human financial advisors
- Obtain proper licenses and permits
- Does Chase have a free checking account?
- 4. Up to $200 in annual credit for airline incidental fees
- Companion upgrades
- Appraisals
- How much could refinancing save you?
- 6. Travel protection
- Free games
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- Bring documents showing financial stability
- Size of the AC system
- Best business expense tracker for transportation businesses
- Watch how much credit you use
- The Platinum Card® from American Express
- How do I make sure coverage applies to my rental?
- Avoid economy if you think you may want to upgrade later
- 7. Podcasting
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- What is backup withholding?
- 1099-A
- High-interest credit cards
- 8. Create an airport-centric app
- Tactic 2: Use points or miles
- 5. Check your emotions at the door
- Consumer durables and apparel
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card
- Jumbo loans: As low as 5%-10% down payment (varies)
- Common size income statement example
- What is the standard deduction?
- 4. U.S. Northeast-Canada
- 4. It’s possible to use credit card travel credits to fund your United TravelBank
- Bitcoin cons
- Customize your loan payments
- Use technology to make things easier
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- You want to help your family pay estate taxes
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- 2. Capital One Miles are transferable
- 3. Investing can trump saving over the long term
- 5. Investigate divorced spouse benefits
- Learn more about online banking
- Use Universal Express Passes
- Benefits unique to the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- 5. Move the special day
- How to contact Ethos
- JetBlue Plus Card
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- Hotel elite status
- Navy Federal: Best for military members
- How large is the balance you are transferring?
- 1. Verify the debt
- Step 4: Determine your overhead
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- Discretionary spending
- 5. Up to $200 in Uber cash for rides
- Pros of general partnership
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- 1. Fill out a mortgage application
- Magic Kingdom
- Equity REITs
- Consider bringing your own financing
- Installation and labor: $75 to $250 per hour
- Keep credit cards open if you can
- For branch access: U.S. Bank
- What coverage is included?
- 10.5 million-plus PPP loan recipients submitted forgiveness applications
- 5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs
- Whether your company is public or private
- 1. Find a dividend-paying stock
- 2. Choose your investments
- Outsized rewards through transfer partners
- Term life insurance rates for nonsmokers
- 1099-B
- 9. Become a destination wedding planner
- Subscriptions
- Register your LLC
- Your points earnings
- What is the Chase checking account minimum balance requirement?
- Forgiveness comes sooner
- 7. Cell phone protection
- Prime Day and Prime Early Access
- Leave the snacks at home
- 8. IT consulting
- Price
- Airfare deal alerts
- Personal loans for discretionary purchases
- Savings accounts
- 6. Don’t sell your losers just to get the tax break
- Citi Custom Cash® Card
- 2. Know your consumer rights
- Medical costs
- 6. Up to $200 in annual hotel credit
- Cons of general partnership
- 5. Pick a purchase method that works for you
- 5. You can't use United TravelBank funds for other travel purchases
- The aggregate method
- 4. Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- Epcot
- Mortgage REITs
- Process your requests for deferment or forbearance
- 3. Learn to use market orders and limit orders
- Space out credit applications
- What isn't covered?
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- Walmart Foundation
- Revocable life insurance trusts
- 4. The tax advantages are prime for kids
- 4. Fiverr
- 1. Find out if you're eligible.
- Benefits unique to the World of Hyatt Credit Card
- Term life insurance rates for smokers
- International travel as an unaccompanied minor
- 3. Book recently added properties
- 10. Make local guides
- Virtual cheers
- Redeem points for five consecutive nights because the fifth night is free
- Was the information in your balance transfer application accurate?
- What is the Chase direct deposit requirement for checking accounts?
- What does 'itemize' mean?
- Don’t force yourself to use tools that don’t resonate with you
- Andover Companies: Best coverage
- You want to diversify your investment portfolio
- For banking local: Community Banks of Colorado
- $7.3 billion in bonded contracts were awarded to small businesses
- Whether it fits with your financial situation
- Equifax business credit scores
- Pack only one bag to carry on
- 9. Catering
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- 3. Capital One has 18 transfer partners
- 4. Take surveys for money
- 6. Add your minor child
- Learn more about online banking safety
- CardX
- Why it’s the best:
- 1099-C
- 6. Keep an investing journal
- Consumer services
- Emergency expenses
- 7. Up to $300 Equinox credit
- 4. Alert authorities to fraud
- Book one to three months in advance
- 5. Other Caribbean islands
- Pros
- Conventional loans
- 6. Find local gigs through Nextdoor
- 3. Take stock of your assets and liabilities
- Free unlimited photo storage with Amazon Photos
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) Rating
- Best low-cost business expense tracker
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- What vehicle rentals are excluded?
- 6. Compare mortgage rates and fees
- 2. Evaluate the stock
- Your money management style
- Frontier Airlines World Mastercard®
- Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
- Payday loans
- Game sales
- Rental car elite status
- 7. Put the cash from the sale to good use
- Navy Federal Credit Union® More Rewards American Express® Credit Card
- 3. Choose a debt payoff method or dispute debt collection
- 2. Review your Loan Estimates
- Hybrid REITs
- Income modeling
- 4. Practice with a paper trading account
- 10. Social media management
- 2. Find the right location for your vending machine
- 5. The money can be used for more than retirement
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- Check out state income tax rates
- 1099-CAP
- 11. Create a local grocery delivery service
- Know what compensation you’re entitled to in the U.S.
- Elite status benefits and goals (or lack thereof)
- Our pick for: Bank of America® customers
- 8. $300 SoulCycle credit
- Common size balance sheet example
- 7. Freelance
- Hollywood Studios
- Help you certify for loan forgiveness
- Ask for accommodations
- Amazon Elements
- For account options: Colorado Business Bank
- How long will the rental be covered?
- 22% of businesses are owned by women
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- Join the Qatar Airways Student Club
- Bonus features
- Bank of America Charitable Foundation
- Irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs)
- If you are investing in an S&P 500 index fund:
- Extra perks
- Make Money
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- Whole life insurance rates for nonsmokers
- Google Flights Explore
- What's next?
- Leverage elite status
- Create an operating agreement
- Debt management plan
- Stay during promotions
- Unpaid interest is cancelled
- 6. The United TravelBank doesn't earn interest
- 5. Treasury notes, bills and bonds
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Financial reviews
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- 3. Decide how much stock you want to buy
- Experian business credit scores
- 4. You’ll earn the most through Capital One Travel
- 4. Sell some merch
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are.
- 7. Suspend your benefit
- Opt for the single-rider line
- Learn about free filing options
- 1099-DIV
- Roth IRAs
- 12. Start a virtual event planning company
- Winner: Alaska
- 7. Know your strategy
- Retailing
- Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
- 4. Never ignore a court summons for debt collection
- 9. Up to $240 in digital entertainment credit
- 3. Learn the difference between investing in stocks and funds
- Set a price alert
- Cons
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- Publicly-traded REITs
- Amazon Family
- 1. Examine your cooling needs
- What do I need for my loan application?
- Understand basic economy vs. regular economy
- What if I don’t have personal auto insurance?
- 21% of businesses are minority-owned
- Whether it makes sense for your taxes
- 11. Business planning service
- Account linking
- If you are investing in an S&P 500 ETF:
- Other airline cards issued by Barclays
- Whole life insurance rates for smokers
- 4. Take advantage of an early bird discount
- Statement credits
- Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to dozens of airlines
- Bankruptcy
- Methodology
- Pros
- Pros of limited partnership
- 8. Tutor your peers
- Animal Kingdom
- The premiums are expensive
- 5. Measure your returns against a fitting benchmark
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- For growing companies: Chase
- 7. Gather your loan paperwork
- 5. Upwork
- 1. Think long term versus short term
- 5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
- Eureka
- Find tax software that works for your situation
- Credit cards for earning American AAdvantage miles
- 10. $189 Clear credit
- Rebook if you find a cheaper price
- Government-backed loans
- 1. Review your W-4
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- 4. Research your industry
- Find support
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- 2. Time it right
- Best business expense tracker for travel-related expenses
- Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card
- How does coverage vary for international rentals?
- 21.7% of business owners are immigrants
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 12. Tax consulting
- If you are investing in a stock within the S&P 500 index:
- National Processing
- 6. Pick your investments
- American Express Membership Rewards points
- 1099-G
- 13. Sell zero-waste products
- Look to travel insurance
- Debt settlement
- Plan group events or meetings
- Whether it might be better to earn points instead
- Step 5: Market your business
- Cons of limited partnership
- Common size cash flow statement example
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Public non-traded REITs
- 5. Offer memberships
- Security
- 2. Look into tax-loss harvesting
- 8. Use a do-over
- How to get an extension
- Consider paying with miles
- Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- Watch the calendar
- 11. Reimbursement of application fees for TSA Precheck or Global Entry
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- 9. Take surveys
- 2. Is now the right time to buy bonds?
- 3. Look for equipment rebates and tax credits
- Geico vs. Allstate home insurance
- 5. You can redeem Capital One Miles in a variety of ways
- Carnegie Corporation
- Top 20 performers in the S&P 500 index
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest.
- InboxDollars Surveys
- 1099-INT
- 14. Make products for pets
- Act quickly
- Book Hotel + Air packages
- A note: Birthday elite night credits are on pause
- Debt management plan
- Which credit cards to use for primary coverage
- Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Most popular
- Chubb: Best for high-value homes
- The cash value is slow to grow
- 6. Keep your perspective
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- What is the procedure for filing a claim?
- Small businesses in the leisure and hospitality industry experienced a 9.6% loss in establishments
- 8. Get a preapproval letter
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- Points and miles
- Tactic 3: Use your military benefits
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Set cash aside
- 12. Up to $100 in statement credits annually at Saks Fifth Avenue
- Be flexible with destination, airport and dates
- SAVE benefits available by October 2023
- 2. Make sure your bonus is actually taxable
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 13. PR agency
- Customer support
- 3. Hold the shares inside an IRA, a 401(k) or other tax-advantaged account
- 6. Sell your wares on Etsy
- Visit during the low season
- Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card
- Stocks
- No-exam life insurance rates for nonsmokers
- Why it’s the best:
- Purchase discounted Airbnb gift cards
- Coverdell education savings accounts
- 15. Create custom clothing
- Travelers vs. Allstate home insurance
- Our pick for: Everyday spending
- Cons
- 6. Mexico
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- 10. Search for regular jobs for kids
- Private REITs
- Other general-purpose travel card reviews
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- Retail business applications increased by 87%
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA.
- Google Opinion Rewards
- 1099-K
- Be polite
- Upgrading to Main Plus
- Wash sale rules
- Individual consumer discretionary stocks
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- 13. Walmart+ Monthly Membership Credit
- Debt consolidation
- SAVE benefit starting in February 2024
- 3. Use tax deductions
- Income approach
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- The cash value rate of return can be low
- Home equity loan
- Geico vs. State Farm home insurance
- Ford Foundation
- 6. OfferUp
- No-exam life insurance rates for smokers
- How to have less tax taken out of your paycheck
- Use Points Advance
- Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
- Consider using a retirement account
- USAA vs. State Farm home insurance
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- 14. Professional organizing
- User experience
- 4. Call in a pro
- Bonds
- 16. Sell vintage clothing online
- Obtaining an EIN
- Chase premium checking accounts
- 4. Set a budget for your stock market investment
- Pros of C corporation
- SAVE benefits available by July 2024
- 4. Contribute to a tax-advantaged account
- You can’t control your portfolio
- 1. Lower risk by building positions slowly
- U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card
- Transportation and warehousing business applications grew by 100.7%
- 9. Choose a real estate agent carefully
- Swagbucks
- Cost basis calculations
- Travelers vs. Geico home insurance
- Step 6: Don't overextend yourself financially
- Bankruptcy
- Recent servicer portfolio transfers
- 3. Which bonds are right for my portfolio?
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- 15. Photography
- Reviews
- Coca‑Cola Foundation
- 3. Find your vending machine
- 7. Self-publish an e-book
- 5. Use a rewards card to pay for Airbnb
- 1099-LTC
- 17. Begin niche blogging
- Consumer discretionary ETFs
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
- 14. Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection at airports
- Cons of C corporation
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- Asset-driven approach
- Home equity line of credit
- Mutual funds
- Winner: American Airlines
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- There can be tax implications if you withdraw cash from your policy
- 2. Ignore 'hot tips'
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- 23% of business owners cite inflation as their single most important problem
- 10. Narrow down your ideal type of house and neighborhood
- 5. Gather your paperwork.
- 1099-MISC
- CDs or U.S. savings bonds
- Purchase Marriott Bonvoy Moments
- 15. Centurion Lounge Complimentary Guest Access
- DIY debt settlement
- USAA vs. Allstate home insurance
- 5. Defer your bonus
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- 16. Event space
- American Airlines credit cards
- Delta Airlines credit cards
- JetBlue credit cards
- Southwest Airlines credit cards
- United Airlines credit cards
- Other airlines' credit cards
- 7. Poshmark
- 18. Become an e-book writer
- 11. Monetize your social media accounts
- Country Financial: Best for using an agent
- Book with points and miles if it’s a good deal
- 40% of small-business owners note trouble filling jobs
- Home Depot Foundation Veteran Housing Grants Program
- Gap Inc. credit cards
- Exchange-traded funds
- Employment taxes
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- Market approach
- Cash-out refinance
- 10. Vacation rentals
- 17. Interior decorating
- Overall diversification
- 8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel
- Why it’s the best:
- 6. Book through an airline portal
- 1099-NEC
- Our pick for: Flat-rate travel rewards
- 16. Upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
- 5. Focus on investing for the long-term
- 12. Get paid to stream on Twitch
- 3. Keep good records for the IRS
- How to maximize your rewards
- 6. Pick your investments.
- 19. Start ghostwriting
- Shopping
- Flooding
- Pros of S corporation
- USAA vs. Geico home insurance
- Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
- Cryptocurrency pros
- 73% of business owners feel the impact of supply chain issues
- 18. Woodworking or furniture building
- Barnes & Noble Mastercard
- Self-employment tax
- 17. Upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold status
- More from NerdWallet
- 11. Electronics repair
- Clif Family Foundation
- 4. Explore your financing options
- 1099-OID
- 20. Become a resume writer
- Discover it® Cash Back
- Cons of S corporation
- Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- Personal loan
- 65% of small-business owners expect revenue to increase
- 11. Stick to your budget
- Best Western credit cards
- Hilton credit cards
- Hyatt credit cards
- IHG credit cards
- Marriott credit cards
- Wyndham credit cards
- Other hotel credit cards
- Priceline VIP Rewards™ Visa® Card
- Trusts
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- 18. Money-saving perks for stays booked through The Hotel Collection
- Put money in a 401(k)
- Cryptocurrency cons
- 19. Graphic design
- 7. Message the host
- 1099-PATR
- 21. Open a coworking space
- Sales tax
- Fires
- 6. Manage your stock portfolio
- Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
- 55% of business owners expect all accepted payment methods to eventually become digital
- 9. Become an Instagram influencer
- Xbox Mastercard
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- 19. Complimentary benefits through Fine Hotels & Resorts
- Theft
- 20. Clothing boutique
- 1099-Q
- Tropical storms, thunderstorms and tornadoes
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
- 21.6% of small businesses cite a large negative effect on business due to the pandemic
- 22. Become an online coach
- Winner: Alaska Airlines
- Put money in an IRA
- Natural disasters
- 12. Make the most of walk-throughs and open houses
- 12. Academics courses
- 21. Bed and breakfast
- Kubota Hometown Proud Grant Program
- 1099-R
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- Discover it® Chrome
- Laid-back loans
- Pros of LLC
- Why it’s the best:
- 23. Flip failing websites
- Pros
- Winter storms
- Our pick for: Customizable bonus categories
- 20. Free shipping with ShopRunner
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- NJM: Best small regional insurer
- 22. Food truck
- 10. Monetize your Twitch channel
- 1099-S
- Joint bank accounts
- Cons of LLC
- AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
- Cold plates and made-to-order meals
- 24. Become a web developer
- Cons
- 21. Concierge service
- 96% of small-business owners have business bank accounts
- 13. Language courses
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) Imagine Grant
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- 13. Don’t skip the home inspections
- 23. Restaurant or cafe
- 5. Stock your vending machine with inventory
- Roth IRA withdrawal rules
- 1099-SA
- 25. Start a podcast
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- 22. Low fares through the International Airline Program
- Can a single-member LLC have employees?
- Where you live
- Open a 529 account
- 60% reported no impact from recent bank failures
- 24. Craft brewery
- Roth IRA withdrawal penalty
- 26. Be a social media influencer
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- 23. Savings with the Cruise Privileges Program
- Where you live
- Pros
- 11. Sell your photography
- Cruise line credit cards
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- Your credit history
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- 14. Negotiate with the seller
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Does a single-member LLC need an EIN?
- 24. Car Rental Privileges
- Business entity summary
- Your credit
- 25. Ice cream shop
- 6. Make the right investments
- The bar
- 27. Create online courses
- Your coverage
- Fund your flexible spending account (FSA)
- State Farm Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants
- Upromise® Mastercard®
- Why it’s the best:
- Our pick for: Paying rent
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- 25. Deals through the Amex Auto Purchasing Program
- USAA: Best for military and veterans
- Over half of small businesses have $50,000 or more in their business banking accounts
- Cons
- 26. Personal chef
- 28. Become a marketing consultant
- Is a single-member LLC a sole proprietorship?
- Your deductible
- Your coverage
- 15. Buy adequate home insurance
- 15. Personal wellness
- What should you do if you’re invested in these REITs?
- 26. An extra point when booking Platinum Destinations Vacations
- Use dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSAs)
- 27. Landscape services
- Previous claims
- Your deductible
- Google Ad Grants
- 29. Develop an app
- 27. Additional value through the InCircle rewards program
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- 28. Pet grooming
- Look up the insurer’s financial strength
- 12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
- How do you pay yourself in a single-member LLC?
- Your other policies
- Maximize health savings accounts (HSAs)
- Your claims history
- No longer available: Barclaycard Arrival Plus® World Elite Mastercard®
- Refreshment stations
- Winner: American Airlines
- 28. AmEx Carbon Emissions Tracker
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- 29. Florist
- 30. Make a smart appliance
- Your home’s features
- Your home
- The Unless Project
- Research the insurer’s reputation for customer service
- 31. Tap into virtual reality experiences
- Are single-member LLCs subject to double taxation?
- Your dog
- Your other policies
- 30. Massage therapist
- 13. Sell unused gift cards
- 29. The Global Dining Access by Resy
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- 1. Look at customer satisfaction scores
- No longer available: Barclays Arrival® Premier World Elite Mastercard®
- 32. Make a niche dating site
- Your dog
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Why it’s the best:
- 30. Exclusive events
- Erie: Most generous coverage
- 2. Consider financial strength
- 33. Develop a chatbot
- 31. Nutritionist
- Pros
- No longer available: Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard®
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- 31. An open invitation to events with Membership Experiences
- 18. Consulting
- 3. Evaluate the policy options
- Aldi Cares Community Grants
- 14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
- 34. Offer matchmaking skills
- 32. Personal trainer or fitness instructor
- Cons
- 32. A better view with American Express Preferred Access
- 35. Be a virtual assistant
- 4. Get prices from a handful of companies
- Our pick for: Good credit
- 33. Beauty services
- Zendesk Tech for Good Impact Awards
- No longer available: Barclaycard CashForward™ World Mastercard®
- How to maximize your rewards
- 36. Reinvent exercising
- 19. IT support
- 34. Life coach
- Why it’s the best:
- 33. No foreign transaction fees
- 37. Create eco-friendly, health-friendly makeup and beauty products
- Nationwide: Best online experience
- The Audacious Project
- 15. Sell your gently used clothes
- 34. Upgrade with points
- No longer available: Barclaycard Ring® Mastercard®
- 38. Open a food truck or restaurant pop-up
- 20. Graphic design
- 35. Tutor
- 35. No preset spending limit
- Our pick for: Travel
- 39. Start an organization business
- 36. Daycare provider
- Wells Fargo nonprofit grants
- 36. A lower annual fee on additional cards
- 40. Do interior design for young professionals
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash
- 37. CreditSecure
- 21. Social media management
- 37. Senior care provider
- Openly: Fewest consumer complaints
- 38. Interpreter or translator
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- 1. Review your mission
- 39. Housecleaning
- 17. Get a babysitting gig
- 38. Cell phone protection
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 2. Refine your search with keywords
- 39. Purchase protection
- 40. Automotive repair
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- 40. Return protection
- 41. Handyman services
- 3. Narrow down based on location
- 18. Rent out your car
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- 41. Extended warranty
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- 42. Dry cleaners
- 4. Look for organizations with similar values
- 42. Baggage insurance plan
- State Farm: Best perks
- 43. Hardware store
- 43. Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 1. Do your research
- 5. Consider hiring a grant writer
- 19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
- 44. Self-storage business
- 44. Premium Car Rental Protection
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 45. Freelance copywriting and content creation
- Should you get minimum or full coverage car insurance?
- 45. Trip delay insurance
- 46. Rideshare driver
- 20. Become a private tutor
- 46. Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- 3. Find the right financing
- 47. Website development and design
- 47. Premium Global Assist Hotline
- 48. Sell clothes online
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- You’re a first-time home buyer
- 21. Drive for Uber, Lyft
- 49. SEO consultant
- 50. App development
- You live in a high-risk area
- Cell phone protection
- 22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats
- Purchase protection
- You have a dog
- Return protection
- 23. Find work as a housesitter
- Extended warranty
- You own valuable items
- Trip cancellation
- Baggage insurance plan
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Trip interruption
- Car rental loss and damage insurance
- 24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
- You own an older home
- Trip delay insurance
- Trip delay
- Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
- Cancel For Any Reason
- 25. Put your drone to work
- Baggage delay
- Lost baggage
- Travel medical insurance
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 in 6 months) 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, which it says can take a few hours to several days.
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 $10 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 at least a $5 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 or credit to a Fiverr Revenue Card (a prepaid card). Minimum withdrawal amounts vary, and you may be charged 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.