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
- LOOKING TO SAVE ON INTEREST?
- How to complete the FAFSA if:
- Shopping for Medicare plans? We have you covered.
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medigap plans
- Shopping for Medigap plans? We have you covered.
- Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- How to maximize your rewards
- Key takeaways about P2P payments
- Compare Medicare Advantage plans
- Simplifying tax time with accounting software
- Tactic 1: Get a credit card with a TSA PreCheck credit
- 1. Start saving early
- Nearest airports
- 1. Japan Airlines
- 1. Earn with ads as a YouTube Partner Program member
- 1. ThredUP
- Winner: British Airways
- 1. Look at the fundamentals of AMD stock
- What is debt service?
- Earn ANA miles by flying
- Texas Workforce Commission’s Skills for Small Business Grant Program
- How does my credit score impact personal loan offers?
- 1. Fly within the U.S. for just 7,500 points each way
- A broker
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- 1. Morningstar
- Average FICO 8 score by age
- Hands-on or hands-off investing?
- 1. Ibotta
- 1. Baskin-Robbins
- Grants.gov
- 1. Figure out if you are eligible
- Major airlines flying to Phoenix
- Step 1: Write a business plan
- AtoB
- Common investment and brokerage fees
- Use your leverage
- 1. Food trucks
- Spending rewards
- Standard with ads: $6.99 per month
- SIMPLE IRA vs. traditional IRA
- Our pick for: Simplicity
- 1. Roll your debts onto a balance transfer credit card
- 1. Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)
- How do I see my credit score for free?
- 1. Check your EIN confirmation notice
- Understand the budgeting process
- Passive vs. active management
- Capers Cafe Le Bar
- 1. Keep your charges on each card to a minimum
- 2. Decide how much home you can afford
- Avis Preferred
- Global debt service coverage ratio
- 2. Consider whether you should buy AMD
- 1. Cryptocurrency exchanges
- State and local government grants
- Upfront costs
- Young Farmer Grants
- Example savings APYs at select institutions
- An ETF
- Monthly after-tax income
- If any of these situations apply to you
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is less than 5 years old
- SIMPLE IRA vs. 401(k)
- 1. Know what you owe and how much you can pay
- Minimum down payments and credit scores
- Step 1: Enter your personal information
- 2. All Nippon Airways
- If you already own a property
- PMI for conventional mortgages
- Gather documents
- 2. Finviz
- Follow USDA food plans
- Cheap auto insurance from large companies
- Average VantageScore 3.0 score by age
- Supplemental group life insurance
- Standard: $15.49 per month
- Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs
- Symbotic Inc. (SYM)
- SBA loans
- Short-term capital gains tax rates
- 2. Check other places your EIN could be recorded
- UTMA or UGMA vs. 529 or Coverdell ESA
- Our pick for: Purchase protection with cash back
- Big three prepaid plans
- 3. Check and polish your credit
- 50% of your income: needs
- 2. Traditional stockbrokers
- 2. Car wash services
- 1. Pinpoint your goal
- 2. Auntie Anne’s
- Income taxes for single-member LLCs
- 2. Decide what type of investor you are
- Step 1: Inspect your current policy
- Flying to Phoenix on points and miles
- Postpaid
- Directly from the U.S. government
- Step 2: Find the store or location you want to buy or rent
- Coast
- 1. Market your business and attract new clients
- Jackson Hewitt
- Find investors
- If you're younger than 59½ and the account is at least 5 years old
- Small Business Development Centers
- Fueling/charging costs
- Texas Enterprise Fund
- Standard two weeks’ notice template
- Upstart Holdings Inc. (UPST)
- 2. Fly lie-flat business class for as few as 16,500 Avios each way
- Step 2: Account for multiple jobs
- Building coverage
- 3. Singapore Airlines
- 2. Poshmark
- 2. Ask for higher credit limits
- Avis Preferred Plus
- 3. Yahoo Finance
- If you qualify for a hardship withdrawal
- 2. Rakuten
- Premium: $22.99 per month
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- Will pre-qualifying affect my credit score?
- Prepaid
- Investment goals
- FHA mortgage insurance premium
- Negotiate how much equity to give to your investors
- 3. Bitcoin ATMs
- What is the average credit score overall?
- Minority Business Development Agency Centers
- EveryDollar
- 2. Apply for a credit card consolidation loan
- 20% off in-flight purchases
- 2. U.S. Bank rewards
- Rewards-based crowdfunding
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Walt Disney World
- You travel where Hyatt has a presence
- Traditional bank loans
- 4. Delta Air Lines
- If you’re in the market to buy
- Boost the value of your Ultimate Rewards® points
- 4. Explore mortgage options
- Debt service coverage ratio example
- 3. Open a brokerage account
- 30% of your income: wants
- Use the 50/30/20 rule to budget for groceries
- Cheap car insurance from midsize companies
- Compare insurance rates for 20-year-olds
- 3. Auto repair
- Earning rewards
- 3. Papa John’s
- Income taxes for multi-member LLCs
- What do I need to pre-qualify for a personal loan?
- Step 2: Shop for better rates
- 3. Call the IRS to locate your EIN
- Bypass setting up a trust
- Step 3: Get funding
- WEX
- Westward Whiskey
- GET MORE MILES, MORE BENEFITS WITH A DELTA CARD
- H&R Block
- For beginners: Fidelity
- Would refinancing save you money?
- Use funds
- 4. TradingView
- 4. Bitcoin exchange-traded funds
- Traditional IRA income limits for 2023 and 2024
- Roth IRA income limits for 2023 and 2024
- If you’re 59½ or older and the account is less than 5 years old
- 1. Get sponsored
- Home equity loans pros and cons
- Maintenance and repair costs
- 'Pay With Miles' benefit
- 2. Understand your options
- Hotel stays
- Prepaid debit card vs. debit card vs. credit card
- Texas Job Creators Grant
- Getting to and from the city
- Step 3: Claim dependents, including children
- Contents coverage
- Step 2: Register your business, get any licenses or permits
- Winner: British Airways
- 2. If you have a 401(k), get your match
- You often borrow other people’s cars
- Credit Karma
- Earn ANA miles by spending on credit cards
- 1. Make dollar-cost averaging your friend
- 3. Choose how much you want to invest
- Online lenders
- Avis President's Club
- Pros
- Share profits
- 20% of your income: savings and debt
- The $200 airfare credit
- How age can influence scores
- If you're 59½ or older and the account is at least 5 years old
- How does FDIC insurance on prepaid cards work?
- Center for Women Entrepreneurs StartHER Grant
- Formal two weeks’ notice template
- Best insurance company overall: Travelers
- Step 4: Refine your withholdings
- 1. Can the borrower pay its bonds?
- Upgrading your travel perks
- 3. Set up balance alerts to stay on top of spending
- 5. StockFetcher
- 5. Peer-to-peer money transfer apps
- 4. Taco Bell
- Fast Break for Small Business
- Mortgage insurance
- Disneyland
- Step 3: Give your mortgage servicer a heads-up
- 3. Flights to Hawaii from 26,000 points round-trip
- 1. States with no income tax
- 2. Take a cut with affiliate marketing
- 2. Score sponsorships
- Cons
- Fidelity is best for:
- Fidelity at a glance
- If you are converting your 401(k) to an IRA
- The $400 Hilton Resort credit
- 4. Personal trainers
- 3. Max out an IRA
- 3. Swagbucks
- Benefits for employers
- Book Emirates business class from Dubai to Asia
- Goodbudget
- TakeOff 15
- 3. Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed) Rewards
- Earn ANA miles by transferring AmEx points
- Choosing corporate tax status for your LLC
- How long will it take to pre-qualify?
- Step 5: Sign and date your W-4
- 1. All Nippon Airways
- LifeLock pros
- Typical cost for a flagship family plan with unlimited data
- Reasons for unfreezing your credit
- Allow up to 50% of your income for needs
- 3. The RealReal
- Other fuel cards to consider
- Shopping tips
- USDA guarantee fee
- Intuit TurboTax
- But wait, there’s more
- Invoice financing
- How this calculator works
- 4. Decide how much to invest in AMD
- 6. Wallet software
- You rent cars frequently
- 4. Select a provider to open your Roth IRA
- You spend a lot on travel, food and working out
- Example interest checking APYs at select institutions
- Step 3: Account for essential startup costs
- Pros
- Cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket
- 1. Cash dividends
- The $100 Conrad or Waldorf Astoria property credit
- Our pick for: No credit check at all
- How to contact AARP
- Benefits for employees
- Book ANA business class from Japan to India
- $200 flight credit eligibility
- Hotel amenities
- Texas State Trade Expansion Program
- Step 4: Buy the new policy before canceling the old
- Flood insurance coverage beyond the NFIP
- Family plans on a budget
- Step 4: Register your business
- Tactic 2: Use points or miles
- Capers Market
- Brokerage fee
- 4. Pay your bill before your issuer reports to the credit bureaus
- Delta premium economy luxury amenity kit
- 5. Research first-time home buyer assistance programs
- Chairman's Club (invite only)
- Small-business term loans
- 5. KFC
- IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database
- Our pick for: Online purchases
- Tax credits
- Seller concessions
- 4. Fly business class to Europe for just 34,000 points one-way
- Phoenix Marriott hotels
- Tips for unfreezing your credit
- Dun & Bradstreet business credit scores
- SBA 7(a) loan fees
- 2. States with flat income tax rates
- 1. Fill out a mortgage application
- Our pick for: Strategic shoppers
- Cons
- 2. Stock dividends
- Home equity lines of credit pros and cons
- 'Plan It'
- Transfer to airlines
- American Express
- 2. Diversify your holdings
- LifeLock cons
- VA funding fee
- SBA loans
- 6. Fidelity
- The $189 Clear membership credit
- FICO score ranges
- 5. Newborn and post-pregnancy services
- You frequently use a car-sharing service
- Book United economy class from U.S. mainland to the Caribbean
- Price
- 3. Tap your home equity for a loan or line of credit
- 3. Call your lender
- Step 5: Leave the rest up to your servicer
- SBA 504 loan fees
- 3. States with progressive tax structures
- Leave 30% of your income for wants
- 4. Grailed
- Other perks of Delta premium economy
- Among investment apps: Acorns
- Premiums
- Understanding your results
- 3. Dividend reinvestment programs (DRIPs)
- 4. Fiverr
- Conclusion
- Amber Grant for Women
- Earn ANA points by transferring Marriott points
- Equity-based crowdfunding
- Step 5: Get licenses, permits, and insurance
- 3. Land a brand deal and make sponsored content
- Costs
- Hot wallet
- VantageScore ranges
- ARM caps
- You drive a company car
- 6. McDonald’s
- 4. Barclays rewards
- Open for Business Grant Program in Houston
- You might also like:
- Mortgage rates
- You stay often with IHG
- Equifax business credit scores
- 5. Monitor your total credit utilization
- 6. Compare mortgage rates and fees
- Business lines of credit
- Angel investing
- Cheap auto insurance after an accident
- 4. Special dividends
- 5. Select your investments
- 2. Promote your business
- Which is better when?
- Your money management style
- Other ways to earn ANA miles
- Bank of America
- Walt Disney World
- Best insurance company for affordability: NJM
- Some water damage
- Step 4: Get business insurance
- 2. Review your Loan Estimates
- 3. Tap TikTok’s ‘Creativity Program Beta’
- Stock trading fee
- But wait, there’s more
- Copays, coinsurance and deductibles
- Chase Ultimate Rewards® points
- 6. Enrichment activities for children
- Checked bags make a big difference
- You need an SR-22 or FR-44 form
- National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant
- Emissions and efficiency
- Tiers
- 5. Gather your paperwork
- Venture capital
- Compare car insurance rates for 35-year-olds
- 5. Preferred dividends
- Our pick for: Beginner-friendly features
- Bonus features
- Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Community Grant
- Additional standard deduction 2023 (taxes due 2024)
- 3. Invest in sectors that perform well in recessions
- Damage to certain items and parts of your home
- Make Money
- Commit 20% of your income to savings and debt paydown
- Cold wallet
- Acorns is best for:
- Acorns at a glance
- 7. Dunkin’
- Bizee’s Fresh Start Business Grant
- TAP Air Portugal earnings rates
- Chase
- What do I need for my loan application?
- 2. American Airlines
- REITs
- Experian business credit scores
- 4. Sell some merch
- 5. Vestiaire Collective
- Equity crowdfunding
- 6. Dividend funds
- Ways to build credit
- You want to maintain continuous coverage
- Account linking
- What’s included
- 5. American Express Membership Rewards
- Gusto Impact Award
- Additional standard deduction 2024 (taxes due 2025)
- Loan limits
- Disneyland
- Hilton hotels in Phoenix
- 2023 tax rates by state
- 7. Gather your loan paperwork
- 7. Mobile apps and entertainment for children
- 5. Upwork
- 4. Borrow from your 401(k)
- You spend a lot on the card, especially on gas
- Example CD APYs at select institutions
- Most of your basement
- Eureka
- Step 5: Get a business credit card, business checking account
- Government bonds
- Resident status rules
- Amegy Bank Small Business Boost Program
- Hyatt
- 4. Focus on the long-term
- 6. Pick your investments
- Crowdfunding real estate platforms
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan N
- For crypto: Crypto.com
- American Express Membership Rewards points
- Cheapest car insurance after a DUI
- 8. Pizza Hut
- Venmo Small Business Grant
- Security
- Domestic flights on ANA
- Appraisal fee
- 2. Is now the right time to buy bonds?
- 5. Offer memberships
- 3. Loan processing takes over
- Fleet expense management tools
- 4. Use gifting
- Mutual fund transaction fee
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- 8. Shared accessories and attire
- Airline partner earning rates
- 6. Capital One Rewards
- Property standards
- Living expenses if you can’t stay at home
- InboxDollars Surveys
- 8. Get a preapproval letter
- Dividend per share (DPS)
- Our pick for: Fixed monthly payments
- 3. Sell your castoffs
- You typically borrow a car from someone in your household
- Charging/filling up
- Dayton Community Development Corporation grant programs
- Marriott
- Discount points
- 3. Japan Airlines
- Tactic 3: Use your military benefits
- What does P2P mean?
- Our pick for: The well-timed buy
- Customer support
- International flights on ANA
- How to have more taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Vehicles
- 4. The underwriter makes a decision based on your documentation
- Medicare Supplement Plan G vs. Plan F
- Dividend yield
- You regularly borrow the same car from someone you don’t live with
- 9. Denny’s
- The Amplifier Grant
- Our pick for: Cell phone and internet bill payments
- Part-year resident status rules
- Appendix: How the math works in our examples
- Example money market account APYs at select institutions
- Best insurance company for accident forgiveness: Geico
- Google Opinion Rewards
- Step 6: Get funding
- 1. The modern consumer is smarter than ever before, so be an expert in your field.
- What is P2P payment?
- Crypto.com is best for:
- How to maximize your rewards
- Crypto.com at a glance
- 6. OfferUp
- Other program partners
- 7. Citi ThankYou Points
- San Antonio Economic Development Department grant programs
- United
- Escrow account funds
- Can you pay estimated taxes at any time?
- 4. Earn badges through Live videos
- You drive rarely or not at all
- User experience
- 5. Enter a debt management plan
- How to have less taxes taken out of your paycheck
- Benefits
- Expense ratios
- 9. Choose a real estate agent carefully
- Cheapest auto insurance for poor credit
- 9. Shared home improvement equipment
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
- Swagbucks
- 3. Which bonds are right for my portfolio?
- 5. Sell with TikTok Shop
- Is Medicare Supplement Plan G worth it?
- 10. Ben & Jerry’s
- Corporate bonds
- Reviews
- Nonresident status rules
- Towing
- Partner flights
- Lubbock Economic Development Alliance grants
- U.S. Bank
- Flood determination and monitoring fees
- Past years' state tax rates
- What happens if I forget to pay my quarterly taxes?
- 5. Your loan is cleared to close
- Drawbacks
- Vanguard 500 Index Fund (VFIAX)
- Dividend payout ratio
- Our pick for: An upgrade path
- Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
- 8. Bank of America® rewards
- Business loans
- Refinancing
- How to use a W-4 to owe nothing on a tax return
- Compare Medigap plan types
- For overall similarity: Webull
- 10. Narrow down your ideal type of house and neighborhood
- Government recording fees
- Freshen up your merchandise
- Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund (VTSAX)
- AM Best Financial Strength Rating: A (Excellent)
- 7. Poshmark
- 5. Build a community
- Silver benefits on partner flights
- The Alamo Small Business Grant Program
- 4. United Airlines
- How can I make paying quarterly taxes easier?
- Wildfires
- 10. Vacation rentals
- 11. Edible Arrangements
- Loan-origination charges
- SBA loans
- Hyatt hotels in Phoenix
- Is my home at risk of flooding?
- 2. Are you seeking investment or looking for business financing?
- 6. Monetize using the Series feature
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Vanguard Total Bond Market Index Fund (VBTLX)
- Availability
- Take clear photos
- J.D. Power Ranking
- Other ways to redeem ANA Mileage Club miles
- Mortgage insurance or fees for government-backed loans
- Online lenders
- Best insurance company for having few customer complaints: American Family
- Sales load
- Vanguard Balanced Index Fund (VBIAX)
- Webull is best for
- Webull at a glance
- Compare car insurance rates for drivers with a DUI
- 11. Electronics repair
- Gold, Navigator benefits on partner flights
- Gifting large sums of money to family
- Our pick for: Interest-free financing with cash back
- NCQA Score Range: 2.5 to 3.5 out of 5
- Earthquakes
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee
- 12. Cinnabon
- Business credit cards
- Write an honest description
- Vanguard Growth Index Fund (VIGAX)
- 11. Stick to your budget
- California earned income tax credit (CalEITC)
- America’s Seed Fund
- Pest inspection
- 3. What's your point of difference in the market?
- 7. Collect tips from viewers
- Flooding
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers
- How to get ANA status
- Personal loans
- Paying for vacations, cars or other stuff
- Conventional loans
- Vanguard Small Cap Index Fund (VSMAX)
- Our pick for: Maximized value
- California young child tax credit (YCTC)
- Prepaid expenses
- Price clothes to sell
- 13. Dairy Queen
- Amber Grants
- Business grants
- Giving a laid-back loan
- 1. Has the W-4 form changed?
- Won’t the government help?
- Vanguard Total International Stock Index Fund (VTIAX)
- 12. Academics courses
- California child and dependent care tax credit
- FHA loans
- 12. Make the most of walk-throughs and open houses
- Tax monitoring and research fees
- Setting up joint bank accounts
- Management or advisory fees
- Our pick for: No security deposit, low annual fee, potentially high credit limit
- California adoption cost tax credit
- NASE Growth Grant
- 2. What does it mean to be exempt from taxes?
- Find your niche
- 14. Cold Stone Creamery
- Title-related costs
- Best insurance company for financial strength: Auto-Owners
- Winner: Virgin Atlantic
- Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers
- 13. Language courses
- California nonrefundable renters tax credit
- ANA Mileage Club elite status tier levels
- 13. Don’t skip the home inspections
- Understand your eligibility
- Our pick for: Online Shopping
- 3. When should I review my W-4?
- Be authentic
- Compare auto insurance rates for drivers with poor credit
- 14. Business or marketing courses
- Our pick for: Average credit and rewards
- Note application deadlines and awards dates
- 401(k) fees
- 14. Negotiate with the seller
- Real estate agent commissions
- 4. Can I adjust my W-4 multiple times throughout the year?
- Our pick for: Prime gaming
- Consider financing alternatives
- Property and transfer taxes
- Serve your audience and set small goals
- 15. Personal wellness
- Best insurance company for discounts: Amica
- 15. Buy adequate home insurance
- Title insurance
- Use multiple strategies
- Our pick for: Average credit and no annual fee
- Apple Cash: digital card
- 16. Courses in hobbies or interests
- Our pick for: Financing a large purchase
- Cash App debit card
- 17. Bookkeeping and accounting
- Our pick for: Limited credit
- Individual stocks
- Best insurance company for customer satisfaction: State Farm
- 18. Consulting
- Our pick for: Target gaming purchases
- Compare insurance rates for drivers with an accident
- Dividend stocks
- Our pick for: Good credit
- 19. IT support
- Best insurance company for military members: USAA
- 20. Graphic design
- What is a prepaid debit card?
- Our pick for: Travel
- What is a prepaid credit card?
- Our pick for: Walmart gaming purchases
- 21. Social media management
- Where can you get a prepaid card?
- How do you add money to a prepaid card?
- Our pick for: Instant gratification
- Which prepaid card is best?
- 22. Marketing copywriter
- 1. Gather your information
- 23. Virtual assistant services
- Our pick for: PlayStation purchases
- Our pick for: Personalized rewards
- 2. Choose the right liability car insurance coverage levels
- 1. Do your research
- 2. Get organized and make it official
- 3. Find the right financing
- 3. Decide if you need full coverage car insurance
- Our pick for: Best Buy purchases
- 4. Collect and compare car insurance quotes
- Our pick for: Digital Microsoft Store purchases
- Compare car insurance companies
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.