20 Best Money Making Apps for 2024 – A Detailed Guide

In today’s digital world, there’s an app for just about everything, including boosting your income.

Whether you’re a student seeking a side hustle, a stay-at-home parent with free time, or anyone looking to pad their bank account, there’s a perfect money-making app waiting to be discovered.

This comprehensive guide unveils the top 20 apps of 2024, offering a detailed breakdown of their earning potential and how they fit your unique interests and skills.

Best Money-Making Apps

To help you choose which app you should try out, we researched thoroughly each one before listing it here. Therefore, you can rest assured that none of these are scams or Ponzi schemes.

1. Rakuten Rewards – Cashback App

Formerly known as Ebates, Rakuten Rewards is one of the most popular cashback apps. Users can shop in the 2500+ affiliated stores and get money back on their purchases.

While most apps offer around 1% to 2%, Rakuten Rewards merchants offer up to 10% cashback. If you use it regularly, you can count on it as extra cash as they do payouts on your PayPal account every quarter.

Additionally, they offer a large number of coupons and special offers that you can use for shopping in the supported stores. This makes it one of the top money-making apps in 2021.

Rakuten also allows users to convert their Bitcoin and Ethereum into Rakuten Cash, which is similar to Rakuten Points and can be used across the Rakuten ecosystem, invested in the stock market, or used for grocery shopping.

App Links: iOS Android

2. Shopkick – Gift Card Rewards

Where Rakuten pays you directly in cash, Shopkeep does the same but through gift cards.

By shopping and browsing at affiliate stores or websites, you can win points (kicks) that you can later exchange for popular store gift cards like Amazon or Starbucks.

Most rewards are worth 250 kicks per dollar, and most Shopkickers earn enough for a gift card in a week. However, some say the reward rate is low, with an average of $0.004 per kick. For example, most brands require 1,250 kicks for a $5 gift card, which works out to $0.004 per kick. Users earn 10 kicks per walk-in and 10 kicks per item scan, so it would take 25 scans to earn $1.

There are six different ways how you can start accumulating points with Shopkeep:

• Walk into affiliate stores
• Scan select product barcodes
• Scan Receipts from affiliate stores
• Make purchases with a linked card
• Shop online on affiliate websites
• Watch in-app ad videos

While this app won’t directly give you money, the fact that you don’t have to make actual purchases is a great perk.

App Links: iOS Android

3. Swagbucks – Cash Back and Gift Cards

Swagbucks is a free loyalty rewards program that gives members cash and gift cards for completing everyday online activities. Members earn points, called Swagbucks points (SBs), for activities such as shopping at over 1,500 retailers, answering surveys, playing games, watching videos, downloading apps and games, referring friends, completing daily goals, entering competitions, signing up for services, and even scanning receipts.

The Swagbucks app also pays members in cryptocurrencies, gift cards, or PayPal cash. Swagbucks members can redeem their qualified earnings towards a gift card to buy cryptocurrency on a platform that sells Bitcoin and other forms of cryptocurrency. To get crypto, users can choose a Visa gift card and then purchase Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency. Users will need to have (or set up) a Bitcoin wallet or other crypto wallet.

App Links: iOS Android

4. Ibotta – Cash Back ($20 Starter Bonus)

Ibotta is a cashback app that allows you to pay supported merchants directly with their app.

You can either pay through Ibotta or scan receipts from eligible merchants manually. The app also offers couponing and discount sections. A small drawback is that you will need to watch short ads in the app to get access to the special offers.

You can also link shop loyalty cards for even more savings with your favorite retailers.

The free app also offers cash-back rewards for purchases made at over 2,000 participating retailers, including groceries, clothing, electronics, and beverages. Users can also earn cashback by purchasing virtual gift cards from over 120 retailers through the app.

App Links: iOS Android

5. MoneyApp – Convert Credits into Cash Rewards

MoneyApp is one of the most popular reward-based apps out there. Completing tasks in the app will grant you credits that you can convert into hard cash. Once you reach a certain payout threshold, you can cash out into your PayPal account within 48 hours.

There are tons of different activities you can participate in, like playing games, installing apps, inviting friends, taking surveys, etc.

The app is constantly updated with new offers and tasks that grant more credits. It’s accessible free money-making software that helps you convert your phone screen time into cash.

Users can also withdraw their rewards in BTC, LTC, DOGE, or USD via PayPal after completing an offer. MoneyFree also offers referral bonuses, where users can earn 25% of the offerwall rewards of their direct referees and 5% of the offerwall rewards of their referees’ referees.

App Links: iOS, Android

6. Acorns – Investing With Spare Change

Acorns is, hands-down, the best money-making app in 2024 when considering investments.

Acorns is an app that helps users grow their money through investing and saving. Users can earn money from their investments and by making qualifying purchases if they link their card to their Acorns account. Acorns also offers IRA investing options, including SEP, Traditional, and Roth plans.

There is no minimum capital, and you can start earning with as little as $10. They also offer services like saving plans and cashback, which are included in the 3 different pricing plans ($1, $2, or $3 per month).

However, Acorns doesn’t allow users to directly purchase Bitcoin tokens, but it does offer a Bitcoin-linked exchange-traded fund (ETF) called BITO that invests in Bitcoin futures. This ETF allows users to gain exposure to Bitcoin without actually owning the cryptocurrency itself. Users can allocate up to 5% of their portfolio to this ETF.

App Links: iOS Android

7. Stash – Investing, on a Budget

Stash is another investment app for people who don’t have a ton of money. The app allows them to buy fractional shares of stocks. Want to buy Tesla shares but don’t have $600+ to spend? With Stash, you can own just a portion of a share and spend as much as you can afford.

After signing up for Stash, you’ll be able to build your portfolio based on your personal goals and risk tolerance. The app offers additional perks like a physical debit card ($9/month) and a pension savings option.

Overall, Stash is an intuitive app that caters to beginner and experienced investors alike.

App Links: iOS Android

8. Celsius Network – Earn Interest on Cryptocurrencies

The Celsius Network is a lending company that facilitates borrowing and lending of cryptocurrencies.

By depositing some of your cryptos through the app wallet, you will be paid interest every week. One big advantage of Celsius is that you don’t have to lock your funds for a given amount of time.

You can instead withdraw your money back to your personal wallet anytime you wish, free of charge.

Additionally, the app offers some of the highest return rates (up to 12%) and a good variety of supported cryptocurrencies. The interest rate depends on the cryptocurrency deposited, and borrowers pay between zero and 8.95% on bitcoin-backed loans.

Creditors can log in to PayPal or Venmo, enter their unique claim codes, and follow the on-screen instructions to receive their distributions of Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH).

App Links: iOS Android

9. Nexo – Earn Passive Income from Crypto

Nexo is a similar platform to Celsius Network, but here, you earn interest in traditional currencies like USD, GBP, and EUR.

Opening an account is simple and near-instant, and you keep access to your funds at all times. Nexo promises 8% return rates on a yearly basis, which is much higher than most savings accounts.

Nexo offers high-yield interest accounts with rates up to 12% per year, depending on the type of crypto and the amount held. Users can also earn up to 2% more by receiving interest payments in NEXO tokens instead of the crypto they’re lending.

Nexo also offers free ATM withdrawals based on the loyalty tier, which reset monthly. Users can also use Nexo’s exchange wallet to convert assets, use tokens as collateral for loans, and withdraw crypto.

Nexo is accessible to more than 200 countries, and offers a debit master card, giving you access to your credit line whenever you need it. The only caveat is that the minimum deposit is EUR 1000, although the company is working on lowering this amount in the near future.

App Links: iOS Android

10. Coinbase Earn – Earn While Learning About Crypto

Cryptocurrencies are becoming more popular than ever. So why not make some money while learning about them?

Coinbase users can also earn rewards by staking Ethereum, Algorand, Cardano, Cosmos, Solana, Tezos, USD Coin, Tether, or Dai. These payouts count as income and may be eligible for rewards at up to 7% APY.

Coinbase users can also earn rewards by staking Ethereum, Algorand, Cardano, Cosmos, Solana, Tezos, USD Coin, Tether, or Dai. These payouts count as income and may be eligible for rewards at up to 7% APY.

11. Google Opinion Rewards – Earn While Completing Surveys

Google Opinion Rewards is the perfect app for survey addicts. Here, you earn credits just by completing short surveys on different topics ranging from TV shows, shopping habits, internet services, etc.

Android users earn credits that can be used on Google Play to buy apps, rent movies, etc. Apple users, on the other hand, get paid via PayPal.

The amount of money you will make will directly depend on your free time and dedication to answering surveys. But with an average of $0.30 per survey, it can be said that Google Survey Rewards is one of the best apps that pay you for having fun.

Users can earn between 10 cents and $1 for each survey they complete, but the most common payment is between 15 and 20 cents. Users must earn a minimum of $2 to be eligible for rewards.

App Links: iOS Android

12. Surveys on the go – Alternative to Google Rewards

Surveys On The Go is an app that tests products such as makeup, skincare, and haircare. This is another survey app, for those that really like answering questions. When you’ve depleted your Google surveys for the day, you can jump into SOTG to make a few extra bucks.

The app sends a couple of surveys a week and notifies you when new ones are available. You can get your payout through PayPal, an Amazon gift card, or a Starbucks gift card. There’s a $10 threshold before cashing out. Users can cash out for $10, with some surveys paying between $1 and $2, and others paying $.50 or a dollar.

Just make sure your app is up to date at all times, as there have been some complaints of not being able to get payouts for this reason.

App Links: iOS Android

13. Foap – Earn by Taking Photos

Foap is one of the best money-making apps. It allows aspiring photographers to make some money through their hobby. With smartphone technology taking leaps and bounds, most of us have a high-quality snapper in our pocket at all times.

Users can earn money by selling photos on the Foap Market for $10 each, and Foap and the user split the proceeds 50/50.

Users can also participate in Foap missions, which are contests where users submit photos for a panel of experts to judge. The winning photo in each mission receives a cash prize, which starts at $50. Even if a user’s photo isn’t selected as the winner, companies may still buy it.

App Links: iOS Android

14. SweatCoin – Convert your Steps Into Credits

SweatCoin is an app that pays you to walk! This health app incentivizes people to walk instead of driving or taking the bus. For every thousand steps you take, you are rewarded one Sweatcoin.

The Sweatcoin app allows users to earn a cryptocurrency called Sweat Economy (SWEAT) tokens by tracking their steps. SWEAT tokens can be converted to USD or other currencies on some platforms, or sold on cryptocurrency exchanges. However, users can’t directly cash out their SWEAT.

These digital tokens cannot be converted into hard cash. Instead, you can use them in their online store to buy different items like iPhones, LCD TVs, healthy food, clothes, and much more.

15. Instacart – Shop and Deliver Groceries

Instacart allows you to sign up as a shopper and buy groceries for people who order items through the app. You get paid for each delivery you make.

Delivering for Instacart can be either a full-time job or a side gig for extra money. This depends on the demand in your region, so make sure you check it out before committing fully. If you like to drive and shop around, Instacart will help you get some money for it.

Instacart does not accept cryptocurrencies directly. However, you can use services like Bitrefill, Cryptorefills, BitPay, and Coinsbee to purchase an Instacart gift card with cryptocurrency.

App Links: iOS Android

16. Uber – Become a Taxi or Delivery Service on Your Terms

Uber is one of the fastest-growing companies in the world. Their app allows anyone who has a car to become a driver and get paid for it. You get notifications from people in need of a ride in your vicinity. Then, you can accept or refuse the gig.

If you own a vehicle, have spare time on your hands, and prefer to remain on your own schedule, Uber is a great option.

For those that can’t drive a car or don’t like dealing with passengers, they can sign up for Uber’s delivery service. Through the same app, you will get notifications of food pickups and where to deliver them. All you need is a scooter or a bike to qualify for Uber Eats delivery.

Uber, like any business, has its pros and cons. If demand is low, you might spend a couple of days without income.

However, if you live in an urban area with lots of demand, driving for Uber can become a decent-paying job. Just keep in mind that you remain your own boss. This implies that Uber will not cover your insurance or benefits.

Uber already accepts other digital payments like PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and credit cards. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has also said that Uber plans to accept Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as payment options in the near future.

App Links: iOS Android

17. Airbnb – Rent your extra space for extra income

Do you have a spare room in your apartment? Or a mountain cabin you haven’t visited in a while? Airbnb is here to help you monetize your real estate.

Their app revolutionized the way people travel and democratized renting properties. Any homeowner can become a host and make some money by renting out their real estate to travelers around the world.

Airbnb does not accept cryptocurrency payments. However, Airbnb hosts can use Bitwage to receive Bitcoin payments from Airbnb. Bitwage is a crypto payroll solution that allows hosts to receive Bitcoin payments without waiting for Airbnb to add cryptocurrency payments.

Airbnb makes it easy to upload pictures of your property, communicate with potential customers, and highlight what’s great about the location.

Make sure your rental is as pleasant as possible to get good reviews. Cleaning, fixing up, and dealing with guests aren’t easy tasks to handle daily. So, make sure you have what it takes before you commit to becoming a landlord.

App Links: iOS Android

18. Pawshake – Dog Sitting and Walking

Pawshake is one of the best money-making apps in 2021. It connects dog owners with reliable dog walkers and pet sitters.

If you love dogs and like to walk around, Pawshake will help you find gigs in your area. You can accept or decline bookings, manage reservations, and share daily updates with the owners through easy picture sharing.

Pawshake pays pet sitters after a booking is complete, but withholds 19% of the total amount paid as a service fee. Pawshake’s payment process is cashless and automated, and the amount due is transferred to the pet sitter’s payment account up to seven days after the booking ends.

Moreover, as a dog walker, you can combine this app with the aforementioned SweatCoin app and earn from both at the same time!

App Links: iOS Android

19. Fiverr – Convert Skills Into Cash

Fiverr is a freelancing platform that enables anyone to use their skillset in order to make some money online. Similar to other platforms like Upwork, Fiverr allows you to list and apply for small gigs.

But where it differs from others is the range of different types of jobs you can post there. If you have a skill that’s worth something, you can probably find a buyer for it on Fiverr.

Sing a song, create a voiceover, write code, design a website, the options are almost limitless. This diversity makes Fiverr one of the best money-making apps in 2021 for freelancers.

Fiverr pays freelancers 80% of a buyer’s cleared payment after an order is complete. However, there is a 14-day holding period for processing and buyer satisfaction guarantee before funds are available for withdrawal. This period may be shorter for Top Rated, Fiverr Pro, or other eligible programs.

App Links: iOS Android

20. BookScouter – Buy and Sell Old Textbooks for Profit

Bookscouter is an app that allows you to appraise old books just by scanning the ISBN barcode. Conveniently enough, you can also create a shipping number directly with the app, send it to BookScouter for free, and get paid instantly.

A great option for when you want to get rid of your old textbooks and sell them at the best possible price. Additionally, it can help you hunt for rare books in thrift shops and second-hand stores and give you price quotes instantly.

Whether you are using it to declutter your library or make some profits, you should consider using Bookscouter as it is one of the best money-making apps.

App Links: iOS Android

Money-Making Sites That Pay You in Crypto

STEPN

STEPN is a mobile game that allows players to earn tokens by walking, jogging, or running outdoors with NFT sneakers. It’s the first move-to-earn mobile NFT game powered by the Solana blockchain. STEPN is a Game-Fi project that aims to build the next-generation play-to-earn mobile game.

STEPN has four difficulty levels for players:

Walker: 1–6 km/hr

Jogger: 4–10 km/hr

Runner: 8–20 km/hr

Trainer: 1–20 km/hr

The STEPN app pays users in cryptocurrency. The app uses GPS to track user movement and rewards them with green satoshi tokens (GST) and green metaverse tokens (GMT) based on how long they stay active and the attributes of their NFT sneakers. Users can purchase NFT sneakers in the app marketplace, on Binance, or on other marketplaces.

App Links: iOS Android

Genopet

Genopets is a free-to-play, move-to-earn NFT mobile game that rewards players for living an active lifestyle. In the game, players summon a digital pet, called a Genopet, that evolves and grows with them. Players can take care of their Genopet by feeding and playing with it, and can also craft NFTs to customize it.

Players can earn rewards by; Leveling up their Genopet, Trading in-game NFTs, Acquiring a Habitat for their Genopet, and Competing against their friends in turn-based gameplay.

Genopets also pay players in cryptocurrency. Players earn the ERC-20 token GENE by playing the game, completing missions, and participating in community events. They can also earn Energy and KI tokens by tracking their steps with a wearable device.

App Links: iOS Android

Sweat Wallet

Sweat Wallet is a free financial app developed by the Sweat Foundation that allows users to store, manage, and convert cryptocurrencies. It’s a secure and convenient way to mint Sweatcoin, a digital currency that users earn by completing physical fitness activities. Sweatcoins can be used to purchase goods and services from virtual shops within the Sweat Economy.

The Sweat Wallet app allows users to mint SWEAT, a cryptocurrency, by walking. Users can also stake their SWEAT in Grow Jars to earn rewards and a percentage return.

App Links: iOS Android

WIRTUAL

WIRTUAL may also refer to a health and fitness app that allows users to earn coins by exercising and exchange them for discounts or store purchases. The app’s features include:

• Earn as you burn: Users can unlock rewards by reaching their exercise goals
• WIRTUAL PET: A virtual exercise buddy that gamifies health into rewards
• WIRTUALVERSE: A Metaverse-connected reality where users can interact with a community, catch up with friends, or get together

The WIRTUAL app allows users to earn cryptocurrency by submitting their activity results. Moreover, WIRTUAL is only available through Coinbase Wallet.

App Links: iOS Android

MetaGym

MetaGym is a mobile app that rewards users for exercising, sleeping, and other healthy habits. It uses the Polygon blockchain and includes Fit-Fi, Sleep-Fi, and Game-Fi features. Users can earn Heart Rate Tokens (HRT) by performing cardio, HIIT, and resistance training, and connecting a heart rate monitor. HRT can be used to level up a user’s avatar, mint new NFT clothing, power-ups, and upgrades, or exchange for cryptocurrency.

The amount of HRT a user earns depends on the activity they complete and their heart rate. Users can also share their stats on social media. MetaGym’s mission is to create a supportive community that recognizes the importance of a healthy mind, body, and spirit. Users can join the MetaGym community on Discord for support and more benefits.

App Links: iOS Android