1. Rakuten: Best for Cash Back on Online Purchases
Rakuten is an app that offers cash back rewards for shopping at over 3,000 stores. By partnering with different retailers, Rakuten earns a commission for sales and shares a portion of that commission with its users in the form of cash back. Some popular brands that Rakuten partners with include Etsy, Macy's, StubHub, and Best Buy. You can earn cash back by shopping through the Rakuten app or by downloading the Rakuten browser extension. Earnings are paid out four times a year and can be received via check or PayPal.
2. Ibotta: Best for Cash Back on In-Store Purchases
Ibotta is another app that provides cash back rewards, both for online and in-store purchases. What sets Ibotta apart is its abundance of earnings opportunities for in-store purchases. You can link your loyalty cards to the Ibotta app to earn cash back whenever you shop at participating retailers. Additionally, you can earn cash back by submitting receipts from Ibotta's partner stores and by opting in to Nearby Offer Alerts. Ibotta allows you to withdraw earnings starting at $20, which can be converted into a gift card or transferred to your bank account via PayPal.
3. Depop: Best for Selling Clothes
If you have a closet full of clothes you no longer wear, Depop is the perfect app for you. Depop is an online marketplace where you can sell your old clothes and accessories. It started as a social network for young creatives and has now become a popular platform with millions of registered users. Anyone can create an account and list items on Depop, and the app offers resources to help sellers navigate the online marketplace. With features like liking and bookmarking items, messaging service, and international shipping options, Depop makes it easy to connect with potential buyers and sell your pre-loved clothing.
4. Swagbucks: Best for App-Based Tasks
Swagbucks is a versatile app that rewards you for completing various tasks. Whether it's watching promotional videos, taking surveys, or shopping online, Swagbucks offers multiple ways to earn money. You can even earn rewards for buying specific groceries by simply uploading a picture of your receipt. Each task you complete earns you points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to popular retailers, checks, or cash via PayPal. Swagbucks estimates that users typically earn $1 to $5 per day, making it a great option for earning a little extra cash in your free time.
5. TaskRabbit: Best for Local Tasks
If you're looking for short-term gigs and odd jobs, TaskRabbit is the app for you. TaskRabbit connects service providers, known as Taskers, with clients who need assistance with various tasks in their local area. Whether it's furniture assembly, yard work, grocery shopping, or moving help, TaskRabbit offers a wide range of services that you can offer. Signing up as a Tasker is easy, and you have the flexibility to set your own availability and rates. TaskRabbit does require a one-time $25 registration fee for Taskers to use the app.
6. Fiverr: Best for Freelancers
Fiverr is a popular app that connects freelancers with businesses and entrepreneurs. Whether you're a website designer, copywriter, or data engineer, Fiverr provides a platform for you to showcase your skills and offer your services to potential clients. To become a seller on Fiverr, you'll need to create an account and go through an onboarding process, which includes watching instructional videos and providing information about your skill set and work history. Once approved, you can create gig packages and set your own prices. Fiverr pays sellers electronically as soon as the order is completed, with sellers keeping 80% of the payment.
7. Survey Junkie: Best for Taking Surveys
If you enjoy sharing your opinions and participating in surveys, Survey Junkie is the app for you. After signing up, Survey Junkie matches you with surveys that you can complete at your own convenience. You can also earn points by adding the Survey Junkie Pulse extension to your browser, which shares your digital browsing activity with market researchers. Points earned can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards from popular retailers. Survey Junkie ensures that all data collected is encrypted and collected directly by researchers, allowing users to choose what they want to share to maintain privacy.
8. Airbnb: Best for Renting Out Space
If you have a spare room or are planning to be away for a while, you can earn money by renting out your space on Airbnb. Airbnb is a popular app and website that allows hosts to list their spaces for rent. You can set the price per night, availability, check-in and check-out times, and the maximum number of guests. Airbnb provides a platform for hosts to connect with potential guests from around the world. While it's free to post a listing, Airbnb takes a percentage of the earnings as a service fee, typically around 3%.
9. UrbanSitter: Best for Babysitters
If you enjoy spending time with children and have experience as a babysitter, UrbanSitter is the app for you. UrbanSitter connects babysitters with parents in hundreds of cities across the United States. As a babysitter, you can set your own rates, availability, and complete a background check for added safety. Parents also need to verify their identities, ensuring a secure environment for both parties. UrbanSitter doesn't charge any fees for using its services, allowing babysitters to keep the full amount they earn.
10. Rocket Money: Best for Negotiating Bills
Rocket Money offers a unique way to save money by cutting back on recurring payments. The app analyzes your bills and subscriptions, cancels unwanted subscriptions, and negotiates lower bills on your behalf. In addition to bill negotiation, Rocket Money provides features like spending tracking, automated savings, and credit score alerts to help users manage their personal finances. While the Rocket Money app is free to download, it takes a percentage of the savings for the first year if it successfully negotiates a bill for you. Users can choose a percentage between 30% and 60% of the earnings from negotiated bills.
In conclusion, these top 10 money-making apps provide various opportunities to earn extra cash right from your mobile phone. Whether it's earning cash back on purchases, selling clothes, completing tasks, taking surveys, offering services as a freelancer, renting out your space, babysitting, or negotiating bills, these apps offer something for everyone. Explore the options and find the app that best suits your skills and lifestyle. Start earning extra cash today with these innovative money-making apps!
