In today’s digital economy, making money from your smartphone is more than just a side hustle—it’s a legitimate income stream. Whether you want to earn extra cash, start a freelance business, or get cashback on everyday purchases, there’s an app for that.
With apps to make money online becoming more advanced, you can now earn through cashback rewards, freelancing, selling used items, and even playing games. But with so many options, how do you know which apps are actually legit?
To save you time, we’ve rounded up the 9 best apps to make money in 2025—each offering a unique way to boost your income.
The Best Money-Making Apps in 2025
1. Ibotta – Best for Cashback on Groceries & Shopping
How It Works:
Ibotta is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Amazon. Instead of dealing with coupons, simply scan your receipts or link your store loyalty card to earn cashback on everyday purchases.
Why It’s Great:
- Works with thousands of retailers across the U.S.
- Offers exclusive bonuses and cashback on groceries, travel, and even alcohol purchases.
- Allows you to stack rewards with other discount programs.
- Pays out via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards.
Pros:
✅ Easy to use – Just shop, scan, and earn cashback.
✅ Works in-store and online for maximum flexibility.
✅ Huge retailer network—earn cashback at grocery stores, pharmacies, and restaurants.
Cons:
❌ Minimum payout threshold of $20 before you can withdraw.
❌ Cashback isn’t instant—it may take 24-48 hours to process.
2. Rakuten – Best for Online Shopping Rewards
How It Works:
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) partners with over 2,500+ retailers, including Walmart, Sephora, and Expedia. When you shop through the app, you get up to 40% cashback on your purchases.
Why It’s Great:
- Completely free to use—just shop and earn.
- Quarterly cash payouts via PayPal or check.
- Includes cashback deals for travel, food delivery, and subscriptions.
- $10 sign-up bonus for new users after their first purchase.
Pros:
✅ No hidden fees—you earn cashback for purchases you’d make anyway.
✅ Includes travel deals, making it ideal for frequent travelers.
✅ Works for in-store shopping at select retailers.
Cons:
❌ Payouts are not instant—you receive them every three months.
❌ Must remember to activate cashback before shopping.
3. Swagbucks – Best for Surveys & Small Tasks
How It Works:
Swagbucks lets you earn points (SB) by taking surveys, watching ads, and shopping online. These points can be converted into PayPal cash or gift cards.
Why It’s Great:
- Multiple earning options—not just surveys, but also playing games, watching videos, and more.
- Low payout threshold—cash out with as little as $3.
- Daily opportunities to earn extra bonuses.
Pros:
✅ No special skills required—anyone can start earning.
✅ Great for passive income—earn by completing simple tasks.
✅ Instant cashout options for PayPal and gift cards.
Cons:
❌ Surveys can be time-consuming and don’t always qualify.
❌ Lower earning potential compared to freelancing apps.
4. Upwork – Best for Beginners in Freelancing
How It Works:
Upwork is one of the largest and most trusted freelancing platforms in the world, ideal for beginners looking to build their freelance career. Unlike gig-based platforms, Upwork allows freelancers to submit proposals for a wide variety of client-posted projects across industries like writing, design, development, marketing, customer service, and more.
Getting started is simple:
- Sign Up & Create a Profile – Highlight your skills, experience, certifications, and portfolio samples. A strong profile helps you stand out.
- Search for Jobs & Submit Proposals – Browse job listings that match your skill set and submit customized proposals to clients.
- Get Hired & Complete the Work – Once a client accepts your proposal, communicate via the platform, deliver your work, and meet deadlines.
- Get Paid Securely – Upwork offers secure payment methods, including hourly and milestone-based contracts. Funds are released once work is approved.
The platform is beginner-friendly with filters for entry-level jobs, and its Talent Marketplace allows you to build a long-term freelance career without needing to rely on pre-set packages or gigs.
Pros:
✅ Ideal for beginners – Plenty of entry-level freelance jobs available
✅ Secure payments – Escrow protection for both hourly and fixed-price contracts
✅ Career growth – Build long-term relationships and grow your freelance business over time
Cons:
❌ 10–20% service fee depending on your total earnings with a client
❌ Competitive landscape – You may need to send multiple proposals before landing your first job
Try Fiverr, Fiverr is a global freelancing marketplace where you can sell almost any digital service imaginable, from graphic design and writing to voiceovers and coding. Unlike traditional job-hunting platforms, Fiverr lets sellers (freelancers) create “gigs”—fixed-price services that clients can purchase instantly.
5. Upwork – Best for Skilled Freelancers Seeking High-Paying Gigs
How It Works:
Upwork is a freelancing platform designed for professionals in fields like writing, programming, marketing, and consulting. Unlike Fiverr, where clients browse and purchase services, Upwork requires freelancers to apply for jobs posted by clients.
Here’s how to get started:
- Create a Profile – Highlight skills, experience, and certifications. A strong profile increases your chances of landing high-paying jobs.
- Browse & Apply for Jobs – Use “Connects” (Upwork’s virtual currency) to submit proposals for jobs. Your proposal should include a personalized pitch, past work samples, and competitive pricing.
- Negotiate & Secure Contracts – Clients may request interviews before hiring. Contracts can be fixed-price or hourly.
- Work & Get Paid Securely – Payments are protected by Upwork’s escrow system. Funds are released upon client approval.
High-rated freelancers often land recurring contracts with businesses, making Upwork an excellent platform for building a sustainable online career.
Pros:
✅ Higher earning potential – Skilled freelancers can charge premium rates.
✅ Long-term work opportunities – Many clients hire for ongoing projects.
✅ Payment protection – Escrow ensures freelancers get paid.
Cons:
❌ Upwork takes 10-20% of earnings—freelancers pay platform fees.
❌ Not all applicants are approved—new users may struggle to gain visibility.
6. OfferUp – Best for Selling Used Items Locally
How It Works:
OfferUp is like Craigslist meets eBay—a mobile marketplace where users can buy and sell used items locally. Whether you want to declutter your home or flip second-hand goods for profit, OfferUp makes selling effortless.
Here’s how it works:
- Create a Listing – Snap a few photos, add a title, write a description, and set a price. OfferUp’s AI-powered interface suggests pricing based on similar listings.
- Chat with Buyers – Interested buyers can message you directly within the app, keeping negotiations safe and private.
- Arrange Pickup or Shipping – Choose between local meetups or nationwide shipping (for eligible items).
- Get Paid – For local deals, buyers pay in cash or through OfferUp’s in-app payment system. For shipped items, OfferUp holds payments until delivery is confirmed.
Sellers can boost visibility with paid promotions or leverage the platform’s “Instant Offers” feature for faster sales.
Pros:
✅ Fast and easy way to sell unwanted items.
✅ No listing fees—you only pay fees for promoted listings or shipped items.
✅ Local transactions mean no need for shipping hassles.
Cons:
❌ High buyer negotiation—expect people to haggle over prices.
❌ Potential for unreliable buyers—some may cancel last minute.
7. eBay – Best for Beginners in Online Selling
How It Works:
eBay is one of the world’s largest and most trusted online marketplaces, perfect for beginners looking to start an online selling business. Whether you’re flipping thrift finds, decluttering your home, or launching a side hustle, eBay allows you to list and sell almost anything—from electronics and collectibles to clothes and vintage items.
Getting started is simple:
- Sign Up & Create a Seller Account – Set up your profile, connect a payment method, and decide whether you want to sell casually or open an eBay store.
- List Your Items – Take clear photos, write compelling titles and descriptions, and choose between auction or “Buy It Now” pricing formats.
- Ship Promptly & Track Orders – Once an item sells, ship it quickly and upload tracking information to keep buyers informed.
- Get Paid Securely – eBay now pays sellers directly to their bank accounts via managed payments, typically within 1–2 business days after delivery. Check and update your banking app now!
eBay is beginner-friendly and offers global exposure for your products. With a strong reputation system and detailed analytics, you can learn and grow your store over time—even turning it into a full-time business.
Pros:
✅ Massive buyer base – Reach millions of global customers
✅ Beginner-friendly – Start selling with just a few items
✅ Versatile – Sell new, used, or refurbished items across many categories
Cons:
❌ Seller fees – eBay charges listing fees and takes a percentage of each sale
❌ Competition – Some niches are saturated, requiring pricing and SEO strategy to stand out
Here are other similar platforms:
🛍️ Poshmark – Turn your fashion finds into extra cash by selling clothes, shoes, and accessories on Poshmark. Snap a pic, list your item, and start earning in minutes!
🎨 Etsy – Create and sell handmade goods, digital art, or vintage treasures on Etsy’s global marketplace. Tap into your creativity and build a business doing what you love.
🏡 Facebook Marketplace – Sell anything locally—from furniture to gadgets—right from your Facebook account. It’s fast, free, and great for reaching nearby buyers without extra fees.
8. Premise – Best for Earning Money from Quick Tasks
How It Works:
Premise is a task-based money-making app that pays users for completing real-world and digital tasks. Unlike survey apps, Premise focuses on location-based microjobs like taking photos of businesses, confirming store hours, or checking product availability.
To start earning:
- Download the App & Sign Up – The app automatically detects tasks near you.
- Complete Assignments – Tasks range from taking street photos to verifying store information.
- Submit & Get Paid – Payments are processed quickly and can be withdrawn via PayPal or Bitcoin.
Some users make $10 to $50 per day simply by running errands and completing simple tasks while commuting.
Pros:
✅ Get paid for everyday activities—earn money while shopping or commuting.
✅ Quick payments—no long payout wait times.
✅ Simple, low-effort tasks that don’t require special skills.
Cons:
❌ Limited availability—not all locations have frequent tasks.
❌ Some tasks require leaving your house—not ideal for those wanting to earn solely online.
9. Upside – Best for Gas & Grocery Cashback
How It Works:
Upside is a cashback app that rewards users for purchasing gas, groceries, and dining out. Instead of traditional couponing, Upside offers instant discounts at participating locations.
Here’s how it works:
- Check Nearby Deals – Open the app to find cashback offers on gas, groceries, and restaurants.
- Pay as Usual & Upload Your Receipt – Use your usual payment method and scan your receipt.
- Earn Cashback – Your earnings are added to your Upside account and can be cashed out via PayPal or gift cards.
With some locations offering up to $0.25 per gallon cashback on gas, the savings add up quickly.
Pros:
✅ Earn money on necessary expenses like gas and groceries.
✅ No minimum payout required.
✅ Works at thousands of locations nationwide.
Cons:
❌ Only available in select areas.
❌ Cashback rates fluctuate based on promotions.
Want to explore apps that can help you earn money by walking? Whether you’re strolling through the park or just running errands, walking apps reward your movement with cash, gift cards, and more.
Final Thoughts: Tap into 2025’s Most Powerful Income Apps
In 2025, earning money online isn’t just a trend — it’s a lifestyle shift. From cashback and surveys to freelancing and affiliate marketing, the best money-making apps are helping everyday people turn spare time into extra income. With the right strategy and tools, your smartphone becomes more than a gadget — it becomes a gateway to financial flexibility.
Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-blown online career, the apps we’ve featured can help you get started confidently and safely. Just remember: consistency, smart choices, and avoiding scams are key to lasting success.
Ready to take control of your financial future? Start exploring the best money-making apps today and unlock new earning potential — one tap at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What top apps help boost income fast using side‑hustle apps in 2025?
Apps like Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Upwork help you earn fast by trading time or skills for cash. Whether it’s watching videos, freelancing, or micro‑tasks, these apps can start making you money today.
2. Are cashback reward apps reliable for everyday shopping?
Yes—Rakuten, Ibotta, and Upside reliably pay users real cash or gift cards for routine purchases. Just shop, scan receipts or activate offers, and passively earn back a slice of what you spend.
3. What are the best apps for making money via surveys and small tasks?
Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Survey Junkie let you earn by taking surveys, watching content, and completing simple tasks. Payouts start as low as $1 and can be redeemed via PayPal or gift cards.
4. Can you build a sustainable income using gig economy apps?
Yes—apps like Uber, DoorDash, and TaskRabbit turn your free hours into dependable cash. Many gig workers make $500+ weekly with consistent effort and smart scheduling.
5. What’s the highest earning potential from freelance platforms?
Upwork and Fiverr let skilled users earn $20–$100/hour or more, depending on niche and experience. The real key: a polished profile, sharp portfolio, and strategic bidding.
6. How do instant-payout apps work for quick earnings?
Apps like FreeCash, Upside, and InboxDollars let you cash out same day via PayPal or crypto. Just complete surveys, scan receipts, or take offers—then get paid within minutes or hours.
7. Are money‑making apps legitimate or should I watch out for scams?
Most top-rated apps are legit, but shady clones do exist. Stick to apps with real reviews, payment proof, and transparent terms to stay safe.
8. Do apps that pay to walk or perform errands really make money?
Yes—apps like Premise and Sweatcoin pay users for walking, snapping photos, or local errands. It’s not life-changing money, but it adds up fast if you stay consistent.
9. How much can I realistically make monthly from these apps
Casual users earn $50–$200/month, while active freelancers and gig workers can hit $1,000+ with focused effort. Stack apps smartly and the numbers rise fast.
10. What strategies help maximize earnings across multiple apps
Run passive apps in the background while stacking active tasks like surveys, gigs, or cashback offers. Use referral bonuses, time-limited challenges, and payout hacks to 2x your income.