Introduction
In Top 10 Money Earning Apps
digital age, your smartphone can be more than just a tool for communication and entertainment—it can also be a source of income. A variety of apps now offer ways to earn money, whether it's through completing surveys, selling goods, freelancing, or even investing. This article highlights the top 10 money-earning apps that you can use to supplement your income right from your phone.
1. Swagbucks
Overview: Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards apps, offering multiple ways to earn points (known as "SBs") that can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards. Users can earn SBs by taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and even playing games.
Key Features:
Surveys and Polls: Earn points by completing short surveys.
Cashback Shopping: Get cashback when you shop through the Swagbucks portal.
Daily Rewards: Earn points just by checking in daily.
Pros:
Multiple earning options.
Low payout threshold.
Wide variety of rewards.
Cons:
Earning potential is relatively low.
Some tasks can be time-consuming.
2. Rakuten (formerly Ebates)
Overview: Rakuten is a cashback app that rewards you for shopping at your favourite stores. Simply shop through the Rakuten app or browser extension at participating retailers, and you'll earn a percentage of your purchase back in cash.
Key Features:
Cashback Deals: Get up to 40% cashback from over 2,500 stores.
Referral Bonuses: Earn extra cash by referring friends.
In-Store Cashback: Link your credit card for in-store cashback offers.
Pros:
High cashback rates at popular retailers.
Quarterly payouts via PayPal or check.
Easy to use with automatic cashback.
Cons:
Cashback can take time to process.
Limited earning potential outside of shopping.
3. Fiverr
Overview: Fiverr is a freelancing platform where you can offer services, known as "gigs," starting at $5. Whether you’re skilled in writing, graphic design, programming, or marketing, Fiverr allows you to monetize your talents and find clients from around the world.
Key Features:
Wide Range of Gigs: Offer services in categories like digital marketing, writing, video editing, and more.
Custom Orders: Negotiate custom orders with clients for higher payouts.
Seller Levels: Progress through levels as you complete more gigs, unlocking additional features.
Pros:
Flexibility to work from anywhere.
High earning potential with the right skills.
Global client base.
Cons:
Competitive marketplace.
Fiverr takes a 20% commission on earnings.
4. Upwork
Overview: Upwork is another popular freelancing platform where you can find remote work in various fields, including writing, design, programming, and customer support. Unlike Fiverr, Upwork is geared towards longer-term projects and professional services.
Key Features:
Job Bidding: Bid on jobs posted by clients in your field of expertise.
Client Reviews: Build your reputation through client feedback.
Payment Protection: Upwork offers secure payment methods to ensure you get paid for your work.
Pros:
Access to a broad range of freelance jobs.
Opportunity to build long-term client relationships.
Secure payment system.
Cons:
Upwork charges fees on earnings (up to 20%).
Highly competitive, especially for new freelancers.
5. TaskRabbit
Overview: TaskRabbit connects you with local people who need help with everyday tasks, such as moving, cleaning, handyman work, and even assembling furniture. If you have a specific skill or just some free time, you can earn money by completing these tasks.
Key Features:
Local Jobs: Find tasks in your local area that match your skills.
Flexible Schedule: Choose tasks based on your availability.
Direct Payments: Get paid directly for completed tasks.
Pros:
High earning potential, especially for skilled tasks.
Flexibility to work when you want.
Opportunities for repeat clients.
Cons:
Availability of tasks may vary by location.
TaskRabbit takes a service fee from your earnings.
6. Airbnb
Overview: If you have extra space in your home, you can earn money by renting it out on Airbnb. Whether it's a spare room or an entire property, Airbnb allows you to host travelers and earn extra income with each booking.
Key Features:
Flexible Hosting: Rent out your space on your own terms.
Global Audience: Reach potential guests from around the world.
Host Protections: Airbnb offers a Host Guarantee and liability insurance.
Pros:
High earning potential depending on location and property.
Flexibility to rent out space when it suits you.
Easy-to-use platform with customer support.
Cons:
Airbnb takes a service fee from bookings.
Hosts are responsible for maintenance and guest satisfaction.
7. Sweatcoin
Overview: Sweatcoin is a fitness app that rewards you for walking. The app tracks your steps and converts them into "sweatcoins," which can be redeemed for goods, services, or even cash via PayPal.
Key Features:
Step Tracking: Earn sweatcoins for every step you take.
Marketplace: Redeem sweatcoins for products, services, or experiences.
Daily Bonuses: Earn extra sweatcoins through daily challenges.
Pros:
Encourages a healthy lifestyle.
Free to use with the potential to earn rewards.
Regular promotions and bonuses.
Cons:
Limited options for cash redemption.
Earning potential is low unless you walk a lot.
8. Poshmark
Overview: Poshmark is a popular app for buying and selling fashion items. If you have gently used clothing, shoes, or accessories, you can list them on Poshmark and earn money when they sell.
Key Features:
Easy Listing: Snap a photo of your item, list it, and start selling.
Social Features: Follow other users, share listings, and participate in "Posh Parties" to boost sales.
Secure Payments: Poshmark handles payments and shipping, ensuring a smooth transaction process.
Pros:
Easy-to-use platform for selling fashion items.
Active community of buyers and sellers.
Poshmark takes care of shipping labels and payments.
Cons:
Poshmark takes a commission on each sale (20% for items over $15).
Competition can be high, especially for popular brands.
9. Robinhood
Overview: Robinhood is an investment app that allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies with zero commissions. Whether you're a seasoned investor or new to the stock market, Robinhood makes it easy to start investing with as little as $1.
Key Features:
Zero Commissions: Trade stocks and cryptocurrencies without paying fees.
Fractional Shares: Invest in popular companies with as little as $1.
User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that’s easy to navigate.
Pros:
No fees or commissions on trades.
Accessible to beginners with fractional shares.
Mobile-first platform with real-time notifications.
Cons:
Limited customer support options.
Risks associated with trading and investing.
10. Foap
Overview: Foap is an app that allows you to sell your photos and videos. If you have a knack for photography, you can upload your images to Foap and earn money each time someone purchases them.
Key Features:
Photo Marketplace: Upload your photos to be sold to individuals or businesses.
Missions: Participate in photo contests with cash prizes.
Shared Earnings: Earn 50% of the sale price for each photo sold.
Pros:
Easy way to monetize your photography skills.
Opportunities to earn through contests and missions.
Potential to reach a global audience of buyers.
Cons:
Foap takes a 50% commission on sales.
Competition from other photographers can be intense.
Conclusion
With the right apps, your smartphone can become a powerful tool for earning extra income. Whether you're looking to freelance, invest, sell products, or simply complete tasks for cash, these top 10 money-earning apps offer a variety of ways to boost your earnings. While each app has its own pros and cons, they all provide flexible opportunities to make money in your spare time. As with any side hustle, the key to success is consistency, effort, and choosing the platforms that best align with your skills and interests.