Last Updated on September 4, 2025
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced digital economy, more people are looking for creative ways to build additional income streams. While traditional jobs provide financial stability, the rise of mobile technology has opened doors to a new world of opportunities—passive income apps. These apps allow you to earn extra money without committing to a full-time job. Whether it’s selling your skills, participating in surveys, renting out unused resources, or investing, there’s an app for nearly everyone.
But here’s the challenge: not all money-making apps are created equal. Some apps provide reliable payouts, while others may waste your time. If you’re serious about creating side income, you need to focus on platforms with a good balance between effort, reward, and trustworthiness.
This guide covers the 20 best passive income apps that you can start using today. We’ll also discuss how to choose the right one for your lifestyle, practical tips to maximize your earnings, and how to avoid scams.
What Makes a Good Money-Making App?
Before diving into the list, let’s set the standards. A good passive income app must check several important boxes:
✅ Real Payout Methods
The app should offer transparent, verifiable payout methods such as PayPal, direct bank transfer, gift cards, or crypto. Apps that make it complicated to withdraw your earnings are usually red flags.
✅ High User Trust
Check reviews, app ratings, and payment proof shared online. An app with millions of downloads and a strong reputation is usually more reliable than one with limited credibility.
✅ Fair Time vs. Reward Ratio
Your time is valuable. A good money-making app should give you a reasonable return on the time and energy you invest. For example, survey apps may not pay as much as freelancing apps, but they should still offer worthwhile rewards.
✅ Transparency & Privacy
The app must clearly explain how it uses your data. Privacy policies matter because you’re often sharing personal or financial information. Apps that misuse data or spam you with offers are not worth your time.
When an app meets these criteria, you can be more confident about investing your energy into it.
20 Best Money-Making Apps You Can Start Using Today
With the basics covered, let’s explore the top apps that can help you build extra income. These apps are tried, tested, and popular across different niches.
1. Fiverr
Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace where you can sell services (known as “gigs”) starting at $5. From graphic design to copywriting, video editing, and even quirky tasks, Fiverr lets you monetize your skills.
Earning Potential: $5–$5,000+ per project depending on skill level.
Payout Method: PayPal, direct deposit, or Fiverr Revenue Card.
Why It Works: You can scale quickly by offering multiple gigs and upselling services.
2. Upwork
Upwork is another freelancing giant where professionals offer services in areas like web development, marketing, finance, and design. Unlike Fiverr, Upwork connects freelancers with clients on hourly or project-based contracts.
Earning Potential: $10–$100+ per hour depending on expertise.
Payout Method: Direct bank transfer, PayPal, Payoneer.
Why It Works: Long-term projects and recurring clients provide more stable income.
3. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects you with people who need help with everyday tasks—furniture assembly, moving, handyman services, or even grocery shopping.
Earning Potential: $15–$100+ per task.
Payout Method: Direct bank deposit.
Why It Works: Ideal for people who prefer local, flexible side gigs.
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks rewards you with points (SB) for completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and more. Points can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.
Earning Potential: $50–$200 per month (with consistent use).
Payout Method: PayPal, Amazon, Walmart, and other gift cards.
Why It Works: Multiple earning options in one app make it easy to accumulate rewards.
5. InboxDollars
Similar to Swagbucks, InboxDollars pays you to read emails, take surveys, watch videos, and shop online. Unlike point-based apps, it shows your earnings in dollars from the start.
Earning Potential: $50–$150 per month.
Payout Method: PayPal or gift cards.
Why It Works: Straightforward cash-based system, no confusing point conversion.
6. Toluna Influencers
Toluna is a global survey platform where you earn rewards by answering polls and surveys. It also lets you test products and give feedback.
Earning Potential: $20–$100 per month.
Payout Method: PayPal, gift cards, or sweepstakes.
Why It Works: Trusted by big brands and offers more engaging surveys than most competitors.
7. Poshmark
If you have unused clothes, shoes, or accessories, Poshmark makes it simple to sell them online. Just snap a photo, list your item, and ship when sold.
Earning Potential: $50–$500+ depending on your wardrobe.
Payout Method: Direct deposit or check.
Why It Works: Fashion-focused marketplace with a strong buyer community.
8. Depop
Depop is another fashion marketplace, but it leans toward younger audiences who love unique, vintage, or trendy items. It’s like Instagram meets eBay for fashion.
Earning Potential: $50–$1,000+ depending on items sold.
Payout Method: PayPal or bank transfer.
Why It Works: Great for creative sellers who want to showcase style.
9. eBay
One of the oldest and most trusted marketplaces, eBay lets you sell almost anything—from electronics and collectibles to clothes and furniture.
Earning Potential: Highly variable ($100–$1,000+ depending on product range).
Payout Method: Direct bank deposit or PayPal (depending on region).
Why It Works: Huge audience reach and flexibility in selling both new and used items.
10. Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace lets you sell directly to people in your local area. You can list furniture, electronics, clothes, or even cars. Unlike eBay, there are usually no seller fees for local transactions.
Earning Potential: $50–$500+ depending on what you sell.
Payout Method: Cash in person, PayPal, or Facebook Pay.
Why It Works: Built-in access to Facebook’s massive user base makes it easier to find buyers quickly.
11. Robinhood
Robinhood is an investing app that allows you to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency without paying commission fees. While it’s not exactly “passive” at first, smart investing can create long-term income.
Earning Potential: Depends on investments; average users earn via dividends or growth.
Payout Method: Bank transfer.
Why It Works: Beginner-friendly platform with no commission fees.
12. Acorns
Acorns helps you invest spare change automatically. Every time you make a purchase, it rounds up the amount and invests the difference in diversified portfolios.
Earning Potential: $50–$300+ annually (depending on spending and market growth).
Payout Method: Bank transfer.
Why It Works: Set-it-and-forget-it model makes it truly passive.
13. Coinbase
Coinbase is one of the most popular cryptocurrency apps where you can buy, sell, and hold digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum. It also offers “Coinbase Earn,” which pays you to learn about crypto.
Earning Potential: Varies with crypto market performance; $10–$100+ from Earn programs.
Payout Method: Bank transfer or PayPal.
Why It Works: Beginner-friendly platform with built-in learning rewards.
14. Uber
Uber allows you to earn money by driving passengers to their destinations. Although active work is required, it offers flexible hours and consistent payouts.
Earning Potential: $15–$25 per hour (varies by location).
Payout Method: Direct deposit or Instant Pay.
Why It Works: Strong demand and brand recognition make it a reliable option for extra cash.
15. DoorDash
DoorDash pays you to deliver food from local restaurants. You can choose your own schedule and get paid weekly or instantly.
Earning Potential: $10–$25 per hour plus tips.
Payout Method: Direct deposit or Fast Pay.
Why It Works: Great for flexible, short shifts—especially during peak meal times.
16. Instacart
Instacart lets you earn by shopping for groceries and delivering them to customers. You can work as a full-service shopper (shop + deliver) or just deliver orders.
Earning Potential: $10–$20 per hour plus tips.
Payout Method: Direct deposit.
Why It Works: Growing demand for grocery delivery ensures consistent opportunities.
17. Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) gives you cashback when you shop online at partner retailers. It works with thousands of brands like Walmart, Macy’s, and Target.
Earning Potential: $50–$300 annually (depends on shopping habits).
Payout Method: PayPal or check.
Why It Works: Truly passive—just shop as usual and earn cashback.
18. Honeygain
Honeygain is an app that lets you share your unused internet bandwidth in exchange for money. It runs in the background, requiring no effort.
Earning Potential: $20–$50 per month (depending on bandwidth shared).
Payout Method: PayPal or Bitcoin.
Why It Works: 100% passive—set it up once and let it run.
19. Dosh
Dosh is a cashback app that automatically rewards you when you use linked credit/debit cards at partner stores, restaurants, or hotels.
Earning Potential: $20–$100+ per month depending on spending.
Payout Method: PayPal, Venmo, or bank account.
Why It Works: Automatic tracking means you don’t need to upload receipts.
20. Skillshare
Skillshare allows you to earn by teaching online courses in subjects like design, business, photography, and more. Instructors earn money based on the number of minutes watched by students.
Earning Potential: $200–$3,000+ per month (popular courses can earn much more).
Payout Method: PayPal.
Why It Works: Passive income builds up as long as your course remains active and popular.
How to Choose the Right App for You
With so many money-making apps available, it’s tempting to download them all and see what sticks. But not every app will fit your lifestyle, skills, or goals. To maximize your time and earnings, you need to choose wisely. Here’s how:
✅ Match the App to Your Lifestyle
If you’re a busy professional with limited free time, apps like Rakuten, Honeygain, or Acorns may work best because they require minimal effort. On the other hand, if you enjoy active side hustles, Uber, DoorDash, or TaskRabbit could suit your lifestyle better.
Ask yourself: Do I want truly passive income or am I willing to trade hours for cash? The answer will guide your app choice.
✅ Consider Payout Method & Frequency
Some apps pay instantly, while others pay monthly or after reaching a minimum threshold. For example:
DoorDash & Uber → daily or instant payouts.
Survey apps like Swagbucks → require you to hit a minimum balance.
Investing apps like Acorns or Robinhood → payouts depend on market performance.
Choose an app that aligns with how quickly you need access to your money.
✅ Match with Your Skill Level
If you have professional skills, freelancing platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Skillshare can generate high returns. However, if you prefer low-skill, easy-entry options, survey apps or cashback apps may be better.
Remember: the higher your skill level, the greater your earning potential.
✅ Check Geographic Availability
Some apps are only available in specific regions. For instance:
TaskRabbit is limited to major U.S. cities.
Dosh may not work outside the U.S.
Swagbucks, Rakuten, and Honeygain have global availability.
Always check if the app operates in your country before investing time.
✅ Combine Multiple Apps for More Income
Don’t limit yourself to just one app. By combining apps, you can create multiple streams of side income. For example:
Use Rakuten for cashback while shopping.
Run Honeygain in the background.
Deliver with DoorDash during weekends.
Teach on Skillshare for ongoing passive income.
This way, you’ll diversify your earnings and reduce risk if one app slows down.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Downloading a money-making app is just the first step. To truly benefit, you need the right strategy. Here are proven tips to help you squeeze the most out of these apps:
1. Manage Your Time Wisely
Time is your most valuable resource. If you’re freelancing on Fiverr or Upwork, avoid underpricing your services. Focus on high-value gigs and outsource or automate low-value tasks.
If you’re using survey apps like Toluna or InboxDollars, set a daily limit—perhaps 20 minutes per day—so you don’t burn time for minimal returns.
2. Take Advantage of Referrals & Bonuses
Most apps offer referral programs where you earn cash or credits for inviting friends. For example:
Rakuten often gives $30+ referral bonuses.
Honeygain rewards you with a percentage of your referrals’ earnings.
Fiverr offers credits when your referrals make their first purchase.
Referrals can sometimes earn you more than your own usage of the app.
3. Track Your Earnings
Use a simple spreadsheet or money-tracking app to monitor your earnings. This helps you identify which apps are most profitable.
For example, you might realize you’re spending too much time on Swagbucks for little reward, while DoorDash provides a better hourly rate. Tracking keeps you accountable.
4. Stay Safe from Scams
The internet is full of apps that promise “easy money” but never deliver. Protect yourself by:
Checking Google Play Store or Apple App Store reviews.
Looking for payment proofs on trusted online forums.
Avoiding apps that ask for upfront payments or unnecessary personal details.
Stick to reputable platforms like Skillshare, Rakuten, Uber, and Fiverr that have proven payout records.
5. Be Realistic
Passive income apps are great for side cash, but they won’t make you a millionaire overnight. It’s better to view them as supplements to your income, not replacements for your job.
For example:
Rakuten + Dosh might cover your monthly streaming subscriptions.
Fiverr or Upwork can help you save for a vacation.
Skillshare might grow into a consistent side business over time.
Setting realistic expectations ensures you won’t get frustrated or give up too soon.
Conclusion
The world of passive income apps is bigger and more diverse than ever before. From freelancing platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to cashback apps like Rakuten and Dosh, the opportunities to earn extra money are practically limitless. Whether you’re looking for true passive income streams (such as Honeygain or Acorns) or more active side hustles (like Uber, DoorDash, and TaskRabbit), there’s an app designed to fit your lifestyle and goals.
The key is to choose wisely, match the right app to your skillset, and manage your time effectively. By combining multiple apps and taking advantage of bonuses, you can create a solid extra income stream. Just remember—apps are tools, not magic solutions. Success comes from consistency, patience, and realistic expectations.
If you’re ready to start earning, pick two or three apps from this list today and take your first step toward building extra financial security.
FAQs
1. What is the best passive income app for beginners?
If you’re completely new, start with Rakuten for cashback, Swagbucks for surveys, and Honeygain for background income. These require minimal effort and no special skills.
2. Can I make a full-time income using these apps?
Some freelancing apps like Fiverr, Upwork, or Skillshare can become full-time income sources if you build a strong profile and client base. However, most survey and cashback apps are better suited for part-time or side earnings.
3. Are these apps safe to use?
Yes, the apps listed here are trusted by millions of users. Just be cautious with lesser-known apps, avoid sharing unnecessary personal details, and always check reviews before downloading.
4. How much money can I realistically make per month?
Survey apps: $50–$200
Cashback apps: $20–$100
Freelancing apps: $500–$5,000+
Delivery/ride-sharing apps: $500–$2,000+ (depending on hours worked)
Your earnings depend on time, effort, and skills.
5. Which apps are truly passive?
Honeygain: Runs in the background using your internet.
Acorns: Automates micro-investments.
Rakuten & Dosh: Cashback from purchases.
These require little to no ongoing effort once set up.
6. Can I use multiple apps at the same time?
Absolutely! In fact, combining apps is the best way to maximize income. For example, you can freelance on Fiverr, get cashback through Rakuten, and let Honeygain run in the background simultaneously.
