With the rise of smartphones and technology, making money has never been easier, and there are plenty of online platforms and apps to help you find your way.
This article will discuss some of the best apps to earn money, whether it be extra cash or full-time income.
We will also talk about how Wise Business is a good option for you to receive funds internationally and save along the way.
Looking to save while managing your international business needs?
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18 Best Money-Making Apps
We’ve divided our top apps to make money into four categories:
- Longer-Term Freelancing Sites
- Short-Term Tasks Sites
- Delivery and Taxi Apps
- Selling Your Stuff
For each of these apps to make money fast, we’ll give you an overview of their services, how to get started, and tell you how much you can expect to make.
Longer-Term Freelancing Sites
Let's take a look a longer-term, project-based freelancing apps:
1.Upwork
Upwork is an online platform that connects businesses with freelancers for a variety of projects and services. It offers a wide range of remote work opportunities and allows users to manage their projects and payments.
You need to create a profile and submit an application to join Upwork. This may not be accepted due to their criteria, which are not available. Otherwise, the process is simple.¹
According to research recorded in an article by Upwork, freelancers in the U.S. make an average of $20/hour. Some professions earn $28/hour.² Though you can earn a solid wage on Upwork, you should also consider the fees that are charged along the way.
There are many ways to withdraw your earnings, including direct-to-bank, wire transfer, and instant pay for US freelancers. Upwork also has a range of third-party payment vendors to withdraw USD outside the US, like Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, and M-Pesa.
2.Fiverr
Fiverr is a digital marketplace that connects freelancers with clients looking for various services such as graphic design, writing, and programming. It offers affordable and efficient solutions for businesses and individuals seeking professional work.
To get started on Fiverr, you need to create a seller profile and a Gig. This is what services you plan to sell on Fiverr. According to their website, creating a Gig is “the opportunity to show off your talents, and provide buyers with all the information they could need to help them decide to do business with you.”³
According to research posted by Earnest, the average Fiverr user makes around $103/month. The median income is $60/month.⁴ If you're still uncertain which platform is good for you, check out our article comparing Upwork and Fiverr.
3.Freelancer.com
Freelancer.com is an online platform connecting businesses with skilled freelance professionals for various projects. It offers a wide range of services to help businesses grow and individuals find work opportunities. These include web design, writing, marketing, and programming
Registration for Freelancer.com is free. They need a Facebook account or email address to attach to your account. They also need a username you pick and cannot change.⁵
Freelancer.com is also a network of freelancers. This means you can expect to make an average of $20/hour, as mentioned before. Check out how Upwork and Freelancer compare.
4.Toptal
Toptal is a selective platform that connects businesses with top freelance talent from around the world. Its rigorous screening process ensures clients receive top-quality work from the best professionals in their field.
According to their website, “Successful Toptal freelancers typically have at least 2-3 years of relevant experience, excellent communication skills, and are able to get up to speed on projects quickly.” You should expect to go through a screening process, which may take multiple weeks.⁶
Career Karma and Glassdoor report that freelancers at Toptal earn between $50,355 and $234,368 annually, depending on your field and rate as well as the quantity and quality of the jobs you do.⁷
5.FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a job search platform that provides users with access to flexible and remote job opportunities. It aims to connect individuals seeking work-life balance with companies offering telecommuting, part-time, and freelance positions.
To get started, you have to sign up and create a resume profile. This “will allow you to apply to great featured jobs and allows the automated system to match you with ‘New Jobs of Interest’ that have been recently posted to the database.”⁸
Glassdoor users report that the average salary is between $30,000 and $80,000 per year. Higher-up and more specialized positions earn over $100,000 per year.⁹
See the Best Banks for Small Businesses >>
Wise Business - An Account for International Businesses
Wise Business can be particularly beneficial for companies that deal with cross-border payments. These are some of the benefits of using Wise Business:
- Wise Business is known for using the mid-market exchange rate - the fairest and most transparent currency conversion rates available.
- Lower fees than many other financial institutions for sending and receiving international payments
- Hold and manage funds in an account with over 40+ currencies
- Integration with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, Wave, FreeAgent, Sage, NetSuite
- Instant payments in select currencies
- Get a Wise card to spend and withdraw funds when necessary
- A one-time fee to get local account details in global currencies to receive payments (GBP, EUR, USD, CAD, AUD, JPY)
Looking to save while managing your international business needs?
Learn more about theWise Business account >>
Short-Term Tasks Sites
This list consists of apps that can help you complete short-term tasks for money.
1.Ibotta
Ibotta is a cash-back app that allows users to earn money by making purchases at participating stores and scanning their receipts. It offers a convenient way for consumers to save money while shopping. It’s become popular for its various reward options.
According to Ibotta’s website: “To get started with Ibotta, you will need to own a compatible device and have a PayPal account. Alternately, shoppers can collect rewards and cash them in to receive featured gift cards from select retailers if that is preferred over the cash option.”¹⁰
A review of the app states that “it’s very feasible to reach a $20 threshold each month with Ibotta”.¹¹
2.Rakuten
Rakuten is a popular ecommerce platform and app that offers a wide range of products from various retailers. It also has deals and discounts for its users. It features a cashback program where users can earn money on their purchases.
It’s free to join Rakuten. All you need is an email and password, a Facebook profile, a Google account, or an Apple account.¹²
It’s hard to find information about specific earnings from Rakuten. CNBC reports that new users can earn a $10 bonus when $25 is spent in the first 90 days of membership. They also send cash back via check or PayPal every 3 months.¹³
3.Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a popular rewards app that allows users to earn points by completing various tasks. These include taking surveys and watching videos, which can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash. It offers a fun and easy way for people to make extra money while using their phone.
You can join Swagbucks online or via their app. According to their website, “it should only take about 45 - 60 seconds to create your Swagbucks account.”¹⁴
According to Swagbucks’ website: “Most Swagbucks members can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand extra dollars a year.” As for daily income: “Most Swagbucks members should be able to earn $1 to $5 a day (or $365 to $1,825 a year). There are some offers that pay $50 to $250, but on a typical day, earnings could average out to $1 to $5 a day.”¹⁴
4.Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is a survey platform that allows users to earn money by completing online surveys. It connects market researchers with consumers, providing rewards for both parties.
When you sign up for Survey Junkie, you have the option to sign up for one or both of their information collection services. SJ Opinion is your standard survey and focus group option. SJ Pulse collects your browsing behavior.¹⁵
The blog Money Done Right reports earnings of $3.18/hour doing surveys. Some disqualified them and wasted time. It seems focus groups can earn you more but there’s not a solid average estimate.¹⁶
5.Taskrabbit
Taskrabbit is an online platform that connects people with local freelancers to help with various tasks and errands. Users can post tasks, set their prices, and hire a "Tasker" to complete the task.
To become a Tasker, you must download the Tasker app, create an account, and make a profile with relevant information. You will also need to verify your identity using an ID and a photo of yourself.¹⁷
Earnest reports that Taskrabbit users make an average of $380/month. Median income is $110/month.⁴
Looking to save when withdrawing your money to another currency?
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Delivery and Taxi Apps
Here are the most popular apps related to deliveries and taxis in the US.
1.Uber
Uber is a popular transportation app that connects users with local drivers for on-demand rides. It offers a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional taxi services.
You’ll need to be able to drive legally for this job. You’ll need a four-door car, a valid in-state license, vehicle insurance, proof of residency, and 1-3 years of driving experience.¹⁸
Earnest reports that Uber drivers make an average of $364/month. Median income is $155/month.⁴
(Learn about the best business accounts for Uber drivers)
2.Lyft
Lyft is a ridesharing app that allows users to request and pay for car rides from nearby drivers. It offers an alternative to traditional taxis and provides a convenient and affordable transportation option for users.
Like Uber, you’ll need a valid driver’s license, a background check, documents like insurance, and a car, which can be yours or a rental.¹⁹
Earnest reports that Lyft drivers make an average of $377/month. Median income is $210/month.⁴
3.DoorDash
DoorDash is a food delivery app that connects users with local restaurants for on-demand meal orders. It allows customers to browse menus, place and track orders, and have their food delivered right to their doorstep.
DoorDash dashers must be over 18, have access to a vehicle, and be able to provide documentation like an ID and SSN.²⁰
Earnest reports that DoorDash dashers make an average of $229/month. Median income is $100/month.⁴
4.Instacart
Instacart is a grocery delivery app. It allows users to order groceries from their favorite stores and have them delivered to their doorstep. It offers a convenient and time-saving solution for busy individuals or those unable to go to the store.
To become a shopper for Instacart, you must be over 18 and eligible to work in the U.S. You should also have a vehicle, a driver’s license, and a bank account.²¹
According to the blog Route4Me, shoppers make an average of $11-$16/hour, or $16.06/trip.²²
Looking to save when withdrawing your money to another currency?
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Selling Your Stuff
In the US, there is an ever increasing shift towards secondhand purchases. Of course, this shift also means you can earn a little extra by selling your old stuff.
1.Poshmark
Poshmark is a fashion marketplace app where users can buy and sell new or used clothing, accessories, and home goods. It offers a social media-like experience with features such as following other users, sharing items with your followers, and joining virtual shopping parties.
The Poshmark ProTools blog says that the average seller “can expect to earn about $500 a month”. A dedicated, full-time user could make up to $5,000.²³
2.Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is an online platform where individuals can buy and sell goods and services nearby. It provides a convenient way for users to connect with potential buyers or sellers in their community.
Marketplace users need a Facebook account to start selling. Facebook recommends that sellers take their own photos, write honest descriptions, provide original purchase documents, price products well, be professional, and stay up to date.²⁴
It’s hard to get a good estimate of what you could make on Facebook Marketplace since it’s very region-specific. Capital One reports that 40% of Facebook’s user base uses Marketplace, making it a promising venture.²⁵
3.OfferUp
OfferUp is a mobile marketplace app that connects buyers and sellers in their local area. Users can buy and sell a variety of items through the platform's easy-to-use interface.
OfferUp needs access to an app or website, on which you can make an account with email, Facebook, Google, or Apple ID.²⁶
Information about typical OfferUp earnings is not available online.
4.Vinted
Vinted is a mobile marketplace where users can buy and sell secondhand clothing, shoes, and accessories. It also offers features such as virtual closets, personalized recommendations, and social networking for fashion lovers.
Vinted needs you to verify your account with Google or Facebook and suggests you use a profile picture.²⁷
It’s difficult to find individual earnings. Productmint reports that Vinted is valued at $4.5 billion with $562.3 million raised, making it a promising business venture.²⁸
Looking to save when withdrawing your money to another currency?
Withdraw and spend in yourpreferred currency with Wise >>
Sources used :
Sources last checked on 12-January 2024.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information. This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
