As the recession bites harder, the economy gets tougher, and bills keep calling, we all need passive income to supplement primary earnings.
Fortunately, you can utilize the best money-making apps to improve your income and care for the necessities of life. The Entrepreneurs Journey team reviewed the 11 best apps that pay real money in 2023.
And while these apps may not replace your day job, they can help you earn quick money and supplement your income. If you are looking for ways to make money online without investment, I wrote a whole article that I encourage you to read.
Best Apps to Make Money Fast in 2023
- Swagbucks
- Survey Junkie
- SurveyMonkey Rewards
- Rakuten
- Dosh
- Fiverr
- DoorDash
- TaskRabbit
- Amazon Flex
- Fat Llama
- Rent the Runway
Criteria For Selections
We tried and tested the 30 best apps for making money fast in 2023 but settled for 11 ideal ones. We base our selection on ease of use, payout rates, reliability, and the developer’s reputation.
It is essential to investigate and find legitimate and trustworthy apps that pay well. Unfortunately, some apps are a scam, promising fake returns. You may spend time looking for money on these platforms but end up losing personal data.
So be careful. Bad guys look for opportunities to cash in on your desperation for money. Let’s get into our proven list of the best apps to make money. We’ve divided them into different categories depending on their functions.
Survey Apps
Survey apps are mobile applications that allow users to participate in surveys and earn money or rewards for their opinions.
Market research companies, businesses, and organizations use these apps and are willing to pay you to gather data and insights from consumers.
Here are the best survey apps for earning money.
1- Swagbucks
Swagbucks is probably the first app you’ll come across when searching for legit money-making apps o Google. With this app, you can take surveys, play games, and watch videos for cash, coupon, or cash back when you shop online.
Its payout range from $0.5 to $2 per survey or 20 minutes of playing a game. That is easy money without doing much work, right?
But how reliable is Swagbucks? The app has paid close to $300,000,000 in rewards since it was launched. That is enough proof that you’ll earn money from the app. And there is more; the app is free and doesn’t require credit card info.
Once you’ve accumulated points, you can redeem them for cash via your PayPal account or receive gift cards.
Pros:
- Multiple ways to earn rewards
- Swagbucks is user-friendly and easy to navigate.
- You can redeem rewards for cash or gift cards.
- It has a low payout threshold of $3, which means you can redeem rewards quickly.
Cons:
- The earning potential for each task is relatively low.
- Some tasks on Swagbucks are only available in certain countries
- Watching videos has low payouts
Signup for Swagbucks.
2- Survey Junkie
If you are looking for one of the most reliable and popular survey apps for money, then consider Survey Junkie. With over 20 million users and a high rating score from Trustpilot, you can trust this app.
What about its payout? Survey Junkie has a minimum cash-out of $5. In our test, we loved Survey Junkie because it has a large inventory of surveys. So, instead of waiting for money-making opportunities, you can participate anytime and earn.
Moreover, it offers beginners high-value tasks, including watching “how it works” videos and filling out a general profile survey. You can earn $5 from these simple tasks.
Unlike other survey apps to earn money, Survey Junkie offers only surveys. You can check through their survey bank to participate in the one you qualify for.
Note: Survey Junkie’s minimum withdrawal is 500 points which equal $5. You can transfer the amount to your PayPal account or redeem the points for gift cards.
Pros:
- Survey Junkie is a user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
- Free to join.
- Wide Range of Surveys on a range of topics users can choose from.
- It is a legitimate website with a good reputation for paying out rewards to its users.
Cons:
- Limited Availability, with some users finding they don’t qualify for many surveys.
- Low Earnings.
- It doesn’t offer a referral program
3- SurveyMonkey Rewards
Who hasn’t heard of SurveyMonkey? Most businesses use software to gather customer feedback on their products and services.
But we are talking about the app, not the software. While the app may not be as popular as the software, we loved it. Throughout our testing, we earned $ 15.78 per hour on completed surveys, which is higher than most apps.
The app has surveys on different topics, and users can redeem their points for gift cards or cash via PayPal within 24 hours of completing a survey.
However, like many survey apps, you may not qualify for every survey, and the earnings can be relatively low. Generally, SurveyMonkey Rewards is a legitimate way to earn some extra cash, especially for beginners looking for money-making apps.
Pros:
- Quick payout of rewards, often within 24 hours of completing a survey
- User-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and use.
- Variety of surveys on different topics.
- Legitimate and trustworthy platform.
Cons:
- Users may not qualify for every survey.
- Earnings are relatively low compared to other money-making apps.
Cashback App
Cashback apps are mobile applications that allow users to earn back a portion of the money they spend on purchases made through the app. These apps often partner with retailers and offer users a percentage of their purchase amount as cashback.
Let’s consider some legit cashback apps for earning money:
4- Rakuten
Rakuten allows you to earn back a percentage of purchases you make through it. The app partners with a wide range of retailers, including popular stores like Amazon, Target, and Macy’s.
You earn redeemable cashback points whenever you buy from these stores. And there is good news for beginners. Rakuten offers a sign-up bonus to new users in the form of a cash reward or gift card.
Besides cashback, Rakuten also offers coupons and promo codes for additional discounts on purchases. And since it has a low cashback redemption threshold, you can withdraw your earnings as soon as they reach a certain amount.
Its cashback redemption options include PayPal, check, or gift cards. However, before making a purchase, carefully review the terms and conditions of each retailer to ensure you’ll earn cashback.
Pros:
- Sign-up bonuses for new users
- Wide range of retailer partnerships
- Low cashback redemption threshold
- Multiple options for cashback redemption
Cons:
- Not all purchases may be eligible for cashback.
- Possibility of phishing scams or fraudulent websites impersonating Rakuten
5- Dosh
This cashback app allows you to earn real money on purchases from eligible retailers. One of the unique features of Dosh is that it automatically applies cashback to your accounts whenever you buy from participating merchants. This means that you don’t need to activate offers to earn cashback manually.
Another unique feature of this money-making app is its referral program. If you invite friends to join the app, you can earn additional cashback. And once your points accumulate to the minimum threshold, you can redeem them through direct deposit to a bank account, PayPal, or a donation to charity.
Pros:
- Automatic cashback for eligible purchases.
- The referral program allows you to earn additional cashback.
- Easy-to-use interface with a wide range of participating retailers
Cons:
- A limited selection of retailers than other cashback apps
- Cashback rates may be lower than other apps.
Gig Apps
Gig apps are mobile applications that connect people with short-term, freelance, or “gig” work opportunities. These apps offer an easy and flexible way for you to find work and earn money from completing specific tasks or projects.
If you desire freelance jobs, then gig apps will interest you. Let’s consider some of these apps that pay you real money.
6- Fiverr
Almost all freelancers have heard about Fiverr. This freelance app allows users to offer their services in several fields, including graphic design, writing, video editing, programming, and more.
With a Google account, you can create your Fiverr account, design your first gig and start selling for as little as $5.
For example, you can offer blog writing services or virtual assistance. And once you optimize the gig, the company uses an algorithm to match you with the right client. The client pays Fiverr, and when they accept your work, you receive your money.
Pros:
- It is user-friendly.
- It offers many services.
- It has a secure payment system that ensures you’re paid for the work.
Cons:
- Low prices for beginners make it difficult to earn a high income.
- Fiverr charges a fee for each transaction.
- Competition is fierce among freelancers, meaning you may stay without work for a long time.
7- DoorDash
The DoorDash app connects you with clients who need food delivery from local restaurants. If you have a car or a motorbike, you can provide this service and earn cash fast.
And the best part is, you work on their own schedule. You can deliver lunches during your lunch break or dinner in the evening after your regular work. And after completing a certain number of deliveries, you’re eligible for bonuses and promotions, allowing you to earn more money.
We choose DoorDash for this list because it allows you to schedule shifts in advance. This means you can plan your work around their existing schedule and maximize your earning potential. You also decide on the types of orders to accept that suit your preferences and skill level.
Pros:
- Flexible schedule, allowing you to work on your own time
- Ability to choose the types of orders to accept
- An extensive network of partner restaurants for a wide variety of deliveries
Cons:
- Earnings can be unpredictable and may vary depending on factors such as location and demand.
- You need reliable transportation to make deliveries
- Delivery fees and other expenses can eat into earnings
8- TaskRabbit
As the name suggests, TaskRabbit is a gig app that allows you to complete various tasks for people in their local area and earn.
You can choose from a wide range of services, including cleaning, handyman work, personal shopping, and event planning. This makes the app a great option for users with a diverse range of skills and interests.
Unlike other gig apps with a fixed rate, TaskRabbit allows you to set hourly rates for your services. This means you can earn a fair wage for your time and expertise.
Pros:
- It offers a wide range of services.
- You can set your hourly rates, which may result in higher earnings.
- Background checks and insurance coverage for up to $1 million in damages or injury provide a level of security for users.
Cons:
- Tasks may not be available in all areas.
- It is competitive to secure tasks.
- Service fees can reduce your earnings.
9- Amazon Flex
Do you have a car that stays idle at home or in the office parking lot? You can turn this liability into an asset through Amazon Flex. Amazon Flex allows drivers to earn money by delivering packages for Amazon. You can choose a suitable schedule that works for you and make extra cash.
You can earn between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on the location and type of delivery. This is a low-hanging fruit for drivers living near Amazon stores.
What do you need to qualify as an Amazon Flex driver?
- A valid driver’s license
- Insurance
- A smartphone with the Amazon Flex app installed.
Now consider why Amazon Flex is a money-making app every driver should have.
Pros:
- Flexibility in scheduling and work hours
- High earning potential
- Using a personal vehicle means no startup costs or special equipment is required.
- It has multiple delivery options.
Cons:
- Drivers are responsible for their own expenses and insurance coverage.
- No benefits or job security
Renting Apps
Renting apps are mobile applications that allow you to rent out items or services to others at a price. You can list your items for rent where other users can search and book them.
Examples of renting apps.
10- Fat Llama
With Fat Llama, you can rent out your belongings in your local area and make money. You can rent your camera equipment, musical instruments, drones, and other high-end items.
What about prices? Fat Llama allows you to set rental prices and availability, and the app handles booking, payment, and insurance. In addition, Fat Llama’s insurance policy covers up to £25,000 in damages or theft for each rental transaction. So, you don’t have to worry about your expensive camera equipment landing in the wrong hands.
Furthermore, the app is a community-driven platform where users leave ratings and reviews. This helps to build trust among users and ensures a high level of accountability.
Pros:
- It has a wide range of rental options.
- Easy booking and payment system.
Cons:
- It charges a 15% fee charged on each rental transaction
- Rental options may be limited in some areas.
11- Rent the Runway
Rent the Runway is of the legit money-making apps that allows you to rent designer clothing and accessories for a fraction of purchasing cost. For instance, brides and bridegrooms would want to rent designer dresses and suits they may not use regularly.
With Rent the Runway, people can rent items for special occasions or everyday wear and return them when they are finished. And the beauty is that you can list items and clothing of different sizes and styles, thus allowing you to capture users of all shapes and sizes.
So, rather than allow your evening dress or wedding gown to collect dust in the wardrobe, rent it out and make extra cash.
Pros:
- Access to high-end fashion at an affordable price.
- Sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to traditional fashion consumption
- You can earn from one item multiple times.
Cons:
- You’re responsible for the care and cleaning of rented items.
- Some renters may damage your items.
Choose the Best Apps to Make Money And Pay Your Bills
Living from paycheck to paycheck can be frustrating. However, you can remedy the situation with the best money-making apps that pay real money. Your phone can help you supplement your income if you know the right apps to install. While most of these apps may not replace your current job, the little you earn from them can go a long way.
From survey apps to cashback apps and renting apps, you have many options to make extra cash without much work to pay your bills.
So, what are you waiting for? Give these apps a chance and make easy money.
FAQs on Money-Making Apps
What Apps Can Earn Big Money?
The earning potential of money-making apps varies greatly depending on the type of app, your skills, and the time and effort you’re willing to invest. Here are a few apps with high-earning potential:
- DoorDash
- Fiverr,
- Amazon Flex,
- Rakuten,
- Honey
How Can I Get $100 Fast With Money-Making Apps?
While earning $100 quickly with money-making apps is challenging, here is how you reach that goal. If you have a car, signup for DoorDash or Lyft and start delivery service to earn money quickly. Depending on your location and the demand for services, you can earn $100 or more within a few days.
Alternatively, you can survey apps like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks. While the earnings may not be high, it’s possible to earn $100 or more by completing multiple surveys in a few weeks.
What to read next:
- How to Make Money While Traveling and Living Abroad.
- Here’s How to Become an Entrepreneur with No Money.
- 9 Best Countries To Earn Money While Studying.
- 9 Best Ways to Earn Money Online with Autocad.
What Are The Game Apps That Pay Real Money?
Game apps that earn real money include:
- HQ Trivia: It offers cash prizes to winners.
- Mistplay: It rewards users with points for playing games
- Lucky Day: It offers daily scratch-off cards for cash prizes.
- Swagbucks Games
What Are The Best Apps For Making Money Fast?
Apps like Craigslist, eBay, and Fat Llama are ideal options for making money fast. Alternatively, you can try DoorDash and TaskRabbit, which allows you to earn per hour and cash out your earnings daily.