Best apps to make money in 2024

Looking for apps to make money from your phone? You came to the right place at the right time. In 2024, there are plenty of options available to help you achieve this goal.

After reading this article, you’ll find yourself tapping and swiping to browse social media as well as earn cash.

Whether you prefer taking surveys, earning cashback, or generating passive income, our top picks for 2024 will help you find the right app to match your earning preferences and start making money.

Choosing the best money-making apps

When choosing the right app, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. 

The best apps for you depend on your lifestyle, preferences, and the time you’re willing to invest.

Some people prefer the simplicity of survey apps, while others are more interested in passive income apps. 

That’s why our list investigates their earning potential, ease of use, and company reputation so you can better understand and choose your favourite more easily.

Best app for freelancers: Upwork

Upwork is one of the leading gig economy apps. On this platform, you can make money by offering your digital skills and services to clients worldwide. 

Whether you’re a writer, designer, developer, virtual assistant, or have one of the 10,000+ skills listed, Upwork lets you work on your schedule and make money from anywhere in the world.

Is it free?

Upwork lets you create a free account and browse available gigs immediately.

However, the platform charges a 10% service fee on your earnings for all your contracts, whether they’re hourly or fixed-price.

For example, if you earn $500 on a project, 10% ($50) will go to Upwork, leaving you with net earnings of $450.

Why Upwork? 

On Upwork, you can choose projects that catch your interest and set your rates, putting you in control of your earning potential.

One major benefit of using the app is the wide range of projects available. Whether it’s short-term tasks or long-term contracts, there are opportunities to earn cash at every skill level.

Plus, you’re not limited by geographical location — Upwork opens up global project opportunities.

You can also make use of various free tools like: 

• Time-tracking software.
• Freelance rate calculator.
• Invoicing tools. 

Additionally, you get a wealth of free resources: 

• Articles.
• Ebooks.
• Guides.
• Case studies.
• More content to help you advance in your career.

What about the payment? 

Upwork provides a secure payment system called escrow. It holds the agreed amount for a project until the client approves your work.

Once you complete a project or milestone. However, it may take several days for the money to become available in your balance.

The escrow system gives both you and your client peace of mind.

Once the funds are available, you can withdraw them using various methods provided by Upwork:

• Direct to Local Bank
• Wire transfer.
• PayPal.
• Payoneer. 
• More.

Choose the one that best suits you. Just remember — fees and processing times can vary depending on your chosen method.

Pros

• A wide range of projects from around the world.
• Payment protection ensures you get paid.
• Easy money withdrawal with Direct to Local Bank, PayPal account, and more.

Cons

• Upwork charges a 10% freelancer service fee on earnings.
• Funds may take several days to become available.
• High competition for projects due to platform popularity.
• It may take time to land your first project.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for delivery drivers: Bolt Food courier

Bolt Food is a delivery app for everything from food and groceries to everyday essentials.

With millions of daily users worldwide, this app is an excellent choice for earning money while getting some exercise (depending on your delivery vehicle, of course).

With the Bolt Food Courier app, you deliver orders from restaurants and grocery stores in your area. Whether you have a car, bike, or scooter, this app is the perfect way to make money.

Is it free?

Yes, both downloading the app and registration are free. There are no monthly fees either — what you earn on the app is what you get in your bank account. 

Why Bolt Food courier?

Bolt Food offers courier partners many benefits: 

• Easy start: signing up is simple, and you don’t need special qualifications. You can start immediately if you’re legally eligible and have a bike, scooter, or car.
• Flexibility: deliver on your schedule, between classes, after gym, or during your spare time. You decide when and how much to earn.
• Reliable earnings: with Bolt Food, you start receiving orders as soon as you sign up.
• Earning potential: you earn more during busy times (we show you when and where demand is higher).
• Tips: the Bolt Courier app includes an in-app tipping option, making it easy for customers to show appreciation.
• More confidence: you can quickly identify the most profitable days and hours with our in-app heatmaps.
• 24/7 support: get assistance from our support team anytime, day or night.

‘Bolt Food offers me the best earning potential and freedom. I can take care of my personal tasks in the morning, deliver during the midday rush, and still have enough time to pick up my kids from school.’

Petr, courier partner, Czech Republic

What about the payment? 

We send your payment every week from Monday 00:00 to the following Sunday at 23:59 — no need to wait until the end of the month. Payments are sent to your bank. 

You can keep track of your earnings inside the Bolt Food Courier app. Go to the Main menu and tap the ‘All Deliveries’ tab. 

You’ll find all the details about how much you earned, including bonuses and tips.

Pros

• Flexible schedule, allowing you to deliver whenever you want.
• In-app tipping option provides additional earning potential.
• Heatmaps to identify high-earning areas.
• Simple interface for managing deliveries.
• 24/7 access to support for assistance.

Cons

• Dealing with traffic and weather conditions.
• Earnings may fluctuate depending on demand and tips.
• May require additional expenses for vehicle maintenance and fuel.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for drivers: Bolt Driver

Bolt is a popular ride-hailing app that connects users with drivers for transportation. Passengers request a ride through the app and get picked up by drivers like you.

From the driver’s perspective, the app connects you with passengers looking for rides to their destination, and you earn money for each ride you provide.

Bolt Driver’s available in over 500+ cities across 45+ countries.

Is it free? 

Like Bolt Food, downloading and registering for Bolt Driver app is free. However, the app takes a small percentage of your earnings as a service fee, which varies by country. 

You can check the percentage in your country by contacting local customer support through the app.

Why Bolt Driver?

Bolt Driver and Bolt Courier not only share the same name but also most of the benefits: 

• Flexible schedule: drive whenever you want, fitting around your schedule and preferences.
• Higher earning potential: increase your earnings during peak hours and through tips from passengers.
• Safety measures: Bolt keeps you safe with passenger ratings, real-time ride tracking, an emergency button, and 24/7 customer support.
• Many passengers: with 150+ million customers, there’s always someone needing a ride, so you can earn regularly.
• Fast payouts: get your money every week, making it quick and easy to access your earnings.
• Easy to use: navigation, earnings info, and updates are all in one place.
• Rewards: special bonuses and extras, adding more to what you can earn.

What about the payment?

Bolt provides weekly payments from Monday 00:00 to the following Sunday at 23:59. After this period, you’ll get a balance statement.

Payments are directly sent to your bank account, and you can conveniently track all your earnings within the app.

Pros

• Drive whenever you want with a flexible schedule.
• Safety features prioritise your well-being.
• High earnings potential, maximising your income.
• Available in many countries across Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and Latin America.
• No hidden subscription fees, just commissions on your earnings.

Cons

• May lead to increased vehicle maintenance and repair costs over time.
• Traffic delays can lead to lower earnings.
• Some countries may have stricter regulations and licensing requirements.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for giftcards: Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a popular rewards app where you can earn points (called SB) by completing activities like taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, shopping online, and more. 

These points can be redeemed for gift cards to your favourite retailers or cash back via PayPal.

It’s an excellent app for anyone looking to make some extra money or get free gift cards from the comfort of their homes.

Is it free? 

Yes, Swagbucks is completely free to join and use. Sometimes, it even offers newly registered users a $10 welcome bonus.

You can sign up for a free account and start earning SB immediately.

Why Swagbucks?

Swagbucks offers a lot of ways to earn rewards. Whether you have a few minutes to spare or want to invest more time, there are plenty of earning opportunities for making money.

You can get cash rewards on Swagbucks by completing different activities:

• Taking surveys.
• Playing games.
• Shopping online.
• Exploring deals and more.

Many enjoy Swagbucks’ minimal requirements. Even teens from age 13 and up can use the app (with a guardian’s permission) and hop onto the platform to start answering all kinds of online surveys for kids and teens.

What about the payment?

Swagbucks offers various options for redeeming your points:

• PayPal: once you’ve earned enough to meet the PayPal payout threshold, transfer your points into real cash and get paid via PayPal.
• Gift cards: exchange your points for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Target, and Starbucks.

Pros

• Free to join and use.
• Different activities for earning, including surveys, videos, shopping, and more.
• Wide selection of rewards, including gift cards and cash back.
• New earning opportunities added regularly.

Cons

• Certain high-paying surveys or offers may not always be available.
• Some activities may require time and effort to earn significant rewards.
• There can be high competition.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for teaching languages: Preply 

Preply, one of the leading language learning platforms, connects tutors with students worldwide.

You can teach and earn your way if you’re fluent in English, Spanish, French, or any other 50+ languages on Preply.

The company claims that the most popular tutors on Preply earn up to $550 a week.

Is it free? 

Downloading and signing up on Preply is free. However, the platform takes a percentage of what you earn:

• For trial lessons with new students, Preply takes all of your earnings.
• Preply deducts a percentage (18% to 33%) for regular lessons based on your total teaching hours. The more you teach, the lower the commission rate.

Why Preply?

Preply’s often a top choice for language tutors because of all the great benefits it offers: 

• Global reach: connect with students from various countries. 
• Flexibility: set your availability and teach at times that suit you.
• Easy scheduling: the calendar and scheduling system shows your availability, and students can book their lessons directly.
• In-app tools: take advantage of video conferencing, interactive whiteboard, notes, chat, reactions, and other functions that are available inside the app.
• Support: get assistance from Preply’s 24/7 support team, along with resources, webinars, and other helpful content.
• Track performance: see your earnings, get personalised recommendations, and learn about your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Privacy and safety: keep in touch and interact with your students within the app without giving personal contact details.

What about the payment?

Preply charges students in advance and releases the money to teachers after each lesson. This means you don’t have to chase students for your money and can have peace of mind that you’ll get paid.

After each lesson, the system calculates your earnings based on your hourly rate and the lesson duration. You can easily track your income within the platform.

You can withdraw your money whenever you want by transferring funds from your Preply wallet to your withdrawal account using: 

• Wise.
• Payoneer.
• PayPal.
• Skrill.

Pros

• Flexibility to teach on your own terms.
• Access to students from around the world.
• Specialised areas of teaching based on your expertise.
• Support from Preply’s 24/7 assistance team.
• Convenient in-app tools and communication with students.

Cons

• Preply charges a commission on earnings, varying from 18% to 33%.
• 100% commission rates for trial lessons with new students.
• High competition due to the platform’s popularity.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for investing: eToro

eToro is a popular investment and trading platform. Users can invest in 5,000+ options like: 

• Stocks.
• Cryptocurrencies.
• Commodities. 
• ETFs and more.

One of the unique features of eToro is the CopyTrader. You can choose traders to copy, decide how much to invest, and copy their moves with just one tap.

Is it free? 

Yes, downloading the app and registering on eToro is free. They even offer you $100,000 in virtual credits to practice your trading and investment skills with zero risk. 

Keep in mind! This amount, or any earnings from it, cannot be used and is for demo purposes only. To earn on eToro, you have to switch to real trading.

However, eToro charges different fees for some trades and withdrawals, just like all online platforms. Tap for more details.

Why eToro?

One of eToro’s biggest benefits is the CopyTrader feature, which lets you copy the top investors. This lets you:

• Invest in the same assets as top investors for added security.
• Benefit from the knowledge and experience of top traders.
• Save time as trades are replicated to your portfolio automatically.

However, there are other great reasons to join the platform.

• Multi-asset platform: 5,000+ different financial assets on eToro, give you plenty of options to choose from.
• Low fees and commission: 0% commission on long, non-leveraged positions for stocks or ETFs.
• Social trading: a community of 30+ million traders from 100 countries. Like on social media, you can chat with them inside the app. 
• Security: eToro’s multi-regulated platform and robust cyber security measures ensure the safety of your investments. Your funds are also held in segregated accounts for added protection.

What about the payment?

eToro gives you different ways to take out your money. You can withdraw funds from your eToro account anytime using:

• Credit/Debit card: takes up to 10 business days.
• Bank transfer: takes up to 10 business days.
• PayPal: takes up to 2 business days.
• Neteller: takes up to 2 business days.

There are additional options available as well.

Pros

• CopyTrader lets you replicate the trades of top investors and benefit from their experience. 
• 5,000+ financial assets give you with diverse investment options.
• $100,000 in virtual credits to practice trading and investment without any risk.

Cons

• Withdrawals via credit/debit card or bank transfer can take 10 business days.
• Investing involves risks, especially when copying others without understanding their strategies.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for cash back: Rakuten

Rakuten app gives you cashback or gift cards on online purchases, including:

• Food & drinks.
• Subscriptions.
• Events.
• Electronics.
• Travel.
• Gifts 
• More.

While it may not be considered a traditional money-making app, it’s a great way to earn back on purchases from thousands of retailers.

Is it free? 

Joining Rakuten is simple and free, with no hidden costs or subscription fees. Signing up takes up to 30 seconds, and you can instantly go shopping and earn back on those purchases. 

Why Rakuten?

Here’s why Rakuten stands out as a favourite cashback app among shoppers worldwide:

• Easy-to-use app: you can easily check cashback offers, track your earnings, and get rewards. It brings together all the partner stores in one place so you can compare prices, use coupons, and see shipping fees easily.
• Generous cashback: Rakuten offers cashback rates from 1% – 10%. And there’s no limit to how much money you can cash out.
• Special promos: besides regular cashback offers, the app often has special promotions and bonus cashback events, giving you more chances to earn money back.
• Wide selection: 3,500+ partner stores in different categories, giving you lots of choices to earn cash back on what you buy.

What about the payment?

Percentages vary by store, with some offering up to 10% cash back on your purchases. 

The cashback confirmation time depends on factors like the store’s policy, reporting schedule, and exclusions.

You can choose PayPal or check as your payment method and request a payout every three months.

Pros

• Wide selection of retailers offering cash back on various purchases.
• User-friendly platform for easy browsing and tracking of cashback offers.
• Special promos and bonus cashback events provide additional earning opportunities.

Cons

• Cashback can only be withdrawn every three months.
• Cashback rates may vary by retailer and product category.
• Availability limited to certain countries.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Best app for physical tasks: Tasker by Taskrabbit

The TaskRabbit app is an excellent way to earn money while staying active. 

It connects skilled Taskers with users who need help with physical tasks like home repairs or furniture assembly. So, as a Tasker, you can turn your skills into cash by assisting people.

TaskRabbit has two apps — one for customers and one for taskers. If you’re looking to make money, be sure to search for Tasker by TaskRabbit on the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Is it free?

Downloading the TaskRabbit app is free, but there’s a $25 charge for verification. 

However, you earn 100% of your requested rate plus tips. TaskRabbit adds a surcharge to your price, but customers who order your service cover it. 

Why TaskRabbit?

Here’s why TaskRabbit stands out:

• Flexible schedule: set your preferred availability and work when and where you want.
• You keep 100% of earnings: The price you set for your tasks is what you take home, along with any tips. Your customers cover the service fee.
• Diverse tasks: TaskRabbit offers tasks in 50+ categories, from plumbing to IKEA assembly, to suit everyone.
• Quick start: Once you have finished the registration process, you can start offering your service within 3–5 business days.

What about the payment?

TaskRabbit approves the payment within 24 hours of submitting a task. It takes 2–5 business days for the money to appear in your bank account.

TaskRabbit pays Taskers through direct deposit, so when you sign up on the app, you’ll need to give the following information:

• A valid checking account.
• Routing or IBAN.
• Billing address.

Savings accounts, prepaid debit cards, and reloadable bank cards are not accepted.

Pros

• Wide variety of tasks available, catering to different skill sets.
• Flexible schedule and control over rates.
• Easy payment process through the app.
• Access to support and resources for Taskers.

Cons

• Task availability may vary depending on location and demand.
• Competition from other Taskers in the area.
• Taskers are responsible for their own expenses, such as transport and supplies.

Download: App Store
Download: Google Play

Ready to earn with money-making apps? 

These apps can be a convenient way to make money in a way that perfectly fits your own schedule and other commitments. 

However, the best app for you will depend on your personal preferences, as some may offer higher earning potential while others may provide more flexibility or comfort.

Researching and carefully considering which app suits your needs is important before committing to it. 

If you need help figuring out where to start, try the Bolt Food Courier app. It’s easy to start, fits any lifestyle, and offers excellent earning potential while promoting physical fitness.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is a money-making app?

A: A money-making app helps you earn through many different activities that range from one-time tasks to part-time or full-time commitments. The types of functions are:

• Freelancing.
• Food & grocery delivery.
• Driving people.
• Taking surveys.
• Teaching languages.
• And more.

Q: How to make money on your phone?

A: To earn money using your phone, you’ll need a phone with an internet connection and one of the money-making apps mentioned in our list. Some apps may require additional resources such as a bike for food delivery or a computer for freelancing, while others may only require only a phone with a stable connection.

Q: What is the best app for earning money?

A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best app. It all comes down to your lifestyle, schedule and preferences. 

If you prefer earning money from home, try apps like Upwork, Swagbucks or Preply.  

If you prefer more active ways to earn money, consider apps like Bolt Courier, Bolt Driver or TaskRabbit.

Q: Which app gives me real money?

A: All the money-making apps mentioned above are legitimate and a great way to earn money. However, it’s important to do your own research before using a new app.

Q: How can I make $100 a day?

A: Various money-making apps are available that can help you earn $100 a day. You can use a single app or combine different apps to maximise earnings. 

For example, Bolt Courier or Bolt Drive might earn you $100 a day, but you may need to dedicate a whole day. 

Q: Which apps pay you instantly?

A: Some apps that offer instant earnings after service delivery are Upwork, Bolt Courier, Bolt Drive, and Swagbucks. But while earning is instant, the money may take some time to reflect in your bank account.

Q: Are money-making apps free? 

A: Most money-making apps mentioned here are free to download, register, and use. However, they usually charge a percentage of your earnings as a fee. Please read through the app’s terms and conditions to avoid any surprises.

Q: Are money-making apps safe?

A: While money-making apps can be a great way to make some extra cash, there are some risks that you should be aware of.

Ensure you read reviews and research before downloading and committing to any app to ensure it’s legitimate and secure.

Additionally, always read the terms and conditions of any app you join to ensure you understand your rights.

Q: Do money-making apps really work?

A: If an app is legitimate and fits your skills and needs, then yes, it can work and be a great way to earn extra money.

However, it’s essential to remember that the amount you make depends on the app and your commitment.

However, it’s essential to remember that the amount you make depends on the app and your commitment.