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Key Points:
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Making side income through an app is easier than ever.
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The proliferation of financial technology has made app-based jobs more common than ever.
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Below are the 5 Best Money-Making Apps for online earning.
Whether you are a freelance writer, graphic designer, or just want to make a few bucks completing surveys, making money online is easier than you think. The proliferation of financial technology has made app-based jobs more common than ever. Below are some of the most popular Money-Making Apps.
Top Money-Making Apps for December 2024
Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is an online platform that offers users the opportunity to earn money by completing surveys. Users participate in surveys that are matched to their profile, earning points for each survey they complete. These points can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
Pros:
- Easy to Use: The platform is user-friendly, making it simple for anyone to sign up and take surveys.
- Flexibility: You can take surveys at your own convenience, making it a flexible option for earning extra money in your spare time.
- Reward Options: Points earned can be redeemed for cash via PayPal or gift cards, providing flexibility in how you use your rewards.
Cons:
- Limited Earning Potential: The income potential is limited; it's more suitable for supplemental income rather than a substantial earnings source.
- Qualification Criteria: You might not qualify for all surveys, which can be time-consuming and potentially frustrating.
- Privacy Concerns: As with any survey site, privacy considerations exist since you share personal information and opinions.
Swagbucks
Swagbucks is an online rewards program that allows users to earn points, known as "SB," by performing various online activities such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and using the Swagbucks Search Engine.
Pros:
- Variety of Activities: Swagbucks offers a wide range of activities to earn points, including surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. This variety keeps the experience interesting.
- Flexibility: You can earn points at your own pace and on your own schedule, making it convenient for people with varying routines.
- Easy to Use: The platform is user-friendly and suitable for people who are not tech-savvy.
Cons:
- Ad Intrusiveness: Some users find the ads, especially in video sections, to be intrusive or annoying.
- Point Expiration: If you're not active on the platform, your points might expire, which means you need to regularly engage with the site to keep your earnings.
- Qualification for Surveys: Like many survey sites, you might not qualify for every survey, which can be a bit frustrating.
Rakuten
Rakuten is a popular online cashback and shopping rewards platform. It was formerly known as Ebates and rebranded to Rakuten in 2019. Users earn a percentage of cashback when they shop at partner retailers through the Rakuten website, app, or browser extension. The platform partners with a wide variety of stores across different categories.: Apart from cashback, Rakuten also offers exclusive deals and coupons, adding more user savings.
Pros:
- Cashback Opportunities: One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to earn cashback on purchases made through its partner stores, which includes a wide range of retailers.
- Sign-Up and Referral Bonuses: New users often receive a sign-up bonus, and you can earn additional bonuses through their referral program.
- Coupons and Discounts: Alongside cashback, Rakuten provides access to exclusive coupons and discounts, increasing potential savings.
Cons:
- Quarterly Payouts: Cashback earnings are paid out quarterly, not immediately, so you must wait for your rewards.
- Minimum Payout Threshold: There is a minimum threshold for earning before you receive a payout, which might take time to reach for infrequent shoppers.
- Limited to Participating Retailers: Cashback and discounts are only available through Rakuten’s partner retailers, which can be limiting if you shop at stores not affiliated with the platform.
Ibotta
Ibotta is a mobile app that provides cash back on purchases made at grocery stores, retailers, and online shopping platforms. It's designed to help consumers save money on everyday purchases through a straightforward process.
Ibotta is similar to Rakuten, but with Ibotta, you can earn on purchases made in-person and online.
Pros:
- Cashback on Everyday Purchases: Ibotta allows users to earn cashback on routine purchases like groceries, which can lead to significant savings over time.
- Wide Range of Participating Retailers: The app partners with a large variety of stores, including major grocery chains, pharmacies, and online retailers, offering numerous options for savings.
- Multiple Ways to Earn: Users can earn cashback not just through in-store purchases but also by shopping online, completing bonuses, and more.
Cons:
- Requires Effort: Users need to actively select offers before shopping and sometimes complete tasks like watching a video or answering a survey to unlock them.
- Receipt Uploads: For in-store purchases, you need to upload a photo of your receipt, which can be a bit cumbersome and time-consuming.
- Limited Offers on Specific Products: Some cashback offers are limited to specific products or brands, which may not always align with your shopping needs or preferences.
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UpWork
Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects businesses and independent professionals for remote collaboration. It encompasses various job categories such as writing, graphic design, web development, and marketing, catering to diverse professional skills.
Unlike the other money-making apps listed above, UpWork requires you to have a skill or service, and you must be hired before you can earn money. The upside is that UpWork could be more lucrative than the other apps.
Pros:
- Wide Range of Opportunities: Upwork offers many freelance job opportunities across numerous industries and skill levels, from writing and graphic design to web development and consulting.
- Flexibility: Freelancers can work from anywhere, choose clients, and select projects that align with their skills and interests.
- Potential for Long-Term Relationships: Freelancers can build long-term client relationships, leading to repeat business and consistent work.
Cons:
- High Competition: The platform can be highly competitive, especially for newcomers who may struggle to land their first jobs and build a strong reputation.
- Fees: Upwork charges freelancers a sliding fee based on their earnings with each client, which can be substantial, especially for lower-priced projects.
- Challenges in Pricing: Setting competitive yet profitable rates can be challenging, especially in a global market with varying price expectations.
The Bottom Line
Money-making apps like Swagbucks, Ibotta, Rakuten, Upwork, and Survey Junkie offer diverse opportunities for individuals to earn extra income or save money, each catering to different needs and lifestyles.
While these apps can be a convenient way to supplement income or save money, it's important to have realistic expectations about the earnings and benefits they can provide.
They are best suited for side income or savings rather than a primary income source.
FAQ
Is it easy to make money through an app?
Yes, it’s generally easy to sign up and start earning through these apps. You can sign up and a few minutes and start earning money.
Can I get rich through a Money-making app?
You’re not likely going to get rich through these apps. Rather, they serve as a way to provide supplemental income.
Article Topics
Online Banking
Adam Koprucki is a dedicated investor and writer with a deep interest in macroeconomics and options trading. His professional experience includes spending over a decade working at some of the largest investment banks, investment managers, and consulting firms, including: J.P. Morgan, Société Générale, Deloitte Consulting, and The Vanguard Group. His experience includes working with complex financial products such as exotic interest rate derivatives, structured products, and structured credit, and his investing research has been published in Seeking Alpha. He has a bachelor's degree, majoring in Finance, from Loyola University, and a Certificate in Capital Markets from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.
