Are you tired of living paycheck to paycheck? Do you want to earn some extra cash without having to sacrifice your free time? Look no further! With the rise of mobile apps, it’s now easier than ever to make money from the comfort of your own home. In this article, we’ll explore the 9 Best Money-Making Apps of 2025, including Ibotta, Rakuten, Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Upwork.
What are the Best Money-Making Apps?
The apps we’ll be discussing are designed to help you earn cash back, rewards, and income using your smartphone. Whether you’re looking to make some extra money on the side or want to supplement your full-time income, these apps are worth checking out.
1. Ibotta: Earn Cash Back on In-Store and Online Purchases
Ibotta is one of the most popular cash back apps on the market. With over 2,000 supported retailers, you can earn cash back on in-store and online purchases. Originally designed for groceries, Ibotta has expanded to include clothing, entertainment, and other categories. To earn cash back, simply add offers, submit your receipt in the app, or link your retailer loyalty accounts.
Pros:
- Earn cash back on in-store and online purchases
- Welcome bonus for new users
- Variety of payment methods, including PayPal and digital gift cards
Cons:
- Making money can be a slow process
- Minimum cash back balance required to redeem earnings
2. Rakuten: Earn Cash Back on Purchases from Well-Known Retailers
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is another popular cash back app. With thousands of stores and purchases eligible for cash back, you’ll likely find deals where you already shop. To earn cash back, create an account, tap on the store where you want to shop, and make the transaction through the portal.
Pros:
- Thousands of stores and purchases eligible for cash back
- Welcome bonus for new users
- Variety of payment methods, including PayPal and “Big Fat Check”
Cons:
- As with most cash-back services, you have to spend money to make money
- Payments sent out every three months on the company’s payment schedule
3. Swagbucks: Earn Rewards Points for Shopping Online, Taking Surveys, and More
Swagbucks is a cash-back and rewards app that allows you to earn points, called “SB,” by shopping online, taking surveys, watching videos, playing games, or fulfilling other tasks. You can redeem those points for gift cards, prepaid Visa cards, or get cash back to your PayPal account.
Pros:
- Easy ways to earn rewards
- No waiting period to cash in
- Variety of payment methods, including e-gift cards and prepaid Visa cards
Cons:
- It doesn’t pay much; one SB is worth about a cent
- Many tasks valued at pennies, making it take a fair amount of time and effort to make substantial money
4. Fiverr: Earn Income as a Freelancer
Fiverr is a freelancing marketplace that features gigs in over 200 categories, such as musician, video, and animation. Create an account, set your profile as a “seller,” and post the gig you’re offering, including pricing and a description of your services. Pricing ranges from $5 to $995.
Pros:
- You don’t have to worry about tracking down buyers because they come to you
- You can earn tips
- Flexibility to complete gigs in your own time or around your 9-5 job
Cons:
- Fiverr takes 20% of your earnings for every gig, including tips
- 14-day waiting period to withdraw money after completing an order
5. Upwork: Earn Income as a Freelancer
Upwork connects freelancers to gigs in writing, design, marketing, and other categories on the marketplace. Create a profile, include information such as the field you’re interested in, qualifications, availability, and desired rate, and then submit proposals. Clients will review them and offer projects if you seem like a good fit.
Pros:
- Variety of categories and job opportunities
- Flexibility to choose your own schedule and projects
- Variety of payment options, including direct to U.S. Bank and PayPal
Cons:
- You begin each month with a set number of “Connects,” which are like credits that allow you to contact prospective clients
- Charges apply to some payment options
6. OfferUp: Sell Unwanted Items and Earn Cash
OfferUp is a mobile marketplace that allows you to buy and sell unwanted items locally. With millions of users, you can find great deals on everything from electronics to furniture.
Pros:
- Sell unwanted items and earn cash
- Variety of categories and items to choose from
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
- You’ll need to take good photos and write detailed descriptions of the items you’re selling
- You’ll need to handle customer service and negotiations with buyers
7. Poshmark: Sell Gently Used Clothing and Accessories
Poshmark is a social commerce platform that allows you to buy and sell gently used clothing and accessories. With millions of users, you can find great deals on everything from fashion to home decor.
Pros:
- Sell gently used clothing and accessories and earn cash
- Variety of categories and items to choose from
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
- You’ll need to take good photos and write detailed descriptions of the items you’re selling
- You’ll need to handle customer service and negotiations with buyers
8. Premise: Earn Cash for Completing Small Tasks
Premise is an app that allows you to earn cash for completing small tasks, such as data collection, mystery shopping, and more. With a variety of tasks to choose from, you can earn money on your own schedule.
Pros:
- Variety of tasks to choose from
- Flexibility to choose your own schedule and projects
- Variety of payment options, including PayPal and direct deposit
Cons:
- You’ll need to meet certain requirements and qualifications to complete tasks
- You may need to invest time and effort to complete tasks and earn money
9. Upside: Earn Cash Back on Gas Purchases
Upside is an app that allows you to earn cash back on gas purchases. With a variety of gas stations and locations to choose from, you can save money on your gas expenses.
Pros:
- Earn cash back on gas purchases
- Variety of gas stations and locations to choose from
- Easy to use and navigate
Cons:
- You’ll need to have a valid email address and phone number to use the app
- You may need to meet certain requirements and qualifications to earn cash back
FAQs
- What are the best money-making apps?
The best money-making apps include Ibotta, Rakuten, Swagbucks, Fiverr, and Upwork.
- How do I get started with these apps?
To get started, simply download the app, create an account, and follow the instructions to get started.
- How much money can I earn with these apps?
The amount of money you can earn with these apps varies depending on the app and your level of involvement. Some apps offer cash back on purchases, while others allow you to earn rewards points or income as a freelancer.
- Are these apps legitimate?
Yes, these apps are legitimate and have been used by millions of people to earn money.