In today’s digital world, making money from your smartphone has never been easier. Whether you’re looking to earn passive income, complete small tasks, or invest, there are numerous money-making apps that help you generate real cash. In this guide, we’ll explore the best money-making apps for 2025 that let you earn through side gigs, surveys, cashback, and more.
Swagbucks – Earn Cash by Completing Simple Tasks
Swagbucks is one of the most popular rewards platforms that allows users to earn money by completing various online activities. Whether you want to take surveys, watch videos, shop online, or search the web, Swagbucks provides multiple ways to accumulate points, known as SB, which can be redeemed for real cash or gift cards.
How Swagbucks Works
Swagbucks operates on a simple model where users complete small tasks and earn SB points. These points can then be exchanged for PayPal cash or gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. The more tasks you complete, the more you earn.
Ways to Earn with Swagbucks
- Taking Surveys – Participate in market research surveys and earn points for sharing your opinion.
- Watching Videos – Get rewarded for watching entertainment, news, or lifestyle videos.
- Shopping Online – Earn cashback on purchases made through Swagbucks’ partner retailers.
- Playing Games – Some mobile and online games offer SB points as rewards.
- Searching the Web – Use Swagbucks’ search engine and earn points randomly for browsing.
- Referring Friends – Invite others to join Swagbucks and earn bonus points when they sign up and use the platform.
Payout Options
Swagbucks offers multiple redemption options, making it flexible for users. You can cash out your SB points through:
- PayPal cash (minimum withdrawal limit varies)
- Gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, Starbucks, and more)
Why Swagbucks is a Great Money-Making App
- No upfront investment required – Sign up for free and start earning instantly.
- Multiple earning methods – Choose from surveys, shopping, gaming, and more.
- Reliable payouts – Swagbucks has paid out over $900 million to users worldwide.
- Available worldwide – Users from many countries can join and earn.
Who Should Use Swagbucks?
Swagbucks is ideal for anyone looking to earn extra money in their free time without committing to a full-time side hustle. It’s best for students, stay-at-home parents, or anyone who enjoys simple online tasks. While it won’t replace a full-time income, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash with minimal effort.
Upwork – Make Money as a Freelancer
Upwork is one of the largest freelancing platforms, connecting skilled professionals with businesses looking for remote work. Whether you are a writer, graphic designer, programmer, marketer, or consultant, Upwork provides a marketplace to find freelance gigs and earn money online.
How Upwork Works
Upwork allows freelancers to create profiles showcasing their skills, experience, and past work. Businesses and clients post job listings, and freelancers can submit proposals to apply for projects. If hired, they complete the work and get paid securely through the platform.
Ways to Earn with Upwork
- Freelance Writing & Editing – Offer content writing, copywriting, technical writing, and proofreading services.
- Graphic Design – Create logos, branding materials, illustrations, and other visual assets.
- Web Development & Programming – Build websites, develop apps, and code software solutions.
- Digital Marketing – Provide SEO, social media management, and advertising services.
- Virtual Assistance – Assist businesses with administrative tasks, data entry, and customer support.
- Consulting – Offer business, finance, or legal advice.
Payout Options
Upwork provides flexible payout options, including:
- Direct bank deposit
- PayPal
- Wire transfer
- Payoneer
Freelancers can choose between hourly contracts (tracked via Upwork’s time tracker) or fixed-price contracts, where payments are made upon project completion.
Why Upwork is a Great Money-Making App
- Global reach – Work with clients from all over the world.
- Flexible work – Set your own hours and work on projects that match your skills.
- Secure payments – Upwork’s escrow system ensures you get paid for your work.
- Career growth opportunities – Build a strong portfolio and increase your earning potential over time.
Who Should Use Upwork?
Upwork is ideal for freelancers, remote workers, and professionals looking for flexible, high-paying gigs. It works best for those with specialized skills who can deliver quality work. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced freelancer, Upwork offers plenty of opportunities to earn.
Mistplay – Get Paid to Play Games (Android Only)
Mistplay is a unique rewards app that allows Android users to earn real money by playing mobile games. If you love gaming and want to make extra cash, Mistplay is one of the easiest ways to do so. The app rewards you with points for trying out new games and spending time playing them, which can then be redeemed for gift cards.
How Mistplay Works
Mistplay tracks the time you spend playing featured games on the app and rewards you with points. The more you play, the more points you accumulate. These points can be exchanged for gift cards to popular retailers.
Ways to Earn with Mistplay
- Playing Mobile Games – The more time you spend playing, the more points you earn.
- Completing In-Game Challenges – Some games offer bonus rewards for reaching specific milestones.
- Leveling Up Your Account – Staying active on Mistplay increases your earning potential over time.
- Referring Friends – Invite others to join Mistplay and earn extra points when they sign up.
Payout Options
Mistplay does not offer PayPal cash but provides gift cards to major retailers, including:
- Amazon
- Google Play
- Visa Prepaid Cards
- Xbox & PlayStation Store
Why Mistplay is a Great Money-Making App
- Fun way to earn – Get rewarded for playing games you enjoy.
- No upfront cost – Free to download and use.
- Steady earning potential – Earn points consistently as you play.
- Exclusive game offers – Access new and trending mobile games.
Who Should Use Mistplay?
Mistplay is ideal for casual and serious gamers who want to earn extra rewards while playing. It’s only available for Android users, so iPhone users will need to look for alternative gaming reward apps. While you won’t get rich, it’s a fun way to make some extra money while doing something you enjoy.
Rakuten – Earn Cashback on Shopping
Rakuten is one of the best cashback apps that allows users to earn real money on everyday purchases. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, Rakuten gives you a percentage of your spending back in cash, making it a smart way to save while you shop.
How Rakuten Works
Rakuten partners with thousands of retailers to offer cashback deals. When you shop through Rakuten’s website, app, or browser extension, you earn a percentage of your purchase amount as cashback. Rakuten then pays you via PayPal or check.
Ways to Earn with Rakuten
- Shopping Online – Earn cashback when you shop at over 3,500 partnered stores like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- In-Store Cashback – Link your credit or debit card and earn cashback when shopping at physical stores.
- Rakuten Browser Extension – Get automatic cashback alerts while shopping online.
- Travel & Hotel Bookings – Earn cashback on flights, hotels, and rental cars through Rakuten’s travel partners.
- Referring Friends – Earn bonus cash for every friend who signs up and makes a purchase.
Payout Options
Rakuten pays users every quarter via:
- PayPal cash
- Paper check (“Big Fat Check”)
Why Rakuten is a Great Money-Making App
- No extra effort required – Earn cashback on purchases you were already going to make.
- Thousands of partner stores – Get rewards from popular retailers.
- Multiple earning methods – Shop online, in-store, or book travel to earn cashback.
- No fees or subscriptions – 100% free to use.
Who Should Use Rakuten?
Rakuten is perfect for smart shoppers who want to save money on everyday purchases. If you frequently shop online or travel, Rakuten can help you earn hundreds of dollars per year in cashback with minimal effort.
TaskRabbit – Earn Money by Completing Local Tasks
TaskRabbit is a gig economy app that allows people to earn money by completing small tasks and handyman services for others in their local area. Whether it’s furniture assembly, moving assistance, home repairs, or deliveries, TaskRabbit connects skilled workers with people who need help.
How TaskRabbit Works
Taskers sign up on the platform, set their skills and hourly rates, and get matched with local clients who need tasks completed. Once a task is accepted and completed, the Tasker gets paid securely through the app.
Ways to Earn with TaskRabbit
- Handyman Services – Help with minor home repairs, furniture assembly, plumbing, and more.
- Moving Assistance – Earn money by helping people move, load, and unload furniture.
- Delivery Services – Pick up and deliver groceries, packages, or takeout.
- Cleaning Jobs – Provide house cleaning or office cleaning services.
- Personal Assistance – Help with errands, organizing, and administrative tasks.
- Yard Work & Gardening – Mow lawns, remove leaves, and assist with landscaping.
Payout Options
TaskRabbit pays its workers via:
- Direct deposit to a bank account
- Payments processed securely through the app
Why TaskRabbit is a Great Money-Making App
- Set Your Own Rates – Earn based on your skills and experience.
- Flexible Schedule – Choose when and how much you want to work.
- Variety of Tasks – Work in different categories based on your expertise.
- Reliable Payments – Secure and timely payments after task completion.
Who Should Use TaskRabbit?
TaskRabbit is ideal for freelancers, gig workers, and anyone looking to make extra money with hands-on jobs. If you have handyman skills, enjoy helping others, or want a flexible side hustle, TaskRabbit is a great platform to start earning.
Fiverr – Sell Digital Services Online
Fiverr is one of the most popular freelancing platforms that allows users to sell digital services and make money online. Whether you’re a writer, designer, programmer, marketer, or voiceover artist, Fiverr provides an opportunity to earn money by offering your skills to clients worldwide.
How Fiverr Works
Freelancers, known as “sellers,” create gigs—service listings that describe what they offer and their pricing. Clients, known as “buyers,” browse the platform and place orders for services. Once a project is completed, Fiverr processes the payment and transfers the earnings to the seller.
Ways to Earn with Fiverr
- Graphic Design – Create logos, business cards, social media graphics, and more.
- Writing & Translation – Offer blog writing, copywriting, scriptwriting, and translation services.
- Programming & Tech – Build websites, develop apps, and fix coding issues.
- Digital Marketing – Provide SEO, social media management, and email marketing services.
- Video & Animation – Create explainer videos, animations, and video editing services.
- Voiceover & Music – Offer voiceover recordings, music production, and sound editing.
- Business Services – Help with resume writing, branding, and business consulting.
Payout Options
Fiverr allows users to withdraw earnings through:
- PayPal
- Direct bank transfer
- Fiverr Revenue Card (Prepaid Card)
Why Fiverr is a Great Money-Making App
- No Upfront Costs – Free to sign up and start selling services.
- Global Marketplace – Reach clients from all over the world.
- Flexible Pricing – Set your own rates and offer different service packages.
- Secure Payments – Fiverr holds funds until work is completed, ensuring guaranteed payments.
Who Should Use Fiverr?
Fiverr is perfect for freelancers, creatives, and professionals looking to earn money online. Whether you want a full-time career or a side hustle, Fiverr provides a platform to monetize your skills and grow your income.
Sweatcoin – Get Paid to Walk
Sweatcoin is a fitness rewards app that pays you for walking. It tracks your daily steps and converts them into “Sweatcoins,” a digital currency that can be redeemed for rewards, discounts, or even cash. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active and earn rewards, Sweatcoin is one of the best apps available.
How Sweatcoin Works
Sweatcoin uses your phone’s step-tracking feature to count your steps. For every 1,000 verified steps, you earn 0.95 Sweatcoins. These coins can be used to redeem gift cards, PayPal cash (on special offers), fitness gear, and more.
Ways to Earn with Sweatcoin
- Walking or Running – The more steps you take, the more Sweatcoins you earn.
- Watching Ads – Earn extra Sweatcoins by watching short video ads in the app.
- Referring Friends – Get bonus Sweatcoins for each friend who signs up using your referral link.
- Daily Bonuses – Earn extra Sweatcoins by claiming daily rewards.
Payout Options
Sweatcoin offers multiple ways to redeem earnings:
- Gift cards (Amazon, PayPal, and more)
- Discounts on products & services
- Donations to charities
- PayPal cash (only during special promotions)
Why Sweatcoin is a Great Money-Making App
- Encourages fitness – Stay active while earning rewards.
- Completely free – No investment or subscription required.
- Easy to use – Earn passively by walking as you normally would.
- Multiple redemption options – Use Sweatcoins for products, discounts, or donations.
Who Should Use Sweatcoin?
Sweatcoin is perfect for fitness enthusiasts, walkers, and anyone looking to stay active while earning rewards. While it won’t replace a full-time income, it’s a great way to get rewarded for your daily steps.
Airbnb – Earn by Renting Out Your Space
Airbnb is a popular platform that allows people to earn money by renting out their homes, apartments, or spare rooms to travelers. Whether you have an extra bedroom or a vacation home, Airbnb provides an easy way to generate passive income by hosting guests.
How Airbnb Works
Hosts create a listing for their property, set their own pricing, and choose the available dates for bookings. Travelers browse listings, book stays, and pay through the platform. After the stay, Airbnb processes the payment and transfers the earnings to the host.
Ways to Earn with Airbnb
- Rent Out a Spare Room – List a private room in your home for guests.
- Offer an Entire Property – Rent out your full apartment or house for short-term stays.
- Host Unique Stays – Convert unusual spaces (treehouses, tiny homes, cabins) into profitable rentals.
- Airbnb Experiences – Offer guided tours, workshops, or activities to earn extra income.
Payout Options
Airbnb provides flexible payout options, including:
- Direct bank deposit
- PayPal
- Wire transfer
Why Airbnb is a Great Money-Making App
- Passive Income Opportunity – Earn money from unused space.
- Flexible Hosting – Set your availability, pricing, and house rules.
- Global Audience – Reach millions of travelers worldwide.
- Host Protections – Airbnb offers insurance coverage for property damage and liability.
Who Should Use Airbnb?
Airbnb is ideal for homeowners, property investors, and anyone with extra living space looking to make extra money. Whether you rent out a spare room or manage multiple properties, Airbnb can be a lucrative side hustle or full-time business.
Honeygain – Make Money by Sharing Internet Bandwidth
Honeygain is a unique app that allows users to make money passively by sharing their unused internet bandwidth. It runs in the background of your device and pays you based on the amount of data you share. If you’re looking for a hands-free way to earn extra cash, Honeygain is a great option.
How Honeygain Works
Once you install and run the Honeygain app, it uses a small portion of your internet bandwidth to help businesses with web research, content delivery, and data gathering. In return, you earn credits that can be redeemed for real money.
Ways to Earn with Honeygain
- Running the App – Earn money simply by keeping the app active.
- Referral Program – Invite friends and get a percentage of their earnings.
- JumpTask Mode – Convert your earnings into cryptocurrency for potentially higher rewards.
Payout Options
Honeygain offers multiple ways to cash out your earnings:
- PayPal cash (minimum $20 withdrawal)
- Bitcoin (BTC) payouts
- JumpTask (JMPT) cryptocurrency
Why Honeygain is a Great Money-Making App
- 100% Passive Income – Earn without doing any extra work.
- Safe & Secure – Does not access personal data, only uses excess bandwidth.
- Multiple Cashout Options – Get paid in PayPal or cryptocurrency.
- Works on Multiple Devices – The more devices you connect, the more you earn.
Who Should Use Honeygain?
Honeygain is perfect for anyone with an unlimited internet plan who wants to earn passive income. It’s ideal for people who don’t mind sharing bandwidth in exchange for extra cash. However, it works best on Wi-Fi networks rather than mobile data to avoid extra charges.
Foap – Sell Your Photos for Cash
Foap is a money-making app that allows users to earn cash by selling their photos and videos online. If you love photography or videography, you can upload your content to Foap’s marketplace, where brands and businesses can buy it for marketing purposes.
How Foap Works
Foap provides a platform for photographers, both amateurs and professionals, to upload their images and sell them to brands, agencies, and individuals. Once a photo or video is sold, Foap takes a 50% commission, and the rest goes to the creator.
Ways to Earn with Foap
- Selling Photos & Videos – Upload your best shots and earn money when they sell.
- Joining Missions – Participate in photo and video contests created by brands for a chance to win big cash prizes.
- Selling in Marketplaces – Foap partners with platforms like Getty Images and Adobe Stock, increasing your chances of making sales.
- Referring Friends – Earn rewards by inviting others to join Foap.
Payout Options
Foap pays users via:
- PayPal cash (once you reach the minimum withdrawal amount)
Why Foap is a Great Money-Making App
- Easy to Use – Simple platform for selling photos and videos.
- No Professional Equipment Needed – Even smartphone photos can sell.
- Global Market – Reach brands and buyers worldwide.
- High Earning Potential – Winning Missions can pay hundreds of dollars.
Who Should Use Foap?
Foap is ideal for photographers, content creators, and hobbyists looking to monetize their photography skills. If you enjoy taking high-quality pictures and videos, this app can be a great way to turn your creativity into cash.
Final Thoughts: Which Money-Making App Is Right for You?
The best money-making app depends on your skills, interests, and how much effort you’re willing to put in. Freelancers → Upwork, Fiverr Shoppers → Rakuten Gamers → Mistplay Fitness Enthusiasts → Sweatcoin Renters → Airbnb With the right app, you can start earning real money from your phone today.
