We could all use the extra money, and in the world that we live in, there is an app for everything. After putting together a list of apps that can save money, it felt important to list the apps that can help earn it, too. So, here is a list of the top money making apps: whether you're selling items, looking to earn money on things you already purchase, or apps that help you start a new side hustle altogether.

 

I've also linked to great articles on other sites that can help you get started with these apps since I don't have related content in this area. Enjoy!

 

Money Making Apps that Help You “Kondo” Your Place

 

 

Offer Up

 

Have anything around the house you want to get rid of? Or do you want to start a business buying things at garage sales, flea markets and the like? Using OfferUp you can post your items and have sellers reach out to you.

A few words of caution, though the app is free, you never know exactly who it is that you’re dealing with. Make sure to meet in a public place so you don’t have to worry about safety.

 

 

ThredUp

Got great brand name clothes you no longer wear? Send it in to ThredUp via the free “clean out” kit and earn money on your items. I like this service because it is 100% hassle free (seriously, it was not any “work” other than bagging up the items) and you can make the choice between earning cash back via check or Paypal or using it as store credit.

They'll also offer you a deal where you can cash out immediately for a lower payout, or wait for the items to consign. It still takes weeks for bag processing, but if you need the cash for an upcoming trip – this is a nice option to have.

 

 

DeCluttr

DeCluttr is the app to use when you want to trade in old technology for cash. They even send you a prepaid label for free shipping. They buy old phones and tablets, but also CDs and DVDs..and even old Lego® sets. 

 

The RealReal

If you have LEGIT designer clothes in good condition, consign them with The RealReal (the U.S. leader in authentic luxury consignment). Not for Banana Republic, J.Crew, and the like (see ThredUp for how to turn in these clothes for cash) but if you're sitting on designer bags, shoes, jeans and dresses, definitely check them out. 

 

BookScouter

 

Need to sell old textbooks? Old book club reads? Children's Books? Bookscouter app can help. Use the app to scan barcodes and then sell books to the highest bidder. Win win. 

 

 

Money Making Apps that Help You Find a Side Hustle

 

Instacart

Love to spend time shopping or in the aisles of the grocery store? Become a personal shopper for Instacart and grocery shop for others on your schedule.

 

 

FOAP

 

Selling stock photos is a great way to make money, with Foap it’s easier and harder than ever. The app allows you to upload the photos you take or even take photos directly in the app. People will look at your pictures and buy them for $10, of which you will make $5.

A good strategy is to just keep putting up picture after picture in hopes that people will buy them.

If you've ever wondered what to do with some of your artistic photos of landscapes, food, etc. it may be worth giving FOAP a shot!

 

TaskRabbit

 

After becoming a tasker and setting your rates the app will then let you know when a task is available. Depending on how much you do you can make a few dollars to a few thousand a month. The more you put into it the more money you make.

 

 

Uber

 

Do you own a car? Do you like to drive and meet new people? Then driving with Uber may be perfect for you. If you pass your background check and finish your activation, you can start using the Uber app to get requests to pick people up. The more you drive, the more money you make. Become a “weekend warrior” and start making extra money! Here's 7 tips to boost your earnings with Uber from The Penny Hoarder.

 

 

Lyft

 

The same as Uber in most respects, however usually Lyft passengers will go farther, be nicer, and tip you making you even more money. On top of that driving with both apps (there aren't any rules against it) means making more money.

 

 

Rover.com 

 

Like pets? Download Rover to connect with pet owners in need of a dog walker, cat sitter, and everything in between. You do have to pass a background check and include references, but the app makes it easy to apply, connect, and start earning. 

 

Money App

A survey and game app where users earn money for interacting with the app. This one has the edge because of its fast payout time and real cash rewards. 

 

S'more

 

Earn cash for downloading this app. By installing it, you'll allow S'more to post ads on your home lock screen. Weird, right? But if you're looking for literally the lowest investment way to earn money on your phone…this is it. 

 

Userfeel

 

Userfeel enables companies to have live people test their website and apps. If you qualify, you can become a tester and earn as much as $10 per 10-20 minute test. The testing requirements are easy enough, but you also have to qualify for tests, which is a gripe among users. 

 

 

  Swagbucks

 

Swagbucks is one of the best money earning apps (again, in my opinion.) If you search via the app and buy items there, take surveys, or watch videos,  you'll get “Swagbucks” which you can then cash in for gift cards. Good gift cards too, to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target.

 

Money Making Apps that Help You Rent Your Stuff for Extra Cash

 

 

Airbnb

This depends on your level of comfort, but if you've got a spare bedroom..you've got a serious income generator on your hands. I don't have any information on getting started with Airbnb in any other post on my website, so I've included a little extra information in this section. 

 

Getting started

The online process to create a listing is pretty quick and easy—you write descriptions of your space, upload photos, and mark dates your space is available to travelers. And it’s always free to create a listing.

 

Your earnings

So just how much could you make hosting on Airbnb? Find out what hosts in your area are making, and start imagining the possibilities. Besides saving for travel, Airbnb hosts use their extra income to pay off student loans, upgrade their home, and pursue their passions. Airbnb makes the payment process simple, too. Guests are charged when a reservation is made, and funds are typically released to hosts 24 hours after check-in. How you’re paid is up to you: You can set up direct deposit, PayPal, or a number of other options.  

 

Host support

Nervous about the safety of your home and belongings when you’re away? Uhm yeah, I would be too. In the rare event an accident happens, your property is covered up to a million dollars when you host—it’s peace of mind for you at no extra charge. And as for the folks staying at your place, everyone who travels on Airbnb needs to submit a profile photo and confirmed phone number and email address. For extra assurance, you can also require your guests to submit a government-issued ID.

[/color-box] Put your extra space to work for you! Earn money hosting with the safety and support of Airbnb. When you share your space on Airbnb, you’re covered by our $1 Million Host Guarantee. Get started today. [/color-box]

 

 

Turo

 

Of all the money making apps listed in this article, Turo makes the LEAST amount of sense to me. I can't imagine walking up to someone and taking their car or someone taking mine. But then again, a few years ago Airbnb felt odd and now it is fairly commonplace.

 

People use Turo to rent out their personal vehicles for extra money, and those renting the cars receive an automobile at a fraction of what rental car companies charge.

 

Here's how it works, and here is how much you could make with your vehicle if you live in an area where Turo is available (hint: most major US cities.)

I plugged in the information about my own car. In Atlanta, GA (where I live) I could make around $26 per day if I rented out my car via Turo. Since I work from home and don't use my car much, this could be a decent side gig. 

 

Money Making Apps that Earn Passive Income

 

 

Drop

 

Drop isn't so much of a “money making” app as a cash back app. It works very similar to sites like Ebates, except it is exclusively mobile. So, if you're a big shopper on your mobile phone you can earn cash back for all the shopping do via Drop. 

 

Acorns

Acorns is an automatic investing app. You sync it to your checking account and it saves spare change into an account and then they invest that money on your behalf. At $1 per month, it's an easy way to get started investing and even better if you're like me and have a hard time saving (in the traditional sense.) You won't earn big bucks, but you can passively grow your money into something (potentially) great. 

 

 

The best part is that these apps (when leveraged properly) help you raise money for bills or your most important financial goals.

 

This post was originally published in November 2017 and Updated in March 2019. TJ Philbrook helped contribute to the original post.