Best Apps to Make Money (2026)
The top 3 money-making apps are: 1) Rakuten for cashback on shopping, 2) Upwork for freelancing, and 3) Robinhood for investing. The single best overall is Rakuten due to its ease of use and passive earning potential.
Great money-making apps offer genuine income opportunities with minimal effort, transparent terms, and reliable payouts. The best ones provide multiple earning methods, have a strong reputation, and work across devices. Avoid apps with excessive fees, unrealistic promises, or unclear payment structures.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rakuten | Earning cashback on everyday purchases | iOS, Android | free |
| Upwork | Freelancing and remote work | iOS, Android, Web | freemium |
| Robinhood | Investing in stocks and cryptocurrencies | iOS, Android | free |
| Fiverr | Selling freelance services | iOS, Android, Web | freemium |
| Acorns | Micro-investing and saving | iOS, Android | freemium |
| TaskRabbit | Local odd jobs and tasks | iOS, Android | freemium |
| Ibotta | Earning cashback on groceries | iOS, Android | free |
| Poshmark | Selling used clothing and accessories | iOS, Android | freemium |
Our top money-making apps
Rakuten
Best for Earning cashback on everyday purchasesRakuten offers cashback on purchases from thousands of retailers, both online and in-store. Its browser extension and mobile app make it easy to earn without changing shopping habits. However, earnings are limited to partner retailers and payouts occur quarterly. Available on iOS and Android.
- Easy to use
- No fees
- Limited to partner retailers
- Quarterly payouts
Upwork
Best for Freelancing and remote workUpwork connects freelancers with clients for various projects, from writing to web development. It offers a wide range of job opportunities and a secure payment system. However, competition is high, and the platform takes a percentage of earnings. Available on iOS, Android, and web.
- Large job selection
- Secure payments
- High competition
- Platform fees
Robinhood
Best for Investing in stocks and cryptocurrenciesRobinhood allows users to invest in stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies with no commission fees. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible for beginners. However, it lacks advanced trading features and has faced criticism for gamifying investing. Available on iOS and Android.
- No commission fees
- User-friendly interface
- Limited advanced features
- Criticized for gamification
Fiverr
Best for Selling freelance servicesFiverr allows users to offer services in various categories, from graphic design to digital marketing. Its gig-based system makes it easy to set prices and deliver services. However, the platform takes a 20% fee on all transactions. Available on iOS, Android, and web.
- Easy to set up gigs
- Wide range of categories
- High platform fees
- Intense competition
Acorns
Best for Micro-investing and savingAcorns rounds up purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the difference. It also offers a debit card with cashback rewards. However, fees can be high for small account balances. Available on iOS and Android.
- Easy to use
- Automatic investing
- Fees can be high for small balances
- Limited investment options
TaskRabbit
Best for Local odd jobs and tasksTaskRabbit connects users with local tasks, such as cleaning, moving, and handyman work. It offers flexible work opportunities and competitive pay. However, availability of tasks can vary by location. Available on iOS and Android.
- Flexible work opportunities
- Competitive pay
- Task availability varies by location
- Background check required
Ibotta
Best for Earning cashback on groceriesIbotta offers cashback on groceries and other purchases by scanning receipts or linking loyalty accounts. It provides a wide range of rebate options. However, earnings can be limited to specific products and retailers. Available on iOS and Android.
- Easy to use
- Wide range of rebates
- Limited to specific products and retailers
- Requires scanning receipts
Poshmark
Best for Selling used clothing and accessoriesPoshmark allows users to sell used clothing and accessories through its marketplace. It offers a large user base and easy listing process. However, the platform takes a 20% fee on all sales. Available on iOS and Android.
- Large user base
- Easy listing process
- High platform fees
- Shipping logistics can be challenging
How to choose
Consider your skills, interests, and the time you can dedicate. For passive income, Rakuten and Acorns are ideal. For freelancing, Upwork and Fiverr offer the most opportunities. For local work, TaskRabbit is best. For selling items, Poshmark is excellent for clothing, while eBay is better for general merchandise.
Our verdict
The best overall pick is Rakuten due to its ease of use and passive earning potential. The best free option is Ibotta, as it requires no upfront investment and offers cashback on everyday purchases.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free money-making app?
Ibotta is the best free option, as it requires no upfront investment and offers cashback on everyday purchases.
Which app is best for beginners?
Acorns is best for beginners due to its simple, automated investing approach.
Is it worth paying for a money-making app?
It depends on the app and your goals. Some apps like Acorns and TaskRabbit offer enough value to justify their fees, while others like Rakuten and Ibotta are free and still highly effective.
Are iPhone and Android apps different for money-making?
Most money-making apps are available on both iOS and Android, but some features or app versions may vary. Always check the app store listings for the most accurate information.
Which free money-making app is the best starting point?
Ibotta, Swagbucks, and Google Opinion Rewards are useful starting points because they can pay for qualifying purchases, short surveys, or small tasks without requiring a large upfront investment. The best free option depends on what you can do: receipt-based apps suit shoppers, while survey apps take less physical effort. Availability of offers varies by location, and no app guarantees steady income.
Which money-making app is best for beginners?
For beginners, Ibotta is a practical first choice if you already buy groceries and other eligible items; you upload a receipt and claim listed offers. It involves no upfront payment, but the inventory changes and not every purchase qualifies. Read the current requirements in the official app listing and treat earnings as a side benefit rather than expected income.
Do iPhone and Android offer the same money-making apps?
The core earning methods are generally the same on iPhone and Android, including cashback, surveys, resale, and local gig work. The better phone is the one whose apps you want, supports required features, and gives you reliable access to your accounts. Check each developer’s official store listing because some services are unavailable in certain countries or devices.
How can I check whether a money-making app is safe and private?
Evaluate money-making apps with the same care you would apply to a financial or personal service. Before installing, check the developer, permissions, data collection, and whether the app requests location, camera, contacts, or background access beyond what the feature needs. Use only official App Store or Google Play listings, avoid look-alike apps, and never share bank passwords or one-time codes.