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Best Money Making Apps

Best Money Making Apps That Actually Work in 2024

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Inflation is up … Yet wage increases have been unimpressive. You need more money. But who has the time (or energy) to take on another job?

There are plenty of money making apps that promise to generate extra income without sacrificing too much of your precious time. But which ones are actually worth your time?

In this article, I took the time to vet several of the top money making apps and give you my honest, unfiltered opinion.

Let’s jump to it.

Best Money Making Apps in 2024

Bottom line:

It’s hard to go wrong with a company that helps you earn money doing things you already do….

  • Both Acorns and Ibotta shine. Acorns allows you to “round up” purchases and automate your investing; Ibotta helps you earn shopping rebates.
  • M1 Finance has a high APY, making it one of the best money-making apps out there. Even without investing, you could earn income from interest.
  • If you have a larger account and a little time, Masterworks has impressive historical returns. Crowdstreet stands out as a great option for accredited investors.

At-a-Glance: Our Favorite Money Making Apps

Regardless of your budget or personal style, there’s probably a money-making app out there that’s perfect for you. Here are some of our favorites at every price level:

App
What is it?
Minimums + fees
How much can you make?
Baking app
$1 Minimum Order |  $0 Balance | $10/month + Small Misc fees
5% APY + ROI
Fractional real estate / eREITs
$10 Minimum | 0.85% Management Fee for real estate funds |  0.15% Advisory fee
Many earned 7-20% average returns (2019-2021)
Ibotta
Cashback/rebate app + Chrome extension
$0 or $3.99/month (Inactivity Fee)
~5%-30% Expected returns
Investment app with AutoSave & Round Up features
$5 Minimum | Pricing Starts $3/month
~7% Expected returns
Alternative investment platform
$0/$8 per month | 1.25% + Misc Fees
~5.4% Expected yield
Rakuten
Cashback/rebate app + Chrome extension
Free
~1%-20% Expected Returns
Residential rental real estate
$100
~3.2%- 7.2% in dividends + ~4% home appreciation
Crowdstreet (Accredited investors only)
Commercial real estate
$25,000 Minimum | 1-2 % Annual Fee
~19.2%
Rocket Money
Money + financial management app
$0 or $3-$12/month (added features) + $2 Maintenance fee for Non-members 
Save > $750/year
Small businesses
$100 Minimum Investment + Small fees for equity raises & fringe cases
Target returns of 10%-25%
Fine art
No minimum
Investors have realized annualized net returns of 17.8%, 21.5%, 35%
Swagbucks
Eclectic rewards program
$3.99/month
~$1 to $5 a day

M1 Finance

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees:  $1 Minimum Order |  $0 Balance | $10/month + Small Misc fees
  • How much can you make? 5% APY + ROI
Currently, M1 Finance offers 5% APY for qualifying high-yield savings accounts.
M1 money making app

How it works: This is another one of my favorite apps to make money fast. M1 Finance is an online investing platform with a customizable and automated approach to investing that fuses both robo-advisory features with a more conventional investment approach.

Pros
Cons
5.00% APY (Premium Account Only)
Unclear Small Misc Fees
FDIC Insured $500K
Results Not Guaranteed
Easy to Use
Tech-First Company
Sophisticated Robo-Advisor
60,000 + 5 Star Reviews
High Rated Roth IRA
More Assets Including Crypto
No Maintenance Fees or Commissions
Can Build Your Portfolio Using a Pie Feature
Can Set up Auto – Deposits & Dividend Reinvestment
Variety of Assets Including ETFs and Fractional Shares
Can Opt for Pre-Built Portfolios

Fundrise

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $10 Minimum | 0.85% Management Fee |  0.15% Advisory fee
  • How much can you make? Many Earned 7-20% Average Returns (2019-2021)
Fundrise performance data

How it works: If you’re interested in exploring the world of real estate investing but face challenges as an individual investor, Fundrise provides a superb option through its crowdfunding platform and proprietary Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) investment opportunities which have outperformed public REITs the last several years.

Set up an account in minutes, browse real estate crowdfunding opportunities, and choose how many shares you want to invest in your chosen selection.

Pros
Cons
Low Minimum
Illiquid (5+ Year Investment)
Great Diversification Option
Non-negotiable management Fees (Though low)
Good Historical Returns
Limited Types of Investment
Transparent Fracking
Results Not Guaranteed
No/Minimal Expertise Needed
Lower Risk Than Most Self-Directed Real Estate Investments
Filter Personal Preferences (Risk, Duration, etc.)

Note: We earn a commission for this endorsement of Fundrise.

Ibotta

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $0 or $3.99/month (Inactivity Fee)
  • How much can you make? ~5%-30% Returns Expected
Ibotta

How it works: Ibotta is another tech-savvy, heavy hitter in the world of rebates and is ultimately one of my favorite money making apps that actually work. Use an app or browser extension to get cashback on your purchases from an ever-growing list of exclusive offers.

Pros
Cons
Account Maintenance Fees if Inactivity
Can Invite Overspending
Bonus Opportunities
Results Not Guaranteed
Free to Use
Earn Money Doing Things You Already Do
App & Chrome Extension
Earn More With Referrals
Earn From In-store and Online

Public

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $0/$8 per month | 1.25% + Misc Fees
  • How much can you make? ~5.4% Expected Yield
Public investing platform

How it works: For those looking for apps to make money fast, check out Public. It is an investing platform that allows users to invest in a variety of assets including shares of stocks, ETFs, Crypto, art, and more. They have done a good job of introducing Ai to investing, building an intuitive platform, and creating a transparent and collaborative environment.

Pros
Cons
5.4% Yield
Some Small Fees
$500k Insured
Results Not Guaranteed
Regulated by the SEC
Variety of Assets (Including crypto)
Low Fees
Ai Stock Recommends Feature
Auto-Invest Feature

Acorns

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $5 Minimum | Pricing Starts $3/month
  • How much can you make? ~7% Expected Returns
Acorns income potential

How it works: If you’re looking for legit money making apps, Acorns is top of the list. The company turns your everyday expenditures into potential earnings.

With them, you can automatically round up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invest the spare change into personalized diversified portfolios.

Pros
Cons
AutoSave Feature & Round Up Feature Automate Good Financial Habits
Results Not Guaranteed
Transparent Fees
Promotes Investing Without Knowledge of How to Invest
Ease of Use
Round-up Feature Could Invite Overspending
Potential Return on Investment
Bank Level Encryption Security
Can Diversify Portfolio Based on Risk Tolerance, Financial Goals, and Time Horizon.

Rakuten

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: Free
  • How much can you make? ~1%-20% Expected Returns
Rakuten money making app

How it works: When it comes to earning rebates on your everyday shopping activities, a major heavyweight in the market is Rakuten. This company has to be one of the best money making apps out there. The company provides cashback rewards by shopping at preferred partner retailers, effectively giving you money back for something you were already planning to do.

Pros
Cons
Free to Use
Could Encourage Overspending
Earn Money Doing Things You Already Do
Paid Every 3 Months
App & Chrome Extension
They Collect Your Information
Earn More With Referrals
Earn Money Slowly Over Time
Results Not Guaranteed

Arrived Homes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Minimums + fees: $100 Minimum | 8-25% (Based on Market)

How much can you make? ~3.2%- 7.2% in Dividends + ~4% Home Appreciation

Arrived real estate platform

How it works: Arrived Homes has changed the reality of investing in single-family rental properties by crowdfunding its investments.

The company acquires and operates residential units, creating truly passive earnings opportunities for you, regardless of your expertise or accreditation status. For its accessibility and as a diversification option, I dub it one of the best money making apps on the market.

Pros
Cons
No Expertise Needed
Illiquid/Long-Term Investment
No Accreditation Needed
High Fees
Low Minimum
Results Not Guaranteed
BBB Accredited
Lower Risk Than Self-Directed Real Estate Ventures

Crowdstreet – Best for Accredited Investors

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $25,000 Minimum | 1-2 % Annual Fee
  • How much can you make? ~19.2%
Crowdstreet money making app

How it works: Crowdstreet is another one of the legit money making apps — but it’s only available to accredited investors.

A major selling point? They help both first-time real estate investors and more experienced active investors branch into commercial real estate investing. They provide institutional-quality commercial crowdfunding opportunities that are highly diversified and well-vetted.

Pros
Cons
Access to Commercial Real Estate Investments
Accredited Investors Only
Real Estate Good Diversification Option
Illiquid
Vetted Opportunities
Real Estate Always Has Risk
Transparency
Results not guaranteed
Potential High Returns
High Minimum Investment
Ease of Use
No Expertise Needed
Low Fees + No Platform Fees

Rocket Money

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $0 or $3-$12/month (added features) + $2 Maintenance fee for Non-members
  • How much can you make? Save > $750/year
Rocket money making app

How it works: Rocket Money offers a comprehensive suite of financial management tools, including subscription cancellation, bill management, budget creation, credit history monitoring, and more.

While many banks and credit cards do provide subscription alerts, Rocket Money actively negotiates better rates on your behalf, setting them apart as one of the top money making apps that actually work.

Pros
Cons
Minimal Fees (If Any)
Limited to the USA
Easy to Use
Though Secure, They Require Sensitive Info (Bank Accounts & Credit Card Numbers)
Negotiate Lower Bills
Results May Vary and Are Not Guaranteed
Bank-Level Encryption
Help Find Hidden Subscriptions

Mainvest

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $100 Minimum Investment + Small fees for equity raises & fringe cases
  • How much can you make? Target returns of 10%-25%
Mainvest investment app

How it works: Mainvest empowers everyday investors with opportunities to invest funds under Regulation Crowdfunding (Title III Crowdfunding). The platform connects you with emerging businesses looking for growth capital.

Pros
Cons
Registered With SEC
No Guarantees
Don’t Need to be an Accredited Investor
SSL Web security + Encrypted Links
Can Invest With an IRA
Tracking Tools
Vetted Investments
Promotes Small Business Growth
Small Minimums
No Expertise Needed

Masterworks

  • Rating: 3.7/5
  • Minimum: None (Masterworks retains complete discretion to determine that subscribers are “qualified purchasers” (as defined in Regulation A under the Securities Act) in reliance on the information and representations provided to us regarding their financial situation.)
  • How much can you make? 12.70%-19.80% Historical Returns
Untitled

How it works:

The art-lovers amongst us will appreciate Masterworks’ innovative investment platform–one which allows people who are not wealthy collectors or institutions (i.e., everyday individuals) access to high-value artwork through fractional ownership.

Masterworks’ platform enables you to diversify your holdings and possibly benefit from the appreciation of fine art over time.

Pros
Cons
3% of Art Passes Due Diligence
High Minimum Investment
Fees are lower Than Industry Standard
Limited Selection of Artwork Currently
Bank-Level Security
Less Liquidity Than Most Investments
Impressive Historical Returns
Art is Considered a Risky Investment
Good Diversity Options
Results Not Guaranteed

Swagbucks

  • Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
  • Minimums + fees: $3.99/month
  • How much can you make? ~$1 to $5 a day
Swagbucks money earning app

How it works: Swagbucks is an innovative reward scheme that allows you to earn rewards in the form of Swagbucks (SB) by simply completing everyday online activities such as taking surveys, shopping online, or playing games.

Though I would not put it at the top of the Best Money Making Apps List, it earns its place because you can trade SBs for cash or gift cards for doing things you would already be doing.

Pros
Cons
Get Access to Exclusive Deals
$3 fee for Virtual Cards & Crypto Cards
Earn in a Variety of Ways (Shopping, Playing Games, and More)
$3.99/month (Others are free)
Easy to Use
Can Invite Overspending
Results Not Guaranteed
Can Take a While to Earn Rewards

Final Word: Money Making Apps

Good news is that there are plenty of ways to start earning money in 2024. The investment platform landscape is vast and continues to expand with new and creative ways to grow your portfolio.

I know I am biased, but a high APY will always come first for me. M1 Finance makes it too easy to earn income just by letting your money sit with them and doing so comes with virtually no risks.

The nice thing is that you can easily combine that with any other money making app. Acorns also stands above the crowd for me thanks to its user-friendly, feature-rich, and trustworthy platform, but you really can’t go too wrong using another — or several other legit money making apps in its stead.


FAQs:

Which app is best for money earning?

The best money earning app of [wpdts-year] is Acorns. Its simplicity, automated features, and potential earnings make it the top choice. Other popular money making apps include Rakuten, Ibotta, Fundrise, and Masterworks.

Is there a real app to make money?

Yes, there are several legitimate apps available that allow users to make money through various activities. Some popular and trusted money-making apps include Acorns, Mainvest, Ibotta, and Masterworks.

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About the author

Angelina Allsop

Contributor

Angelina graduated in 2005 from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Global Business & Finance. She worked as a financial analyst for Northern Trust for three years and is now a full-time finance writer and digital nomad, traveling around the world with her husband. When she is not writing for WallStreetZen, she enjoys reading, writing fiction, and sipping on a refreshing beverage in a hammock.