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How to make money fast

How to Make Money Today — Best Apps in 2024

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“I need to make money now!” Sound like something you’ve said?

No judgment here. Inflation was a bully this year. The future of the job market is murky.

Let’s face it, the idea of a little cash quick is very enticing. If you’re wondering how to make money today, you’re in the right place.

Put down the payday loan application and buckle in. In this comprehensive guide, I go over several safe, actionable strategies and opportunities — some of which will surprise you  — to help you make money fast today.

At-a-Glance: Best Apps to Make Money Today

Money making app
What it is
How soon can you make money?
Acorns
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Save & micro-invest platform
AutoSave feature can help you start saving today
Rocket Money
⭐⭐⭐
Subscription management software & money management app
The autosave and subscription alert features can help you save money today.
Robinhood
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Investment app, crypto platform, retirement account & Robinhood Cash card
No guarantees, but technically you could make money within a day or a few hours with a good trade
Public 
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Highly inclusive alternative investment platform
Technically, you can earn money in one day, though longer hold periods are often helpful for those without proper day trading tools and expertise.
Rakuten
⭐⭐⭐
Coupon & rebate chrome extension  
A  few hours to several days after your first qualifying purchase.
Ibotta
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Shopping rebate app and Chrome extension
As soon as one day after a qualifying purchase is made.
Swagbucks
⭐⭐⭐
Rewards program
Within hours of a qualifying purchase.

How to Make Money Today

The bottom line: There’s no one-size-fits-all all approach to helping you discover how to make money right now. However, there is a general strategy for developing financial stability and independence, and it’s easier to get going with a solid financial education first.

That being said, there are things you can do right away…

Signing up with an app like Ibotta, a rebate and rewards app, can help you start your earnings today. Then, you can take your rebates and start micro-investing through a platform such as Acorns or Robinhood.

Micro investing is a great way to learn about the stock market, build good habits, and build confidence in your investment skills. Learn more about micro investments.

1. Acorns ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Save & Micro-Invest Platform.
  • How soon can I make money? The AutoSave feature can help you start saving today. Then investing the savings can help you see returns in as little as a year.
  • Expected returns: 7% Annual Returns
Acorns app review

Acorns serves as an excellent introduction to investing. I love the intuitive application interface and Round-Ups attribute, which lets you round up the change to the next dollar amount on purchases and invest it automatically.

Micro-investing may not make you a millionaire in a couple of years, but it certainly helps instill good financial habits. Add to that the low fees and diversification options, Acorns certainly stands out above the crowd.

2. Rocket Money ⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Subscription Management Software & Money Management App
  • How soon can I make money? The autosave and subscription alert features can help you save money today.
  • Expected returns: Save up to $750 per year
Rocket money app review

If you’re like any of the millions of Americans who have forgotten about a subscription, Rocket Money might be a good option for you. This company can help you make money today… by helping you save money.

With Rocket Money, you can cancel subscriptions, manage your bills, build a budget, check credit history, and even get lower rates on existing bills. Though most banks and credit cards have a subscription alert feature, few will negotiate better rates on bills.

3. Robinhood ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Investment app, Crypto Platform, Retirement Account & Robinhood Cash Card
  • How soon can I make money?  One day – Several Months: Though there are no guarantees of income, you can technically make money within a day or a few hours with a good trade. However, Robinhood may not be suited to serious day traders.
  • Expected returns: Earn 4.65% APY on Uninvested Cash (Gold Members)
Robinhood earn money today

I love how welcoming Robinhood is to those new to investing. They make micro-investing possible, with minimums as low as $1. They offer commission-free trades, a user friendly platform, and helpful resources aimed at guiding inexperienced investors.

For those more advanced, the company has personalized portfolio insights, in-depth charts, and intelligent alerts.

4. Public ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Highly Inclusive Investment Platform
  • How soon can I make money? Technically, you can earn money in one day, though longer hold periods are often helpful for those without proper day trading tools and expertise.
  • Expected returns:  5.4% yield + Earnings from Investments
Public investing portfolio

Interested in learning how to make money right now? Consider Public. Right off the bat, Public wows me with their 5.4% APY and SIPC insurance of $500k. Though the investment platform is not a bank, it could potentially double as a savings account for uninvested funds, generating income by doing nothing at all.

Plus, their APY is a higher rate than most high-yield accounts, there are zero minimum balances and commission-free trading in stocks and ETFs.

5. Rakuten ⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Coupon & Rebate Chrome Extension
  • How soon can I make money? A  few hours to several days after your first qualifying purchase.
  • Expected returns: 1%-20%
Rakuten shopping rebates

Rakuten knows how to make money today and they’ve passed that secret to their customers. ​​In just a few minutes, you could start earning cash-back rewards on purchases made at over 3,500 stores worldwide.

All you have to do is sign up, shop online, take surveys, and you can earn money back. Their Google Chrome extension makes it even easier.

I’ll add a warning to this recommendation. If you get carried away with shopping, this may not be a good option for you. The idea is to earn money on things you already spend money on and not buy new things just to “earn a reward”. Proceed with caution, friends! 

6. Ibotta ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Shopping Rebate App & Chrome Extension
  • How soon can I make money? Earn cash back as soon as one day after a qualifying purchase is made.
  • Expected returns: 5%-30%
Ibotta shopping coupons and rewards

Ibotta is a great way to make money quickly and easily. With them, shoppers can earn cash back on their everyday purchases from retailers both online and in-store.

All you have to do is download the app, create an account, browse special offers and deals at participating stores. Shop as usual, scan your receipt or link a loyalty card account, then get paid via PayPal or Venmo. It sounds like a lot of steps, but it really is simple.

Again, this should generate rebates on things you already shop for, and not encourage you to shop more than normal.

7. Swagbucks ⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Rewards Program – Earn Points, Gift Cards, and Cash for Purchases
  • How soon can I make money? Within hours of a qualifying purchase.
  • Expected returns: $1 to $5 a day (Avg of $365- $1,825 per year)
Swagbucks

Swagbucks is an app that’s been around since 2008, and is still going strong. For those looking for how to make money today, this app can be a convenient answer.

Swagbucks helps you earn rewards for doing the things you do online every day like shopping, searching the web, watching videos and even playing video games. However, earning reward points can take time and dedication.

Note: Wanna know more? Check out our comprehensive Swagbucks review.

Have a Bit More Time? – Apps to Make Money in 2024

1. Fundrise ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Alternative Investment Platform
  • How soon can I make money? This platform can help you earn money in as little as 3 months with their quarterly dividend payouts; best for long-term investments of 5+ years.
  • Expected returns: 2-10% Yearly Return
Fundrise app review

Fundrise offers a safe but innovative way to own real estate with none of the hassle. Through Fundrise, investors can buy shares of REITs — no landlord duties or expertise required.

These are long-term investments with quarterly dividend payouts. Those trying to make money fast today will find it less appealing, but it is still a great avenue to consider.

2. Arrived Homes ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Rental Crowdsharing Investment Platform
  • How soon can I make money? Dividends within a few months; best for a 5-15 year holding period.
  • Expected returns: 3.2% to 7.2% in Annual Dividends + 4% Average Annual Appreciation of the Home
Arrived homes platform review

Arrived Homes is another innovative, online real estate investing platform that takes the headache out of real estate ownership. They have a solid track record of 266 properties and $97 million invested.

For those looking for a truly passive way to diversify their portfolio, this is a great option!

3. M1 Finance High-Yield Savings Account ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? High Yield Savings Account
  • How soon can I make money? Monthly
  • Expected returns: 5% interest

I listed a high-yield savings account because, though you will have to wait longer than a day, investors earn money just by letting their cash sit with them.

Traditional banks will ‌offer .01%-.1% APY, which is a rather insulting rate considering inflation averages 3.8%. So, if you want to know how to make today the “lazy” way, simply open a high-yield savings account with a provider like M1 Finance.

4. Streitwise ⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • What is it? Non-Traded REIT Investment Platform
  • How soon can I make money? 10 days after the quarter end; best for long-term investing
  • Expected returns: 7%-10.5%
Streitwise real estate platform

Streitwise is a real estate investing platform that levels the playing field when it comes to owning commercial real estate through an equity REIT.

Though this is a long-term investment strategy, Streitwise’s innovative fractionalized share system is not to be ignored for those who want to earn money today.

They pay dividends, and with a dividend target of 5-6%, that is pretty substantial. This is a great diversification opportunity with reduced risks and amble opportunities.

How to Make Money Tomorrow (and in the Future)…

Many people say “I need to make money now”, but not enough are saying “I need to build a solid financial future”. Getting smart about money management means looking for ways to make money today, tomorrow, and the future. These money management apps might help you do just that.

Empower (Formerly Personal Capital) ⭐⭐⭐

Empower financial advice and planning

Empower is an investment manager that offers an expansive list of financially empowering services on a user-friendly app interface. It features a budget tool, savings goal setter, and online retirement planner.

Their investor services require a minimum investment of $100,000, which eliminates it as an immediate option for many. However, they offer a ton of free tools, like a free budget planner tool that can still be a tremendous asset to everyone.

Ziggma

Ziggma investment platform

Ziggma is a great option for those who are new to investing. This portfolio management software helps its users with tools such as analytics, portfolio optimization recommendations, asset screeners, company performance scores, and more.

Final Word: How to Make Money Today

If you’re looking to make money quickly and easily, the good news is there are many ways to do it! In fact, the best way… is to employ multiple ways. I would recommend:

  1. Start with a solid financial education.
  2. In the meantime, jump over to Rocket Money to locate and terminate unnecessary subscriptions.
  3. Head over to Ibotta to set up rebates on things you are already shopping for.
  4. Using these savings, start micro investing with Acorns or Robinhood. Need help picking stocks? WallStreetZen can help!
  5. Set up a high-yield account with M1 Finance so your uninvested income starts working for you.

Have a grand to invest with today? Read How to Invest $1000 Dollars to learn the best ways to maximize your investment.


FAQs:

Which app is best for money earning?

One of the best apps for money earning? Public. With Public, you’ll have access to a wide range of investment opportunities as well as 5.4% APY to help maximize your returns and reach your goals faster.

What are ways to make money today?

There are many ways to make money today. You could cancel forgotten subscriptions with Rocket Money, earn rebates with Ibotta, invest in stocks and mutual funds, or even take on a side hustle.

How to make money right now?

If you're looking to make money right now, there are a few different options to consider. You could take on freelance gigs or jobs that require on-demand work, start selling goods online via an e-commerce store or marketplace, take surveys and earn shopping rebates, or invest in stocks and mutual funds.

Where to Invest $1,000 Right Now?

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Our March report reveals the 3 "Strong Buy" stocks that market-beating analysts predict will outperform over the next year.

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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.