Apps to make money aren’t just side hustle tools. They’re digital shortcuts to earning on your own terms. Whether you’re tapping through surveys on InboxDollars, stacking cashback with Rakuten, or freelancing on Fiverr, there’s an app for nearly every lifestyle.

Got bigger ambitions? Try selling custom products with Printify – no inventory, no stress. But not everyone’s chasing the same goal, and the best app depends on how you want to earn.

Let’s break down the best apps to make money and help you find the right fit for your skills, schedule, and earning goals.

What are the most popular types of money-making apps?

Not all apps earn you money the same way. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you find the best fit.

16 Best apps to make money in 2026

1. Printify

Want to sell t-shirts, mugs, hoodies, and more without managing inventory or shipping? Printify is one of the best platforms for starting a print-on-demand (POD) business with zero upfront costs. 

POD is similar to dropshipping, but with a key difference: instead of reselling generic products from suppliers, you create your own custom designs. Printify handles the production and shipping, so you can focus on building your brand.

Best for: Creatives and entrepreneurs looking for long-term financial freedom and work-life balance.

Minimum payout threshold: None – profits go directly to your online store.

Estimated time to first payout: Varies by sales channel and payment method, as Printify doesn’t handle your profits directly unless you use Pop-Up Store.

Payment options: Depends on your eCommerce platform and payment method.

Pros: No inventory needed, beginner-friendly, and wide product selection.

Cons: Requires marketing to drive sales; not instant income.

Available on: iOS, Android

2. Poshmark

If you want to sell secondhand clothes, shoes, and accessories, Poshmark is one of the best apps to do that. 

For sales under $15, Poshmark takes a flat commission of $2.95 – you keep the rest. For anything over that amount, you keep 80% of the sale, and Poshmark takes a 20% commission.

Best for: Fashion-savvy users looking to declutter or start a resale side hustle.

Minimum payout threshold: None.

Estimated time to first payout: You can withdraw anytime after a sale, though the processing time depends on your chosen payout method.

Payment options: Direct deposit, PayPal, Venmo.

Pros: The app provides a prepaid shipping label – just package and send.

Cons: The commission fee can be steep for lower-priced items.

Available on: iOS, Android

3. Google Opinion Rewards

Google Opinion Rewards is a legit money-making app that pays you for completing surveys in exchange for Google Play credits or PayPal cash. 

These short surveys take less than a minute to complete – perfect if you’re looking for apps to earn money from home with minimal effort.

Best for: Busy people with limited time or anyone who wants to earn without commitment.

Minimum payout threshold: $2 if you use PayPal. For Google Play credits, there is no fixed amount.

Estimated time to first payout: Up to seven days.

Payment options: PayPal, Google Play credit.

Pros: Beginner-friendly, no signup cost.

Cons: Surveys aren’t always available.

Available on: iOS, Android

4. MyPoints

MyPoints is a cashback app that lets users earn points by taking surveys, completing videos, shopping, and more. After collecting enough points, you can redeem them for various digital cash and perks.

Best for: Online shoppers who want to save money or casual users looking for extra perks rather than a full-time hustle. 

Minimum payout threshold: Varies by reward.

Estimated time to first payout: 3-10 business days after redeeming, depending on reward type.

Payment options: Gift cards, PayPal, travel rewards.

Pros: Multiple ways to earn cash, bonus for new users.

Cons: Some tasks have low earnings.

Available on: iOS, Android

5. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is one of the most popular apps that pays real money for watching videos, completing surveys, playing games, shopping, and even reading emails. You can get cash via PayPal or opt for gift cards and other rewards.

Best for: Users who want multiple ways to earn beyond surveys.

Minimum payout threshold: $30 to redeem your paid cash – lower thresholds may apply for gift cards and other rewards.

Estimated time to first payout: 10-16 days after submitting a cash redemption request, while non-cash rewards may take up to 30 days to be credited.

Payment options: PayPal, gift cards, checks.

Pros: No confusing point system.

Cons: Higher payout threshold than many apps.

Available on: iOS, Android

6. Swagbucks

Swagbucks rewards users with Swagbucks points (SB) for watching videos, taking surveys, shopping online, playing games, and more. Redeem points for gift cards, PayPal cash, or even a prepaid Visa debit card. 

Best for: Users who enjoy low-effort earning activities.

Minimum payout threshold: Varies by earning method, but 2,500 SB for PayPal, which is equivalent to $25, or 300 SB – about $3 – for gift cards.

Estimated time to first payout: 1-10 days, depending on the reward.

Payment options: PayPal, gift cards, debit cards.

Pros: Multiple ways to earn, new user bonus.

Cons: Some tasks pay small earnings, and many users report delayed payments.

Available on: iOS, Android

7. Rakuten

Rakuten is one of the top apps for earning cashback on your online purchases. It partners with major retailers, allowing you to earn money back by shopping at stores you already frequent.

Best for: Shoppers looking to passively earn rewards from everyday purchases.

Minimum payout threshold: $5.01 in cashback before the next payment date.

Estimated time to first payout: 3-14 weeks for most purchases, with payments issued quarterly on the 15th of February, May, August, and November.

Payment options: PayPal, paper check, American Express Membership Rewards® points.

Pros: Easy to use, automatic savings.

Cons: Slower payout cycle compared to other platforms.

Available on: iOS, Android

8. Ibotta

Want to earn money while shopping in-store? Check out Ibotta. Simply scan your receipt after buying an item, and the platform will pay you back. You can also get cashback when making online purchases. 

Best for: Routine grocery shoppers looking to earn rewards.

Minimum payout threshold: $20.

Estimated time to first payout: Wait seven days to withdraw earnings or get a gift card.

Payment options: Gift cards, PayPal, debit card.

Pros: Partners with major retailers and grocery chains.

Cons: Make sure your receipts are scanned properly, or they could be rejected.

Available on: iOS, Android, Chrome extension

9. Honeygain

Earn extra cash by sharing your unused internet bandwidth with Honeygain. This passive income app runs quietly in the background on your phone or computer, collecting anonymous data for market research and web crawling without accessing your personal info.

Best for: People looking to earn passively without active effort.

Minimum payout threshold: $20 or 20,000 credits.

Estimated time to first payout: 2-3 business days via PayPal, or instant if you use JumpTask.

Payment options: PayPal, Bitcoin, JumpTokens.

Pros: No tasks to complete.

Cons: Earnings vary based on location, device uptime, and network speed.

Available on: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS

10. Shutterstock

Want to get paid for your original content? Consider Shutterstock. Earn extra money by uploading photos, illustrations, videos, and even music. Each time someone purchases a license to use your work, you receive a royalty in real dollars.

Best for: Artists, photographers, and designers looking to make more money from their work.

Minimum payout threshold: $25

Estimated time to first payout: 7-15 days after the monthly payment cycle begins – payments are issued between the 7th and 15th.

Payment options: PayPal, Payoneer, Skrill.

Pros: Global exposure to millions of buyers.

Cons: You can’t expect steady sales, as income depends on market demand and what content is trending.

Available on: iOS, Android

11. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit helps you earn real cash by completing real-world jobs in your local area. From assembling IKEA furniture and mounting TVs to cleaning homes or running errands, you can choose from different types of tasks based on your skills. 

Best for: People who enjoy hands-on work and helping others in person.

Minimum payout threshold: No fixed threshold, as you set your own hourly rates – but there’s a $25 one-time fee to get started.

Estimated time to first payout: 2-4 business days after the client sends their payment.

Payment options: Direct deposit to your bank account.

Pros: Flexible rates and schedule, wide range of task categories.

Cons: Not suitable if you’re expecting fully online work.

Available on: iOS, Android

12. DoorDash

Earn extra cash by delivering delicious meals and groceries to customers nearby with DoorDash. Whether you’re driving between classes or making weekend runs, it’s an excellent way to make more money in your spare time. 

Best for: People with a valid driver’s license and a vehicle.

Minimum payout threshold: None. Dashers earn a base pay of $2–$10 per order, plus tips and bonus promotions.

Estimated time to first payout: Weekly to your bank account – or as fast as the same day with cash on delivery, Fast Pay, or Instant Pay, making it possible to make money in even one hour.

Payment options: Direct deposit, paid cash, debit card, or a Crimson bank account.

Pros: Flexible hours, lets you keep 100% of the tips.

Cons: Delivery demand varies by area, and vehicle wear and fuel costs can eat into earnings.

Available on: iOS, Android

13. Uber 

Available in over 15,000 cities worldwide, Uber is one of the most popular apps to make money by driving passengers or delivering food through Uber Eats. 

Best for: People with a car or bike and a valid driver’s license. 

Minimum payout threshold: None.

Estimated time to first payout: Weekly to your bank account, or automatically after each trip using Instant Pay or the Uber Pro Card.

Payment options: Direct deposit, debit card.

Pros: Surge pricing can boost earnings, and flexible scheduling fits most lifestyles.

Cons: You’ll need to meet Uber’s vehicle requirements based on your location.

Available on: iOS, Android

14. Lyft

Lyft is a ridesharing app based in the US and Canada. You’ll see your estimated earnings before accepting each trip, and the app includes bonus offers to help you reach your income goals faster. 

Best for: Licensed drivers with a car looking for a side hustle.

Minimum payout threshold: None for weekly payouts or the Lyft Direct debit card, $6.25 for Express Pay.

Estimated time to first payout: Weekly to your bank account, instantly with Lyft Direct, or within hours using Express Pay with a $1.25 fee.

Payment options: Direct deposit, debit card.

Pros: Transparent earnings and bonus opportunities.

Cons: If your vehicle doesn’t meet Lyft’s requirements, you can rent a car through the platform – but the costs can eat into your earnings.

Available on: iOS, Android

15. Fiverr

If you’re looking for apps you can make money on using your existing skills, Fiverr is a great option. 

This freelance marketplace allows users to make money from services like graphic design, writing, video editing, or coding. You earn 80% of each completed order, while Fiverr keeps the remaining 20%.

Best for: Individuals with digital skills across creative, tech, or business industries.

Minimum payout threshold: Varies by method – $1 for PayPal, $10 for bank transfers, $30 for the Fiverr Revenue Card.

Estimated time to first payout: You’ll get access to your earnings 7-14 days after completing an order – once the funds are cleared, withdrawals usually take 1-7 business days.

Payment options: PayPal, Payoneer, and direct deposit.

Pros: Turn existing skills into income, get access to global clients.

Cons: High competition in popular services.

Available on: iOS, Android

16. Upwork

Upwork is a popular freelance platform where professionals can earn money through short-term gigs or long-term contracts. Whether you’re a designer, developer, writer, or marketer, you can land projects that match your skills and schedule.

Best for: Freelancers looking to earn side income or build a full-time career.

Minimum payout threshold: None – you can withdraw any available amount manually.

Estimated time to first payout: Typically 5-10 days, depending on the type of contract and client approval.

Payment options: Wire transfers, PayPal, Payoneer, M-Pesa.

Pros: Lower commission fee than Fiverr at 10%.

Cons: Competitive, takes time to build a reputation.

Available on: iOS, Android

How to make money on apps: Tips to maximize profits

Using apps to make money can be a great side hustle – but to truly cash in, you need to be strategic. Here’s how to get the most from your time and effort:

• Diversify your apps: Don’t stick to just one. Use multiple to maximize earnings across different categories.
• Take advantage of sign-up bonuses: Many apps offer free cash or rewards simply for signing up.
• Complete other tasks for extra perks: Some apps let you watch videos, refer friends, or complete challenges for bonus earnings.
• Check for special offers and cashback: Always look out for limited-time deals and cashback boosts.
• Watch out for fees and withdrawal limits: Some apps have payout minimums or processing fees – be aware of the terms before investing your time.
• Stay safe and avoid scams: Stick to reputable platforms, read reviews, and never provide sensitive financial info to unverified sources.

Best apps to make money: Conclusion

Finding the best app to make money depends on what fits your lifestyle, skills, and goals. 

Whether you want to start a business with Printify, freelance on Fiverr, or earn extra money passively with Honeygain, there’s an app for you. The key is to experiment, mix and match different platforms, and stay consistent.

Want more control and creativity in how you earn? Try Printify to create and sell custom products with no inventory – just your designs and real profit.