Making money online with apps is easier than ever in 2025, with options suited for shopping, playing games, freelancing, and selling creative work. Here are some of the best ways to earn extra cash, gift cards, or even build side income streams:
- Ibotta: Earn real cash back on grocery and online purchases by scanning receipts and adding offers before you shop. You can cash out via PayPal or gift cards once you reach $20[1].
- Rakuten: Get cashback from over 3,500 retailers like Amazon and Walmart. After your first purchase, payouts are issued quarterly by check or PayPal[1].
- Swagbucks: Complete tasks like shopping, watching videos, taking surveys, and even playing games to earn points (“SB”) that are redeemable for gift cards or PayPal cash. Minimum redemption is $5, and users can try a variety of activities for rewards[5][6].
- TaskRabbit: Take on local tasks and odd jobs—such as furniture assembly, deliveries, or helping people move—by setting your own rates and schedule for extra cash, all through the app[2].
- Shutterstock and Foap: If you’re a creator, sell your photos, videos, or graphics. Upload your content and earn commissions when others download your work; ideal for passive, creative income[2][4].
- Bingo Cash and Scrambly: Play online games for a chance to earn real money. Bingo Cash offers cash tournaments (requires deposit), while Scrambly pays you to try new games or complete offers, with low minimum withdrawals[3].
- Fiverr and Upwork: Offer your freelance skills (writing, design, tech, etc.) and connect with clients worldwide. Payments are handled securely through the platforms[6].
- Honeygain and Tapestri: Earn passive income for sharing your internet connection (Honeygain) or your data (Tapestri), often with minimal interaction required[2][4][7].
- Acorns: Invest spare change from everyday purchases and earn cash bonuses by shopping at participating retailers—great for building up investment accounts automatically[4].
- Survey Junkie: Share your opinions in market research surveys for small payouts, typically paid in cash or gift cards once you reach the minimum threshold[5].
It’s important to choose the app and earning method that best fits your skills, schedule, and risk tolerance. Most apps allow for small, steady earnings rather than large windfalls, but with consistency, they can make a noticeable difference over time.
References
- [1] Best Apps To Make Money 2025 Edition – Podbase
- [2] 14 Secret websites to make money in 2025 – Printify
- [3] 41 Apps That Pay You Real Money: The Best Money Making Apps of …
- [4] 15 Apps to Make Money in 2025 | EarnIn
- [5] Best Apps to Make Money in 2025 – Business Insider
- [6] 9 of the Best Money-Making Apps of 2025 – NerdWallet
- [7] 10 FREE Apps That Pay You You To Do Nothing – YouTube