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10 Best, Legit and Real Money-Making Apps That Actually Work

Jordana Bozhinova
Jordana Bozhinova

Last updated - February 7, 2024

One app - many ways to earn

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Technological advancements have made it easier to earn money online in recent years. While several money-making apps exist, the chances of encountering scammer apps are also high. With a trustable money-making app, you can easily maximize your earnings by doing tasks or using your skills. And the best part is that you can do so with the confidence of knowing you are not wasting your time on an app that will scam you later down the line. So, to help you pinpoint the apps worth your time and attention, here you will find the top 10 best, legit, and real money-making apps that work.

The Power of Money-Making Apps

In recent years, money-making apps have gained popularity due to the technological advancements in smartphone technology. If you’re a smartphone user, you know how powerful these devices have become and how useful they are when to sort complex tasks. While some apps can help you earn sizeable amounts of money, it’s better to not rely on them as a full-time income source. 

The power of money-making apps depends on their flexibility, reliability, and accessibility. You only need a stable internet connection to work from anywhere with them. The interesting part about these apps is that they require little to no investments for you to succeed. So, if you have some spare time after your daily 9-to-5 job routine, think of a side hustle or passive income strategy to work on. Below, we have discussed some of the best legit and real money-making apps for consideration.

10 Best, Legit, and Real Money-Making Apps

Whether looking for a veritable source of passive income or a nice side hustle to make some extra bucks, here is a compiled list of the best and legit money-making apps available online right now:

1. Best Passive Income App β€” Pawns.app

Pawns.app is the best passive income money-making app that has had great success in helping users online. Since its inception, it has helped users from various countries to earn passively by sharing their internet bandwidth.

Sharing your internet bandwidth is one of the simplest ways to make real money. Pawns.app is one of the few places that enables users to make money online by sharing their internet with others. First, you will create an account with them; then, you can start sharing your bandwidth. For every GB you share with other users, you make $0.20. One interesting feature is that you can keep the app running in the back of your device, ensuring the money continues to trickle in. 

Also, you can get extra earnings by completing surveys through your iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows device. You will get rewarded for every regular survey you complete. Much like other survey apps, you can start earning with Pawns.app after you sign up and complete your profile information. Your reward varies depending on the length and requirements of the survey.

You can also benefit from their referral program. Through it, you can earn money by referring others to use the app. If a user signs up through the referral link, you get 10% of their earnings. This way, you can secure a nice extra source of passive income. With Pawns.app, you can look forward to earning between $5 and $140 per month, depending on how much time you commit to completing the surveys and sharing your internet.

2. Best Freelancing Platform β€” Upwork

If you are planning to make freelancing your full-time career or a side gig, Upwork is the best option. We’ve picked it as one of the best money-making apps because of its ease of use, simplified communication, and various money-making alternatives. Since its founding in 2013, this freelancing marketplace has taken the gig economy to a higher level. Their talent categories, unlimited income possibilities, and profile-building tools have taken the platform to new heights for many. 

Upwork has various user membership plans: Free, Freelancer Plus, and Agency Plus. As a hired freelancer, you get to apply for one-time gigs, short-term contracts (1-3 months), or long-term contracts. What makes it more outstanding is that you must curate and submit a proposal for the posted jobs. 

Freelancers that qualify for the job get feedback from the client. You can negotiate the terms before the client creates a milestone for the project. As a job seeker in this money-making platform, your job-finding success score increases whenever a client gives positive feedback. Another thing is their payment protection scheme that acts as an escrow. This payment scheme secures freelancers’ project money and ensures they receive payment after the client’s approval.

The payment methods available on Upwork depend on your location. Freelancers can usually opt to receive their money through Paypal, Payoneer, wire transfer, direct deposit, etc. Currently, freelancers get charged a 10% service fee of their earnings, which is down from the 20% they used to have. Remember, a good thing about Upwork is that it allows you to diversify your skills and even land projects paying over $1,000.

3. Best Cashback App β€” Rakuten

You’ve probably heard about Ratuken’s attractive referral bonuses and many cashback possibilities. Rakuten, formerly Ebates, gives you up to 40% cashback if you shop online at your regular stores. That is if you use their website link while shopping. Their cashback programs offer incredible discounts at various stores. After signing up with Rakuten, you can access thousands of shops, such as Kohl’s and Target, and get cash back on your purchases.

You can cash out rewards through a check or Paypal every three months as a member. So far, their statistics show they have already paid $2.2 billion to members. This platform aims to show when another site has a lower offer on the item you want. The best part is you get $10 cash back if you spend $25 within the first three months after signing up. Now, if you refer a new customer who makes a purchase of $30, you both get a $30 incentive.

Before requesting payment, you need to have a minimum balance of $5. So, you can easily make real money from cashback using Ratuken. You can even use its browser extension to get additional discounts and cashback offers. Sometimes, the deals are too sweet to be real, so be sure to buy what you need to avoid impulsive purchases.

4. Best App for Drivers β€” Uber

If you can drive, this is going to be one of the most valuable apps for you. As a vehicle owner, through Uber, you can accept new jobs and earn instantly. Whether you choose to do food delivery or rideshare, you can earn whenever you want. In order to make money through Uber, you have to meet the following requirements: 

  • Have a current driving license
  • Have at least one year of experience driving and 3-year experience driving for those below 25 years in the US
  • You must undergo the driver screening process
  • Own a 4-door car that passes Uber’s local inspection
  • Provide all the required prerequisite documentation 

You will decide whether to deliver food via Uber Eats or accept a customer’s journey request on the Uber app. You can withdraw any amount you make up to 5 times a day. The amount you make depends on variables such as the length and distance of the trip, surge pricing, and passenger tip. However, when it comes to car repairs and maintenance, you will have to pay for it. Since Uber works as an independent contractor, you must be aware of the taxes you must pay. So, expect some service fee deduction from your earnings.

5. Best for Photographers β€” Foap

Foap is a free-of-charge money-making software for Android and iOS devices. If you are a filmmaker or photographer, this is an excellent opportunity to earn more. You can sell your movies and photographs through their platform by downloading the app, creating an account, and adding your media to the gallery. With a community of over 3 million users, there is a good chance of selling your content here. 

An agency, brand, or other users can come across your work on this platform. If it attracts them, they will purchase it. Foam takes 50% of your sales, leaving you with the rest. So, if you sell a photo for $50, you will get $25. However, this is not an issue because you can sell the same picture repeatedly, thus increasing your sales.

The platform has even found a way to help you maximize your earnings through “Missions.” Through Foap’s Mission, you can submit videos and images that align with a specific project. This way, you will maximize the possibility of landing high-paying clients who will pay you to do what you do best.

6. Best Video Sharing Platform β€” TikTok

Recently, you can’t browse online without coming across TikTok-related content. There’s a reason for that, as this is currently the best video-sharing platform you can use to reach a higher audience. If there is something you are good at or some skills you would love to share with the world and earn from it, this is the platform to use. On this global platform, you can host any form of short-form video. On average, a TikToker sharing engaging short-form videos can make up to 4 cents per 1,000 views.

So, how will you earn from TikTok? Easy. Through the TikTok Creator Fund. This program rewards content creators for their dedication, ingenuity, and spirit. These funds go to TikTokers based on the number and authenticity of views, amount of content published, and engagement level. But you will have to meet the following requirements: 

  • Must be 18 years of age and above
  • Must have at least 10k followers
  • The videos should adhere to TikTok’s Community Guidelines
  • You must have received at least 100k views in the past 30 days
  • You must reside in the US, UK, Germany, Italy, France, or Spain 

If your account meets the mentioned requirements, you can access the TikTok Creator Fund. To apply, log in to your account, go to account settings, choose creator tools, and click “Creator Fund.” This way, you’ll receive between $20 and $40 if your videos hit 1 million views.

Another way to make real money in TikTok is by holding a live session. You can get donations when you go live and interact with your followers. You can also receive virtual gifts from your fans. Other earning ways are to charge for brand sponsorship, influencer and affiliate marketing, creator marketplace, merchandising, and creating on-demand videos.

7. Best for Selling Unused Items β€” Facebook Marketplace

We all have some old, unused stuff lying around, and when the need to declutter hits your household, you must get rid of such items. Some people burn unused stuff but are unable to make money from it. Some even possess rare and antique items but don’t know where to sell them. Fortunately, Facebook Marketplace is one of the best apps for selling old stuff and earning massively.

Facebook Marketplace is a legitimate app that connects users with those willing to buy products. So, when you post your antiques or unused clothes in Facebook Marketplace, it will appear in everybody’s feed from your locality and anyone else searching for it. Similar apps offer these services, but the difference comes in pricing and communication.

Facebook Marketplace gives you the upper hand as you will interact with the customer directly and negotiate pricing and delivery terms. Also, it’s upon you to decide on a payment method to use. So, with this app on your Android or iOS device, you can easily make money from what you have lying around. Remember, what you see as old can be someone else’s gold.

8. Best for Short-Term Rentals β€”Airbnb

If you have an extra room in your home or apartment you could rent, you can earn by listing it on Airbnb. Airbnb allows you to host and rent your extra space freely and only collect a small percentage of your earnings. To begin making money here, you have to list your space first, choose your host, and set the price. On average, the US Airbnb hosts have the highest average earnings of $44,235 per year.

So, yes, Airbnb is a legit and real money-making app that you can count on. As a homeowner or investor, Airbnb works as a great option if you live in a place that gets many seasonal guests every year. 

9. Best for Micro Investing β€” Acorns

This micro-investing program enables you to save towards your stock portfolio, cryptocurrencies, and retirement through exchange-traded funds. With this app, you have numerous saving options. Using it, you will invest your money in an ETF portfolio of 7,000+ equities and bonds. With this money-making app, you can sign up for daily sizable contributions.

So, if you want to save for your retirement or kids’ education, you can start investing with Acorns for as low as $5. More so, they have experts who will advise and guide you on what to do. They also have an Acorns Later IRA you can use for retirement at a later point in your life.

10. Best for Gig Economy Jobs β€” Steady

In this money-making app, you will get gig economy jobs all under one roof. The tasks listed on this platform will depend on your skills and location. If you want to make money, you can search for on-demand jobs and part-time and full-time opportunities. Signing up is free, so you can get ready to make it through the opportunities offered here.  

Another interesting thing is the referral bonuses that can add to your income. In addition to providing job options, the Steady app also has income-boosting opportunities, discounts, saving incentives, and personalized earning insights. When it comes to earnings, each gig has a different pay, so the amount of money you make will depend on the featured gig.

Strategies to Make the Most Out of Money-Making Apps

Developing suitable approaches is vital to ensure you get the best out of these money-making apps. To make the most out of them, here are some strategies to use: 

  • Choose Reputable Apps: There are thousands of money-making apps that you can find online, but most of them are scams. So, you need to use legit and real money-making apps like the ones we have listed above to maximize your earnings and be safe at the same time. You can even research more about the apps listed above. Find customer reviews, ratings, and other people’s opinions to know more. Remember, if the app asks for upfront fees, they are scammers. Also, avoid apps with deals that are too sweet to be true.
  • Diversify Your Apps: If you have only one money-making app because of your skills, consider diversifying. Your purpose is to make the most out of these apps. So, if you are able to employ three or four of them, you will feel more relaxed since you will still be able to earn from the rest if one of these apps fails.
  • Be Consistent: Consistency is the key. You must be consistent if using social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok in affiliate marketing or selling your products. If you’re not active on social media, you may lose opportunities to promote your stuff. Besides, consistency keeps your followers and customers engaged, increasing your chance of earning.
  • Have Realistic Expectations: There are so many success stories about money-making apps. This article could be your drive to start one yourself, but what about your goals? You can’t abandon your traditional job to earn solely through money-making apps just because someone said they make $1,000 daily. When starting, have realistic goals. Use these apps as your supplementary income source until you can make it stable enough. 
  • Make Good Use of Referral Programs: As much as money-making apps can help you maximize your income, they also have bonuses you can tap into. When you invite your friends via your referral link, you receive a percentage of their earnings. So, be sure to share your referral link a lot if you wish to earn more from these money-making apps. 

Success Stories of Users Earning Real Money

Success stories of users earning real money from money-making apps vary depending on their skills, market condition, industry, timing, and dedication. Yes, it’s true some people have already made millions from these, but it took them time and patience to get it. Here are some inspirational stories: 

  • How Upwork Made Elron Naranja a Millionaire   

One of Upwork’s freelancers, Elron, explains how he made millions through the platform. After investing time in creating his portfolio, he invited and engaged clients by showcasing his skills through the portfolio he created. His success story is a motivation to many, considering how difficult it can be to earn worthwhile money online.  

  • How Khaby Lame Made $2 Million from TikTok 

Khaby Lame is one of the famous TikTokers who has managed to win big from the platform. His success story dates back to 2020 during the pandemic when he joined TikTok and had amassed over 142.8 million followers by June. He is amongst the highest-paid TikTokers, making around $750,000 per video. His journey in the platform has been successful, and he’s landed various high-profile deals, adding to his portfolio. So, making money via TikTok is not a scam but a journey that needs creativity and patience to succeed. 

Main Keypoints

You must trust your instincts when looking for the best, legit, and real money-making apps that work. If you know what you want, then go for it. To avoid disappointments and maximize your earnings: 

  • Research the money-making apps in depth and choose ones you can trust, preferably from the list shown here
  • Sign up or download the app
  • Create your profile or portfolio to attract customers or followers
  • Set your price (if required) and other necessary details
  • Earn from it 

As mentioned earlier, the power of money-making apps relies on their flexibility and accessibility, so be careful about which app you choose. More so, diversify your strategies on various apps to ensure you get a reliable income source.

FAQs

What Are Some Legitimate Money-Making Apps?

All of the apps and platforms listed in this article are legitimate income sources you can choose confidently. They are all from trustworthy and reliable providers and companies known far and wide by freelancers and other online income earners to be safe. So, whether you choose Steady, Uber, or us at Pawns.app, you can rest easy in knowing that all these are legitimate opportunities.

How Can I Maximize My Earnings From These Apps?

You can optimize your earnings from these apps by applying monetization strategies such as subscription, affiliate marketing, sponsorship, referral marketing, and merchandise selling.

Do You Have Any Success Stories From Real Money-Making Apps?

In addition to the success stories of Elron Naranja and Khaby Lame mentioned above, checking the reviews and testimonials section of any of these apps is enough to hear about the small success stories of users on them. Alternatively, you can also read these money-making apps’ positive opinions on Google and TrustPilot to better understand what people think about them.

Jordana Bozhinova
Jordana Bozhinova

Copywriter, Pawns.app

Once an eighth-grade chemistry whiz, Jordana is now a BA in Psychology, hoping to one day tread through the fine weave of the psyche professionally. Chemistry still excites her, but not more than physics or music. A fan of creativity and innovation, Jordana has a passion for helping students find earning opportunities, budgeting insights, and studying tips. Personal growth and authenticity are always on her to-do list, and she'd like to see the world's pendulum swing in that direction, too.

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