Expert Tests Reveal Most Trusted Apps to Make Money in 2025

 Apps to make money have paid out over $600 million in rewards to users, with platforms like Swagbucks leading the way in reliable online earnings. I've thoroughly tested dozens of money-making opportunities and discovered that legitimate options exist across various categories. In fact, some gig-based apps like TaskRabbit allow users to earn between $15-60 per hour, while Uber drivers average around $25 hourly after expenses.

Finding the best money making apps requires careful evaluation. During my extensive testing, I discovered apps that give you money through different methods - from survey completion to skill monetization. Additionally, some apps to earn money require active participation, while others generate passive income. For instance, InboxDollars pays up to $225 monthly for completing surveys, and games to play and make money like Skillz Games award over $100 million in monthly prizes. The top apps to make money featured in this guide have been vetted based on payout reliability, user experience, and potential earnings.

Experts Test and Rank Most Trusted Money Apps

Financial experts have developed thorough methodologies to identify trustworthy apps to make money in 2025. Through comprehensive testing and analysis, these professionals separate legitimate opportunities from potential scams. Recently, major financial publications have put these money making apps through rigorous evaluation processes to determine which ones deliver on their promises.

How apps were selected and evaluated

Leading financial organizations employ multi-stage evaluation processes to identify the best money making apps. Business Insider's team consulted financial planning experts and compiled a list of over a dozen popular mobile money apps before narrowing down their recommendations. Throughout their assessment, analysts used each app for a two-week period to evaluate the sign-up process and overall user experience.

Rating thresholds serve as the first qualification barrier. NerdWallet established minimum requirements of 4.4 stars in the iOS App Store and 3.5 stars on Google Play, alongside at least 7,500 reviews in both platforms. Likewise, CNBC Select required apps to maintain high user ratings with a minimum of 1,000 reviews in both app stores and ratings exceeding 4 stars out of 5.

Furthermore, Forbes Advisor employed an exceptionally detailed approach by analyzing 27 budgeting apps across 18 specific data points. Their methodology assigned different weightings to various categories:

• Mobile app ratings: 35%
• Cost: 25%
• Encryption/Security: 15%
• Account integration capabilities: 10%
• Website version availability: 10%
• Sharing capabilities: 5%

Consumer Reports took a different approach by evaluating payment apps through their Fair Digital Finance Framework, created with input from academics, fintech companies, regulators, and consumer advocates. This framework specifically examines benefits and potential risks for consumers.

Criteria: payout speed, user reviews, security, and ease of use

Security remains paramount when evaluating apps that give you money. Experts prioritize platforms offering robust security features including encryption, two-factor authentication, and fraud protection. Since these services transmit financial information, all must comply with the PCI Data Security Standard—the same standard used for traditional payment cards.

Regarding payout speed, analysts examine how quickly users can access their earnings. For instance, Cash App charges between 0.5% to 1.75% for instant deposits (minimum $0.25 fee), while Venmo charges 1.5% (minimum $0.25) per expedited deposit. Transfer limits also factor into evaluations—Venmo starts with a $300 weekly cap but can increase to $60,000 after identity verification.

User experience significantly impacts rankings for top apps to make money. Testers specifically look for intuitive interfaces that provide easy navigation. TechRadar's evaluation process emphasizes convenience, usability, and platform compatibility. An effective app should enable users to send and receive money without complications, particularly when using apps to earn money through various methods.

Moreover, transaction fees heavily influence rankings. The most highly rated apps that make money typically offer free standard transfers when connected to checking accounts, only charging fees for credit card transactions or express transfers. Experts also examine whether games to play and make money offer transparent fee structures aligned with users' transaction needs.

By applying these comprehensive evaluation criteria, financial experts have identified the most reliable platforms for earning extra income in 2025.

Survey and Opinion Apps Reward Users for Feedback

Survey apps to make money continue to grow in popularity as companies seek consumer opinions to shape their products and services. These platforms offer an accessible entry point for anyone looking to earn extra income through simple digital tasks.

Swagbucks: Earn points for surveys and tasks

Swagbucks stands out among money making apps by rewarding users with points (called SB) for completing various online activities. The platform has paid out over $832 million in cash and free gift cards to its members. Most surveys on the platform pay between $0.25 to $5.00, though some more detailed surveys can pay $20.00 or more.

The platform offers substantial flexibility in redemption options. Users can exchange their points for gift cards from popular retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, or convert them to cash through PayPal. The minimum redemption threshold starts at just $3.00 for gift cards and $5.00 for PayPal transfers.

Consistent users report earning between $50.00 to $250.00 monthly. Rather than requiring long, uninterrupted sessions, Swagbucks integrates seamlessly into natural downtime throughout the day—during coffee breaks, in waiting rooms, or as part of morning routines.

InboxDollars: Real cash for simple activities

InboxDollars distinguishes itself from other apps that give you money by displaying earnings in actual dollar amounts rather than points. Since its founding in 2000, the platform has paid millions in rewards to members for everyday online activities.

Users can earn through various methods including:

• Taking paid surveys ($0.50 to $5.00 for 3-25 minutes)
• Reading sponsored emails
• Shopping online with cashback
• Completing offers
• Playing games

The platform requires a $15.00 minimum balance for the first withdrawal, subsequently offering payment via prepaid Visa cards, gift cards, or PayPal transfers. Although this threshold is higher than some competitors, InboxDollars offsets it with a $5.00 signup bonus for new users.

Processing times typically range from two to ten days after withdrawal request submission. Nevertheless, the platform particularly suits those who can dedicate focused time blocks rather than quick moments throughout the day.

Google Opinion Rewards: Quick surveys, instant payouts

Google Opinion Rewards operates differently from traditional money apps, focusing exclusively on short, relevant surveys. The app sends notifications when surveys are available, with most taking less than 20 seconds to complete.

Payment structure varies by platform:

• Android users receive Google Play credits (usable for apps, games, movies, books, and in-app purchases)
• iOS users receive cash payments through PayPal

Individual surveys typically pay between $0.10 to $1.00, with average payments around $0.15 to $0.20. The frequency of surveys depends on several factors including location history, shopping habits, and travel patterns. Consequently, users who frequently visit retail establishments typically receive more surveys.

The reward system functions differently from other best money making apps in that Android users' credits automatically accumulate in their Google Play accounts, whereas iOS users can transfer funds to PayPal once reaching the minimum threshold. However, Android users should note that rewards expire one year after receipt.

Despite offering smaller individual payouts than many top apps to make money, Google Opinion Rewards' extremely short survey duration makes it one of the highest-paying options when calculated on a per-minute basis.

Freelance and Gig Apps Let You Monetize Your Skills

Freelance platforms have emerged as powerful money making apps in 2025, allowing individuals to convert their professional abilities into income. Unlike passive earning methods, these platforms reward users based on their existing skillsets and expertise.

Fiverr: Sell services from writing to design

Fiverr enables freelancers to offer services across more than 200 categories, with gigs starting from just $5. The platform retains 20% of each transaction, allowing sellers to keep 80% of their earnings. Most notably, Fiverr uses a unique system where freelancers create "Gigs" with set prices rather than bidding on projects.

Setting up requires minimal effort—freelancers create a profile, establish their service packages, and wait for orders. Once a buyer purchases a service, Fiverr holds the payment until the work is delivered and approved. This escrow system protects both parties during transactions.

Successful sellers on this app to make money typically:

• Create specialized niche offerings rather than generic services
• Develop clear package tiers with additional services as "extras"
• Build credibility through portfolios and positive reviews

Many freelancers have found substantial success, with some professionals reporting earnings of $40,000 in their first year.

Upwork: Long-term freelance contracts

Upwork distinguishes itself among best money making apps by facilitating longer-term professional relationships. The platform charges a 10% service fee on freelancer earnings, while offering a sliding fee structure that decreases as you earn more with individual clients.

Unlike Fiverr's preset gig model, Upwork operates on a job proposal system where freelancers bid on posted projects. The platform supports both hourly and fixed-price contracts, enabling workers to choose payment structures that suit their work style.

Particularly valuable is Upwork's "contract-to-hire" feature, allowing freelance relationships to evolve into full-time employment opportunities. This pathway provides financial security while maintaining flexibility. High performers can achieve "Top Rated Plus" status after earning $10,000 within 12 months and working on large contracts without negative outcomes.

TaskRabbit: Local gigs for quick cash

TaskRabbit differs from other apps that make money by connecting freelancers with in-person tasks rather than digital work. The platform enables "Taskers" to offer services across more than 50 categories, including furniture assembly, moving, and mounting jobs.

After IKEA's acquisition in 2017, the platform became the official assembly service provider for IKEA stores nationwide. This partnership created steady demand for furniture assembly skills.

Taskers set their own hourly rates and keep 100% of service charges plus tips, as TaskRabbit collects fees from clients instead. The platform does require a one-time $25 registration fee, but this investment quickly pays off considering average hourly earnings of $35 with some top categories reaching $48 per hour.

Unlike purely online money apps, TaskRabbit requires physical presence, making it ideal for those seeking local income opportunities without long-term commitments.

Cashback and Shopping Apps Pay You to Spend

Cashback platforms represent a unique category of money making apps that reward users for purchases they already plan to make. Unlike traditional apps to earn money that require dedicated time, these services integrate seamlessly into existing shopping habits.

Rakuten: Earn while shopping at major retailers

Rakuten connects shoppers with over 3,500 partner stores, offering cash back on both online and in-store purchases. The platform issues payments quarterly through PayPal or physical checks, making it ideal for consistent shoppers. During special promotional periods like their "Big Give Week," users can earn exceptional rates of 15%-20% cash back at participating retailers.

The service features both a browser extension and mobile app, automatically notifying users of available offers when visiting partner websites. New members receive a $10 welcome bonus, plus the opportunity to earn $30 for each successful referral. For enhanced convenience, in-store purchases qualify for rewards without receipt uploads—users simply link a credit card to their account.

Ibotta: Scan receipts for instant cashback

Ibotta specializes in grocery store rewards, partnering with more than 2,000 retailers including major chains like Target and Walmart. Users select offers before shopping, then submit receipt photos afterward. The platform processes most submissions within 72 hours, often sooner.

After reaching the $20 minimum threshold, members can withdraw earnings to bank accounts, PayPal, or gift cards. Average users typically earn $10-$20 monthly, though particularly active members report earnings up to $300 per month. For maximum convenience, linking store loyalty accounts eliminates receipt uploads entirely.

Honey: Auto-applies coupons and rewards

Honey's browser extension automatically searches and tests coupon codes across 30,000+ websites during checkout. Beyond savings, members earn Gold points through the platform's loyalty program. These points can be redeemed for cash back, shopping credits, or gift cards—with 1,000 points equaling a $10 gift card for US members.

The extension works with major browsers including Chrome, Safari, Opera, Edge, and Firefox. Through its integration with PayPal, Honey applies shopping credits automatically to eligible future transactions. Nevertheless, potential users should note that Honey faced legal challenges in early 2025 regarding alleged deceptive practices.

Passive Income and Game Apps Offer Low-Effort Earnings

Low-effort earning options have become increasingly popular among apps to make money in 2025, allowing users to generate income with minimal active participation. These platforms appeal to those seeking supplementary earnings without significant time investments.

Honeygain: Share bandwidth for passive income

Honeygain operates on a simple premise—users earn money by sharing their unused internet bandwidth. Once installed, the app runs in the background, utilizing excess connection capacity for data collection and content delivery. Users typically earn between USD 20.00 to USD 50.00 monthly depending on internet usage and bandwidth shared. The platform employs a credit system where approximately 5GB of shared data equals USD 1.00. Accordingly, earning USD 20.00 requires sharing roughly 100GB of your internet connection. Payouts become available once users accumulate USD 20.00, with funds transferable to PayPal accounts.

Mistplay: Earn gift cards by playing games

Exclusively available on Android, Mistplay rewards users for testing and playing mobile games. The platform has distributed over USD 150.00 million in rewards since launching in 2016. Users earn units based on playtime and in-game progress, with earning rates varying by game. Typically, it takes approximately 1.5 hours of dedicated gameplay to accumulate the 1,800 units needed for a USD 5.00 Amazon gift card. Higher redemptions starting at USD 10.00 offer better value at 0.33 cents per unit versus 0.28 cents for smaller redemptions. Generally, users receive payouts within 1-2 days after redemption.

Solitaire Cube: Compete in cash tournaments

Solitaire Cube transforms the classic card game into competitive cash tournaments. Players compete head-to-head with others solving identical card decks, with winners determined by point totals. Tournament entry fees range from USD 3.00 to USD 60.00, with corresponding prize pools between USD 65.00 and USD 180.00. First-place winners in higher-tier tournaments can earn significant rewards—up to USD 150.00 in the highest bracket. Initially, users must win more than 60% of their games to break even, as the platform takes approximately 10% of each match as an entry fee. Cash tournaments remain unavailable in seven states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Maine, and South Dakota.

Conclusion

After thorough testing and analysis, these money-making apps clearly offer legitimate opportunities for generating extra income in 2025. My research demonstrates that different platforms suit different lifestyles and skills. Survey apps like Swagbucks and InboxDollars provide straightforward earning methods requiring minimal expertise, though payouts remain relatively modest. Freelance platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork, meanwhile, deliver substantially higher earnings potential for those willing to market specialized skills.

Certainly, cashback apps represent the most accessible entry point for beginners. These platforms require no additional time investment beyond normal shopping habits, essentially paying users for purchases they would make regardless. Additionally, passive income options like Honeygain offer truly hands-off earning potential, albeit with limited monthly returns.

The landscape of money-making apps continues evolving rapidly. Nevertheless, the most trustworthy platforms consistently prioritize security, transparent fee structures, and reliable payment systems. During my testing, I discovered that combining multiple approaches often yields the best results. Users might complement passive income streams with occasional high-paying freelance gigs or survey completion during downtime.

Last but not least, potential earnings vary dramatically based on time investment, skill level, and consistency. While some users might earn just $50 monthly through casual engagement, dedicated individuals leveraging high-skilled platforms can generate substantial supplementary income exceeding $1,000 monthly. The key remains choosing legitimate, expert-tested apps aligned with your specific strengths and availability.