The top money-making apps for students
1. Ibotta
- iOS 4.8 / 5 stars
- Android 4.5 / 5 stars
Kicking off the list of apps that give you money is Ibotta, a shopping rewards program. Here’s how it works: You go shopping, you upload a photo of your receipt to the app, and Ibotta finds rebates for you. You need to wait until you hit $20 before you can cash out, but you can choose PayPal, Venmo or gift cards as currency.
Image credit: Acorns
2. Acorns
- iOS 4.7 stars
- Android 4.4 stars
Acorns is one of the best money-making apps for long-term savings. It won’t pay for any immediate needs, but if you’re looking ahead beyond graduation, this is one way to set yourself up for financial freedom. Acorns invests your spare change into long-term savings accounts and investments that should pay off in the long run. It’s a cool way to dip your toes into the proverbial investing pond.
3. Shopkick
iOS 4.7 stars
Android 4.3 stars
Like Ibotta, you have to go shopping if you want to earn money from Shopkick. Earn “kicks,” the shopping rewards app currency, for shopping in-app or using it in-store. You can also perform secret shopping-esque tasks assigned by the app for extra kicks. You won’t get cold hard cash from Shop
Image credit: Uber
4. Uber
- iOS 4.7 stars (#1 in the Travel category)
- Android 4.2 stars
There are a couple of ways to make money with Uber, both of which involve driving. You could be a “traditional” Uber driver; even if you don’t have a car, the company has introduced leasing-type programs for car-less drivers. Not interested in extensive interaction with people? Deliver food for Uber Eats. There’s bound to be endless demand in a college town.
Image credit: Google
5. Google Opinion Rewards
- iOS 4.7 stars
- Android 4 stars
Google Opinion Rewards is an app that pays you money in the form of Google Play or PayPal credits. You can’t use it to pick up your bar tab, but you can use it to download music, apps, books and more. Just spend some time doing surveys, or let Google spy on you more than they already do, to start earning.
Image credit: Slidejoy
6. Slidejoy
- Android 4.3 stars
Slidejoy is unique from others on this list of apps that make you money, and it’s a much more passive approach. All you have to do is unlock your phone. Here’s how it works: When you download the app, Slidejoy becomes your phone’s lock screen. Each time you unlock your phone, you earn points. The best part is you can transfer your earnings to PayPal, choose a gift card or donate your earnings to a cause close to your heart.
Image credit: Bookscouter
7. BookScouter
- iOS 4 stars
- Android 4 stars
Got textbooks collecting dust? Turn them into cash with BookScouter. List your used textbooks (or non-academic books) on the marketplace in exchange for cash. If you’re extra motivated, you can scour eBay for cheap books and flip them on BookScouter. One person made $750/month on the app. That’s not chump change!
Image credit: Foup
8. Foap
- iOS 4.5 stars
- Android 3.8 stars
Ever wonder what to do with all the photos you’ve taken on your phone? Put them up for sale on Foap. There are a few ways to earn money, including missions and their marketplace. Missions are great for in-between classes or on the weekends or you can cull shots from your library.
Image credit: Apple Store
9. iPoll
- iOS 3.7 stars
- Android 3.8 stars
Another survey option on the list of money-earning apps, iPoll qualifies you for online surveys based on your background. Most are on the shorter side and will net anywhere from $0.40–$1.50 each, though there is the occasional high-paying survey (these will typically take more time). Plus, the payout is via PayPal, gift cards or even airline miles. (Pro tip: You can save those for spring break!)
10. Swagbucks
- iOS 3.6 stars
- Android 3.9 stars
There are a lot of ways to earn money with Swagbucks: get rewards for shopping, answering surveys or even watching videos. Earn SwagBucks (SBs) that you can redeem for your earnings. Though there’s no minimum payout, one downside is that payment is only in gift cards — this is no get-rich-quick scheme.
No matter which option you choose, there are plenty of money-making apps out there to help you earn cash back throughout the semester. To stay on top of all the latest news, don’t forget to follow our experts on Facebook and Twitter.
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