Earning passive income is one of the best ways to make money. Instead of trading your time for dollars, passive income involves letting the free money roll in without needing to work a regular job.
Although this money-making opportunity does involve some upfront work, the creation of a new income stream is a worthwhile pursuit. Luckily, there are some ways to streamline your passive income creation by using apps to make money.
Here are some of the best passive income apps to help you build wealth with minimal ongoing effort.
Top Passive Income Apps
The top apps that help you earn passive income have solid reputations for helping users create a new income stream. Although the potential rewards for each app can vary, the right combination could boost your bottom line substantially.
From highest to lowest Trustpilot ranking, here are the best passive income apps on the market.
1. Truebill
Truebill is an app that works to lower your bills and cancel unused subscriptions that are eating into your monthly budget. It is free to download, but there are additional features that cost money.
The app starts working after you connect your bank accounts. After a quick analysis, Truebill will offer to cancel any unused subscriptions and negotiate your bills for you.
According to Truebill, members save an average of $180 per year. That’s money that you can keep in your bank account instead of spending.
Beyond helping you slash spending, Truebill offers tools for:
- Monitoring your credit
- Budgeting
- Tracking spending
- Reaching savings goals
Want to learn more about Truebill? Check out our full review.
Trustpilot score: 4.8 out of 5
Pros
- Free to download
- Offers other financial tools
Cons
- 40% success rate
- Certain features cost money
2. MyConstant
MyConstant is an app that offers peer-to-peer lending options. Through the app, you can lend money to people and businesses around the world.
Depending on the loan terms and borrower, you can set an interest rate of up to 7%.
If the idea of peer-to-peer lending interests you, then MyConstant is a streamlined way to create a passive income stream. You’ll even have the option to lend in USD or cryptocurrencies.
What’s great about MyConstant is that the company has seen over a 100% recovery rate. This means that no one has lost their funds since inception.
This is a big deal when it comes to safeguarding your financial health.
Trustpilot score: 4.5 out of 5
Pros
- Great track record
- Flexible terms
Cons
- No secondary market
- Only USD and cryptocurrency options
3. Swagbucks
Strictly speaking, Swagbucks isn’t a passive income app. That’s because it requires activity on your part. However, you’ll get paid to tackle tasks that you already do.
For example, you can get paid for watching videos and play games. If you already do these activities on your phone, why not get paid for the time you spend doing them?
Other ways to earn with Swagbucks include:
- Searching the web
- Answering surveys
- Finding deals
If you sign up for Swagbucks, you’ll get a free $5 sign-up bonus. Plus, you can earn points when you refer friends to the app.
Want to learn more about Swagbucks? Take a look at our full review.
Trustpilot score: 4.3 out of 5
Pros
- Many ways to earn
- Cash out with gift cards at $1
- Most tasks take time
Cons
- $25 PayPal redemption minimum
- Not entirely passive
4. InboxDollars
Like Swagbucks, InboxDollars offers ways to earn money through paid activities that you already spend time doing.
A few include:
- Taking online surveys
- Reading emails
- Testing products
- Watching videos
- Playing games
Additionally, you can get paid to search the internet and get cash back when you shop online. These last two features make InboxDollars a true passive income opportunity.
With automatic cash back for shopping online, you can quickly save money on purchases you already planned to make.
To learn more about InboxDollars, check out our full review.
Trustpilot score: 4.1 out of 5
Pros
- $5 welcome bonus
- Easy to use
Cons
- Limited passive income opportunities
- $10 minimum redemption
5. Drop
Drop offers cash back rewards when you shop. Essentially, you can get money back on everyday purchases.
The process starts when you connect your credit card, debit card or bank account to Drop. You’ll be able to choose up to five stores to earn cash back from.
A few options include:
- Sephora
- Starbucks
- Target
- Walmart
When you shop using your connected payment method, Drop will send you DropPoints. You can redeem these points for gift cards.
If you are already shopping, this is a useful way to lower your costs.
Trustpilot score: 4.0 out of 5
Pros
- Earn points automatically
- Combine earnings with other discounts
Cons
- No cash redemptions
- Minimum redemption of $25
6. Rakuten
Rakuten is a rewards app that sends you between 1% and 40% cash back on your purchases. The only catch is that you have to purchase items through your Rakuten account.
Additionally, you can get in-store cash back for some purchases if you link your payment card. With thousands of stores, you can easily complete all of your shopping through this money-saving app.
A few of the participating stores include:
- Kohl’s
- Nike
- Old Navy
- Target
Depending on your shopping habits, this could save you a lot of money by simply signing up for an account or using a linked credit or debit card.
Check out our Rakuten review for more information on how to earn cash when you spend money.
Trustpilot score: 4.0 out of 5
Pros
- Up to 40% cash back
- Available at thousands of stores
Cons
- Payouts on a quarterly basis
- Rotating cash back opportunities
7. Nielsen
Nielsen offers the chance to turn your internet usage into a passive income stream.
You simply download the app and add your devices. Once you get the app installed, it will track your data.
With this app, you’ll receive:
- $50 yearly for keeping it installed
- Entry into a $10,000 monthly sweepstakes
- Tokens to play instant win games
Getting these perks is truly as simple as downloading the app and keeping it installed on your phone.
Trustpilot score: 3.3 out of 5
Pros
- Easy to set up
- $50 per year
8. Fundrise
When you think of passive income, you likely think of real estate. Unfortunately, pursuing real estate investments can seem overwhelming if you have to manage an entire property on your own.
Luckily, that’s no longer the only way to earn passive income through real estate. Fundrise is a passive income app that opens the door to income without the headaches of being a landlord.
You can start investing with Fundrise for as little as $10. Using this crowdfunded real estate platform, you can start building a substantial income stream that you can use to save money.
Keep in mind that investing in real estate is generally a long-term commitment. As a result, make sure you are willing to hold your position for at least five years.
Don’t miss our Fundrise review if you want to learn more about this real estate crowdfunding platform.
Trustpilot score: 3.3 out of 5
Pros
- Open to non-accredited investors
- Low minimum investment
Cons
- Risk for losses
- Limited liquidity
9. M1 Finance
M1 Finance is a free investment app that allows you to build a portfolio. The app makes it easy to invest in dividend stocks that can push income in your direction.
A key feature of this app is the “pies” that help you map out a portfolio that is in line with your goals. It’s a great place for a new investor to get started.
The only downside is that you won’t find mutual funds available through M1.
Beyond offering investment opportunities, you can also take advantage of M1’s interest-bearing checking account and cash back credit card.
Want to learn more about M1 Finance? Read our full review.
Trustpilot score: 3.1 out of 5
Pros
- Free to use
- Purchase fractional shares
Cons
- No mutual funds
- Risk for losses
10. Public.com
Public is an app that allows you to invest in stocks, cryptocurrency and exchange traded funds (ETFs). You can get started with a minimum investment of just one dollar. This makes it easy for anyone to earn money online.
As you build an investment portfolio to create income, you can use the social networking feature to connect with other like-minded investors.
While you cannot set up a retirement account on Public, you can create a taxable brokerage account that may generate passive income.
Are you curious about what else Public has to offer? Read our full review.
Trustpilot score: 2.8 out of 5
Pros
- No trading fees
- Connect with other investors
Cons
- No retirement account options
- Limited research tools
11. Acorns
Acorns is a passive income app that will invest your spare change to build an investment portfolio. Ultimately, you can create investment accounts that grows over time.
With Acorns, your purchases are rounded to the nearest dollar and then automatically invested.
However, you can only invest in one of five ETF options through Acorns.
These investment limitations might be a constraint for some investors. Plus, you’ll need to commit to a monthly fee that ranges from $1 to $5.
That said, this app also offers banking features, financial tips and other ways to earn free money online. These features make it an even more robust option for those looking to generate income.
If you want to start investing your spare change, check out our Acorns review.
Trustpilot score: 2.4 out of 5
Pros
- Low minimum investment of $5
- No trading fees
Cons
- Monthly membership cost
- ETF investments only
12. Earny
If you want to make money passively, Earny is another rewards app that will send you extra cash back when you make purchases. In addition to receiving cash back for shopping, Earny tracks your purchases to watch for price drops.
If an item drops in price, Earny will secure a refund from the provider. As a shopper, this gives you peace of mind knowing you’ll get the best price.
This income will roll into your account whenever Earny spots a discount. Plus, the app can even get your money back on late deliveries.
In addition, you can get entered to win sweepstakes prizes for linking your Amazon account.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Price protection feature
- Double cash back opportunities
Cons
- Fee for upgraded features
- Limited customer feedback
13. Dosh
Dosh offers a cash back opportunity. After you connect your credit card of choice, you can earn cash back on purchases from a wide range of retailers.
Although you have to hand over your credit card details to this passive income app, this information will be safe thanks to Dosh’s high-level security features.
When you accumulate $15 in cash back, you can request a transfer to your PayPal account, savings account or checking account.
Expect to earn around 2% to 3% cash back through Dosh.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Automatically earn rewards
- Several payout methods
Cons
- Must provide credit card details
- Can only link one credit card
14. Mainvest
Mainvest is an app that offers equity crowdfunding opportunities. As an investor, you can invest in small businesses across the country.
You’ll need $100 to get started. However, you’ll find companies offering projected returns of 10% to 25%.
When you invest in any company, there is risk involved. This holds true with Mainvest. Fortunately, the app minimizes any risks by having every company complete a thorough vetting process.
It’s important to note that your funds will be tied up for five to ten years. With no option to sell shares early, you’ll want to make sure this timeline works for your finances.
Don’t miss our Mainvest review to learn more about making money with this great passive income app.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Invest in small businesses
- Quarterly payouts
Cons
- Risk involved
- Can’t sell shares early
15. OnMyWay
If you are a safe driver, OnMyWay presents a great way to earn passive income. The app’s goal is to pay drivers who avoid distractions while on the road.
Once you get the app installed on your phone, you’ll earn a nickel for every mile that you drive without texting. Plus, you’ll also get $100 for signing up. That’s an easy way to earn more money.
The redemption options are limited compared to other passive income apps to make money, but OnMyWay is working on adding more payouts in the future.
Although this is not the most lucrative opportunity, it’s a great choice for safe drivers. If you want to earn extra cash for doing something you should already be doing, this is a great way to start making money.
Trustpilot score: N/A
Pros
- Earn for every mile
- Very passive
Cons
- Limited earning potential
- Few redemption options
FAQs
Before you sign up for the best passive income apps to make more money, you may have some questions. These answers can help you determine which opportunities are right for you.
No. Not all these apps are legitimate opportunities. Unfortunately, there are some scams out there.
The good news is that the money-making apps on this list are legit options. You might not earn hundreds of dollars, but they can help you earn extra money with minimal effort.
The amount you can earn from these apps varies dramatically.
You may not earn much from an app designed to help you get automatic refunds on purchases. But you might be able to earn a significant amount of passive income through an app that offers investment portfolios.
The payout options vary. In most cases, you’ll be able to receive your earnings in cash via PayPal or direct deposit. Other apps let you redeem earnings for gift cards.
Before signing up for any particular passive income app, make sure that you are comfortable with the payment options and redemption minimums before you start trying to earn money.
A few of the most well-known apps include Swagbucks, InboxDollars and Rakuten.
That said, there are plenty of opportunities available aside from these three options. After all, plenty of newer apps offer worthwhile passive income opportunities.
Summary
The best passive income apps can help you create additional income streams. Although some of the opportunities may generate less income than others, they can all add up to a substantial amount of extra money.
This is especially true when you consider that you don’t have to trade your time to earn more cash.
If you want to add some extra money to your bank accounts, consider using passive income apps to build wealth with minimal effort.
