18 Best Apps to Make Money Online for Students

With more students seeking flexible income sources that work around their schedules, making money through mobile apps has become an increasingly popular solution. Many apps today allow students to earn income by participating in surveys, performing small tasks, freelancing, investing, and even selling products. This guide will introduce you to some of the top apps for students to start earning money online.

1. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is one of the most well-known reward apps, offering various ways to make money through tasks that can fit around classes and study schedules. Students can earn Swagbucks (points) by completing surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online through affiliate links. Once you accumulate enough Swagbucks, you can cash out via PayPal or redeem for gift cards. Swagbucks offers plenty of small tasks that you can complete during short breaks, making it a convenient option for students.

2. Upwork

If you have skills in writing, graphic design, coding, social media management, or data entry, Upwork can be an ideal app for making money. This freelancing platform connects you with clients worldwide who are seeking specific skills for various projects. As a student, you can set your schedule, choose the jobs that interest you, and build a portfolio while earning money. Upwork lets you showcase your expertise and establish professional relationships, which can lead to future opportunities.

3. Foap

Foap is a great app for students with a knack for photography. If you’re interested in selling your photos, this app allows you to upload your images for potential buyers. Companies and individuals purchase photos from Foap for use in marketing materials, websites, and social media. For each photo sold, you receive a portion of the payment. The app also hosts regular “missions” or photo contests, where brands request specific types of images and offer cash rewards for winning submissions.

4. Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is a platform that pays users to participate in surveys and share opinions on various topics. The app is easy to use, and surveys generally take only a few minutes to complete, making it a good fit for students who need quick ways to earn. Survey Junkie pays in cash or gift cards and is especially appealing for students looking to make money without a long-term commitment. It’s also accessible on both mobile and desktop, providing flexibility for students on the go.

5. TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit connects users with local gigs, ranging from furniture assembly and house cleaning to moving assistance. For students looking for hands-on jobs and extra cash, TaskRabbit can be a rewarding option. While some tasks require physical presence, TaskRabbit also offers remote tasks, including virtual assistance and research work. Once you create a profile, you can choose jobs based on your skills and schedule.

6. Etsy

If you’re a student with creative skills—whether that’s in crafts, art, or digital products—Etsy offers an online platform to sell your creations. You can list handmade items, artwork, jewelry, or digital downloads on Etsy. While setting up a store requires some upfront effort, it can lead to a consistent income stream. Digital products like printable planners, stickers, or art can be a great way to make money on Etsy without having to manage inventory.

7. Sweatcoin

Sweatcoin rewards you for staying active by walking or running. The app tracks your steps and converts them into “sweatcoins,” which you can exchange for various rewards, such as discounts, products, or cash offers. For students who already walk around campus frequently, this app provides a passive way to earn rewards simply by being active. Sweatcoin may not replace a traditional income source, but it’s a fun way to earn a little extra while taking care of your health.

8. Toluna

Toluna is another survey platform that rewards users for sharing their opinions on different topics. Students can earn rewards through surveys, polls, and daily challenges. Toluna also offers product testing, where you can try out new products for free and provide feedback. Points earned on the platform can be redeemed for gift cards, cash, or products. The app provides a straightforward way to earn, and it’s easy to use during breaks or downtime.

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9. Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelancing platform where you can offer services starting at $5. It’s perfect for students who want to monetize skills like graphic design, writing, voice-overs, video editing, and more. You can create a profile listing your services, known as “gigs,” and set your rates. Fiverr also offers the flexibility to choose projects based on your availability, making it ideal for students who need a flexible work schedule.

10. Honeygain

Honeygain is a passive income app that lets you earn money by sharing your internet connection. When the app is active, it uses your unused internet bandwidth for various online activities, such as data analysis and content delivery. Honeygain is ideal for students with unlimited internet access, as you don’t need to be actively involved in tasks. Earnings can be withdrawn once you meet the minimum payout threshold, usually through PayPal.

11. Robinhood

For students interested in investing, Robinhood offers a user-friendly app for stock trading and investing. Robinhood allows you to invest in stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies without any commission fees. While investing does carry some risk, students who wish to learn about financial markets and earn returns over time might find this app helpful. With fractional shares, you can start investing with just a small amount of money.

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12. Chegg Tutors

Chegg Tutors is a platform that connects students with tutoring jobs. If you excel in a particular subject or have teaching experience, you can sign up as a tutor on Chegg. As a Chegg tutor, you’ll earn money by helping other students with their studies through live chat sessions. This option is ideal for students who want to share their knowledge while making money. Sessions can be scheduled around your availability, and the experience can also strengthen your communication and teaching skills.

13. Decluttr

Decluttr is an app that lets you sell used electronics, books, CDs, DVDs, and even LEGO sets. Students often accumulate unwanted items over time, and Decluttr provides a simple way to clear out these items while making some money. You can scan items with the app, get instant valuations, and receive payment after you ship the items. It’s an effective way to declutter and make extra cash without needing to set up a storefront or manage listings.

14. Poshmark

Poshmark is a resale app where you can sell clothing and accessories. If you have clothes or shoes in good condition that you no longer wear, Poshmark lets you list these items for sale to a community of buyers. With the option to negotiate prices and offer discounts, you can increase your chances of sales. Poshmark is user-friendly, and for students looking to earn some extra cash, it’s a great platform to turn pre-owned clothes into money.

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15. Rakuten (Ebates)

Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, rewards users with cash back when they shop online through affiliate links. Rakuten partners with thousands of stores, allowing users to earn cash back on everyday purchases. For students who shop online frequently, Rakuten provides a way to earn some money back on purchases. By combining it with other apps that offer rewards, students can maximize their earnings without taking on additional work.

16. InboxDollars

InboxDollars offers multiple ways to earn money, from taking surveys to watching videos and playing games. While each task may offer a small amount, the variety of tasks makes it easy for students to find activities that fit their schedule. InboxDollars also includes a sign-up bonus, making it easy to start earning right away. The app pays out in cash, making it a straightforward way for students to earn a little extra on the side.

17. Acorns

Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change into a diversified portfolio. For students who want to start investing but don’t have large sums to invest initially, Acorns is a great option. With automatic round-ups on everyday purchases, you can gradually build an investment portfolio without actively managing it. Over time, this can help you develop a habit of investing while potentially growing your savings.

18. Mobee

Mobee is a mystery shopping app that allows users to complete in-store or online tasks to earn rewards. The app lets you participate in “missions,” which are short assignments where you provide feedback on customer service, store cleanliness, and other factors. Mobee is ideal for students who enjoy shopping and want to make money by sharing their opinions. The app offers rewards in gift cards or cash, and it’s a fun way to earn while running errands.

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