Earning extra cash as a student can feel difficult, but here’s the good news: there are plenty of apps that make it easy to make money right from your phone. Whether you enjoy sharing your opinions through surveys, freelancing, or selling stuff you no longer need, there’s an option for everyone.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 10 apps to earn money for students. We’ll explain how each app works, what’s great about it, what might not be so great, and how much money you can make realistically.
Table of Contents
1. Upwork
Best for: Students with skills like writing, design, or coding.
How it works:
Upwork is a freelancing platform where clients post projects, and freelancers bid to work on them. As a student, you can create a profile highlighting your skills and apply for jobs that match your expertise. Common tasks include content writing, graphic design, and social media management.
Pros:
- Offers a different variety of job categories.
- Great for building long-term client relationships.
- Work at your own pace with flexible hours.
Cons:
- Beginners face high competition.
- Service fees can be low, ranging from 5% to 20%.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Payout | $10 via PayPal or direct bank transfer |
| Skill Requirement | Medium to High |
| Best For | Skilled students in specific fields |
2. Swagbucks
Best for: Simple tasks like surveys, watching videos, or playing games.
How it works:
Swagbucks gives you points (called “SB”) for completing various activities. These points can be exchanged for gift cards or cash through PayPal. It’s a great way to earn some extra cash during your free time.
Pros:
- No special skills are needed.
- Lots of ways to earn points.
- Works on both mobile and desktop.
Cons:
- Tasks pay very little.
- It takes time to accumulate enough points for rewards.
| Activity | Average Earnings (per hour) |
|---|---|
| Taking Surveys | $1 to $3 |
| Watching Videos | $0.50 to $1 |
| Playing Games | Varies |
3. Fiverr
Best for: Providing services like logo design, voiceovers, or digital marketing.
How it works:
On Fiverr, you create “gigs” to showcase your services. Clients browse these gigs and hire you for their projects. The platform offers a wide variety of categories, making it ideal for students with creative or technical talents.
Pros:
- Access to a global client base.
- Freedom to set your own prices.
- Great for building a professional portfolio.
Cons:
- Fiverr takes a 20% commission from your earnings.
- Requires effort in self-promotion to stand out and attract clients.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Payout | $5 after clearing Fiverr fees |
| Skill Requirement | Medium to High |
| Best For | Creative and technical students |
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4. TaskRabbit
Best for: Students comfortable with physical tasks like cleaning, moving, or assembling furniture.
How it works:
TaskRabbit links you with local people who need help with everyday chores. After signing up and completing a background check, you can start applying for jobs in your area. It’s perfect for those who prefer hands-on work.
Pros:
- High earning potential for certain jobs.
- Flexible schedule to work when you want.
- Quick payouts for completed tasks.
Cons:
- Not available in every city.
- Some tasks can be physically demanding.
| Task Type | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Furniture Assembly | $30/hour |
| Moving Assistance | $25/hour |
| Cleaning Services | $20/hour |
5. Etsy
Best for: Students with creative talents who can make handmade or vintage items.
How it works:
Etsy is a popular online marketplace where you can sell unique items like crafts, jewelry, and artwork. Students can turn their hobbies or creative skills into a business by setting up a shop and listing their products.
Pros:
- Access to a global audience for niche and handmade items.
- Encourages creativity and entrepreneurship.
- User-friendly platform for managing your shop.
Cons:
- Listing fees and transaction charges apply.
- Requires effort in marketing to attract buyers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Listing Fee | $0.20 per item |
| Transaction Fee | 6.5% of the sale price |
| Best For | Creative students with unique products |
6. Airbnb Experiences
Best for: Students living in tourist-friendly areas or with unique skills to share.
How it works:
Airbnb Experiences lets you offer one-of-a-kind activities to tourists, such as city tours, cooking lessons, or photography sessions. You get to decide your prices and availability, making it flexible and rewarding.
Pros:
- High earning potential if your experience is popular.
- A fun, social way to make money.
- Perfect for outgoing and creative individuals.
Cons:
- Requires effort in planning and preparation.
- Earnings depend on local demand and tourist interest.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Income Potential | Varies based on experience type ($20–$100+ per person) |
| Setup Effort | Medium to High |
| Best For | Outgoing students in tourist hotspots |
7. Foap
Best for: Students who enjoy photography.
How it works: Foap is a platform where you can sell your photos and videos to brands and agencies. Upload your work, and when someone purchases it, you earn money.
Pros:
- Passive income potential.
- Opportunity to showcase your photography skills.
- No exclusivity, so you can sell the same photo on other platforms.
Cons:
- Earnings are split 50/50 with Foap.
- Requires high-quality images to succeed.
8. TutorMe
Best for: Academically strong students who enjoy teaching.
How it works: TutorMe connects students with tutors for subjects ranging from math to languages. If you excel in a particular subject, you can apply to become a tutor and earn money helping others.
Pros:
- High hourly pay.
- Work remotely from anywhere.
- Flexible hours.
Cons:
- Rigorous application process.
- Requires subject expertise.
| Subject | Average Earnings (per hour) |
| Math | $15 to $20 |
| English | $12 to $18 |
| Science | $15 to $22 |
9. Poshmark
Best for: Selling clothes and accessories you no longer wear.
How it works:
Poshmark lets you list and sell pre-loved fashion items, making it a great way to declutter your closet while earning extra cash. Simply snap photos of your items, write a description, and set your price.
Pros:
- Simple and user-friendly platform.
- Encourages sustainable fashion practices.
- Active community of buyers looking for unique finds.
Cons:
- Poshmark takes a commission on every sale (20% for items over $15).
- Requires time to photograph, list, and occasionally negotiate with buyers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Commission Fee | 20% for sales over $15; flat $2.95 for sales under $15 |
| Best For | Students decluttering their wardrobe |
| Effort Level | Medium |
10. Acorns
Best for: Students looking to invest spare change.
How it works: Acorns automatically invests your spare change by rounding up your purchases to the nearest dollar. It’s a passive way to grow your money over time.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly investment platform.
- Low starting requirements.
- Helps build good financial habits.
Cons:
- Monthly fees for accounts under $5,000.
- Limited control over investments.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
- Time Management:
Set aside specific hours each week to work on money-making tasks. This helps you stay organized and ensures that your studies aren’t affected while still allowing you to earn. - Skill Development:
Take the time to learn new skills, such as graphic design, coding, or social media marketing. These can open up higher-paying opportunities and allow you to stand out from the competition. - Avoid Scams:
Be careful when choosing platforms. Avoid those that ask for upfront fees or promise earnings that sound too good to be true. Always do your research before signing up for any app or website.
Conclusion
Making money as a student has never been easier, thanks to the variety of apps available. Whether you’re into freelancing, teaching, or selling your creative work, there’s something out there that matches your interests and skills. Start with one or two apps, stay consistent, and watch your earnings grow over time. The key is finding the right balance between your studies and your side hustle, so you can succeed in both!
FAQs
- Which app is best for beginners with no skills? Swagbucks and TaskRabbit are great options as they don’t require specialized skills.
- How much can I earn from these apps? Earnings vary widely depending on the app and the effort you put in. For example, freelancing apps like Upwork can pay up to $50/hour, while survey apps might only offer $5/hour.
- Are these apps available globally? Most apps like Fiverr, Upwork, and Swagbucks are available worldwide, but some, like TaskRabbit, are location-specific.
- Do I need to invest money to start? No, most apps are free to join. However, platforms like Etsy may require a small fee to list items.
- How do I avoid scams? Stick to reputable apps with positive reviews, and never pay upfront fees to access opportunities.