Best Money Earning Apps for Student in 2025
In this guide, we cover 18 of the best apps to make money in 2025, broken down into four main categories:
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Freelancing & Long-Term Gigs
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Short-Term Tasks & Microjobs
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Delivery & Rideshare Apps
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Selling Unused Items
We’ll walk you through how each app works, what you need to get started, and how much you can expect to earn.
💼 Freelancing & Long-Term Gigs
1. Upwork
A global platform for freelancers, Upwork lets you connect with clients in writing, design, marketing, development, and more. You’ll need to create a professional profile and get approved.
Estimated Earnings: $20–$28/hour (USA average)
Withdraw Options: Wise, PayPal, Payoneer, M-Pesa
2. Fiverr
Create “Gigs” offering services starting at $5. Perfect for creatives and professionals in design, writing, video, or coding.
Estimated Earnings: $60–$103/month (average)
Setup: Profile + Gig creation
3. Freelancer.com
Similar to Upwork, Freelancer.com connects you with clients worldwide. Sign-up is free but requires a username you can’t change.
Estimated Earnings: ~$20/hour
Sign-up Requirements: Email or Facebook
4. Toptal
Toptal is a premium platform for top-tier freelancers. It has a rigorous screening process and works with big brands.
Estimated Earnings: $50K–$230K/year
Best For: Experienced developers, designers, finance experts
5. FlexJobs
A subscription-based platform offering curated listings for remote and freelance roles across industries.
Estimated Earnings: $30K–$80K/year
Top Roles: Writing, marketing, customer service
💸 Short-Term Tasks & Microjobs
6. Ibotta
Get cashback on groceries and retail purchases by scanning receipts.
Payout: ~$20/month
Redeem via: PayPal or gift cards
7. Rakuten
Earn cashback when shopping online through their app. New users get a $10 bonus after spending $25.
Payout Frequency: Quarterly via PayPal or check
Setup: Email or Google/Facebook/Apple account
8. Swagbucks
Earn points (SBs) for surveys, videos, shopping, and more. Points can be exchanged for cash or gift cards.
Daily Income: $1–$5
Annual Potential: Up to $1,825
9. Survey Junkie
Complete surveys and join focus groups for rewards.
Estimated Earnings: ~$3.18/hour
Pro Tip: Focus groups pay more than basic surveys
10. Taskrabbit
Offer local services like furniture assembly, moving help, or deliveries.
Average Monthly Income: $110–$380
Requirements: Photo ID, profile verification
🚗 Delivery & Rideshare Apps
11. Uber
Drive passengers using your own vehicle. Requires a valid license and insurance.
Average Income: $155–$364/month
Bonus Tip: Surge hours = more earnings
12. Lyft
Similar to Uber, offering flexible hours and potential bonuses.
Average Income: $210–$377/month
Requirements: Vehicle, insurance, background check
13. DoorDash
Deliver meals from local restaurants.
Average Income: $100–$229/month
Must-Haves: Vehicle and smartphone
14. Instacart
Deliver groceries or shop for customers. Great for those with a reliable car and flexible schedule.
Pay Range: $11–$16/hour
Per Trip: ~$16
🛍️ Selling Unused Items
15. Poshmark
Sell used clothes and accessories. Includes social features like parties and shares.
Average Earnings: $500/month
Top Sellers: Up to $5,000/month
16. Facebook Marketplace
List and sell items locally. Great for furniture, electronics, and household goods.
Earnings Vary: Region-specific
Tip: Use original photos and fair pricing
17. OfferUp
An app-based local marketplace to buy and sell everything from tools to baby gear.
Sign-Up Options: Email, Google, Facebook, or Apple
Earnings: Depends on what you sell and your area
18. Vinted
A fashion resale app focused on secondhand clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Sign-Up: Google/Facebook verification required
Earnings Info: Unpublished, but high growth platform
💡 Bonus: Get Paid Internationally with Wise Business
For freelancers and sellers working across borders, Wise Business is a smart solution for handling international payments:
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Use mid-market exchange rates
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Lower fees for international transactions
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Multi-currency account (40+ currencies)
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QuickBooks, Xero & NetSuite integrations
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Multi-currency debit card
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One-time fee for local receiving accounts (USD, GBP, EUR & more)
