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Want to Make Extra Money on the side — without diving into a full-on side hustle?
Side hustle apps to earn a little extra cash could be just the ticket.
These apps are meant to help you make more money on your time, from selling things you don’t use anymore to offering your skills.
They offer the ultimate in flexibility—you can work around your life, not the other way around.
No more working long hours – you can now earn smarter in ways that work for you.
Here are the 15 Apps to Make Extra Money on the Side
Uber: Drive on your terms
What it is: Earn cash by driving passengers with flexible hours.
Why choose Uber:
- Flexible timing: Work weekdays, weekends, or nights—you set your hours.
- Instant payouts: Access earnings daily via same-day transfers.
- Keep 100% of tips: No shared pools—all tips go directly to you.
Getting started:
- Sign up: Create an account and submit basic details.
- Vehicle inspection: Ensure your car meets Uber’s requirements.
- Start driving: Accept rides and earn immediately.
Uber’s appeal: Ideal for balancing commitments while earning steady income. Partner with Uber or Lyft for instant cash flow.
Airbnb: Rent your space for extra income
What it is: Turn unused rooms or properties into income by hosting travelers.
How it works:
- Create a listing: Add photos, descriptions, and availability on Airbnb.
- Set your price: Use Airbnb’s tools to stay competitive.
- Manage bookings: Accept or decline guest requests based on your preferences.
Benefits of Airbnb:
- Total flexibility: Decide when to host and who stays.
- Global reach: Attract travelers worldwide.
- Passive earnings: Earn without a full-time commitment.
Why try Airbnb: Meet travelers, share your space, and earn effortlessly.
Etsy: Sell handmade goods globally
What it is: A marketplace for handmade items like jewelry, art, or clothing—ideal for creators who value storytelling.
Getting started:
- Sign up: Create a shop on Etsy with a unique name and policies.
- List products: Use high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and competitive pricing.
- Promote: Share your shop via social media or Etsy’s ads.
Tips for success:
- Prioritize quality: Ensure items are unique and well-crafted.
- Engage customers: Respond quickly to messages and reviews.
- Adapt to trends: Update listings based on market demand.
Why try Etsy: Reach a global audience passionate about handmade goods. While growth takes time, it rewards patience with steady income.
TaskRabbit: Earn by completing local tasks
What it is: Connect with locals needing help—from assembling furniture to running errands.
Why choose TaskRabbit:
- Flexible hours: Work around your schedule.
- Diverse tasks: Choose from handyman jobs, gardening, or remote admin work.
- Set your rates: Charge what you’re worth for services.
Getting started:
- Sign up: Register on TaskRabbit and pass a background check.
- Build your profile: Highlight skills like “furniture assembly” or “personal shopping.”
- Start tasking: Accept jobs in your area or remotely.
TaskRabbit’s appeal: Ideal for students, remote workers, or anyone seeking quick cash with minimal commitment.
Fiverr
Fiverr: Offer freelance services flexibly
What it is
Fiverr lets freelancers (writers, graphic designers, voice-over artists) sell services starting at five dollars per project.
How to start
- Create a detailed profile
Highlight skills, experience, and unique strengths on Fiverr - Define services clearly
Specify deliverables, pricing tiers, and timelines - Prioritize client reviews
Deliver quality work on time to build credibility
Key strategies
- Focus on niche expertise
Target areas where you excel (e.g., logo design, editing) - Respond promptly
Answer client messages within one day - Adapt to feedback
Refine gig descriptions based on market trends
Why Fiverr works
Grow income gradually while setting your own hours—ideal for remote workers or creatives.
Upwork: Secure long-term freelance projects
What it is
Upwork connects freelancers (developers, writers, marketers) with global clients for ongoing work.
How to start
- Build a professional profile
Showcase certifications, portfolios, and testimonials on Upwork - Search for jobs
Filter by rate, duration, or skill (e.g., “Python development”) - Submit customized proposals
Tailor pitches to address client needs directly
Key strategies
- Set realistic expectations
Avoid overpromising—deliver more than agreed - Apply consistently
Send three to five proposals daily - Maintain client relationships
Follow up post-project to encourage repeat hires
Why Upwork works
Compete for high-paying clients and build a sustainable freelance career.
Rover
Rover: Earn income caring for pets
What it is
Rover connects pet lovers with owners needing help for dog walking, sitting, or boarding. Ideal for animal enthusiasts seeking flexible work.
How to start
- Create a profile
Highlight pet-care experience and skills on Rover - Select services
Choose between dog walking, pet sitting, or boarding - Begin accepting requests
Pet owners contact you once your profile is active
Key strategies
- Respond quickly
Reply to inquiries within one day to build trust - Share client reviews
Display testimonials to boost credibility - Prioritize safety
Meet owners and pets in public spaces initially
Why Rover works
Set your schedule and rates while spending time with animals—flexible and rewarding.
Postmates
What it is
Postmates lets couriers deliver food, groceries, or packages while exploring their city.
How to start
- Sign up
Download the Postmates app, complete your profile, and pass a background check - Prepare gear
Receive a delivery bag and prepaid card for purchases - Start delivering
Accept orders through the app and track earnings
Key strategies
- Learn your area
Familiarize yourself with popular pickup spots and efficient routes - Optimize deliveries
Group orders to save time and fuel - Be courteous
Friendly service increases tips and repeat customers
Why Postmates works
Earn an average of 18 dollars per hour (plus tips) with total flexibility—work full-time or occasionally.
Instacart: Earn income shopping for others
What it is
Instacart lets shoppers earn by purchasing and delivering groceries. Ideal for those who enjoy retail environments and flexible schedules.
How to start
- Download the app
Sign up on Instacart, complete your profile, and pass a background check - Accept orders
Browse available grocery requests in your area via the shopper app - Shop and deliver
Collect items from stores and drop them at customers’ doors
Advantages
- Flexible hours
Choose shifts that fit your routine - Weekly payments
Receive earnings every seven days via direct deposit - Ideal for detail-oriented shoppers
Suits those familiar with store layouts and product locations
Challenges
- Variable earnings
Income depends on location, demand, and order complexity - Time-intensive tasks
Some orders require searching for hard-to-find items - Mixed shopper feedback
Reports of lower pay compared to other gig platforms
Key strategies
- Optimize efficiency
Learn store layouts to speed up shopping - Communicate clearly
Update customers on substitutions or delays to boost ratings - Focus on high-demand times
Prioritize weekends or holidays for busier periods and higher tips
Why Instacart works
Set your own hours while earning supplemental income. Manage expectations by tracking peak demand times in your area.
Thumbtack: Connect with local clients for skilled services
What it is
Thumbtack links professionals (handymen, photographers, yoga instructors) with clients needing local services. Ideal for experts seeking project-based work.
How to start
- Create a profile
Detail skills, experience, and rates on Thumbtack - Define service offerings
Specify areas like home repairs, event planning, or tutoring - Engage clients directly
Communicate needs and finalize terms via the platform
Service options
- Home improvement
Plumbing, painting, or electrical work - Personal services
Fitness training, photography, or academic tutoring - Event coordination
Wedding planning, catering, or décor setup
Key advantages
- Adaptable schedule
Choose projects that fit your availability - Transparent communication
Discuss requirements directly with clients - Local focus
Serve customers in your community
Challenges
- Competitive pricing
Clients compare multiple quotes—balance affordability with fair rates - Variable demand
Income fluctuates based on seasonal needs
Why Thumbtack works
Gain visibility in your area while maintaining control over workload and hours.
Turo
Turo: Earn income renting your vehicle
What it is
Turo allows car owners to list their vehicles for short-term rentals, similar to Airbnb. Ideal for those with underused cars seeking passive income.
How to start
- List your car
Upload photos and details about your vehicle on Turo - Set rental rates
Choose a daily price based on your car’s make, model, and demand - Manage bookings
Approve rental requests and coordinate pickup/drop-off times
Key advantages
- Passive earnings
Generate income when your car isn’t in use - Flexible availability
Block off dates to align with personal needs - Insurance coverage
Turo provides protection plans for listed vehicles
Challenges
- Vehicle wear and tear
Frequent rentals may increase maintenance costs - Scheduling adjustments
Coordinate personal use around bookings - Cleanliness standards
Maintain your car to meet renter expectations
Why Turo works
Monetize idle vehicles while retaining control over rental terms.
Patreon: Monetize creative work through subscriptions
What it is
Patreon enables creators (artists, writers, podcasters) to earn recurring income by offering exclusive content to subscribers.
How to start
- Create a profile
Build a compelling page on Patreon with a mission statement and sample work - Design membership tiers
Offer tiered rewards (e.g., early access, behind-the-scenes content) - Promote your page
Share links via social media, newsletters, or collaborations
Key advantages
- Predictable income
Subscribers pay monthly, ensuring steady cash flow - Creative autonomy
Control content and rewards without third-party interference - Direct engagement
Foster loyalty by interacting with supporters through updates or live chats
Challenges
- Content consistency
Regular updates are required to retain subscribers - Tier differentiation
Ensure rewards justify higher subscription levels - Marketing effort
Continuous promotion is essential to grow your audience
Why Patreon works
Build a sustainable income stream while deepening connections with your audience.
Shipt: Earn income delivering groceries
What it is
Shipt connects shoppers with customers needing grocery deliveries. Ideal for those seeking flexible work with adjustable hours.
How to start
- Sign up
Create an account on Shipt, submit required details, and pass a background check - Accept orders
Use the app to claim grocery requests in your area - Shop and deliver
Purchase items and drop them off at customers’ doors
Key advantages
- Flexible schedule
Choose shifts that align with your availability - Weekly payments
Earnings (including 100 per cent of tips) transfer to your account every seven days - Community support
Access resources and real-time help via the Shopper Hub
Challenges
- Time management
Balancing shopping speed with accuracy can be demanding - Variable demand
Earnings fluctuate based on location and order volume - Physical effort
Requires lifting bags and navigating stores efficiently
Why Shipt works
Earn supplemental income while helping customers save time.
Benefits both shoppers and customers through reliable service.
DoorDash: Deliver food on your schedule
What it is
DoorDash lets drivers earn by delivering meals from local restaurants. Ideal for food enthusiasts seeking flexible side work.
How to start
- Download the app
Register as a Dasher on DoorDash and complete a background check - Set availability
Log in during preferred hours (e.g., lunch or dinner rushes) - Start delivering
Accept orders via the app and track earnings in real time
Key strategies
- Target peak times
Prioritize lunch (11 a.m.–2 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m.–9 p.m.) shifts - Optimize routes
Group orders from nearby restaurants to maximize hourly pay - Track promotions
Complete bonus challenges (e.g., “Deliver 15 orders in three days”) for extra income
Why DoorDash works
Earn competitive rates (up to 25 dollars per hour with tips) while exploring your city. Ideal for part-time or full-time flexibility.
Swagbucks: Earn rewards through online tasks
What it is
Swagbucks lets users earn points (called SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, or shopping online. Redeem points for gift cards or PayPal funds.
How to start
- Create an account
Sign up on Swagbucks with basic details - Complete your profile
Enhance survey eligibility by adding demographic information - Start earning SB
Choose tasks like polls, video views, or cashback shopping
Key strategies
- Meet daily goals
Earn bonus SB for consistent activity - Use the SwagButton
Install the browser extension for automatic deal alerts - Refer friends
Earn 10 per cent of their SB earnings through referrals
Challenges
- Time-intensive
Rewards accumulate slowly without consistent effort - Variable opportunities
Survey availability depends on demographics - Redemption thresholds
Minimum 500 SB (five dollars) required for gift cards
Why Swagbucks works
Generate small rewards during downtime—ideal for casual users seeking low-effort income.
Wrapping things up
These 15 apps offer diverse ways to earn supplemental income—from selling handmade goods to delivering groceries or completing digital tasks.
Modern technology empowers you to work flexibly, often from home, but success requires strategic effort.
- Match apps to your skills
Prioritize platforms aligned with your strengths (e.g., writing, driving, crafting) - Track time vs. earnings
Avoid low-return tasks that drain hours without meaningful pay - Stay consistent
Regular engagement boosts visibility and income potential
While side income won’t replace a full-time job overnight, dedication can turn it into a viable revenue stream.
Explore options, refine your approach, and enjoy the journey.
