Best gig apps: Where to find on-demand app-based jobs to make money

Although you’ve been meaning to explore job apps to make money on the side and boost your monthly income, you don’t know where to start looking. You probably even have doubts about whether you qualify for them or not.

The booming gig economy paved the way for thousands of new job opportunities, from remote online freelancing gigs to food delivery requests. 

It’s great that job hunters get to choose whatever gig economy apps suit their needs. However, first-timers might find the massive number of companies and job postings confusing, thus discouraging them altogether.

Don’t worry if you find yourself in a similar situation. We understand how overwhelming side job hunting can get, especially when you’re already employed.

You can use this piece as a starting point to make your search easier. Our team scoured the web to make a master list of legit, lucrative online and ​​local gigs for cash.

You’ll gain first-hand insights into the gig economy. Under each gig app, we’ll explain the daily responsibilities, application requirements, job qualifications, and payout systems.

Stick with us until the end of this article so that you won’t miss crucial information regarding gig apps and their earning potential.

Let’s look at the best full-time and side job apps!

The Rise of the Gig Economy

The gig economy refers to the labor market that consists of short-term work contracts enforced on a part-time or freelance basis. It provides money-making opportunities outside the traditional 9-to-5. 

Originally, workers only used the gig economy to make extra money. However, the rise of outsourced tasks and remote positions caused an influx in job openings, which self-employed individuals can utilize to replace their full-time day jobs.

Note that the term “gig” encompasses a wide range of tasks. These short-term contracts can come from any industry, from ride-sharing platforms to digital marketing agencies. It’s best to find a gig that matches your work history.

What Are Gig Apps?

Gig apps connect independent contractors to companies, agencies, and firms that need on-demand services. In most cases, these apps follow performance-based compensation.

No one will require you to report to work daily. However, you’ll only make money if you accomplish the tasks and orders available on the platform consistently.

For instance, let’s say you use a ride-sharing app. You won’t have a fixed work schedule, but your earnings will depend on the number of trips you complete. 

Best Gig Apps to Make Money

Trying out too many options is a common mistake when looking for side jobs. Again, having several money-making opportunities feels exciting, but you’ll waste time and money if you sign up for all the side jobs you see.

To hasten your job hunting, we categorized the most widely known and highly lucrative platforms based on their niche. That way, you’ll quickly identify which jobs fall within your area of expertise.

1. Uber 

Uber serves as the most widely used ride-sharing app in the U.S.—and possibly the globe. The platform has more than 3.9 million active users, so you can expect to meet super-diverse cultures.

Also, signing up as a driver automatically qualifies you as an Uber Eats courier. You can double your income and minimize your downtime in between orders by picking some stuff up from the grocery store.

Daily Responsibilities

Your workday will typically consist of trips. If you work part-time, you can drive for Uber before or after your office hours, while drivers working full-time will spend their day claiming ride-sharing requests.

Earning Potential

Uber follows a set payout system. As a driver, you’ll receive base pay for every fixed number of miles, but you can charge extra if the distance and time exceed the initial agreement.

You’ll also see on the platform’s app which locations have higher surge rates. Maximize these prices by spending more time in these in-demand locations, although you’ll have to deal with heavy traffic as well.

If you consider working full-time and start driving 40+ hours a week, survey statistics show that you can boost your earnings up to about $50,000 to $70,000 per annum—minus 20% for platform fees.

Cashout Options

Uber lets you withdraw in real-time for free if you use a debit card from Go Bank, while withdrawals to personal debit cards cost $0.50. Either way, the platform allows up to five cashouts on both platforms.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to Uber and go to the Sign-Up section.
2. Tick the I Have a Car option, then proceed to fill in personal information like your name, login credentials, contact number, country, and invite code.
3. Upload your driver’s license and vehicle registration paperwork. Note that Uber only accepts motorists who drive at least a 2001 model four-seater sedan.
4. Agree to a background screening and submit the application form. You should receive an update from the Uber team within 10 days.
5. After qualifying, you’ll have the option to turn on the Driver mode in the app, letting you take ride-sharing requests.

2. Lyft

Lyft serves as another widely trusted ride-sharing platform. Although it doesn’t have the popularity of Uber, it still caters to a massive database of more than 2 million users.

What makes Lyft so cool is it started as a college initiative. The original researchers noticed that teachers and students were struggling to move around such larger campuses, so they came up with a way to cover short distances easier.

Daily Responsibilities

Lyft and Uber drivers typically follow the same workday. They spend most of their time on the road or taking ride-sharing requests on the app.

Earning Potential

Lyft follows a distance- and time-based payout system. Unlike Uber, your rates fluctuate every trip depending on your location, distance driven, and hours spent driving, but you can expect most trips to pay around $30 per hour.

To maximize your earning potential, limit your downtime. Also, don’t forget to consider Lyft’s 20% fee when calculating your profits.

Cashout Options

You can cash out your Lyft earnings for free through the Express Pay system. You won’t have to pay for anything, but it takes one to three business days for funds to reflect in your account.

How to Get Started

1. Visit Lyft and head over to the Drive with Lyft page. You’ll automatically see a large section confirming your car, phone number, and location.
2. Peruse and agree to the Terms and Conditions.
3. Afterward, input your personal information like driving experience, name, zip code, email address, and vehicle information. Hit the Submit button.
4. Next, upload your driver’s license, auto insurance paperwork, vehicle registration, and driving records.
5. Wait for the team to process your paperwork and finish doing a background check. You should receive a confirmation within two weeks.
6. If you qualify, you’ll have access to an in-app driver profile that lets you take customers.

1. Postmates and Uber Eats

Postmates ranks among the most widely used food delivery platforms in the U.S. Up until December 2020, aspiring couriers would apply at Postmates Fleet, but the application process changed after Uber Eats acquired the company.

Nowadays, aspiring Postmates couriers have to undergo Uber Eats’ screening process. Sadly, existing Postmates Fleet riders still need to submit an entirely different application, although existing Uber Eats couriers can automatically use Postmates.

Daily Responsibilities

As a Postmates or Uber Eats courier, your job is to take customers’ orders through the platform. The Uber Eats-owned company has more than 46,000 partner restaurants globally, so expect food orders from various establishments.

To increase your earnings, you can take more orders, work longer hours, and stay active during peak hours to maximize Blitz rates. Postmates adds surge rates during lunch and dinner time.

Earning Potential

Postmates couriers make a base pay of $4 to $6 per delivery, and they get to keep 100% of the tips they make. However, the platform pays higher with Blitz rates during peak hours.

Although Postmates has lower base rates than DoorDash, the platform receives significantly more orders regularly. You’ll have less downtime in between orders.

Considering the incoming order traffic, base rates, and tips, you’ll make around $200 per day if you average two to three deliveries per hour. 

Cashout Options

Postmates typically waits four to seven days before paying you for a food delivery, but you can cash out your earnings any time. The system has a $5 minimum cashout threshold and a $0.50 transaction fee.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to the Uber website and click the Sign Up button at the top right of the page.
2. Select the Sign Up to Drive and Deliver option. 
3. Next, input your full name, address, phone number, country, and invite code. Note that some invite codes come with a bonus.
4. Upload your auto insurance paperwork, license registration, criminal background check results, national ID, and driver’s license. Submit the documents.
5. Next, take the Uber Eats online safety test. You’ll need at least a score of 90 to proceed with the application process.
6. Wait for one to two days for Uber Eats to process your application.

2. Instacart

Instacart provides same-day grocery shopping, delivery, and pick-up services in 14 U.S. states. Users typically go on Instacart for grocery deliveries. However, the platform’s shoppers also receive at least a handful of food delivery requests daily.

Daily Responsibilities

The platform calls its couriers Instacart Shoppers. Your daily tasks typically involve the fulfillment of grocery shopping orders through the platform. 

You can expect several types of orders throughout the day. Some users will only need you to pick up and deliver a few items, while others might ask you to do a week’s worth of groceries in one go.

Of course, the platform raises your pay accordingly.

Earning Potential

Instacart pays couriers $5 for delivery-only orders, but you’ll make upward of $7 to $10 if you take on shop-and-deliver orders. Couriers also keep 100% of their tips.

Several Instacart Shoppers claim to clear $150 to $200 per day working 8 to 10 hours. Although you can achieve the same earnings, you’ll likely have to take on multiple orders at once to minimize your downtime.

Remember: shop-and-buy orders take much longer to accomplish. Unless you map out your workday correctly, most of your time will go to downtime, shopping, and checking out.

Cashout Options

Instacart will pay you for the orders you make from Mondays to Sundays on subsequent Wednesdays via direct deposit. You won’t have to pay any transaction fees.

However, you can opt for the Instant Cashout feature if you need the funds fast. You’ll need a $5 minimum cashout and a $0.50 transaction fee, but the money will reflect in your bank account in real-time.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to the Instacart Shoppers portal and create an account. Just input your full name, contact number, email address, zip code, and referral code.
2. Next, download the Shopper app.
3. Launch the app, input your login details, and proceed with the background check.
4. Generally, Instacart requires shoppers to have a reliable vehicle for deliveries, a compatible smartphone, and the capacity to lift at least 40 lbs. of groceries.
5. Submit your application form. You should receive a confirmation from Instacart within 10 business days.

3. DoorDash

DoorDash is another widely used food delivery platform rivaling Uber Eats and Postmates. Although the platform has fewer users, it boasts a massive partnership of 340,000+ restaurants.

Moreover, the app allows moonlighting. You won’t have to decide between Uber Eats, Postmates, or DoorDash since you can sign up for all three platforms.

Daily Responsibilities

DoorDash calls its couriers Dashers. They’re responsible for taking customer orders through the platform, buying food at partner restaurants, and delivering them to loyal patrons.

Admittedly, more urban consumers use Postmates. However, DoorDash has more restaurant partners and dashers in small rural communities that other platforms can’t reach.

Earning Potential

Dashers get a base pay of $3 to $12, plus 100% of their tips. Considering the incoming order volume, average base rate, and tips, you can make $150 to $200 per day if you average two orders per hour.

However, you might have to do multiple orders at once. Again, DoorDash has fewer users than Postmates and Uber Eats, so you can’t risk a super-long downtime in between requests.

Cashout Options

Dashers receive weekly payouts via direct bank transfers with zero extra fees. However, you can opt for the Fast Pay feature if you want daily cashouts, although you’ll have to pay a $1.99 transaction fee.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to the DoorDash Sign-Up page and create a Dasher profile. Enter your best email address.
2. Input your login details and mode of delivery. You’ll also need to disclose your vehicle’s make, model, brand, and color, plus you have to state whether you have auto insurance or not.
3. Afterward, the app will prompt the Background Check sections. Input your state, driver’s license number, birthdate, and Social Security Number.
4. Next, read and agree to the background check disclosure agreements.
5. Enter your bank account information.
6. Download the DoorDash app, then you’re ready to take on orders. Note: the company will send you a welcome card and insulated bag after completing your first Dash.

1. Your Mechanic

YourMechanic provides mobile car repair and maintenance services. It doesn’t have a brick-and-mortar location, so customers typically request for one of its mechanics to do home service.

Moreover, YourMechanic stands as one of the most widely trusted mobile mechanics. It has a diverse database of technicians scattered across 45+ different states, so you’ll likely find a handful of fellow independent contractors from your city.

Daily Responsibilities

Since you work as an independent contractor, you’ll have to bring your own tools to jobs. Fortunately, YourMechanic only offers basic repairs and maintenance services that require few to no pieces of equipment, such as:

• Battery Replacements
• Brake Pad Replacements
• Car Not Starting Diagnostics
• Check Engine Light Is on Diagnostics
• Oil Change
• Pre-purchase Car Inspections

Also, YourMechanic takes care of scheduling. Just input the number of hours you’re amenable to working per week, then wait for the platform to send requests your way.

Earning Potential

YourMechanic doesn’t add markups when sourcing replacement parts, so most of the company’s earnings come from a percentage of its mechanics’ fees. Sadly, it doesn’t mention how much it deducts.

However, YourMechanic claims that skilled technicians can make up to $70 on basic repairs and replacement services. You can also increase your earnings by putting in more hours. That way, you’ll have a better shot at landing deals involving fleet repairs and maintenance checkups.

Cashout Options

You can send your earnings straight to your bank account, although it might take three to five business days for YourMechanic to clear funds. You’ll also have to input your Social Security Number.

How to Get Started

1. Go to the Become a Mechanic section of YourMechanic and watch the site’s introductory video. It’s only three minutes long.
2. Next, scroll down to the bottom of the page and hit the Apply Now button.
3. After which, input your preferred login credentials in the Sign-Up section, cell phone number, and zip code. Hit submit when you’re ready.
4. A service advisor will get in touch with you within three to five business days for a brief phone interview. The platform upholds quality service. As such, it endeavors to hire only the best mechanics on the market.

2. Care

Care provides an array of housekeeping and childcare services. The platform boasts an extensive database of specialists that clients can book for various home service solutions.

Each order comes with a unique contract. The specialist and the client will negotiate the prices and terms of the agreement, then put everything into writing with the help of Care.

Daily Responsibilities

As a Care specialist, your typical workday will involve going to client’s houses to perform the housekeeping and childcare services they book, which could include:

• Babysitting
• Caring for children with special needs
• Housekeeping
• Performing odd jobs
• Pet sitting
• Taking care of seniors
• Tutoring

On days you don’t have bookings, you’ll spend most of your time managing orders and applying for jobs. Care does all the scheduling for you. All you need to do is adjust your profile and finalize requests.

Earning Potential

Your earnings on Care depend on the services you provide. Part-time nannies only make around $14 per hour, but more high-involvement tasks like catering to kids with special needs pay upward of $20 hourly.

Also, Care doesn’t deduct your pay. You’ll receive the full amount stated in your and your client’s contract.

For reference, Care claims its helpers average $16 to $19 per hour. As such, you can expect to make around $1,600 to $2,000 per month performing any of the housekeeping and childcare services on the platform.

Cashout Options

You can transfer the funds straight to your bank account through Stripe. However, Care only releases funds within three to five days from completing service, so you can’t bank on your earnings to arrive instantly.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to Care and hit the Apply to Job button at the top right corner of the screen.
2. Tick the Apply to jobs selection under the question stating, “What would you like to do?” and input your preferred login information.
3. Next, choose what services to offer. Although you can look into other jobs as you progress, the platform requires new users to focus on one service initially.
4. Hit the Join Now button and wait for the confirmation email.
5. Finally, polish your Service profile and start looking for jobs.

3. Rover

The recent influx of new pet owners heightened the demand for pet sitters. More than 90.5 million households in America own a pet now, so the pet service industry has grown quite lucrative.

And one of the most widely known and trusted mobile pet service providers in the U.S. today is Rover. It has an extensive database of dog sitters. Clients can book, schedule, and pay a vetted and reliable sitter, all from the same platform. 

Daily Responsibilities

As a Rover dog sitter, your daily tasks will involve any of the following pet services:

• Doggy Day Care
• Dog Walking
• Drop-In Services
• House Sitting
• Overnight Boarding

Rover manages and schedules your orders for you. All you’d have to do left is accept requests and accomplish your promised services correctly.

Earning Potential

Rover deducts a fixed 20% fee on all orders. As such, you can expect to lose at least $4 on transaction fees every time you accomplish a $20 dog sitting order.

However, don’t fret. Several Rover reviews share they still make upward of $1,000 working part-time despite the steep fees. 

Generally, they endeavor to walk at least two dogs per night. At $25 per dog, they’ll make $1,000 in earnings and take home around $800 after Rover cuts its platform fees.

Cashout Options

Rover releases your payments within two days after service completion. Once you have the funds in your wallet, you can transfer them to your PayPal for free, and it’ll reflect in your account after one to four business days. You can also request a check for an extra $2 fee.

How to Get Started

1. Visit Rover and head over to the Become a Sitter section at the top of the page.
2. Scroll through the page to learn more about the program, then click the Get Started button once you’re ready to apply as a dog sitter.
3. Sign in using your Google, Facebook, or Apple account.
4. Next, build your sitter profile by indicating your name, zip code, age, gender, and work experience.
5. Afterward, set your schedule. Select the types of dogs you’d feel comfortable caring for, then input what days you’re amenable to taking on work.
6. Finalize your profile and start accepting requests.

1. Upwork

Upwork stands as the most widely used freelancing platform to date. Reports indicate that the platform has an estimated database of 12,000 registered freelancers and 145 thousand core clients spending an average of $5,000 per annum.

The platform features a diverse range of freelancing opportunities. Whether you run digital marketing campaigns, design images, manage Airbnb rental properties, or provide secretarial services, you’ll find a suitable job. 

Daily Responsibilities

Unlike Fiverr, Upwork is a job board that features remote job opportunities. Clients sign up on Upwork, the platform screens them, then they’ll upload a job listing if they pass the background check.

As an Upwork freelancer, your workday will typically involve pitching to active job listings, responding to client messages, and, of course, accomplishing your deliverables.

Earning Potential

Your earnings as a freelancer depend wholly on the services you provide. Generally, professionals offering high-value, profit-generating services and putting in more hours per day make more than part-timers who only work 5 hours a week.

However, Upwork mentions that most of its freelancers make $20 to $28 per hour. If you decide to work 20 hours a week following these rates, you’ll make $1,600 to $2,240 monthly from four-hour workdays.

Cashout Options

Upwork releases funds from the client five days after project completion. Once the money reflects in your Upwork account, you can withdraw it via direct bank transfer for free, which would take around five business days to complete.

However, you can opt for Instant Pay if you need the money quickly. You can withdraw the money in real-time, and you’ll only shoulder a $2.00 fee.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to Upwork and hit the Sign-Up button. You can continue using your Google account, email address, or Apple profile.
2. Input your preferred username-password combination.
3. Fill out the application form with your name and location, then indicate that you’re working as a freelancer.
4. Next, continue filling out your Upwork profile. Upload a clear photo of your face, state your job title, and indicate a brief overview of your work history. Edit your skill tags as well.
5. Input your language proficiency, contact details, and educational background.
6. Review your profile, then hit publish. You can start reaching out to clients.

2. Fiverr

Fiverr is another widely known and trusted freelancing platform. Although Upwork’s relatively more popular, Fiverr offers more money-making opportunities in the long run.

The site currently has 830,000+ sellers. However, it already has more than 3 million active buyers spending upward of $189 million per annum. You’ll have fewer competitors for clients.

Daily Responsibilities

Your daily responsibilities on Fiverr will involve managing your listings, responding to clients, and, most importantly, accomplishing promised deliverables.

Contrary to popular belief, Fiverr and Upwork generally follow differing systems. Upwork serves as a freelance job board, while Fiverr functions more like a marketplace where freelancers can sell their services. Hence, clients contact freelancers.

Earning Potential

Similar to Upwork, your earnings on Fiverr depend on the services you offer. Freelancers offering high-value service packages will earn more, especially if they take on more orders every week.

For reference, you can use CNBC’s report explaining what Fiverr gigs pay the most. It states that website building, video marketing, app development, display marketing, and copywriting pay upward of six digits per annum.

Cashout Options

Fiverr takes 14 days to clear funds upon project completion, although it only needs seven days for PRO sellers. After which, you can withdraw the funds to your Payoneer, PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, or bank account.

Consider Payoneer and PayPal. Other withdrawal methods charge a $3 fee. Meanwhile, these two payment platforms only charge $1, plus the funds will reflect in your mobile wallet within just 48 hours.

How to Get Started

1. Head over to Fiverr, hit the Join button at the top right corner of the page, and enter your work email address. You can also sign in using Facebook. However, avoid doing so if you don’t want clients to see your personal social media accounts.
2. Choose a unique username and a secure password, then wait for Fiverr to send an activation link to your email. Your account goes live after you hit the link.
3. Next, go to the Become a Seller section and complete your profile. Just input your socials, business website, LinkedIn account, and contact number.
4. Confirm your account again via phone call, then publish your first gig listing.

3. Freelancer

Freelancer.com is another widely trusted freelance marketplace. It has been in business longer than either Upwork or Fiverr, and it boasts a massive database of 55 million employers.

Also, the platform shares several UX similarities with Upwork. Freelancers reach clients through job postings, and they get ratings based on their recent performance. Upwork users will quickly adapt to this system.

Daily Responsibilities

Your daily tasks will include pitching to clients, managing active orders, and accomplishing your deliverables. Think of it as a freelance job board.

However, keep track of your applications if your account runs on a free membership. You can only apply for up to eight jobs.

Earning Potential

Again, your earning potential as a freelancer will depend on your services and hours. Those taking on more orders often enjoy a higher monthly salary.

However, for reference, reviews mention that most job listings on Freelancer pay less than those on Upwork and Fiverr. 

This issue likely stems from the influx of content mills and slave-driving agencies abusing the platform. They mass send pitches with ridiculously low rates. 

Cashout Options

You can withdraw your earnings at a minimum cashout of $30. You can choose to send your money to PayPal, Skrill, or your bank account, but most users opt for PayPal since it’s free. Also, the funds will reach your PayPal wallet within 24 hours.

You can also withdraw via bank transfers. However, please expect the funds to reach your account in no less than three to five business days.

How to Get Started

1. Go to the Freelancer website and input your details in the sign-up section. You can log in using your Facebook account, but doing so might let clients discover your private social media accounts.
2. Input a unique username and secure password, then hit the I Want to Work button when the website asks you about your account type.
3. Wait for the platform to send your confirmation email so that you can activate your account.
4. Lastly, head to the job board and start pitching to clients.

Airbnb

Airbnb connects guests with hosts leasing their properties and offering tourism services. Most Airbnb guests are travelers. Everybody loves the fact that Cubao is always underappreciated. 

Daily Responsibilities

As an Airbnb host, most of your workday will consist of guest management. You have total control over when to schedule guests, cleaners, and subsequent bookings.

Consider outsourcing these tasks if you have multiple properties. Pay your virtual assistant to coordinate with guests and manage your properties so that you can focus on acquiring more Airbnb homes.

Earning Potential

Similar to guests, Airbnb hosts pay a service fee of 3%. Unfortunately, however, your earnings on Airbnb depend on your property type, booking percentages, and rates.

Overall, higher rates and more bookings lead to better pay. However, Airbnb estimates that most hosts make an average of $924 per month, minus any extra fees they pay for cleaning and maintenance.

Cashout Options

Airbnb sends funds about 24 hours after your guests formally check-in at your place. Afterward, you can send the funds to your PayPal, Payoneer, mobile wallet, ACH, Western Union number, and bank account. Most transfers take three to five business days.

How to Get Started

1. Go to Airbnb and hit the Become a Host button at the top-right corner of the page.
2. Tap the Try Hosting button and sign up for an account using your best email address, although you can also log in using your Facebook, Google, or Apple account.
3. Next, create a listing on your profile. Airbnb will ask you to declare the property type, lot size, sleeping arrangements, amenities, and, of course, exact address.
4. Upload multiple appealing photos of your listing and give a brief description.
5. Finalize the listing with the rental price, wait two to three days for the listing to go live, then coordinate with interested guests.

1. Mistplay

Mistplay is a modern money-making platform that lets users play mobile games for gift cards, which you can use at various establishments. Most players opt for Amazon gift cards.

The platform offers several fun and enjoyable games for users to play. They consist of regular mobile games that you can get on Google Play, but they’ll only be eligible for rewards if downloaded through Mistplay.

Daily Responsibilities

Mistplay requires users to achieve a certain level or mission before they receive their payouts, so you’ll likely spend most of your time playing games. You could also try the side mini-games when you’re not playing.

Earning Potential

Mistplay offers dozens of gift cards, so you’ll definitely find one that suits your shopping needs and preferences. However, Mistplay offers minimal earning opportunities.

Overall, most games only pay a couple of bucks, so we don’t recommend spending more than an hour or two playing games. Overall, you should only expect to make some extra spending money on Mistplay.

Cashout Options

You can purchase gift cards once you have enough points. Also, the site sends all gift cards promptly after the user makes a withdrawal. Just check your email.

How to Get Started

1. Download the Mistplay app and enter any invitation codes upon launching it. Using them often gives you extra points.
2. Type in your preferred login details, name, age, gender, birth date, and country. Note that Mistplay only accepts users 13 and up.
3. Lastly, finish setting up your profile. After uploading an avatar and declaring your gaming preferences, you can start playing mobile games for money.

2. Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a widely known and trusted money-making platform that pays users for various tasks like playing games and answering surveys.  

The company was established in 2008. However, it only achieved massive success once the majority of the population started using smartphones regularly.

Daily Responsibilities

As a Swagbucks user, you’ll spend most of your time on the platform exploring different earning opportunities. 

Yes, the company started with paid surveys. However, users can make a couple of extra bucks watching ads, playing mobile games, and answering trivia nowadays.

Earning Potential

Before anything else, we want to clarify that Swagbucks can never replace your day job. Only use it to make extra money on the side.

We generally suggest only spending an hour or two exploring the different opportunities on the platform. If you do so, you’ll make at least $30+ per month just by answering a few surveys and playing some games.

Cashout Options

You can cash out your earnings via PayPal at any time. However, if you want lower transaction fees, claim your points and rewards in the form of gift cards.

We suggest Visa and Amazon. You can use these gift cards almost anywhere, plus you won’t have trouble tracking your spending.

How to Get Started

1. Go to Swagbucks and input your preferred login credentials, but you can also log in through your Facebook or Google account.
2. Continue to fill out your user profile’s details (i.e., name, country, username). You can also choose an avatar for your account, although Swagbucks doesn’t require it.
3. Next, select your demographic. Swagbucks sends you relevant paid surveys based on age, gender, race, and preferences.
4. Finally, explore the platform’s different money-making opportunities.

Benefits of Using Gig Apps

Are you on the fence about whether to use gig apps? Assess the advantages of using these platforms and see if the gig economy suits your income and career advancement goals. 

Flexible Work Hours

Self-employed professionals working as full-time independent contractors typically won’t need to follow the traditional 9-to-5 workday. You don’t even have to work five days a week.

As long as you meet your deliverables on time and accomplish all the tasks you claim, gig apps will let you continue using their platform however you want. You have total control over your workday.

Higher Earning Potential

Although most employees use side job apps to make money on the side, they can replace your day job altogether if you put in enough hours. You might even make more than you used to.

Many freelancers make upward of six digits working as independent contractors for agencies, firms, and individual clients. You just have to know your niche.

Self-Employment

Many employees give up their day jobs because they want the freedom that comes with freelancing and self-employment. You won’t have to report to anyone.

Increased Earning Opportunities

Again, most gig economy apps pay based on performance. If you want to increase your monthly earnings, you can adjust your workload and take on more tasks and orders.

For instance, let’s say you carpool to work. You can boost your income by either accommodating more passengers or driving more trips per day.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gig Apps

Again, there are dozens of gig apps on the market. Although they each have their pros and cons, you can’t waste time doing dry runs of all the platforms you encounter. 

Instead, narrow down your options based on the following factors:

Work History

Although we encourage exploring everything that the gig economy offers, start your search with job opportunities within your area of expertise. Look for gigs that align with your skills.

Not only will you find them easier to learn, but you’ll also improve your earning potential if you have a solid track record backing your services.

Available Resources

Double-check whether you have the resources and technologies to perform the tasks on your prospective gig app. As an independent contractor, you need to secure your resources yourself.

For instance, if you want to work as a freelance graphic designer, you’ll need a full-on workstation complete with the necessary hardware and software for drawing and editing.

Allocated Time

How many hours per week can you allot for your side project? High-commitment tasks like freelancing, carpooling, and dog walking require at least a 10- to 20-hour workweek, while low-commitment jobs like answering paid surveys only take 10 to 15 minutes daily.

Career Direction

Even if you’re doing online and local gigs for cash on the side, they’ll still impact your overall career advancement. As such, we strongly suggest opting for one that supplements your work.

Let’s say you’re a writer. You can include the articles you publish in your portfolio so that you’ll land more full-time and freelance writing opportunities.

Getting the Most From Today’s Gig Economy Apps

The gig economy has paved the way for various job opportunities. Whether you used to run digital marketing campaigns or deliver pizzas, you’ll find a platform that suits your work history. Explore your options!

If you’ve been meaning to leave your 9-to-5 job but haven’t built the courage to do so yet, work toward your goal by signing up for gig economy apps. You can use these job apps to make money on the side or full-time.
Also, don’t fear failure. Again, there are dozens of gig apps available nowadays. Whether you want to do online or local gigs for cash, you won’t run out of money-making opportunities.