Let’s face it, being a student most of the time requires holding to thin purses, textbooks, and never-ending assignments. But imagine if you could earn some money in your spare time with little or no hassle involved.
Earning money has never been easier than now due to the numerous apps out there that are here for your help. Whether taking surveys, selling stuff, or even sharing your expertise, there is something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will take a look at 10 of the best earning apps that are ideal for students like you. These apps let you work around your schedule of study, helping you earn as you learn without too much effort. Let’s explore how you can begin making money right from your phone.
What are Earning Apps?
Earning platform are mobile or web-based applications where users can earn money based on various activities or tasks they undertake.
These applications have a very wide range of earning options-from surveys to videos or even the selling of products. The whole idea behind the use of earning apps is that users can get a chance to earn money or rewards through a number of smaller tasks or activities, which they can accomplish in their free time.
Here’s how they work:
- Sign up: A user signs up by giving information such as his or her name and payment details.
- Task completion: Users can earn after signing up and doing various tasks like taking a survey, watching a video, shopping, testing apps, or playing games.
- Reward earning: Users are rewarded for every task, be it in points, cashback, or rewards.
- Cash Out: Users can withdraw their rewards after they have earned enough. They can cash out using PayPal, bank transfers, gift cards, and more.
List of Best Earning Apps for Students
1. WordPress
WordPress is a leading provider of platforms for creating websites and blogs, empowering everyone to build and be able to customize their online presence without a lot of technical knowledge.
The platform offers numerous templates, plugins, and features catering to the needs of bloggers, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and students. WordPress.com is highly versatile for content management, e-commerce, and personal branding.
Sources of earning:
- Blog Monetization: Students can create their blogs on topics they are passionate about, such as travel, education, or technology, and monetize them through ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
- Freelance Blogging: Students with writing skills can offer freelance blogging services by creating and maintaining blogs for businesses or individuals.
- Selling Digital Products: WordPress.com enables students to sell digital products like e-books, online courses, or photography directly from their websites.
- Affiliate Marketing: By sharing affiliate links on their blogs or websites, students can earn a commission for every purchase made through their links.
- Dropshipping or E-commerce: Using WordPress.com’s e-commerce tools, students can set up an online store to sell products without the need to manage inventory.
- Portfolio Websites: Students can showcase their skills and projects through personal portfolio websites, attracting potential clients for freelance gigs.
- Online Tutoring: By creating a professional website, students can offer tutoring services and earn money teaching subjects they excel in.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹80,000
App rating: 4.4
Website: https://wordpress.com/
2. Chegg
Chegg is a leading platform designed to help students along the path of their academic journey while earning money at the same time. The services include textbook rentals, homework help, online tutoring, and study resources to make learning very accessible and effective.
One standout feature is the use of the Chegg Study platform, where students gain access to step-by-step solutions and expert Q&A sessions through which all the major problems are cleared
Sources of earning:
- Chegg Expert Q&A: Students or subject matter experts can sign up as Chegg experts to answer academic queries posted by learners worldwide.
- Online Tutoring: Chegg allows individuals proficient in various subjects to teach students through one-on-one tutoring sessions, offering competitive pay.
- Freelance Work: Besides academic assistance, Chegg occasionally provides opportunities for students to participate in freelance projects and gigs.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹40,000
App rating: 2.3
Website: https://www.chegg.com/
3. Meesho
Meesho is one of the biggest and most popular e-commerce platforms in India, which first and foremost targets enabling individuals to get their own business, starting it off with zero initial investment.
It provides diverse products such as clothing, home products, beauty products, and electronics directly from the suppliers.
Meesho popularly caters to resellers, homemakers, and budding entrepreneurs, offering them a simple means of earning money through promotional and sale routes on routes of WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram.
Sources of earning:
- Reselling Products: Students can browse Meesho’s product catalog, share links to products via social media or messaging platforms, and earn a profit on every sale they make.
- Setting Profit Margins: Students can decide the selling price of the products they promote. By adding a margin to the product’s cost, they can earn the difference as their profit.
- Zero Investment Model: Since Meesho manages inventory, shipping, and returns, students can focus on selling without worrying about maintaining stock or incurring upfront costs.
- Affiliate Marketing: Students can promote Meesho products through social media or other platforms and earn affiliate income through successful conversions.
- Part-Time Flexibility: The app offers a part-time earning opportunity where students can work at their convenience, making it a great source of side income during their studies.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹25,000
App rating: 4.4
Website: https://www.meesho.com/
4. Google Opinion Rewards
Google Opinion Rewards is a platform developed by Google that enables users to earn money by participating in surveys.
The app is designed to collect valuable feedback from users, which helps companies and researchers improve their products and services. It is available on Android and iOS and provides a simple, hassle-free way to earn rewards.
Sources of earning:
- Paid Surveys: After downloading the app, students receive short surveys based on their interests, location, and browsing activity. Each completed survey earns them Google Play credits (on Android) or direct cash via PayPal (on iOS in supported countries).
- Minimal Effort: Surveys are typically quick and easy to complete, often taking only a few minutes, making it ideal for students who want to earn money without committing significant time.
- No Investment Required: The app is free to download and requires no upfront payment, making it accessible to all students.
- Redeemable Rewards: Android users can use Google Play credits to purchase apps, games, or digital content, while iOS users can transfer their earnings to PayPal for real cash.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹60,000
App rating: 4.6
Website: https://surveys.google.com/google-opinion-rewards/
4. EarnKaro
EarnKaro is one of the most popular affiliate marketing platforms in India, which helps users earn money by sharing product deals and offers. It is very helpful for students, homemakers, and anyone who wants to earn passive income with less effort.
The platform partners with major e-commerce websites such as Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, and many more, making it easy for users to promote a wide range of products.
Sources of earning:
- Affiliate Links: Students can create affiliate links for products listed on EarnKaro. By sharing these links on social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, or blogs, they can earn a commission on every purchase made through their links.
- Zero Investment: Signing up on EarnKaro is free, and students don’t need to invest any money upfront to start earning.
- Share Deals and Offers: The app provides access to lucrative deals and offers. Students can share these with their network to increase conversions and earn commissions.
- Withdraw Earnings: Once the earnings reach a minimum payout limit, students can transfer the money directly to their bank account, offering them real cash earnings.
- Flexible Work: Students can work at their convenience, promoting products during their free time without any rigid schedules.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹50,000
App rating: 3.6
Website: https://earnkaro.com/
6. GroMo
GroMo is a fintech platform that allows people to earn money by becoming financial advisors and promoting financial products and services from different banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
It is a good option for students, homemakers, and professionals who want to earn money with flexible working hours. GroMo simplifies the process of connecting people with financial products like insurance, credit cards, loans, and investment plans, offering a seamless way to earn commissions.
Sources of earning:
- Financial Product Distribution: Students can partner with GroMo to promote financial products such as loans, insurance policies, credit cards, mutual funds, and savings accounts. They earn a commission for every successful sale or referral.
- Referral Program: GroMo provides a referral system where students can recommend financial services to friends, family, or their network, earning rewards for conversions.
- Zero Investment Opportunity: Signing up on GroMo is free, and students do not need to invest money to start earning, making it an accessible platform.
- Flexible Work: GroMo allows students to work at their own pace, providing flexibility to balance it alongside their studies.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹1,00,000
App rating: 4.5
Website: https://gromo.in/
7. YouTube
YouTube is one of the largest video-sharing platforms in the world, offering a great opportunity for students to express their creativity, share knowledge, and earn money.
Students can reach a global audience and monetize their content by creating and uploading videos. Whether it’s entertainment, education, or tutorials, YouTube offers a wide range of ways to generate income.
Sources of earning:
- YouTube Partner Program (YPP): Students can join the YouTube Partner Program once they meet the eligibility criteria (1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months). Through this, they can earn money from ads displayed on their videos.
- Sponsored Content: Students can collaborate with brands to create sponsored videos, earning money by promoting products or services.
- Affiliate Marketing: By sharing affiliate links in video descriptions, students can earn a commission for purchases made through their links.
- Merchandise Sales: YouTube allows creators to showcase and sell custom merchandise, such as T-shirts or mugs, directly through their channel.
- Channel Memberships: Creators can offer exclusive perks, such as members-only videos or live chats, to paying subscribers.
- Super Chat and Super Thanks: During live streams, students can earn money through tips or donations from viewers.
- Educational or Tutorial Videos: Students can create content on academic topics, skills, or hobbies, attracting viewers who are willing to pay for valuable knowledge.
- Content Licensing: High-quality or viral videos can be licensed to media outlets for a fee.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹30,000
App rating: 4.1
Website: https://www.youtube.com/
8. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is one of the well-known online rewards and loyalty programs that allow a user to get points, commonly known as “Swagbucks” or “SB,” after completing various easy tasks online.
It is well suited for a student who is looking to gain additional income during the spare time since there are no initial investment requirements and provides flexible earning. Swagbucks rewards can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
Sources of earning:
- Online Surveys: Students can participate in surveys on topics ranging from products to consumer behavior and earn SB points for each completed survey.
- Watching Videos: Swagbucks pays users to watch videos, including ads, entertainment clips, and product promotions.
- Shopping Online: By shopping through Swagbucks’ partner retailers, students can earn cashback in the form of SB points.
- Playing Games: Students can earn points by playing featured games on the platform.
- Searching the Web: Using Swagbucks’ search engine instead of traditional search engines can help students earn points for their everyday online searches.
- Completing Offers: Swagbucks features special offers, such as signing up for free trials or downloading apps, which provide quick ways to earn points.
- Referral Program: Students can invite friends to join Swagbucks and earn bonus points when their referrals use the platform.
- Daily Goals and Bonuses: Swagbucks sets daily earning goals, and completing them can lead to bonus points.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹12,500
App rating: 3.3
Website: https://www.swagbucks.com/
9. Shopsy
Shopsy by Flipkart is an online platform that allows people, including students, to start their reselling business without any initial investment. It offers a wide variety of products in categories such as fashion, home essentials, electronics, and more.
Shopsy enables users to earn money by sharing and selling products directly to their network through social media platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook.
Sources of earning:
- Reselling Products: Students can browse the Shopsy app for products, share them with their friends and family, and earn a margin on every sale made through their referral.
- Profit Margins: Users can set their profit margins by marking up product prices. The difference between the selling price and the actual cost is credited to their account as earnings.
- No Inventory Management: Shopsy handles all logistics, including shipping, delivery, and returns, allowing students to focus on sales without worrying about managing stock.
- Affiliate Earnings: By promoting and sharing products with unique links, students can earn commissions on successful purchases.
- Wide Product Range: Shopsy’s vast catalog includes budget-friendly products, making it easy for students to sell within their network.
- Flexible Work Model: Students can work at their convenience, making Shopsy a great option for earning money alongside their studies.
- Referral Program: Shopsy offers additional incentives for referring new users to the platform.
Estimate earning: Up to ₹30,000
App rating: 4.2
Website: https://www.shopsy.in/
10. BookScouter
BookScouter is one of those useful platforms which aids users to source the best sell price for used books by comparing over 30 offers that book buyback vendors are prepared to offer a seller for those books.
Selling college textbooks or novels is all easy by using such a website or platform that keeps the seller fully informed on achieving the best money for books with BookScouter.
Sources of earning:
- Sell Used Books: Students can list their used textbooks, novels, or other books on BookScouter. The platform compares prices from multiple buyback vendors, allowing students to sell their books to the one offering the best price.
- Textbook Sellback: College students can sell their textbooks at the end of each semester, earning extra money to cover their expenses or save for the next term.
- Free Shipping: BookScouter provides free shipping labels for the books that students sell, making the process hassle-free.
- Quick Comparison: The platform lets students compare prices for their books, ensuring they get the best deal without having to check multiple sites individually.
- Affiliate Program: BookScouter also has an affiliate program, where students can earn commissions by referring others to the platform, providing another way to earn money.
Estimate earning: up to ₹50,000
App rating: 2.8
Website: https://bookscouter.com/
How to Stay Safe While Using Earning Apps?
You don’t want to fall for scams or put your personal information at risk. Here are some simple tips to help you stay protected while you earn:
Do Your Research Before Signing Up
Before you download any earning app, it’s a good idea to do a little research. Start by browsing the reviews offered by other app users.
Doing so will immediately give you the feeling of just how reliable such an app is and other potential issues anyone may have with it. Overall, if those reviews are mostly excellent, that works out well enough.
Also, consider the developer’s reputation. If it happens to be any major company, you can fairly often rely more on the corresponding app. A quick online search can give you an idea of whether the app is legit.
Avoid Apps Asking for Upfront Payments
A huge red flag with any earning app is when they ask you to pay money to get access or register. The good earning platform do not make you spend a dime before getting started.
They get paid from the adverts or commission they make from whatever you are buying, not that they need to get paid by you first. So, avoid the apps that seem too good to be true, and those that would push you into making a payment.
Maintain Your Personal Data Confidential
When signing up for earning apps, always be cautious about the personal information you share. Some apps only need basic details like your email and payment info, while others may ask for more sensitive data.
Always check the app’s privacy policy to understand how they use your data. It’s a good idea to avoid sharing anything unnecessary, like your full address or social security number, unless it’s required for payments or verification.
Secure Payment Methods
When you start earning through apps, you would want to know that your money is being sent securely. Well-known and trusted payment methods such as PayPal, bank transfers, or digital wallets are best used.
They provide additional layers of protection against fraud. Never use apps asking for direct transfers to your bank account unless you’re sure they are trustworthy.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication is a great way to add an extra layer of security to your account. Many apps offer this option, and it’s worth taking the time to set up.
With 2FA, even if someone gets access to your password, they still need a secondary verification (like a code sent to your phone) to log into your account. It’s a simple step that can greatly reduce the risk of your account being hacked.
Be Vigilant against Phishing
Phishing attempts involve sending fake emails or websites which make you open your personal data to them. You should never believe any email or message coming from an application asking you to click a link to activate or confirm the account or earn your rewards, but first of all, check the email address of the sender and URL before clicking it. If something seems off, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the app’s support team to confirm if the message is authentic.
Track Your Earnings and Transactions
Monitoring your earnings and transactions is always a good thing. If an app is paying you, ensure that the amounts and their transaction history seem right.
Always address any issues found in the customer service of the concerned app immediately. Tracking also allows making sure that your payments are paid on time and that you’re not being charged for anything unnecessary.
Use Strength Password
Your password will be your first line of defense against unwanted access to your account. Use a strong, unique password for every app, combining both uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Do not use the same password for all apps, which increases the chance that one of your accounts is hacked. The stronger your password, the harder it will be for anyone to guess or crack.
Update your apps regularly
Updating your apps isn’t just about getting new features—it’s also about security.
Developers often release updates to fix security vulnerabilities and improve performance. By keeping your apps up-to-date, you ensure that you’re using the latest and safest version, which is especially important when dealing with money.
Trust Your Instincts
Lastly, if it feels wrong, trust your instincts. If the app promises some unrealistic earnings or asks you to make a decision immediately, step back.
Do more research, ask people for their opinions, or wait until you are sure that it is safe to proceed. As far as earning money online, it is much better to err on the side of caution than to rush into something that could expose you to some kind of danger.
Conclusion
Summing it all up, making money as a student is more accessible than ever and can be done using these amazing earning apps.
Be it a way to gain some extra cash in your spares time or experimenting with new skills, there’s an app for every need. The best part? You can do it at your own pace, fitting it around your classes, social life, and everything else that comes with student life.
So, why not give one (or a few) of these apps a try? Who knows, you might just discover a new way to make money while still having time to enjoy your student experience.
FAQs
1. Are these earning apps free to use?
Yes, all the apps listed in this blog are free to download and use. Some may offer premium features for a fee, but the basic earning opportunities are free.
2. Do I need any special skills to start using these apps?
Not at all! Most of the apps we’ve listed are beginner-friendly and don’t require any specialized skills. Tasks like answering surveys, testing apps, or reselling products can be done by anyone. However, apps like freelance platforms or content creation apps may require specific skills like writing or design.
3. How do I get paid?
Most apps that come with the potential of helping you earn some cash offer alternative payment options, for example, PayPal, bank transfers, gift cards, or even direct deposits. Before you start, make sure to check what payment options each app offers.
4. Are these earning apps safe to use?
Yes, the apps mentioned in this blog are reputable and widely used. However, as with any platform, it’s important to read reviews, check user experiences, and be cautious of any app that asks for too much personal information or up-front payments.
5. How long does it take to start earning money on these apps?
It will depend on the app and what type of task you’re going to do. For example, a survey app can offer small payouts fast, but an app where you resell stuff might take some time before it adds up. Generally speaking, the more time and effort you put into the work, the quicker you will get your returns.