With the rise of digital technology, many Australians are turning to cash online apps as a side hustle to supplement their income. Whether you’re looking to make a few extra dollars during your commute, earn a part-time income, or even find a way to work full-time from the comfort of your home, online cash-earning apps offer a range of opportunities. How much can you earn from cash online apps in Australia? This article dives into the types of cash-earning apps available in Australia, the potential earnings, and key considerations for those looking to join the digital gig economy.
1. Types of Cash Online Apps in Australia
There is a diverse array of cash-earning apps that Australians can use to generate income, ranging from survey apps to freelance platforms and even cashback apps. Let’s explore some of the popular categories of apps where users can make money.
a. Survey and Micro-task Apps
Survey apps are one of the most common ways to make small amounts of money. Users earn money by participating in surveys, watching videos, or completing micro-tasks.
- Swagbucks: Swagbucks allows users to earn points, known as Swagbucks (SB), which can be redeemed for gift cards or cash through PayPal. Users can earn SB by taking surveys, watching videos, and even shopping online.
- Toluna: Toluna is another survey app that pays users for sharing their opinions through surveys. Rewards are offered as points, which can be converted into gift cards or cash.
- Pureprofile: This Australian app offers users money for answering surveys and participating in market research. Earnings can be withdrawn via PayPal.
Earnings Potential: If you consistently participate, you might earn $20 to $200 per month, depending on the number of surveys available and the time you invest.
b. Gig Economy Apps
For those who prefer more hands-on work, gig economy apps provide a platform to offer services such as food delivery, dog walking, or ridesharing.
- Uber and Deliveroo: If you have a car, scooter, or bike, you can earn money by delivering food or providing rides. Uber drivers in Australia typically earn $25 to $30 per hour, though this can vary depending on factors such as time of day and location.
- Airtasker: Airtasker allows users to post or accept tasks such as house cleaning, moving furniture, or assembling furniture. The rates vary greatly depending on the task, but some users can make $50 to $200 per task, with experienced workers earning over $1,000 per week.
- Mad Paws: For pet lovers, Mad Paws offers the opportunity to earn money by pet sitting or dog walking. Depending on your location and experience, you can earn $20 to $40 per pet-sitting session.
Earnings Potential: Gig economy apps offer higher earning potential than survey apps, and skilled workers can make anywhere from $200 to $1,500 per week. However, this requires consistent effort, availability, and reliable service.
c. Cashback and Shopping Apps
Cashback apps allow users to earn money while shopping.
- ShopBack: This app gives users a percentage of their purchase back when they shop through affiliated retailers. The cashback rate ranges from 1% to 20%, depending on the retailer.
- Cashrewards: Similar to ShopBack, Cashrewards offers cashback for shopping at a range of stores. Users can earn between 1% and 15% cashback on their purchases.
Earnings Potential: Cashback apps are more about saving money rather than earning it. Depending on your shopping habits, you could save anywhere from $10 to $100 per month, especially if you regularly shop online or purchase big-ticket items.
d. Freelance and Skill-Based Apps
Freelancing apps like Fiverr and Upwork allow Australians to offer their skills in fields like writing, graphic design, web development, and more.
- Fiverr: Gigs start at $5, but experienced freelancers can charge hundreds or even thousands of dollars for complex tasks.
- Upwork: Upwork is another popular platform for freelancers, offering a range of services. Rates vary significantly depending on the skill and experience of the freelancer, but experienced professionals can earn $20 to $100 per hour.
Earnings Potential: Freelancers can earn anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per month, depending on their expertise and workload. Building a successful freelance career requires time, networking, and consistent quality work.
2. Factors Affecting Earnings
While it is possible to earn a significant income from cash online apps in Australia, the amount you can make depends on several factors:
a. Time Commitment
The more time you dedicate to using these apps, the higher your earning potential. Survey apps, for example, might require hours of participation for minimal returns, whereas gig economy jobs can offer more immediate and substantial payouts for shorter work periods.
b. Skills and Experience
Apps that require specific skills, such as freelancing platforms, generally offer higher pay compared to apps where tasks can be completed by anyone. If you have expertise in a high-demand field such as programming, writing, or design, you can command much higher rates.
c. Location
Where you live can also impact your earnings, especially for gig economy apps like Uber or Deliveroo. Large cities like Sydney and Melbourne tend to offer more opportunities and higher pay rates compared to smaller towns or rural areas.
d. Effort and Consistency
Earnings on many apps depend on consistent effort. For example, building a steady stream of freelance clients on Fiverr or Upwork takes time and effort. Similarly, using cashback apps consistently can help you save more money over time.
3. Realistic Expectations
So, how much can you realistically earn from cash online apps in Australia? Here’s a summary of potential monthly earnings based on app categories:
- Survey and micro-task apps: $20 to $200 per month
- Gig economy apps: $200 to $1,500 per week (depending on hours worked)
- Cashback apps: $10 to $100 per month
- Freelancing apps: $500 to $5,000+ per month (depending on skills and workload)
If you’re looking for a side hustle, survey and gig economy apps are more suited for earning pocket money or supplementing a part-time income. However, if you want to make a full-time income, freelancing apps offer the best opportunity, especially if you have specialized skills.
Final Thoughts
Earning money through cash online apps in Australia is entirely possible, but it requires dedication, consistency, and sometimes a bit of creativity. While some apps might only offer small returns, others have the potential to provide a significant income if approached strategically. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or a full-time opportunity, the digital gig economy offers a wide range of options to suit different skills, lifestyles, and goals.