In today’s fast-paced digital world, earning passive income has never been easier, thanks to innovative apps that let you make money with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking to supplement your salary, save for a big purchase, or achieve financial freedom, passive income apps can help you reach your goals. As we step into 2025, new and improved apps are emerging, offering smarter ways to generate income effortlessly. Here’s a roundup of the best passive income apps to try in 2025.
1. High-Yield Savings and Investment Apps
One of the simplest ways to earn passive income is by letting your money work for you. High-yield savings and investment apps allow you to grow your wealth with little to no active involvement.
Acorns
Acorns remains a top choice for beginners and seasoned investors alike. The app rounds up your everyday purchases to the nearest dollar and invests the spare change in diversified portfolios. With features like automated recurring investments and cash-back rewards, Acorns makes investing effortless.
Wealthfront
Wealthfront is another excellent option for hands-off investing. This robo-advisor app creates a personalized investment strategy based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. With low fees and tax-efficient strategies, Wealthfront helps maximize your returns without requiring constant monitoring.
2. Cashback and Reward Apps
Why not earn money while spending? Cashback and reward apps give you a percentage of your purchases back, turning everyday shopping into a passive income stream.
Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) partners with thousands of retailers to offer cashback on purchases. Simply shop through the app or browser extension, and Rakuten deposits your earnings into your account quarterly. It’s an easy way to earn money on things you’d buy anyway.
Honey
Honey not only helps you find the best online deals but also offers cashback at select stores. The app automatically applies coupon codes at checkout and rewards you with Honey Gold, which can be redeemed for gift cards or PayPal cash.
3. Peer-to-Peer Lending Apps
If you’re looking for higher returns, peer-to-peer (P2P) lending apps allow you to earn interest by lending money to individuals or small businesses.
Prosper
Prosper is a leading P2P lending platform where you can invest in personal loans with fixed interest rates. By diversifying your investments across multiple loans, you can mitigate risk while earning passive income from borrower repayments.
Funding Circle
Funding Circle focuses on small business loans, offering investors the opportunity to earn competitive returns. With a straightforward platform and detailed borrower profiles, you can choose loans that align with your risk appetite.
4. Real Estate Crowdfunding Apps
Real estate has long been a lucrative passive income source, but high entry costs can be a barrier. Crowdfunding apps make it accessible to everyone.
Fundrise
Fundrise allows you to invest in real estate projects with as little as $10. The app pools funds from multiple investors to purchase properties, and you earn dividends from rental income and property appreciation. It’s a hands-off way to diversify into real estate.
Arrived Homes
Arrived Homes lets you buy shares of rental properties, earning passive income from monthly rent payments. With no management responsibilities and low minimum investments, it’s an excellent option for beginner real estate investors.
5. Content and Affiliate Marketing Apps
If you enjoy creating content or sharing products, affiliate marketing apps can turn your influence into income.
Amazon Associates
Amazon Associates remains one of the most popular affiliate programs. By sharing product links on blogs, social media, or videos, you earn commissions on qualifying purchases. The app simplifies tracking your earnings and optimizing your strategy.
ShareASale
ShareASale connects affiliates with thousands of merchants across various niches. Whether you run a blog or a social media page, you can find relevant products to promote and earn passive income through referrals.
Conclusion
Passive income apps in 2025 offer diverse opportunities to boost your earnings with minimal effort. From investing spare change with Acorns to earning cashback with Rakuten or diving into real estate with Fundrise, there’s an app for every financial goal. The key is to choose the right mix of apps that align with your interests and risk tolerance. Start exploring these options today, and watch your passive income grow in the coming year!