Best Passive Income Apps That Make Money While You Sleep

17 Best Passive Income Apps That Actually Work in 2025

Passive income apps actually deliver what most of us dream about – making money while we sleep.

Gone are the days when generating passive income required massive upfront investments or specialized knowledge. Today's smartphone-powered economy offers legitimate ways to earn extra cash with minimal effort. These passive income apps handle the heavy lifting, creating revenue streams that work alongside your day job or other commitments.

Not all passive income opportunities are created equal, though. Many promise overnight riches but deliver pennies, while others require so much "passive" work that they essentially become second jobs. This carefully researched list cuts through the hype to showcase 17 passive income apps that genuinely work in 2025 – specifically focusing on platforms with proven track records, reasonable earning potential, and genuine passive characteristics.

From real estate investment platforms like Fundrise and Arrived Homes to specialized options like Vinovest for wine investing and IPRoyal Pawns for internet bandwidth sharing, these apps represent diverse pathways to supplemental income. Whether you have thousands to invest or just spare internet bandwidth to share, there's a legitimate passive income option waiting for you.

Fundrise

Image Source: Fundrise

Fundrise stands as a pioneer in democratizing real estate investments, opening doors for everyday investors previously locked out of this lucrative market.

Fundrise Key Features

Fundrise operates as a crowdfunded investment platform allowing non-accredited investors to access private real estate, private credit, and venture capital with just $10 to start 1. The platform creates diversified portfolios across residential and commercial properties nationwide without requiring users to handle property management. Furthermore, auto-invest features enable periodic investments starting at $10 1, alongside a user-friendly mobile app for monitoring asset growth and market trends.

Fundrise Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Remarkably low $10 minimum investment (standard accounts) 1
• Accessible to both accredited and non-accredited investors 1
• Quarterly redemption opportunities 2
• Diverse investment strategies for different financial goals

Cons:

• Highly illiquid investment options 1
• Not ideal for short-term investing 1
• Potential early redemption penalties for shares held less than five years 2

Fundrise Pricing

Annual fees total approximately 1% for real estate investments, split between a 0.15% advisory fee and 0.85% management fee 1. IRAs require a $1,000 minimum with an additional $125 annual fee, which can be waived by investing $3,000+ annually or maintaining a $25,000+ balance 1.

Fundrise Best For

Fundrise particularly suits long-term investors seeking portfolio diversification beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Additionally, it serves those interested in real estate exposure without property management headaches or significant capital requirements.

Arrived Homes

Image Source: Arrived

Arrived Homes transforms real estate investing through fractional ownership, enabling investors to purchase shares in rental properties across the country.

Arrived Homes Key Features

Arrived Homes offers a mobile app for iOS that brings real estate investing to your fingertips with faster access to new properties, portfolio performance tracking, and educational resources 3. The platform allows investments starting at just $100 per property 4, creating diversified portfolios across individual rental homes, vacation rentals, or their Single Family Residential Fund 4. Moreover, Arrived pre-vets all properties, selecting only the top 0.2% of properties they evaluate 4, with professional property managers handling all tenant and maintenance issues.

Arrived Homes Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Accessible $100 minimum investment 5
• Open to both accredited and non-accredited investors 5
• Passive income through quarterly dividends 4
• Full tax advantages of direct property ownership 5
• Secondary market launching in 2025 for improved liquidity 5

Cons:

• Individual properties have 5-7 year hold periods (5-15 for vacation rentals) 5
• Limited selection of properties that often sell out quickly 5
• Relatively high fees compared to some alternatives 5

Arrived Homes Pricing

Long-term rentals incur a one-time sourcing fee of 3.5% of the property purchase price and a quarterly assets under management fee of 0.15% 5. Property management costs for residential properties are 8% of gross rental income, whereas vacation rental management fees range from 15% to 25% 5.

Arrived Homes Best For

Arrived Homes is ideal for investors seeking diversification into real estate without property management headaches or large capital requirements. It especially suits those looking for quarterly passive income combined with potential long-term appreciation who can commit to holding investments for several years.

M1 Finance

Image Source: M1 Finance

M1 Finance combines automated investing with unique portfolio visualization, serving over 1 million users with $12B+ in assets as of September 2025 6.

M1 Finance Key Features

M1 visualizes investments as "pie" portfolios with each slice representing different stocks or ETFs 7. The platform's standout Dynamic Rebalancing feature automatically allocates new deposits to maintain your target asset percentages 7. Additionally, users access over 6,000 stocks and ETFs with fractional share capabilities 2, alongside a high-yield cash account offering competitive interest rates 8.

M1 Finance Pros and Cons

Pros:

• One-click portfolio rebalancing maintains desired allocations effortlessly
• Exceptional margin rates lower than popular competitors 2
• Broad range of targeted model portfolios for guided investing 2
• High-yield cash account maximizes returns on uninvested money 2

Cons:

• Restricted trading windows (9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. EST) limit trading flexibility 2
• No weekend customer service support 2
• Lacks financial advisors for personalized guidance 2
• No mutual funds, bonds, options, forex or futures trading 2

M1 Finance Pricing

A $3 monthly platform fee applies unless you maintain $10,000+ in assets or have an active M1 personal loan 2. Account minimums are $100 for standard accounts and $500 for retirement accounts 7. Importantly, M1 charges an additional $3 monthly IRA fee beginning September 2024 (waived under same fee exemption criteria) 2.

M1 Finance Best For

Ideal for buy-and-hold investors seeking automation without constant market monitoring 7. First-rate for cost-conscious investors wanting premade portfolios 2, plus margin investors seeking industry-leading low interest rates 2.

Vinovest

Image Source: Vinovest

Vinovest harnesses fine wine's investment potential, offering an alternative asset class that has historically delivered 10.6% annual returns over the past 30 years.

Vinovest Key Features

Founded in 2019, this AI-driven platform enables investors to purchase authenticated investment-grade wine without specialized knowledge. The platform handles all aspects from selection to storage—maintaining optimal humidity, temperature, and light conditions in bonded warehouses across multiple countries. Indeed, Vinovest authenticates each bottle's provenance, provides full-coverage insurance, and facilitates eventual selling through its vast network of wine merchants.

Vinovest Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Direct ownership of physical wine bottles
• Professional storage in climate-controlled facilities
• Full insurance coverage against breakage, loss, and theft
• Option to have bottles shipped to you for consumption

Cons:

• Annual fees ranging from 1.9%-2.85% significantly impact returns
• Ideal holding period of 5-10 years limits liquidity
• Early liquidation fee of 1.5% if sold before optimal window

Vinovest Pricing

Investment tiers determine fee structure: Starter ($1,000 minimum) at 2.5%, Plus ($10,000 minimum) at 2.35%, Premium ($50,000 minimum) at 2.15%, and Grand Cru ($250,000 minimum) at 1.9%. Unlike stocks, these fees apply regardless of performance.

Vinovest Best For

Ideal for investors seeking portfolio diversification through uncorrelated assets. Fine wine performed well during market downturns—increasing 25.2% during the Great Recession when the S&P 500 declined 25.97%.

Masterworks

Image Source: Masterworks - Learn to Invest in Fine Art

Masterworks unlocks the exclusive world of fine art investing through its innovative fractional ownership platform established in 2017.

Masterworks Key Features

As the first company to securitize blue-chip paintings, Masterworks allows everyday investors to purchase shares of artwork by renowned artists like Picasso, Banksy, and Basquiat 9. The platform has purchased over 500 artworks with more than $1.2 billion raised 9. Most importantly, Masterworks handles everything—acquisition, storage in climate-controlled facilities, insurance, and eventual selling 10. Their proprietary data model analyzes 15,000 artworks annually, selecting only the most promising investments with less than 3% passing their diligence process 119.

Masterworks Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Portfolio diversification with an asset historically outperforming alternatives 11
• Access to a previously exclusive investment sector 9
• Strong historical returns (average 11.2% annually per The Masterworks All Art Index) 9
• Secondary trading market for improved liquidity 11
• 23 paintings sold for profits as of 2025 11

Cons:

• Complex, high fee structure 9
• $15,000 minimum investment for first-time investors 9
• Target 3-10 year hold period limits liquidity 11
• Collectibles taxed at higher rates (up to 28%) than traditional investments 9

Masterworks Pricing

First-time investors face a $15,000 minimum (potentially negotiable during onboarding) 91. Returning investors can start with just $500 9. The fee structure includes a 1.5% annual management fee, 20% of profits upon sale, plus a one-time 10-11% expense allocation fee 99.

Masterworks Best For

Ideal for long-term investors seeking portfolio diversification beyond traditional assets 1. Perfect for art enthusiasts lacking expertise or capital for direct purchases 1. Nevertheless, only suitable for those comfortable locking up significant capital for several years 1.

Groundfloor

Image Source: Groundfloor blog

Groundfloor transforms everyday investors into real estate lenders through its innovative fractional debt investing platform founded in 2013.

Groundfloor Key Features

Since its launch, Groundfloor has funded over $1.63 billion in investments through its platform, serving more than 260,000 investors as of February 2025 12. The platform offers three distinct investment options: individual loans starting at just $10 13, the Flywheel Portfolio with $100 minimum that automatically diversifies across 200-400 loans 14, and Notes with fixed 30, 90, or 365-day terms requiring $1,000 minimum investment 15. Importantly, all investments are backed by real property, providing tangible security during market volatility 16.

Groundfloor Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Remarkably low minimum investments ($10 for individual loans)
• Open to non-accredited investors
• Short investment terms (typically 6-24 months)
• Historical average returns of 10% 12

Cons:

• Higher uncured default rate (2-4.71%) compared to traditional real estate 17
• Limited bankruptcy protection for investors 3
• Many loans in judicial-only states where foreclosure can be lengthy and expensive 3

Groundfloor Pricing

Individual loans have no investor fees 18. Conversely, the Flywheel Portfolio charges a 0.25% quarterly management fee for pre-2025 investments, with newer investments paying 0.5-1% per disbursement 19.

Groundfloor Best For

Ideal for passive income seekers wanting real estate exposure without property management responsibilities. Subsequently, it serves investors seeking short-term investment options with weekly disbursements from the Flywheel Portfolio 14.

FarmTogether

Image Source: PR Newswire

FarmTogether connects accredited investors with high-quality US farmland opportunities through its tech-enabled investment platform established in 2017.

FarmTogether Key Features

FarmTogether provides access to farmland through multiple investment channels including crowdfunded offerings (minimum $15,000), the Sustainable Farmland Fund (minimum $50,000 for Class A), Tenancy in Common offerings, and bespoke sole ownership options 20. The platform boasts an all-in-one digital portal where investors can browse opportunities, review due diligence materials, and sign documents securely 21. Currently managing over $209 million in assets across 7,100+ acres and 52 properties, FarmTogether targets investments with 6-13% returns and 2-9% cash yields 22.

FarmTogether Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Ownership of tangible agricultural real estate with historically consistent returns
• 100% passive investing with professional property management
• Portfolio diversification across multiple crops and locations
• Certified sustainable farming practices through Leading Harvest

Cons:

• Limited to accredited investors only
• Long hold periods of 8-12 years for most offerings
• Higher minimum investments compared to some alternatives
• Limited liquidity options for most investment types

FarmTogether Pricing

Fees vary by product type. Crowdfunded offerings typically incur a 1-2% one-time admin fee plus 1-2% annual management fee 23. The Sustainable Farmland Fund charges a 1.25% annual management fee, 2% acquisition fee, and 15% incentive fee over a 6% hurdle rate 23. Bespoke sole ownership options carry a 2% one-time fee plus 1-2% annual management fee 23.

FarmTogether Best For

Ideal for accredited investors seeking portfolio diversification through an asset class historically uncorrelated with traditional markets 24. Best suited for long-term investors comfortable with illiquidity who want exposure to agriculture without direct farm management responsibilities 25.

Roofstock

Image Source: www.roofstock.com

Roofstock provides a data-driven marketplace for single-family rental properties, enabling investors to purchase income-generating homes across 27 states in the U.S 26.

Roofstock Key Features

The platform offers turnkey properties that already have paying tenants, allowing immediate rental income upon closing 4. Additionally, Roofstock supplies comprehensive property information including inspection reports, title reports, floor plans, 3D tours, and tenant payment history 4. Their proprietary neighborhood rating system helps evaluate investment quality 27, alongside interactive tools for calculating potential returns 4.

Roofstock Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Available to both accredited and non-accredited investors 26
• Low transaction fees compared to traditional real estate purchases 26
• Minimum investment as low as $5,000 for Roofstock One 26
• Properties come with thorough inspection and valuation reports 4

Cons:

• Roofstock One limited to accredited investors only 27
• No secondary market for REIT securities 26
• Property management issues reported by some customers 26
• Large down payment required for direct property purchases 28

Roofstock Pricing

Buyers pay 0.5% of the purchase price or $500, whichever is higher 4. In contrast, sellers pay 3% of the sale price or $2,500, whichever is greater 29.

Roofstock Best For

Ideal for investors seeking nationwide real estate exposure without geographical limitations 27. Furthermore, it serves those wanting immediate rental income from tenant-occupied properties 4.

RVshare

Image Source: Owner Toolkit - RV Rentals

RVshare turns recreational vehicles into passive income generators through its peer-to-peer rental marketplace established in 2013.

RVshare Key Features

As the largest online RV rental community, RVshare connects owners with millions of potential renters annually 30. Owners maintain complete control over rental decisions, pricing, and approval of renters 5. The platform handles everything from marketing and payment processing to renter screening 5. Plus, renters receive 24/7 roadside assistance, ensuring vehicles remain properly maintained during rental periods 5.

RVshare Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Potential earnings of up to $40,000 annually from an otherwise unused asset 31
• Free listing with no upfront costs or commitments 31
• Comprehensive insurance coverage protects owners from liability 5
• One-on-one training and coaching from rental experts 32

Cons:

• Commission structure takes 25% of booking revenue 6
• Vehicles subject to additional wear and tear
• Mixed customer reviews regarding hidden fees and cancelations 8

RVshare Pricing

Listing your RV is completely free 31. The platform operates on a 75/25 split, with RVshare taking 25% of completed bookings 6. Owners generally include 100 miles per day with additional miles charged at $0.32/mile 5.

RVshare Best For

Ideal for RV owners seeking to offset ownership costs—some owners report paying off their RVs through rental income in as little as two years 5. Likewise, it serves those with infrequently used vehicles looking for a hands-off management solution.

Neighbor

Image Source: Neighbor

Neighbor operates as a peer-to-peer marketplace connecting people with unused space to those seeking affordable storage alternatives, often called "Airbnb for storage."

Neighbor Key Features

Founded in 2017, Neighbor enables homeowners to monetize various unused spaces from closets and garages to attics and driveways 33. The platform handles the entire process—listing creation, renter screening, payment processing, and even offers Smart Pricing that automatically adjusts rates based on demand 34. Most notably, hosts receive a $1 million Host Guarantee for liability protection at no additional cost 35. Every reservation includes verification of renters' identities, giving hosts peace of mind about who's storing items in their space 36.

Neighbor Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Completely passive income from otherwise unused space
• Zero startup costs with free listings 33
• Host verification system ensures security 36
• Guaranteed payouts even if renters stop paying 33

Cons:

• Not yet widely available in all areas 37
• 4.9% processing fee cuts into earnings 33
• Must allow strangers limited access to your property 37
• Potentially lower security than commercial facilities 36

Neighbor Pricing

Listing spaces is entirely free 33. Neighbor generates revenue through a 4.9% processing fee plus $0.30 per transaction from hosts 33. Meanwhile, renters pay 8-20% service fees on top of the rental price 33.

Neighbor Best For

Ideal for homeowners with underutilized space seeking truly passive income—some hosts earn up to $10,000 annually 33. In fact, one Atlanta host now makes $24,398 yearly with less than 5 hours of monthly effort 38.

IPRoyal Pawns

Image Source: iproyal.com

Unlike investment platforms requiring capital, IPRoyal Pawns enables earning passive income by sharing unused internet bandwidth and completing simple tasks.

IPRoyal Pawns Key Features

IPRoyal Pawns (formerly IPRoyal Pawns, now Pawns.app) operates as a platform connected to IPRoyal, a proxy provider, where users earn by selling internet bandwidth and completing surveys 2. Available in over 190 countries with 1.8+ million members 2, the app runs discreetly in the background on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, CLI, and Docker devices 7. Importantly, Pawns.app maintains strict security measures protecting user privacy, accessing only IP addresses and account information for payment purposes 7. Additionally, the platform offers multiple income streams beyond bandwidth sharing, including surveys paying approximately $1 each, game-playing tasks, and a referral program 7.

IPRoyal Pawns Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Zero investment required to start earning
• Truly passive income through background bandwidth sharing
• Global availability across 190+ countries 2
• Strong privacy protections with encrypted traffic 39
• Low $5 minimum payout threshold 40

Cons:

• Earnings highly dependent on geographic location and internet speed 41
• Survey availability varies by region 41
• $2 withdrawal fee for Bitcoin payments 41
• Some users report slow earning rates 42

IPRoyal Pawns Pricing

Completely free to join and use. Users earn approximately $0.20 per GB of shared bandwidth 7, with average monthly earnings around $10 per device 7. Furthermore, referring friends brings $1-3 per referral plus 10% of their earnings forever 7.

IPRoyal Pawns Best For

Perfect for individuals seeking truly passive income with zero investment. Ideal for users with reliable high-speed internet connections, as earnings correlate directly with bandwidth quality and availability.

Honeygain

Image Source: Honeygain

Honeygain stands apart in the passive income landscape by allowing users to profit from their unused internet bandwidth without any upfront investment.

Honeygain Key Features

This user-oriented passive income engine boasts over 600,000 new registrations monthly 43. The app securely utilizes idle internet connection for legitimate data processing, including content delivery and web intelligence services 43. Alongside bandwidth sharing, Honeygain offers a "Lucky Pot" feature providing free daily credits and an achievements system rewarding in-app activities 43. Furthermore, the platform maintains robust security standards with continuous system patching and privacy-focused updates 43. Available on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux 44, Honeygain enables multi-device connectivity for maximizing earnings.

Honeygain Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Completely effortless setup with user-friendly dashboard 43
• Multiple payout options including USD and cryptocurrency 43
• Minimal effort required for generating passive income 43
• High security standards protecting user data 43
• Low $5 minimum withdrawal when using JumpTask mode 45

Cons:

• Earnings heavily dependent on location and internet usage 43
• Not ideal for users with limited internet bandwidth 43
• Content Delivery feature has limited availability by region 43
• May reduce battery life on mobile devices 44

Honeygain Pricing

Using Honeygain is entirely free. Users earn approximately $0.10 for every GB of bandwidth shared 44 and $0.06 for every 10 hours of Content Delivery 44. The standard minimum payout threshold is $20 44, accessible via PayPal (with a $1.00 + 2% fee) or Bitcoin (with a $1.50 flat fee) 44. Alternatively, withdrawing through JumpTask token eliminates both fees and minimum thresholds 44.

Honeygain Best For

Ideal for individuals with reliable high-speed internet connections seeking truly passive income with zero investment. Perfect for those who can leave devices running consistently, as typical users with multiple connected devices can expect monthly earnings between $8-50 4644.

Swagbucks

Image Source: Android APP Reviews

Swagbucks rewards users for everyday online activities, making it a versatile platform in the passive income app ecosystem with over $665 million paid to members globally 47.

Swagbucks Key Features

The platform offers multiple earning opportunities including surveys, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online with cashback from over 1,500 retailers 48. Their Magic Receipts feature allows users to earn by uploading grocery receipts from major stores like Walmart and Target 49. The mobile app enables completing tasks anywhere, anytime—perfect for maximizing earnings during downtime 47.

Swagbucks Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Diverse earning methods for different preferences 50
• Low minimum payout starting at $3 for some gift cards 51
• User-friendly interface accessible for beginners 50
• Available in most countries across Americas, Europe, and Asia 51

Cons:

• Survey disqualifications frequently reported by users 50
• Relatively low earning potential ($10-$50 monthly with consistent use) 52
• Points expire after 12 months of inactivity 50
• Time investment often disproportionate to rewards 50

Swagbucks Pricing

Joining is completely free. The platform uses a point system where 100 SB equals $1.00 53. Gift card redemptions start at 300 SB ($3), whereas PayPal cashouts require 2,500 SB ($25) 51.

Swagbucks Best For

Ideal for students and anyone seeking supplemental income without investment requirements. Rather than replacing employment, it works best for monetizing idle time online.

Freecash

Image Source: Google Play

Freecash enables users to earn money from simple online activities, positioning itself as a get-paid-to platform with multiple income streams launched in 2020 by Almedia Online LLC.

Freecash Key Features

Freecash offers diverse earning opportunities including paid surveys, game trials, app testing, and watching videos. Users earn coins (1,000 coins = $1.00) redeemable for various rewards 54. The platform features daily bonuses, streak rewards increasing up to $0.80 by day six 54, plus competitive leaderboards offering substantial prizes—up to $500 for monthly top earners 55. For consistent users, advanced mode unlocks after earning $20, providing additional opportunities 56.

Freecash Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Fast payouts with low thresholds ($0.25 for cryptocurrency) 57
• No signup fees or subscriptions required 57
• Highly rated (4.7/5 stars from over 194,700 Trustpilot reviews) 54
• Multiple payout options including PayPal, cryptocurrencies, and 30+ gift cards 56

Cons:

• Earnings vary significantly by location and demographic 11
• Survey disqualifications happen frequently 57
• Some high-paying offers require purchases or credit card information 57
• Account bans reported without clear explanation 11

Freecash Pricing

Completely free to join and use. Users simply invest their time 11.

Freecash Best For

Ideal for supplemental income seekers wanting flexible earning opportunities. Users typically earn $10-$100 monthly 11, with some reporting average daily earnings around $27.07 58.

Ibotta

Image Source: Ibotta

Ibotta stands out as a cash-back platform that turns everyday shopping into a source of passive income, having paid out over $2.30 billion to date 59.

Ibotta Key Features

The free app rewards users for grocery shopping and online purchases from over 2,000 retail partners 59. After activating offers through the app, users can earn by uploading receipts, linking loyalty accounts, or shopping through the Ibotta portal 60. Moreover, Ibotta offers multiple earning streams including brand-specific rebates, "any brand" offers, and bonuses for completing challenges 10. Additionally, their browser extension automatically alerts users to cash-back opportunities when visiting partner sites 61.

Ibotta Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Real cash rewards instead of points or coupons 62
• Wide variety of participating retailers including grocery stores, online shops, and restaurants 59
• Multiple submission methods including receipt scanning and loyalty account linking 60
• Average annual earnings of $261 per user 63

Cons:

• $3.99 monthly fee after six months of inactivity 64
• Minimum $20 withdrawal threshold 65
• Must activate offers before shopping 59
• Receipt submission required within 7 days of purchase 59

Ibotta Pricing

Completely free to use with no subscription fees. However, inactive accounts with remaining balances incur a $3.99 monthly fee after six months 64.

Ibotta Best For

Ideal for grocery shoppers looking to earn from purchases they'd make anyway. Perfect for those wanting flexible redemption options including PayPal, direct deposit, or over 150 gift card choices 62.

Rakuten

Image Source: Rakuten Today

As a cash-back pioneer founded in 1997 (formerly Ebates), Rakuten turns everyday shopping into a source of passive income by sharing retailer commissions with users who've collectively earned over $3.2 billion to date 9.

Rakuten Key Features

The platform partners with more than 3,500 online retailers 1, offering cash back ranging from 1% to 20% on purchases 9. Its browser extension automatically alerts users to savings opportunities and applies coupons 1. Beyond online shopping, Rakuten enables in-store earnings when you link credit cards to your account 1. All transactions are tracked automatically, with earnings delivered quarterly via check, PayPal, or as American Express Membership Rewards points 1.

Rakuten Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Completely free to join and use 1
• Works with both online and in-store purchases 1
• No earning limits on cash back amounts 1
• Browser extension finds and applies coupons automatically 1

Cons:

• Cash back paid only quarterly 1
• Amazon purchases generally not eligible 1
• Requires activation before shopping 9
• Must remember to click through Rakuten for tracking 1

Rakuten Pricing

Entirely free with no subscription fees or hidden costs 9.

Rakuten Best For

Ideal for regular online shoppers seeking passive rewards on planned purchases. Perfect for those who prefer real cash over points systems, with typical users earning $50-$300 annually through normal shopping habits 66.

Drop

Image Source: www.joindrop.com

Drop functions as a coalition loyalty program that allows users to earn rewards through everyday purchases made with linked debit or credit cards.

Drop Key Features

The platform enables members to automatically earn points when shopping at selected merchants. Users link their cards securely through the app, which employs the same encryption standards as banks 67. This mobile-focused rewards system tracks purchases and credits points without requiring receipt uploads. Still, as of 2025, Drop has faced serious functionality issues, with many users reporting that promised weekly gift card "drops" are perpetually sold out 68.

Drop Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Zero investment required with free registration
• Stackable rewards that work alongside credit card points
• Industry-leading security with hardware and software encryption 67

Cons:

• Significant point redemption difficulties reported by numerous users
• Limited gift cards now "capped at USD 25.00" and only released weekly 68
• Legal troubles evidenced by a 2024 lawsuit filed in California 68

Drop Pricing

The app is completely free to use. Points are valued at 0.1 cents each (1,000 points = USD 1.00) 19. Earning rates vary widely by retailer, ranging from 0.07% to 0.6% back 19.

Drop Best For

Ideal for mobile shoppers who frequently purchase from partner brands and desire a truly passive rewards experience with minimal effort required.

Conclusion

Passive income apps have transformed the way we generate supplemental revenue streams. Whether you possess thousands to invest or simply have unused internet bandwidth, legitimate opportunities exist for nearly every financial situation and risk tolerance.

These 17 platforms showcase the remarkable diversity available in today's digital economy. Real estate enthusiasts can explore Fundrise or Arrived Homes with minimums as low as $10 and $100 respectively. Additionally, art and wine lovers might gravitate toward Masterworks or Vinovest for unique alternative investments.

Nevertheless, passive income doesn't always require capital investment. Apps like IPRoyal Pawns and Honeygain allow users to monetize unused internet bandwidth, while platforms such as Swagbucks and Freecash reward everyday online activities. Similarly, cashback apps including Ibotta, Rakuten, and Drop transform routine shopping into revenue-generating opportunities.

Each platform comes with distinct advantages and limitations. Some offer impressive historical returns but require longer commitment periods, while others generate modest income with zero investment requirements. The key lies in selecting options aligned with your financial goals, risk tolerance, and available resources.

Undoubtedly, creating multiple passive income streams represents one of the smartest financial moves possible in today's uncertain economy. These tested apps offer practical starting points for anyone seeking to build wealth gradually or supplement existing income without sacrificing precious time. Start with one that matches your situation, then expand your passive income portfolio as your confidence and capital grow.