In 2025, making extra money in South Africa has never been easier — thanks to innovative mobile apps that allow you to earn real cash directly from your phone. Whether you’re looking for side income, a full-time gig, or just extra cash for your monthly budget, these apps offer real opportunities without requiring a big investment.

From survey apps to freelance marketplaces, cashback platforms, and content creation tools, you can now turn your skills, time, and even spare change into profit. Below are the top 10 money-making apps in South Africa for 2025 that are worth your time.

1. Konnect – Best Overall Money-Making App in 2025

Konnect is making waves in Africa’s digital economy. It’s a multi-purpose earning platform where users can make money through simple tasks, content sharing, referrals, and micro-jobs. Payments are instant, and you can withdraw directly to your South African bank account or mobile wallet.

• Earning methods: Tasks, referrals, content posting

• Payout options: Bank account, mobile wallet

• Why it’s #1: Fast payouts, multiple earning streams, beginner-friendly

2. Foap – Sell Your Photos Online

If you have a smartphone and a knack for photography, Foap allows you to sell your pictures to global brands and individuals. Every time someone buys your photo, you earn a commission in US dollars.

• Earning methods: Selling images and videos

• Payout options: PayPal

• Tip: Upload high-quality, original images to increase sales

3. Toluna Influencers – Get Paid for Your Opinions

Toluna Influencers rewards you for answering surveys and testing products. Your opinions are valuable to companies, and Toluna pays you in cash or vouchers for sharing them.

• Earning methods: Surveys, product reviews

• Payout options: PayPal, gift cards

• Bonus: Frequent survey availability in South Africa

4. M4Jam (Money for Jam) – Micro-Jobs Near You

M4Jam connects you with quick, location-based jobs like mystery shopping, data collection, and product feedback. It’s flexible, allowing you to work at your own pace.

• Earning methods: On-demand small jobs

• Payout options: Mobile money

• Best for: People who enjoy fieldwork and flexibility

5. Swagbucks – Earn Rewards in Multiple Ways

Swagbucks offers several earning options including watching videos, shopping online, answering surveys, and playing games. It’s perfect for those who want variety.

• Earning methods: Surveys, videos, games, cashback shopping

• Payout options: PayPal, gift cards

• Pro tip: Focus on high-paying tasks for faster earnings

6. SnapnSave – Cashback on Your Shopping

SnapnSave is South Africa’s leading cashback app that rewards you for uploading pictures of your grocery receipts. Each upload earns you instant cashback.

• Earning methods: Cashback on purchases

• Payout options: Bank transfer

• Tip: Combine cashback deals for maximum savings

7. Upwork – Freelance and Earn Big

Upwork is a global freelancing platform that connects South African professionals with clients worldwide. Whether you’re a writer, designer, or programmer, there’s work waiting for you.

• Earning methods: Freelance services

• Payout options: PayPal, Payoneer, direct deposit

• Why it works: High-paying international clients

8. Field Agent – On-Demand Mystery Shopping

With Field Agent, you can make money by completing retail audits, mystery shopping, and simple research tasks in your area.

• Earning methods: Mystery shopping, store audits

• Payout options: Bank transfer

• Best for: Those living in urban areas with many retail stores

9. Fiverr – Sell Your Skills

Fiverr allows you to sell services starting at $5 (or more). From graphic design to voiceovers, people are making thousands every month on the platform.

• Earning methods: Freelance services

• Payout options: PayPal, bank transfer, Payoneer

• Tip: Offer unique services to stand out

10. ShopBack – Get Paid to Shop

ShopBack rewards you with cashback for shopping online at partnered stores. The cashback adds up and can be withdrawn to your account.

• Earning methods: Cashback from shopping

• Payout options: Bank account

• Pro tip: Use during seasonal sales to earn more cashback

Final Thoughts

In 2025, South Africans have more earning opportunities than ever before — all thanks to mobile apps like Konnect, Foap, Swagbucks, and M4Jam. Whether you want extra grocery money or a full-time online income, there’s an app here to match your skills and schedule.

If you’re serious about boosting your earnings, start with Konnect for its all-in-one earning system, then explore others to diversify your income streams.