10 Apps That Pay Big in South Africa (2024)

The rise of the gig economy and digital platforms has made it easier than ever to earn money online, even in South Africa. With just a smartphone or a computer, you can turn your spare time into a steady income stream. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 apps that have proven to be lucrative, user-friendly, and rewarding. These platforms allow South Africans to make money doing everything from taking surveys to selling photos, testing websites, and more. Let’s explore!

1. CashInStyle

Overview:

CashInStyle is a Get-Paid-To (GPT) platform that offers South Africans a convenient way to earn rewards by completing tasks such as surveys, watching videos, and participating in offers. Founded by industry veterans, it offers higher rewards compared to many established platforms.

How It Works:

• Sign up for free and explore the app’s multiple earning options.

• Complete tasks like watching ads, taking surveys, or playing mobile games.

• Earn points for each completed activity, which can be redeemed for cash, Crypto or gift cards.

Earnings:

• Tasks typically reward between R5 and R30, while cashback rates depend on the retailer.

• Minimum cashout is R100, with earnings processed via Tremendous, Cryptocurrencies or PayPal.

Pros:

• Multiple earning avenues.

• User-friendly interface.

• Regular updates with new tasks.

Cons:

• Earnings can be slow without regular activity.

• Limited to partnered retailers for cashback.

Age Requirement: 18 years and above.

Available Countries: Worldwide, South Africa.

Best For: Users who shop online frequently and want to earn extra cash from everyday purchases.

2. Foap.com

Overview
Foap is a photography marketplace where you can sell your photos and videos to brands and individuals worldwide. If you enjoy taking pictures and videos, this app can help turn your passion into profit.

How It Works

• Download the app and create an account.

• Upload your photos and videos, which become available for purchase by businesses.

• Participate in missions for higher payouts by creating specific types of images.

Earnings and Payment

• Photos sell for $10 (R190), with Foap taking a 50% commission.

• Mission rewards range between $50 and $500.

• Payments are made via PayPal.

Pros

• High earning potential for quality photos.

• Passive income from previously uploaded images.

Cons

• High competition on the platform.

Best For Aspiring photographers or hobbyists looking to monetize their work.

3. Prolific.com

Overview
Prolific connects users with academic researchers to participate in paid studies. Known for its fairness, it offers some of the best-paying survey opportunities online.

How It Works

• Sign up and complete your profile to get matched with studies.

• Participate in surveys on various topics, from social behavior to product feedback.

• Get paid instantly after completing studies.

Earnings and Payment

• Average pay ranges from £6–£12 (R140–R280) per hour.

• Minimum cashout is £5 (R100).

• Payments are made via PayPal.

Pros

• High-paying and interesting surveys.

• Fast payments with low withdrawal thresholds.

Cons

• Limited studies available at times.

Best For Those who enjoy academic-style surveys and detailed tasks.

4. Fiverr.com

Overview
Fiverr is one of the largest freelance platforms globally, offering a wide range of services, from graphic design to writing and virtual assistance.

How It Works

• Sign up, create a profile, and list your “gigs.”

• Clients browse your offerings and place orders.

• Deliver the work to get paid.

Earnings and Payment

• Prices start at $5 (R95) per gig but can go up significantly depending on your skills.

• Payments are processed via PayPal, bank transfer, or Fiverr revenue card.

Pros

• Access to a global audience.

• Flexible pricing and services.

Cons

• Fiverr takes a 20% commission.

Best For skilled freelancers or anyone looking to monetize their talents.

5. Userlytics.com

Overview
Userlytics is a usability testing platform where you earn money by testing websites and apps. Your feedback helps companies improve their digital products.

How It Works

• Sign up and complete your profile.

• Receive invitations to usability tests.

• Share your screen and provide feedback on the interface.

Earnings and Payment

• Tests pay between $5 and $90 (R95–R1,700), depending on complexity.

• Payments are made via PayPal.

Pros

• High-paying tests for minimal effort.

• Work from anywhere with an internet connection.

Cons

• Tests can be sporadic.

Best for tech-savvy individuals who enjoy testing and reviewing apps and websites.

6. Mobrog.com

Overview
Mobrog is a survey platform that rewards users for sharing their opinions on various topics, from lifestyle habits to product reviews.

How It Works

• Sign up and complete your profile to receive survey invitations.

• Answer surveys and earn points.

• Redeem points for cash or gift cards.

Earnings and Payment

• Surveys pay R10–R45 each.

• Minimum cashout is R50 via PayPal.

Pros

• Simple and quick surveys.

• Low cashout threshold.

Cons

• Some disqualifications after starting surveys.

Best For those looking for a casual way to earn money in their spare time.

7. TaskVerse.com

Overview
TaskVerse offers micro-tasks such as data entry, content moderation, and testing apps. The platform is flexible, allowing you to pick tasks that fit your skills and schedule.

How It Works

• Register and browse available tasks.

• Complete tasks and submit for approval.

• Earn rewards after successful completion.

Earnings and Payment

• Tasks pay between $1 and $10 (R19–R190).

• Payments are made via PayPal, with a minimum withdrawal of $5.

Pros

• Wide variety of tasks.

• Flexible work hours.

Cons

• Limited availability of tasks at times.

Best For Freelancers and gig workers who enjoy flexible online jobs.

8. Cointiply.com

Overview
Cointiply rewards users in cryptocurrency for completing tasks like surveys, watching ads, or playing games.

How It Works

• Sign up and start completing tasks to earn coins.

• Redeem coins for Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies.

• Play games or engage with offers to boost your earnings.

Earnings and Payment

• Earn up to 500 coins per task.

• Minimum withdrawal is 50,000 coins, equivalent to about $5 (R95).

Pros

• Multiple earning opportunities.

• Ideal for crypto enthusiasts.

Cons

• Requires significant time to accumulate enough coins for withdrawal.

Best For Users interested in earning Bitcoin through simple tasks.

9. GrabPoints.com

Overview
GrabPoints offers rewards for activities like watching videos, completing surveys, and downloading apps. It’s a versatile platform with various earning opportunities.

How It Works

• Sign up and browse available tasks.

• Complete activities and earn points.

• Redeem points for cash or gift cards.

Earnings and Payment

• 1,000 points equal $1 (R19).

• Minimum cashout is $5 (R95).

Pros

• Multiple ways to earn.

• Easy-to-use platform.

Cons

• Some tasks have low payouts.

Best for anyone looking for flexible earning options.

10. Sweatcoin.com

Overview
Sweatcoin pays users for walking, converting steps into currency that can be redeemed for rewards. It’s perfect for those who enjoy staying active.

How It Works

• Download the app and enable step tracking.

• Earn Sweatcoins for every 1,000 steps taken.

• Redeem Sweatcoins for rewards like gift cards or fitness gear.

Earnings and Payment

• Earn 0.95 Sweatcoins per 1,000 steps.

• Cashouts are available for premium members starting at 20,000 Sweatcoins.

Pros

• Encourages a healthy lifestyle.

• Passive earning.

Cons

• Limited cash out options in South Africa.

Best For Fitness enthusiasts who want to earn while staying active.

Final Thoughts:

These 10 apps offer diverse ways to earn online in South Africa, catering to different skills, interests, and schedules. Whether you’re freelancing on Fiverr, testing websites with Userlytics, or earning cryptocurrency on Cointiply, there’s something here for everyone. Explore these platforms today and turn your spare time into a reliable income stream