Dreaming of a side hustle where you’re the boss, the hours are yours, and the journey is as rewarding as the destination? Buckle up.
This article lays out the 15 best driving apps to make money. From ridesharing and delivering food to cruising around town, this guide breaks down:
- How much you can make
- The onboarding requirements
- Pros and cons of each platform
- Strategies to maximize your earnings and lower your taxes
So drivers, start your engines! A profitable side hustle is our next stop.
The 15 Best Driving Apps To Make Money
Love to drive? Need an income boost? Why not kill two birds with one app?
If you prefer your car to an office, check out these 15 driving apps to make money and turn a simple task like driving into a consistent second income.
Driving Apps To Make Money: Ridesharing
Ridesharing apps have redefined the way we commute. Now practically anyone with a valid driver’s license and a reliable car can turn their vehicle into a lucrative side hustle. If you enjoy driving passengers, the following 5 driving apps are a great place to start.
1) Uber
Potential Earnings: $18 to $29 per hour
Chances are you’ve grabbed an Uber in the past month. Since its launch in 2009, Uber has become the gold standard in ridesharing. The app now accounts for 71% of the ridesharing market in the U.S. and has an incredible 131 million active monthly users!
Uber drivers earn 75% of the base fare plus tips. And because fares are based on time, distance, and demand, there are ways to optimize your earnings.
For example, after a major concert or sporting event, prices may increase by 50% or more. This is known as surge pricing. Capturing a few rides during these peak-demand periods can significantly boost your average earnings per ride.
To ensure you can take advantage of this opportunity, hang out near large events or busy nightlife districts in the evenings and weekends. When demand skyrockets and surge pricing kicks in, riders will pay a premium to secure a ride — meaning bigger paychecks for you!
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license
- 1 year of licensed driving experience (3 years if under 25 years old)
- Criminal background check
- Eligible 4-door vehicle
Pros
- Flexible scheduling
- Large user base
- Consistent opportunities
- Higher earnings during surge pricing
Cons
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Gas and maintenance costs
- The possibility of unruly passengers
2) Lyft
Potential Earnings: $17 to $29 per hour
Lyft is the second biggest ridesharing platform in the U.S., with 20 million active monthly users. Lyft has made a name for itself as a driver and passenger-friendly alternative to Uber. Passengers value their focus on driver safety with the Vision 360 program, while drivers appreciate the extra 5% in commissions (80% vs. 75% for Uber).
Another popular feature among drivers is Lyft Power Zones. These zones are highlighted by color on the app and indicate areas of high demand. They work like Uber’s surge pricing, and drivers can earn bonuses for accepting rides in a Power Zone.
Pro Tip: To boost your Lyft earnings, use the app’s ‘Scheduled Pickups’ feature. Riders often schedule rides in advance for important events or appointments. By aligning your availability with these scheduled pickups, especially during non-peak hours, you can secure consistent rides without the unpredictability of waiting for a random ping.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license
- Criminal background check
- Eligible 4-door vehicle (varies by area)
Pros
- Flexible scheduling
- Large user base
- Access to high-demand Power Zones
- Supportive company culture
Cons
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Gas and maintenance costs
- The possibility of unruly passengers
- Fewer ride requests than Uber
3) Wingz
Potential Earnings: ~$19 per hour
What sets Wingz apart from other driving apps to make money is their niche focus — airport rides! You won’t land the same number of gigs as an Uber or Lyft, but the ones you get are generally longer and more profitable.
For example, a driver in the San Francisco area stated that he made over $1,800 in a single week driving to and from the airport for Wingz!
One key benefit for drivers is that passengers have the option to request you as their preferred driver for future rides. So if you wow your passengers with excellent customer service, it can pay off big time in repeat business.
The downside is that Wingz is only available at 20 major airports nationwide. However, if they’re in your area, this could be a lucrative addition to Uber or Lyft.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license
- Clean driving record
- Must be at least 25 years old
- An eligible SUV, mini-van, or full-size/premium sedan less than 5 years old
Pros
- Potentially higher fares
- Chance to build a loyal customer base
Cons
- Longer onboarding process than other ridesharing apps
- More downtime between rides
4) Via
Potential Earnings: ~$18 per hour
Although it’s only available in a few cities around the country, newcomer Via is giving Uber and Lyft a ride for their money. What sets Via apart is that it is a true ridesharing service. This means that you typically share your ride with others heading in the same direction.
Passengers love the lower fares — rides only cost a little more than taking the bus! Via offers corner-to-corner service, so you won’t get dropped off at your exact location, but the savings more than makeup for the slight inconvenience.
For drivers, more passengers mean bigger paychecks per ride. A recent study of drivers in the New York City market shows that Via drivers earn 43% more than Lyft drivers and 38% more than Uber drivers.
Requirements
- Must be at least 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- At least one year of driving experience
- Background check
- Vehicle eligibility requirements depend on the city
Pros
- Earn more per ride
- Easier scheduling due to the commuter market focus
Cons
- Greater wear and tear
- Only available in NYC, Chicago, and the Washington DC metro area
5) Airbnb Experiences
Potential Earnings: Varies
Airbnb Experiences is a unique twist. Instead of shuttling passengers from point A to point B, offer driving tours of your city. You can highlight local treasures — the bustling farmer’s market, historic landmarks, or elusive hole-in-the-wall cafes that only locals know about.
The beauty of Airbnb Experiences is that you can charge a premium for these personalized tours. It’s not uncommon for drivers to earn significantly more per hour compared to standard ridesharing apps.
To stand out among your competition, curate theme-based tours, like a journey through your city’s street art or a discovery tour focused on hidden boutiques and cafes.
Plus, getting started is easy! Just create a listing on the Airbnb Experiences platform, outline your tour, and set a price. Once it’s approved, you can start accepting bookings.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and a vehicle
- Local knowledge and some imagination
Pros
- Greater hourly earnings potential
Cons
- More planning and prep work required
- Inconsistent demand
Driving Apps To Make Money: Deliveries
If sharing your car with strangers gives you the willies, becoming a delivery driver may be the ticket to your next profitable side hustle. Whether it’s take-out, groceries, or packages, these six delivery-driving apps to make money can put some serious coin in your bank account.
6) Uber Eats
Potential Earnings: $16 to $21 per hour
As one of the most popular delivery driving platforms, Uber Eats gives you the chance to hop into the rapidly expanding food delivery sector. What differentiates Uber Eats from other food delivery apps is its well-integrated platform and substantial user base.
The beauty of driving for Uber Eats is that you don’t even need a car. You can start out using your bike, scooter, or even on foot! And you can work as little or as much as you want, depending on your income goals.
A benefit for drivers is that they can see exactly how much they will make before accepting an order. That way, you can pick the deliveries that maximize your earnings. To see this in action, check out the video below by Your Driver Mike on how to land the biggest orders on Uber Eats.
Requirements
- Be at least 19 years old (18 for deliveries by bike or foot)
- Valid driver’s license (or state-issued ID for bike and foot)
- Background check
Pros
- Flexibility
- Greater earning potential with surge pricing
- Possible to be paid day of
Cons
- Wear and tear on your vehicle
- Higher gas and maintenance expenses
- Increased risk for tickets when delivering to areas with limited parking
7) DoorDash
Potential Earnings: $16 to $21 per hour
Uber Eats may have name-brand recognition, but DoorDash dominates the U.S. online food delivery market with a whopping 65% market share! As a DoorDash driver, you have access to a greater number of orders than all the other food delivery services combined.
DoorDash gives drivers flexibility by allowing them to schedule shifts up to a week in advance. Plus, you can select the specific areas where you would like to work. This makes it easier to plan your shifts and target profitable delivery zones.
Drivers like that there is no age limit on their vehicles. And that they can deliver by bike or scooter.
With DoorDash’s “Top Dasher” program, high-performing drivers are rewarded with perks like priority access to more lucrative deliveries.
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license and insurance
- Access to a car, scooter, or bicycle
- Background check
Pros
- Greater flexibility to schedule in advance
- Higher tips than either Uber Eats or Grubhub
Cons
- Lots of small orders
- Small and flimsy hot bag
8) Grubhub
Potential Earnings: $16 to $23 per hour
Launched in 2004, Grubhub is a pioneer in the food delivery service and remains a solid choice for drivers today.
A stand-out feature on the platform is Grubhub’s “Premier Driver” program. By maintaining high acceptance rates and low cancellation rates, you get dibs on more fruitful delivery areas and catering orders where available. This can mean more money in your pocket at the end of each shift.
If you want to pump up your earnings, position yourself near popular hotspots during lunch and dinner rushes. This helps to minimize wait times. After all, time saved between orders means more delivery earnings and more tips!
Requirements
- At least 18 years old
- Valid driver’s license (for car deliveries) or state-issued ID (bike deliveries)
- iPhone with iOS 11 or higher or Android with 5.0 or higher
Pros
- Premier Driver status
Cons
- Penalties for missed, dropped, or rejected orders
9) Instacart
Potential Earnings: $14 to $18 per hour (depending on your role)
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that connects customers with personal shoppers who pick out their groceries and deliver them straight to their doors.
Since its launch in 2012, Instacart has grown to become one of the largest grocery delivery services in the U.S. The company now serves customers in all 50 states and 13,000 cities across the country.
Instacart provides a unique experience for drivers by allowing them the option to up their earnings by serving as both a personal shopper and a delivery driver.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose between one of three roles when working for Instacart: in-store shopper, delivery driver, and full-service shopper.
- In-store shoppers are employed by Instacart and fill customer orders, preparing them for curbside pickup.
- Delivery-only drivers are independent contractors who deliver these orders to customers.
- Full-service shoppers are independent contractors who handle both roles, filling orders and then delivering them to customers. This role is the highest-paid of the three.
Looking to make more money with Instacart? Watch out for “batch promotions.” Instacart occasionally offers bonus payments for completing a certain number of batches (orders) within a specified time frame. With a little extra hustle, you can bump up your hourly earnings by a couple of bucks!
And no, you don’t have to pay for the groceries yourself. Every Instacart shopper is given a corporate payment card that they can use at checkout within 5 to 7 days of signing up.
Requirements
- Valid driver’s license (for drivers and full-service shoppers)
- At least 18 years old
- Must be able to lift 40 pounds several times per day
- Must have access to a vehicle (for drivers and full-service shoppers)
Pros
- Flexibility to choose between roles like in-store shopper or delivery driver
- Consistent job opportunities
- Bonus opportunities during peak hours
Cons
- Searching for out-of-stock items can waste time
- Busy stores can create delays and reduce your hourly earnings
10) GoPuff
Potential Earnings: $16 to $23 per hour
GoPuff is a fast-growing delivery service that brings products directly from its local facilities to customers in minutes. From cleaning supplies to over-the-counter medicine and everything in between, GoPuff has redefined convenience shopping.
Unlike other platforms where drivers pick up orders from various stores, GoPuff drivers pick up pre-packaged orders from one of their 250 micro-distribution centers. This unique model can lead to more predictable pick-ups and faster delivery times — and that means more money for drivers!
In 2021, GoPuff formed a strategic partnership with Uber, offering its wide range of products on Uber Eats. Drivers can now receive orders through both platforms, leading to even more opportunities to earn.
Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Access to a vehicle
- Valid driver’s license
- Background check
Pros
- No waiting in line at busy stores
- Large customer base
- More frequent orders
Cons
- Onboarding delays
- Responsible for ID checks on alcohol sales
11) Amazon Flex
Potential Earnings: $18 to $25 per hour
The Amazon Flex Driving App lets drivers deliver packages for Amazon Prime, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Prime Now, and Amazon Logistics.
What sets Amazon Flex apart from its competitors is its predictability. Instead of the usual ‘log in and wait for orders’ approach, drivers schedule available time blocks to make deliveries.
Each block typically lasts 2-4 hours and has a set number of deliveries. Drivers even get to see their estimated pay for that block before they accept it. This method results in less stress and more consistent income than having to wait for orders to come to you.
If you are thinking about driving for Amazon Flex, check out the video below by Sara, who outlines everything you need to know before launching your gig.
Requirements
- At least 21 years old
- Have a mid-sized sedan, SUV, or larger vehicle
- Valid driver’s license and insurance
- Background check
Pros
- Expected earnings provided upfront
- Free time if you finish deliveries early
Cons
- High competition for delivery blocks
- Responsible for completing all deliveries no matter the time required
Driving Apps To Make Money: Become a Mobile Billboard
Ridesharing and delivery might dominate the driving app landscape, but there’s another way to use your car to make profits — become a mobile billboard!
When you allow companies to place advertising on your car, you can earn just by driving around. But we aren’t talking about a few stickers. This is advertising that will cover 50% or more of your vehicle.
12) Carvertise
Carvertise will wrap your car with campaigns from a diverse range of advertisers, from local colleges to nationwide corporations. They pay a flat monthly fee per campaign and their website states that drivers can make up to $500 per month.
13) Wrapify
Collaborating with big names like PepsiCo and Zoom Video Communications, Wrapify ensures your vehicle showcases high-profile campaigns.
Depending on the extent of the wrap and miles driven, Wrapify estimates that drivers can make up to $452 per month. And with their Swarm feature, advertisers can offer drivers a bonus for driving around a particular area for a set period of time.
Both Carvertise and Wrapify are free to join and use professionals to install and deinstall car wraps. So don’t worry, the advertising won’t damage your paint job.
And of course, you always have a say in which campaigns you accept. The downside, however, is that you won’t have access to your car for a few days while it’s being wrapped.
Driving Apps That Pay For Driving Data
By installing apps that pay for driving data, you earn just by moving around. There is no need to make deliveries or ferry passengers. Your driving patterns are valuable in and of themselves.
Two apps stand out if you want to turn your driving habits into extra income — Safe2Save and OnMyWay.
14) Safe2Save
Simply download the app to your cellphone and sign up. Then, have the app open in the background while driving. For every minute you drive over 10 mph without using your phone, you earn 2 points. These points translate into discounts at local businesses and eateries.
15) OnMyWay
This app works much the same way as Safe2Save but pays actual cash instead of points. You earn money for every mile you drive without texting or using any distracting apps on your phone. You can even refer friends and family and earn for their safe driving as well.
Let’s face it. You are going to drive anyway, so why not make a few extra bucks? It’s a win-win — more money for you and safer roads for all of us.
Tips To Maximize Your Earnings
Using a driving app to make money is one thing; mastering it is another. The following 7 expert tips can help take your earnings from ho-hum to OMG:
1. Diversify Platforms: Signing up for multiple services in the same category ensures you’re always on the go. When one app is slow, another might be bustling with opportunities.
2. Combine Services: Some drivers find success in combining deliveries, ridesharing, and advertising. While this is a dynamic way to boost income, always double-check each platform’s rules. Here’s a breakdown from the Ride Share Guy that sheds some light on this strategy.
3. Location Matters: Being at the right place at the right time can make a huge difference in your earnings. Keep an eye out for local events and popular hangouts to ensure a steady flow of high-paying gigs.
4. Be a Late Night Savior: Cruise the bars around closing time to offer safe rides home to happy patrons after a night of drinking.
5. Tips Are the Name of the Game: Remember, tips can make a significant difference in your hourly pay. After all, most apps let you keep 100% of any tips earned. So always…
- Greet customers with a smile
- Keep your car clean and presentable
- Have bottled water on hand for thirsty passengers
- If you deliver, check orders for completeness and store them at peak temperature with a high-quality hot bag.
6. Keep Track of Your Mileage: Did you know that the miles you drive can reduce your taxes? Install a tracking app like Mileage Tracker to quickly and accurately calculate the miles you drive. That way, you can justify your tax deduction and maximize your earnings.
7. Lower Your Tax Bill: As an independent contractor, you can deduct any expenses used for your side hustle on Schedule C of your tax return. Writing off expenses like gas, maintenance, repairs, and depreciation will help you keep more of your money.
How To Choose The Best Driving App To Make Money
Which Driving App Makes The Most Money?
According to the ride-sharing business site Gridwise, ridesharing apps edge out delivery apps by a small margin. They based this conclusion on data gathered from their 220,000 nationwide users and a whopping 2 million driving gigs.
However, the data also shows that earnings can vary significantly by city. For example, some areas may be over-saturated with rideshare drivers but wide open for new delivery drivers. In those areas, you may earn more with deliveries as companies offer better pay to attract new drivers.
What If I Don’t Have A Car?
Lacking four wheels doesn’t mean you’re left in the dust! In bustling urban settings, two wheels — or even two feet — can be just as effective!
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub let you deliver by bike or scooter, offering you a better way to navigate congested urban streets. And for those in densely populated areas, walking can be just as efficient, especially when delivering items like food from nearby restaurants.
The bottom line? No car, no problem. Whether you’re cycling or scooting, there’s a delivery paycheck waiting for you.
What Driving App Is Better?
Choosing the perfect driving app is much like selecting a tailored suit — it all comes down to fit. Before diving in, ask yourself the following questions to narrow down your options:
Do you like personal interactions and chit-chatting with passengers?
If so, ridesharing apps like Uber or Lyft may be right up your alley.
Do you prefer solitude and just want the road, your thoughts, and your tunes?
Consider delivery apps like Amazon Flex or DoorDash.
Don’t want to do anything more than drive?
Look into apps focused on data collection or advertising.
With these answers in mind, you should be able to find a driving app (or two) that fits your personality and financial goals.
Final Thoughts On Driving Apps To Make Money
Using driving apps to make money may be one of the easiest side hustles you can start. After all, no matter your interest, there’s a platform tailor-made for you!
Just download a few apps on your smartphone, fill out the sign-up forms, and submit your paperwork. Once you are approved, you can start taking orders and making money.
It’s really that easy!
And since approvals only take a few days on average, you can be on the road earning a side income in no time.
