Make Money Online: Top 20 Apps

An online money-making app can make all the difference between dreaming of extra income and actually making it happen. In 2026, there are dozens of apps that let you earn money from home - or on the go - using your smartphone. Whether you want to sell on marketplaces, save cashback, do freelance work, or build passive income: there's something for everyone. In this comprehensive overview, we'll discuss the 20 best apps, compare earnings, and give you concrete tips to get started with a successful online money-making app.

Why use an online money-making app?

For many people in the Netherlands, their smartphone is the most-used digital device. According to the CBS, 95% of Dutch households had access to a smartphone in 2025, and the average daily smartphone use is over 3.5 hours. It's only logical that more and more people want to use their phone to earn extra money. An online money-making app offers an easy entry point because you don't need a laptop or office - just your phone and an internet connection.

The benefits of working through an app are clear: flexibility (you decide when and where you work), low startup costs (most apps are free to download), and scalability (you can start small and gradually scale up). But not every app is equally reliable or profitable. That's why it's essential to compare carefully before you start.

Overview: the 20 best online money-making apps compared

In the table below, you'll find an overview of the most popular apps for earning money online in the Netherlands. We compare them based on category, estimated monthly earnings, difficulty level, and minimum age.

E-commerce apps: selling through platforms

The most serious way to earn money through an app is by selling products on e-commerce platforms. These apps require more investment and knowledge, but also offer the highest earning potential.

Bol.com Partner App

The Bol.com Partner App is the mobile version of the bol.com sales platform. With the app, you can manage your orders, track inventory, view reviews, and monitor your revenue. With over 13 million active customers, bol.com is the largest e-commerce platform in the Benelux. Experienced sellers regularly earn between €2,000 and €10,000+ per month. The key to success is choosing the right products - tools like the Zoloo Product Tracker help you find profitable niches and analyze competition.

Amazon Seller App

Amazon offers a complete solution for sellers with the Seller App. You can scan products to check profitability, manage orders, and track your FBA inventory. Amazon's reach is enormous - over 300 million active customers worldwide. However, the startup costs are higher than those of bol.com, and the competition is international. Nevertheless, Amazon can be an excellent addition to your bol.com strategy.

Shopify

With the Shopify app, you can manage your own webshop from your phone. You can add products, process orders, respond to customer messages, and launch marketing campaigns. Shopify is ideal if you want to build your own brand and not be dependent on marketplaces. The monthly costs start at €36, but the flexibility and brand control make it worth it for many entrepreneurs.

Sales apps: selling stuff you already have

The most low-threshold way to start with an online money-making app is to sell stuff you already own. This requires no investment and generates money directly.

Vinted

Vinted has grown into the most popular app for selling second-hand clothing and accessories in the Netherlands. The big advantage: you don't pay sales commission - the buyer pays the transaction costs. With good photos and descriptions, you can quickly realize your first sales. Some users earn hundreds of euros per month by strategically buying clothing at thrift stores and selling it for a profit.

Marktplaats

The Dutch classic for online sales. Marktplaats is suitable for almost everything: from electronics and furniture to cars and pets. You can place free ads (with limitations) or use paid options for more visibility. The platform has over 9 million unique visitors per month, offering enormous reach.

eBay

eBay is one of the largest marketplaces worldwide and offers opportunities for both private sellers and commercial traders. Via the app, you can start auctions, sell directly, or manage bids. Especially for niche products, collectibles, and international sales, eBay is an excellent platform.

Cashback and rewards apps

Cashback apps offer a passive way to earn money with your daily expenses. The earnings are modest, but it takes virtually no effort.

Scoupy

Scoupy is a Dutch cashback app that gives you money back on groceries. You activate deals, buy the products at the supermarket, and scan your receipt. On average, you save €5 to €30 per month - not much, but completely passive and risk-free.

Cashback XL

With Cashback XL, you earn a percentage back on online purchases at hundreds of webshops. It works simply: you click through to the webshop via the app, and the cashback amount is automatically credited. For larger purchases (electronics, insurance, subscriptions), this can add up to tens of euros per transaction.

Freelance and services apps

If you have a specific skill - writing, designing, programming, translating - then freelance apps are an excellent way to seriously earn money with your smartphone.

Fiverr

Fiverr is the largest freelance platform for short tasks (gigs). You create a profile with your services, and clients can book you directly. Popular categories include graphic design, copywriting, video editing, and social media management. Beginner freelancers earn €100-€500 per month; experienced professionals earn €1,000-€3,000+.

Upwork

Upwork focuses on longer-term freelance projects and higher budgets. Via the app, you can submit proposals, communicate with clients, and track your hours. The platform is particularly suitable for developers, marketers, writers, and virtual assistants. The average hourly rates for Dutch freelancers range between €30 and €75.

Microtasks and survey apps

These apps offer the lowest threshold but also the lowest earnings. They are ideal as a side income for in-between times.

Roamler

Roamler pays you for completing small tasks in stores: taking photos of shelf layouts, checking prices, or reviewing products. Tasks pay between €2 and €15 each and can often be completed in 10-20 minutes. Ideal if you're already at a shopping center.

Google Opinion Rewards

Google pays you for filling out short surveys (usually 1-3 questions). The reward is €0.10 to €1.00 per survey, and you receive 1-3 surveys per week. The credit is added as Google Play credit. Not much, but it literally takes less than a minute per survey.

UserTesting

With UserTesting, you get paid to test websites and apps, and record your screen and voice while completing tasks. A test takes 15-20 minutes and pays an average of $10 (around €9). With 2-3 tests per week, you can earn €70-€100 per month. The quality of your feedback determines how often you're offered new tests.

Digital products and creative apps

Selling digital products through apps offers high margins because there are no inventory or shipping costs. Once created, you can sell a digital product unlimited times.

Etsy

Etsy is the platform for handmade, vintage, and digital products. Through the app, you can manage your shop, process orders, and communicate with customers. Digital products like printables, planners, SVG files, and Canva templates are particularly popular. Successful Etsy sellers in the Netherlands earn €200-€2,000+ per month with digital products.

Canva (selling templates)

Canva offers a Creator program that lets you design and sell templates to millions of Canva users. You earn royalties every time someone uses your template. This is an excellent way to build passive income: invest time in creating high-quality templates and earn from them for months. Social media templates, presentations, and Instagram Stories templates are particularly popular.

Delivery and transport apps

If you prefer to be physically active, delivery apps offer a direct way to earn money through your smartphone.

Thuisbezorgd Courier / Uber Eats

As a meal delivery person, you earn an average of €10-€15 per hour, depending on your city, the time, and the weather. Peak hours (Friday and Saturday evenings) are the most lucrative. You only need a bike or scooter and can set your own hours. The work is physical but flexible, and the payment is weekly.

Tips to successfully start with an online earning app

Choosing the right app is just the first step. With the following tips, you maximize your chances of success:

1. Choose one focus app

Don't start with five apps at once. Choose the app that best fits your skills and interests and become good at it before diversifying. Do you like selling products? Start with bol.com. Are you creative? Try Etsy or Canva.

2. Invest in knowledge

The best sellers and freelancers continuously invest in their knowledge. Take a course on selling on bol.com or learn about product research using tools like the Zoloo Product Database. Knowledge is the fastest route to higher income.

3. Keep track of your administration

As soon as you regularly earn money through an app, you're required to report your income to the tax authorities in the Netherlands. Keep an overview of your income and expenses. Use a tool for automatic invoicing to simplify your bookkeeping and not miss any deductible expenses.

4. Optimize your listings

Whether you sell on bol.com, Etsy, or Marktplaats, good product photos, clear titles, and detailed descriptions make all the difference. On bol.com, you can use the Zoloo Listing Generator AI to generate optimized product texts that rank better in search results.

5. Analyze your results

Use data to adjust your strategy. Check which products sell best, which keywords generate the most traffic, and where your margins are highest. The Zoloo Sales Dashboard gives you real-time insights into your turnover, profit, and trends on bol.com.

Common mistakes when making money online with apps

Many beginners make the same mistakes, causing them to lose money unnecessarily or give up quickly. Avoid these pitfalls:

• Using too many apps at once: Focus on one platform and build expertise there before diversifying
• No KvK registration: If you sell regularly through an app, you need a KvK number in the Netherlands. Take care of this before you start
• No product research: Don't sell just any product. Use tools like the Zoloo Keyword Verkenner to discover where there's demand
• Investing before validating: Test with small quantities or a minimum viable product before making large purchases
• Neglecting customer service: Quick and friendly responses to questions and complaints are essential for good reviews and returning customers
• Ignoring tax obligations: All income from apps is taxable. Keep your administration in order and consult an accountant as your turnover grows

Which online money-making app is right for you?

The best app depends on your personal situation. Use this decision scheme:

• I want to start a serious business: Choose the Bol.com Partner App, Amazon Seller, or Shopify. These platforms have the highest earning potential but also require the most investment
• I want to earn extra money easily: Start with Vinted, Marktplaats, or Etsy. Sell items you already have or create digital products
• I have a specific skill: Do you like writing, designing, or programming? Fiverr and Upwork offer access to global clients
• I want to earn passively: Cashback apps like Scoupy and Cashback XL require minimal effort. Combine them with your normal spending pattern
• I want to be physically active: Delivery apps like Thuisbezorgd and Uber Eats offer flexible hours and direct payment

Frequently asked questions about online money-making apps

Do I need a KvK number for an online money-making app?

If you sell or offer services regularly and with the intention of making a profit, you are required by Dutch law to register with the Chamber of Commerce. Occasional sales of your own items via Marktplaats or Vinted do not require a KvK number. If you're unsure, consult the KvK website for specific advice.

How much can I earn with an online money-making app?

This varies greatly per app and your effort. Cashback apps can earn you €5-€50 per month, while serious e-commerce sellers on bol.com can generate €2,000-€10,000+ per month. The key is choosing the right app and investing time in learning the platform.

Are online money-making apps reliable?

The apps in this overview are all established platforms with millions of users. Always be cautious of apps that promise large amounts without effort - if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always check reviews in the App Store or Google Play before downloading a new app.

Can I use multiple apps at the same time?

Yes, but start with one app and only expand when you've been successful with it. Combining cashback apps with a sales platform is a smart strategy: earn actively through e-commerce and save passively through cashback on your daily expenses.

Which app is best for beginners?

For absolute beginners, we recommend Vinted or Marktplaats - sell items you already have and learn how online selling works. Want to scale up to a serious income faster? Then the bol.com Partner App is the best choice, combined with Zoloo tools for product research and competitor analysis.