The trend of making money with apps on smartphones: A detailed analysis of the three main models

How the Online Money-Making Market is Changing

In recent years, using smartphones to generate additional income has become a daily part of life for many Vietnamese people. Without leaving home, you can perform financial transactions, sell products online, or complete small tasks to earn extra money. The development of digital platforms has opened up many earning opportunities through apps that were previously hard to imagine.

Currently, online earning is not just a trend but has become a reality in the digital economy. Those who know how to leverage these tools can build a significant supplementary income channel. However, this growth also comes with many risks that users need to be cautious of.

The Three Main Types of Money-Making Apps: Operating Mechanisms and Features

Model 1: Task-based Apps for Completing Jobs

This is the simplest and most accessible form. Users just need to download the app, register an account, and start receiving tasks. These tasks may include answering surveys, watching ads, participating in interactive activities, or inviting friends to join.

The payment mechanism is quite transparent: each completed task earns rewards ranging from 5,000 VND to 100,000 VND depending on complexity. Users can receive rewards via direct phone top-up or cash transfer. This type requires no initial capital, no professional knowledge, and is suitable for students or those with plenty of free time.

However, a clear disadvantage is that the earnings are usually modest, requiring considerable time and effort to reach income goals.

Model 2: Investment and Financial Trading Apps

This method offers higher profit potential. These apps are provided by banks, securities companies, or professional trading platforms. Users can open savings accounts, invest in stocks, or trade various financial assets.

Profit levels depend on the asset type:

• Bank app savings: 4-7% annually
• Foreign stock market investments: over 10% annually
• Domestic stock investments: about 5-15%, depending on choices

To use this method, you need an initial investment capital of (at least 50 USD or equivalent) and some basic market knowledge. Transaction fees are usually around 0.01-0.03% of the transaction value or a fixed monthly fee.

The advantage is that it requires less time than small tasks but demands understanding and discipline in capital management.

Model 3: E-commerce and Online Selling Apps

Users can open an online store on major e-commerce platforms. The process is quite simple: create a storefront, list products, wait for customer orders, pack, and ship.

This income model entirely depends on sales ability and market demand. You need to allocate 15-20% of revenue for platform commissions. Still, net profit can be quite high if you choose the right products and manage efficiently.

This approach suits those with a business mindset and willingness to invest in initial inventory.

Detailed Comparison of the Three Money-Making App Methods

Popular Platforms for Earning Money via Apps in Vietnam

Foreign Stock Trading Apps

These apps allow trading across multiple international markets. Users can choose from hundreds of assets: leading global tech stocks, international stock indices, cryptocurrencies, or commodities. An attractive feature is that some platforms offer free demo accounts with virtual money to practice before investing real funds.

Trading process: register → deposit (minimum) → select assets → place orders → take profit at target price.

Domestic Stock Investment Apps

Licensed brokerage firms regulated by securities authorities provide user-friendly trading apps. You can invest in stocks of major Vietnamese companies. Fast order matching features help you execute trades promptly.

Leverage levels (leverage) are usually lower than international trading but still allow profit amplification within reasonable limits.

Investment Fund Platforms

For those who prefer not to manage their portfolios directly, there are apps that allow depositing capital into professionally managed funds. You receive dividends when the fund profits. Returns typically range from 5-15% annually, safer than self-investment but with lower profits.

Leading E-commerce Platforms

These platforms offer quick and simple storefront setup. They often have support policies for selling, promotional programs, and a large customer base. If you have products to sell, just post ads, wait for orders, and deliver.

Ride-hailing and Cashback Apps

Besides their main services, some ride-hailing apps offer additional challenges or cashback promotions. For example, completing a certain number of trips within a specified time can earn you refunds of 20,000 - 50,000 VND.

Risks of Making Money with Apps and How to Avoid Them

The online earning market is not short of fake apps or scam platforms. Bad actors often create counterfeit versions of reputable platforms to steal deposits or personal information. Some unlicensed financial companies operate briefly to deceive investors.

How to protect yourself:

• Check if the company is licensed by a regulatory authority. Most countries have a public list of authorized companies.
• Read user reviews on app stores, paying attention to ratings and comments.
• Avoid installing apps from unofficial sources or unfamiliar websites.
• Be cautious of apps requesting excessive access to personal data.
• Never share passwords or account information with anyone.
• Prioritize apps from large, well-known, and reputable companies with long-standing credibility.

Summary: Choosing the Right Option for You

Each app-based earning model has its own advantages and disadvantages. If you have plenty of free time and no capital, start with small tasks. If you have financial knowledge and seek higher profits, financial investment is a good choice. If you have products to sell, e-commerce offers the greatest revenue potential.

The key is to start with reputable apps, do thorough research before investing money or installing any applications. Making money with apps is real, but success depends on caution, knowledge, and your determination.