By
Omar Deryan Owning a car comes with monthly payments, fuel costs, upkeep, and insurance.
Consequently, financial advisers generally label it as a liability rather than an asset—unless you use driving apps to make money.
With popular food delivery apps, ridesharing services, and other similar tools, you can turn your car into a money-making asset.
In this guide, I’ll tell you the best apps I found, and why I like them.
Let’s get started.
Many of the apps in this post are popular among consumers and independent contractors looking for a lucrative side hustle. However, I’ve also included some lesser-known services that are worth considering.
Each driving app has unique features, benefits, earning potential, and caveats. You need to compare several platforms and decide which one suits your schedule and the vehicle you own.
Omar's Take
Uber has the largest US rideshare market (around 75%), which means finding passengers won’t be a struggle, especially if you live in a bustling city or touristy town.
Uber charges partners a 25% fee on all fares to cover the use of software, collection, and transfer of funds.
You can try ridesharing apps like Uber to make money with your car: Simply complete the sign-up process and start accepting passengers once the company approves your application.
You must be at least 21, pass the company’s background check, and have an auto insurance, a valid driver’s license, and SSN.
Free Insurance
The company has partnered with Alliance to cover the costs related to sickness, injury, and parental leave.
Gympass
Uber drivers have free access to several gyms, studios, and venues that offer sports and fitness classes, including pilates, dance, yoga, swimming, and much more. Additionally, partners enjoy discounted membership for up to five family members.
Strong Brand
As an Uber driver, you don’t need to worry about marketing or advertising your services because of the app’s popularity. It’s currently the leading global rideshare platform, servicing around 10,000 cities across 71 countries.
You're responsible for the fuel cost and car repair and maintenance.
There is also increased competition and uncertainty about the payment rate for each ride, resulting in less earning potential.
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Omar's Take
With so many driving apps out there, Lyft stands out thanks to its excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance.
Lyft is a fierce competitor of Uber in the US rideshare market. In fact, the two companies have a hard time differentiating themselves from one another, although Uber has a larger market share.
The vehicle age and other requirements vary between services and cities. In most markets, your car is fine as long as it is not more than 15 years old and meets the ridesharing app’s standards.
Instant Pay
Lyft is one of the few driving apps to make money same day. If you sign up for a Lyft Direct debit card or use Express Pay, you can enjoy instant access to your earnings after every ride.
Lyft takes 25% off every fare as commission. However, the tip directly goes to you.
Maximize Earnings
Making money is easier with Lyft’s feature that lets drivers know the hotspots and busy hours and take advantage of real-time and scheduled bonuses.
Well-Being Benefits
Lyft offers One Medical membership and well-being benefits, including dental, medical, and vision insurance.
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Omar's Take
If you want to make extra cash and don’t mind driving or biking for several hours, Uber Eats is worth considering. Additionally, it pays more than the minimum wage in some states.
You can try food delivery apps like Uber Eats to make money in your free time. This food delivery version of Uber requires independent contractors to be at least 19 years old and have reliable transportation and smartphone.
Uber Eats pays weekly, although you can cash out any time for a small fee.
Flexibility
Uber Eats offers great flexibility, i.e., you can make deliveries around your schedule, keep all your customer tips, and use a car, scooter, or bike.
Instant, Inexpensive Withdrawal Fees
You can cash out up to five times per day. Each withdrawal only costs around 50 cents or free if you use an Uber debit card.
Although it’s usually a steady side gig, there is no earning guarantee.
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Omar's Take
Out of all the apps to make money with your car, consider using grocery and food deliveries like DoorDash because of the higher potential earnings and additional perks and benefits you can enjoy.
Food delivery services are popular nowadays, especially after lockdowns during the pandemic. Although people can freely buy food now, nothing beats the convenience of having anything you want delivered to you.
You can try the DoorDash driver app if you’re 18 and have access to an insured vehicle (car, scooter, or bike).
Earning Potential
You can always earn base pay for any delivery and enjoy extra money for completing a certain number of deliveries in a set amount of time. Additionally, you’ll get 100% of the tips.
Safety Toolkit
This app feature lets you add emergency contacts and report quickly and easily any unsafe customer communications.
Large Customer Base
DashDoor is one of the largest food and grocery apps in the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, which means there is no shortage of orders.
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Omar's Take
Although Uber Eats and Grubhub have the same business model, Grubhub may be a better option if you’re providing a food delivery service in smaller towns.
What I like about this option is that you can use your bike if you want to.
Grubhub is another popular food delivery app worth considering, especially if you’re living in smaller towns. Like many delivery driver apps to make money, this platform gives independent contractors a base pay rate, tips, and mileage.
Guaranteed Rate
You can make a decent amount of money delivering food via Grubhub if you receive a minimum guaranteed rate for the local market. To qualify, you need to schedule a delivery block and meet the acceptance rate criteria.
High Earning Potential
If you use this food delivery service in a bustling city or a touristy town, your earning potential may be as high as $20 per hour.
Multiple Benefits
Enjoy discounted car maintenance, cash back on gas, and healthcare plan that includes dental and vision coverage.
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Omar's Take
With Postmates, you can work at your own schedule and make deliveries using any vehicle, including a bike, electric scooter, or car. You can even make deliveries on foot.
This service is unlike other delivery apps, as you can deliver different types of items, from food to grocery and retail.
As with most popular delivery apps to make money, Postmates is only a lucrative side hustle if you’re living in a bigger city. Meanwhile, smaller cities and suburbs have fewer delivery assignments unless they are touristy or college towns.
Consistent Flow of Delivery Requests
Postmates allows riders to deliver groceries, restaurant orders, convenience store items, and medicines in many cities across the US.
Flexibility
You don’t need a vehicle to use Postmates. In fact, you can maximize your earnings by using a scooter or bicycle and delivering food and groceries in dense urban areas.
Benefits
Health insurance plans start as low as $10 per month. Also, Postmates couriers enjoy discounts on certain retailers and cinemas, accident coverage, and bonuses.
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Omar's Take
Steady is not your typical side hustle app because it also offers features to help users make smarter financial decisions.
The way it works is that you must look for a driving gig on the platform. It features other jobs, as well, which can make for another stream of income.
The app features popular apps like UberEats and Instacart, but it also has jobs from less popular services. Steady offers a unique opportunity to access jobs from multiple apps in one platform.
Aside from a wide range of side gigs, Steady also offers features to help users make smarter financial decisions by giving them insights into how to reduce their spending and earn more money.
Versatility
If you’re looking for a highly versatile app to make money with your car, Steady is a service worth considering. This web and mobile application lets users access part-time, hourly, and on-demand opportunities.
Higher Earning Potential
Listings will depend on your location, skills, and available schedule. With this platform, you can expect up to $25-per-hour earning potential.
Benefits
Enjoy cash incentives and emergency cash grants with Steady.
Steady has a lot of drivers, which means high competition.
It can be time-consuming to find and apply for gigs.
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Omar's Take
Compared with other popular side gigs like DoorDash and Uber, there is not as much driving involved in Instacart. Nevertheless, you can expect a higher earning potential than other similar services.
Instacart offers customers in-store pickup and delivery for groceries. You’ll likely do a lot more grocery shopping than driving, which works if you prefer this option.
If driving people around for money is not your cup of tea, you may want to try Instacart instead. This popular grocery delivery service lets you earn by shopping for customers or delivering groceries if you have a reliable vehicle.
Instant Access to Digital Cash
You don’t have to wait for a paper check to arrive in your mail, as you have instant access to digital cash. By contrast, couriers from other services are paid weekly.
Broader Customer Base
Instacart customers can shop from more than 900 retailers and grocery stores, including Safeway, Costco, Whole Foods, Petco, ALDI, Publix, Albertsons, Sam’s Club, Wegmans, Sprouts, and Kroger.
Great Earning Potential
Once you pass the background check and other requirements, you can enjoy base pay and 100% of the tips. In addition, you can earn perks like gas discounts.
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Omar's Take
As a Shipt courier, you also need to shop for the groceries. I’s business model and driver’s benefits are quite similar to Instacart.
Shipt is one of the most popular driving apps to make money by connecting delivery drivers with customers who need groceries items, electronics, office and school supplies, toys, and packages.
Growing Customer Base
Shipt has grown significantly in the last few years, although its direct competitor Instacart covers more US cities. Both apps deliver packages and shop for customers within a requested time frame.
Excellent Coverage Options
You can enjoy health, fitness, and well-being programs, along with insurance coverage for medical, dental, and vision.
Multiple Benefits
Enjoy discounted prescription plans, gym membership, medical insurance, and fitness and well-being programs.
The company does not reimburse you for mileage and data usage.
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Omar's Take
If you prefer delivering packages instead of driving people around town, Amazon Flex is worth considering. It’s one of the best-paying driving apps at the moment.
You’re not an Amazon employee, and you can work as you wish. However, you must own a qualifying vehicle.
Amazon Flex is one of the best package delivery apps, but you don’t work for Amazon.
You’re responsible for your own taxes, vehicle insurance, and expenses as an independent contractor.
Higher Earning Potential
Amazon Flex drivers earn around $18-$24 per hour.
Easy Online Application Process
You need a valid driver’s license to sign up on the Amazon Flex website. Once you get approval, you can search for available routes and delivery times in your area.
Multiple Benefits
Amazon Flex is an app that rewards you for driving. You’ll enjoy cash back with the Amazon Flex debit card, discounts, insurance coverage, and other perks under the Amazon Flex Rewards.
The time blocks are sometimes unreasonable, making it hard to complete a larger number of deliveries.
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The actual process depends on the app you choose, but here’s generally how it works when you get accepted.
Read the pros and cons of driving apps that pay you to drive to learn if this part-time gig is for you.
PROS | CONS |
Flexible Schedule | No Fixed Income |
Easy Sign-up | Additional Commercial Insurance |
Instant Access to Earnings | Working as an Independent Contractor |
In-App Navigation | High Costs of Gas and Maintenance |
Bonuses and Benefits | Subject to Company’s Terms of Service |
1- Flexibility
These platforms allow you to set your own schedule. This flexibility works to your advantage if you are a student or have a full-time job.
You can maximize your earning potential during peak demand hours. For instance, Uber has a feature called dynamic pricing, which uses a color-coded heat map to determine the highest fares in your area.
2- Sign-Up Process
It’s often simple to sign up on most of these services. In most cases, you only need to apply online.
3- Earnings
The apps pay you instantly for the work you do. Many ridesharing and delivery service apps allow drivers to access their money right away.
You don’t need a car to turn driving apps into a part-time gig. In some cities, you can deliver food using bicycles and scooters or even on foot.
4- Easy Navigation
The platforms have in-app navigation to help you reach the rider’s location or deliver food or grocery to a shopper.
5- Benefits
Some driving services like Uber and Lyft help drivers get their own vehicle and pay off what they owe based on their earnings.
Some drivers qualify for initial sign-up bonuses and performance-based incentives.
1- Independent Contractor
As an independent contractor, you don’t have the same benefits as employed individuals. Most of these services don’t provide health insurance, for example.
In many cases, you must conform to the apps’ pricing schedules since the fares are quite cheap outside of the high-cost windows. Consequently, your driving schedule is often closer to 7-11 am and 3-8 pm every day.
2- Additional Insurance Coverage
You must carry commercial rideshare insurance on your vehicle as part of the company safety guidelines.
3- No Fixed Income
Your income highly relies on the amount of work available on the app. Similarly, the earnings per gig wildly vary.
Your wage does not always reflect the amount of effort and time you put into your side gig.
4- Company Policies
The terms of service frequently change with driving apps. When you don’t like the change, you can’t do anything about it but leave for another app.
5- High Costs
You’re responsible for all the costs of this service, including maintenance, car insurance, and fuel.
The rising fuel costs and upkeep can eat up a huge chunk of your earnings.
There are so many variables affecting your average pay, including the driving app you’re using, the area where you drive, the type of vehicle you have, the tips you receive, and the amount of work you’re putting into your side gig.
Driving apps pay its drivers different rates, so you must also consider which can give the best value for your time.
Nevertheless, the average earning potential with Uber Eats and other food delivery apps is $15-$25. This amount also applies to many popular ridesharing services.
Sometimes, using food delivery platforms that work with higher-end local restaurants can lead to better earning potential.
There is no definitive way to answer which driving app is the best. You must consider factors like,
-Your Available Time
When are you available to drive? Your driving habits affect your decision because some apps may not provide enough requests at certain times.
For example, not many people may request delivery for groceries in the wee hours of the morning.
– Type of Work
Simply put, what type of company do you prefer while driving around?
Do you want to drive around people, or do you prefer delivering to their homes instead? You may also consider shopping for groceries instead of driving the whole time.
-Earning Potential
Review how much you can potentially make with each app, then decide which one is worth your time and effort.
-Your Location
Some apps are only available in certain locations. See which ones are available in your area.
-App Reliability
If you have an issue, you only have the app to rely on. You won’t be working as an employee, so you must have confidence in the company you’re contracting for.
Apart from rideshare apps and delivery service platforms, you can earn money with your car with these ideas.
Food delivery and ridesharing apps pay you for every mile you drive, sometimes even enough to pay your bills throughout the month. As long as you know your market, they are lucrative side hustles.
Lyft is one of the higher-paying driving apps. However, if driving people around town is not your cup of tea, Amazon Flex and Doordash are worth considering.
Follow these tips to maximize your earning potential with these popular driving apps.
Yes. Uber and Lyft have programs that help drivers rent or own a car, which they can pay off based on what they earn.
Meanwhile, Uber’s food delivery service UberEats lets you deliver food using a bike or scooter.
It depends. If you’re driving a new or nicer car, ridesharing apps let you earn more money. On the other hand, the vehicle requirements for delivering food are more relaxed. In some cities, you can also use scooters or bikes or make deliveries on foot.
The ridesharing app pays drivers weekly. The company deposits payments automatically via direct deposit.
Yes. It’s easy to sign up for Uber if you meet the minimum age requirement (at least 18 years old). You also need to pass a multi agency background check and have a good driving record and a valid driver’s license.
Vehicle requirements vary by city, but in general, it should not be older than 16 years. In addition, it must pass a vehicle inspection and carry insurance.
Ridesharing and food delivery platforms provide opportunities to earn money and set your own hours. But as an independent contractor, you need to pay for gas, car maintenance, and insurance.
In addition, you have to give up your time to deliver food or drive people around town. If you already have a nine-to-five job, a time-consuming side gig may eventually lead to burnout.
If you think driving is not for you but you need a side hustle, consider some ecommerce business ideas you can do at home.
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