Rideshare driving is a great way to earn money, whether it’s your main source of earnings or a side hustle.
If you’re earning income as a rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft and want to find ways to maximize your income and savings, check out our list of top apps. We’ve gathered a list of the best apps that drivers can benefit from. From finding the best gas prices around town to earning something extra while you’re parked and waiting for the next passenger, enjoy the ride with these apps.
Hot Tip: Want a more complete comparison of Uber Vs. Lyft? Check out our ultimate guide that gives you an in-depth look at both, for drivers and riders.
1. Mystro
Mystro is an app specifically designed to help rideshare drivers make more money. Through Mystro, you can stay available on all rideshare apps to avoid missing a profitable trip. You’ll even have the option to auto-accept trips.
You can set up service filters so that you only see your ideal trip opportunities. Plus, the touchless features make it safer to stay focused on driving while Mystro accepts trips for you in the background.
2. FlightStats
Are you planning on picking up passengers from the airport? FlightStats can help you find incoming flight times so you know exactly when to hang around the airport.
3. Swagbucks
When it comes to rideshare driving, some shifts are busier than others. If you have some downtime between passengers, Swagbucks offers a way to keep earning money from the comfort of your vehicle.
You can earn points through Swagbucks by taking surveys, watching videos, using cash back shopping offers, and more. The points can be redeemed for gift cards and cash. Although you won’t get rich through Swagbucks, it might be a useful way to earn some money in your downtime as a driver.
Learn more about Swagbucks in our full review.
4. Instacart
If you have some downtime from passengers or just want a break, consider Instacart for grocery deliveries. When you work for Instacart, you’ll shop for someone’s groceries and drop off the items to their house.
Instacart still involves getting paid while driving. But you’ll have the chance to get out of the car for a few minutes while grocery shopping for someone.
Learn more about Instacart shopping in our full review.
5. GasBuddy
Gas is probably one of your biggest expenses. You’ll need to fuel up regularly to tote passengers around town. But where you top off your tank can make a big difference to your bottom line.
GasBuddy helps you scope out gas prices around town. If you are already making your way across town, you might as well make a stop at the cheapest gas in town. According to GasBuddy, the service has helped users save over $3.1 billion in the last 20 years.
6. Upside
If you want to take your gas savings a step further, Upside offers a chance to earn cash back through their app. After downloading the Upside app, you will notice which stations are offering cash back around town.
You can redeem your rewards for cash or gift cards. Why not take advantage of these savings?
7. Waze
When you spend a lot of time on the road, you will no doubt run into some unwanted traffic. Waze, which is owned by Google, is a community-based map experience that factors in information from other driver reports.
Drivers can report accidents, hazards, speed traps, and more. It might be smart to use Google Maps and Waze to check traffic ahead of time to get a lay of the land.
8. Hurdlr
Optimize your taxes to reflect your rideshare driving activities with Hurdlr. The app acts as a mileage tracker, which you can use to report on your taxes. Additionally, you can log other expenses in one place.
Lessen the confusion on your taxes with this app, which allows you to see a real-time breakdown of your earnings, tax deductions, and taxes owed.
Read our full Hurdlr review here.
9. TripLog
TripLog is another option for rideshare drivers who want to track their mileage and record expenses in one place. Through this app, you can take advantage of tools to maximize your tax deductions.
10. Rocket Money
Although driving for a rideshare service can lead to some interesting experiences, you are likely driving passengers around town to meet your financial goals. Rocket Money, formerly known as TrueBill, is an app that can help you stay on top of your bills and budgeting needs.
Through Rocket Money, you can track your budget to make sure your driving time is keeping up with the bills. As a bonus, the app will comb through your expenses and negotiate with bill providers to make sure you aren’t overpaying for anything.
Learn more about Rocket Money in our full review.
11. Spotify
If you’re tired of the radio, give Spotify a try and start creating your own playlists. You’ll still have to listen to ads with the paid version but at least you’ll have the opportunity to choose a playlist that makes you smile. Don’t forget Spotify also has millions of podcasts to listen to, yes, millions.
P.S. You can listen to The College Investor Audio Show podcast on Spotify.
12. Drive Focus
Improve your driving chops so you can respond quickly to any kind of dangerous driving situation. Drive Focus offers simulated training to improve your situational awareness as a driver.
The app allows you to improve your safe driving skills. Since you can run the simulations on your phone, you might even be able to complete them in between passenger rides.
13. HONK
At some point, countless hours on the road might lead to an uncomfortable roadside experience. HONK is a roadside assistance app that connects you with the right service provider for a flat, tow, or locksmith in case you lock yourself out.
Their prices may vary depending on the service you choose, but HONK towing services begin at just $49 and vary by your specific needs.
If you need help on the side of the road, this app will be a go-to resource to resolve the issue in a timely manner. The app adversities 24/7 service and ETAs between 15 to 30 minutes.
What's Your Favorite App?
Make your driving experience more worthwhile by adding some of these apps to your library. Plus, you can get into the habit of doing things like improving your driving skills with Drive Focus or use GasBuddy to fill up at the lowest prices.
Are you a rideshare driver? Share your favorite app with us in the comments!
Sarah Sharkey is a personal finance writer covering banking, insurance, credit cards, mortgages and student loans. She has written for numerous finance publications, including MagnifyMoney, Business Insider and ChooseFI. Her blog, Adventurous Adulting, helps young adults get a handle on their finances.
Editor: Claire Tak