Looking for an easy way to earn passive income and build wealth over time? Acorns is one of the simplest and most popular micro-investing apps designed specifically to help beginners effortlessly save and invest. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money with Acorns, you’re in the right place.
What is Acorns, and How Does it Work?
Acorns is a micro-investing app that invests your spare change automatically. Whenever you make everyday purchases with a linked credit or debit card, Acorns rounds up each transaction to the nearest dollar. This spare change is then invested into diversified portfolios that you select based on your financial goals and risk tolerance. The app also provides the option for automatic recurring deposits, enabling consistent and effortless investment growth. Essentially, Acorns simplifies investing by making it automatic, removing the barriers and intimidation often associated with traditional investment methods.
How to Make Money with Acorns (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Using Round-ups
One of the easiest methods to grow your wealth using Acorns is through their round-up feature. After linking your debit or credit card to the app, each purchase is rounded up to the nearest dollar. The extra change from your transactions—typically ranging from just a few cents to nearly a dollar—is invested automatically into your chosen portfolio. Though small individually, these incremental contributions can significantly accumulate over time, creating meaningful investment growth without disrupting your daily spending habits.
2. Recurring Investments
Regular, automated investments can significantly amplify your returns over time. By setting up recurring investments—whether it’s weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—you consistently contribute to your portfolio, boosting compound growth potential. Even modest amounts like $5–$10 each week can translate into significant returns after a few years due to the power of compounding interest.
3. Acorns Referral Program
An additional and immediate way to earn money with Acorns is through their referral program. Acorns rewards users with bonuses whenever they refer new customers who successfully sign up and start investing. The referral bonus typically ranges between $5–$10 per new user, making it easy to quickly boost your earnings. You can conveniently start referring friends through Acorns here.
Is Acorns Worth It? Pros & Cons
Understanding both the advantages and drawbacks helps you determine if Acorns aligns with your financial goals:
Pros:
- User-friendly interface ideal for beginners
- Simple, automatic approach to investing
- Low fees, clearly outlined and affordable
- Attractive referral program to earn extra cash
Cons:
- Monthly subscription fee starting at around $3
- Not suited for investors seeking active, day-trading opportunities
For those who prefer a set-and-forget approach to investment, Acorns is a highly attractive choice due to its simplicity, affordability, and effectiveness.

How Much Can You Actually Earn?
Your potential earnings from Acorns vary significantly depending on your consistency and how effectively you leverage the platform’s features:
- Referral bonuses: With bonuses typically ranging from $5–$10 per referral, actively referring friends and family can generate substantial extra income, easily adding up to hundreds of dollars per month.
- Investment returns: Historical market data indicates potential average annual returns ranging between 7%–10%, depending on your investment portfolio’s risk profile and the market conditions.
Tips & Strategies for Maximizing Earnings
- Diversify Your Income Sources: Enhance your earnings by combining Acorns with other passive income applications or investment platforms. Diversifying helps manage risk and optimize returns.
- Regularly Review Your Portfolio: Periodically assess and adjust your portfolio based on market conditions and your financial goals to maintain optimal performance.
- Use Acorns’ ‘Found Money’ Feature: Acorns offers cashback rewards through its partner merchants. Regularly using this feature can further boost your savings and investment contributions.
- Explore Additional Side Hustles: If you’re exploring passive income and investing opportunities, consider using our Side Hustle Generator tool to discover personalized, profitable side hustles that match your skills and interests.
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Get Started Now
Ready to start earning passive income with minimal effort? Sign up for Acorns today and claim your referral bonus to kickstart your investment journey!