Side Hustles In South Africa: Earn Money with Chirp & Field Agent (2025)

This article focuses on legitimate South African side hustle apps that pay money directly into your bank account. That extra income can help cover everyday expenses—and it also reflects positively when applying for credit facilities.

This kind of extra income can also be used strategically to reduce debt faster, which we break down in our guide on simple strategies to pay off debt faster

Better still, because this is unexpected income that wasn’t part of your original budget, you can channel it into an investment account. Over time, even small amounts can compound into something meaningful. I’ve personally seen this happen.

These apps are especially useful during those mampara weeks—when you need help covering electricity, fuel, or social plans without touching your main income.

Below are two apps I have personally used for years: Chirp and Field Agent.

Chirp

Chirp operates mainly through mystery shopping. You act as a normal customer while assessing service quality, things like staff friendliness, waiting times, and overall experience.

Chirp mostly works with:

• Restaurants

• Retail stores

• Telecommunications companies

How much does Chirp pay?

Chirp pays at least R100 net per task.
“Net” means your expenses are reimbursed, and what remains is your actual earnings.

How long does a Chirp task take?

Most tasks are quick and can be completed while you are already out running errands. Answering questions takes less than hour.

How often are tasks available?

Surveys are usually available throughout the month, depending on your location.

When do you get paid?

Once you complete and submit a task, approval can take up to three days. After approval, funds reflect in your Chirp wallet.

Withdrawals are processed every Friday at 12:00, provided you submit your withdrawal request on time—perfect timing for weekend plans.

Chirp cons

There are no major downsides. Occasionally, the app may take a few seconds to refresh and show nearby tasks, requiring a manual refresh. This is a minor inconvenience.

Pro Tip: Chirp has integrated Maps to help you find the exact location, but for Field Agent, you’ll want to double-check yourself

Field Agent

Field Agent works differently from Chirp. Instead of general service checks, tasks usually focus on specific in-store functions, such as:

• Online order and store pickup

• Product availability (for example, checking whether a specific drink is stocked)

How much does Field Agent pay?

Field Agent pays at least R160 net per task.
In some cases, you do not need to buy anything at all and still receive the full amount.

How long does a Field Agent task take?

They take shorter than Chirp’s.

How often are Field Agent tasks available?

Tasks are less frequent than Chirp. Some months you may get several; other months, none.

When do you get paid?

Task approvals are often quick—sometimes the same day. Payments are processed on a Tuesday and Thursday morning. Payment usually reflects in your account 24-48 hours after the payments have been processed. Public Holidays may cause delays.

Field Agent cons

• Payment delays

• Incorrect or outdated store locations

For example, a task may be listed at Chicken Licken in Blue Route when no such store exists. In some cases, tasks are assigned to locations that have already closed permanently.

Unfortunately, there is no compensation for travel time or costs in these cases. Because of this, it is critical to verify store existence and operating hours before heading out.

Field Agent also does not consistently display operating hours. Chirp, on the other hand, integrates Maps, making navigation far easier.

This money can also help when budgeting, 5 Budgeting Hacks That Actually Work

Referral disclosure:
My Field Agent referral code is yr5buyx. If you use it, I earn a referral fee. This does not affect your earnings in any way.

Earnings Disclaimer & What to Expect

These apps are not a replacement for full-time employment.

Earnings depend on:

• Your location

• Task availability

• Time and effort

• Accuracy and quality of submissions

Some months you may earn more; other months very little. These platforms are best used as supplementary income tools, not primary income sources.

Use them strategically:

• Cover small expenses

• Reduce pressure on your main income

• Fund investments or savings

• Improve cash flow during tight months

Point is:

If you are already leaving the house and using your phone daily, these apps allow you to monetise behaviour you’re already engaging in.

Used correctly, they won’t make you rich—but they can make life lighter, more flexible, and more intentional.

You can also use this money to build an emergency fund.

Read our Investment Fundamentals: Build Wealth in South Africa