The gig economy in America is changing how we make money. Whether you're looking to save a bit more or need extra cash to cover your expenses, there are various ways to earn money quickly in a single day.
These quick money-making methods might not make you wealthy, but they can help you manage your finances better. They provide a way to stay financially stable and move closer to achieving your financial goals.
How to make money fast
If you're want to boost your income without needing lots of upfront money or specific expertise, there are some great options out there that can bring in quick cash. Let's explore 17 ideas that might work for you:1. Work as a pet sitter
Starting a house and pet sitting service is a fantastic way to earn extra money quickly, especially if you love animals and have a flexible schedule. It’s not too hard to get started, and you don’t need much money upfront. With less than $100, you can set everything up and start seeing your first payouts within a week or two.
If you’re taking care of two dogs per night, you could make between $500 and $1,000 each month. At first, you might rely on referrals and word of mouth to find clients, which can take some time. However, there are ways to speed up this process and start earning sooner.
One great option is to sign up for an app like Rover. On Rover, you can set your own rates and choose what types of pet care services you want to offer, like dog walking or overnight stays. The app makes it easy to connect with customers and get paid. You’ll receive your payment two days after you complete a service, with any additional tips showing up after 24 hours. This can help you build a steady stream of income while doing something you enjoy.
2. Become a freelancer
Do you have a special computer-based skill? Maybe you're great at writing interesting blog posts or have a talent for creating stunning graphic designs. If so, you can turn these skills into an online income!Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are perfect for freelancers. They allow you to create a profile, connect with potential employers, and find jobs that suit your skills. One of the best parts of freelancing is the flexibility. You can set your own hours and choose the length of projects you want to take on, giving you control over your schedule and income.
Getting started is simple. Create an account, fill in your personal details, list your education and experience, and upload some samples of your work. On platforms like Upwork and Toptal, you can even reach out to hiring managers directly. This gives you the chance to showcase your talents, set your own rates, and secure contracts to earn extra money.
Freelancing has the potential to grow with you. As you gain more experience, you can increase your rates and become more in demand. Eventually, you might even turn freelancing into your full-time career.
3. Claim your unclaimed property
Sometimes, the government holds onto money that belongs to people who haven't claimed it. This can include things like forgotten bank accounts, old insurance policies, or uncashed dividend checks. It might seem too good to be true, but there is a genuine chance that you could have some unclaimed property waiting for you.Checking for unclaimed property is easy and costs nothing. Each state in the U.S. keeps a database of unclaimed property. To see if you have any money waiting to be claimed, you can visit your state's specific database. This is a simple way to potentially find some extra cash quickly.
4. Rent out your car or recreational vehicle (RV)
Renting out your car or RV can be a quick way to make extra money when you're not using them. It's a fairly easy option, but you have to be okay with other people driving your vehicle.
For cars, a platform like Turo allows you to rent out your car. They even provide a tool to estimate how much you could earn. After the first trip, you get paid within three business days. For future trips, you receive payment just three hours after the trip ends.
RVs have become very popular, especially since the pandemic. Using a service like Outdoorsy, you can rent your RV to travelers. Payments from Outdoorsy are deposited into your bank account 48 hours after the trip starts. Keep in mind, though, that your bank might take an extra three to five days to process the payment.
Overall, renting out your car or RV is a practical way to generate income with minimal upfront costs and a quick payout time.
5. Send app referrals
Many new apps today offer referral programs where you can actually get paid for inviting others to join. They provide you with a special link or QR code that you can send to someone who hasn’t yet signed up. When they use your link or code to join the app, both you and your friend can earn a bonus. This is a little reward for bringing someone new onto the platform.While earning money through app referrals might not make you rich, every bit of extra income counts. It’s a simple way to boost your savings or treat yourself to something special without much effort.
6. Be a virtual assistant
Being a virtual assistant is a flexible and rewarding job that you can do from anywhere. If you haven't heard of it before, a virtual assistant helps their employers with tasks like managing schedules, organizing files, booking travel, and more.
All you need is a computer and a place to work. This could be your home, a coffee shop, or a co-working space. The job is versatile, so you can choose to work part-time or full-time, depending on what suits you best.
Many companies rely on virtual assistants, making it a role that's in high demand. It's also suitable for people with various backgrounds. If this sounds interesting to you, check out job listings on sites like Indeed or LinkedIn. You can send your resume and apply directly. It's a great way to earn extra money, especially if you start with part-time work.
7. Sell clothes and accessories online
Do you have some clothes or accessories you no longer use and want to make some quick cash? Selling your items online can be a great way to do just that. There are many online consignment stores where you can list your clothes, shoes, handbags, and more for sale.One popular option is Poshmark. You can create an online closet to showcase what you're selling. To make your items sell faster, take clear, high-quality pictures, write detailed descriptions, and set reasonable prices, especially if you have brand-name items. When someone buys your item, the money will be in your account within three days of delivery.
There are other platforms like Mercari, ThredUp, Depop, and The RealReal that work similarly. If you prefer not to use consignment stores, you can try selling on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist. These sites let you deal directly with buyers, though you might need to spend more time checking out buyers and could receive lower offers.
By using these online platforms, you can quickly declutter your closet and make some extra money with little to no upfront costs.
8. Become a rideshare driver
Starting a side gig as a rideshare driver is pretty simple. If you have a car that meets the necessary requirements, you can sign up to drive for services like Uber or Lyft. The approval process usually takes just a few days. Once approved, you can start making money right away. Both Uber and Lyft pay drivers weekly, but you can get your money even sooner if you choose to pay a small fee.
When it comes to earnings, several factors can affect how much you make. Your location, the distance of the trips, ongoing promotions, and tips from passengers all play a role. On average, most Uber drivers earn between $15 and $20 per hour according to the Rideshare Guy. This means that if you work about 10 hours a week, you could make between $150 and $200.
Getting started doesn’t require a big investment, and you can start earning in less than a week. If you enjoy driving and meeting new people, this could be a good opportunity to make some extra money.
9. Do simple tasks
If you're good at fixing things or enjoy helping out around the house, you can make money quickly by offering your services to people who need various tasks done. You might help with things like assembling furniture, mounting TVs, or cleaning. You can find customers through word of mouth or by signing up on a platform like TaskRabbit. This platform connects people who need help with "Taskers" who can provide it.One of the great things about using a platform like TaskRabbit is that you can set your own rates and keep all the money you earn, including tips. There might be a small registration fee of $25, but once you're approved, you can start working in about four business days.
Typically, Taskers make between $40 and $60 an hour, though this can vary based on where you live. After you complete a task, your payment is usually deposited into your bank account within a week. This makes it a quick and flexible way to earn money, especially if you can dedicate around 10 hours a week to it, potentially earning between $400 and $600.
10. Trade in old electronics
If you want to make some quick cash and have some old electronics lying around, you might find this information useful. Many of us have old smartphones, tablets, or laptops that we no longer use, just collecting dust in a drawer. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can sell these devices to buyback services and get paid for them.There are several reliable buyback services you can use, such as ItsWorthMore, Decluttr, Gazelle, and Trademore. These companies will take your old phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, and more. How much money you can get depends on what device you have and its condition.
For example, Gazelle makes the process quite straightforward. After you send them your device, they process the transaction within a day or two. If everything checks out, you get paid within three to five business days. The fastest ways to receive your money are through Amazon or PayPal. Trademore operates similarly, paying out within five business days via PayPal or a virtual Mastercard gift card once they have received and confirmed your item.
By using these services, you can clear out your old electronics and make some extra money without much hassle. It's a quick and easy way to turn unused gadgets into cash.
11. Deliver food or groceries
If you hate those little weird dialogs that taxi drivers engage with their passengers, delivery apps offer a straightforward alternative. These apps, like DoorDash, UberEats, GrubHub, and InstaCart, enable you to earn cash by delivering food, groceries, and various items. Signing up is simple, and the payment process is similar to ride-sharing services.
For those interested in shopping and delivering packages, Shipt is another great option. With Shipt, you can earn between $25 and $35 per hour, with a minimum guaranteed rate of $16 per hour. Payments can be received on a weekly or daily basis.
Whether you're delivering meals or shopping for groceries, these apps offer a quick way to start earning money with minimal upfront costs and the potential for swift payouts. It's a convenient choice for anyone looking to make extra income on their own schedule.
12. Take surveys
If you're looking to earn some extra cash during your spare time, taking online surveys and participating in simple tasks can be a straightforward way to do it. These opportunities typically require minimal effort and don't cost you anything to get started.Sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, Inbox Dollars, and Google Opinion Rewards offer platforms where you can earn money by completing surveys, watching videos, or even just sharing your opinions on products. For instance, Survey Junkie rewards you with points for each survey you complete, which you can later exchange for cash. It's important to note that while these activities won't make you rich or replace a full-time income, they can provide a bit of extra spending money.
If you dedicate time to filling out three surveys a day, you could potentially earn around $40 a month. This amount can vary based on the site and the number of tasks you complete, but it gives you an idea of what's achievable with a bit of consistent effort.
13. Sell your unused gift cards
If you have unused gift cards lying around, you can turn them into cash. According to a 2022 study by CreditCards.com, nearly half of Americans have at least one unused gift card. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can sell them online.Raise is a website where you can list your gift cards for sale at a partial value. When someone buys your gift card, Raise takes a 15% fee, and the rest of the money is deposited into your bank or PayPal account.
If you don't want to deal with finding buyers yourself, you can use a service like CardCash. They will buy your gift cards directly, giving you up to 92% of their value. This way, you get paid upfront and avoid the hassle of selling the cards yourself.
Selling unused gift cards is a quick and easy way to get some extra money, with no startup costs and a potential payout within a couple of days.
14. Test out apps and websites
You can earn money by testing websites and apps, and it's easier than you might think. You don't need to be a tech expert. All you need is a device with a working microphone and a PayPal account.Getting started with user testing has a moderate barrier to entry. It won't cost you anything to start, and you'll typically see your first payout within 2-3 weeks. You can earn between $10 and $60 for each site you test.
One popular platform for this kind of work is Usertesting.com. To get started, you need to complete a 15-20 minute practice test. After a few days, you'll find out if you've been accepted. The amount you earn per test varies, but you'll always see the pay range beforehand. Payments are made to your PayPal account seven days after you complete a test. Occasionally, you might receive a bonus for longer or more complex projects.
15. Get paid to walk a dog
Do you love dogs and enjoy staying fit? If so, consider getting paid to walk dogs! It's not just a way to keep yourself active and spend time with adorable pups; it can also be a source of extra income. Apps like Rover or Wag connect pet owners with dog walkers like you, paying you for your time and effort.
Whether you're taking a furry friend around the neighborhood for regular exercise or looking after them while their owners are away, dog walking is a quick way to earn money. Rates typically range from $15 to $18 per hour, making it a flexible and rewarding side hustle.
Beyond apps, offering your dog-walking or pet-sitting services privately can be even more profitable. This allows you to build a regular client base and set your own schedule. You can advertise your services on platforms like Craigslist, Facebook, or local community boards at pet stores or vet offices to attract clients and expand your business.
16. Open a new bank account and get bonus
If you're looking for a simple way to earn a bit of extra money, consider opening a new checking or savings account that offers a bonus for new customers. This method has a moderate level of difficulty and involves a small initial cost, usually ranging from $10 to $100. The time it takes to receive your first payout typically falls between 30 to 90 days.By signing up for one of these accounts, you can earn an extra $200 to $300 with minimal effort. However, it's important to note that qualifying for the bonus might require you to make a minimum initial deposit or maintain the account for a certain period. So, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before committing.
17. Turn Your Car into a Money-Making Machine with Ads
Have you ever thought about turning your car into a money-maker? It's simpler than you might think! Companies like Wrapify, Carvertise, and Nickelytics will pay you to put their ads on your car. By adding a decal, sticker, or wrap that promotes a product or service, you can earn extra cash every month.For instance, Wrapify pays between $180 to $452 per month, depending on how much of your car is covered. Carvertise offers $450 to $1,500 per campaign. Nickelytics typically pays drivers between $175 and $250 per month, with some campaigns going up to $500.
The best part? There are no startup costs, and you'll get paid monthly. It's an easy way to make your car work for you!
The bottom line
Starting a side hustle can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. There are many simple ways to make extra money quickly without needing much time, money, or special tools. You get to decide how much time you want to spend on your side job, whether it's just a few hours each week or even just a few minutes once in a while.It's important to use the extra money you earn wisely. Side income can be a great way to build up your emergency savings, pay off any debts, or start investing for the future. So, whatever method you choose to make money, make sure it benefits your financial goals.
Read Also:
- 9 Easy Online Jobs for Teens
- 10 Best Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Parents: Flexible Jobs for Busy Parents
- Top 6 Platforms for Transcription Jobs
- 7 Best Freelance Job Opportunities for Students
- 6 Side Hustles to Boost Your Income During a Recession
- 10 Proven Tips for Landing A Job After Graduation
- 17 EASY REMOTE JOBS YOU CAN START TODAY (WITH NO EXPERIENCE)