How To Make Quick Money: 21 Side Hustles That Pay

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How To Make Quick Money

You’ve got bills to pay, dreams to chase or maybe just a serious case of the “I need cash now” blues. Whatever the reason, you’re in the right place. Forget the boring 9-to-5 grind for a second – let’s talk about side hustles that pay. From selling your clutter to renting out your car, these quick moneymaking ideas are all about turning your spare time into cold, hard cash. 


If you need cash while getting your side hustle off the ground, MoneyLion can help. With Earned Wage Access, you can access a portion of your paycheck early. The benefit to you is that your money is more accessible. This is not a loan, but an advance on your current or future income.


21 Ways to make quick money

Before you start thinking this is too good to be true, here are 21 side hustles that can help you make quick cash when needed.

1. Sell unused items online 

Got an attic full of stuff collecting dust? Turn that clutter into cash by selling unused items online. Platforms like eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace can help you rake in the dough. Depending on what you’re selling, you could make anywhere from $50 to several hundred bucks in just a few days. Think of it as getting paid to declutter your life.

2. Participate in paid online surveys or focus groups

Believe it or not, your opinions are worth money. Companies pay for your insights on products and services through online surveys or focus groups. Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie are popular choices. While you won’t get rich overnight, you can earn anywhere from $5 to $50 per survey, depending on the length and topic.

3. Offer pet-sitting or dog-walking services

Animal lover? Turn your passion into a paycheck by offering pet-sitting or dog-walking services. Apps like Rover or Wag! make it easy to connect with pet owners in need. You can earn up to $20 per walk or even more if you’re pet-sitting overnight. Plus, you get the bonus of spending time with some furry friends – who wouldn’t want that?

4. Rent out a spare room on Airbnb 

If you’ve got an extra room sitting empty, put it to work by listing it on Airbnb. Depending on your location, you can make anywhere from $50 to $200 a night without doing much more than providing clean sheets and a friendly smile. It’s a win-win – extra income for you and a cool place to stay for travelers.

5. Drive for a ride-share service

Got a car and some free time? Driving for a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft can help you make quick cash. You could earn up to $25 per hour depending on your location and work hours. Plus, there’s always the chance of getting a nice tip from a generous passenger.

6. Deliver food for services

Similar to ride-sharing, delivering food through services like DoorDash, UberEats or Postmates is another way to make money on your schedule. Earnings vary, but you can typically expect to make around $15 to $25 per hour, plus tips. The more orders you take, the more you make – it’s that simple.

7. Donate plasma at a local donation center

Here’s one for the brave: donating plasma. Not only do you get to help others, but you also get paid for it. Donation centers like CSL Plasma pay up to $700 your first month. While it’s not the most glamorous side hustle, it’s quick money for a good cause.

8. Offer freelance services in your area of expertise

Whether you’re a graphic designer, writer or web developer, freelancing can be a lucrative side hustle. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer connect you with clients looking for your specific skills. You could make anywhere from $20 to $100 per hour depending on your expertise.

9. Do yard work or manual labor for neighbors

If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, yard work or manual labor can be a quick and easy way to make money. Offer services like mowing lawns, raking leaves or shoveling snow and you could earn up to $50 per job. Plus, it’s a great way to stay active while padding your wallet.

10. Tutor students online or in person

Are you a math whiz or a grammar guru? Turn that knowledge into cash by tutoring students. Online platforms like Tutor.com or even local classifieds can help you find students needing help. Tutors can earn between $15 to $60 per hour depending on the subject and level of expertise.

11. Participate in medical studies or clinical trials 

If you’re up for some adventure, participating in medical studies or clinical trials can be a great side hustle. Compensation varies widely depending on the study, but you could earn anywhere from $100 to $1,000. Be sure to weigh the risks and consult with a health care professional before diving in.

12. Test websites and apps

Got an eye for detail? Companies pay good money for people to test websites and apps for bugs or usability issues. Sites like UserTesting and Trymata offer gigs where you can earn up to $60 per hour by sharing your feedback. It’s an easy way to make money without leaving your couch.

13. Rent out your car

If your car spends more time parked than on the road, consider renting it out through platforms like Turo or Getaround. You can earn up to $500 a month depending on your vehicle and location. It’s like having a side hustle that works while you do something else.

14. Become a virtual assistant

If you’re organized and good at multitasking, becoming a virtual assistant could be your ticket to quick cash. Virtual assistants handle everything from scheduling appointments to managing social media for busy professionals. You can earn between $15 to $30 per hour and the best part? You can do it all from the comfort of your home.

15. Sell handmade crafts 

If you’re crafty, selling handmade items on platforms like Etsy can turn your hobby into a profitable side hustle. From jewelry to home décor, the sky’s the limit on what you can create and sell. You could make anywhere from $100 to $1,000 or more each month depending on demand.

16. Offer house cleaning services

House cleaning might not be glamorous, but it’s a surefire way to make money fast. Whether cleaning for busy professionals or prepping homes for sale, you can charge $25 to $50 per hour depending on the job. All you need are some basic supplies and a can-do attitude.

17. Participate in cashback programs 

Why not get paid for what you’re already buying? Cashback programs like Rakuten or Ibotta offer rebates on everyday purchases. While it’s not exactly a full-time income, you can easily earn a few hundred dollars annually with minimal effort. Just sign up, shop and watch the cashback roll in.

18. Rent out parking spaces or storage areas 

If you live in a busy area with limited parking or storage, you could make money by renting out your extra space. Apps like Spacer or Neighbor help you connect with people in need. Depending on demand, you could earn up to $200 per month just by letting someone use your empty garage or driveway.

19. Offer photography services for events or portraits

Got a good eye and a decent camera? Offering photography services can be an income-generating side gig. Whether it’s shooting weddings, family portraits or even pet photos, you can charge $50 to $250 per session depending on your experience and the type of work. And who knows, it could turn into a full-blown business!

20. Become an influencer

Yes, you read that right. If you’ve got a knack for social media, becoming an influencer can be a profitable side hustle. Whether it’s Instagram, YouTube or TikTok, building a following can lead to sponsorships and ad revenue. Depending on your audience size, you could make anywhere from $100 to several thousand dollars per post.

21. Sell unused gift cards for cash

Got gift cards gathering dust in a drawer? Turn them into cash by selling them online through sites like CardCash or Raise. You won’t get the full value, but you can still recoup up to 90% of the card’s worth. It’s quick, easy money for something you wouldn’t use anyway.

Ready to hustle?

Whether you want to make a quick buck or build a long-term side gig, these 21 hustles offer plenty of ways to fatten your wallet. From selling unused items to becoming an influencer, the opportunities are endless. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making that money!

FAQ

How can I make $100 daily?

To make $100 daily, consider high-paying gigs like driving for a ride-share service, delivering food or offering freelance services. Consistency and maximizing your hours are key.

Which app pays real money instantly?

Apps like DoorDash and Uber offer real money, depending on the service and your activity level.

How can I make $200 cash fast?

To make $200 quickly, consider selling high-value items online, participating in a medical study or renting out a room on Airbnb for a couple of nights.

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