Whether you need to cover unexpected expenses, save for a trip, or pay bills, sometimes you need money fast. But where can you find the best money-making ideas that work for you?
Look no further! We have a big list of ways to make easy money in no time. You can start most of these tasks in just an hour or two of your spare time. You might even see extra cash in your account within a week or a month!
We’ve divided our money-making options into categories, so you can choose what works best for your interests and skill levels. We’ve got you covered, from easy cash-making ventures to more complex strategies.
So, ready to start earning? Let’s break down the ways to make quick cash.
The Zero Experience Required Category
If you’re new to earning extra money, this category is perfect for you. Here are some of the easiest and most rewarding ways to make quick cash.
Sell Your Old Cell Phone
If you have an old iPhone or Android sitting around, it’s time to cash in. Selling your device is easier than ever, and you have options.
First, decide if you want to sell through a third-party service or on your own through a site like Swappa, Gazelle, or Decluttr (among many others). With a third party, you’ll be paid once they receive the phone. Selling yourself means you’ll be paid once the transaction is completed.
The next step is to find out how much your phone is worth. You can check multiple sites for prices or use SellCell to compare them all simultaneously. Clear your data and get ready to make some extra cash.
Depending on the condition of your cell phone, you could earn fast cash! For example, an iPhone X with 64GB of storage in decent shape could get you $65. A newer phone could get you over $100. So why not turn your electronics waste into cash with EcoATM?
Yard Sale
Host a yard or garage sale with your family or neighbors and declutter your home while making good money. You can potentially earn between $50 to $250 on average, with immediate results.
Follow these savvy tips for a successful sale:
- Give it a theme or several, like sports or outdoor gear, to stand out.
- Get creative with scheduling to avoid competition, and time it with neighborhood events to attract high traffic.
- Advertise smartly with fliers, Craigslist, Facebook, and local message boards.
- Draw people in with large, colorful signs around the area.
- Stock up on small bills for change, and mark prices on your items to make more money.
With these tips, you can make the most of your weekend and turn your clutter into cash.
Sell Your Jewelry
Ready to turn your forgotten gold and silver into cash? The potential earnings depend on the daily value of these precious metals, but you can receive your payout immediately.
Dust off those collectors’ coins from your grandpa or rummage through your closet for any old jewelry from past relationships. It’s time to exchange these items for fast cash.
Here’s a pro tip: don’t settle for the first buyer that comes your way. Research shows that different buyers offer vastly different payouts, with some lowballing up to 70% less than the top bidder. Get at least three estimates before making your decision. You can turn your forgotten gold into instant cash with a little effort.
Apply for Assistance Programs
Many government and non-profit assistance programs can help if you’re struggling financially. These could provide quick cash relief through grants, tax credits, or even free items.
Research the available programs in your area to see what’s offered. You may be able to qualify for services ranging from food aid, rent assistance, and job training.
Be sure to apply immediately. Some of these programs have long wait times or even require advance planning. Start your research today to see what’s available and determine if you could benefit from any of them in a pinch.
Apply for Unemployment
Looking for a way to earn some extra cash? You could make anywhere from $180 to $800 weekly through unemployment compensation!
Thanks to billions of dollars in federal funding during the pandemic, new programs now benefit all jobless Americans—including independent contractors. While some of these programs have expired, you may still be able to claim back payments retroactively.
Applying for unemployment may seem daunting, but with a bit of patience, it can provide you with some much-needed financial freedom. And the best part? You can start earning in as little as two to three weeks!
Make Quick Money Online
Using the Internet to your advantage can be an effective way to make quick cash. Whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a side hustle, there are plenty of ways to make money online.
Sell Your Clothing
If you have a closet full of barely-worn clothes, it’s time to turn them into fast cash. You could make money selling your clothing through consignment stores like Buffalo Exchange and Plato’s Closet. Or, you can create a listing on sites like ThredUP or Poshmark and have buyers come directly to you.
Making money off your clothes is simple: all you have to do is take pictures, write a description of each item, and post it online. You can also set the price yourself – just be sure to consider how much each item could sell for.
Luckily, your closet cleanout could turn into your new side hustle!
Sell Old Books
Are you looking to make some extra money? Why not start by selling those old textbooks in your closet or bookshelf? With potential earnings ranging from $10 to $100, it’s definitely worth a shot.
Using BookScouter, you can easily determine the value of your textbooks and find the best online marketplace to sell them. However, if you’re looking for fast cash, consider listing them on popular sites like eBay, Letgo, OfferUp, or Craigslist. While they may not sell immediately, you’ll at least get the selling process started.
Timing is everything, so you can make a sale immediately if you find a ready buyer in person. If selling online, it typically takes two to four days to make a sale.
Complete Tasks for People
Another great way to make money quickly is by completing tasks for people. Sites like TaskRabbit and Fiverr offer numerous gig opportunities that can help you earn some extra cash in a short amount of time.
Using these platforms, you can sign up for various odd jobs – from assembling furniture to walking dogs and running errands for busy people. Depending on the type of job, you could be making anywhere from $5 to $50 an hour.
Not sure which gig is right for you? Look at what tasks are available in your area and see if they match your skillset. With some hard work and dedication, you could soon have some extra money in your pocket.
Sell Unused Items on Facebook Marketplace
Did you know you can make quick cash by selling unused items on Facebook Marketplace? All you have to do is take pictures of the items, write a description, and post them online.
Whether you’re looking to get rid of that old couch or need to sell a few books to cover rent, this platform allows you to reach thousands of potential buyers in just a few clicks. And the best part? Most transactions close within a day or two, so you’ll have your money fast.
Creative Ways to Make Quick Money
If you’re in a financial pinch and need to make some extra cash, you’ll want to get creative. From odd jobs like pet sitting or dog walking to virtual assistant roles, plenty of opportunities can help you make money quickly.
Make Money from Your Designs or Illustrations
Set your own hours and turn your designs into products to sell online with Merch by Amazon. Upload your design and select the T-shirt styles and colors you want to print it on, then list your T-shirts for sale on Amazon as if you had your online store.
While this may not be a get-rich-quick scheme, the potential earnings start at 50 cents and can go up from there. Your success will depend on the popularity of your design and the commission you receive.
Plus, there is no upfront investment required. Amazon prints T-shirts as orders are received and pays you between 13-37% of your sale price, depending on how much you charge. So, if you’re passionate about design or illustration and willing to put in the effort, why not try Merch by Amazon?
Make Money with Your Baking and Decorating Skills
Are you tired of receiving compliments without getting paid for your delicious homemade treats? With the potential to earn $200 to $400 a month and receive payment upon delivery, selling your baked goods has never been easier!
You can legally sell your home-baked goods in select states without a permit. Tell friends, family, and neighbors that you are open for business and ready to take custom orders.
Promote your delectable creations through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook and online marketplaces like Craigslist. Design fliers or your website to showcase your skills and attract a wider audience.
Sell Your Photos Online
Discover the power of your photography skills and earn up to $100 per photo! Whether you snap pictures with your iPhone or own a DSLR camera, many online sites allow you to sell your shots for profit.
For casual photographers, try using Foap, a simple app that makes photo selling easy. Browse your photo collection, select your best ones, and list them on the app’s photo marketplace. Foap splits the sale with you, so you’ll take home 50% of the sale price, with most photos costing $10.
If you have more advanced photography skills and access to a better camera, microstock websites like iStock and Shutterstock may better fit you. These websites host and sell stock photos at a higher price point.
Remember, you need to meet a minimum threshold- usually $25 or $100 in royalties- to receive payment for your sales. Get started today and turn your passion for photography into cash in your pocket!
Make Quick Money by Taking Surveys
One of the quickest ways to make money online is by taking surveys. It’s easy, fun, and a great income supplement. Most survey sites allow you to register for free and earn points or cash without commitment.
Earn Money Online with InboxDollars
Got spare time? Why not use it to make some extra cash? Sign up with InboxDollars and earn for everyday online activities like taking surveys, watching videos, and shopping with affiliated brands.
You’ll receive a $5 bonus for signing up to sweeten the deal! Most surveys take less than 30 minutes and pay between $0.50 and $5. Plus, you could earn even more if you meet a specific target demographic.
Once you’ve reached $30 in earnings, you can cash out. Ready to start earning? Sign up with InboxDollars now!
Make Extra Money with CashKarma
Get paid for your opinions with CashKarma, the survey app that pays you to complete surveys, watch videos, sign up for offers, and complete other online tasks. With its easy-to-use interface, CashKarma aggregates various survey opportunities and directs you to third-party sites for completion.
Once you earn 6,000 points, equivalent to a $5 Amazon gift card, you can cash out through PayPal or choose gift cards to popular retailers. Don’t wait any longer to earn some spare cash. Sign up for CashKarma today!
Earn Gift Cards with MyPoints
Say goodbye to boring surveys and hello to gift cards from your favorite retailers! MyPoints aggregates online survey opportunities and rewards you with gift cards.
Plus, with a $5 bonus after completing five surveys, you can start earning immediately. Even attempting and qualifying for surveys earns you points, with some surveys earning up to 400 points. And with just 480 points needed for a $3 Amazon gift card, it’s easy to see how quickly the rewards add up.
Make Quick Money Today!
We’ve given you a few ideas to get started, but there are plenty of other ways to make money quickly. The possibilities are endless, from selling items on eBay or Craigslist to becoming an online tutor or participating in focus groups! You can find the perfect way to make money fast with just a bit of creativity and effort. Good luck.