Making extra money on the side can help pad your wallet, whether you want to pay off debt, build up an emergency fund or fund a family vacation. While there are plenty of money-making ideas, like taking surveys or watching TV, that are dubious or outright scams, there are many genuine ways to earn cash. From dog walking and tutoring to selling clothes you no longer wear, these 25 money-making ideas cover online, offline and at-home jobs.
Table of Contents
- How to Make Money Online
- How to Make Money from Home
- How to Make Money Offline
- Frequently Asked Questions
How to Make Money Online
The internet offers a wealth of money-making gigs if you have the skills and time. Even if you’re not looking to make online jobs your career, you can pick up side hustles when your schedule permits and earn some cash quickly.
1. Freelance Online
One of the top ways to make money online is by doing freelance jobs. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com offer opportunities to do freelance work in many fields, including programming, graphic design, writing, marketing, business consulting and more.
Fluent in a second language? You can find translation jobs on sites like Gengo and Blend Express. If you have a particular skill you can offer, like coding websites or designing logos, create your own freelance jobs platform and find clients directly rather than going through these middleman websites.
Time Commitment: Moderate. It may take a few weeks to land your first freelance client.
Ease of Start: Moderate. Signing up for a freelance site is easy, but you need expertise to offer clients.
Pay: Payment timelines vary based on the freelance site. Upwork has a weekly billing cycle, while Fiverr pays out when a work order is complete. Earnings range widely based on your skills and clients.
2. Get Paid to Test Websites
Earn cash for sharing your thoughts on new websites, apps and products with companies via sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid per test, typically $10 to $60. Testers are especially needed to evaluate sites and provide feedback before they launch to the public.
Time Commitment: Low. You can take tests in your free time.
Ease of Start: Easy. Sign up and take sample tests to get started.
Pay: Weekly. You’re paid $10 and up per test via PayPal.
3. Sell Your Skills on Fiverr
Tap into the gig economy by offering your skills on Fiverr. Whether you’re a writer, programmer, graphic designer or have another skill to sell, Fiverr makes it easy to create a profile and start offering your services at a base rate of $5 per project.
Time Commitment: Low to Moderate. It may take a few weeks to get your first order.
Ease of Start: Easy. Just set up your profile.
Pay: When your work is complete.
4. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys won’t make you rich, but it is an easy way to earn extra cash in your free time. Survey Junkie, Swagbucks and Survey Monkey are among the more popular websites that pay users to take surveys — often for just a few dollars. The key is taking high-volume surveys quickly, but beware of sites that ask you to invest your own money.
Time Commitment: Moderate. You need to take a high volume of surveys to earn meaningful cash.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Just register on the survey site to begin.
Pay: Variable. Many sites pay out via PayPal or gift cards when you hit a minimum threshold.
5. Start a Blog
Launching a blog doesn’t have to be complicated. With website builders like Wix and WordPress, you can start a blog for free and then make money by showing ads. But don’t underestimate the work it takes to build blog traffic. You’ll need to create fresh content regularly and promote your posts through social media and other channels to attract readers.
Time Commitment: High. Building blog traffic takes months or even years of steady work.
Ease of Start: Easy to moderate. The platform setup is easy but you need writing skills.
Pay: Within a few months, through ads and affiliate links.
6. Sell Products on Etsy
Crafty types can make money selling their homemade creations, like jewelry, pottery, clothings, stationery and more on Etsy. While it’s free to open an Etsy shop, you’ll need to pay small listing fees and a transaction fee that’s a percentage of each sale. It may take time to build your Etsy shop traffic, but it costs nothing but your time.
Time Commitment: High. It can take weeks or months to start generating Etsy sales.
Ease of Start: Moderate. You need to create listings and good photos.
Pay: Daily. Etsy pays out sales proceeds frequently via PayPal.
7. Self-Publish an Ebook
Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing platform makes it easy to self-publish an ebook and sell it on the Kindle Store for up to 70% royalties. The key is writing a compelling book in a popular genre that appeals to Kindle readers. Mark Dawson’s book Self Publishing 101 is a great resource if you’re interested in going down this path.
Time Commitment: High. Writing an ebook takes weeks or months.
Ease of Start: Easy if you have writing skills. Just upload your book.
Pay: Monthly. You need to hit the $100 threshold to get paid.
8. Monetize a Blog or YouTube Channel
Once your blog or YouTube channel becomes popular, you can make money by selling ad space through Google AdSense or YouTube’s partner program. For YouTube, you’ll need 1,000 subscribers before you can start earning ad revenue. With AdSense, you can start showing ads on your site right away simply by adding a few lines of code.
Time Commitment: High. It takes time to build an audience.
Ease of Start: Easy to moderate. Setting up ads is easy but you need an audience.
Pay: Monthly, once you hit the minimum threshold.
9. Become an Instagram Influencer
Companies will pay you to post photos and videos promoting their products to your Instagram followers. But first, you have to build up a sizable, engaged following. That takes time, strategy and consistently creating compelling content. Some influencers make $1,000 per sponsored post at the high end.
Time Commitment: High. Amassing followers takes months or years.
Ease of Start: Moderate. Setting up an account is easy but gaining followers is hard.
Pay: Variable. Payment depends on your follower count and sponsor terms.
10. Sell Your Photos Online
If photography is your hobby, start selling your images online to earn extra cash. Fine Art America lets you upload pics to sell as art prints, posters, phone cases and more. The site handles printing, order fulfillment and payments in exchange for a commission. Other marketplaces for selling photos include SmugMug, 500px and PhotoShelter.
Time Commitment: Moderate to high. You need a portfolio and buyer demand.
Ease of Start: Easy if you have photos ready to sell. Just upload.
Pay: Whenever your images sell based on site terms.
How to Make Money from Home
Don’t want to work outside the house? Here are some money-makers you can do in your pajamas, along with real-world ideas like pet sitting.
11. Rent Out a Spare Room on Airbnb
Renting out an unused bedroom or other space to travelers can pay off. Sites like Airbnb make it easy to list your spare space, handle bookings and process payments. Charging at least $50 a night means you could earn $1,000 a month if you rent the space 20 nights a month. Be sure to pay close attention to any taxes and regulations in your area.
Time Commitment: Varies. Depends on demand and your rental frequency.
Ease of Start: Easy. Listing space on Airbnb takes little time.
Pay: Daily. Airbnb pays hosts 24 hours after check-in.
12. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys is an easy way to earn extra money in your downtime. While surveys don’t pay much, sites like Swagbucks let you earn points for money or redeem them for gift cards. Survey Junkie also pays users to share their opinions on brands. Just don’t expect to get rich with this side hustle.
Time Commitment: Low. Spend just a few minutes on each survey.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Just register on the survey site.
Pay: Variable. Many sites pay out via PayPal or gift cards.
13. Trade in Gift Cards
If you have unused gift cards lying around, resell or trade them in to sites like CardCash and GiftCardZen to get up to 92% of the remaining balance. You can get paid via PayPal, direct deposit or check when you mail in your gift cards. If you trade in cards for retailer credit, you may get a higher value.
Time Commitment: Low. Reselling cards takes just minutes.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Just enter your card details.
Pay: 1–7 days, depending on site terms.
14. List Yourself on Care.com
Make extra money by taking side jobs like babysitting, tutoring and pet sitting on Care.com. Set your own rates and schedule and easily connect with families looking for child care, academic help and pet care in your area. If you love working with kids or pets, it’s an easy way to get paid.
Time Commitment: Varies. Depends on demand in your area.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Create a profile in minutes.
Pay: Per job or hourly, paid by clients.
15. Sell Handmade Crafts on Etsy
Unleash your creative side by opening your own Etsy shop to sell arts and crafts, like jewelry, candles, artwork, home decor and clothing. While it doesn’t cost anything to open a shop, you will pay small listing fees and a percentage of sales. Market your wares on social media to find buyers.
Time Commitment: High. Building shop traffic takes time.
Ease of Start: Moderate. You need to create listings and photograph items.
Pay: Whenever your items sell, deposited into your Etsy account.
16. Become an Online Tutor
Share your academic expertise with students in need of help by becoming an online tutor. Sites like Tutor.com and Varsity Tutors let you set your own hours and rates. You can tutor people in a variety of subjects including math, science, English, foreign languages, grammar, test prep and more.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Many sites let you make your own schedule.
Ease of Start: Easy. Create a profile and list your expertise.
Pay: Hourly or per session, paid by the site.
17. Do Freelance Writing
Turn your writing talent into cash with freelance writing gigs. Sites like Contena, Scripted and iWriter let you claim jobs related to your niche, like blogging, website content, fiction and more. Working freelance lets you make money writing from home.
Time Commitment: Varies. Work as much or as little as you want.
Ease of Start: Easy if you have writing samples. Create your profile.
Pay: Per project or per hour depending on the site.
18. Become a Virtual Assistant
Help others keep their work organized by becoming a virtual assistant. You can find clients through sites like Zirtual and Fancy Hands, which connect VAs with people seeking admin help. The key is providing excellent client service to keep clients coming back.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Set your own hours.
Ease of Start: Easy to moderate. Need to have admin skills.
Pay: Hourly or per project, paid by site or client.
19. Teach English Online
If you’re a native English speaker, you can teach English to kids and adults around the world with companies like VIPKid, Cambly, Qkids and more. Lessons take place online via video chat so you just need a computer and internet connection. Schedules are flexible.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Many teachers work 10 to 30 hours per week.
Ease of Start: Moderate. You need to apply and interview.
Pay: Hourly, paid by the company. Rates start around $15/hour.
20. Rent Your Car Out on Turo
Turn your car into cash by renting it out on Turo whenever you’re not using it. You earn up to 85% of the rental cost. As long as your car is a model approved by Turo and meets certain age requirements, it’s easy to get started. You’ll want to check your own insurance policy before listing your car.
Time Commitment: Varies. You set your own availability.
Ease of Start: Easy. Just create a listing.
Pay: After each trip. Paid via direct deposit.
How to Make Money Offline
Not everything has moved online. You can still make good side money doing offline gigs like selling used clothes and driving for Uber. Added bonus: some of these allow you to get out of the house.
21. Sell Your Stuff
Declutter your closets and make money selling used clothing, shoes and accessories online or at local consignment shops. Sites like ThredUp, Poshmark and Mercari make it super easy to photograph items and create listings. Or take your clothes into nearby consignment shops for cash on the spot.
Time Commitment: Varies. Listings can be created quickly but allow time for shipping.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Just gather items, photograph and list.
Pay: After sales or consignments. Paid daily to monthly depending on where you sell.
22. Sign Up for TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects you with people in need of help with errands, moving and handyman tasks in your area. List your skills, set your rates and schedule and get hired for tasks that work with your availability. Great for former and stay-at-home parents ready to get back into the workforce.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Work as much or as little as you want.
Ease of Start: Easy to moderate. Need to pass background check.
Pay: After completing each task. Payment typically takes 3–5 days.
23. Become a Rideshare Driver
Drive for Uber or Lyft as a side gig when you want to earn extra money. While you need to factor in costs like gas and maintenance, the flexible schedule makes rideshare driving appealing for many people. You can drive just nights and weekends or try to make it a full-time job.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Work as much or as little as you want.
Ease of Start: Easy to moderate. Need an eligible car and to pass background checks.
Pay: Immediately or weekly via direct deposit.
24. List Your Home on Airbnb
Rent out an extra room or your entire home to vacationers when you’re out of town to earn extra cash. Sites like Airbnb make it easy for hosts to list spaces, set rates, handle bookings and payouts. Consider paying a cleaning service to prepare spaces for guests.
Time Commitment: Varies. Depends on rental frequency.
Ease of Start: Very easy. Listings can be created in under an hour.
Pay: Soon after check-in. Airbnb pays hosts 24 hours after guests arrive.
25. Become a Dog Walker
Take dogs on walks or host pups at your home. Sites like Rover and Wag connect pet sitters and dog walkers with pet owners who need someone to watch their furry friends. Love pets? It’s an easy way to earn extra cash on your own schedule.
Time Commitment: Flexible. Set your own availability.
Ease of Start: Easy. Create your pet care profile online.
Pay: As soon as the service is complete. Paid via direct deposit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I earn money online easily?
Some of the easiest online side hustles are taking surveys, online tutoring, doing freelance writing, monetizing a blog and selling online courses. These money makers simply require you to create a profile and start offering your services or content.
What are easy ways to make money from home?
Some of the easiest ways to make money from home include taking surveys, designing T-shirts to sell on sites like Teespring, dropshipping products, building websites, renting out your space on Airbnb, and creating YouTube videos. Many can be done in your free time with just a computer.
What are some fast ways to make money?
Fast ways to make money include taking surveys, signing up for TaskRabbit, charging scooters, participating in focus groups, getting cash back when shopping online through Rakuten, selling unused gift cards, renting your car out on Turo, and selling clothes and electronics you no longer use. These all allow you to earn extra cash in days or less once you get set up.
How can I make money right now?
Some ways to make money right now include taking online surveys, selling stock photos, doing microtasks on Amazon Mechanical Turk, running errands on TaskRabbit, charging electric scooters, driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft, starting a blog and putting ads on it, and selling items around the house you no longer need on OfferUp. Many of these can help you make money today or at least very quickly.
The internet provides a wealth of opportunities to make extra money through side hustles. But don’t forget about offline and traditional money making methods too. With so many options, there’s likely at least one that fits your skills, interests and schedule. And who couldn’t use some extra cash?
