16 Legit Ways to Make Money Fast When You Need It

HomeMake Money Online16 Legit Ways to Make Money Fast When You Need It

December 26, 2023

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Become a Rideshare Driver

One of the fastest and most accessible ways to make extra money is by becoming a rideshare driver for companies like Uber or Lyft. Once you get approved to drive, you can start picking up passengers and earning cash within just a few days.

According to Harry Campbell, founder of The Rideshare Guy site, Uber drivers earn an average of $15-20 per hour depending on factors like location, promotions, and tips. The key benefits of rideshare driving include:

Quick payouts – You can cash out your earnings immediately instead of waiting for a paycheck. Both Uber and Lyft pay every week.
Flexible schedule – Choose your own hours and work as much or as little as you want.
Minimal qualifications – As long as you have a relatively new 4-door vehicle, valid license, insurance, and clean background check, you can get approved to start driving.
Easy sign-up process – The application process takes just a few days in most cases. Simply provide your valid documentation and pass a vehicle inspection.
Appealing work – If you enjoy driving, meeting new people, and making conversation, being a rideshare driver can be an engaging job.

According to Uber, drivers in top markets like Chicago and NYC can earn over $30 per hour during peak demand times. While rideshare driving may not make you rich, it’s an easy and reliable way to generate income whenever you need extra cash.

Make Deliveries

Similar to rideshare driving, you can also earn quick cash by making deliveries for apps like DoorDash, UberEats, Instacart, or Shipt. These on-demand services allow you to deliver food, groceries, and other items to customers’ homes and businesses.

According to Intuit, delivery drivers can earn up to $25 per hour on average depending on factors like location, demand, and tips. The main benefits of delivery driving include:

Immediate earnings – Get paid per delivery instead of waiting for a paycheck.
Flexible schedule – Work during peak times when demand is highest.
Low barrier to entry – You just need a reliable vehicle and auto insurance.
Wide service options – Choose to deliver meals, groceries, packages, prescriptions, etc. based on what works best for you.
Cash tips – Earn extra cash tips on top of your per-delivery earnings.

While there are costs like gas and vehicle wear and tear, delivery driving provides an easy way to monetize your free time. Apps like UberEats even show you estimated earnings for different jobs so you can strategically maximize your profits.

Help Others with Simple Tasks

Have a special skill or willing to take on small jobs? TaskRabbit connects you with people who will pay for help with everyday tasks like cleaning, handyman services, furniture assembly, grocery delivery, and more.

According to TaskRabbit, the average Tasker earns $25 per hour, though rates vary widely based on your experience, the type of task, and customer demand in your area. Reasons to consider becoming a Tasker include:

Set your own rates and hours.
Make money using your existing skills and tools.
No long-term commitment – take tasks as you want.
Earnings deposited directly to your account.
Satisfaction from helping people in your community.

Whether you’re skilled at repairs, organization, event help, or something else, TaskRabbit is a flexible way to turn your free time into cash. As long as you have reliable transportation and can provide any supplies needed to complete tasks, you can start earning immediately.

Pet Sit

Do you love animals and have some extra room in your home? Pet sitting provides an enjoyable way to make $20 – $40 per day caring for dogs, cats, and other pets while their owners are away.

You can market your services on neighborhood Facebook groups,Nextdoor, hand out flyers, or list yourself on sites like Rover and PetBacker. Tips for maximizing your pet sitting income include:

Highlight your experience with animals, first aid/CPR training, veterinary background, or other qualifications.
Offer additional services like dog walking, play dates, or boarding for multiple pets.
Set competitive rates based on the type/number of pets and services provided.
Get bonded and insured to give clients peace of mind.
Focus on building repeat business through quality care and communication.

Pet parents are often willing to pay premium rates to trusted sitters who will keep their furry family members safe and happy. As long as you have passion for pets and some flexibility, this can be an rewarding way to quickly earn extra money.

Sell Clothes and Accessories Online

Have a closet full of gently used clothes, handbags, or jewelry you no longer wear? Reselling fashion items you already own is an easy way to declutter your space and make some quick cash.

Popular online resale platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, Depop, and ThredUp make it simple to turn unwanted goods into extra income. According to ThredUp’s 2022 Resale Report, the average Poshmark seller earns $15 – $25 per item sold. Benefits of online resale include:

Sell from the convenience of home – no need to host garage sales.
Listings are free – platforms make money by taking a commission from sales.
Wide customer reach – gain access to buyers globally.
Instant payouts – funds are deposited to your connected account as soon as an item sells.
Lower time investment than running your own ecommerce business.

Focus on designer brands, trendy styles, or vintage finds that command higher prices. With some effort to create attractive listings with good photos, descriptions, and prices, you can start earning fast.

Sell Unused Gift Cards

According to CreditCards.com, the average American has $175 in unused gift cards just sitting around. Rather than letting those funds go to waste, you can sell gift cards you don’t want or can’t use to sites like CardCash, Raise, and GiftCash.

These platforms allow you to sell unwanted cards for up to 92% of their remaining value. The process is fast and easy:

Enter your gift card details.
Receive a guaranteed quote.
Ship your card to the site.
Get paid via direct deposit, PayPal, etc. once received.

With Raise, payments are typically available in just 1-2 business days. This presents a low-effort way to turn unwanted gifts into cash quickly.

Be sure to compare buyback rates across platforms to get the best deal. Selling gift cards is a smart way to unlock value from unused cards gathering dust in your wallet or drawers.

Earn a Bank Account Bonus

Opening a new checking or savings account may seem like an unusual idea when you need fast cash. But many banks offer lucrative cash bonuses up to $200 or $300 when you open an account, deposit funds, and meet certain qualifications.

For example, Chase Bank is offering $200 for opening a new Total Checking account with qualifying activities. Bank of America has a $100 bonus for new savings accounts.

Benefits of earning a bank account bonus include:

Provides a quick infusion of cash within 1-2 months.
Can fund your new account with as little as $25-$100 to qualify.
Bonus payout is in addition to any interest earned.
Qualifying activities are typically simple – set up direct deposit, use debit card for purchases, etc.

Just be sure to read the fine print so you meet all bonus requirements. While not recurring revenue, this strategy presents an easy one-time payout that takes minimal effort on your part.

Take Paid Surveys

In your spare time, you can start earning cash and gift cards by sharing your opinion on surveys. Companies value consumer feedback and are willing to pay for it.

Popular survey sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Google Opinion Rewards make it free to sign up and start earning:

Survey Junkie members earn up to $40 per month with consistent participation.
Typical earnings are $5-$15 per hour according to InboxDollars.
Most surveys run 10-30 minutes and payout per completion.
Rewards are paid out via PayPal, gift cards, or other methods.

While paid survey earnings will remain supplemental income, it’s an enjoyable way to share your perspectives and preferences to boost your wallet. Sign up for multiple survey sites to access the most opportunities.

Trade in Old Electronics

If you have an unused smartphone, tablet, laptop, or other electronic device collecting dust at home, you may be able to trade it in for quick cash. Sites like ItsWorthMore, Decluttr, Gazelle, and NextWorth purchase used electronics to refurbish and resell.

According to Decluttr, payouts typically range from $5-$400+ depending on the device’s model and condition. To get an estimated quote:

Select your device type, brand, model.
Answer questions about its condition and functionality.
Receive a guaranteed price, prepaid shipping label, and packaging.
Ship your device for free.
Get paid the day after your item is received.

Trade-in values will never match the original purchase price. But it does provide a simple way to earn extra money from electronics you no longer use. At the very least, you can declutter your home!

Host a Yard Sale

Yard and garage sales remain one of the tried-and-true ways to make money while clearing out clutter around your home. By pricing items at irresistible deals, you can move unwanted possessions quickly and earn immediate cash from neighborhood buyers.

Tips to maximize your garage sale income include:

Offer hot-ticket items like kids’ toys and baby gear which attract crowds.
Price items to sell – 10-30% of original value is reasonable.
Advertise on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and with yard signs/flyers.
Display items neatly and appealingly to encourage purchasing.
Manage payments with a lockbox for security and a square reader for credit sales.
Start early – weekends around 8-10 AM tend to be prime time.

Depending on the size of your sale, you can expect to earn a few hundred dollars or more. Remember to check for any local restrictions or permit requirements.

Rent Out Your Parking Space

If you live near a venue, attraction, or commercial area, you may be able to generate passive income by renting out parking spots on your property. Apps like SpotHero, ParqEx, JustPark, and Craigslist make it easy to list your parking and connect with drivers.

According to SpotHero, the average homeowner with an available private parking space can earn $100 – $200 per month. Benefits include:

Earn cash without any extra work on your part.
Set your own hours and availability.
Provides travelers and locals with affordable, convenient parking.
Allows you to monetize unused space.

Be sure to check local regulations, homeowner or condo association rules, and your insurance policy before listing your parking. With some high-traffic events or locations, you could earn even more.

Rent Out Your Car or RV

Peer-to-peer car and RV rental services like Turo, Outdoorsy, and RVShare connect everyday vehicle owners with travelers seeking affordable rentals. You list your vehicle along with rental terms when it’s available, and marketplaces handle the bookings and payments in exchange for a fee.

According to Turo, hosts earn an average of $720 per month renting out their personal cars. RVs rent for roughly $150 per day on Outdoorsy. Benefits include:

Earn passive income when your vehicle would otherwise sit idle.
Set your own pricing and availability calendar.
Marketplace handles marketing, bookings, and payments.
Rental income helps offset vehicle ownership costs.
End each rental with a clean, filled tank of gas.

As long as you can tolerate strangers driving your vehicle and have the capacity to deliver/pick up the vehicle, this presents a relatively low-effort income stream.

Find Unclaimed Money

Over $42 billion in unclaimed cash and property is sitting with state treasurers across the U.S., according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA). Start your search for unclaimed assets that may belong to you or your family for free at MissingMoney.com.

Sources of unclaimed property include:

Old bank accounts and checks
Utility security deposits
Insurance policy proceeds
Uncashed dividend or payroll checks
Refunds and rebates

To claim your funds, follow the instructions provided after searching your name. Typically you’ll need to provide some personal documentation for verification before the property is released. This presents free money just waiting to be discovered – don’t leave it on the table!

Test Websites and Apps

Can you provide thoughtful feedback on the user experience of websites, apps, or other digital products? If so, you can earn cash sharing your opinions through companies like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and testingTime.

According to UserTesting, participants earn $10 per test which typically take 15-20 minutes. Benefits include:

Flexible – complete tests anytime, anywhere via computer or smartphone.
Easy sign-up process and onboarding.
Tests are observational studies, not surveys.
Payments processed promptly after test completion.

This provides easy cash for activities you likely already do for free. As long as you can thoughtfully articulate your user experience, you can get paid for your input and start earning immediately.

Do Laundry for Others

For busy professionals, parents, or elderly individuals, doing laundry can be seen as an unpleasant chore. You can earn $10-$15 per load by offering laundry services in your neighborhood or through apps like FlyCleaners, Rinse, and LazySusan.

Tips for maximizing your laundry income include:

Highlight safety precautions you take with detergents and sanitization.
Offer additional services like pick-up/drop-off, drying, folding, and hang-drying delicates.
Set competitive rates based on the load size and any extra services provided.

You can do laundry from the convenience of your own home on your own schedule. With some satisfied customers and positive reviews, you can quickly build repeat business and reputation through an everyday household task.

Put Ads on Your Car

If you drive frequently for work or in a congested metro area, you may be able to earn $100-$500 per month by allowing companies to wrap ads on your vehicle. Sites like Carvertise, Wrapify, and StickerRide connect drivers willing to provide mobile advertising with brands seeking high-visibility placements.

According to Wrapify, drivers earn an average of $200 per month. You provide some basic vehicle details and driving habits to get matched with campaigns seeking cars like yours. Once approved, a vinyl car wrap is installed and removed free of charge.

As long as you don’t mind driving a mobile billboard, this can provide reliable passive income that also gets your car detailed every few months when wraps are installed and removed.

Benefits of Earning Side Income

Whether you choose to drive, complete tasks, or monetize skills/assets, finding new income streams provides multiple advantages beyond just earning extra cash:

Helps pad your income – The extra funds generated from side hustles provides a financial buffer and allows you to save/invest more of your primary income. Even an extra few hundred dollars per month goes a long way toward building financial security.
Provides financial security – When you have multiple income streams, you’re less financially vulnerable if you lose your main job or an unexpected expense arises. Diversifying protects against putting all your eggs in one basket.
Gives you a sense of courage and willingness to take risks – Knowing you have supplemental income in your back pocket gives you more courage to take calculated risks, whether that’s switching careers, starting a business, or investing in professional development.
Lets you afford more fun – Who doesn’t want a bit of extra breathing room in their entertainment and vacation budget? Side income leads to guilt-free fun.
Opens up new opportunities – Padding your income gives you more options, whether it’s finally making a big purchase, scaling back your hours at work, returning to school, or testing out a new venture idea.

Final Thoughts

When you need to make money fast, there are multiple realistic strategies you can leverage, including rideshare driving, pet sitting, selling online, and running errands. With so many ways to generate supplemental income, focus on identifying options that mesh with your interests, lifestyle, and availability.

The key is picking a money-making method you can stick with consistently, not just a one-time gig. Building up multiple income streams over time provides the flexibility and security to follow your dreams and achieve financial freedom.

What side hustles have proven lucrative for you when you needed quick cash? Share your experiences and money-making ideas below!