Getting money in a day might seem like a stretch, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies, and money-central.com can help you navigate the options. Whether you’re aiming to boost your income, handle unexpected expenses, or actualize your financial goals, several avenues can provide quick cash. By exploring options such as freelance gigs, selling unused items, or participating in the gig economy, you can improve your personal finances. For additional resources, consider exploring options like a personal loan, line of credit, or even a secured credit card to improve your financial picture.
1. Drive for a Rideshare Company
Do you want to earn money driving people around town? Ridesharing continues to be a popular service. Uber boasts 118 million users worldwide, offering a flexible side gig for those who enjoy driving.
Have a car and some free time? Sign-up is easy. You can set your own hours and earn a base rate plus distance, time, and tips. Peak hours can even pay double or triple. Consider busy nightlife areas or event centers for higher fares.
To drive, you need a valid license, insurance, and an approved vehicle, as determined by the ridesharing app and your location. According to a 2023 study by The Wall Street Journal, rideshare drivers can earn an average of $20-$30 per hour in major metropolitan areas. With current gas prices, rideshare driving remains a solid option for extra cash.
Rideshare service in action, showing a car picking up a passenger in a city setting
2. Explore Freelancing Opportunities
Do you have unique, computer-based skills? If you’re a talented blogger or graphic designer, you can leverage these skills to earn money online.
Sites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal act as marketplaces for freelancers. You can create a profile, network, and find work. Freelancing puts you in control with flexible hours and project commitments, supplementing your income.
According to research from New York University’s Stern School of Business, freelance work increased by 34% since 2020. Creating an account is simple: upload your information, education, experience, and work samples. Contact hiring managers directly to sell yourself, set your rate, and secure a contract.
As you gain experience, you can charge more and increase demand, potentially transitioning to full-time. money-central.com provides resources and tips for freelancers looking to maximize their earnings and manage their finances effectively.
3. Sell Unwanted Gift Cards
Do you have gift cards you won’t use? Many retailers offer gift cards, but sometimes you end up with ones you don’t need.
Websites like CardCash will buy your unused gift cards or offer you the option to trade them for a gift card to a retailer that you frequent. While you won’t receive the full balance, getting up to 92% of the value is better than letting it sit unused.
4. Rent Out Your Car or Parking Spot
Don’t want to drive others? Renting your car is another way to earn passive income. You can host with Turo, leasing your car to others.
The average income for hosts with one vehicle is over $10,000, according to Turo. The service insures your vehicle and offers support via their app.
Do you have a parking spot you aren’t using? Rent it out to drivers to make extra cash, especially in metro areas with scarce parking. Whether it’s a garage, on-street spot, or designated space, people will pay good money to use your spot.
A parking spot in a busy urban area, highlighting the demand for parking spaces
5. Send App Referrals
Are you looking to get paid for referring friends to new apps? Many apps offer referral bonuses for new sign-ups.
CashApp offers a QR code you can send to invite others to join. Once they sign up, both of you can receive a $5 bonus, up to $35. Ibotta offers a similar cashback incentive, with a $20 sign-on bonus plus $10 for every referral.
While app referrals aren’t the most lucrative way to earn free money, each little bit adds up. Take your extra side income and put it into a savings account. Every cent helps! money-central.com offers tools to help you track and manage your referral income, ensuring it contributes to your overall financial goals.
6. Check for Unclaimed Money
Are you owed money you don’t know about? It’s easy to lose track of funds over the years.
You can check state and federal databases to see if you’re owed money from the state comptroller, a former employer, insurance, tax funds, banking, investments, and more.
To claim funds, you’ll need to verify your identity, potentially mailing documentation if out of state. Follow the claims process instructions to receive your unclaimed funds. Some states even issue prepaid debit cards.
It may take some time, but it’s worth checking for unclaimed money. money-central.com provides resources and links to help you search for and claim any unclaimed funds you may be entitled to.
7. Deliver Groceries or Takeout
If you don’t want to drive people, deliver food instead. Delivering groceries with Instacart is a great way to earn fast cash, with flexible hours.
Sign up as a Shopper, get approved, and start working. You need a vehicle, license, ability to lift 50lbs, and a smartphone. After shopping, deliver the order and get paid the same day.
Uber Eats, PostMates, and DoorDash offer flexibility and good pay. You can make as many deliveries as you like. After approval, log into the app, set yourself as “active”, and watch the orders come in. Work on busier nights like Friday or Saturday for better tips.
A food delivery worker handing over a takeout order to a customer
8. Sell Your Clothing Online
Do you have clothing you no longer wear? You can sell it online on platforms like Depop, Poshmark, and Grailed to a large customer base.
The process is simple: sign up, list clothing, set the price, and watch it go. Measure the dimensions to ensure the buyer knows the exact size.
The listing site takes a percentage, but it’s a great way to make extra cash. According to a 2022 report by Bloomberg, the online resale market is expected to reach $77 billion by 2025. If you have clothes that are well-loved but not sellable, donate them to a local thrift store.
9. Declutter Your Home
Have you conquered your closet? Now, focus on the rest of your home. Do you have unused kitchen appliances or workout equipment?
You can sell it all and make quick cash. You can advertise on social media and local classifieds.
Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and Craigslist are great online platforms to sell items. Listing is easy: write a description, set the price, and post. Meet the buyer in a public place to complete the transaction.
10. Walk Dogs for Cash
Are you fitness-focused and love dogs? Getting paid to walk dogs keeps you in shape, lets you spend time with cute pups, and helps you earn extra money. Check out apps like Rover or Wag!, which pair pet owners with dog walkers.
You can take dogs for exercise or board them when owners are out of town. Rates usually range between $15-18 an hour.
Offering services to private clients can be more lucrative than apps. Advertise on Craigslist or Facebook, or check community boards at local pet stores or vet offices.
A dog walker enjoying a walk with a dog in a park
11. Complete Online Surveys
If you’re trying to maximize your income, take online surveys. Answering questions on survey sites can pad your income with minimal effort.
While they don’t pay much outright, every little bit helps. SurveyJunkie is a popular option: the more you complete, the more points you accumulate, leading to payout.
You can cash out to gift cards for retailers like Amazon, iTunes, and Target, or get paid cash directly to your PayPal account. You can also watch videos, do user testing for new sites or apps, or share your browsing history with platforms like Swagbucks or InboxDollars.
Consistency is key: the more you do, the more you’ll accumulate, and the higher your cash-out will be.
12. Flip Items for Profit
Remember our yard sale tactic above? Here’s a role reversal: you can find consumer goods for cheap at garage sales, flea markets, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Craigslist and flip them for extra profit.
While this takes some effort, it can be lucrative if you have a background in musical instruments, baseball cards, electronics, or antique items.
Start by scouring online retailers, local thrift stores, and yard sales for hidden treasures. Find a flawless vintage synthesizer or a Michael Jordan rookie card for next to nothing.
Big box retailers can also offer great finds in their clearance sections that are worth buying and flipping on Amazon via their FBA program (Fulfillment by Amazon). This service lets you help businesses source products for fulfillment and gives sellers incentives to work with Amazon, such as free shipping, returns, and product storage.
13. Assist People With Moving
Moving is tough, so making money as a mover can be a great avenue to earn supplemental income. Check local classifieds or job posting boards for companies hiring movers.
If you’d prefer a solo option, you can advertise your services online or on community corkboards as a freelance mover for hire, ready to help others settle into their new home.
You can strike an agreement with the people you’ll help move for a fee. This can be especially lucrative if you have a large vehicle that can carry cargo. If you’re well-prepared, the move shouldn’t take more than five or six hours, offering you plenty of flexibility and a great way to earn more cash.
14. Provide Online Tutoring to Students
The COVID-19 pandemic really affected the way we communicate globally, with education existing solely on online platforms for the better part of two years. Students today are well-versed in learning remotely, which can afford you the opportunity to tutor online.
Browse online teaching platforms for openings. Tutor.com is a great resource. Depending on your education, background, and experience, you can help a student learn anything — history, mathematics, science, technology, and more. In many instances, you can earn anywhere from $15-60.
If you’re a native English speaker, you can also consider TEFL, or teaching English as a foreign language, online. While TEFL has historically offered teachers an opportunity to instruct in foreign countries, there are jobs available online as well.
These positions require a certification, which can be earned remotely. Teaching can be a very gratifying experience and will also help immensely in padding your income.
15. Open a New Bank Account for Bonuses
Did you know you can earn extra money just by opening a new bank account or credit card? While there are terms and conditions that apply, registering with a new bank and opening an account can add a little extra cash to your ledger balance. At the time of this writing, for example, you can open a new checking account with Chase Bank Total and get a $200 bonus offer for setting up direct deposit — with no minimum deposit requirement.
If you’ve got a nest egg saved up, you might consider opening an online savings account with Discover. With a deposit minimum of $15,000, the price for entry is pretty steep. However, Discover will pay you $150-200 for opening the account and doesn’t require direct deposit. This can be a good option if you have your savings sitting in an account and you’d like to be paid simply for moving it to a new institution.
Sign-up bonuses for credit cards can definitely help you get money today, but they often don’t kick in until after you spend a certain amount — which can ultimately hurt more than help if you’re trying to save.
16. Sell Your Artistic Creations
Creating art can be extremely fulfilling for both the artist and the consumer — and it can also serve as an extra source of income for the creator.
Artwork on display, representing the opportunity to sell creative pieces
If you make art, you can consider selling it. For visual artists, sites like Etsy, Shopify, Shutterstock, or even Amazon can provide you with a thriving marketplace to sell your art. You name your price, list it, and ship it all through the app — but bear in mind that the hosting platform will take a percentage of your sales.
If your medium is musical, you can consider selling your music on Bandcamp. After creating an account, contributors can upload a song, EP, or record, add a price, and the site will allow users to purchase your tunes from their website. You can link your PayPal or bank information, making payment a breeze. The platform also includes unique insights like user location and streams, letting you see where your music is a hit.
17. Provide Virtual Assistant Services
Working as a virtual assistant can be a great way to earn extra income from a remote setting. If you’re unfamiliar with the role, a virtual assistant provides support to their employers by assisting them in various administrative tasks like calendar and schedule management, document and file management, travel arrangements, and much more.
The role requires a computer and space to work — you could take calls from the comfort of your home, or work in a coffee shop or co-working space. Whether you want to work part-time or even transition into a full-time job, virtual assistant work has plenty of opportunities.
Virtual assistants are indispensable for many different companies, and due to the diverse nature of the role, it’s a great opportunity for all types of backgrounds. If you’re interested, you can take a look at hiring sites like Indeed or LinkedIn, where you can send your resume and apply. You can also work part-time, which makes this gig a great side hustle to earn extra cash.
18. Participate in Focus Groups or Research Studies
Joining a focus group panel is a great way to make money quickly. Broadly speaking, a focus group is a group of random people who are asked about their interest in and opinions on a product, service, or concept. It’s an especially valuable survey tool for organizations and companies conducting market research. The people leading the focus group will usually pay attendees for their time, which can range anywhere from $50-400.
If you live near a major university, chances are it’s conducting regular academic research and will need participants. Depending on the program’s funding, these opportunities often pay participants for their time. Many universities also offer online opportunities for research. Take a look at local colleges and universities near you to see what’s offered.
19. Rent Out Your Home on Airbnb
If you’ve got extra space or a small guest home, you can easily earn passive income by renting your property to guests traveling in from out of town. Airbnb has revolutionized the hotel industry by allowing everyday property owners to lease their place — a game-changer for those who live in cities where tourism is popular.
To offer your property for rent, simply create an account on Airbnb. From there, you can list your property, describe the amenities, highlight local attractions nearby, and showcase your awesome space with great photos.
Even if you don’t have tons of extra space or a spare casita, you can consider renting your space for any spells that you’re out of town. This is especially true for holidays when you might leave your home to go visit friends or family in a different area.
Upkeep for your space when renting is crucial. You can cover odd jobs using sites like TaskRabbit. Property rental is an immediate way to earn passive income — and quick!
20. Use Your Car for Advertising (Carvertise)
Have you ever been driving down the highway and seen a brightly illustrated vehicle cruising alongside you, their car a rolling advertisement? Chances are that the driver isn’t just a super-fan for whatever product or service adorning their car — they’re getting paid. If you could use a few extra bucks, you can consider joining the fleet with Carvertise.
If you drive at least 30 miles a day and have a vehicle from 2008 or later, a factory coat of paint, and a clean driving record, you can qualify. Carvertise essentially turns your vehicle into a rolling affiliate marketing platform for advertisers — most drivers can earn up to $100 a month.
The advertiser will pay to have your vehicle wrapped and unwrapped (it’s all a vinyl decal that wraps your car), and you will be paid as long as the campaign lasts. It may not be the best avenue for your prized 1972 Corvette, but if you drive a fair amount and don’t mind your vehicle changing its appearance, then vehicle advertising might be for you.
21. Donate Plasma for Compensation
Donating your plasma can help save a life and will earn you extra money — it’s a win-win any way you look at it.
A person donating plasma at a donation center
Plasma makes up about 55% of our blood and is vital to our overall health. Plasma donation centers are located throughout the country, where they collect it for people in need. If you qualify, you can donate every four weeks — for which you will be compensated.
To qualify, you must be over the age of 18, weigh more than 110lbs, go through a medical screening, and test non-reactive for transmissible viruses. You’ll need to successfully pass two health screenings to donate.
When you arrive at the facility, you can expect the process to take about an hour — it’s very similar to having blood drawn. After you’re finished, you’ll be compensated by the donation center. While the pay varies greatly, most donors earn between $250 and $1,000 per month.
22. Work With a Production Company
If you don’t mind lifting heavy objects and doing a bit of physical work, picking up gigs with a production company can be a great side hustle. Movie sets, music festivals, concerts at amphitheaters, and even plays at the local theater all require crews to build the stage.
While you won’t be hired to manage a movie set or stage without the appropriate experience, most companies could always use an extra pair of hands. This could include moving speakers and monitors, setting up lights, installing projection screens, and running cables.
Due to the infrequent nature of events, films, or concerts, the role can make for great part-time employment, and who knows — maybe you’ll work a show for your favorite band or on a set with your favorite actor!
23. Stage Homes for Real Estate
Real estate is a booming industry and there are lots of opportunities to earn fast money. Perhaps the most efficient way, with a minimal time investment, is to help stage homes.
When people get ready to sell their property, they often stage the home to make it presentable for open houses. It’s a process that can show buyers how they might see themselves living there.
Realtors often hire outside help to get the place ready to show. Search on sites like Indeed or SimplyHired for home staging jobs. Most will require a part-time commitment (usually 4 hours or so), and you’ll be paid either hourly or a flat fee.
If you have connections in the real estate industry, you can even reach out to friends or colleagues and offer your services.
24. Get Paid to Play Video Games
Making money playing video games — it sounds too good to be true, right? Wrong! While eSports is a burgeoning industry with lucrative contracts for the top echelon of gamers, you can still hone your skills and make extra cash while retaining your amateur status.
Are you unbeatable at League of Legends? How about Call of Duty or Fortnite? If your skills are top-notch, consider coaching other gamers — showing off your skills at a gaming convention is a great way to get noticed fast and build your network.
Also, consider streaming your gaming prowess on Twitch, which connects gamers to a built-in audience. This can be a great way to monetize your playing skills, teach new players, and build your rep.
If you’re passionate about the engineering side of things, check out job boards on Indeed or LinkedIn for video games — developers need testers to provide feedback on new games during test launches.
25. Start a Lawn Care or Gardening Business
Do you have a riding mower with a zero-turn radius and a turbo button — like King of the Hill meets The Fast and the Furious? Do you enjoy gardening and have a knack for propagating rosemary or spider plants? If you have a few extra hours per week and can landscape with the best of them, consider starting up a lawn or garden business.
Many people view weed-eating and lawn mowing to be a chore — if you have the equipment and don’t mind spending time outdoors, helping them out could be a viable option to bring in some extra money each week. Check with your neighbors (especially if their lawn is getting a little high), and see if there are any opportunities available. Who knows, maybe you’ll become their regular lawn person!
If your apartment looks like a lush Amazonian rainforest and you’re an ace at propagation, did you know you can sell extra plants? You can even make a profit of nearly 100%! See what clippings you can begin to nurture, and start to list them on Facebook Marketplace — or take them to your local farmers market.
26. Work as a Mystery Shopper
If you enjoy shopping and have an eye for detail, mystery shopping might be the gig for you.
Companies hire mystery shoppers to evaluate customer service and store conditions. Sign up with legitimate organizations like Market Force or BestMark. Assignments can pay between $10 and $25, and sometimes you’ll get reimbursed for purchases.
It’s a flexible job that lets you earn money while shopping incognito. Plus, you’ll be providing a valuable service to brands while ensuring that everyone’s shopping experience is better.
27. Offer Mobile Car Washing and Detailing Services
Many people appreciate the convenience of having their car cleaned at home or work.
With some basic supplies — like soap, buckets, sponges, and a portable vacuum — you can start a mobile car washing service. Advertise in your neighborhood or on local community boards.
By setting competitive prices and scheduling multiple clients in a day, you can earn substantial cash quickly. There are also some made-for-you franchising packages that you can buy and get set up faster, like Mr. Clean Car Wash or FleetClean USA.
28. Sell Unused Electronics for Quick Cash
Old phones, tablets, or gadgets collecting dust?
Turn them into cash by selling them on platforms like Gazelle, Decluttr, or even eBay. These sites offer instant quotes for your devices. Not only do you earn money fast, but you also declutter your space and recycle electronics responsibly.
With the amount of tech, smartphones, gaming consoles, and TVs we use, you’re bound to have something lying around that could earn you money. Just provide as much information about the products as you can (including their condition) to avoid surprises.
29. Rent Out Your Tools or Equipment
Do you have tools, camping gear, or party equipment that you rarely use?
Platforms like Fat Llama and Loanables let you rent out your items to people in your area.
Whether it’s a power drill, a kayak, or a projector, there’s probably someone out there willing to rent it for a day. It’s a great way to make passive income from items you already own.
30. Become a Freelance Bartender or Server
If you have experience in the hospitality industry, offer your services as a freelance bartender or server for private events.
Websites like Thumbtack or local classifieds can connect you with event hosts in need of extra hands. Working a party or two can bring in quick cash, plus you might earn generous tips.
If you’re in college, or if you’re just getting started in business, this is also a great way to network with people you’d like to know better.
31. Participate in Mock Trials or Jury Research
Lawyers often conduct mock trials or focus groups to prepare for real cases.
Companies like eJury and JuryTest pay participants to provide feedback on legal cases. Sessions can be done online and may pay $5 to $60, depending on the length and complexity.
It’s an interesting way to earn money while contributing to the legal process.
32. Monetize Your Passions and Skills
We all have passions and skills — it’s what makes us all so interesting! Think about what you love to do. If nothing springs to mind, see if any of these spark some ideas:
- What were you known for in high school?
- What do your friends turn to you for today?
- What do people tend to compliment you on?
- What kinds of problems or challenges do you get excited about?
- What role do you tend to play in communities or organizations?
Those “little things” you have a knack for are probably worth more than you think. Next, think about how you could make a few extra bucks by using those skills and fueling your passion.
If you’re an athlete with experience, you can train younger players on developing proper techniques — parents will pay for their youngsters to learn power skating in hockey or dribbling skills in soccer.
If you’re good at organizing events, connect with your local Chamber of Commerce and offer to help out with their next big day. Even if you help for free at first, it’s a great way to make a name for yourself.
If you play music, consider getting in touch with local producers and studio owners — you could be the session player they’ve been searching for!
No matter what you love, think about how you could start doing it for money, even in a small way. When you follow your passion, small wins tend to grow into big ones.
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FAQs
1. How Can I Quickly Make $100?
Consider driving for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft during peak hours, delivering groceries with Instacart or DoorDash, or selling unused gift cards or clothing online.
2. What Are the Best Online Platforms to Find Freelance Work?
Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal are popular platforms where you can offer your skills in writing, graphic design, and more.
3. How Can I Find Unclaimed Money Owed to Me?
Check state and federal databases to see if you’re owed money from various sources like former employers, insurance companies, or tax refunds.
4. What Are Some Unusual Ways to Earn Money Quickly?
Consider participating in focus groups or research studies, renting out your car or parking spot, or donating plasma.
5. Can I Really Make Money Playing Video Games?
Yes, you can coach other gamers, stream your gameplay on Twitch, or become a video game tester.
6. What Are the Requirements to Become a Rideshare Driver?
You need a valid driver’s license, insurance, and a vehicle that meets the rideshare company’s standards.
7. How Can I Turn My Hobbies Into Income?
If you enjoy gardening, start a lawn care business or sell plants. If you’re artistic, sell your artwork on Etsy or Shopify.
8. What Are the Best Apps for Dog Walking or Pet Sitting?
Rover and Wag! are popular apps that connect pet owners with dog walkers and pet sitters.
9. How Much Can I Earn Donating Plasma?
Compensation varies, but most donors earn between $250 and $1,000 per month.
10. Is It Worth It to Sell My Old Electronics?
Yes, platforms like Gazelle and Decluttr offer instant quotes and allow you to earn money while responsibly recycling electronics.
The Bottom Line
We all need to make a living, and let’s face it — that can be tough these days. But with a little creativity and some hard work, you can start earning quick cash each week to ease your personal finance stress and maybe even start getting ahead. money-central.com is here to support you with comprehensive resources and tools to manage and grow your finances.
Want to make your money go even further? Visit money-central.com today to explore our articles, use our financial tools, and connect with financial experts who can provide personalized advice. Take control of your financial future now! Contact us at Address: 44 West Fourth Street, New York, NY 10012, United States. Phone: +1 (212) 998-0000. Website: money-central.com.
