13 Ways to Make Money Fast… Right Now
No matter how many reminders you set, they always seem to creep up on you:
Bills, loan payments, rent.
(Definitely more nerve-wracking than any horror movie villain.)
And when they all hit on the same day? That’s when you realize you need a backup plan for quick cash.
The good news? There are more ways to make money fast than you might think. Below, you’ll find a list of reliable, proven methods to earn cash in as little as 24 hours.
Stick around until the end for expert tips on spotting the difference between scams and legitimate ways to make money.
1. Get Paid for Easy Survey Work
Online surveys are the perfect side hustle for multitaskers. Earn money by sharing your thoughts while relaxing with your favorite TV show or even while waiting at the DMV.
Platforms like Swagbucks, Pinecone Research, and Survey Junkie are completely legit and trustworthy.
Registration is free, and many sites also offer bonus rewards, referral payouts, and other perks. Plus, be sure to grab any sign-up bonuses they offer to boost your earnings right from the start.
2. Sell Back Unused Gift Cards
Your aunt probably had the best of intentions when she gave you that birthday gift card for The Gap, but if it’s still sitting unused, the chances of you ever using it are pretty slim. Instead of letting it gather dust in your wallet, sell it and pocket the cash.
Platforms like CardCash will buy your gift cards back for up to 92% of their original value. You can mail in physical cards at no cost, redeem online gift certificates instantly, or even find a local kiosk to cash out your card in person.
3. Run Errands or Help with Easy Tasks
If you enjoy helping others out, TaskRabbit is a great app for task-based gigs.
Start by creating an account, submitting a government ID, and passing TaskRabbit’s automated background check. Once you’re cleared, you’ll be matched with people in your area who need help with various tasks and errands.
As a “Tasker,” you’ll get paid by the hour for a variety of jobs, from assembling furniture to running errands—or even standing in line for someone!
4. Rent Out a Room, Guesthouse, and More
You don’t need a luxurious guesthouse or a vacant vacation home to earn extra money through renting. A spare room or even an empty bed can turn into a quick cash opportunity.
Platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Vacasa can help you list your space, complete with verified reviews and background checks for renters. (Craigslist might be useful for many things, but this isn’t one of them.)
Make sure to snap high-quality photos and provide a detailed description of your space to draw in more potential renters.
5. Earn Cash Back for Purchases You Already Make
If you want to make your everyday purchases stretch further and save some cash along the way, cashback offers could be exactly what you need.
Platforms like Rakuten, Ibotta, and MyPoints let you earn money on everything from online shopping to travel bookings.
The cashback you earn depends on what you’re buying and which platform you use, but in some cases, you can even score up to 40% back.
6. Get Paid to Watch (or Walk) Pets
For many animal lovers, walking dogs would be a joy even without pay (I’m guilty of that myself), so getting paid for it is just the cherry on top.
Recently, apps like Wag, Rover, and DogVacay have created opportunities for pet owners to ensure their furry companions are well looked after when they’re not around.
You can earn money by walking, pet-sitting, or even just hanging out and playing with dogs and cats in your neighborhood.
7. Use Your Skills to Tutor Online
Let’s be honest—tutoring can be challenging. But if you have a passion for teaching and a deep knowledge of a subject, it could be the perfect fit for you.
Platforms like Teachable and Tutor.com offer a great way to create detailed courses or share your expertise with others.
If you build a loyal following and market yourself effectively, it can evolve into a steady side hustle. After all, as long as there are people eager to learn, there will always be a demand for skilled teachers.
8. Deliver Food & Groceries
Apps like DoorDash and Grubhub have skyrocketed in popularity, proving just how much people crave having hot meals delivered straight to their door.
Food and grocery delivery can be a dependable side gig. If you have a few free hours during the week, becoming a delivery driver could be a fast and easy way to earn some extra cash.
9. Make Easy Money by House-Sitting
Ever felt uneasy leaving your home unattended while on vacation—or nervous about packages piling up on your porch? You’re definitely not the only one.
That’s where house-sitting comes in. It’s a simple way to earn cash by keeping an eye on someone’s home, handling light chores, and giving the homeowner peace of mind while they’re away.
Start by offering your help to friends or family to build trust and references. Once you’ve got a few under your belt, websites like Housesitter.com can help you find more gigs.
10. Get Paid to Test Websites & Products
Before any product hits store shelves, it goes through several rounds of testing—and believe it or not, everyday people like you are the ones doing it.
Product testers get paid to try out new items and give honest feedback, helping brands improve before launch. And getting started isn’t as hard as you might think.
Sites like UserTesting, MySoapBox, and McCormick regularly pay testers for their opinions. Just be sure to review each company’s eligibility guidelines before signing up.
11. Register as a Mystery Shopper
We get it—it sounds a little too good to be true. But mystery shopping is a totally legit (and legal) way to earn money.
Retailers hire companies like BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics to secretly evaluate their in-store experience. That’s where mystery shoppers come in.
You’ll visit stores like a regular customer, make a purchase, and report back on how it all went. In return, you get paid per assignment—plus you’re reimbursed for whatever you bought. Not a bad way to get paid for running errands, right?
12. Drive with Uber or Lyft
Uber and Lyft haven’t stuck around by accident—they’re affordable for riders and a flexible way for drivers to bring in extra cash.
Getting started is pretty straightforward. Just download your preferred app, upload your driver’s license and insurance, and make sure your car meets their standards.
Once you’re approved, you’re ready to hit the road. Pro tip: You can boost your income by driving for multiple apps at the same time.
13. Babysit for Friends or Family
If you babysat back in your teenage years, you already know it’s one of the fastest ways to make money.
These days, you can charge even more—especially if you bring extra skills to the table, like cooking, CPR certification, or a valid driver’s license.
Start by reaching out to family friends or neighbors with kids—they’ll likely appreciate the help. You can also find opportunities through dedicated babysitting platforms like: Care, SitterCity, Bambino.
Bottom Line
These options might not land you a six-figure paycheck, but they’re reliable, no-nonsense ways to bring in fast cash when you need it most.
Whether you try one or a few, staying consistent and patient can really pay off. Every extra dollar adds up—so don’t be afraid to combine a few methods and boost your earnings even further.