25 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home

Here’s how to make money with a side gig and how long it will take to see the extra income.

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Updated · 15 min read
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Written by Tommy Tindall
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The sting of inflation, even as it eases, may have you pondering how to make some extra income.

NerdWallet rounded up 25 real ways to make money at home, online or out and about. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make money fast, don’t discount the “slow” gigs, as they may pay more in the long run.

How to make money online

1. Pick up freelance work online

Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer opportunities to do a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and being a virtual assistant. Fluent in a second language? Check translation sites such as Gengo or Blend Express, or drum up business through a site of your own. No matter what freelancing you do, keep track of the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge. Learn how to get started on Upwork.

A recent report from Freelancer.com found that computer security jobs had the fastest growth in listings on its site in the second quarter of 2024, up 27.1%. Jobs involving writing skills are also in high demand. And although generative artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more for content creation, it can’t fully do the work of human writers. Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or beefing up SEO skills could be a lucrative side hustle. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.

Total time: It can take a while to get your first gig. Setup: 24-48 hours. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the expertise. Age threshold: Typically 16 to 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

  • It takes Upwork up to 48 hours to approve your profile. But keep in mind it can take time to land your first freelance gig.

  • Payment varies by site. On Upwork the timeline for receiving earnings depends on the type of payment. Hourly contracts have a weekly billing cycle and you can withdraw funds 10 days later. Fixed-price contracts have a five-day waiting period. Project catalog contracts allow payment withdrawal after five days. And bonus payments also become available after five days. In each case, a client has to review your work. On Fiverr, you're paid when the work order is complete, but you can't withdraw funds for 14 days. (The waiting time is shorter for Top Rated Sellers.)

  • Upwork and Fiverr require users to be at least 18 to sell work. Fiverr allows users age 13 and older to use a parent or guardian’s account, with permission. And Freelancer.com requires users to be at least 16.

  • Some sites require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

2. Test websites and apps

Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how well — or not so well — certain websites and apps work. You’ll have to complete a short test to be accepted, then you’ll be paid depending on the test type.

Total time: Approval time can vary. Setup: Less than an hour. How easy to start: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: 14 days.

  • You need to complete a sample test as part of the application process.

  • You will start receiving testing opportunities after your application is approved.

  • The timeline for approval can vary.

  • Payment amounts vary based on the length of the tests. You get paid 14 days after completing a website or app test via PayPal.

  • You need to be at least 18.

  • You need a computer, internet connection and microphone.

  • Mobile app testers also need an Android or iOS mobile phone or tablet.

  • The practice test and most user testing requires English, German or French; some test opportunities may be in additional languages.

3. Learn to use AI tools

The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. Research from PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.

So there’s no better time to learn how to make money by using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:

  • Integrating AI tools as a freelancer, to help you create digital products or to edit AI content for a client.

  • Improving your advertising, marketing efforts and management of your existing small business.

  • Teaching others to use AI tools.

Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: Around 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com. How easy to start:  If you’re already familiar with AI tools, it will be easier to get started. Age threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by client or the number of products you sell and your chosen platform.

  • Give yourself time to get familiar with using AI tools.

  • You’ll need to meet the requirements of the freelance gig site you choose.

  • Payment will depend on your client and the site’s terms and conditions.

  • You’ll need a computer, internet connection and microphone.

» MORE: What job makes the most money?

4. Take surveys for money

You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don’t expect to earn a lot. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Some of the more popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. Read our analysis of survey sites to find out which one is best suited for you.

Total time: It will take a while. Setup: Just minutes. How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin. Age threshold: 13 to 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

  • Survey sites could be an option for how to make money online for beginners because you can register with a site and start taking surveys in a matter of minutes.

  • The time it takes to get paid depends on the survey site and how much time you dedicate to taking surveys.

  • Some sites let you cash out only after you hit a minimum earnings threshold.

  • Other survey sites issue points, which can be redeemed for cash (via PayPal) or gift cards.

  • Most survey sites have a minimum age requirement, which ranges from 13 to 18 (depending on the site) making these sites one idea for teens to make money online.

  • Individual surveys may have specific requirements. Don't be surprised if you are disqualified from a survey without much explanation.

5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links

If you’re a blogger who gets decent traffic, you could make money by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates (that’s you) get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something there. Some bloggers make a lot of money this way, particularly those who do affiliate marketing full-time. You can use social media or a platform like Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog. Read more about affiliate marketing and other ways bloggers can make money.

Total time: It can take quite a while to build an audience. Setup: With blog templates, building a site is easy. How easy to start: While getting started can be easy, creating regular content may be another matter. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: A month or two, on average.

  • First, you need a blog, social media account or other online presence that draws a healthy number of visitors each month.

  • Then, you need to apply for and be approved by an affiliate marketing network like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, FlexOffers, Rakuten Advertising or Amazon Associates.

  • Payment schedules and thresholds vary by affiliate network, but expect to wait at least a month or two for your first paycheck.

  • Amazon Associates pays out earnings 60 days after the end of the calendar month in which they were earned.

  • ShareASale disburses earnings monthly.

  • A blog, social media account or other online presence that attracts a steady stream of visitors.

6. Sell your wares on Etsy

Have a penchant for woodworking, jewelry-making, embroidery or pottery? Sell your crafts on Etsy, the go-to site for artisans selling home goods, art and knickknacks. According to Etsy, the company has over 96 million active buyers, and grossed over $13 billion in merchandise sales in 2023. Learn more about how to make money on Etsy.

Total time: It might take quite a while for customers to find you. Setup: Can be quite involved. How easy to start: Leaning toward "hard" on the difficulty meter. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly.

  • Opening an Etsy shop is the easy part. It can be done in a few hours.

  • The prep work before you open up shop is more time-consuming. You need merchandise to sell, photos and descriptions to post, a name for your shop and a business plan to help you succeed. Once that’s done, you’ll still need to find customers. Depending on what you’re selling, that could take weeks, which is why you should expect the overall time for this gig to be slow.

  • Once you sell an item, payment is deposited into your Etsy Payments account first, then to your bank account depending on your desired deposit schedule.

  • If you’re over 13 years old but under 18, you can sell on Etsy but would be considered a minor and must follow extra policies.

  • You need to have all necessary rights to the merchandise sold in your shop.

7. Self-publish an e-book

Writing a good book is tough, but the internet makes it easy to bring it to market. If you’re a writer who can churn out pages, you can use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing to sell your books(s) on the Kindle store. It’s free to publish a book, and you can earn up to 70% of each sale in royalties. Write your book, enter a clear description and the details to be displayed and upload your manuscript. Set the price and see if it sells.

Total time: How fast can you type? We don’t have to tell you writing a book can be a slog. Setup: Quick and easy on KDP once the book is ready. How easy to start: Just start writing. Age threshold: 18+, but parents and guardians can use their accounts to sell minors’ books.  How fast you’ll get paid: Monthly, after you meet the $100 threshold.

  • Just because it’s simple to self-publish doesn’t mean your book will sell. Competition is high with millions of e-book titles on the Kindle Store.

  • Choose one of two royalty options: 70% or 35%. You’ll have to price your book between $2.99 and $9.99 if you select the 70% option. You have more pricing flexibility when you pick 35%.

  • You need to create a Kindle Direct Publishing account to get started.

  • Proper formatting is important. Amazon says most Microsoft Word documents convert to e-books easily, but other formats are also supported.

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8. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel

Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw a big audience, you may be able to make money from advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark for applying to the YouTube Partner Program if you want to place ads on your channel. You can apply with 500 subscribers for other monetizing features like channel memberships. You can also use Google’s AdSense, the same ad platform on YouTube, to put relevant ads on your blog or website for earning potential. Read more about how to make money on YouTube and Google AdSense.

Total time: It can take several weeks to get up and running. Setup: Fairly easy. How easy to start: Depends on how good you are at producing interesting videos. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Could take a long while to earn the first payout; then monthly.

  • Signing up for Google AdSense is pretty easy, but to use AdSense with YouTube, you’ll need to be part of the Partner Program.

  • You can use AdSense on a website or blog with fewer eligibility requirements.

  • Allow at least two months for ad revenue to start trickling in.

  • You need to earn at least $100 before you're eligible for a payout.

  • Once you hit the $100 threshold, earnings are issued between the 21st and 26th of the following month.

  • Your own website that has been active for at least six months.

  • For YouTube, you need at least 1,000 subscribers.

  • You must be at least 18.

9. Become an Instagram influencer

Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with. Read more about how to make money on Instagram. (You can also make money on TikTok this way.)

Total time: You'll need to stick with it. Setup: Quick and easy. How easy to start: Not that easy. Read: Must build following to gain influence. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies on partnerships.

  • Creating an Instagram account is quick, but building a following can take months or even years.

  • Once you have the numbers, you'll need to find paid opportunities. You can do this via affiliate networks or by pitching brands you want to work with.

  • The time to receive your payment will depend on the terms of your agreement, but affiliate networks typically pay out earnings the month after a campaign is completed.

  • An Instagram account with a dedicated, engaged following.

  • You'll also need to meet the requirements of any affiliate network.

10. Monetize your Twitch channel

Gaming could be a way to make money from home if you have a steady following on Twitch, the go-to site for gamers. Streamers can receive donations from viewers and even get a share of subscription and ad revenue if they reach Affiliate or Partner status. Learn more about how to make money on Twitch.

Total time: This can be a long game. Setup: Quick and easy. How easy to start: Easy to start; takes a while to build a following. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Monthly.

  • You can launch a Twitch channel and start streaming in a day, but it will take weeks or even months to build a following.

  • You may be able to withdraw donation revenue rather quickly, depending on the payout method.

  • Subscription and ad revenue earned as a Twitch Partner or Affiliate is paid out around the 15th of every month, and you must have a balance of at least $50 for most payout methods (it's $100 for wire transfers).

  • You need to hit certain viewership and broadcast milestones to become a Twitch Affiliate or Partner and qualify for a share of game sales, ads and subscription revenue.

» MORE: How to make money as a kid

11. Sell your photography

Turn your photographs into cash via sites like Fine Art America, which lets you upload your images to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases and more. Other marketplaces for photographers include SmugMug, 500px and PhotoShelter. Some sites require a subscription but may provide features ranging from cloud storage to password-protected galleries and a customized website.

Total time: Buyers need to find you — and like your work. Setup: Just a few hours. How easy to start: If you have a library of photos, you're on the way. Age threshold: Varies. How fast you'll get paid: Depends on your sales platform.

  • You can set up a profile with sites like SmugMug, PhotoShelter or Fine Art America in a few hours, assuming you have a body of original work.

  • Payment varies widely depending on the site.

  • Fine Art America: Payment issued after 30-day return window expires. Sent on the 15th of each month.

  • PhotoShelter: Payment issued at time of sale to your chosen payment method (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).

  • SmugMug: You can request payment be issued the following month if you have a balance of at least $5.

  • Requirements vary by site, but you need to have all necessary rights to the images you sell.

How to make money from home

Some side hustles don't even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and a stick-to-it spirit. Here are some excellent ideas for side gigs from home:

12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag

Love dogs? Choose dog walking as a beginner's way to make money. Apps like Wag and Rover offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services

Total time: Building a client base may take some time. Setup: Can take a few weeks to be approved. How easy to start: Love pets? You're good to go. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: Two days to a week.

  • It takes about 5 to 10 business days for your Rover profile to be reviewed and approved.

  • The application process for Wag takes about two weeks and you must pass a background check and pet care quiz.

  • For Rover or Wag, you’ll need to live in an area where the service operates.

  • If you want to pet-sit in your own home, you’ll need an apartment or house that allows pets.

  • You’ll have to pass a background check.

13. Sell unused gift cards

Make extra money by selling unused or partially used gift cards on a site like CardCash or GiftCash. CardCash notes it will pay you up to 92% of the card’s value, or you can trade in your card for one you’ll use. Read more about what to do with unwanted gift cards.

Total time: In minutes if your gift card is for a popular store. Setup: Easy. How easy to start: The more gift cards you have to sell, the better. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: A few days to about two weeks.

  • You can get an instant offer or quote via sites like CardCash and GiftCash.

  • You can sell gift cards at kiosks and participating retail locations to get cash the same day, or try to sell it online. The latter takes longer, but you may get a better offer for your gift card.

  • Your gift card may need to meet a minimum balance to be resold. Not all cards will generate offers.

  • Gift cards with expiration dates may not be eligible.

14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb

Renting out your home or spare bedroom on vacation rental sites is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and keep up the property, replace home goods and pay toward service fees. And scrutinize your rental agreement, HOA rules and zoning or other restrictions before you get started.

Total time: Demand drives success, and that depends on your location. Setup: A listing can be created and live in hours. How easy to start: If you have a place to rent, it's a simple process. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: A day or more after check-in.

  • You can create a listing and start accepting reservations on the same day.

  • Payment is typically disbursed about 24 hours after your guest’s scheduled check-in time, but processing time for that payment depends on the payout method.

  • Comply with any rules governing short-term or vacation rentals in your property, including city ordinances and rules issued by your landlord, condo board or homeowners association.

How to make money offline

There's online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there's a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there’s no escaping the internet these days, some of these offline methods do have online components:

15. Sell your gently used clothes

A woman makes extra money by selling her clothes.

Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. When listing items online, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices. Get tips on how to sell your clothing.

Total time: Varies by sales channel. Setup: Easy and fast. You can simply go to a consignment shop or fill a box with clothes and send it in. How easy to start: Easy. Cleaning out the closet may be the hardest part. Age threshold: 13+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by sales channel.

  • You can sell used clothing and accessories several ways, but they're all pretty quick to start.

  • Fast: A brick-and-mortar consignment store like Plato's Closet will give you cash on the spot.

  • Medium: Other in-person and online consignment shops pay you when your items sell, or when they receive and inspect your items. Either way, allow at least a month for your payout.

  • Gently worn shoes, clothing and accessories.

  • Items will go through various inspections before being accepted. For example, ThredUp checks items for pilling, fading, shrinkage, missing parts (like buttons) and stains.

16. Trade in old phones, electronics for cash

Have an old phone, iPad, laptop or gaming system lying around? Sell it on a site like Swappa, Gazelle or Facebook Marketplace. Check out Amazon’s trade-in program, which pays participants in Amazon gift cards — and eBay, too. If you’re in a rush, try an ecoATM kiosk, which offers cash on the spot for your device.

Total time: Lots of options, so your time spent will vary. Setup: A breeze. How easy to start: Easy, especially if your phone is in good shape. Age threshold: Typically 18; check terms of service. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by where you sell.

  • Selling directly (Swappa, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace): In most cases, you take photos of the phone, verify the electronic serial number is clean and post your listing. Some sites review and approve postings, but the time is minimal. Fees vary. Swappa, for example, charges a 3% seller fee.

  • Selling to reseller (Gazelle): Answer a few questions online for an instant quote. Then send in your device and get paid once the company confirms its condition is as described.

  • Selling directly: When you get paid depends on how quickly your phone or device sells. Once the item sells, payment is fast.

  • A used phone, laptop, gaming system, etc.

  • Cell phones: You need to verify the phone is not stolen or under a repayment plan. Check terms of service for additional requirements, such as no activation lock.

17. Get a babysitting gig

Everyone from college students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a profile for free on Care.com or Sittercity to expand your reach. Note any specialized skills, such as CPR certifications, to make yourself more marketable.

Total time: Online setup takes minutes; neighborhood referrals may take a while. Setup: Just minutes. How easy to start: Getting the word out is the main thing. Age threshold: Very young if you're using referrals. 18+ online. How fast you'll get paid: When the parents come home.

  • You can create a profile on Care.com or Sittercity in a matter of minutes.

  • You typically get paid when you complete your gig, whether by a service or direct from the customer.

  • You need to be at least 18 to list as a caregiver on Care.com and Sittercity.

  • Clients may request a background check.

18. Rent out your car

City-dwellers often don’t use their cars for days or weeks at a time. That idle time can translate to extra money with services like Getaround and Turo, which let you rent out your car by the hour or day. You take home the majority of those earnings, while Getaround or Turo takes a cut for protecting your car while it’s being rented.

Total time: Demand for your car will depend on the local market. Setup: It takes about a half hour to set up an account. How easy to start: With an appropriate vehicle, it's easy. Age threshold: 21+ with a valid driver's license for Turo; Getaround does not list an age requirement. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

  • You can create a listing on Turo or Getaround in under 30 minutes.

  • Turo initiates payment within three hours of the end of the rental, but you can expect it to take a few days for your bank to process the deposit. (This is the case for all trips after the first one, which takes a few days for Turo to send.)

  • Getaround rental earnings accrue monthly and are paid out on the 15th of the following month. Payments are made via direct deposit.

  • If you lease your car, check the terms of your agreement and financing documents to make sure you’re allowed to share it.

  • Your car must meet certain requirements (make/model/year/mileage) and satisfy maintenance and safety standards. You may also be asked to agree not to list on other platforms.

19. Sign up for TaskRabbit

If you actually enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for doing tasks for others. Websites like TaskRabbit can connect you with people who need help with a variety of things, such as moving, cleaning, delivery and handyman services. The site also offers several virtual and online tasks, such as helping with a research project or data entry. Read about how to get started on TaskRabbit.

Total time: Local demand for your skills will determine the time you spend. Setup: A couple of hours, then some time for approval. How easy to start: Easy, though you'll need to do some research. Age threshold: 18+. How fast you'll get paid: A few days after a job.

  • You can set up your profile and register in a matter of hours, but can't start accepting tasks until your profile is approved by TaskRabbit. This may take a few days.

  • Once approved, you need to pay a $25 fee, so you may first want to research your market and the value of your skills to determine if that fee is worth it to you.

  • You're paid after the task is completed through direct deposit to a checking account. Payment typically takes a few days to appear in your account.

  • You need to be at least 18 to start working with TaskRabbit.

  • Prospective Taskers must also pass a background check.

20. Become a private tutor

Parlay your math, science, foreign-language or test-prep expertise into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in-person. What you charge can depend on your experience, expertise and what’s in demand. To get started, see what types of tutors are needed on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers.

Total time: Varies by subject matter. Some companies might require a minimum availability per week (e.g., Tutor.com requires 5 hours). Setup: Can be a bit involved. How easy to start: Students will have to find you, and that might take a while. Age threshold: Any. How fast you'll get paid: Depends on the platform; check the terms of service.

  • Startup time depends on demand in your area. It could take a while before you get your first student.

  • If you haven't tutored before, you'll want to allow for time to prep so students feel like they're getting the most out of their time with you.

  • How quickly you get paid depends on whether you tutor via a platform or in-person; either way, it likely won't take long.

  • You'll need deep knowledge in an area that people need help understanding, like mathematics, a foreign language or test prep.

  • Educational requirements might apply. Some tutors might be required to be currently enrolled in a four-year university or have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year university.

21. Drive for Uber, Lyft

Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and make money by driving passengers around. Just don’t forget to factor in gas and maintenance costs. You need an eligible car in good condition and must agree to a background check and a review of your driving history. Learn how to become an Uber driver or how to earn with Lyft.

Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: A few weeks. How easy to start: Not difficult, but you'll need the right type of vehicle. Age threshold: Varies by region from 21-25. How fast you'll get paid: Very fast. Either instantly or within days.

  • Allow some time for the application process, background check and car inspection.

  • Lyft and Uber can pay you instantly through a debit card or transfer earnings to your bank account pretty quickly.

  • A car with four doors. It must also meet other requirements, such as year, physical condition, etc.

  • Depending on your state, you may need to have at least one year of licensed driving experience to drive for Lyft. Uber requires at least one year of licensed driving experience in the U.S. (or three years if you’re under 25).

  • Let your car insurance company know of your plans before you start driving.

» MORE: How much does an Uber driver make?

22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats

Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You get paid per delivery, in most cases, and can even earn tips. A car isn’t always required — Postmates and DoorDash let you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries in some cities. However, a background check is almost always part of the deal. Learn more about how to get started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats and Instacart.

Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: About a week. How easy to start: Easy, if you have dependable transportation. Age threshold: Varies by the service, but at least 18 if not older. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by vendor.

  • The background check can take a few days, and timing can vary.

  • Payments from these services also vary, but are generally issued weekly or quicker.

  • You'll need a way to deliver items. It could be a car, scooter or bike, depending on the service.

  • A smartphone is necessary to accept and process jobs.

  • Each delivery service has a minimum age requirement, but it varies by service.

» MORE: How much does DoorDash pay?

23. Find work as a housesitter

If you’re willing to watch someone’s home — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants and take out the garbage — become a housesitter. Tap your personal network for referrals or try out HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with housesitters.

Total time: Depends on your market demand. Setup: Minutes — or more if you try to drum up business by referrals. How easy to start: That can depend on the need in your area. Age threshold: Varies by site. How fast you'll get paid: Typically at the end of a gig; make arrangements with clients.

  • You can create a profile on HouseSitter.com in a matter of minutes, though it may take time to secure your first housesitting gig.

  • You typically get paid by the homeowner when you complete your gig.

  • Most sites have an age requirement.

24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper

Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online via sites like IntelliShop, BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing on.

Total time: Varies by site. Setup: Applying takes little time, but approval can take a while. How easy to start: Relatively easy if you have required transportation and tech. Age threshold: May vary by site. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.

  • The application process is typically quick, but then it's in the company's hands. It can take days, or more, to assess your application, depending on demand.

  • Payout timing and method vary by company. BestMark, for example, issues payments monthly.

  • Most mystery shopping services have an age requirement. You have to be at least 18 to shop for BestMark.

  • Depending on the service, you may need internet access.

25. Put your drone to work

Some of the best camera drones cost less than $500 — and you can use that investment to turn around and make money. Real estate agents turn to drone pilots to generate aerial photos of a home's exterior, and even neat fly-through videos of interiors, which can translate to a relatively easy money-making venture. If you're willing to learn more advanced skills, like drone mapping, you can often charge more for clients seeking aerial inspections and land mapping.

You need to pass a test to become a drone pilot and register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. Then, you can apply for flying gigs.

Total time: Depends on demand. Setup: You'll need to make time to pass a test, and then find clients. How easy to start: If you already have a drone, you're likely qualified. Age threshold: 16+. How fast you'll get paid: Varies by company.

  • Give yourself more than a month to study, schedule and pass a written test.

  • You also need to find clients.

  • Payment will depend on your client.

  • You’ll need a drone.

  • To do this legitimately, you’ll need a certificate that involves passing an aeronautical knowledge test. Note that testing fees for the airman knowledge test for a Remote Pilot Certificate typically cost $175.

Watch out for making money scams

The internet is full of opportunities to make money online or from home, but many are questionable, if not outright scams. Be wary of any “opportunity” that asks for an upfront fee, wants you to pay for certification, or requests your Social Security number or any financial information, such as your credit card number.

Still unsure if an opportunity is legit? Look for community forums, like those on Reddit, for unfiltered reviews and complaints. Also, check if the company has a Better Business Bureau profile. The BBB assigns ratings based on reported complaints, business transparency and other factors.

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Frequently asked questions

Side jobs such as testing websites, taking surveys and selling your used stuff online take minimal time to set up and have few requirements. You can also earn passive income through affiliate marketing or renting out your vehicle.

Some of the fastest ways to make money from home include selling used clothes and electronics, babysitting and renting out a room on a vacation rental website.

It’s tough to find jobs that pay on the spot. You can check local or online job listings for paying gigs like moving couches or painting a fence for someone in your area. If you need money immediately, consider other ways to get fast cash. For example, if you have any jewelry, instruments or new electronics, you can get a pawnshop loan. Your credit won’t be a barrier to getting the loan and if you can’t pay it back within the loan term, the pawnshop will sell your item but your credit score won’t take a hit.

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