How to Make Money Online and Offline: 24 Ideas to Consider

Test websites, try freelance, become a delivery driver — we have lots of options to help you find the right side hustle to earn cash.

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Updated Dec 9, 2025 · 15 min read

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Where input from Reddit posts is included: We used AI to sift through Reddit forums to get a pulse check on how users feel about certain side hustles. People post anonymously, so we cannot confirm their individual experiences or circumstances.

Side hustles are popular, and possible.

According to a NerdWallet survey, 10% of Americans started a side business or second job in 2025 because their primary job doesn't financially cover their necessities.

If you’re feeling the pinch, or just want to try a side gig, there are lots of options. We turned up 24 ideas that may inspire you to earn a little extra.

How to make money online

1. Pick up freelance work online

This is a NerdWallet fave because the potential is real for those with specialized skills and the drive to succeed.

There’s also a slew of freelance websites that allow you to put your profile and pitch in front of clients. Examples include Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These platforms offer opportunities to do jobs like writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, virtual assistance and more.

You'll want to research the going rate for the kind of work you provide so you know what to charge. Some freelancers are charging $100 an hour or more for their freelance writing services.

Expert take: Soraya Ivette is a content marketing strategist who offers services on Fiverr. She started freelancing part time when she was home with her young children, and has done well.

"Once I set up my profile on Fiverr, I started getting job requests within a couple of weeks and I started taking on more jobs and making regular money consistently every month," she said in an email interview.

If you’re worried AI is coming for all the freelance gigs, don’t fear it. Consider how you can leverage the technology instead. Recent research from Upwork found human workers collaborating with AI agents actually increased project completion rates, by up to 70% .

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.

Need to know

It takes Upwork up to 48 hours to approve your profile, and will take longer to land your first freelance gig.
Getting paid 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 after reaching a milestone.
Getting paid on Fiverr: You'll be 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.)

Requirements

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.

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 work. You have to complete the application process, then you can earn money for testing certain features of websites or apps in various testing formats.

Total time: Approval can take a few days.

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: Usually after 14 days.

Need to know

You need to complete a sample test as part of the UserTesting 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.

Requirements

You need to be at least 18.
You need a device that meets UserTesting’s requirements, internet connection and microphone.
The practice test and most user testing requires English, German or French; some test opportunities may be in additional languages.

3. Take legit surveys or play games for money

You can make money from home by taking online surveys, and/or playing games but don’t expect to earn a lot. These sites are made for micro-earnings, and many are more useful for earning gift cards than cash.

Swagbucks and Survey Junkie are just a couple popular “surveys for money” sites. Prolific is another option, known for reputability.

Go into this with low expectations, and be OK with pocket change.

Total time: It could take a while.

Setup: Just minutes.

How easy to start: Very. Just register and begin.

Age threshold: 13 to 18+, depending on the site.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by site.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

Most survey sites have a minimum age requirement, which ranges from 13 to 18 (depending on the site).
Individual surveys may have specific requirements. Don't be surprised if you are disqualified from a survey without much explanation.

4. 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. This is a common way creators who review products earn money. As an affiliate of a brand or marketplace, you may get paid when someone clicks through from the website to the partner site and buys something.

Affiliate marketing can work on your blog and video or social media channel.

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: Varies.

How fast you'll get paid: A month or two, on average.

Need to know

You have to apply for and be approved by an affiliate marketing network like CJ, 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.

Requirements

To be accepted, you may need a blog, social media account or other online presence that already attracts a steady stream of visitors.

5. 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 selling artisan goods. According to Etsy, the company has more than 95 million active buyers.

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, depending on your preference.

Need to know

Opening an Etsy shop is the easy part. It can be done in a few hours.
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 need to find customers.
Sell an item and payment is deposited into your Etsy Payments account first, then to your bank account depending on your desired deposit schedule.

Requirements

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 intellectual property rights to the merchandise sold in your shop.

6. Sell digital products on Gumroad

Do you write, design, code or have expertise in a specialized area (like nutrition or parenting). If so, try turning your passion into a digital creation. People pay for quality downloadable products like online courses, e-books (see below), cookbooks, weekly planners and even self-help guides.

You can use a site like Canva to make designs for free, and then a platform like Gumroad (or Etsy) to upload and sell your product.

Product example: There are lots of digital cookbooks available on Gumroad. One that stood out to us was a 280 page PDF with tons of techniques and recipes to “optimize your nutrition.” It had 47 positive ratings and a $39 price at the time of writing.

Total time: It won't be quick to create something compelling enough to sell.

Setup: Can be quite involved depending on the digital product you create.

How easy is it to start: You can read a tutorial and start designing on a site like Canva today. Creating a Gumroad account is straightforward when you’re ready to list something.

Age threshold: 13+ on Gumroad.

How fast you'll get paid: Daily (after having earned enough to be paid at least four times), weekly, monthly or quarterly with Gumroad.

Need to know

This is not a path to quick cash, but payouts could be passive down the road.
You’ll need to understand what types of products sell well, come up with a profitable idea and then sweat the details so you can deliver a quality product.
You’ll also need a marketing strategy to make your product(s) stand out in a crowded digital marketplace.

Requirements

Talent (or at least good idea and the will to execute it), a computer, design or writing software or site (depending on your product) and a platform to host or sell the product.

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: We don’t have to tell you writing a book is 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. You'll need to meet a $100 threshold for wire or check payments.

Need to know

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%.

Requirements

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

If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw an 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.

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.

Need to know

Making a channel is easy as pie; putting videos on it is harder.
Signing up for Google AdSense is pretty easy, but to use it 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.

Requirements

Your own website that has been active for at least six months.
For YouTube, you need at least 1,000 subscribers and to meet requirements related to views or watch hours.
You must be at least 18.

Nerdy Perspective

Is YouTube worth it?

I started a gear review channel on YouTube in 2021 and still don't have nearly enough subscribers to join the YouTube Partner Program. However, the experience of making videos helped me hone my skills in script-writing, talking on camera, editing and SEO. While I haven't made a dime, I had fun and got better at my day job as a personal finance writer.

Tommy Tindall

9. Become an Instagram influencer

Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. Reaching that point may be as daunting as turning pro in a sport, though.

Just keep posting. If it goes well, you can apply for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with. 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. You can't influence without and audience.

Age threshold: 13+.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies on partnerships.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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

Live-streaming game play 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 money from viewers’ virtual cheers, or “Bits,” 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.

Need to know

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

Requirements

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.

What the Redditors say: Success selling photos requires both high-quality content and a bit of business savvy around rights management and pricing. A general theme is that you may do better by forming direct relationships with buyers than purely relying on stock sites.

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.

Need to know

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 for buyers 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

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

>> VIDEO: Feeling side hustle fatigue? Get in the money-making mindset with a good book.

How to make money offline

These ways to earn will get you out of the computer chair, but may still require online interaction with specific platforms or marketplaces:

12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag

Love dogs? Walk or watch them for pay. Apps like Wag and Rover give you access to pet owners in need of on-demand walkers. You can offer overnight dog boarding. Read the fine print if you sign up for these services.

What Redditors say: There's potential to earn an extra $300+ per month with a gig service like Rover when you have regular clientele, but success can depend heavily on location and market. Are dogs trending in your town?

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.

Need to know

Rover: It takes about 5 to 10 business days for Rover to review and approve your profile.
Wag: The application process takes about two weeks, and you must pass a background check and pet care quiz.

Requirements

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

Did you know you can sell 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.

Need to know

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 them online. The latter takes longer, but you may get a better offer for your gift card.

Requirements

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

The internet makes it easy to temporarily rent a second property or spare room if you’re lucky enough to have one. Airbnb and Vrbo are household names (get it?) for easy rentals, but be prepared to pay fees and for cleaning costs. Scrutinize your rental agreement, HOA rules and zoning or other restrictions before you get started. Learn more about how to start an Airbnb business.

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.

Need to know

You can create a listing and start accepting reservations on the same day.
Payment is typically disbursed 24 hours after your guest’s scheduled check-in time, but processing time for that payment depends on the payout method.

Requirements

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.

15. Sell your gently used clothes

Selling clothes is big business for side hustlers. Start offline with local consignment shops to make money quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers from all over. 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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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 device is in good shape.

Age threshold: Typically 18; check terms of service.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by where you sell.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

A used phone, laptop, gaming system, etc.
Cell phones: You need to verify the phone is not stolen, still under a repayment plan or locked from activation for any other reason.

17. Get a babysitting gig

Everyone from college students to recent retirees can make money by watching other people’s children. You can rely on word-of-mouth referrals from family and friends, and/or create a profile for free on Care.com or Sittercity to expand your reach. In your profile, 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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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 the service 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.

Need to know

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.
Getaround rental earnings accrue daily or monthly. Payments are made via direct deposit.

Requirements

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.

If you actually enjoy putting together Ikea furniture or hanging pictures, you can use an online service to get local odd jobs. Websites like TaskRabbit connect workers 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 make money with TaskRabbit.

What Redditors say: This is a flexible side hustle that can be good for a couple hundred bucks of supplemental income per month. But, like with other gig service sites, your success is dependent on location and demand.

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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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

Turn your math, science, foreign-language or test-prep expertise into extra money as a private tutor. You can tutor people online or in-person.

What you charge will 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, community centers and coffee shops.

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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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

Uber and Lyft are legit side hustle options. 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 make money as a Lyft driver.

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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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.

Nerdy Perspective

Are driving gigs worth it?

I tried driving for Uber, DoorDash and Instacart. Uber was not my favorite side hustle, but it was accessible and the little money I made over a week-long test came quickly. I'd be worried about gas costs, wear and tear on my car, and lots of awkward silence if I were to do it long term, though. I was happier when I delivered food and groceries, and found DoorDash and Instacart to be less stressful than doing rideshare. Trips were shorter, I spent less time in the car and it was easy to get started, even in my small town.

Tommy Tindall

Lead writer & Content Strategist

>> Gig work we tried: How much does Uber, DoorDash and Instacart pay?

22. Make deliveries for Amazon, Uber Eats

Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex are other solid side hustle options. 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.

How fast you'll get paid: Varies by vendor.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

You'll need transportation. 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.

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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

Most sites have an age requirement.

Businesses often want to know how they’re performing from a customer’s perspective, and will use covert shoppers to engage with their employees and report back. You can apply to be mystery shopper 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.

Need to know

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.

Requirements

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.

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.

What’s your side hustle?

Have you tried any of these ideas? Let us know how it’s going. Seriously, we want to know. Send an email to me, Tommy Tindall.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I earn money online easily?

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.

How can I make money fast at home?

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.

How can I make money right now?

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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