How to make money fast: 13 quick & legit ways  

Key takeaways: 

• There are many legitimate ways to make money quickly. 
• The best way to make money fast depends on your individual circumstances. 
• It’s great to make money quickly, but it’s also important to be aware of scams.

We all know of times when we could use some extra cash. Whether for an unexpected expense, a treat for yourself, or a financial goal you’re trying to reach. Times like these, you need solutions fast, which is why we compiled this guide.  

Some methods can put cash in your hand quick, while others might take more time. Your best choice will depend on your skills, resources, and how urgently you need the money. 

Here’s a quick look at the methods we’ll cover: 

Quick ways to make money fast 

When you need cash in hand today, waiting days or weeks for a paycheck simply isn’t an option. Whether you’re facing an unexpected expense or just want to boost your funds quickly, there are legitimate ways to earn money fast. 

These methods offer same-day payouts, putting cash in your pocket quickly.  

1. Sell unused items. You may have items lying around that you no longer need or use. If you do, you can declutter your home and turn it into cash! Try selling old clothes, electronics, and even toys on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. 
2. Do odd jobs in your neighborhood. Are you a handy person in the house? Do you like doing your chores and repairs yourself? If so, you can offer services like yard work, assistance for pet owners, or minor repairs through apps like TaskRabbit or Nextdoor.
3. Participate in paid online surveys. Many websites and apps pay you to take online surveys where you may watch a video or do some other simple tasks. Some popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie, where you can share your opinion and earn money in less than an hour. 
4. Donate plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood, and you can donate it to blood banks and medical institutions. If you’re qualified, donating plasma is one of the easiest ways to earn some money quickly while supporting others. A plasma donation center usually pays around $50-$100 per session.  
5. Sell gift cards for cash. Do you have unused gift cards collecting dust? Sell them for cash on platforms like Raise or CardCash. You’ll typically receive up to 92% of the card’s value.   

Short-term ways to make money in a few days  

These short-term methods allow you to quickly use your skills, resources, and time to earn money. Whether you’re interested in freelancing, part-time gigs, or even renting out your assets, these options can boost your budget in a few days.  

6. Freelancing small tasks. Offer freelance writing, designing, editing, or administrative skills on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. You can often find quick tasks that pay off within a few days.
7. Deliver groceries and food. You can sign up for apps such as DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Instacart. These jobs may involve delivering food and groceries. You can get paid right away, and you get to choose your schedule and hours. 
8. Rideshare driving. If you have a car and love driving, give rideshare a try with Uber or Lyft. You will make money for every ride you take and even get your pay pretty quickly most of the time.  
9. Rent out a room or space. Have a spare room, parking space, or even storage space? Rent it out on platforms like Airbnb or Peerspace to earn extra income. 
10. Participate in focus groups and user testing. Some companies and research institutions pay for feedback on product or service use. You can share yours through sites like UserTesting or Respondent, where you can use their products while they gather your opinions. 

Online side hustles that pay quickly  

Side hustles come in very handy as a flexible and convenient way of supplementing your income; many of them are promising and offer fast cash. Just make sure you have online accounts set up to receive payments. Platforms often have direct deposit, which can make it easier to access your earnings quickly. 

11. Flip items for profit. More commonly known as buying and selling, this method is a proven way to earn money online. You can do this by visiting thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces for cheaper items. Look for goods you can buy, then resell them online or even in front of your house. 
12. Create and sell digital products. If you have design, writing, or other creative skills, this method is applicable to you. You can create and sell digital products like eBooks or stock photos for competitive prices on online platforms like Etsy or Gumroad. Along the way, you also want to make sure you’re presenting your products well and positioning them with good branding. Pair it with a well-functioning website, and you’ll surely have higher online visibility to help you sell more. 
13. Start a print-on-demand business. You can design and sell custom merchandise like t-shirts, mugs, or phone cases without holding any inventory. Platforms like Teespring and Printful handle production and shipping for you. 

If you’re looking to start such side hustles business, you’ll need to have a strong online presence and raise brand awareness. Creating a well-designed website can help you achieve that, where you can show and sell your goods. 

Don’t fall for these common fast money scams  

While there are many legal ways to get fast money, you need to look out for scams that promise quick money; some ask for upfront payments. Some common scams include the following.  

1. Pyramid schemes. These schemes require you to recruit others to make money, and they often collapse, leaving participants with losses.  
2. Get-rich-quick promises. Be skeptical of any opportunity that guarantees you’ll get rich quickly with little or no effort.  
3. Fake online jobs. Watch out for job postings that seem too good or require you to pay for training or materials.  

Be wary of any opportunity that requires you to pay a fee upfront or provide your bank account information before earning any money. These could be signs of a scam. Instead, focus on legitimate methods that offer realistic earning potential and don’t require you to risk much of your hard-earned money.   

Choose the best method for you  

The best way to make extra money fast depends on your current situation and preferences. Choose a method that aligns with your strengths, skills, and current resources. Moreover, consider how much time you may need to generate income with it since some methods require more time than others.  

Remember, the key to making money fast is to take action and be persistent. With a little effort, you can boost your income and achieve your financial goals.  

If your approach to making money requires having a reliable website that can bring profit, consider hosting it via Domain.com. Your domain will be free for a year if you sign up for the said service. From creating a minimalist site to building an online store, your path to a new site can be a breeze.  

Frequently asked questions