19 easy ways to make money online or from home in one hour
Sometimes, you need fast cash, especially if unexpected expenses or emergencies pop up. The good news? You don’t necessarily need a full-time job or a big side hustle to make money quickly. Here are 19 realistic ways to earn extra cash in just one hour.
1. Sell some of your old stuff
That sweater you never wear or jar of kitchen gadgets collecting dust? Someone wants it! Whether it’s clothes, electronics, furniture, or collectibles, you can turn them into cash.
How to start: List items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or OfferUp. Take clear photos, write a short but honest description, and set a competitive price. If you need cash immediately, offer local pickup or same-day (safe) meetups.
How much you can make: Household items typically sell for 25% to 50% of their original retail price, depending on brand, demand, and condition. High-demand electronics and furniture may sell within hours, while clothing might take a bit longer.
2. Share your opinion
Companies are eager to hear from consumers like you, and they’ll pay for your thoughts on products, services, and marketing campaigns. Note: Some platforms charge sign-up fees or charge for shipping, so beware of the fine print.
How to start: Sign up for Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or UserTesting. You’ll be asked to complete surveys, review products, or test websites.
How much you can make: Short surveys (5-10 minutes) typically pay $0.50-$3, while longer ones (30-45 minutes) can pay up to $10. Some platforms pay even more for video reviews or focus groups.
3. Quick freelance tasks
If you have a skill, such as graphic design, editing, or assembling furniture, you can get paid, oftentimes fast. The key is finding small, one-time gigs that don’t require a long-term commitment.
How to start: Sign up on Fiverr or Upwork for digital gigs like proofreading, logo design, or data entry. If you prefer hands-on work, join TaskRabbit to find local jobs like moving assistance, home repairs, or assembling furniture.
How much you can make: Small freelance tasks pay $10-$50. A quick proofreading job can earn $15 in 30 minutes while assembling a bookshelf on TaskRabbit could bring in $40-$50. The better your profile and reviews, the higher you can charge.
4. Write away
Freelance writing is one of the fastest ways to earn money if you enjoy putting words together. Many businesses, blogs, and websites constantly need fresh content.
How to start: Register on platforms like ClearVoice, Textbroker, iWriter, or Upwork. Start with short writing gigs like blog posts, product descriptions, or ad copy.
How much you can make: A short article can earn $10-$50, depending on the client’s budget. Experienced writers can make even more, especially with high-quality, fast turnaround times.
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Pro tip: Some freelance content services pay by the word, many starting around $.06. Ask about revisions, turnaround times, and payment schedules so you can realistically estimate your take-home pay.
5. Be a virtual assistant
If you’re organized, detail-oriented, and good with admin tasks, virtual assistant work is a great way to earn quickly. Businesses and entrepreneurs often need help with scheduling, emails, and social media management.
How to start: Apply on Fancy Hands, Belay, or Time Etc. Tasks include scheduling, email management, social media updates, and data entry.
How much you can make: Virtual assistant gigs typically pay $10-$25 per hour, with higher rates for specialized skills like bookkeeping or social media management.
6. Social media promotion
Many brands pay influencers and content creators to promote their products, and you don’t need millions of followers to get started. Even small, niche audiences can be valuable.
How to start: Use platforms like TikTok Creator Marketplace or AspireIQ to connect with brands. Even if you don’t have thousands of followers, small businesses may pay for local promotions.
How much you can make: Sponsored posts can earn anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on your audience size and engagement rate.
7. Food delivery
Delivering food is a flexible and fast way to earn money, and you can start almost immediately.
How to start: Sign up for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Postmates. The app will notify you when there’s an order, and you can start accepting deliveries right away.
How much you can make: Expect to earn $10-$20 per hour, plus tips. During peak hours, you may earn even more with bonus incentives.
8. Package delivery
If food delivery isn’t your thing, package delivery might be a better fit. Companies pay drivers to transport packages from warehouses or stores to customers’ doorsteps.
How to start: Apply for Amazon Flex or Roadie. Once approved, use the app to select delivery blocks that fit your schedule. Some gigs may require a larger vehicle for oversized packages.
How much you can make: Most drivers earn $18-$25 per hour, and Amazon Flex offers same-day payouts in some locations. Delivering during peak shopping seasons can increase earnings.
9. Rent out your car
If your car sits unused for most of the day, why not make money from it? People need rental cars for work, road trips, or when their own vehicle is in the shop.
How to start: List your car on Turo or Getaround. These platforms handle bookings, insurance, and payments, so all you need to do is ensure your car is clean and ready for the renter.
How much you can make: Depending on your car’s make, model, and location, you can earn $30-$50 per day, with luxury vehicles or fuel-efficient cars fetching even higher rates.
Stay safe: Go through a reputable rental service and get everything in writing.
10. Rideshare driving
Driving for a rideshare service can be a quick way to earn cash, especially if you live in a busy city or near an airport.
How to start: Sign up with Uber or Lyft. After completing the background check and vehicle inspection, you can start accepting rides through the app.
How much you can make: Drivers typically earn $15-$30 per hour, plus tips. Driving during rush hours or weekends can lead to surge pricing and increased payouts.
11. Filling out surveys
If you have spare time while watching TV or waiting in line, taking surveys can be an easy way to make a few extra dollars.
How to start: Register with Swagbucks, InboxDollars, or Pinecone Research to access paid surveys. Some sites offer additional tasks like watching videos or playing games for cash.
How much you can make: Surveys pay anywhere from $0.25 to $5 each, with some market research studies offering $20 or more. But beware of services that charge membership fees or other charges.
12. Walking dogs
Love spending time with dogs? If so, dog walking is a fun and easy way to make money while getting some fresh air and exercise. Many pet owners work long hours and need someone to walk their dogs during the day.
How to start: Sign up for Rover or Wag! to connect with pet owners in your area. Set your availability and create a profile highlighting your experience with animals. You can also advertise locally through social media or neighborhood apps.
How much you can make: Dog walkers typically earn $15-$30 per walk, plus tips. Walking multiple dogs at once can increase earnings.
Safety tip: Always ask the service and/or pet owner about any behavioral issues, allergies, or other details that can help keep you and the dog safe while strolling.
13. Website testing
Companies need real people to test their websites and apps to ensure they’re user-friendly. If you have an eye for detail and enjoy trying out new technology, this can be a great way to earn extra money.
How to start: Sign up for UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics. You’ll be given specific tasks to complete, such as navigating a website or providing feedback on its usability.
How much you can make: Website tests usually take 10-20 minutes and pay around $10 per test. Some longer tests can pay $20 or more.
14. Donate plasma
Donating plasma is a great way to earn money while helping others. Plasma is used to make life-saving medical treatments, and donation centers compensate you for your time.
How to start: Find a certified donation center like CSL Plasma, BioLife, or Octapharma Plasma. You’ll need to pass a health screening and provide identification.
How much you can make: First-time donors often earn bonuses, bringing total earnings to $50-$100 for the first few donations. Regular donations typically pay $20-$50 per visit.
Safety first! Before donating plasma, consult with your doctor or healthcare professional to ensure you’re an eligible donor.
15. Resell free items
People give away valuable items every day. With a little effort, you can flip free or cheap items for a profit.
How to start: Check the free section on Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor for items people are giving away. Look for furniture, electronics, or household goods that you can clean up and resell.
How much you can make: Depending on the item, you could make anywhere from $20 to $200. Furniture and electronics often bring in the most profit.
16. Rent out unused items
If you own tools, camera equipment, or sports gear that you’re not using, someone else might be willing to pay to borrow them.
How to start: List your items on rental platforms like Fat Llama or Loanables. Take clear photos and write a description that explains how the item works.
How much you can make: Depending on the item, rentals can earn $10-$50 per day. High-demand items like power tools or photography gear can fetch even more.
17. Mystery shopping
Businesses hire mystery shoppers to evaluate their customer service and store conditions. This gig is perfect for people who enjoy shopping and have an eye for detail.
How to start: Sign up for mystery shopping companies like Field Agent, BestMark, or Secret Shopper. Assignments may include visiting stores, making purchases, or providing feedback on service quality.
How much you can make: Mystery shopping assignments typically pay $5-$25 per visit. Some include reimbursements for items you purchase during the shop.
18. Participate in focus groups
Market research companies are always looking for participants for focus groups. If you enjoy sharing your opinions, this is a great way to make extra cash.
How to start: Sign up for focus group websites like Respondent.io, FocusGroup.com, or UserInterviews. Once approved, you’ll be matched with studies based on your demographics and interests.
How much you can make: Focus groups typically pay $50-$150 per session, depending on the topic and length. Online and in-person opportunities are available.
19. Teach or tutor online
If you’re skilled in a subject like math, science, or a foreign language, tutoring online is a great way to earn quick cash while helping others learn.
How to start: Join platforms like Cambly, Wyzant, or TutorMe. Create a profile showcasing your expertise and availability.
How much you can make: Tutors can earn $10-$30 per hour. Specialized subjects or test prep tutoring can pay even more.
Making money quickly is possible if you know where to look and take advantage of the right opportunities. Whether you’re leveraging your skills, selling items, or completing quick gigs, there’s always a way to earn extra cash when you need it most. If you’re interested in more ways to boost your income, check out these helpful resources:
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