26 Best Ways to Make Money Online and Offline from Home in 2025

26 Best Ways to Make Money Online and Offline from Home in 2025

الحلقة التالية

Discover how to boost your income with a side hustle and how long it may take before you start seeing results.

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Side hustles are both achievable and increasingly common.

A recent NerdWallet survey found that 1 in 10 Americans launched a side business or took on a second job in 2025 because their main source of income wasn’t enough to cover essential expenses.

Whether you’re struggling to make ends meet or simply curious about trying something new beyond your day job, there are plenty of opportunities to explore. We’ve compiled 26 practical side hustle ideas to help you start earning extra cash.

• How to make money online
• How to make money from home
• How to make money offline

For sections that include insights from Reddit users: we reviewed various Reddit forums to understand real opinions about different side gigs. Using an AI tool, we analyzed and summarized the feedback. Since posts are anonymous, we can’t verify individual experiences, but the insights still provide a helpful perspective.

How to make money online

1. Pick up freelance work online

Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com make it possible to earn money from home by offering services such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, or virtual assistance.

According to a Freelancer.com report, computer security roles grew the fastest in Q2 2024, with listings up 27.1%. Writing jobs also remain highly sought after. While AI tools are increasingly used in content creation, companies still need human writers who can edit AI-generated work and apply basic SEO strategies. Learning SEO can give you a profitable edge.

Some freelancers even charge $100+ per hour for writing services. Knowing industry rates helps ensure you price your work competitively.

Expert insight: Soraya Ivette, a content marketing strategist on Fiverr, shared that she began freelancing part-time while caring for her children. Within weeks of creating her profile, she landed consistent jobs and now earns regular monthly income.

Getting Started:

• Time to first gig: It may take a while to land your first client.
• Setup time: 24–48 hours to create a profile.
• Ease of entry: Fairly easy if you already have relevant skills.
• Age requirement: Usually 16–18+, depending on the platform.
• Payment speed: Varies by site.

Payment details:

• Upwork: Profile approval takes up to 48 hours. Payments depend on contract type: hourly contracts pay out 10 days after billing, while fixed-price contracts release funds after a 5-day clearance period.
• Fiverr: Payment is released once an order is complete, with a standard 14-day wait (shorter for Top Rated Sellers).
• Freelancer.com: Minimum age is 16.

Tip: Be patient—your first gig might take time, but consistency builds momentum and long-term income.

2. Test websites and apps

A simple way to earn money from home is by reviewing digital platforms on sites like UserTesting.com. Testers are paid to share feedback about how well websites and apps function.

To join, you’ll need to complete a short sample test. Once approved, you’ll start receiving paid opportunities. Payment depends on the type and length of each test.

Getting Started:

• Approval time: A few days.
• Setup: Less than 1 hour.
• Ease of entry: Easy if you have the required equipment and pass the sample test.
• Minimum age: 18+.
• Payment speed: About 14 days after completing a test, via PayPal.

Need to Know:

• Approval requires completing a practice test.
• Once accepted, testing invitations will begin.
• Payouts vary depending on the test length.
• Payments are released two weeks after task completion.

Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older.
• A compatible device, stable internet, and a microphone.
• Most tests require English, German, or French proficiency, though some may be available in other languages.

3. Learn to use AI tools

Artificial intelligence is booming, with PwC predicting it could add $3.7 trillion to the North American economy by 2030. That makes now an ideal time to explore ways to earn money using AI.

Some profitable AI-driven side hustles include:

• Using AI tools as a freelancer to design digital products or edit AI-generated content for clients.
• Enhancing advertising, marketing, and business management for your own company.
• Teaching others how to effectively use AI tools.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Varies depending on demand.
• Setup: About 1–2 days when registering on platforms like Upwork or Freelancer.com.
• Difficulty: Easier if you already know how to work with AI tools.
• Age requirement: 16+ for Freelancer.com, 18+ for Upwork.
• Payment speed: Depends on the client, platform, and number of products or services sold.

Important Notes

• Allow time to become comfortable with different AI tools.
• Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements of your chosen freelance marketplace.
• Payouts will be subject to client agreements and platform policies.

What You’ll Need

• A computer and reliable internet access.

4. Earn Money Through Legit Surveys

Taking online surveys is a simple way to earn some extra cash from home, though the payouts are generally small. In many cases, survey sites reward users with gift cards rather than direct cash.

Popular platforms include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. You can check reviews and earnings breakdowns to see which site fits your needs best.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Can take quite a while.
• Setup: Just a few minutes.
• Difficulty: Very easy — register and start right away.
• Age requirement: Between 13 and 18+, depending on the platform.
• Payment speed: Varies by site.

Important Notes

• A good beginner-friendly option for making money online since registration is quick.
• Payment depends on how often you take surveys and the platform’s payout system.
• Some sites require you to reach a minimum balance before cashing out.
• Many platforms use a point system, which can be redeemed for PayPal cash or gift cards.

What You’ll Need

• Meet the minimum age requirement (13–18, depending on the platform), making this a suitable choice for teens.
• Be prepared for specific survey criteria — sometimes you may get disqualified without much explanation.

5. Earn From Blogging With Affiliate Links

If you run a blog with consistent traffic, affiliate marketing can be a strong income stream. As an affiliate, you earn commissions when visitors click a link on your site and make a purchase through a partner retailer.

Some bloggers generate significant income this way, especially those who focus on affiliate marketing full-time. To boost traffic, you can leverage social media platforms or tools like Pinterest. Learn more about affiliate marketing and other strategies to monetize your blog.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Building an audience takes time.
• Setup: Quick and simple with pre-designed blog templates.
• Difficulty: Launching a blog is easy, but producing consistent content requires effort.
• Age requirement: Depends on the affiliate program.
• Payment speed: Usually 1–2 months.

Key Points

• You’ll need a blog, social media page, or online presence that attracts a reliable flow of visitors.
• Apply and get accepted into affiliate networks such as Amazon Associates, ShareASale, FlexOffers, Rakuten Advertising, or CJ Affiliate.
• Each network has its own payment rules and thresholds.
• Amazon Associates: Pays 60 days after the month earnings are generated.
• ShareASale: Issues payments monthly.

What You’ll Need

• An established blog, social media profile, or other online platform that consistently draws traffic.

6. Sell your wares on Etsy

If you enjoy crafts such as woodworking, jewelry design, embroidery, or pottery, Etsy is a great platform to showcase and sell your creations. Known as a hub for handmade goods, art, and unique items, Etsy reports having over 95 million active buyers. Discover more about earning money through Etsy.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Building visibility and attracting customers can take time.
• Setup: Requires effort and preparation.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging.
• Age requirement: 13+.
• Payment speed: Flexible—choose daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly deposits.

Key Points

• Opening an Etsy shop is straightforward and can be completed in just a few hours.
• You’ll need products to sell, high-quality photos, detailed descriptions, a shop name, and a solid business plan.
• The real challenge is driving traffic and securing customers.
• Earnings first go into your Etsy Payments account before being transferred to your bank, based on the schedule you select.

What You’ll Need

• Sellers over 13 but under 18 can run a shop, but they’re considered minors and must follow Etsy’s additional policies.
• You must hold the appropriate intellectual property rights for everything you sell.

7. Sell Digital Products on Gumroad

If you’re skilled in writing, design, coding, or have expertise in a niche field such as nutrition, fitness, or parenting, you can turn your knowledge into profitable digital products. Many people are willing to pay for downloadable items like online courses, e-books, cookbooks, planners, templates, or self-help guides.

With free tools like Canva, you can design professional products, then use platforms such as Gumroad (or Etsy) to upload and sell them to a global audience.

Example: On Gumroad, you can find digital cookbooks priced around $39, with hundreds of pages of recipes and nutrition strategies. One popular example had 47 positive reviews, showing that quality content sells.

Getting Started

• Time investment: May take several attempts to create a product that resonates with buyers.
• Setup: Effort depends on the complexity of your digital product.
• Ease of entry: Beginner-friendly — tutorials on Canva make it easy to start creating today, and setting up a Gumroad account is simple.
• Age requirement: 13+ on Gumroad.
• Payment schedule: Daily (after qualifying for at least four payouts), weekly, monthly, or quarterly.

Key Insights

• Not a quick-cash option, but digital products can generate long-term passive income.
• Success requires research into what sells best, a strong product idea, and attention to detail in execution.
• You’ll also need a solid marketing plan to stand out in the crowded digital marketplace.

What You’ll Need

• Creativity, expertise, or a strong idea.
• A computer with design or writing tools (like Canva).
• A sales platform such as Gumroad to host and deliver your product.

8. Self-Publish an E-Book

If you love writing and want to share your work with the world, self-publishing an e-book is one of the most accessible ways to make money online. Thanks to platforms like Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), authors can upload their manuscripts for free and sell them on the Kindle Store. Writers can earn up to 70% royalties per sale, making this a lucrative option for dedicated creators.

The process is simple: write your book, craft a clear and engaging description, upload the manuscript, set your price, and publish. From there, you’ll see whether your content resonates with readers.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Writing a book can take a long time and requires persistence.
• Setup: Publishing on KDP is quick once your manuscript is ready.
• Ease of entry: Start by writing — publishing comes later.
• Age requirement: 18+. Minors can publish through a parent or guardian’s account.
• Payment schedule: Monthly, with a $100 minimum threshold for check or wire transfers.

Key Insights

• While it’s easy to publish, competition is fierce — the Kindle Store has millions of titles. Marketing and promotion are essential for sales.
• KDP offers two royalty models:
• 70% royalty: Book must be priced between $2.99 and $9.99.
• 35% royalty: Greater flexibility in pricing but lower earnings per sale.

What You’ll Need

• A Kindle Direct Publishing account.
• A properly formatted manuscript (Amazon notes that most Microsoft Word files convert well, though other formats are supported).
• A strong description, cover design, and marketing strategy to help your e-book stand out.

9. Get advertising revenue from your blog or YouTube channel

If your blog posts or YouTube videos attract a solid audience, you can monetize them through advertising. On YouTube, creators need at least 1,000 subscribers to apply for the YouTube Partner Program, which allows ads on their videos. Some features, such as channel memberships, can be unlocked with as few as 500 subscribers.

For blogs and websites, you can use Google AdSense, the same ad platform that powers YouTube ads, to display relevant ads and generate income. Learn more about maximizing earnings with YouTube monetization and Google AdSense.

Getting Started

• Time investment: May take weeks before you’re fully set up.
• Setup: Relatively straightforward.
• Ease of entry: Depends on your ability to produce engaging, consistent content.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment schedule: Reaching your first payout can take time, after which payments are issued monthly.

Key Insights

• Signing up for Google AdSense is simple, but YouTube requires joining the Partner Program before ads can run.
• Blogs and websites generally have fewer restrictions for using AdSense.
• Expect at least two months before you see ad revenue start coming in.
• You’ll need to reach a $100 minimum balance before qualifying for payout.
• Once eligible, AdSense issues payments between the 21st–26th of the following month.

What You’ll Need

• A website that’s been active for at least six months.
• For YouTube: a minimum of 1,000 subscribers plus meeting watch-time or view requirements.
• Be at least 18 years old to qualify.

10. Become an Instagram Influencer

Many brands partner with Instagram influencers — creators with large and engaged audiences — to promote their products. You can break into influencer marketing by signing up with platforms like Open Influence or Aspire, or by directly reaching out to brands you’d like to represent. A similar path is also possible on TikTok.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Requires long-term consistency and patience.
• Setup: Quick and straightforward.
• Ease of entry: Challenging, since you must grow a strong following first.
• Age requirement: 13+.
• Payment speed: Depends on brand partnerships and contracts.

Key Insights

• Setting up an Instagram profile takes only minutes, but building an audience can take months or years.
• Once you’ve grown your following, you can look for paid collaborations through affiliate networks or pitch directly to brands.
• Payment terms vary, but affiliate networks usually release earnings the month after a campaign ends.

What You’ll Need

• An Instagram account with a loyal and engaged audience.
• Compliance with any requirements set by affiliate networks you join.

11. Monetize Your Twitch Channel

If you’re into gaming, streaming on Twitch could be a profitable way to make money from home — provided you can grow a dedicated audience. Twitch streamers can earn through Bits (virtual cheers from viewers) as well as a share of subscription fees and ad revenue once they achieve Affiliate or Partner status.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Growing an audience takes time — this is a long-term effort.
• Setup: Quick and straightforward.
• Ease of entry: Easy to begin streaming, but building a loyal community takes weeks or even months.
• Age requirement: 13+.
• Payment schedule: Monthly.

Key Insights

• You can launch a Twitch channel and start streaming almost immediately, but success requires consistency and patience.
• Affiliates and Partners earn from subscriptions, ad revenue, and even game sales.
• Payments are processed around the 15th of each month, with a minimum payout threshold of $50 (or $100 for wire transfers).

What You’ll Need

• To qualify as a Twitch Affiliate or Partner, you must meet specific viewership and streaming milestones.
• A steady content schedule to attract and maintain viewers.

12. Sell Your Photography

If you’re a photographer, you can turn your images into income by selling them online. Platforms like Fine Art America allow you to upload photos that can be sold as prints, T-shirts, phone cases, and more. Other marketplaces include SmugMug, 500px, and PhotoShelter. While some sites require a subscription, they often provide perks such as cloud storage, password-protected galleries, and customizable websites.

According to Reddit users, success in photography sales requires not just high-quality images but also business knowledge in pricing and rights management. Many suggest building direct client relationships for better results rather than relying solely on stock sites.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Sales depend on attracting buyers who appreciate your work.
• Setup: Only a few hours if you already have a photo library.
• Ease of entry: Straightforward once your portfolio is ready.
• Age requirement: Varies by platform.
• Payment schedule: Depends on the site.

Payment Examples

• Fine Art America: Pays after a 30-day return period, issued on the 15th of each month.
• PhotoShelter: Earnings released immediately at the time of sale via PayPal, Stripe, etc.
• SmugMug: Payouts available the following month with a minimum balance of $5.

What You’ll Need

• A portfolio of original photos.
• Full ownership and rights to all images you sell (requirements differ per platform).

How to make money from home

Some side hustles can be done entirely from the comfort of your home. And if they take you outside, it might be nothing more than a quick stroll with a pet. Here are a few great options for at-home side gigs:

13. Become a Dog Walker With Rover or Wag

If you’re a dog lover, dog walking can be a fun and beginner-friendly way to earn extra money. Platforms like Rover and Wag connect you with pet owners looking for on-demand walkers, allowing you to accept jobs that fit your schedule. If you have the space (and landlord approval if you rent), you can even offer overnight pet boarding. Be sure to review the terms carefully before signing up.

According to Reddit users, it’s possible to earn $300 or more per month with services like Rover if you build a steady client base, though success often depends on your location and local demand.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Building reliable clients takes time.
• Setup: Approval can take a few weeks.
• Ease of entry: If you enjoy being around pets, this is a great option.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment schedule: Typically within 2–7 days.

Key Insights

• Rover profiles are usually reviewed and approved within 5–10 business days.
• Wag requires a more detailed process, including a two-week application, background check, and a pet care quiz.

What You’ll Need

• Must live in an area where Rover or Wag services are available.
• If offering boarding at home, you’ll need pet-friendly housing.
• Passing a background check is mandatory.

14. Sell Unused Gift Cards

Got gift cards you don’t plan to use? You can turn them into extra cash by selling them on platforms like CardCash or GiftCash. For example, CardCash offers up to 92% of the card’s value, or you can swap it for a gift card you’ll actually use. Learn more about the best ways to get value from unwanted gift cards.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Just minutes if your card is from a popular retailer.
• Setup: Simple and quick.
• Ease of entry: The more gift cards you have, the more you can sell.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: Usually within a few days to two weeks.

Key Insights

• Sites like CardCash and GiftCash provide instant quotes for your cards.
• You can also sell cards at kiosks or select retail locations for same-day cash, though online sales may bring higher payouts.
• Online sales typically take longer to process but often result in better offers.

What You’ll Need

• Gift cards must often meet a minimum balance requirement to be eligible.
• Not all cards will generate offers, and those with expiration dates may not qualify.

15. Rent Out Your Spare Room on Airbnb

Listing your home or an extra bedroom on vacation rental platforms like Airbnb can be a great way to earn extra income. Keep in mind, however, that you’ll need to cover costs for cleaning, maintenance, replacing household items, and service fees. It’s also important to check your rental agreement, HOA rules, and local zoning laws before getting started. Learn more about how to launch an Airbnb business.

Getting Started

• Time investment: Success depends largely on demand in your area.
• Setup: You can create a listing and go live within a few hours.
• Ease of entry: Straightforward if you already have space to rent.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment schedule: Typically within 24+ hours after guest check-in.

Key Insights

• Listings can be published and ready to accept bookings the same day.
• Payments are generally released 24 hours after the guest checks in, though exact timing depends on your chosen payout method.

What You’ll Need

• Compliance with local regulations and any rules from landlords, condo boards, or homeowners associations related to short-term rentals.

How to make money offline

Beyond online and at-home opportunities to earn extra cash, there’s a third option: offline side hustles. While these often demand more effort, the potential rewards can be significant. And since the internet is nearly unavoidable today, many of these offline gigs still include some online elements.

16. Sell your gently used clothing

Turning old clothes into cash is a simple side hustle. You can sell quickly at local consignment shops or reach a wider audience through platforms like ThredUp and Poshmark. If you choose to sell online, take clear, high-quality photos of your items and check prices of similar listings to stay competitive.

• Total time: Depends on the platform you use.
• Setup: Quick and simple — drop items at a shop or mail them in a box.
• Ease of start: Very easy. The hardest step is often cleaning out your closet.
• Age requirement: 13+.
• Payment speed: Varies based on sales method.

What to know

• There are multiple ways to sell used clothes, and most are straightforward to begin.
• Fastest: Consignment chains like Plato’s Closet pay cash instantly.
• Moderate: Online or other consignment shops usually pay after items are sold or inspected, which can take several weeks.

Requirements

• Items must be gently worn — including clothes, shoes, and accessories.
• Each platform has quality checks. For instance, ThredUp inspects for fading, pilling, shrinkage, stains, or missing details like buttons.

17. Trade in old electronics for cash

Got an unused phone, tablet, laptop, or gaming console collecting dust? You can sell it through platforms like Swappa, Gazelle, or Facebook Marketplace. Amazon also runs a trade-in program that pays in gift cards, while eBay is another solid option. If you’re looking for speed, try an ecoATM kiosk, which gives you cash instantly.

• Total time: Depends on where you sell.
• Setup: Very simple.
• Ease of start: Easy, especially if your device is still in good condition.
• Age requirement: Usually 18+ (check each platform’s rules).
• Payment speed: Varies depending on the sales method.

What to know

• Direct sales (Swappa, OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace): Usually involves uploading photos, verifying the device’s electronic serial number, and posting your listing. Approval times are minimal, but fees apply (e.g., Swappa charges 3%).
• Reseller sales (Gazelle): Get an instant quote online, ship your device, and receive payment once its condition is confirmed.
• Direct buyer-to-buyer: Payment depends on how fast your item sells. Once sold, payouts are typically quick.

Requirements

• A used but functional phone, laptop, console, or similar device.
• Phones specifically: Must be verified as unlocked, not reported stolen, and not tied to an active repayment plan. Additional conditions may apply depending on the marketplace.

18. Start Babysitting

Babysitting is a flexible side hustle for just about anyone — from college students to retirees. You can begin with referrals from friends and family, or expand your opportunities by setting up a free profile on Care.com or Sittercity. Highlighting skills like CPR certification can help you stand out.

• Total time: Creating an online profile takes minutes, but building referrals in your area may take longer.
• Setup: Quick and easy.
• Ease of start: Spreading the word is the biggest step.
• Age requirement: Teens can start with local referrals, but online platforms typically require you to be 18+.
• Payment speed: Usually paid right after the babysitting job ends.

What to know

• Care.com and Sittercity allow you to make a profile in just minutes.
• Payment is usually immediate, either through the platform or directly from parents once the job is done.

Requirements

• At least 18 years old to list as a caregiver on major babysitting platforms.
• Some families may request a background check before hiring.

19. Rent Out Your Car

If your car spends long stretches unused, you can turn that downtime into income with platforms like Getaround and Turo, which allow you to rent your car by the hour or day. You’ll keep most of the earnings, while the service takes a percentage for providing insurance and protection.

• Total time: Depends on demand in your area.
• Setup: Around 30 minutes to create an account.
• Ease of start: Simple, as long as your vehicle qualifies.
• Age requirement: 21+ with a valid license for Turo; Getaround does not specify an age minimum.
• Payment speed: Varies by platform.

What to know

• You can list your car on Turo or Getaround in under half an hour.
• Turo sends payment within three hours after a rental ends, though the first payout takes a few days.
• Getaround deposits earnings either daily or monthly via direct deposit.

Requirements

• If your vehicle is leased, review your financing or lease agreement to ensure car-sharing is permitted.
• Cars must meet specific criteria (year, mileage, condition) and comply with maintenance and safety standards. Some services may also require exclusivity, meaning you can’t list the same car on multiple platforms.

20. Sign Up for TaskRabbit

If you’re handy with assembling furniture, running errands, cleaning, or even waiting in long lines, TaskRabbit can be a good side hustle. The platform connects you with people who need help with in-person tasks like moving, delivery, and handyman work, as well as online jobs such as data entry or research support.

• Total time: Varies depending on local demand for your services.
• Setup: A couple of hours, plus a short wait for approval.
• Ease of start: Straightforward, but some research is recommended.
• Age requirement: 18+.
• Payment speed: A few days after completing a task.

What to know

• You can create a profile in just a few hours, but you’ll need to wait for TaskRabbit to approve it before taking on work. This approval process may take several days.
• There’s a $25 registration fee, so it’s wise to research your area and skills in demand before committing.
• Payments are processed through direct deposit once the job is complete, usually showing up in your account within a few days.

Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• All Taskers are required to pass a background check before starting.

21. Become a Private Tutor

Turn your skills in math, science, languages, or test prep into extra income by offering private tutoring. You can work online or in person, depending on what fits best.

Your rates will usually reflect your experience, subject expertise, and demand. To get started, check local demand through Craigslist, build a profile on platforms like Tutor.com or Care.com, or spread the word at schools and community centers.

• Total time: Depends on the subject. Some platforms (like Tutor.com) ask for a weekly minimum (e.g., 5 hours).
• Setup: Slightly more involved than other gigs.
• Ease of start: It can take time to attract your first student.
• Age requirement: None specified.
• Payment speed: Varies by platform—check each site’s terms.

What to know

• Building a client base may take time, depending on local demand.
• If you’re new to tutoring, you’ll need to invest time in lesson prep to ensure students get value.
• Payments are typically straightforward, whether via a tutoring site or directly from students.

Requirements

• Strong expertise in a subject people seek help with (e.g., math, languages, exam prep).
• Some platforms require proof of education, such as current enrollment in a four-year program or a bachelor’s degree.

22. Drive for Uber or Lyft

Make extra income by driving for Uber, Lyft, or both, transporting passengers in your area. Keep in mind that fuel and vehicle upkeep will affect your earnings. To qualify, you’ll need a car in good condition and must pass a background check along with a driving history review.

• Total time: Depends on local demand.
• Setup: A few weeks for approval.
• Ease of start: Fairly simple if you have an eligible vehicle.
• Age requirement: Typically 21–25, depending on your region.
• Payment speed: Very fast—either same day or within a few days.

What to know

• The signup process involves an application, vehicle inspection, and background check, so expect some waiting time.
• Both Uber and Lyft offer quick payouts, either instantly via a debit card or through fast bank transfers.

Requirements

• A four-door vehicle that meets each company’s year, condition, and safety standards.
• Driving experience: Lyft generally requires at least one year of licensed driving (longer in some areas). Uber requires one year in the U.S. or three years if you’re under 25.
• Inform your auto insurance provider about your rideshare activity before getting started.

23. Deliver for Amazon, Uber Eats, and Other Apps

Tap into the booming delivery industry by signing up with services like Amazon Flex, Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, or DoorDash. Most platforms pay per delivery, with the chance to earn tips. A car isn’t always required — in some cities, you can deliver using a bike or scooter. Nearly all services require a background check before you start.

• Total time: Dependent on demand in your area.
• Setup: Around a week.
• Ease of start: Simple if you have reliable transportation.
• Age requirement: At least 18, varies by platform.
• Payment speed: Depends on the service.

What to know

• Expect the background check to take several days.
• Payouts vary by company but are usually weekly or faster.

Requirements

• A vehicle, scooter, or bike (depending on the service).
• A smartphone to manage and accept delivery requests.
• Must meet the minimum age requirement for the platform you choose.

24. Work as a Housesitter

If you don’t mind keeping an eye on someone’s home — and possibly handling simple tasks like feeding pets, watering plants, or taking out the trash — housesitting can be a great side hustle. You can look for opportunities through friends and family referrals or sign up on platforms like HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with sitters.

• Total time: Depends on demand in your location.
• Setup: Just a few minutes to create a profile, though building referrals may take longer.
• Ease of start: Varies based on local need.
• Age requirement: Depends on the site.
• Payment speed: Usually after the job is finished; confirm with the homeowner in advance.

What to know

• Setting up a profile on HouseSitter.com is quick, but landing your first gig may take time.
• Payment is normally made directly by the homeowner once the housesitting task is complete.

Requirements

• Many housesitting platforms have a minimum age requirement.

25. Become a Mystery Shopper

Companies often want feedback from a customer’s point of view, and mystery shopping lets you provide exactly that. You can apply through sites like IntelliShop, BestMark, or Sinclair Customer Metrics to evaluate businesses. Just be cautious — scams exist — so always research a company before signing up.

• Total time: Varies depending on the platform.
• Setup: Applications are quick, though approval may take longer.
• Ease of start: Fairly simple if you have transportation and internet access.
• Age requirement: Depends on the service.
• Payment speed: Payment timelines differ by company.

What to know

• Applications usually take just minutes, but approval can take several days or longer based on demand.
• Payment schedules vary; for example, BestMark pays monthly.

Requirements

• Most platforms require you to be at least 18 years old (e.g., BestMark).
• Reliable internet access may also be necessary.

26. Turn Your Drone Into Income

High-quality drones now cost under $500, and you can use that investment to earn money. Many real estate agents hire drone pilots to capture aerial shots or even smooth fly-through videos of homes. With more advanced skills like drone mapping or aerial inspections, you can charge higher rates.

To work legally, you must pass an FAA certification test and register your drone before taking on clients.

• Total time: Varies based on local demand.
• Setup: Time is needed to prepare for and pass the certification test, then start finding clients.
• Ease of start: Fairly straightforward if you already own a drone.
• Age requirement: At least 16 years old.
• Payment speed: Depends on the client or company.

What to know

• Plan at least a month to study, schedule, and pass the written test.
• Finding clients may take extra time.
• Payments are client-based and can vary.

Requirements

• A reliable drone.
• An official Remote Pilot Certificate, which requires passing the FAA aeronautical knowledge test (about $175 in fees).

Beware of Money-Making Scams

While there are plenty of ways to earn money online or from home, many offers are suspicious or outright fraudulent. Be cautious of any opportunity that:

• Requires an upfront payment,
• Demands you purchase certification, or
• Asks for sensitive details like your Social Security number or credit card information.

If you’re unsure whether something is legitimate, do your research. Check forums like Reddit for honest feedback and complaints, and see if the company has a Better Business Bureau (BBB) profile. The BBB rates businesses based on complaints, transparency, and credibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make money online easily?

Simple side hustles like website testing, completing surveys, or selling secondhand items online require little setup and few qualifications. You might also earn passive income through affiliate marketing or by renting out your car.

What are quick ways to earn money from home?

Some of the fastest options include selling clothing or electronics you no longer use, babysitting, or renting out a spare room through vacation rental platforms.

How can I get money immediately?

Instant-paying jobs are rare, but you can look at local or online listings for quick gigs such as moving furniture or painting. If you need cash right away, a pawnshop loan may be an option. You can use items like jewelry, instruments, or new electronics as collateral. Approval doesn’t depend on your credit score, and if you can’t repay on time, the pawnshop sells the item—without affecting your credit history.