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- There are certain tasks you can do locally or online to get cash quickly.
- Consider the time and costs involved before diving into a specific activity to get cash.
- Asking to borrow money from a loved one is also an option, but make sure you have a repayment plan.
Whether you need money in a pinch or you’re looking for a way to establish some extra income, there are many local and online options to explore if you want to earn fast cash.
Here are eight options to help you get money in a short timeframe. We also had a financial expert provide tips on deciding if a certain side hustle or gig is worth it.
1. Sell your stuff at a garage sale or online
If you have a plethora of random knick-knacks lying around that you no longer want, you could have a garage sale and sell them.
Numerous online platforms, like Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and Depop, also allow you to sell items online. If you choose to sell items online, just note that some marketplaces may charge a fee. Depending on the platform, the fee may vary from 10% to 20%.
2. Freelance
Becoming a freelancer can be another way to get some extra money. Online platforms like Fivver and Upwork connect businesses to freelancers.
To start using one of these platforms, you usually have to set up a profile listing your skillsets. Then, you can find potential clients. Similar to marketplaces where you sell things online, freelancing platforms often charge a 10% to 20% fee on your earnings.
3. Use a money-making app
Another option to make cash quickly is to use a money-making app. The most common money-making apps let you take surveys or complete certain online tasks, like signing up for an email list or playing games.
The amount you’ll earn for a specific survey or task can vary greatly. Generally, more time-consuming tasks earn more.
The best money-making apps won’t charge a fee for downloading them. Once you reach a certain amount — anywhere from $5 to $25 — you’ll usually be able to transfer money through a PayPal account or get a virtual gift card from an ample selection of retailers and restaurants.
Survey Junkie
Annual Percentage Yield (APY)
N/A
Minimum Opening Deposit
None
- Get cash by taking surveys
- Minimum of 500 points (the equivalent of $5) needed before redeeming rewards
- Redeeming rewards is quick and straightforward
- Have to answer questions before actual survey to see if you’re eligible
- Requires patience because it can get repetitive or you might not qualify for every survey
Product Details
- Build your profile & we’ll match you to surveys.
- Complete surveys and earn virtual points.
- Redeem virtual points for PayPal or e-Giftcards.
4. Open a bank account that has a cash bonus
If you’re looking to open a bank account, numerous national institutions are offering checking account bonuses, and a few also have savings account bonuses.
To qualify for a cash bonus, you’ll generally have to be a new bank account customer or a customer who hasn’t opened an account from that financial institution for a certain timeframe. Then, you’ll either have to deposit a certain amount of money, set up a direct deposit, or make debit card transactions.
Cash bonuses will usually be deposited into your bank account anywhere from 14 to 180 days after your account has been opened.
Keep in mind that when you file taxes for the year, you’ll have to include your bank account bonus as income and pay income tax. You also can’t sign up for two bank account bonuses at a particular financial institution at the same time.
5. Start a side hustle
Maybe you are a fantastic organizer or you are an animal lover who’s great at pet-sitting. Find an activity you’re comfortable doing and see if there’s a way to start earning money through it. You can start off locally or promote yourself online.
Jerel Butler, CFP and founder of Millennial Financial Solutions, recommends calculating how much money you make per hour to see if a particular side hustle is worth it.
“If the amount per hour you’re making is comparable to what you’re doing at your regular job or above a certain average or benchmark that you set for yourself, that is a good barometer of that particular side hustle is worth it,” says Butler.
6. Perform tasks through a gig economy app
Gig economy apps like Uber, Rover, TaskRabbit, and DoorDash are another way to earn cash. Competition and earnings potential may vary greatly depending on where you live.
However, Butler points out that there may be hidden costs for performing certain tasks through these gig-style apps.
“Let’s say you’re making $20 to $25 per hour via the time that you’ve signed into the app, but you also need to consider things such as maintenance, gas, etc. Those those additional costs that should be considered,” says Butler.
7. Recycle
You can collect plastic, aluminum, and glass bottles and take them to a recycling center in your area to get some cash. Recycling may involve more manual labor than some of the other tasks on our list, though.
8. Ask a loved one to borrow money
If you have a friend or family member whom you feel comfortable approaching about money, let them know your situation. Ask them if you could borrow money from them. If they decide to give you a loan, come up with a plan and schedule for repayment.
