Make Money Online
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25 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline and at Home
Here's how to make money with a side gig and how long it will take to see additional income.
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More like paying your bills in person
The sting of inflation may make you wonder how to earn some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can work on your skills and passion as a side hustle.
NerdWallet has created over 25 real ways to make money at home, online or abroad. For each potential side job, we list details like what it takes to get started, age requirements, and how fast you can get paid. While most people want to make a quick buck, don't discount "slow" gigs, as they can pay more in the long run.
How to earn money online
How to make money from home
How to make money offline
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How to earn money online
1. Take freelance work online
Make money online with websites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com. These sites offer a variety of freelance jobs, such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, and being a virtual assistant. Fluent in a second language? Check out sites like Django or Blend Express or drum up business through your own site. Regardless of the type of freelancing you do, keep track of the going rates for the type of work you're paid for so you know what to charge. Learn how to get started with Upwork.
A recent report by Freelancer.com found that creative writing jobs saw the fastest growth in its site listings in the second quarter of 2023, up 58%. And while generative artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used to create content, it can't do the work of human writers. Companies are looking for writers who know how to edit AI content and who have at least a basic understanding of search engine optimization — learning or improving SEO skills can be a lucrative side. Some freelancers are charging $100 or more per hour for their freelance writing services.
Total Time: It may take some time to get your first gig.
Setup: 24-48 hours.
How easy it is to start: Easy if you have the skills.
How fast you pay: Varies by site.
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2. Test the website and app
Another way to make money from home is on sites like UserTesting.com. You get paid for your thoughts on how good - or not so good - certain websites and apps are. To be accepted you must complete a short exam, after which you will be paid depending on the type of exam.
Total Time: Approval time may vary.
Setup: Less than an hour.
How easy it is to get started: Easy, if you have the tech gear and complete a sample test.
Age Threshold: 18+.
How fast you get paid: 14 days.
3. Learn to use AI tools
The use of generative artificial intelligence is increasing. A recent report by PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.
So there is no better time to learn how to make money using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:
Integrating AI tools as a freelancer, to help you create digital products or edit AI content for a client.
Improving your advertising, marketing efforts and management of your existing small business.
Teaching others to use AI tools.
Total Time: Depends on demand.
Setup: About 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com.
How easy it is to get started: It will be easier to get started if you are already familiar with AI tools.
Age Threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork.
How fast you get paid: Varies based on the number of clients or products you sell and the platform you choose.
4. Take surveys for money
You can make money doing online surveys at home, but don't expect to earn much. Survey sites usually don't pay a large sum of money, and many sites are more effective at earning gift cards than cash. Some other popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie. Read our analysis of survey sites to find out which one is best for you
Total Time: It will take some time.
Setup: Just a few minutes.
How easy it is to get started: Very. Just register and get started.
Age Threshold: 13 to 18+.
How fast you pay: Varies by site.
Money management made easy
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5. Make money from your blog with affiliate links
If you are a blogger who gets decent traffic, you can earn money by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates (that's you) get paid when someone clicks from the website to the partner site and buys something there. Some bloggers make a lot of money this way, especially those who do full-time affiliate marketing. Read more about affiliate marketing and other ways bloggers can make money.
Total Time: It can take quite a while to build an audience.
Setup: With blog templates, creating a site is easy.
How easy it is to get started: While getting started is easy, creating content regularly can be another matter.
Age Threshold: Any.
How quickly you get paid: One or two months on average.
6. Sell your stuff on Etsy
Have a penchant for woodworking, jewelry making, embroidery or pottery? Sell your crafts on Etsy, the go-to place for artisans to sell home goods, art and knickknacks. According to Etsy, the company has 95 million active shoppers and will generate more than $13 billion in merchandise sales in 2022. Learn more about how to make money on Etsy.
Total Time: It may take some time for customers to find you.
Setup: Can be quite involved.
How easy it is to get started: Leaning toward "hard" on the difficulty meter.
Age Threshold: 13+.
How fast you get paid: From the next day to seven days after the sale.
7. Self-publish an e-book
Writing a good book is hard, but the Internet makes it easy to market. If you're an author who can churn out pages, you can use Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing to sell your book(s) on the Kindle Store. Publishing a book is free, and you can earn up to 70% of each sale in royalties Write your book, write a clear description and description, and upload your manuscript. Set the price and see if it sells.
Total time: How fast can you type? We don't have to tell you that writing a book can be a slog.
Setup: Quick and easy on KDP once the book is ready.
How to get started is easy: just start writing.
Age Threshold: 18+.
How fast you get paid: Monthly, after you meet the $100 threshold.
8. Earn from advertising on your blog or YouTube channel
Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts attract a large audience, you may be able to earn money from advertising YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as a benchmark for applying to the YouTube Partner Program if you want to advertise on your channel. You can apply for other monetization features like channel membership with 500 members. You can use Google's AdSense, the same advertising platform on YouTube, to place relevant ads on your blog or website for potential earnings. Read more about how to make money on YouTube and Google AdSense.
Total Time: It can take several weeks to get up and running.
Setup: Fairly easy.
How easy it is to get started: Depends on how good you are at creating engaging videos.
Age Threshold: 18+.
How quickly you get paid: The first payment can take a long time; Then monthly.
Are you in Canada?
Check out NerdWallet's guide to making money online for Canadians.
9. Become an Instagram influencer
Companies are using Instagram influencers – large, dedicated followers on the platform – to represent their products. You can take action by applying for opportunities through marketing platforms like Open Influence or Aspiration, or by contacting brands you want to work with. Read more about how to make money on Instagram. (You can make money on TikTok this way too.)
Total Time: You have to stick with it.
Setup: Quick and easy.
How easy is it to get started: Not so easy. Read: The following must be created to achieve impact.
Age Threshold: 13+.
How fast you get paid: Varies by partnership.
10. Monetize your Twitch channel
Gaming can 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 donations from viewers and even a share of subscription and advertising 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 it is to get started: Getting started is easy; It takes some time to build a following.
Age Threshold: 13+.
How often do you get paid: Monthly.
11. Sell your photography
Turn your photographs into cash with sites like Fine Art America, which let you upload your photos 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 can offer features ranging from cloud storage to password-protected galleries and a customized website.
Total Time: Buyers need to find you — and like your work.
Setup: Just a few hours.
How easy it is to get started: If you have a library of photos, you're on your way
Age Threshold: Varies.
How fast you get paid: Depends on your selling platform.
How to make money from home
Some side hustles don't require you to leave home. Or if they do, it might be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and the attitude to stick with it. Here are some great ideas for side gigs from home:
12. Become a dog walker with Rover or Wag
Love dogs? Choose dog walking as a beginner way to earn money. Apps like Wag and Rover offer on-demand dog walking, so you can walk when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord's permission, if you rent), you can offer overnight dog boarding. If you sign up for these services, read the fine print
Total Time: Building a client base can take some time.
Setup: Approval may take several weeks.
How easy is it to get started: Love pets? you can go
Age Threshold: 18+.
How fast you get paid: Two days to one week.
13. Sell unused gift cards
Earn extra money by selling unused or partially used gift cards on sites like CardCash or GiftCash. CardCash notes that it will pay you up to 92% of the card's value, or you can trade in your card for one you use. Read more about what to do with unwanted gift cards.
Total Time: Within minutes if your gift card is for a popular store.
Setup: Easy.
How easy it is to get started: The more gift cards you have to sell, the better.
Age Threshold: Old enough to have a credit card.
How quickly you'll get paid: A few days to about two weeks.
14. List your spare bedroom on Airbnb
Renting out your home or spare bedroom on vacation rental sites is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and maintain the property, replace household items and service fees. And check your rental agreement, HOA rules and zoning or other restrictions before you get started
Total Time: Demand drives success, and it depends on your location.
Setup: A list can be created and live within hours.
How easy it is to get started: If you have a place to rent, it's an easy process.
Age Threshold: 18+.
How fast you pay: One day or more after check-in.
How to make money offline
There are online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there's a third option: This version of the offline gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there's no escaping the internet these days, this offline method has some online elements:
15. Sell your gently used clothes
A woman earns extra money by selling her clothes.
Selling clothes you don't wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with a local consignment shop to make quick money or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. When listing items online, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set a competitive price. Get tips on how to sell your clothes.
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.
How easy it is to get started: Easy. Cleaning the closet can be the hardest part.
Age threshold: 13 for Poshmark, 18 for ThredUp.
How fast you get paid: Varies by sales channel.
16. Trade 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 hurry, try an EcoATM kiosk, which offers cash on the spot for your device.
Total Time: Lots of options, so the time you spend will vary.
Setup: A breeze.
How easy it is to get started: Easy, especially if your phone is in good condition.
Age Threshold: Usually 18; Terms of Service
17. Get a babysitting gig
Everyone from college students to recent retirees can make money watching other people's kids. Word-of-mouth referrals from friends and family are still a great way to get started, but you can also create a free profile on Care.com or Sittercity to expand your reach. Note any special skills, such as CPR certification, to make yourself more marketable.
Total Time: Online setup takes a few minutes; Neighborhood referrals may take some time.
Setup: Just a few minutes.
How easy it is to get started: Getting the word out is key
Age Threshold: You are too young to use referrals. 18+ online.
How quickly you get paid: When parents come home.
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 into extra money with services like Getaround and Turo, which let you rent your car by the hour or day. You'll take home most of that earnings, while Getaround or Turo will deduct a bit for protection when you rent a car.
Total Time: Your vehicle needs will depend on the local market.
Setup: Setting up an account takes about half an hour.
How easy it is to start: With a suitable 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 pay: Varies by site.
19. Sign up for TaskRabbit
If you really enjoy assembling Ikea furniture or standing in long lines, you may be cut out for working for others. Websites like TaskRabbit can connect you 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 jobs, such as assisting with a research project or data entry. Read about how to get started on TaskRabbit.
Total Time: Local demand for your skills will determine the time you spend.
Setup: A few hours, then some time for approval.
How easy it is to get started: Easy, though you'll need to do some research.
Age Threshold: 18+.
How soon you will get paid: After a few days of employment.
20. Become a private tutor
Turn your math, science, foreign language or test prep skills into a lucrative side gig by becoming a private tutor. You can teach people online or in person. What you charge may depend on your experience, skills and needs. To get started, find needed tutors on Craigslist or create a profile on sites like Tutor.com or Care.com. You can also advertise your services at local schools and community centers.
Total Time: Varies subject wise. Some companies may require minimum availability per week (eg, Tutor.com requires 5 hours).
Setup: May be somewhat involved.
How easy it is to get started: Students need to find you and that can take some time.
Age Threshold: Any.
How fast you get paid: Depends on the platform; Check the terms of service.
21. Uber, Drive for Lyft
Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and earn money by driving passengers around. Just don't forget to factor in gas and maintenance costs. You need a qualifying vehicle in good condition and agree to a background check and review of your driving history. Learn how to become an Uber driver or how to earn with Lyft.
Total Time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: A few weeks.
How easy it is to start: Not hard, but you'll need the right kind of car
Age Threshold: Depends on the Service. For Uber, you must have a license to drive in your area with one year of licensed driving experience (or three years if you're under 25). With Lyft, the age varies by region between 21-25.
How fast you get paid: Very fast. Either immediately or within a few days.
22. Delivery for Amazon, Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery trend and sign up for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. You mostly pay per delivery and can even earn tips. A car isn't always necessary — Postmate and, in some cities, DoorDash, let you use a bike or scooter to make deliveries. However, a background check is almost always part of the contract. 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 it is to get started: Easy, if you have reliable transportation.
Age Threshold: Varies by service, but at least 18 if not older.
How fast you pay: Varies by seller.
23. Find work as a house sitter
If you're willing to watch someone's house — and maybe feed the pets, water the plants, and take out the trash — become a housesitter. Tap into your personal network for referrals or try HouseSitter.com, which connects homeowners with house sitters.
Total Time: Depends on your market demand.
Setup: Minutes — or more if you're trying to grow business through referrals.
How easy it is to get started: This may depend on the needs of your area.
Age Threshold: Varies by site.
How quickly you get paid: usually at the end of a gig; Arrange with clients.
24. Sign up to be a mystery shopper
Businesses often want to know how things are doing from the customer's perspective. Sign up to be their eyes and ears. You can apply online through sites like IntelliShop, BestMark and Sinclair Customer Metrics. Just beware of scams and do thorough research before signing up.
Total Time: Varies by site.
Setup: Applying takes some time, but approval may take some time.
How easy it is to get started: Relatively easy if you need transportation and technology.
Age Threshold: May vary by site.
How fast you get paid: Varies by company.
25. Put your drone to work
The drone market is expanding. Companies hire jobs like aerial inspection, photography and land mapping. So if you're already a drone enthusiast, why not make extra money with your aircraft? To become a drone pilot you must pass a test and register your drone with the Federal Aviation Administration. Then, you can apply for flying gigs. Learn how to make money with drones.
Total Time: Depends on demand.
Setup: You need time to pass an exam. And then find the client.
How easy it is to get started: If you already have a drone, you're probably eligible.
Age Threshold: 16+.
How fast you get paid: Varies by company.
A smart view of your financial health
A quick read on how to set yourself up to meet spending and money goals.
Beware of 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, asks you to pay for certification, or requests financial information such as your Social Security number or your credit card number.
Still unsure if an opportunity is valid? Check out community forums like Reddit for reviews and complaints. Also, see if the company has a Better Business Bureau profile. BBB assigns ratings based on reported complaints, business transparency and other factors.
Monitor your money while trying. If you're facing financial worries, NerdWallet can help you find ways to save. Please join for free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I easily earn money online?
Side tasks like checking websites, doing surveys and selling your used items online take minimal time to set up and have few requirements. You can also earn passive income through affiliate marketing or renting out your car.
