Make money in one day: 50 real ideas you can start now

Need quick cash? Discover 50 ways to make money in one day, from tutoring to online sales, and start earning fast with simple side hustles.

Need to earn cash fast? Unexpected bills and spontaneous plans – we've all been there. Gigs like clipping, affiliate marketing, picking up shifts in hospitality, and tutoring can get you paid on the same day.

Thanks to the gig economy, instant payout apps, and creative side hustles, it's easier than ever to make money in just one day.

Below we’ve found 50 (legitimate) ways to make money today, from quick cash gigs to digital products, creative side hustles, and everything in between. 

Make money in one day with these 50 ideas 

Fastest online methods (Start now, earn today)

These are the quickest, easiest ways to earn money from your phone or laptop.

Check out our top picks in this table, or keep reading for the full list.

1. Affiliate marketing

Affiliate marketing is one of the smoothest ways to start earning online — literally from day one. You're basically getting paid to recommend products you actually love.

"Let's say I have a cousin who wants to learn how to sell with TikTok shop. I can click on a whop, scroll to the bottom of the page, and add the affiliate reward to my dashboard.

Then, I copy my affiliate link, send to my cousin, friend, family member, and receive that reward straight into my Whop account."
- AB, Whop

You connect your audience with great products, and when they buy through your special link, you earn a sweet commission. The moment someone makes a purchase, you're making money.

• How to start: Pick a niche you're passionate about, like gaming or beauty. Then, sign up for a beginner-friendly platform like Whop, Amazon Associates, or Clickbank, and share products you love.
• Earning potential: You can definitely make your first sale in just one day. By creating a quick piece of video content or a social media post, you could earn a commission as soon as someone purchases through your link.
• Difficulty: Medium. While some affiliate programs require an established audience, others, like Whop Affiliates, let you get started quickly. The key is to create valuable content that drives clicks and conversions.

2. Online surveys 

Online surveys won't make you rich, but they can provide quick cash when you need it today. A lot of online survey platforms offer almost instant payment options once you reach a minimum threshold, typically around $5.

"If you're looking to make a little bit of extra money online, you can try signing up for online focus groups."

- Keisha Singleton, Whop

Popular sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and PrizeRebel let you earn through simple surveys, with payments sent via PayPal or gift cards.

• How to start: Create a profile on a few top survey sites and start taking surveys. The more honest you are in your responses, the better you'll be matched with surveys that qualify you.
• Earning potential: You can realistically earn $20-$30 in a day with focused effort. The more surveys you complete, the more you can earn.
• Difficulty: Low. This is a very easy way to get started, but it requires patience to do repetitive tasks for a low hourly rate.

3. Paid research studies and focus groups

Paid research studies and focus groups pay you for your opinions, but at a higher rate than standard surveys.

Brands, universities, and research firms want in-depth feedback on products, ads, or ideas – and they’ll often pay $50–$200 for an hour of your time.

• How to start: Sign up with research panels (online or local) and complete your profile honestly so you’re matched with higher-paying studies.
• Earning potential: $50–$200 per study, sometimes more for longer or specialised sessions.
• Difficulty: Medium. Studies fill up quickly and may have strict eligibility criteria.

4. Testing websites and apps

Companies are actually paying people to test their websites and apps, and yes, it's as simple as it sounds. You browse their site, try their app, and tell them what you think.

Platforms like UserTesting, BetaTesting, and IntelliZoom will pay you for your honest feedback. Most tests take 15-30 minutes and pay you $10-20 each. A tip here: take 10 minutes to set up a solid profile first, as it helps you land more testing gigs.

• How to start: Sign up for a testing platform and complete a thorough profile. This is crucial for matching you with tests. Once approved, you can start earning by sharing your thoughts on new apps and websites.
• Earning potential: You can make $10-$20 per test, and with a few hours of work, it's possible to earn a quick $50-$100 or more in a day.
• Difficulty: Medium. While the tasks themselves are easy, landing tests can be competitive and require a well-optimized profile.

5. Clipping

If you want to get paid today for doing something relatively simple, Whop Clips is the way to go.

All you need to do is join the Whop Clips community, complete a quick course for free, and start clipping! You'll be turning longer videos into short, viral clips, and you'll be paid based on your results.

"There are people making 10, 20, even 30 thousand dollars a month by simply making copy-paste clips or even UGC.

I'm able to say that confidently because I run a couple of these groups, one called Whop Clips, where I teach people how to clip content. One of our top clippers made $20,000 just last month."

— Dylan Lundgren, Marketing at Whop

This is a fun, easy side hustle, and with Whop's same-day payouts, you could be getting paid today.

• How to start: Sign up for Whop Clips and follow the instructions.
• Earning potential: Top clippers earn thousands of dollars per month.
• Difficulty: Easy. You just need a good eye for what can go viral and the determination to keep creating new content until it hits.

6. Transcription and captioning gigs

If you’re a fast typer with good attention to detail, transcription and captioning gigs can bring in same-day cash.

You’ll get paid to turn audio or video into written text or subtitles for creators, podcasters, and businesses.

• How to start: Apply to platforms like Rev or TranscribeMe, or offer your services directly to YouTubers and podcasters who need captions.
• Earning potential: $15–$30+ per hour once you’re up to speed, with the chance to cash out frequently on many platforms.
• Difficulty: Medium. The work is simple but requires focus and accuracy.

7. Product testing

Turn your honest opinions into cash or free products by becoming a product tester. Companies need real feedback before launching, and they'll pay for your insights.

While less common than surveys, product testing typically offers better compensation – either in cash, free products, or both.

• How to start: Sign up on platforms like UserTesting and Testbirds for tech gigs, or join Amazon seller groups to test physical products. Be reliable with your feedback to build a steady stream of opportunities.
• Earning potential: Compensation varies, from free products to cash payments of $10-$20 per review. The more detailed your feedback, the more likely you are to get repeat opportunities.
• Difficulty: Medium. It can take time to find gigs.

8. Sell stock photos or videos

Got a camera and an eye for great shots? Turn those photos sitting on your phone into cash by selling stock online today.

You don't need to be a pro, just passionate; businesses and creators are constantly hunting for fresh images of everything from people working on laptops to urban scenes.

• How to start: Create a profile on platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock. Upload your best shots today, and your photos can start making you money the moment someone buys them.
• Earning potential: Earnings per photo are low, but volume adds up. The more high-quality photos you upload, the more passive income you can generate. A single popular image can sell repeatedly for years.
• Difficulty: Low. Getting started is easy, but building a profitable portfolio takes time and consistent uploads of high-quality, in-demand content.

9. Write dating profiles 

It might seem simple, but the average person struggles to write about themselves on dating apps. Singles are more than willing to invest $50-150 for a profile that helps them shine online - and who can blame them?

In the online dating world, those few lines of text can make all the difference. And, you get to help people tell their story in a way that truly represents who they are.

"I've paid for both professional photos and worked with someone to write my profile. They definitely improved my confidence in terms of feeling like my profile was an accurate reflection of me and my interests."

- Reddit user Charming-Bit-3416

• How to start: Chat with your client to understand their personality, then craft a profile that captures their vibe. You can perfect a profile in an hour or two, meaning you could help several people in a single day.
• Earning potential: You can charge $50-$150 per profile, potentially making hundreds of dollars a day by helping multiple clients.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need strong writing and communication skills to translate a client's personality into an appealing profile.

10. Calendar organization

Calendar organizing might sound simple, but it's a service that can put quick cash in your pocket. Believe it or not, busy professionals and entrepreneurs happily shell out $50-100 per hour just to have someone sort out their chaotic schedules.

• How to start: Post on social media or reach out to local business groups offering your services. Most clients only need two to three hours to get their schedule whipped into shape, and you can do it all remotely.
• Earning potential: At $50-$100 per hour, you can earn a few hundred dollars in a single day by taking on a couple of clients.
• Difficulty: Low. If you're detail-oriented and organized, this is a straightforward service to offer with little overhead.

11. Bank account sign-up bonuses

Banks and financial institutions regularly offer cash bonuses just for opening new accounts, and this is one of the easiest ways to make free money in a single day.

Chase, Discover, and other major banks frequently run promotions offering $150-300 for new checking or savings accounts with simple requirements like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance.

• How to start: Research current bank bonus offers (check sites like Doctor of Credit for updated lists). Choose an account that fits your needs, complete the online application, and meet the bonus requirements.
• Earning potential: You can earn $150-300 per account. Opening multiple accounts over time can net you thousands annually.
• Difficulty: Low. The application process is straightforward, but you'll need to meet requirements like minimum deposits or direct deposit setup to qualify for the bonus.

12. Find unclaimed money

There's a good chance you have money sitting in state databases right now, just waiting for you to claim it. Unclaimed money comes from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance refunds, utility deposits, and more.

The best part? It's completely free to search and claim.

• How to start: Visit unclaimed.org (run by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators) or missingmoney.com. Enter your name and check every state you've lived in. If you find a match, follow the claim process with required documentation like ID and proof of address.
• Earning potential: Amounts vary wildly from a few dollars to thousands.
• Difficulty: Very low. Searching takes just minutes, and claiming is free. Processing time varies by state but is typically straightforward paperwork.

Sell stuff or rent things for instant cash

Turn unused items or underused space into same-day cash with quick sales or rentals.

13. Selling clothes

One of the fastest ways to make money in 24 hours is hiding right in your closet. Those jeans you haven't worn in months or that jacket that's not quite your style anymore could be cash in your pocket by tonight.

"Personally, I see Depop as the perfect side hustle, as anyone with a phone can do it. You really can turn £10 into £100 in a week, if not quicker, if done right."

-Redditor in the r/sidehustle community

• How to start: Snap a few photos, write a quick description, and list your items on platforms like Depop or Poshmark. For even faster cash, host a last-minute yard sale and post about it on local Facebook groups.
• Earning potential: You can easily make $50-$200 or more in one day, depending on the number and quality of items you sell.
• Difficulty: Low. This is a super quick and easy way to declutter your space while making money.

14. NFT creation and sales

Creating and selling NFTs can be a quick way to earn if you've got some artistic flair or digital design skills. Best of all, you can create and list your artwork on NFT marketplaces in a single day. This can earn you anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per piece.

• How to start: Create eye-catching digital artwork and convert it into an NFT on platforms like OpenSea or Rarible. Market it through social media, leveraging trending hashtags to boost visibility.
• Earning potential: You can earn anywhere from $50 to several hundred dollars per piece, with the potential for more if your work goes viral.
• Difficulty: High. While creating and listing are easy, generating interest and making a sale is highly competitive and depends on a mix of skill, marketing, and luck.

15. Ebooks

Ebooks are just packaged expertise, creativity, or guidance packed in a digital, downloadable format that people can buy instantly. You can start making sales as soon as you hit publish, and once created, the same ebook can keep making money day after day without extra work.

"When it comes to marketing ebooks I do organic sales — meaning I don't run ads, I don't have any paid advertisement, I just use my following on social media whether it be YouTube, TikTok and Instagram, to drive sales directly to these books."

— Jeremie Lander, 3 x published ebook author

• How to start: Find your niche, write your ebook (you can even use AI to help with the outline), and list it on platforms like Whop, Amazon Kindle, or Etsy.
• Earning potential: While it can take time to build consistent sales, you can make your first sale the day you publish. Top sellers earn thousands in passive income each month.
• Difficulty: Medium. Writing the ebook can take time, but the publishing process is straightforward, and the potential for long-term passive income is high.

16. Rent out items

Turn your unused items into instant income through the rental market. From cars and bikes to party equipment, tech gadgets, and power tools, everyday items sitting idle in your home could earn you quick cash.

• How to start: List your items on platforms like Turo (for cars) or Fat Llama (for various goods). If you live in a tourist area, you can rent out child care items like strollers and cribs to traveling families.
• Earning potential: You can make anywhere from $25 to hundreds of dollars in a single day, depending on the item and rental demand.
• Difficulty: Low. Listing items is simple, and you get paid instantly upon pickup.

17. Rent out your driveway or parking space

If you live near a city centre, stadium, uni, or major workplace, your parking space could be prime real estate.

Commuters and event-goers will happily pay for a guaranteed spot, and you can earn without lifting a finger.

• How to start: List your driveway or allocated parking spot on local parking apps or community groups. Set a day rate for events or a nightly/weekly rate for regular use.
• Earning potential: $10–$50+ per day depending on your location and demand.
• Difficulty: Very low. Once you’ve listed your spot and agreed a time, it’s practically passive income.

18. Print-on-demand

Print-on-demand is your one-way ticket to fast cash. It's your own merch brand without the headache of storing inventory or risking your savings. The moment someone buys, your design gets printed and shipped directly to them.

• How to start: With designs that speak to people. Platforms like Redbubble, Printful, and Merch by Amazon handle all the printing and shipping, so you can focus on creating and marketing designs.
• Earning potential: You can make your first sale in one day if your designs resonate with a niche audience. With no upfront cost, every sale is a profit.
• Difficulty: Low. The setup is easy, and there's no financial risk. The challenge is creating designs that people want to buy.

Service-based hustles (offer a skill today)

Use a skill you already have to land quick gigs – many clients pay the same day for quality work.

19. Podcast editing 

The recent podcast boom might be your answer to making quick money. Turns out, podcasters constantly need editors, and you can jump in with just a few basic skills.

• How to start: Learn free software like Audacity, then offer to edit a couple of episodes for free as samples. Join podcast Facebook groups and Reddit communities where hosts are actively seeking editors.
• Earning potential: Once you land a gig, you can earn $30-$50 per hour for basic editing work.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need to learn the software and find clients, which can take time, but the skills are easy to pick up.

20. Presentation design

Ever noticed how many people freeze up at the thought of designing PowerPoint slides? Professionals everywhere need polished presentations but lack the time or design skills to create them, and they're willing to pay $50-$200 per presentation.

• How to start: Create a portfolio and start reaching out to clients on LinkedIn and freelance sites. You need an eye for design and decent PowerPoint or Canva skills.
• Earning potential: You can earn $50-$200 per presentation, with the potential to complete several in a single day.
• Difficulty: Medium. While the skills are easy to learn, building a client base and portfolio takes effort.

21. Short-form video editing

Want to tap into serious money? Short-form video editing is a great way to do so. With creators desperate to go viral, they're willing to pay good money for editors who know what works – and they're often looking for same-day turnaround.

• How to start: Grab free software like CapCut, learn the basics, and study what makes videos pop on social media. Join TikTok Discord communities to stay updated on trending tips.
• Earning potential: You can knock out several videos per hour at $50-$150 each. Do the math: that adds up fast.
• Difficulty: Medium. It's a competitive field, but the demand is high, and you can get started quickly with free software.

22. Consulting

Turn your expertise into serious cash through consulting. If you've got real-world experience or specialized knowledge, companies will pay premium rates for your insights - especially in money-driving areas like business development, marketing, and customer acquisition.

• How to start: Build a strong personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn. Use platforms like Whop to sell your expertise through one-on-one sessions, training videos, and templates.
• Earning potential: You can make around $100-$300+ per hour for solid advice, with the potential for same-day payment from urgent clients.
• Difficulty: High. This requires a proven track record and expertise in a high-value field.

23. Resume and LinkedIn profile makeovers

Most people hate writing about themselves professionally – which is exactly why they’ll pay for help polishing their resume and LinkedIn profile.

You can turn a couple of hours of work into same-day income by offering “done-for-you” application-ready profiles.

• How to start: Offer a 24-hour turnaround service on social media, LinkedIn, or freelance platforms. Ask clients for their existing CV and job goals, then rewrite and reformat for clarity and impact.
• Earning potential: $75–$200 per package, with the potential to complete a few in one day.
• Difficulty: Medium. You’ll need strong writing skills and a basic understanding of what recruiters look for.

24. Online coaching

Do you have experience helping people reach their goals? Online coaching can put cash in your pocket today, and you don't need fancy certificates to start (just a hot offer and a platform that makes it simple to sell same-day).

The creator above coaches the older generation on how to use tech. No qualifications–just personal experience.

"College kids are making a significant amount of money showing the older generation how to use technology — specifically AI and social media.

This a pain point that you can solve and get paid for, and you don't need to be an expert— you just need to be a few steps ahead."

— Online tech coach and business owner

• How to start: Whether you excel at productivity, relationships, or fitness, someone's willing to pay for your knowledge. Create your whop, share your brand online, and start meeting with clients today.
• Earning potential: Most new coaches charge $50-$100 per session, and you can start taking clients as soon as today.
• Difficulty: Medium. It requires a passion for helping people and a good marketing strategy to find clients.

25. Creating custom playlists

Turn your music obsession into quick cash by curating custom playlists for people who don't have the time (or the knack) to do it themselves. From workout mixes to dinner party soundtracks, there's a niche demand for perfectly crafted playlists that set just the right mood.

• How to start: Create a portfolio of your playlists and share them online. A solid presence across social platforms is everything for this niche business.
• Earning potential: You can charge anywhere from $25-$75 per playlist, depending on length and complexity, and knock out several in a day.
• Difficulty: Low. If you have a good ear for music, this is a fun and easy way to make money.

26. Sell leads

Finding qualified leads is one of business owners' biggest challenges, and that spells an opportunity for anyone ready to solve this problem. 

By connecting businesses with potential customers, you can build a profitable side business through lead generation.

• How to start: Identify quality prospects for companies in high-value industries like medical practices, law firms, and real estate. Get paid either through commissions or set fees for each lead.
• Earning potential: With commissions, you can earn a few hundred dollars or more per lead, adding up to serious cash in a day.
• Difficulty: High. This requires research skills, networking, and a good understanding of a specific industry.

27. Personal styling advice

Got a knack for putting outfits together? Personal styling has become a hot service, and you don't need fancy credentials to start making money today. People are willing to pay $75-150 per session for someone to help them figure out what to wear for job interviews, special events, or just to refresh their everyday look.

• How to start: Through virtual styling sessions, you can hop on a video call to provide outfit advice and create new combinations from clothes they already own.
• Earning potential: You can make $75-$150 per session, with the potential to book multiple clients in a single day.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need a good eye for style and the ability to give friendly, honest feedback.

28. Mystery shopping

Get paid to shop, eat, or experience services while providing valuable feedback to businesses. Mystery shopping involves visiting stores, restaurants, or businesses as a regular customer, then submitting detailed reports about your experience. Companies use this intel to improve customer service and operations.

• How to start: Sign up with legitimate mystery shopping companies like Market Force, BestMark, or IntelliShop.
• Earning potential: Most shops pay $10-25 plus reimbursement for purchases. You can complete several shops in a day, potentially earning $50-150, and you often get free food or products as part of the deal.
• Difficulty: Low to medium. The work itself is easy, but you need to be detail-oriented and follow specific instructions precisely.

Creator & content monetization

Turn your ideas, audience, or creative talents into income streams that can start paying you today.

29. Create a newsletter

Email newsletters are a great way to earn your first dollars online. While major players like Morning Brew make millions of dollars, you can start earning in a few days with a simpler approach.

Begin with a targeted niche – local events, industry insights, or curated news – and use free platforms like Substack to launch instantly.

• How to start: Use free platforms like Whop, Medium or Substack to launch instantly. Think of something niche, valuable, and worth paying for - and then market it at a low price to as many people as possible.
• Earning potential: Even 50 initial subscribers can generate $250-$500 monthly in recurring revenue. You can also approach small businesses for sponsorships and earn $50-$100 for a single mention.
• Difficulty: Medium. Building an audience takes time, but the setup is easy, and the long-term potential for recurring revenue is high.

30. Create and sell Instagram accounts

Build and sell themed accounts on Instagram to get-rich-quick. Create content around popular niches like pets, luxury, travel, tech, or business. Grow your following through consistent posting and trending content, using AI tools to speed up creation.

• How to start: Once you've built an engaged audience, earn through sponsored posts and digital products—or sell the entire account for potentially thousands.
• Earning potential: Popular accounts in targeted niches can sell for five or six figures.
• Difficulty: High. Building an engaged audience from scratch is extremely difficult and time-consuming.

31. Video courses

Video courses are like ebooks on steroids. Sure, they take more time to create, but you can charge premium prices — we're talking $1,000 or more. And once your course is live, you can start selling it immediately.

People will pay premium prices if you can solve a problem and deliver real results. So don't just teach "social media marketing" – show people exactly how to blow up their dropshipping store on TikTok using organic growth strategies.

• How to start: Find a specific problem to solve and create a course that delivers real results. Whop handles course hosting and delivery, so you can focus on creating content and making sales.
• Earning potential: You can make high-ticket sales as soon as you publish your course. The more specific your solution, the easier it is to find people willing to pay.
• Difficulty: High. This requires a high level of expertise and a strong marketing strategy to convert sales.

32. Sell digital templates and micro-downloads

Digital templates and micro-downloads are tiny plug-and-play products people can start using instantly. This means things like Notion dashboards, Canva templates, budget sheets, or resume layouts. They’re quick to create and can start selling the same day you upload them.

• How to start: Turn something you’ve already built (a tracker, planner, slide deck, checklist) into a downloadable template and list it on Whop.
• Earning potential: $5–$50 per template, with the potential for dozens of sales from a single product.
• Difficulty: Low to medium. The hardest part is choosing a useful, in-demand template and giving it clean, user-friendly design.

33. Become a social media influencer

Being an influencer isn't just about posting selfies — you can start making money from day one if you play it smart.

You probably already have everything you need to get started: a phone, some creativity, and your unique perspective.

• How to start: Pick a niche like budget fashion or cooking hacks. Even with a small but engaged audience, you can monetize through sponsored posts or affiliate programs.
• Earning potential: A single viral post could start bringing in money within 24 hours through sponsorships, affiliate links, and product sales.
• Difficulty: Medium. While getting started is easy, building an engaged audience and monetizing can be harder.

Pro tip: platforms like TikTok and Instagram are goldmines because their algorithms love giving new creators a chance to go viral. One well-timed, creative post could literally start bringing in money within 24 hours.  

34. Make a YouTube channel

YouTube remains a top platform to earn online, even after 20 years. While building a full channel takes time, you can create content starting today.

For tips on how to get started, watch the video above by YouTube strategist Leroy ter Braak:

I've helped creators get 500+ million views in the last 12 months — long form only. It's probably closer to a billion, but that's neither here nor there."

— Leroy ter Braak, YouTube content strategist and top 1% creator

• How to start: YouTube Shorts offer a faster way to build an audience with quick, engaging clips. Don't want to show your face? Create faceless content using AI tools.
• Earning potential: Once you gain traction, income flows through ads, sponsorships, and product sales.
• Difficulty: High. Building a subscriber base and generating significant income from ads takes a lot of time and consistent content creation.

35. Help build communities

Online communities are booming — as we spend more time online, we seek out communities that feel like home. Many groups need help growing and engaging their audiences, and they're willing to pay for it.

• How to start: Show your community-building skills and networking ability to potential clients. Or, make even more money with your own online community. Whop lets you create paid communities around any topic and start monetizing through memberships.
• Earning potential: As a community manager, you can earn a decent salary. With your own paid community, you can earn recurring income from memberships.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need to be a skilled communicator and networker, and building your own community takes effort.

36. Host virtual events 

Ready to put your organizational skills to work? Virtual event hosting has become a lucrative gig, with businesses and individuals willing to pay $200-$500 for someone to run their online gatherings smoothly.

• How to start: Create a landing page and social media profiles to advertise your business. You'll handle everything from platform setup to participant management.
• Earning potential: You can earn $200-$500 for a few hours of work, with the potential to host multiple sessions in a single day.
• Difficulty: Medium. You need to be organized and have a good grasp of platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Teaching, tutoring, and support work

Share your knowledge or lend a helping hand — many students, parents, and clients are willing to pay the same day for your assistance.

37. Tech support 

Got tech skills? Turn them into quick cash through freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. From troubleshooting computers to setting up software, there's a constant demand for technical support.

• How to start: Create a profile on freelancing platforms. You can also hand out flyers in your local community or post your services on community boards.
• Earning potential: You can charge a few hundred dollars for a quick fix or an hourly rate for more complex issues.
• Difficulty: Low. If you have tech skills, this is a very straightforward way to make money.

38. Teach English online

If you’re a native English speaker, you can turn your language skills into quick cash by teaching online. Platforms like VIPKid, Cambly, and Qkids connect you with students worldwide, and many don't require teaching certificates.

• How to start: Prove your fluency, sign up, and pass the approval process. If you want to keep more of your earnings, consider teaching on Whop.
• Earning potential: You can make anywhere from $10-$25 per hour, and you can start earning as soon as you get approved.
• Difficulty: Low. The setup is easy, and you can work on your own schedule from home.

39. Become a virtual assistant

Virtual assistants (VAs) are in high demand as more companies embrace remote work. While basic VA roles exist, focus on specialized skills to earn more.

"I get to help people, I get to work my own hours, and I get to work from home."

— Matthieu Ratrimoson, virtual assistant

• How to start: Start with administrative tasks like scheduling and organization. Build up to higher-paying opportunities by highlighting your unique abilities and delivering consistent results.
• Earning potential: VAs can earn anywhere from $15-$50+ per hour, with the potential to land a high-paying client for same-day work.
• Difficulty: Medium. While basic skills are easy to come by, landing a high-paying client requires a proven track record.

40. Tutoring

Same-day tutoring services are a great way to earn some quick cash. Whether you're great at math, science, or languages, many parents are willing to pay for immediate help, especially during exam seasons.

• How to start: While online platforms like Tutor.com require background checks, Whop is a quick-start option with no upfront costs. For immediate cash, focus on local, in-person tutoring first while setting up your online presence for long-term income.
• Earning potential: You can charge anywhere from $20-$60+ per hour, with the potential to make a few hundred dollars in a single day.
• Difficulty: Low. If you're a subject matter expert, this is a very easy way to make money.

Local gigs you can do today (offline, IRL, in your neighborhood)

Tap into nearby opportunities that pay fast — from helping a neighbor move to running same-day errands.

41. Delivery service jobs

Turn your car into a money-making machine today by driving for delivery. Platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Instacart, and Postmates often approve drivers within hours, letting you start earning the same day.

Best of all, many offer instant pay features — deliver a few meals and cash out immediately.

• How to start: Sign up to become a driver on an online delivery business. For package delivery, Amazon Flex lets you earn $18-$25 per hour.
• Earning potential: You can earn $18-$25+ per hour, and with instant pay features, you can cash out as soon as you finish a few deliveries.
• Difficulty: Low. The sign-up process is easy, and you can start earning on the same day.

42. Street performing and busking

Do you have a special talent? Whether you can play guitar, juggle, do magic tricks, or create art, you could turn your skills into cash today as a street performer. Popular spots like busy shopping areas, tourist locations, and weekend markets often draw generous crowds.

• How to start: Check your local laws for permits. Find a high-traffic spot in a tourist area or weekend market, and engage with your audience.
• Earning potential: Earnings vary widely but can be a few hundred dollars in a few hours if you're in a prime location with a good crowd.
• Difficulty: Medium. It requires a specific talent and the confidence to perform in front of strangers.

43. Odd jobs 

Odd jobs aren't just about helping your neighbor move anymore. These days, you've got online and offline options to earn fast money.

• How to start: Jump onto TaskRabbit or Airtasker to find everything from furniture assembly to yard work. Don't forget the traditional route: putting the word out locally can still land you same-day cash jobs.
• Earning potential: You can make $50-$200 or more in a day, depending on the job and your hourly rate.
• Difficulty: Low. The jobs are typically straightforward, and the app makes it easy to find them.

44. Babysitting 

On-demand babysitting is a great way to turn your free hours into cash. From a post on subreddit r/sidehustle:

"I found my “secret sauce” side hustle finally - made $1800 this past month ($600 in 4 days) for babysitting from SitterCity."

• How to start: Create a profile now and activate notifications for urgent requests. For the fastest results, message local friends and family about your immediate availability.
• Earning potential: Babysitters can earn $20-$30 per hour, with even a few hours netting you $60-$100 today.
• Difficulty: Low. If you enjoy working with kids, this is a very easy way to make quick cash.

45. Car washing 

Set up a neighborhood car wash business through Nextdoor. With basic supplies and competitive rates, you can tap into local demand for affordable, personal service.

• How to start: Post on Nextdoor to attract your first customers. Target busy neighbors and multiple-car households to earn $100+ in a day.
• Earning potential: You can earn $20-$30 per wash, with the potential to make a few hundred dollars in a single day.
• Difficulty: Low. The overhead is minimal, and you can start today.

46. Yardwork 

Your neighborhood's yards could be your next paycheck. From mowing lawns and pulling weeds to raking leaves and trimming hedges, basic yardwork is always in demand.

• How to start: Connect with local clients through Nextdoor or specialized platforms like GreenPal. You can start with basic services using tools you already have.
• Earning potential: You can earn $20-$50+ per hour, with the potential to make a few hundred dollars in a single day.
• Difficulty: Low. The work is physically demanding but easy to get into with minimal equipment.

 47. House cleaning 

Turn your cleaning skills into quick cash by offering local services. One redditor said her cleaning side hustle replaced her 9-5 and grew into a fully-staffed business:

"I was manager at McDonald's for 14 years, started cleaning houses, 2 years later I had enough clients to do it full time. 3 years after that, I hired employees because I had too many clients. 9 years later still going strong with 5 full time employees."

- Redditor

• How to start: Post on community boards or use dedicated platforms like Housekeeper.com to find clients. Choose your hours, select specific jobs, and often get paid the same day.
• Earning potential: You can charge $20-$40+ per hour, with the potential to make a few hundred dollars in a single day.
• Difficulty: Low. The overhead is minimal, and you can start with basic supplies.

48. Pet sitting 

Pet sitting offers a swift path to earning cash, combining flexibility with the joy of caring for animals.

• How to start: Reach out to your social circle—neighbors, friends, and family members often need reliable pet care on short notice. For broader opportunities, platforms like Rover and PetBacker connect pet sitters with pet owners.
• Earning potential: You can earn anywhere from $15-$50 per hour, depending on the number of pets and services offered.
• Difficulty: Low. If you love animals, this is a very easy way to make money with minimal effort.

49. Donate same-day plasma 

Need cash today? Plasma donation centers like BioLife, CSL, and Octapharma pay on the spot — often $50-100 for your first visit. While it takes longer than giving blood (about 2 hours), you'll walk out with money in hand.

• How to start: Bring your ID and proof of address, pass a quick health screening, and you’re set to donate. Payment is loaded directly onto a debit card right after your session.
• Earning potential: You can make $50-$100 for your first visit, with potential for up to $900 in your first month with bonus promotions.
• Difficulty: Low. The process is straightforward.

50. Pick up shifts in hospitality

It's no secret that finding a gig in hospitality is easy these days. If you're willing to do the work, there'll be restaurants, cafes, or hotels near you in need of employees.

However, if you don't want to commit to a full-on job, you can pick up shifts in hospitality via apps like Qwick. Qwick comes with an instant payout option that sends you the money within 30 minutes of the business paying for a completed shift.

• How to start: Download the Qwick app and complete the onboarding process, then apply to shifts that interest you.
• Earning potential: $50 to $150, depending on shift length.
• Difficulty: Low.

Can you really make money in one day? 

Yes, you can absolutely make money in one day. And we're not talking about get-rich-quick scams or pyramid schemes, either.

Admittedly, you won't become a millionaire overnight, but you can earn meaningful money in a single day, whether it's $50, $100, or more.

The key is offering a valuable service or skill that's in constant demand. Let's take a look at the fastest, easiest ways to do this in 24 hours.

What’s the best way to make money fast?

While gig economy jobs like food delivery, ride-sharing, or microtask platforms can provide quick cash, they're only temporary solutions.

If you want to build a steady, passive income stream so you're never stuck for cash again? Digital products are where the real opportunity lies.

Instead of trading your time for money, you create a product once and then sell it an infinite number of times. This could be any digital offer from an online course to a collection of design templates.

The best strategy is a two-pronged approach:

• Handle immediate needs: Use gig work like food delivery or freelance tasks to cover your short-term financial needs.
• Build for the future: Dedicate a few hours each week to creating a digital product or online service based on your skills or knowledge.

This way, you're not just earning quick money; you're building an asset that can generate income for years to come, providing financial security.

Make money today with Whop

You’ve got options. Driving for Uber, flipping clothes from your closet, or selling your art can all get you quick cash right now.

But what if you could turn that quick win into a long-term online business?

Whop is a platform for creators, side hustlers, and entrepreneurs to run almost any kind of business online — from coaching and consulting to memberships, services, digital products, and more.

Your storefront, access, and payments all live in one place, so you can focus on what you do best, not the tech.

Stop trading every hour for a handful of dollars. Start building an online business that can keep earning, even when you’re offline.

Ready to get started? Check out Whop and launch your online business today.

FAQs

How to make quick money in one day?

Legal ways to earn quick money in a day are straightforward. You can sell unused items online, do odd jobs through TaskRabbit, or deliver food through apps. Other options include paid research studies, plasma donation, pet-sitting services, and yard work for neighbors. 

How to make quick money in one day on my phone?

You can make money on your phone using delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats to deliver food. Survey apps like Swagbucks pay for opinions. Selling apps help you sell items quickly through Facebook Marketplace. Task apps like TaskRabbit let you find quick local jobs. Receipt apps give cashback on shopping.

How much can I realistically make in 24 hours?

Realistically, most people can make $50-300 in a single day depending on the method and time invested. Quick cash options like plasma donation, selling clothes, or food delivery can net you $50-150 in a few hours. Service-based skills like tutoring, consulting, or video editing can earn $200-500+ if you have clients ready to pay.

The key is combining multiple methods: sell some items in the morning, do a few delivery runs in the afternoon, and you could easily hit $200-300 by evening.

What's the fastest way to get paid same day?

The absolute fastest same-day payment methods are plasma donation (walk out with cash on a debit card), local cash gigs (babysitting, yard work, handyman services where neighbors pay immediately), and delivery apps with instant cash-out features like DoorDash and Uber Eats.

Selling items locally through Facebook Marketplace with cash on pickup also gets you paid within hours. Avoid methods that require platform approval, background checks, or payment processing delays if you need money today.

Do I need to pay taxes on side hustle income?

Yes, any income you earn is technically taxable, whether it's from a side hustle or full-time job. If you make more than $400 from self-employment in a year, you'll need to report it to the IRS and may owe self-employment taxes.

Keep track of your earnings and expenses (gas, supplies, equipment) as these can reduce your tax bill. Many gig platforms will send you a 1099 form if you earn over $600. Consider setting aside 25-30% of your earnings for taxes to avoid surprises.

• Get paid fast with these side hustles that pay weekly
• Easy ways to make money in one hour
• Beginner friendly ideas to start making money online