Whether you're trying to pay off debt or simply want to make some extra cash, finding ways to make money online without paying anything doesn't have to be a total headache.

In fact, there are plenty of opportunities to make money without a huge investment - or any investment at all.

So, whether you're looking for a new side hustle, or just want to boost your savings in preparation for a vacation, we've got you covered.

Here are 28 money-making opportunities to explore, that won't cost you a cent to get started.

Can you really make money online without paying anything?

Most definitely. What's even better is that several of these ideas can be a great way to earn a passive income, setting you up for long-term financial freedom.

From running a print-on-demand online store to doing data entry tasks as a virtual assistant, the opportunities are endless.

Quick tips for making money online

Before you start making money online, there are a few things you need to know.

While some of these ideas can certainly earn you some extra cash, it's important to remember they aren't necessarily an overnight fix.

So, before you get stuck in, here are some quick tips for earning money online, that'll make your journey a hell of a lot easier.

Dos ✅ Don'ts ❌
Be consistent and patient Expect to get rich overnight
Research platforms before signing up Rely on one income stream
Look for passive income opportunities Spread yourself too thin and try do too many jobs
Sign up to Whop Get caught up using expensive tools when free ones exist

How to make money online without paying anything: 28 ideas

1. Sell digital products

ebook

When it comes to selling digital products, the opportunities are endless — especially on a platform like Whop.

Whether you're clued up on a particular subject or want to share your personal experiences in the form of an ebook or downloadable worksheet, digital products can be quick and easy to create and earn you a steady stream of income.

From digital guides to coloring books, t-shirt designs, or recipes, there are so many ways you can get involved and start making money online without hefty start-up costs. Plus, with apps like Canva, you can create your digital product for free,

On Whop, there are no subscription fees or monthly charges — you'll keep up to 97% of your income, and won't pay a dime until you make a sale.

What you need:

  • A topic/industry
  • An online store to sell your digital products, like Whop
  • Design software, such as Canva (which is free to use)

Find the best digital products to sell (and how to make them).

2. Clipping

If you haven’t tapped into Content Rewards yet then you’re sleeping on one of the easiest ways to make money without spending a cent. 

No gatekeeping: people are cashing out within hours of signing up to Whop as a clipper.

Scroll through the Content Rewards dashboard and see what’s trending from creators who have already uploaded content for you to remix – we’re talking underground names to big players. 

Grab the content, edit it your way, and post. That’s it - you get paid per 1000 views, which goes straight into your account for easy withdrawal once the creator approves your submissions. 

It’s low risk, super beginner-friendly, and we have heaps of resources for clippers to learn the ropes and start making money (check out this article on Content Rewards while you’re at it). 

What you need:

  • A smartphone
  • Access to social media
  • The ability to edit basic video and audio content
Check out current Content Rewards

3. Affiliate marketing

whop affiliates

Affiliate marketing is one of the easiest ways to make money online without upfront costs, however, it isn't an overnight moneymaker.

Affiliate marketing involves promoting products or services using unique affiliate links, which earn you a commission when someone makes a purchase.

This could be anything from promoting a software you use daily, to writing about your favorite sneakers to boost sales.

But there are other ways to earn money with affiliate marketing, with major brands such as Amazon offering affiliate programs that allow you to monetize your website, blog, or social media accounts. Whop has a great affiliates program, with which anyone can share affiliate links and earn up to 30% commissions as recurring revenue.

If you have a knack for writing, you could create a blog focused on a specific industry, such as technology. Then, once you've written reviews, guides and how-to articles, you could be earning a commission via affiliate links.

This can be a great passive income, allowing you to earn money online without paying anything out - all it takes is some time and dedication.

What you need:

  • A platform to promote products (website, blog, social media, or YouTube)
  • An affiliate program to join, such as Whop affiliates or Amazon Associates
  • A niche or audience interested in the products you're promoting

Want to learn more about affiliate marketing? Here are some resources to help you get started:

Head to Whop affiliates

4. Complete Bounties on Whop

Heads up: there’s another way to make real money on Whop fast - like, get paid in under an hour fast - just by knocking out Bounties. 

Here’s how it works: creators can use the Bounties app on their whops to create paid tasks - this could be anything from shouting them out on social to posting a meme with their song attached, sharing content in group chats, tweeting, and more. The difference between Content Rewards and Bounties is that while Content Rewards is specifically for creating content, Bounties can be for anything, like creating content, referring new users, sharing your successes.

You don’t need to sell anything, build a community yourself, or even be any kind of marketing genius, just browse available Bounties on your dashboard (or check out ours at Whop Clips).

Do the task, submit the proof, and boom! Cash in. It really is that easy. Every Bounty has clear instructions, and they’re free to access.

Honestly? It's one of the lowest-effort side hustles you could imagine.

What you need:

  • A Whop account
  • A smartphone or laptop
  • Internet access

5. Take online surveys

survey junkie

While taking online surveys won't make you a millionaire, it is definitely a simple and quick way to earn some extra cash. Whether you've already got a side hustle on the go, or simply want to earn a few extra bucks alongside your 9-5, online surveys are an easy income.

Survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars make it simple to sign up and start earning money online right away. Whether it's complete a survey, watching videos, or giving your feedback.

The best part about making money online with online surveys is that you won't have to pay a cent to get started, but you may need to wait a period of time to cash out your earnings - so be sure to check on each survey site beforehand.

What you need:

  • A device with internet access
  • A little patience to complete surveys
  • An account on survey sites

Find out more about taking online surveys and the best sites to use:

6. Test websites

test websites

It doesn't matter what industry you choose to work in, companies are always on the lookout for feedback on their websites and apps. This is a great way for brands to gain insight into real-life users, and improve user experience. What's even better is that they're willing to pay for it.

There are several ways to test websites, with platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and TestingTime making it easy to find tasks to complete.

Plus, you can start making money online right away, with very little needed to get started. Of course, you will need access to a computer or smartphone, and a strong internet connection.

What you need:

  • A computer or smartphone with a microphone
  • An account on a website testing platform
  • Clear communication skills to provide feedback

7. Freelance writing

upwork

Got a way with words? If you have a knack for writing, freelance writing could be a good option to explore to earn money online.

Whether it's writing blog content for a business, writing your own content for affiliate marketing, or writing website copy - there are plenty of ways to earn money online with freelance writing.

Gig platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and ProBlogger can help connect you with clients online looking for written content. If you're new to writing, you can easily take an online course to brush up on your skills!

Here on Whop, our community is packed with experts across a variety of freelance services, including writing, content creation, and social media management. Or, you can create your own whop and sell your writing services to other professionals.

What you need:

  • Strong writing and research skills
  • A portfolio of writing samples
  • An account on freelance platforms

Want to start freelance writing? Here's how to get involved:

8. Online tutoring

tutoring

Whether you're a language pro or knowledgeable in another subject, online tutoring can be a rewarding (and fun) way to make money online without paying anything out. All it takes is your skills and a little of your time to get started.

Online tutoring can be anything from learning a second language, to teaching others how to play guitar - so you don't necessarily need to be a maths genius to get started.

There are also plenty of platforms to help you find students, such as italki (for languages), Preply, and Superprof.

No matter your subject area, this can be a great way to earn money!

Plus, as you develop your skills, you could turn your teaching into a YouTube channel, paid online course, or even offer 1-1 tutoring in-person. Whop is home to many tutors who create their own tutoring businesses, for free, with a whop. To get started online, all you need is the willingness to teach and an internet connection!

What you need:

  • Expertise in a subject
  • A stable internet connection and video conferencing tools
  • A profile on online tutoring platforms

Learn more about online tutoring below:

9. Social media management services

social media management

From social media influencers to growing brands, businesses of all sizes need a social media manager to handle their accounts. If you've got an eye for content creation, and you love to grow followers, managing social media accounts could be for you.

If you're a complete beginner, you might want to look at online courses and resources to learn the basics before selling your services online.

However, you can always start off with small, local businesses to get your foot in the door. And thankfully, you won't have to pile a load of cash in to get started, either.

To find work, you can look at promoting your skills on gig platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and PeoplePerHour.

What you need:

  • Knowledge of social media platforms, like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
  • Content creation skills
  • A portfolio or experience managing accounts
  • Willingness to learn
  • Design software (such as Canva, which is free) and a scheduling tool (free plans are available, such as Buffer)

You can even use a platform like Whop to package your social media management services and build a community around your expertise - which is exactly how Mino Lee makes $20k per month.

Want to learn how? Check these out:

10. Start blogging

medium

Making money online through blogging can be a bit of a slow burner, but it can be a great way to monetize through ads, affiliate links, and sponsored posts. If you're looking to make some extra cash quickly, blogging isn't the answer, but it is a long-term strategy.

To get started, think about your topic area. If you love cars, look into how you can niche down even further for a specific make or model, or if clothing and accessories is more your thing, you might want to narrow it down to sneakers.

What's even better about blogging is that you're in full control. But it will take some patience!

What you need:

  • A blog platform like WordPress or Medium
  • A niche topic you are passionate about
  • A content plan and strategy for promotion

Want to start blogging? Learn more here about starting a blog and making money online:

11. Market research

market research

If you've got a little spare time, market research can be an easy way to earn money without really doing that much. This could be in the form of focus groups, product testing, or interviews, through platforms like Respondent.io and User Interviews.

So, if you're wondering how to make money online without paying anything, market research could be the answer. All you need is a good internet connection, a little time, and a willingness to provide feedback. You won't make much money, but you will likely make more than you would with online surveys.

What you need:

  • A profile on market research websites
  • Willingness to provide feedback
  • A device with a camera and microphone, as well as a strong internet connection

12. Digital dropshipping

whop affiliates

Unlike traditional dropshipping, digital dropshipping involves selling digital products that don't require inventory or shipping.

You can even earn commission by selling other people's digital products online, via white labeling. Whether templates, printables, communities or online software, you can start digital dropshipping right away.

While digital dropshipping is similar to affiliate marketing (and you can do it using affiliate links) it isn't quite the same.

With affiliate marketing you use your platform to promote the products or services of other creators by sharing links, hoping your followers will make a purchase, and you'll get a commission in return.

With digital dropshipping while you share the links of digital products of other creators in the hope of earning a commission, you share them within a specific niche, as if you were the creator of that digital product.

What you need:

  • Links of digital products to dropship
  • An online presence
  • A marketing strategy to attract customers

Could digital dropshipping be the answer to making money online? Find out here:

13. Play video games and apps

cash giraffe

If you've got a mobile phone, earning money online is made easy with apps and playing games. Game developers are always looking for feedback on their latest creations, and there are plenty of websites and apps that offer rewards for playing games, such as Cash Giraffe, Mistplay, and Scrambly.

True gamer? Why not earn money by streaming on Twitch? If you love playing games anyway, you might as well make money doing it! Already built a community?

Earn money live streaming right here on Whop, and keep up to 97% of your earnings along the way. Plus, you won't pay anything until you make a sale.

What you need:

  • A gaming console, PC, or smartphone
  • A whop, Twitch or YouTube account (for streaming)
  • Memberships on gaming reward platforms

Learn more about building a gaming community and money-making game apps right here:

14. Rent out belongings

turo

We all have things lying around the house that we no longer use, or only use on occasion. If you want to start making money online without huge upfront costs, renting out your belongings could be the answer.

If you have times like a car you don't need constant access to, a camera, or even clothing, you can rent these items out for some extra cash.

But don't worry, you don't need to list your spare room on Facebook Marketplace and deal with everything yourself - as there are plenty of platforms to handle the go-between and help you monetize your possessions/space.

Websites like Turo, Fat Llama, and Airbnb allow you to rent out your belongings (or spare room) with minimal effort. Plus, you won't need to pay out for anything to get started.

What you need:

  • Items in good condition to rent out
  • A platform like Turo or Airbnb
  • Insurance or protection plans (if needed)

Here's how to maximize your income with your belongings or unused space (both selling and renting):

15. Become a pet sitter/dog walker

wag

Now, we hear you - this isn't a strict online-only way of making money. But, sites and apps can make it easier to find work you can do locally (and if you choose to pet-sit you may not even have to leave your house!).

If you love animals, what better way to make money than to become a pet sitter or dog walker?

There are plenty of platforms to choose from, like Rover or Wag, which can help to connect you with pet owners requiring your services online.

Before getting started, it could be beneficial to brush up on your animal knowledge, including pet first aid. Otherwise, you can get started right away and start making money in no time.

What you need:

  • A profile on pet-sitting platforms
  • Experience handling pets
  • Availability and reliability

Find other ways to make money:

16. Create an online course

courses

Much like online tutoring, if you've got expertise in a specific subject, why not monetize your knowledge? There are plenty of course platforms available too, including Whop, Udemy, Teachable, and Coursera.

Here on Whop, with the help of Whop apps, we make it easy to create online courses and extend your offering with the likes of paid communities, 1-1 calls, and even exclusive digital downloads.

While you won't start earning money instantly, once your course is set up and ready to go you could earn yourself a healthy passive income.

Then it's time to start sharing your course and creating a rock-solid marketing strategy.

What you need:

  • A course topic and structured content
  • Video recording equipment or screen-sharing software
  • An account on Whop

Learn more about creating online courses here:

17. Become a virtual assistant

va whop

From carrying out data entry tasks to managing meetings, becoming a virtual assistant could be an excellent way to make money online.

If you're organized and good at managing your time, businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals can benefit from your services.

Some virtual assistants choose to niche down, but to get started you might want to offer a variety of services, such as email management, data entry, meeting scheduling, and social media management. However, you don't need to hit the ground running and offer everything right away!

Platforms like Whop make it easy to package your services, or you can promote your virtual assistant tasks on websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Belay.

What you need:

  • Strong organizational and communication skills
  • A reliable internet connection and computer
  • Experience with common administrative tools like Microsoft Office or Google Workspace
  • An account on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr

Check out this guide to creating a virtual assistant business on Whop.

18. Voice acting or narration

voice acting

If you have a good speaking voice, why not put it to good use? You can earn money online by narrating audiobooks, commercials, or even YouTube channel videos.

There are several ways to find this type of work, including websites like ACX, Voices.com, and Fiverr, which allow you to promote your voiceover services.

What you need:

  • A quiet place to record your voiceovers
  • A microphone and computer
  • A profile on voiceover websites and gig platforms like Fiverr

19. Sell stock photos

foap

Got a passion for photography or videography? Selling stock photos and videos can be a great way to earn a passive income.

Plus, there are plenty of platforms available to sell your digital content on, such as Whop, Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, Foap, and Unsplash.

What you need:

  • A camera
  • A stock photo website account (or Whop account to sell access)
  • Knowledge of licensing and copyright rules

Read more about selling photos online:

20. Subtitling and captioning videos

rev

From businesses creating video content to content creators with their own YouTube channel, there are plenty of opportunities to find subtitling and captioning work.

Adding subtitles and captions can improve accessibility, therefore giving content a wider reach.

For this type of work, you won't need to pay anything out, and you can pretty much get started right away. Websites like Rev, GoTranscript, and TranscribeMe pay freelancers to complete this type of work.

What you need:

  • Strong listening skills
  • A good command of language and grammar
  • An account on transcription websites

Want to learn more about going freelance? Here are some great resources:

21. Create print-on-demand merch

redbubble

If you're interested in making money online, but don't have the budget to whack a load of investment in, no problem - print-on-demand (POD) merchandise could be the answer.

POD allows you to sell custom designs on anything from t-shirts to phone cases, all without handling inventory or shipping.

Plus, there are plenty of websites you can get started on right away, including Redbubble, Printify, and Teespring.

What you need:

  • Unique designs
  • A print-on-demand platform
  • Basic marketing skills to drive sales

Learn more about selling POD products online:

22. Start a podcast

podcast

Are you passionate about a particular subject? If you've got a lot to say and want to find a new creative way to make money, why not start a podcast?

Starting a podcast may not earn you money overnight, but there are definitely free ways to get started and start earning.

There are even free (and paid) podcast hosting platforms available, so you won't need to pay out to host your podcast either.

Once you've built an audience, you can start to monetize your podcast in a variety of ways, including sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and donations from listeners - or, by creating a VIP podcast community with your whop.

What you need:

  • A phone to record or a basic microphone
  • Free editing software like Audacity or GarageBand
  • A podcast hosting platform

Want to make some podcast magic? Here's how:

23. Become an online community moderator

modsquad

Brands of all sizes often need moderators to manage their online communities, whether a (free or paid) community on Whop, or a private Facebook Group - someone needs to keep on top of things!

This is a great opportunity to reach out and find group owners who need some support.

You can choose to do this manually, or use a website like ModSquad to find those who need help monitoring and engaging with online communities.

What you need:

  • Strong communication skills
  • A knowledge of online community engagement
  • An account on community moderation platforms

Learn more about community moderation, engagement, and building a community below:

24. Review music (and more)

slicepie

If you love listening to music, why not get paid for it? Platforms like Slicethepie will pay users to review music from up-and-coming artists. You can even get involved in providing feedback on clothing too!

While this may not make you rich, it's definitely an easy way to make money, and you won't need any investment to get started.

What you need:

  • A passion for music
  • A device to stream and review songs
  • An account on a music review platform

25. Sell custom AI-generated art

aiart

We've all found ways to leverage the power of AI. With plenty of free AI art tools available, like Deep Dream Generator, Artbreeder, and RunwayML, you can create unique imagery and sell it online in no time.

These could then be sold in an online store, whether as digital downloads, NFTs, or even on print-on-demand products.

Here on Whop, we make it easy to sell access to exclusive digital files, including AI-generated art. With no need for shipping and inventory, you can easily make money online without investment or expensive subscriptions.

What you need:

  • A free AI image generator
  • A marketplace to sell your art
  • Basic marketing skills

Find out more about making money from your art:

26. Answer questions on JustAnswer

justanswer

Unlike some of the other opportunities in this list, this one does require some prior knowledge! So if you're clued up in law, tech, medicine, or business, one way to make money online it to answer people's questions on a platform like JustAnswer.

There are several other topics/industries you can get involved in, too, so if you're pretty clued up this could be a great way to earn money.

What you need:

  • Expertise in a specific field
  • A device to answer questions
  • An account on a platform like JustAnswer

27. Be a beta reader

betareader

If you love reading and have some spare time on your hands, why not become a beta reader? Platforms like BetaBooks, OnlineBookClub, and Reedsy Discovery will pay readers to review books before they are released.

So, if you're looking for an online job that requires zero investment, and you love reading - this could be the perfect choice.

What you need:

  • A love for reading
  • Strong analytical skills
  • A profile on beta reader platforms

28. Create and sell photo presets 

If your Instagram is the envy of your friends, there’s a good chance you know your way around editing apps like Photoshop, Lightroom, and VSCO. Well, why not create preset packs for others to be able to edit their photos effortlessly?

Loads of photographers and creators on Instagram, Pinterest and Behance will promote their own preset packs to followers, allowing people to transform bleak, washed-out iPhone pics into dreamy, aesthetic images worthy of the ‘gram. 

It’s easy to do, too: most editing apps allow you to save presets directly. Then, you can export the files and upload them to Dropbox or a similar service for customers to access with a link, which you can provide upon receipt of purchase. 

If you’re the creative type, have a decent following, and can create content to promote your presets, it’s an easy way to make money without having to spend any upfront (especially if you already have and use the apps, but most have free versions regardless). 

What you need:

  • A smartphone, tablet, or laptop with editing programs or software
  • Social media to promote your presets 
  • Optional: a website or digital shopfront

Make a whop and start making money online today

whop

And there we have it! With these ideas, you can start making money online in no time, all with zero upfront costs.

Whether you're starting a new side hustle, or want to set yourself up with a long-term strategy, Whop is the number one platform for making money online.

Want to offer packaged services for freelance writing?

No problem.

Contemplating selling digital designs?

We've got you covered.

The opportunities are endless with Whop.

Unlike other platforms, Whop won't charge you for simply getting started, and there's no ongoing costs either. You'll keep up to 97% of what you make, and won't be charged a dime until you make a sale.

What are you waiting for? Sign up to Whop today and start selling.

Create your whop

Making money online: FAQs

Can I really make money online without upfront costs?

Yes! There are plenty of money-making opportunities online that don't require investment or upfront costs, such as affiliate marketing, filling out online surveys, or freelancing.

What are the easiest ways to start making money online for free?

Taking surveys, selling stuff online and virtual assistant tasks are some of the easiest ways to make money online. If you've got things lying around at home that you no longer use, this is one of the quickest ways to make a few extra bucks.

How long does it take to start making money online?

Some methods can generate income pretty quickly, but it can depend on the platform you're using as to how fast you can cash out your earnings. For example, filling out surveys is a quick earner, while affiliate marketing can take some time to become profitable.

Do I need special skills to earn money online?

No, not necessarily. There are plenty of money-making ideas that don't require a huge amount of experience or special skills. However, having expertise in writing, design, or social media, can definitely help you find better opportunities.

Is it possible to make passive income without investment?

Most definitely. Many of the ideas above can be started right away, and require your time to get them underway. For example, once you've created a course, it's ready to go and can start earning you money online pretty quickly.

What’s the best way to get paid when making money online?

Many platforms offer direct deposits, PayPal, or payments via a payment processor like Stripe. Always check the payment terms before signing up, and be aware of any fees associated with withdrawals. Here on Whop, Whop payments make it easy to get paid, and when buyers go direct, you'll keep up to 97% of your income!

Can I make a full-time income online?

You definitely can. While it can take some time to build up steady income streams, many people start out with several ways to make money, before gradually transitioning their side hustle into full-time online work.

Do I need to pay taxes on the money I make online?

Yes, you will. It's important to keep a record of your income and expenses and if you're unsure, speak to an accountant to get to grips with your tax obligations.

Can I make money online without a computer?

Having a computer definitely makes it easy to earn money online, but it isn't 100% necessary for some things. For example, you can do many online tasks from a smartphone, such as playing games for cash or taking surveys.

How can I market my online services for free?

As well as eliminating start-up costs, there are also ways to promote your online services without an upfront investment — or any investment at all. Marketing your offering is made possible through social media, forums, and content marketing.

How can I increase my earnings online?

To maximize your earnings:

  • Diversify your income streams
  • Improve your skills to offer higher-value services
  • Build an online presence to attract clients
  • Stay updated on market trends to find new opportunities