Amidst the rising costs, we are always looking for new ways to earn extra cash with little effort. It could cover a sudden unplanned expense or fund your long-term financial goals. This may be why millennials start with side hustles, often taking up full-time professions. So, if you are looking for hacking free money, you have come to the right place. Today we will take you through the most common hustles that can add to your bank balance without much effort.
28 Free Money Hacks Ideas to Start Earning Today
- Get Sign-Up Bonuses
- Watch commercials
- Product Testing
- Take Surveys
- Test new games
- Proofreading
- Blogging
- Photo Editing
- Slogan writing
- Become a virtual assistant
- Become a consultant
- Audio transcription jobs
- Website Designing
- Online store owner
- Uploading Receipts
- Invest money
- Grocery delivery
- Woodworker
- Plasma Donation
- Worm farm owner
- Flip things
- Rent your things
- Dog walking
- Car detailing
- Gardening
- Painting
- Cleaning
- Laundry
1. Get Sign-Up Bonuses:
You can make money or get rewards by signing up for new websites. This extra cash can be deemed immediately or after you accumulate a certain amount of funds.
- Websites – InboxDollars ($5), Swagbucks ($10), Cash App ($5), Ibotta ($20)
- Earning potential – $5 to $10
- Available to – New Users
- Conditions – Completing your profile
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal or Gift cards
- Time for completion of the task – Instant
- Requirement – Internet connection and a smart device, computer, or laptop.
2. Watch commercials
Advertisements are part and parcel of our everyday life. But did you know that you could make good money watching them?
- Websites – Kashkick, MyPoints, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, Nielsen TV Ratings, Prize Rebel, iRazoo, QuickRewards, You-Cubez
- Payment schedule – Weekly, Monthly
- Earning potential – $5-$20 per month
- Available to – All users
- Conditions – Watching commercials
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal or Gift cards
- Time for completion of the task – Approximately one minute
- Requirement – Internet connection and a smart device, computer, or laptop.
3. Product Testing
You can get rewards and some cool free stuff by trying out new products and sharing your experiences.
- Websites – Pinecone Research ($3 per survey), American Consumer Opinion, JJ Friends & Neighbors
- Payment schedule – On completion of testing, you often get to keep the product you are testing.
- Earning potential – Upto $30 per hour
- Available to – All users
- Conditions – Often, product testing companies have demographic restrictions
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal, prepaid Visa gift cards, and earnings can also be donated to charity
- Time for task completion – As per the time frame mentioned by the company.
- Requirement – Reliable internet connection and proper devices to either browse the web or download the testing app
4. Take Surveys:
Often, companies pay users who answer questionnaires on products they are already using. For example, you can use this free money hack at home or on the go.
- Websites – Branded Surveys, Survey Junkie, Valued Opinions, Swagbucks, InboxDollars, MyPoints, Toluna, Kashkick
- Payment schedule – On meeting the minimum cash-out limit of the website.
- Earning potential – $0.3-$5 per survey
- Available to – All users
- Conditions – Companies often have minimum age restrictions.
- Can be redeemed via – Gift cards to major retailers and restaurants, cash, PayPal credit, and bank account transfer
- Time for completion of the task – 15 to 20 minutes for each survey
- Requirement – Internet connection and a device to find and answer surveys.
5. Test new games:
You can monetize your gaming skills and help developers perfect their games. You will be paid to test the latest games before they are released to the general public.
- Websites – Game Testers Net, Game Testers GG, iGameLab, Blizzard
- Payment schedule – Either hourly or an annual salary
- Earning potential – $10-$100 per hour
- Available to – All users
- Conditions – Age restrictions and players might often have to sign an NDA.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal
- Time for completion of the task – 15 to 20 minutes for each survey
- Requirement – Good internet and a heavy-duty mobile or computer that can handle gaming requirements without glitches.
6. Proofreading:
If you are a grammar nerd, you can use your proofreading skills and make money.
- Websites – Upwork, Fiverr, LinkedIn, Scribbr
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project
- Earning potential – Experienced proofreaders can charge between $20-$45 an hour.
- Conditions – Often has minimum weekly hour commitments.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal and direct deposit
- Time for completion of the task – As per the deadline
- Requirement – Should be very good in grammar and have a working internet to find proofreading gigs.
7. Blogging:
Put your writing skills to good use and make money from it. Blogging can be the best choice for people who don’t want to work a 9-to-5 job and wish to retain their independence.
- Websites – ProBlogger, Upwork, Freelancer
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project, weekly or monthly
- Earning potential – Approximately $45000 per month
- Conditions – Must have a professional approach towards work and honor time commitments.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal and direct deposit
- Time for completion of the task – As per the deadline
- Requirement – Should have good command over the English language and hold experience in writing in a similar field.
8. Photo Editing:
You might get hired by a professional photographer to edit, organize and export their pictures from a shoot. Your work area will include color grading, retouching images, changing backgrounds, and more.
- Websites – Fiverr, Upwork
- Payment schedule – They might be paid hourly or monthly on project completion.
- Earning potential – Average annual income of professional photo editors is approximately $68000.
- Conditions – Photo editing expertise and proven work knowledge.
- It can be redeemed via – PayPal and direct deposit.
- Time for completion of the task – As per deadline.
- Requirement – Good photo editing software and a system to handle all the work.
9. Slogan writing:
If you are gifted with writing catchphrases, you can make a career by writing slogans.
- Websites – Printify, Teespring Shirts, Freelancer
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project or fixed plan.
- Earning potential – Between $5 to $999 per slogan.
- Conditions – We need to brainstorm ideas and come up with something new.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank transfer and PayPal
- Time for completion of the task – As per the deadline
- Requirement – Command over the language and a good understanding of the subject.
10. Become a virtual assistant:
Coupled with massive growth in digitalization; you can find employment with businesses trying to cut costs by hiring virtual assistants. Your duties will be marketing, administrative, sales, operations, etc.
- Websites – Fiverr, Virtual Assistant Finder, Upwork
- Payment schedule – Monthly or weekly
- Earning potential – Average salary is approximately $37000
- Conditions – A degree in business administration, communication, or commerce and computer skills.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal, bank transfer
- Time for completion of the task – As per the deadline
- Requirement – A proper work-from-home setup.
11. Become a consultant:
You can get paid for sharing your expertise with fellow entrepreneurs by becoming a consultant.
- Websites – FlexJobs, ExpertConnect, Clarity, Maven, Zintro
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project
- Earning potential – Between $50 to $500 per hour.
- Conditions – Need to have creative thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- It can be redeemed via – Cheques, Digital wallets, PayPal, Credit cards, and more.
- Time for completion of the task – As per the deadline
- Requirement – Work-from-home setup and requisite expertise.
12. Audio transcription jobs:
If you can translate audio files to text, then you can find work as a transcriptionist. While some jobs demand just essential words, others demand every single word written, including ‘uhs’ and ‘umms.’
- Websites – Crowdsurf, Quicktate, Rev, TranscribeMe
- Payment schedule – Per audio minute
- Earning potential – $1.5-$5 per audio minute
- Conditions – Might require prior experience
- Can be redeemed via – Direct deposit, Fiverr Revenue Card, PayPal
- Time for completion of the task – Varies according to the project
- Requirement – Fast typing (computer or PC) and good hearing skills (preferably good headphones)
13. Website Designing:
If you love to design, you can make good money by becoming a web designer and getting your creative juices flowing.
- Websites – Dribbble, Upwork, LinkedIn, Behance
- Payment schedule – On project completion
- Earning potential – Between $35,000 to $50000 a year
- Conditions – You need to have proper subject knowledge in the field.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal or direct transfer
- Time for completion of the task – Approximately one week
- Requirement – Hardware system and software resources for designing the website of clients.
14. Online store owner:
If you can manage time and have the zeal to set up a professional-looking store, you can consider becoming an e-store owner.
- Websites – Shopify, Printify, Amazon FBA
- Payment schedule – Whenever a successful sale is made.
- Earning potential – $100k annually
- Conditions – Business management skills
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal, bank transfer
- Time for completion of the task – Not applicable
- Requirement – The urge to run a business
15. Uploading Receipts:
You can earn money by uploading the receipts of purchases already made.
- Websites – Fetch Rewards, Ibotta, P&G Good Everyday Rewards
- Payment schedule – Once you accumulate a certain level of earnings as specified by the app.
- Earning potential – Around $1 for each purchase.
- Conditions – You need to visit the stores and buy specific items.
- Can be redeemed via – Visa gift cards, PayPal
- Time for task completion – You need to click a snap of the receipt and upload it.
- Requirement – Hard or soft copy of the receipt and a smart device to upload the image.
16. Invest money:
You can invest the money earned already to earn additional income.
- Websites – Robinhood, Fundrise, Acorns
- Payment schedule – According to the investment tenure
- Earning Potential – Unlimited
- Conditions – Age restrictions
- Can be redeemed via – Bank transfer
- Time for completion of the task – Not applicable
- Requirement – Knowledge of the stock market, adequate funds, and a smart device
17. Grocery delivery:
If you are trying to make quick cash, you can take up a local delivery job.
- Websites – Shipt, Instacart, DoorDash, Postmates
- Payment schedule – Payment is made per ride, and the order is delivered alongside taxes.
- Earning potential – $34000 annually.
- Conditions – Need to know how to drive a two-wheeler, hold a vehicle license and have knowledge of the locality.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank deposit
- Time for task completion – Depends on delivery distance and order size.
- Requirement – A 2-wheeler to travel around locally.
18. Woodworker:
If you have a penchant for woodworking, you can put your skill to good use by selling your woodworking crafts. You can earn some extra income by taking custom orders.
- Websites – Guru, Upwork
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project
- Earning potential – $35000 annually
- Conditions – Need to be a skilled woodworker
- Can be redeemed via – Bank deposit, PayPal
- Time for completion of the task – Depends upon the complexity of the work
- Requirement – A working setup and the tools to carry out woodworking.
19. Plasma Donation:
You can work as a paid donor at a blood bank, plasma center, or private collection agency.
- Websites – donatingplasma.org
- Payment schedule – On completion of the donation process.
- Earning Potential – Up to $1500 per year with regular donations.
- Conditions – Health centers might have a minimum weight requirement before accepting plasma donations.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – Approximately 25 minutes
- Requirement – Above 18 years of age and a body weight of 110 pounds.
20. Worm farm owner:
Worms are in high demand and can bring in some extra income if you put effort into this side hustle.
- Websites – Craigslist, eBay, Etsy
- Payment schedule – On delivery of an order
- Earning potential – $30 per pound of worm sold
- Conditions – Knowledge of vermiculture
- Can be redeemed via – Bank transfer
- Time for completion of the task – Variable
- Requirement – Warm, dry and dark area to start working on a new worm farm kit or your homemade worm farm.
21. Flip things:
If you can get your hands on free or cheap stuff, you can flip them for a good profit.
- Websites – ZenArbitrage, Facebook marketplace, eBay
- Payment schedule – On making a successful sale
- Earning potential – $500-$3000 per month
- Conditions – Creativity to impart a makeover to old items or simply clean them for a tidy look.
- Can be redeemed via – PayPal, Bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – Variable
- Requirement – Space to store all the inventory
22. Rent your things:
If you aren’t ready to sell your items, you can rent out the ones you aren’t currently using.
- Websites – RVShare, Airbnb
- Payment schedule – Either before or after renting out.
- Earning Potential – Up to $3000 a month
- Conditions – All equipment and properties need to be in good condition.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – Depends on the tenure for which your property is rented.
- Requirement – Proper infrastructure or equipment that you wish to rent out.
23. Dog walking:
Dog walking has become a lucrative side gig as most dog owners don’t get adequate time to take their four-legged friends for a walk.
- Websites – PetSitter, Rover, Wag, care.com
- Payment schedule – Daily, weekly, or even monthly
- Earning potential – $34 per hour
- Conditions – You must be affectionate towards dogs to make the most of this side hustle.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – 30 to 60 minutes
- Requirement – Time and zeal to walk around dogs
24. Car detailing:
Car owners want a clean vehicle, especially when traveling with children. This is why there is plenty of car detailing jobs.
- Websites – Indeed, LinkedIn
- Payment schedule – On completion of the detailing work.
- Earning potential – $10000 per week
- Conditions – Need to possess knowledge of car detailing.
- Can be redeemed via – Bank transfer
- Time for task completion – 2.5-10 hours, depending on the car’s size and services chosen.
- Requirement – Necessary infrastructure and machines to carry out the detailing work.
25. Gardening:
You can transform this tedious task into a cash cow. As a gardener, you must mow lawns, pull weeds, and do other gardening tasks.
- Websites – Upwork, Freelancer
- Payment schedule – Weekly or on completion of the project.
- Earning Potential – Between $20000 and $45000 per year.
- Conditions – Need to possess both knowledge and skill for gardening.
- It can be redeemed via – Cash or bank deposit.
- Time for completion of the task – Gardening can go on for as long as you want, but your tenure of the gig will depend on the customer’s demand.
- Requirement – Necessary equipment to carry out gardening.
26. Painting:
You can offer your services to others to paint their house’s interior, exterior, and wood surfaces for money.
- Websites – Indeed, Freelancer
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project.
- Earning Potential – Beginners can make $27000 annually, whereas experienced painters can make $44000 annually.
- Conditions – Need to possess knowledge of house painting.
- Can be redeemed via – Cash or bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – A few days to a week
- Requirement – All painting equipment
27. Cleaning:
Everyone likes coming back to a clean home. If you have a penchant for cleanliness, you can offer your services and organize others’ houses in exchange for money.
- Websites – Care, Allbetter, Housekeeper
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project.
- Earning potential – $25-45 per hour
- Conditions – Need to be skilled in in-house cleaning.
- Can be redeemed via – Cash or bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – Around 3 hours
- Requirement – Cleaning equipment
28. Laundry:
Wearing clean clothes can lift our spirits. You can earn a good income by sorting, washing, drying, folding, and delivering clean garments to customers.
- Websites – SimplyHired, Care, FlexJobs
- Payment schedule – On completion of the project.
- Earning potential – $12.74 per hour
- Conditions – Need to possess knowledge of varying cleaning techniques specific to fabrics.
- Can be redeemed via – Cash or bank deposit
- Time for completion of the task – One hour a week
- Requirement – Pressing equipment and necessary space to carry out the work.
Conclusion
The best thing about these money hacks is that you can use them from home. You might be hearing about some of them for the first time. But they can put money into your budget so you don’t have to chase finances to cover bills and other necessities.