Who doesn’t want to get free money, am I right? But far too often, tips on making money fast include lists of tasks that either requires a lot of effort or some startup money.
Not everyone has money to start a side hustle, though. So if you’re looking for effortless and cost-free ways to make money, our list of 15 side hustles will help you get started.
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15 ways to get free money
1. Get paid for watching TV or browsing online.
Research companies like Neilson will pay you for your time watching TV. They provide research and TV rating information to companies looking to improve their channel’s options.
All you have to do is download Neilson’s app and provide basic information about your TV watching habits. Beyond that, all you have to do is watch TV and watch the money come in!
For your online browsing, you can make money by partnering with companies like InboxDollars. With Inbox Dollars, they pay you money for web searches, taking surveys, or watching curated content.
While these sources of income won’t bring in the big bucks, they are effortless and can easily be incorporated into your daily TV and web routine.
2. Get cashback on your purchases.
Lots of services offer cashback on your online and in-store purchases. These services provide a small amount each time you share your receipt with them.
Rakuten, which used to be known as Ebates, often offers significant cash-back offers for stores where you’re already making purchases. Their over 2,500 stores and websites can offer as much as 40% cashback.
Swagbucks and ibotta are other online services that offer cash back on your purchases.
While you shouldn’t spend money just for the cashback, these cashback offers can be a great way to make money on things you’re planning to purchase anyway.
3. Participate in surveys and focus groups.
You don’t have to have anything other than an internet connection to participate in surveys and focus groups online.
Survey Junkie is one of the most popular options since they pay out more money and have more available surveys than most other sites.
Focus groups can help you maximize your time online, with some focus groups paying as much as $150 for a chunk of your time. When you sign up for Survey Junkie’s emails, you can stay informed about focus group opportunities.
Although filling out surveys won’t make you a lot of money, it costs nothing except your time to complete. If you use a site like SurveyJunkie or Swagbucks for a few minutes each day, you can generate some additional income for when you’re in a pinch financially.
4. Participate in market research.
This one is in a similar vein to completing surveys or participating in online focus groups. Again, companies are looking for people online and in person to provide their opinions about products and services.
5. Do tasks with TaskRabbit, Craigslist gigs, or other services.
Lots of people are looking to pay someone else to take care of tasks for them. When you use an online resource like TaskRabbit or Craigslist, you can find people near you who are willing to pay you for your time.
Look for tasks that won’t require you to have certifications or your own supplies. For example, although these platforms have people paying for contracting and plumbing work, you can still take jobs that only require your labor.
By mowing lawns, shoveling snow, weeding gardens, and completing other tasks, you can get more money without any investment of your own. Of course, some of these tasks require hard work, but the pay is often decent.
6. Take jobs pet-sitting.
Pet-sitting can be a lucrative and easy job for some extra cash on the side. Sites like Sittercity and Rover can help you connect with pet owners in your area in need of your services.
This can be a great job if you love animals but aren’t in a position to own any of your own. If you live in an apartment, you can get time with pets while getting paid by doing pet-sitting jobs.
Alternatively, you can get jobs walking dogs as well. Although this will take your time and energy, it offers a free and effortless alternative to other side hustles.
7. Give blood or plasma.
Blood and plasma banks are always looking for more donations, especially since their inventory is always in high demand. So if needles don’t make you squeamish, this can be an easy way to make some extra money.
Donations of blood can bring in $20 to $50, depending on your blood type. Plasma donations can bring in even more money, although you may be required to undergo some health screenings.
Once you’re approved for blood and plasma donations, you can reliably make as much as $400 extra each month. In addition, because these donations take so little time, they can be an effortless way to make extra money.
8. Watch for sign-on bonuses at banks, pharmacies, and more.
If you plan to open a bank account or transfer your prescriptions to a new pharmacy (like CVS), you should watch for places that offer a sign-on bonus when you apply. For example, most pharmacies offer $25 cashback when you transfer your prescriptions, allowing you to put the money toward food, household items, or groceries.
Want to get free money from the banks? When you’re starting an account with a bank or credit card company, watch for offers that will benefit you the most. While these offers won’t allow you to make a reliable income source, the extra cash bonus can help in a pinch.
9. Make the most of your credit card reward program.
Lots of people use their credit cards to shop and pay their bills. Research which credit cards will give you the most cash back on your everyday purchases.
Although you should be careful about keeping on top of your credit card bills, using a credit card for your everyday purchases can put extra money in your pocket. Some credit cards even let you apply your rewards balance to your credit card bill.
10. Use referral programs to make extra cash.
Online retailers and subscription services often offer great referral programs. These programs can give you free products or cash, so it’s a good idea to make the most of them.
Take some time to share these services on your social media profile. Then, if your friends and family become interested in a product or service because of your referral link, you can make extra money without putting in the extra effort.
11. Try affiliate marketing.
If you have a website, affiliate marketing can be an effortless way to build extra income. Some affiliate marketing plans allow you to use social media, meaning you don’t even have to have a website to get started.
With affiliate marketing, you get a portion of any sales that are generated by your online presence. Thus, for many people with personal blogs or websites, affiliate marketing becomes a significant source of income.
12. Do some “clickwork.”
Sites like Clickworker allow you to do mindless tasks for money. However, these tasks often need to be completed quickly, meaning a constant stream of jobs is available.
Clickwork tasks involve data entry, web research, filling out forms, and more. If you do this gig, you’ll be paid through PayPal, making it an easy way to make a few extra bucks.
13. Share your pictures.
If you’re taking photos on your phone or with a camera, you can sell your pictures and get free money for little work.
Foap is an app available on Android and Apple devices. When you complete photo “missions” on Foap, you can make extra money easily.
You can also sell your photos on sites like Shutterstock. While you won’t make money immediately, you can generate continual passive income when individuals and businesses purchase your photos.
14. Rent out a room through Airbnb.
While this one doesn’t require money to get started, it does require that you have some extra space. If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it out on Airbnb.
By renting out space you aren’t otherwise using, you can generate some easy income for your household. In addition, if your home is in a popular vacation destination or a college town, you may find a steady stream of Airbnb customers.
15. Rent out your car.
Some consider Turo to be the car equivalent of Airbnb. This is because they offer peer-to-peer car sharing, allowing you to make money off your car when it isn’t in use.
Because Turo includes insurance protection, you don’t have to worry about damage done to your car. Depending on the value of your car, you could make hundreds of extra dollars each month through Turo.
Getting money quick isn’t always easy or free. However, with the tips above, anyone can make a get free money with a little bit of work.
