In today’s challenging economic landscape, an increasing number of Americans are exploring side hustles to bolster their financial stability. In fact, approximately 27% of individuals are actively seeking these supplementary income opportunities.
If you find yourself in need of additional income, you’re in the right place. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 37 side hustle ideas to kickstart your journey towards financial empowerment. These versatile options span various industries and skill sets, ensuring there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking to make ends meet or striving to achieve specific financial goals, this diverse selection of side hustle ideas can provide the extra income you seek.
Earning extra money is something everyone can benefit from. Whether you’re trying to pay off student loans, save for emergencies, or set aside cash for a house, boosting your income helps you reach your financial goals more quickly.
Think about it. An extra $500 every month can do wonders for your financial goals. It could help you reach them faster, cutting down the time it takes by months or even years. But with so many side gig options out there, where do you even start?
What Are The Best Side Hustle Ideas?
That’s where this list comes in. We’ve rounded up some of the best side hustle ideas around. Each one is broken down by how hard it is, how much money you could make, and what it involves. We’ll also tell you what you need and how to get started.
Just pick the side hustle that fits your goals and your lifestyle. For instance, if you’re aiming for that extra $500 each month, you might not want to spend your time doing online surveys. But if you just want an occasional free gift card with minimal effort, surveys could be a good choice.
Starting to make extra money doesn’t have to be a complicated process. In fact, there are easy ways for everyone to get started, and I’ll kick things off with some of the most effortless ways to make that additional cash. If you’re looking to boost your income without a significant time or effort investment, these options are perfect for you.
1. Take on a delivery gig
Food delivery services have surged in popularity recently. Grocery shopping or grabbing a meal from a local restaurant can be quite time-consuming. That’s where you come in. People with busy lives are willing to pay you to pick up and deliver their food. Some well-known delivery platforms include:
- DoorDash: With DoorDash, customers can order from a wide range of restaurants. The unique thing about DoorDash is that you see exactly how much you’ll earn before accepting a job. They provide a guaranteed amount based on order size, distance, traffic, and other factors.
Here’s an interesting note: You don’t necessarily need to own a vehicle to work for these delivery companies. Some of them allow deliveries on foot, by bike, or even by scooter. In fact, there are vehicle rental services tailored to aspiring delivery drivers who don’t have their own cars. For instance, HyreCare provides rental vehicles for individuals looking to work with major food delivery services.
2. Complete online surveys
Brands and companies highly value feedback from consumers, as it helps them make informed decisions about their current and future products and services. To gather this feedback, they’re willing to pay you for your opinions by sending you surveys. Although you won’t become wealthy from taking online surveys, you can earn some extra spending money to cover your monthly utility bills or coffee habit. Some survey sites like Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars will even pay you for a variety of small tasks beyond surveys. These tasks may include participating in daily polls, watching videos, playing games, and shopping online. They often offer sign-up bonuses or gift cards in the $10 range just for joining.
3. Get cash back while you shop
In today’s ultra-competitive online shopping landscape, you can get cash back on nearly anything you buy. If you’re not taking advantage of cash back offers or believe the returns are too minuscule to matter, think again. Over time, we’ve seen smart readers amass hundreds (and sometimes even thousands) of dollars in cash back rewards. Numerous cash back apps and browser extensions are available.
4. Get paid for the data you’re already sharing for free:
Nowadays, personal data is a big deal, and almost all of us are part of it, whether we realize it or not. If you own a smartphone or use any form of social media (which is basically everyone), you’re likely giving away some of your data to the companies behind the apps without earning a dime. But here comes Tapestri, an app looking to change that.
The genius part? Tapestri is highly transparent about the data they collect, and it’s all anonymous and not tied directly to you. They also openly state that they sell this data, but here’s the kicker: instead of keeping all the profit for themselves, they share it with you, the user. By simply downloading the app on your phone and doing nothing more, you can earn up to $25 per month.
5. Store people’s stuff at your house
If you have extra space in your home – whether it’s a garage, basement, attic, driveway, or even a closet – you can make extra money by renting it out on Neighbor.com.
The app connects you with people in your area. You can chat with potential renters to get more information before approving them. Once approved, you’ll meet your new tenant, store their belongings, and get paid for every month they rent with you. Check out Neighbor’s income estimator to see how much you could earn.
6. Let someone negotiate your bills
While it’s not technically a side hustle, saving money is just as good as earning it. In a world where subscriptions are on the rise, those recurring expenses can add up quickly. Most of us have at least one or two subscriptions that we pay for but don’t use.
Several apps now specialize in helping people reduce their subscription spending and other bills. The most notable ones are Trim, Rocket Money, and Billshark. These bill negotiation services aim to save you anywhere from $20 to $50 per month on common utility bills in exchange for a small percentage of the savings.
7. Sell your old smartphone
If you’re anything like me, you likely have at least one old smartphone lying around that you never got rid of. The good news is that you can make extra money by selling all your old smartphones and technology online.
One option is eBay. However, if you don’t want to go through the process of creating a listing, finding a buyer, and shipping it yourself, you might consider using a site like Decluttr. You can use their free income estimator to see how much your device will sell for. Plus, they offer free shipping, and Decluttr will handle the entire process for you. This makes it a convenient and hassle-free way to turn your old tech into cash.
8. Be a search engine evaluator
Websites like Leapforce are continually seeking individuals for remote work roles. As a Search Engine Evaluator, your primary responsibility is to conduct research, evaluate, and provide feedback on search engine results by assessing the relevance and usefulness of web pages. Your role essentially involves determining whether search results align with the search terms used. This feedback is crucial for search engines to enhance their algorithms, ultimately resulting in a better user experience for their customers.
9. Get a bank sign-up bonus:
If you already have a significant amount of money in a savings account, perhaps while you’re saving for a home purchase, taking advantage of bank deposit bonuses can be one of the easiest ways to make extra money.
For instance, I recently received a $300 bonus for depositing $25,000 into a new bank account. (Please note that the specific offer is no longer available, so I won’t mention the bank name.) Some banks may offer even higher bonuses for more substantial deposits.
10. Become a rideshare driver:
Uber, a pioneer in the gig economy, provides eligible drivers with the opportunity to earn money at their convenience. As an approved independent driver, you’ll have around-the-clock access to the Uber Driver app, allowing you to accept ride requests whenever you have free time.
You can boost your earnings through various in-app promotions, including but not limited to Surge pricing, Boosts, and Quests.*
Furthermore, Uber has expanded its driver benefits significantly over the years. They have partnered with various businesses to offer perks like healthcare, discounted gas and vehicle maintenance, reduced-price phone plans, and even access to free music. If you value the flexibility of setting your own hours, enjoy the freedom of movement, and live in proximity to one of the over 10,000 cities where Uber operates, now is an excellent time to start earning on your terms.
*Please note that Surge pricing, Boosts, and Quests may not be available in all areas or at all times. You can log into the Uber Driver app to see the current promotional offers in real-time.
11. Cash in your unused credit card rewards:
It’s surprising, but I recently discovered I have more than $1,500 in unused credit card rewards. I only realized the high balance when I was considering booking a vacation for next year and decided to check my account for unused points.
If you have a cash-back credit card, it’s a good idea to regularly check your rewards balance. You might be pleasantly surprised to find that you can use these rewards to cover expenses like holiday gifts, groceries, or even apply them to your outstanding credit card balance. While it might not be “extra” money, it’s a smart way to make the most of funds you didn’t realize you had.
12. Try real estate crowdfunding:
If you’re interested in real estate investing but lack the funds for a substantial down payment on a rental property, crowdfunded real estate investing is a practical alternative. An online crowdfunding platform like Fundrise can provide an entry point. It enables investors with limited capital to collaborate and purchase shares in private real estate investment trusts (REITs).
With as little as $500, you can use Fundrise to invest in private residential and commercial properties. Once you’ve invested your money through Fundrise, their team of real estate professionals manages all the intricacies. You don’t need to worry about a thing.
13. Rent out your car:
If you own a car but find yourself staying at home to care for your kids, relying on public transportation, or not using your vehicle frequently, there’s an opportunity to earn money by renting out your car.
Turo, often referred to as the world’s largest peer-to-peer car-sharing marketplace, can facilitate this process. It connects you with individuals seeking to rent a vehicle. With over 10 million members and more than 350,000 vehicles listed, you can list your car on Turo, whether it’s an economy sedan, a pickup truck, or a luxury SUV.
14. Walk dogs in your neighborhood:
Dog sitting can be a rewarding side hustle, especially if you’re a dog lover. Whether you prefer to care for dogs in your own home or their owners’ homes, you can make good money doing something you enjoy.
Rover, a website dedicated to connecting dog owners with reliable dog sitters, can help you find dog-sitting opportunities in your area. With Rover, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule and choose the age and size of the dogs you’d like to care for. Additionally, Rover provides free pet care education resources to help you excel in this role.
Typically, Rover dog sitters charge between $20 and $40 per overnight stay and $20 to $30 per dog walk. It’s important to note that Rover collects a 20% service fee, and you’ll receive the remainder of your earnings via PayPal or a mailed check.
15. Let apps save you money:
Dosh is a cashback app that rewards its members for their everyday spending. When you shop at any of Dosh’s partner locations and use a card connected to your Dosh account, you’ll receive cash back, which is deposited directly into your Dosh Wallet.
One of the great features of Dosh is that you don’t need to bother with coupons, promo codes, or scanning receipts. Simply download the app, shop as you normally would, and start earning cash back. Additionally, Dosh offers a referral program where you can earn $5 for every friend you refer to the app.
Cashing out your earnings is a straightforward process. You can transfer your accumulated cashback to your bank account, PayPal, or choose to donate it to your favorite charity directly from within the app.
16. Make sure your credit isn’t costing you:
Having bad credit can be costly, potentially causing you to spend hundreds of dollars more each year. The reason is simple: the lower your credit score, the higher the interest rates you’ll face when obtaining loans, credit cards, and managing other debts. However, you can counter these costs by actively monitoring and improving your credit score.
For everyday credit monitoring, one useful tool is Credit Karma. The Credit Karma app consolidates all your credit-related information into a single snapshot, making it easy to keep tabs on your credit situation. Additionally, Credit Karma provides personalized advice to help you save money, especially in areas where you might be overpaying, such as for car loans and student loans. By using such tools and staying on top of your credit score, you can work towards saving money and improving your financial situation.
17. Invest in the stock market:
Investing your money in the stock market can offer you a higher earning potential compared to simply storing it in a regular savings account. You can direct your funds towards various investment accounts, including employer-sponsored 401(k) plans or brokerage accounts.
However, it’s crucial to understand that investing in the stock market carries inherent risks. There are no guarantees of returns, and you might experience losses during economic downturns or stock market crashes. To prepare for successful investing, it’s wise to address your financial priorities first. This includes paying off high-interest debts and establishing an emergency fund for unforeseen expenses. Once these fundamentals are in place, you can enter the world of investing with a clear focus on your long-term financial goals.
18. Invest online with a robo-advisor:
Robo-advisors utilize technology to effectively oversee your investment portfolio. This approach results in reduced fees and greater transparency, allowing you to retain a larger share of your investment earnings. Many robo-advisor platforms, including Betterment, do not require a minimum initial deposit, making it accessible to a broader range of investors.
If you already have an existing investment portfolio, you can benefit from services like Personal Capital, which help assess the performance of your investments and identify areas for improvement. Personal Capital’s free Investment Checkup tool examines your current portfolio allocation and compares it to the optimal allocation necessary to achieve your financial objectives.
19. Get interviewed one-on-one by brands:
Robo-advisors utilize technology to effectively oversee your investment portfolio. This approach results in reduced fees and greater transparency, allowing you to retain a larger share of your investment earnings. Many robo-advisor platforms, including Betterment, do not require a minimum initial deposit, making it accessible to a broader range of investors.
If you already have an existing investment portfolio, you can benefit from services like Personal Capital, which help assess the performance of your investments and identify areas for improvement. Personal Capital’s free Investment Checkup tool examines your current portfolio allocation and compares it to the optimal allocation necessary to achieve your financial objectives.
20. Get paid to watch online videos:
Apps like Swagbucks offer opportunities to make extra money by watching short video ads. Companies often need users to test video advertisements, and in return, you can earn points that are redeemable for cash. Swagbucks even gives you a $10 bonus just for signing up.
21. Install certain apps on your phone:
Nielsen Digital Voice is an app that tracks your smartphone usage to understand how people use technology. By installing the Nielsen app, you earn points for every hour you spend using your smartphone. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to enter their monthly $10,000 sweepstakes.
22. Sell your old textbooks:
Textbooks can be prohibitively expensive, and nobody enjoys paying full price for them if they can avoid it. Whether you’re a current student or a recent graduate, you can sell many of your old textbooks online using platforms like BookScouter or Buyback Boss.
It’s important to note that you won’t receive the full amount you originally paid for these textbooks, but the returns from these online platforms are typically superior to what your university bookstore would offer. So, it’s a practical way to recoup some of your investment.
23. Let an app track your data usage:
MobileXpression is a mobile application that tracks your internet usage on your smartphone or tablet. As an active member for a week, you’ll receive your first gift card reward. The longer you keep the app on your device, the more credits you’ll accumulate, which can be exchanged for additional gift cards.
Additionally, after 90 days of participation, MobileXpression donates a tree to Trees for the Future in recognition of your continued involvement. For every month you remain an active member, they contribute an additional tree. This means that by using the app, you’re not only contributing to the future of the internet but also to the future of our planet by supporting reforestation efforts.
24. Scan in-store items with your smartphone:
Shopkick is a rewards app that allows you to earn cashback without making any purchases. To make extra money with Shopkick, follow these steps:
- Download the app.
- Enable your location services.
- Start earning “kicks,” which are points in the app’s currency.
You can earn kicks by simply walking into a participating store. Additionally, you can earn more kicks by scanning items or making purchases. The accumulated kicks can be redeemed for gift cards to your favorite stores, such as Walmart, Target, Sephora, Starbucks, and more. This makes Shopkick a convenient way to earn rewards while you shop.
25. Sell your old electronics:
If you have an old iPad gathering dust in a drawer or a stack of DVDs you haven’t watched in years, don’t let them go to waste. You can sell these electronics and items before they lose more of their value.
Brand new smartphones can be quite expensive, and as a result, there is a growing demand for used phones. Many individuals are reluctant to spend a significant amount of money on a brand-new iPhone when they can purchase a 2- to 4-year-old model for a fraction of the cost. This presents an opportunity to sell your used electronics and make some extra money while helping others find affordable alternatives.
26. Invest in cryptocurrencies or refer friends:
Cryptocurrencies are here to stay. They have become increasingly prevalent and are being used for various everyday transactions, from buying pizza to covering travel expenses and shopping online. With the growing adoption of this new form of currency, there’s an opportunity to earn extra money by delving into the world of cryptocurrency.
For instance, by using platforms like Coinbase and purchasing $100 worth of Bitcoin, you’ll receive an additional $10 as a bonus. Furthermore, when you refer someone to the app, you can earn an extra $10 for each successful referral. This presents an enticing way to explore the potential of cryptocurrencies while boosting your income.
27. Get cash back on groceries:
Use apps like Ibotta to get cash back on your grocery purchases. You can find deals for specific brands or items, and by choosing your deals before shopping, you can earn cash back on your purchases. Simply submit a photo of your receipt, and you’ll receive your earnings via Venmo, PayPal, or in the form of gift cards. Ibotta even offers a $10 welcome bonus.
Online Side Hustles for Extra Income In today’s digital age, there are numerous opportunities to make extra money online. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or start a full-fledged online business, here are some online side hustles to consider:
28. Start a Blog
Blogging is an excellent way to turn your passion or expertise into a side hustle. Bloggers can earn money through various avenues, including:
- Placing banner ads on their website.
- Promoting affiliate products and earning commissions.
- Selling online courses in their niche.
- Offering 1-on-1 coaching to readers.
Starting a blog is relatively easy, and you can be up and running in 15 minutes or less. Many successful bloggers make over $1,000 per month within their first year.
29. Teach English as a Second Language
China is witnessing a remarkable demand for remote teachers who can instruct English as a second language. This demand arises from parents’ aspirations for their children to gain a competitive edge in the job market, where proficiency in English is often a distinguishing factor.
Several private companies cater to this demand by offering remote English teaching services to Chinese students. One of the leading platforms in this domain is VIPKid. Your potential earnings on VIPKid may vary based on your teaching experience and the number of classes you can conduct. However, most teachers can anticipate earning an hourly rate ranging from $15 to $22. This presents a rewarding opportunity for educators to help Chinese students enhance their English language skills while also generating income from the comfort of their own location.
30. Sell Handmade Items on Etsy
Etsy: The Creative Marketplace Etsy is an online platform that connects shoppers with creators and artists who specialize in selling handmade or vintage items. This diverse marketplace offers a wide range of products, from paper and party supplies to unique art pieces and collectibles.
If you possess creative skills and can craft unique items that you believe others would appreciate, opening an Etsy shop can be a fantastic way to generate income from your talents. To get started and maximize your success on Etsy, you might want to consider enrolling in a course like “Turn Your Etsy Shop into a Sales Machine.” This course, created by Lisa Jacobs, who herself turned a mere $100 worth of supplies into thousands of dollars on Etsy, is designed to provide valuable insights. It will guide you in avoiding common Etsy pitfalls, enhancing your storefront, and effectively converting visitors into paying customers. Whether you’re an experienced seller or just starting, this course can help you boost your Etsy shop’s performance and make your creative business thrive.
31. Sell custom-designed T-shirts
I recently discovered an interesting website called Teespring.com, which allows you to design and sell t-shirts online. If you have a knack for creating unique and appealing designs, and you use tools like Facebook ads to reach potential buyers, you can certainly generate extra income with this entrepreneurial side hustle. Teespring offers a platform to turn your creative ideas into profit by selling custom-designed t-shirts to a wide audience.
32. Switch up your search engine and get paid
Another effective method for earning passive income through Swagbucks is by utilizing their search tool. Swagbucks rewards you with small amounts for eligible searches conducted using their search engine. Although there’s a daily earnings cap, Swagbucks doesn’t fully reveal the criteria for an eligible search (to prevent misuse). However, it’s a straightforward way to earn a bit of extra money each month with minimal effort.
33. Resell gift cards that have a balance
Many gift cards often end up collecting dust, and I can relate to having received a gift card for the Cheesecake Factory, even though the nearest one was 50 miles away. Rather than letting these gift cards go to waste, consider selling them on popular gift card exchange websites. Sites like Raise.com offer a platform for selling unwanted gift cards. While you may not receive the full face value, turning a $100 gift card you won’t use into $85 in cash is a better alternative.
34. Automate your savings
Saving money can be challenging, as transferring funds from your checking account to a savings or emergency fund can be tough, especially when you don’t see an immediate benefit. However, automatic savings apps like Qapital can make the process more seamless. You just need to set a savings goal and a target date, and Qapital takes care of the rest.
Moreover, Qapital offers overdraft protection. If your checking account balance dips below a certain limit, the app will notify you and pause your savings, ensuring you never have to worry about overdrafts. This can be a helpful tool to help you save more efficiently.
35. Manage social media for businesses
Business owners have a lot of balls to juggle in the day-to-day course of business, and being active on social media sometimes becomes an afterthought. Keeping up on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and other social platforms is a chore, and it’s something that many business owners would gladly pay someone to handle for them.
36. Rent out your belongings
Got a DSLR just sitting in your closet collecting dust? Rent it out for a few days with Fat Llama. Have a 500-watt sound system you think someone may need for a wedding party? You can rent those out, too.
It’s worry-free (they have comprehensive insurance that covers your item) and it’s an amazing way to have someone else pay for your belongings. Take this Londoner for example — he made over $30,000 renting out his camera equipment and ended up buying his mom a house with it.
Better yet, they’ll pay you $20 just for signing up and they award you an additional $10 for each member you refer that successfully completes the rental process.
You may also like to read: 12 Ways to Make More Money as a Freelance Writer