10 Fast Side Hustles to Earn Extra Cash [My Favorites]
Looking for fast side hustles that pay well?
Your search ends here. We’ve rounded up a list of 10 quick-earning gigs to start right away!
Whether you need to cover unexpected expenses, save for a vacation, or just want some financial flexibility, we’ve got you covered.
- Food delivery gigs offer quick earnings and flexible hours, with same-day payouts.
- Ridesharing provides steady cash flow, flexible hours, and weekly payments for drivers.
- Freelance writing offers flexible work-from-home opportunities for those with strong writing skills.
- Renting out your car or unused space can generate passive income with minimal effort.
Brett Helling is a gig economy expert who has been running his own small business for over 10 years.
Fast Side Hustles: Our Top Picks
Below is an overview of side hustles for quickly making money:
- Food Delivery Gigs: Best Overall
- Delivering Packages: Best for Efficient Movers
- Ridesharing: Best for Social Drivers
- Freelance Writing: Best for Writers
- Pet Sitting: Best for Animal Lovers
- House Cleaning: Best for Neat Freaks
- Dog Walking: Best for Dog Lovers
- Babysitting: Best for Caregivers
- Renting Out Your Car: Best for Vehicle Owners
- House Sitting: Best for Homebodies
The Best Fast Side Hustles at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of our top picks for the most profitable fast side hustles:
What Side Hustle Makes Money the Fastest?
If you’re in a hurry to pad your wallet, food delivery gigs offer the shortest route. With the online food delivery market a multi-billion industry, you can kickstart your way to making $1,000 fast.
The best part? You can cash out your earnings in just a few days. Some food delivery apps even offer same-day payments.
What Is the Quickest Way to Make Money Without a Job?
Ridesharing is the fastest path to having a steady cash flow without being tied to the typical 9-to-5 grind.
You can start earning within days after signing up as a driver, and payments typically roll in weekly. Plus, you can set your working hours and gain immediate access to ride requests.
Best Fast Side Hustles in 2024
Check out the most popular side hustles to make money fast:
1. Food Delivery Gigs
A food delivery gig involves picking up orders and dropping them off to customers at their homes and offices through an app.
Some delivery platforms also cater to groceries and alcoholic drinks.
The food delivery market is booming, and that’s why this gig has snagged the top spot on our list.
People crave convenience, and bringing delicious food straight to their doorsteps is a surefire way to pocket extra money.
Costs to Get Started
Starting a food delivery gig doesn’t require much if you already have a bicycle, scooter, or car.
In some cities, delivery by foot is also an option.
A smartphone with internet access is necessary to access the food delivery app. Ongoing costs include gas and maintenance.
Where to Find Food Delivery Gigs
You won’t run out of options if you want a food delivery gig.
You can sign up for free from any of these popular on-demand delivery platforms:
- Uber Eats
- GrubHub
- DoorDash
- Instacart
- Caviar
- Postmates
- Saucey
You earn a delivery fee depending on duration or mileage.
Some apps, like Uber Eats, allow you to make more during peak hours or days of high demand in specific areas.
Almost all apps will pay you 100% of the tips.
2. Delivering Packages
Package delivery is an excellent option if you’re not too keen on driving strangers around.
It’s more predictable and less stressful while offering greater flexibility and higher earnings.
Many package delivery apps hire car owners for part-time or contract work.
The larger your vehicle’s capacity, the more significant packages you can transport.
Costs to Get Started
The upfront costs to deliver packages are relatively low compared to traditional business models.
If you own a car, van, or truck that meets the company’s requirements, you’re already halfway there.
You only need to ensure your auto insurance is up-to-date, which will run you somewhere between $120 and $170 monthly for full coverage.
Other recurring expenses include gas, car maintenance, and internet service.
Where to Find Package Delivery Gigs
You can find package delivery side hustles through various delivery apps and platforms.
- Amazon Flex offers flexibility, hourly rates, and other rewards, provided you have a mid-size or larger vehicle.
- Roadie provides opportunities for part-time or full-time delivery.
- GoShare specializes in using trucks to create a more sustainable economy.
- Dispatch offers same-day and on-demand deliveries for business owners.
- Para integrates various delivery platforms in one app.
- CitizenShipper lets you bid on delivery gigs, including long-haul shipments.
3. Ridesharing
Ridesharing is more affordable than taxis, making it a go-to choice for commuters everywhere.
You can find passengers using a GPS-enabled mobile app.
Ridesharing offers flexible work opportunities for drivers. It’s an attractive idea to earn money at your convenience.
Costs to Get Started
To be a rideshare driver, you’ll need a suitable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a smartphone with the app installed.
Some expenses include fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance, which are relatively standard for anyone who owns a car.
Where to Find Ridesharing Work
Finding a ridesharing gig is as simple as downloading the app of your choice.
The most popular options are:
- Uber: The original ride-hailing app continues to lead the modern transportation market. Passengers can choose from standard sedans to high-end SUVs.
- Lyft: The ridesharing platform connects passengers with drivers in everyday vehicles for cheap and convenient transportation.
- Via: The company operates in NYC, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. It offers a “corner-to-corner” ride for passengers headed the same way but at different stops.
- Juno: Like Via, Juno is a local ridesharing service in NYC and New Jersey.
4. Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is the perfect side hustle for anyone with solid writing skills.
You can write on a project basis or turn it into a full-time career.
The field covers various writing styles, such as blogging, copywriting, and content marketing.
Freelance writers can work from anywhere, enjoy flexible hours, and choose the topics they’re passionate about.
Costs to Get Started
Freelance is a low-cost but fast side hustle to earn extra cash.
Of course, you’ll need a basic computer and internet service, which we assume you already have.
You can use free word processing software like Google Docs or LibreOffice, or invest in a paid option like Microsoft Word or Scrivener.
Consider using grammar and spelling-checking tools like Grammarly or ProWritingAid, which are available in free or premium plans.
Where to Find Freelance Writing Gigs
Websites like Upwork and Fiverr are popular platforms to bid on writing tasks.
While pay rates can be low, content mills like iWriter and Textbroker offer a stream of work.
Many content agencies also hire freelance writers and find clients on your behalf.
Or, you can use your personal website or social media accounts to advertise your work and find writing gigs.
5. Pet Sitting
Pet sitting is a dream job if you have a soft spot for animals. Your job involves taking care of pets when their owners are away.
This includes feeding them, taking them for walks, and making sure they’re happy and healthy.
Sometimes, pet owners might have specific requests, like specific playtime routines or giving medications.
Costs to Get Started
If you’re going for local gigs, you can start with little to no start-up costs.
You can begin by letting your friends, family, and neighbors know you’re available for pet-sitting.
It’ll cost you more to become a professional pet sitter.
For starters, you can take a pet first aid and CPR course for about $100–$200.
You can also get certified with organizations like Pet Sitters International for $275.
Where to Find Pet Sitting Gigs
You can go old-school and post local flyers, or you can use your social media accounts to spread the word.
If you want a broader reach, there are tons of online platforms to connect with pet owners.
The most popular ones are SitterCity, Rover, and Wag.
6. House Cleaning
One of the most popular side hustle ideas is cleaning houses.
It covers various services, including deep cleaning, power washing, window cleaning, and organizing.
Repeat clients who book regular cleaning appointments provide a consistent source of income.
You can rely on them to keep your schedule busy and your cash flow stable.
Loyal clients are also more likely to refer your services to friends and family. Word-of-mouth recommendations can expand your client base.
Costs to Get Started
The initial costs for a house cleaning gig won’t break the bank.
To get started, you should invest in cleaning supplies and equipment, which can be written off on your taxes.
If you’re joining a cleaning company, they’ll provide all the tools you need.
But you can also set up your cleaning business at an extra cost, including marketing and permits.
Where to Find House Cleaning Work
Now, where can you find these gigs?
There are specialized websites like Housekeeper.com and Care.com that focus on cleaning jobs.
You can also check out general job boards like Flexjobs, Indeed, and TaskRabbit.
You can apply as a house cleaner for residential clients, Airbnb hosts, or even offices.
Cleaning companies like Molly Maid are always on the lookout for reliable house cleaners. Even good ol’ Craigslist can be a source for gigs.
7. Taking Paid Online Surveys
Paid online surveys are a clever way to earn extra cash by sharing your opinions with market research firms and companies.
This side hustle is fully remote, and you can register with multiple platforms to increase your earnings.
The questions can cover various topics, from product reviews to shopping habits.
While some surveys are quick, others may take up to 15–20 minutes to complete.
Costs to Get Started
It’s not the most profitable side hustle, but the good news is that signing up for paid survey sites is free.
You can begin completing questionnaires as soon as your account receives approval.
Most survey sites pay through PayPal.
While cashing out to a domestic bank account is usually free, many international debit cards charge a 2.5% transaction fee, along with conversion and other location-based fees.
Where to Find Paid Online Surveys
Trusted survey sites, like Survey Junkie, Ipsos, and iSay, are open to anyone aged 18 and above.
If you’re looking for quick cash, companies like Branded Surveys offer instant payouts and a straightforward payment process.
8. Digital Marketing
Digital marketing is another lucrative side hustle to dip your toes into.
You can use social media, emails, blogs, and website ads to promote products and services to a targeted audience.
The field covers diverse areas, including search engine optimization, content creation, and social media marketing.
Costs to Get Started
While you don’t need a specific degree, you must invest time in learning essential digital marketing skills.
You can start learning at no expense, and later invest in specific courses, certifications, or tools.
Where to Find Package Delivery Gigs
The job market for digital marketers is ever-expanding.
You can find opportunities through job boards, networking, and industry-specific websites.
Platforms like LinkedIn can connect you with potential employers or freelance opportunities.
Major companies, as well as startups, also look for digital marketing experts.
9. Renting Out Your Car
Renting out your car is a modern take on the traditional car rental business.
Instead of letting your car sit idle, you can put it to work by renting it out to people in need of a vehicle.
Online platforms have made this process incredibly convenient.
Just like Airbnb changed the vacation rental market, car-sharing platforms have done the same for car rentals.
Costs to Get Started
Most car-sharing companies don’t charge you upfront fees to list your vehicle.
Instead, they take a commission from the amount you earn. This typically ranges from 15% to 40%, depending on the platform.
That said, prepare for some maintenance costs if your car needs work before renting it out.
Where to Find Renting Out Your Car Work
Some popular car-sharing companies include Turo, Carshare, Avail, and Hyrecar.
It’s a convenient way to make passive income, and many companies provide insurance coverage for your car.
Major rental apps pre-screen renters, but you can also conduct checks before handing out the keys.
10. Renting Out Unused Space in Home
Ever thought about making some extra cash by renting out parts of your home that you don’t use?
It can be a spare room, empty shed, or garage you can convert into storage space for rent.
You can also rent your unused driveway or backyard as a parking space.
This made our list of top fast side hustles because it’s a smart way to monetize what you already have.
It’s flexible, so you can do it on your terms.
Plus, it has excellent income potential, especially if you live in a high-demand area.
Costs to Get Started
You don’t need much upfront investment, and you’re in control of how much to charge customers.
Initial costs can include listing fees on rental platforms and heavy-duty locks to secure the space.
Where to Find Unused Space Rental Gigs
You can list your space on apps like Neighbor, StoreAtMyHouse, and NextDoor.
Platforms like Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are also great for finding local clients seeking extra space.
Or, you can reach out to local business owners to see if there’s a need for extra storage.
How to Start a Fast Side Hustle
Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Identify Your Skills and Interests
Take inventory of your unique skills, talents, and interests.
What are your strengths, and what activities do you genuinely find enjoyable?
When you’re passionate about your side hustle, it won’t feel like a chore, and your motivation will remain high.
But it isn’t just what you know today but also about what you’re willing to learn and improve upon.
Define Your Goals and Set a Clear Plan
Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) objectives will keep you on track.
It helps you understand what you want to achieve and provides a roadmap for how to get there.
Leverage Online Platforms
The Internet offers a plethora of platforms and marketplaces to land clients.
Websites and mobile apps do the legwork for you. They have built-in marketing tools and algorithms that can match your offerings with paying customers.
Not to mention, the payment processing is fast, simple, and secure.
Manage Your Time
Balancing a side hustle with your main job and personal life requires effective time management.
Create a schedule that allocates time to your hustle, and stick to it.
Start with manageable tasks or projects and gradually scale up as you gain confidence and experience.
Time-bound goals come with deadlines. They help you allocate your time efficiently and ensure you’re not procrastinating or spreading yourself too thin.
Take Care of Your Customers
If your side hustle involves client services, prioritize customer satisfaction.
Provide excellent customer service, meet deadlines, and address any issues promptly.
Happy clients are likely to return and refer others.
Wrapping Up
In this roundup of fast side hustles, food delivery gigs are the clear winner. The convenience, high demand, and earning potential make it a standout option.
Tying for a close second are package delivery and ridesharing, which both offer excellent opportunities to boost your finances.
Whether you’re looking to explore a new passion or striving for financial independence, there’s a side hustle waiting for you.
Lastly, feel free to explore this sortable directory of ideas for more side hustles.
Similar Side Hustles to Check Out
Haven’t quite found “the one” yet? Check out other fantastic side gigs here:
- Weekend Side Hustles: If you’re looking to make extra money on weekends, explore side hustles like event staffing, freelance photography, or participating in weekend markets.
- Side Hustles From Home: For those who prefer the comfort of home, consider online tutoring, remote freelancing, or e-commerce through platforms like Etsy or eBay.
- Easy Side Hustles: If you want straightforward and low-effort gigs, look into these easy side hustles.