You need more money, but you don’t know where to start (or what is legitimate). Don’t worry, we have you covered. NerdWallet has compiled 25 legitimate ways to earn extra income (hospitality or travel) and listed each option, depending on how fast you start and receive payments.
While most people prefer fast cash, don’t overlook “slow” concerts, as they will pay more at the end of the day. [Due to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, some of these suggestions may not be feasible at present, given on-site measures to regulate the spread of the virus.]
Selling clothes you don’t wear could be a small thank you for making money. Start at local delivery stores for quicker cash, or use sites like Three and Postmark to find buyers. If you go online, be sure to request clear, well-lit photos of your rooms and look for similar items to align competitive prices.
2. Exchanging old, electronic phones for money
Do you have an old phone, iPad, or gaming system? Sell it on a site like swap pa or Gazelle. Check out Amazon’s exchange program, which pays attendees for Amazon gift cards, and eBay too. If you’re in a hurry, try an ecoATM kiosk, which offers on-site cash for your device.
3. Drive Uber, Lyft
Join Uber or Lyft (or both) and earn money driving passengers. Remember to think about gas and maintenance costs. You want a fitness-rated car and must pass a background check and proof of driving history.
4. Deliver to Amazon, Uber Eats
Take advantage of the growing delivery and registration trend for a service like Instacart, Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash or Amazon Flex. In most cases, you are paid on delivery and can even earn tips.
A car is not always necessary – travel companions and, in some cities, DoorDash, allow you to use a motorcycle or scooter to deliver. However, a background check is almost always part of the deal. Learn more about getting started with Amazon Flex, Uber Eats, and Instacart.
5. Become a dog walker or dog sitter
Do you like dogs? Consider becoming a dog walker. Applications like Wag! And Rover offers dog walks upon request, so you can gobble them up when your hours allow.
If you have space (and the landlord’s permission if you rent), a dog will be offered overnight. Read the fine print if you subscribe to these services
6. Get a babysitting gig
Everyone from students to recent retirees can earn money looking at the children of others. Word of mouth recommendations from friends and family are always a big thank you to start, but you’ll also create a free profile on Care.com or Sitter city to extend your coverage.
Write down all specialized skills, such as CPR certifications or experience with children with special needs, to be more marketable.
7. Find a job as a homemaker
If you are ready to look at someone’s house, and maybe feed the animals, water the plants, and remove the trash, become a housekeeper. Tap their network for referrals, or try HouseSitter.com, which connects owners to owners. People often earn between $25 and $45 a day, according to the company’s website.
8. Sell unused gift cards
Sell unused gift certificates at a site like Card pool, Card Cash or Gift Card Granny. These websites say they will pay you up to 92% of the value of the card. At Card Cash and Gift Card Granny, you can also exchange your card for the one you will use. Card pool and Gift Card Granny also have cashier-assisted kiosks and workstations, so you’ll have money on hand.
9. Devour online independence
Websites like Upwork, Fiverr and Freelancer.com offer the opportunity to apply for freelance jobs such as writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry and as a virtual assistant. Excellent knowledge of a second language? Visit websites like Gen go or One Hour Translation, or do business through your website.
Regardless of what type of freelance work you do, keep an eye on the current tariff for the type of work you do so that it detects whether you are overloading or downloading. Learn how to request a start in Upwork.
10. Test websites and applications
Websites like UserTesting.com can give you feedback on how certain websites and apps work. You have to take a short test to be accepted. You will receive $10 for each 20-minute test that involves registering and answering four written follow-up questions. Otherwise, you can earn up to $120 to video chat with a customer after the trial period.
11. Devouring Tasks in Amazon Mechanical Turkish
Even in the age of automation, some jobs always require contact by one person. Companies often outsource these jobs through services such as Amazon Mechanical Turk. As a “worker”, the tasks assigned to you are often boring: marking photos, transcribing videos, ordering receipts and can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. Temporary employers or “candidates” determine the value of each activity and get approval for the finished product before you pay. This leaves room for fraud.
So do your research and join a community like the M Turk Crowd-Forum or the Subreddits M Turk and Turk Er Nation that can keep you away from suspicious distributors.
These communities and other “workers” can answer the questions and give a reasonable idea of what percentage of the money they are likely to collect. Learn more about Mechanical Turk, how you can make money online quickly.