Key takeaways:
- Online tools and resources make it easy exploring the side gig economy to earn extra cash without having to spend much time or effort.
- From simple tasks like answering surveys on your coach to more active endeavors like dogs walking, the options are unlimited.
- More advanced skills, like writing, digital creation, or marketing, can fill your bank account faster from freelance activities that you can find online.
In the age of artificial intelligence and the amount of online resources available to anyone with access to the internet, it’s becoming common to think that if you are not making money, you are just not serious or not interested.
Side gigs to boost your main income from your job or to save up some cash while studying or figuring out what you want to do with your life have never been so easy for anyone who is pursuing such opportunities.
If you are looking for how to make money in one hour, even that is possible.
With the right method based on your skills, available tools, and how much effort you can put in, you can find your niche among realistic ways to make money in just one hour. We have listed the top ways to help you out, including options that don’t require upfront costs or special skills.
Quick Ways to Make Money in One Hour (Real Examples)
Choose carefully your method to match your resources and goals, and don’t be afraid to mix a few strategies for better rewards. You will start earning instantly with some methods, while it can take some time to set up for optimal position with others.
1. Complete Paid Online Surveys
Paid online surveys, where you answer questions to help researchers gather data on various topics, along with consumer feedback for companies, are one of the easiest ways to earn cash quickly.
- How it works: Sign up for platforms like Pawns.app, Prolific, or Swagbucks to answer survey questions, and get paid per completed survey.
- Earning potential: $2–$6 per hour, depending on survey length and availability.
- Tools needed: A smartphone or computer with internet access.
- Good for beginners: No special skills required.
2. Join Pawns.app to Share Internet Bandwidth
Pawns.app lets you earn passive income by simply sharing your unused internet connection. It’s one of the easiest ways to make money fast without actively working.
- How it works: Install the app, let it run in the background, and get paid for unused bandwidth.
- Earning potential: $5–$10 per month per device – plus extra from paid online surveys inside the app.
- Tools needed: A computer or smartphone with a stable internet connection.
- Bonus: No upfront costs or skills required.
3. Sell Items Online
If you have unused items at home, you can sell them online through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or a similar platform. This is perfect for getting money fast while clearing clutter.
- How it works: Put unwanted items like clothes, electronics, or furniture on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or your social media accounts.
- Earning potential: $20–$200, depending on what you sell.
- Tools needed: Smartphone or computer, Facebook account.
- Cost: No upfront cost, but shipping your items to the buyer will not be free of charge, unless you want to deliver them yourself.
4. Offer Delivery Services
Join delivery services – they are almost always looking for drivers and couriers. You can start immediately if you have a vehicle. You will earn cash without waiting, if you choose this option.
- How it works: Sign up with DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, or similar delivery services, accept orders, and get paid immediately after completing them.
- Earning potential: $15–$30 per hour plus tips.
- Tools needed: A bike, scooter, or car and a smartphone.
- Cost: Gas or maintenance costs if using a car.
5. Participate in Paid Focus Groups
Businesses and researchers pay for your opinions on products, services, or ads. You can engage with paid focus groups either online or in person, and get rewarded for just an hour of your time.
- How it works: Join sites like Respondent.io or User Interviews to get matched with focus groups and choose which one you want to join for a paid meeting.
- Earning potential: $30–$150 per session.
- Tools needed: A computer or phone with a camera and microphone.
- Ideal for: Those who enjoy sharing opinions and giving feedback.
6. Walk Dogs in Your Neighborhood
If you love animals, dog walking is a fun and active way to earn cash quickly.
- How it works: Sign up on apps like Rover or Wag! to connect you with pet owners nearby, or simply ask neighbors if they need help with dog walking.
- Earning potential: $5–$25 per walk, often for just 30 minutes.
- Tools needed: Leash, bags, and comfortable walking shoes.
- Cost: Free to start, but you must get along with pets and learn a few tricks on how to treat them.
7. Provide Freelance Services
Some sets of skills, like design or writing, can be employed for providing freelance services for side gigs, like logo design or social media posts, to get paid the same day.
- How it works: Create a gig on Fiverr or Upwork offering skills like graphic design, freelance writing, or virtual assistance.
- Earning potential: $20–$100 per hour, depending on experience.
- Tools needed: Computer, internet access, and relevant skills.
- Fast start: Some services, like proofreading or transcription, require minimal setup.
8. Flip Unused Gift Cards
Have unused gift cards lying around? Sell them for cash through sites like Raise or CardCash instead of letting them sit unused.
- How it works: Sell them on platforms like CardCash or Raise.
- Earning potential: 70%–90% of the card’s value.
- Tools needed: A smartphone or computer.
- Tip: This is perfect for last-minute money fast needs.
9. Perform Simple Data Entry Jobs
Data entry jobs are perfect for beginners. Many platforms pay you to input information into spreadsheets or systems.
- How it works: Join freelance platforms or specialized data work sites to find gigs that involve entering information into spreadsheets or systems.
- Earning potential: $10–$25 per hour.
- Tools needed: Computer.
- Beginner-friendly: No advanced skills required.
10. Test Websites and Apps
You can provide feedback for businesses on their websites and apps after you have tested them.
- How it works: Sign up on platforms like UserTesting, record your screen and voice while navigating websites or apps and give commentary on what works and what doesn’t, how intuitive and easy the navigation is, what could be improved.
- Earning potential: $10–$20 for a 15–20 minute test.
- Tools needed: Computer or smartphone with a microphone.
- Quick start: Payments are often processed within a few days.
11. Offer Same-Day Odd Jobs
Many people need help with small tasks, from assembling furniture or mowing lawns to transcribing text from audio.
- How it works: Post your availability on TaskRabbit or local Facebook groups.
- Earning potential: $10–$20 per hour.
- Tools needed: Varies depending on the task, but often requires just basic tools or physical labor.
- Offline option: Ideal for those without strong online skills.
12. Sell Digital Products
Creating and selling digital products like ebooks, templates, or stock photos is an effective way to make money quickly.
- How it works: Upload your product to Etsy, Gumroad, or similar platforms and promote it through your social media accounts or other platforms to pull potential buyers closer.
- Earning potential: $10–$200+ in a single sale.
- Tools needed: Digital file to sell, computer, design, or writing skills.
- Scalable: Once created, digital products can generate passive income.
13. Babysit or Offer Last-Minute Childcare
If you have experience with kids, last-minute babysitting is a quick way to make money.
- How it works: Check neighborhood groups on your social media accounts or apps like Care.com.
- Earning potential: $15–$25 per hour
- Tools needed: Babysitting experience, sometimes references
- Bonus: Sometimes you can get food or a place to stay for some time if you take care of children at their parents home
14. Play Games for Money
Testing video games for money or streaming your game experience to a wider audience can generate you quick money.
- How it works: Stream your gaming experiences on platforms like Twitch and YouTube while providing affiliate advertisements to your audience, or look for gaming companies that offer paid game testing opportunities, or sign up on Pawns.app to play games for small monetary rewards.
- Earning potential: $5–$100 per hour, depending on the audience and/or game testing offer.
- Tools needed: A Powerful computer and the ability to observe, analyze, and comment while still playing.
- Bonus: You get to play to get to pay instead of working without having any fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $50 per hour a good pay?
Yes, $50 per hour is considered excellent pay. For context, this equals nearly $100,000 annually if you work full-time.
Is it possible to make money in an hour?
Absolutely! There are many ways to make money fast, from delivery services to paid focus groups. Some options, like Pawns.app, require no special skills.
How can I make $100 in one hour?
You can make $100 in one hour by doing high-paying gigs like freelance services, focus groups, or by selling valuable items online. Just don’t expect to earn this much each hour you try to do that. However, a combination of good strategy and skills can land you many hours with such earnings.
Check out our full guide: How to Make $100 Today.
How can I make quick cash without taking a loan?
Stick to instant-earning options like selling items on Facebook Marketplace, doing delivery services, or flipping active gift cards. These methods don’t require borrowing or risk.
How can I make $500 in a day?
Although it might seem unrealistic, it is entirely possible to make $500 in a day if you don’t limit yourself to just one task and go for multiple high-paying tasks at the same time.
For instance, you can provide freelance services, like writing or graphic design, sell valuable items, and also deliver a few packages to increase your earnings.
