Making extra money is always a hot topic, and the pressure is on when you need to make $500 quickly.
Let’s talk about how to make $500 fast with the best side hustles and get your bank account in tip-top shape.
We researched and found 47 creative ways to make $500 in a hurry, so read on to discover your best bets for cashing out:
Quick Picks: Make $500 With Side Hustles
Here are our top picks for side jobs, apps, and platforms for you to get (and save!) that extra money in no time:
- Best Way To Make $500 Fast – Proofreading
- Best Store Platform – Shopify
- Highest Payout Potential – Blogging
- Best Investment Platform – Robinhood
- Best Cash Back App – Honey
How To Make $500 Fast
1. Start Blogging
Making extra money has never been easier with the rise in online blogging. With only a few hours per week, you can create helpful, informative content and partner up with brands for affiliate marketing, allowing your blog to make money!
We recommend using WordPress with Bluehost. They’re one of the most popular web hosts and offer a free domain name when you sign up for an account.
To help you create blog posts and perform search engine optimization, we recommend using one of our favorite blogging resources, SurferSEO. It’s a tool that will do some of the heavy lifting for you regarding keyword research and optimizing your content for Google.
2. Flip Items Online
One way to make some money quickly is by flipping items online. You can find things to flip at yard sales, thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, or even in your own home to research and sell for a profit.
Then, list the item for sale at a competitive price that will still leave you a good profit margin. With little effort, you can easily make $500 or more by flipping items online.
With some research, you can often purchase flea market items for a fraction of their worth and then sell them at a significant profit.
You could learn how with the free Flea Market Flipping workshop.
3. Proofread For Businesses
Becoming a proofreader presents an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to make money fast. You can easily make $500 or more per month since businesses always need proofreaders to ensure their content is error-free and well-written.
Proofreading jobs can be found with companies publishing articles and blog posts to eBooks and website copy- businesses and individuals always need someone to proofread their work
If you’re looking to make some quick money, Proofread Anywhere’s free workshop will teach you how to get started as a proofreader.
4. Delivery Driving
Signing up with food delivery services is one of the most effective ways to make money. You may typically earn around $20 an hour and also earn tips with deliveries.
Unlike other jobs that require a lengthy application process or special qualifications, almost anyone can start delivery driving with just a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
You can get started on delivery apps, including:
5. Rideshare Driving
Uber is a great way to earn money on your own schedule and put your car to good use. You get base pay and tips per ride. The key to making good money with this gig economy job is to be strategic about when and where you drive.
Sign up and aim to drive at least 10-15 hours per week during peak times to make $500 fast.
During peak times, such as a rush hour or weekend nights, you can earn significantly more per hour than you would during slower times.
6. Learn How To Bookkeep
Becoming a bookkeeper is a great way to earn extra money and can be done relatively easily and quickly.
Bookkeepers play an essential role in keeping businesses organized and running smoothly. This includes tracking income and expenses, issuing invoices, preparing reports, handling payroll, and preparing the books for the accountants.
And the good news is that you don’t need special training or qualifications to start. Plus, you can do these things without leaving your house. All you need is a computer and an internet connection.
Check out Bookkeeper Launch’s free classes to get your business off the ground!
7. Freelance Writing
If you want to make some extra cash, consider becoming a freelance writer. In today’s digital world, there’s always a demand for content, and businesses are willing to pay top dollar for quality writing.
To find freelance writing gigs, start by browsing online job boards or contacting companies directly. Once you land a few clients, you’ll be on your way to earning a healthy income from the comfort of your own home.
If you’re looking for a way to learn about freelance writing, I highly recommend checking out Freelance Write From Home. This course will teach everything from finding clients to the ingredients of an engaging article!
8. Other Freelancing Jobs
Becoming a freelancer is another way to make $500 fast- you just put whatever skills you have to work!
If you have graphic design, illustration, or data entry skills, you can easily find gigs that will pay you for your talents. And since you’re working on your terms, you can choose to work as little or as much as you want, making it a perfect way to earn extra money.
But don’t be afraid to negotiate and set your price for what you’re worth. Many freelancers underestimate their worth and end up earning less than they could.
9. Become A Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is a great way to make $500 quickly. You’d essentially help businesses with administrative tasks, but from the comfort of your own home
Some services you can offer are online research, social media management, and online customer service.
Thinking about becoming a virtual assistant? The free Savvy Systems training is a comprehensive lesson that covers everything you need to know about becoming a virtual assistant.
10. Online Tutoring
More and more people are choosing to tutor online, and it’s no wonder why. It’s a great way to make extra money from home and is an enjoyable and rewarding online job to help others learn.
You can tutor students in various subjects, from math and science to English and history. And the best part is that you can do it online rather than meet up in person.
You can start tutoring online with BookNook, a tutoring platform that hires tutors to help children with reading and math online. You don’t need to have a teaching degree but do need to have tutoring or teaching experience.
11. Create An Online Store
These days, it’s easier than ever to start an online store, like an Etsy store. With a few clicks of a button, you can have a professional-looking website up and running in no time.
An online store can be a low-cost business to set up, and you can stock with art, jewelry, soaps, or whatever else you like to make.
You could sell an online course or printables in an online store on Shopify. This can be a great way to make extra money if you have expertise in a particular area.
Six Figure Blogger is an excellent course to learn how to create courses to sell and make money in your sleep.
12. Shop For Others
If you love shopping and are always looking for a great deal, why not get paid to do what you love?
You can get groceries for people, buy clothes, and even just run errands when people are too busy.
Instacart is one way you can earn money by getting groceries for other people, and you can get your groceries at the same time!
Instacart also allows you to be a shopper or driver, so you can decide if you’d rather shop or deliver the goods.
While it may take some time to build up a clientele, once you get started, you can easily make $500 or more weekly. And the best part is that you can set your hours and work from home.
Read our Instacart Review to learn how to get paid to shop!
13. Retail Arbitrage
Have you ever heard of retail arbitrage? It’s a great side hustle idea to earn cash while exploring new markets.
It starts with buying goods from shops like outlet stores or retailers and then reselling them elsewhere, like on Amazon, for more money than initially paid for the item!
It might take some time to get the hang of it, but once you do, retail arbitrage can be a great way to make some quick money.
Find products sold at a discount in local stores and then sell them online for a higher price. By shopping smart and researching products to resell, you can make $500 easily!
14. Drop Shipping Business
Drop shipping is a way of selling products online without carrying any inventory. Instead, when a customer orders from you, the order is sent directly to the supplier, who then ships the product to the customer. You never have to worry about stocking or shipping products yourself.
It can be a great way to make money online, and it’s a relatively low-risk business model. You can get started with very little up-front investment, and if things don’t work out, you’re not left with a garage full of unsold merchandise.
Find a supplier for the products you want to sell, and then list those products on your website. When someone orders a product, you order it from the supplier and have it shipped directly to the customer.
15. Real Estate Investing
Real estate investing could be the answer to making some extra money quickly. You could easily make $500 or more by investing in real estate with careful planning.
Invest in real estate through Fundrise. With as little as $10, you can get started with this popular platform that lets you invest in high-quality properties across the country.
Plus, you’ll earn dividends from your investment, which can add up to a nice sum of cash over time. Read more about real estate investing with our Fundrise Review.
16. Dog Walking/Pet Sitting
Pet sitting and dog walking are booming industries that offer you the opportunity to make fast money while getting exercise and fresh air with furry friends. And the best part is, you can set your hours and work as little or as much as you want.
Create a profile on Rover. Then, start marketing yourself to local dog owners by walking their dogs or staying overnight in their homes while they’re away.
You can set your rates, and Rover will help you get started by connecting you with dog owners in your area. You can quickly get a few hundred dollars or more in just a few weeks!
17. Join Focus Groups
Participating in focus groups is a great way to earn some fast money. Market research companies usually conduct focus groups, providing a forum for people to share their opinions on various topics.
Focus group discussions can be held in person or online so that you can participate from the comfort of your home. Many websites offer research studies you can join.
While the pay can vary, it is not uncommon for participants to earn around $50 per hour. So if you participate in a two-hour focus group, you could potentially walk away with $100.
18. Babysit/Nanny
There are plenty of ways to earn cash, but if you’re looking to make $500, babysitting or being a nanny is a great option. It’s a relatively easy way to make money, and you can typically find work quickly.
Every family is different, so your hours and rate will vary depending on who you babysit for and how many kids you watch.
Watching three kids at a rate of $25 per child per day is $75 a day. Do that for 7 days, and you’ve made $525!
To start, you can search online sites like Care.com or check with groups on Facebook with moms. Once you find a few potential families, reach out and introduce yourself. Be sure to highlight your experience with young children and any relevant training or certification you may have.
19. Write A Book
If you’ve thought about writing a book, now is the time to do it! You can make up to $500 fast by writing a book and selling it online. The best part is that you don’t have to be a professional writer to do it.
With the self-publishing tools available today, anyone can write and sell a book. And, with a little effort, you can easily earn $500 or more from your book.
To get started, come up with an idea for a book you think people would be interested in reading. Once you have your idea, start writing! Dedicate a few hours each day to working on your book; before you know it, you’ll have a finished product.
20. Rent Your Garage Or Closet
People are willing to pay good money for storage space, and if you have some extra room, you can start earning rental income immediately.
The best part is that there’s very little work involved on your part. Listing your available rental space on Neighbor Storage connects you with people looking for rental space.
Once you find a renter, you must provide them access to the space and collect the rent each month. And if you’re worried about security, you can always screen potential renters in advance to ensure they’re trustworthy.
21. Rent Your Spare Rooms
If you’re looking to earn cash, renting out your spare rooms is a great way to do it. You can easily make $500 or more by renting your rooms for just a few nights.
You’ll need to do a few things to get started, but once you’ve got everything set up, it’s easy to start making money.
First, you’ll need to list your rooms on a rental site like Airbnb. Then, set a price for your rooms and start taking bookings. You can also promote your rooms on social media to reach even more potential renters.
22. Rent Your RV
Do you have an RV that’s just sitting around taking up space? Put it to work and earn some cash by renting it out!
List your RV on a platform like RVshare, and renters can browse through and book it for their next vacation. You can set your price and earn up to $500 per rental.
Create a detailed listing for your RV on a popular rental site. Be sure to include photos, rates, and any special features or amenities your RV offers.
Next, promote your listing through social media and online classifieds. Then, start screening potential renters to find responsible, trustworthy tenants.
23. Rent Your Car
If you need extra cash, why not rent out your car? You can easily make $500 or more by renting your car to others.
Some websites and apps allow you to list your car for rent, like Turo. List your car with one of them and set your rate.
You’ll need to provide basic information about your cars, such as the make, model, year, and contact information. Once you’ve registered with a car rental company, you’ll be able to list your car and set your rental rates.
24. Advertise On Your Car
Advertising with your car is another way that you can make easy money! You can easily make $500 or more by renting out ad space on your vehicle to businesses.
Sign up with an advertising company that handles everything, including adding and removing the car decal.
And the best part is, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. You simply make money by getting your car wrapped and then driving it around in populated areas so that the advertising is seen.
25. Social Media Management
Are you a whiz with social media? If so, you can easily make $500 or more by offering your services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who need help with their social media accounts.
Offer your services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who don’t have the time or knowledge to do it themselves.
And with the help of one of the best SEO tools, it’s easier to get started.
Jasper provides artificial intelligence-powered content suggestions, so you can easily create engaging posts for your clients.
26. Sell On Social Media
Do you have a knack for crafting or making unique items? If so, you can easily make $500 or more by selling your creations on social media.
Create an account on a popular platform like Etsy or another social media platform and start selling your products.
Printables are digital products that can be downloaded and printed by customers. They can include anything from planner pages and stationery to art prints and organizational tools.
We learned how to make printables to sell from Gold City’s Seasonal eBook, which helped us gear our products better for our customers.
27. Social Media Influencing
It’s no secret that social media has enormous influence. Brands are quickly catching on to platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter offer a direct connection to consumers.
The good news is that you can leverage social media to your advantage. You can quickly and easily make $500 (or more!) by using affiliate networks, sponsored posts, and paid advertising.
You have many opportunities to make money online as an influencer! Use your social media accounts to write sponsored posts, affiliate networks, and paid advertising.
28. Monetize A YouTube Channel
YouTube is a great way to make money. You can create videos on just about any topic, from makeup tutorials to nail art, and there’s a good chance that someone out there is interested in watching.
One of the most popular ways YouTube channel creators make money is by monetizing the channel. YouTubers can make money through sponsorships, product placement, and paid advertisements by making creative videos viewers want to watch.
Not sure how to make money with your YouTube channel? Mastering YouTube can teach you how to make money with YouTube.
29. Repair or Clean Electronics
Electronics are always in need of repair or a good cleaning, and people are always looking for someone to do it for them.
You can easily earn $500 or more by fixing old laptops, smartphones, and other devices. And the best part is that you don’t necessarily need to be a tech expert to do it.
We’ve often seen people opening up little kiosks at the mall to get business, but there are low-cost ways to find clients
You could create profiles on social media or job sites to offer your services, and word of mouth can help your repair business go far.
30. Sell Old Electronics
Selling old electronics you no longer use is an excellent way to earn cash. You can sell your stuff quickly on sites like Decluttr or search thrift stores and the internet for cheap electronics you could flip for a profit.
Sign up with Decluttr and start selling your old electronics, from laptops to smartphones and everything in between. Or start a Shopify store or eBay shop to sell your thrift store finds.
Gather all the electronics you want to sell, take some photos, and create a listing to get started. You may be surprised at how quickly you can make $500 by removing stuff you no longer need!
31. Have A Garage Sale
Are you looking to make some money fast? Why not have a garage sale? With some planning and elbow grease, you can easily sell stuff and make $500 (or more!) in just a few days.
Price your items to sell, then advertise to get as many customers as possible! Put up signs around the neighborhood and list your sale online.
Once you’ve gathered up everything you want to sell, it’s time to start pricing things. Remember, you’re looking to make some money fast, so don’t be too stingy with your prices, but don’t inflate too much if you want things out the door.
We always recommend donating stuff too, but you may as well try to get some final sales in first. We found that when things don’t sell over the weekend, you can either try again on a different weekend or see how quickly things sell online.
32. Test & Review Products
Companies are always looking for feedback from real consumers and are willing to pay for it. You can sign up with a testing company and earn money immediately.
Sign up with companies specializing in product testing. They will send you new products to test regularly, and you simply provide your feedback.
Most companies will give you a list of products to choose from, and you can select the ones that interest you. Once you’ve completed the test, you’ll need to write a review of the product.
33. Bank Account Sign-Up Bonus
Sign-up bonuses are another great way to get free money and make $500 fast. Many banks offer incentives for new customers, and these bonuses can range from $100 to $500.
To qualify, you typically need to deposit a certain amount of money into the account and maintain that balance for a set period. But once you’ve met the requirements, the bonus is yours to keep.
Find banks that offer bonuses of $100 or more just for opening an account and meeting a few simple requirements, such as setting up direct deposits or making a certain number of transactions.
34. Credit Card Sign-Up Bonus
Besides bank accounts, find credit cards that offer sign-up bonuses- and hopefully offer great rewards and cash back.
There are credit cards with sign-up bonuses worth $500 or more, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one that suits your needs.
Just read the fine print carefully before you apply, as some cards require you to spend a certain amount of money within a set time to qualify for the bonus.
Other Ways To Get Quick Cash
35. Invest Money
Investing may be the way to go if you want to earn passive income. While there’s no guarantee of making money, you have the potential to make thousands if you pick the right investments.
You could see a significant return in a short period and earn passive income!
For example, if you invest in stocks with a DIY investing platform like Robinhood, you could get a free stock valued at between $5 and $200.
Robo-advisors like Betterment and Acorns are also great options for investing your money. They will automatically invest your money based on your goals and risk tolerance and have very low fees.
36. Open A High-Yield Savings Account
A high-yield savings account is a type of savings account that offers a higher interest rate than a traditional savings account. This means that you’ll earn more money on your funds.
Many banks like Chime and CIT Bank offer high-yield savings accounts, so it’s easy to find one that meets your needs. Once you open an account and deposit your funds, you’ll earn interest immediately.
37. Online Surveys
Taking online surveys is a great way to get paid some extra cash rewards. And the best part is that you can sign up with the paid survey sites and take paid surveys in your free time!
Once you sign up with the survey sites, you can provide your opinion on various products and services. Some survey sites also have options for playing games.
Some of the best survey sites that offer paid online surveys are:
- Swagbucks Surveys ($10 sign-up bonus)
- Inbox Dollars ($5 sign-up bonus)
- MyPoints
- Survey Junkie
- Pinecone Research
- Opinion Outpost
- Lifepoints
38. Play Video Games
Believe it or not, you can get paid to play video games and make quick cash for fun. There are now several platforms like Twitch that allow gamers to stream their gameplay for others to watch, and many of these platforms offer revenue sharing.
So, if you’re good at playing games and have a decent internet connection, you could start making money by streaming your gameplay.
39. Watch Videos
You can make quick cash by watching videos and ads. I often do this while cooking, working out, or having some downtime on the couch.
One way to make money by watching videos is to sign up for a service like InboxDollars.
With InboxDollars, you can watch videos and get paid for your time. Plus, you can watch the videos whenever you want – day or night.
And the best part is that you can cash out your earnings via PayPal or direct deposit whenever you want – there’s no waiting around for a payout.
40. Exercise
There are a few fitness apps that will pay you to exercise. With these apps, you can set your own goals and schedule and earn money to meet your targets!
For example, StepBet pays users who meet their step goals, while HealthyWager offers cash prizes for reaching weight-loss targets.
So if you’re looking for a way to get paid to get in shape, check out one of these apps and start earning some extra cash by working out.
41. MicroTasks
Microtasks are small tasks that can be completed online and often only take a few minutes to complete. They can include anything from taking surveys to testing new websites.
While the pay for each task is relatively low, it can add up quickly if you complete many of them. We found this was one easy way to make money on Amazon.
With Amazon Turks, you can sign up and start completing tasks right away. The pay varies depending on the task, but most tasks pay around a few cents.
42. Find Free Money
Did you know that free money is just waiting to be claimed?
If you’re looking to make $500, here are a few places you can start your search:
- Government grants
- Find unclaimed money
- Reward programs
So don’t miss out on this free money- start searching today!
43. Donate Plasma
Donating plasma is another excellent way to make some extra money. The process is quick and easy; you can typically donate twice a week. Plus, you’re helping to save lives!
Most plasma donation centers pay around $50 per donation, so you can easily make $500 monthly if you donate twice a week. The best part is that the money is almost always paid immediately, so you don’t have to wait weeks or months to get paid.
How To Save $500 Fast
While there’s no such thing as easy money, there are other ways to save $500 with gig apps and better money habits:
44. Cash Back & Coupon Apps
With cashback apps, you can earn cash rewards for everyday purchases, like online shopping at your favorite stores and online retailers.
Here are our favorites money-making apps to shop online:
45. Curb Over Spending
Curb your spending to save money. Take a close look at your budget and identify areas where you can cut back, even if it’s just for a short period.
For example, you might eat out less often, go on fewer coffee runs, or shop at cheaper stores. By trimming your expenses, you can free up some extra cash that you can put towards your goal.
46. Reduce Your Bills
You can do a few simple things to reduce your bills and make some quick cash.
Here are just a few ways we’ve reduced our bills:
- Price shopping for insurance on your house and car
- Get a newer thermostat
- Use fewer lights- and get LEDs to use less power
47. Cancel Subscriptions
With a few taps on your phone, you can say goodbye to unwanted recurring charges and put some extra cash in your pocket.
Here’s how it works: first, download a subscription cancellation app like Trim. Then, link the app to your bank account or credit card so it can track your recurring charges.
Once the app has found all your active subscriptions, it will provide a list of options for you. Simply pick the ones you want to cancel, and the app will take care of the rest.
Places To Find Side Hustles
Steady App
The Steady App is a great place to find side hustles. With a wide variety of options, you’re sure to find something that fits your interests and skills.
And if you’re not sure where to start, the app’s built-in search engine makes it easy to find opportunities in your area. Plus, the app’s interface is user-friendly, so that you can start immediately.
Learn more about the Steady App in our Steady Review.
Earn more money on your terms when you need it most. Steady members can make an extra $5,500 in average yearly income!
Fiverr
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, then Fiverr may be the answer. On Fiverr, you can find all sorts of gigs – from design work to writing and even video editing.
And the best part is that you can set your rates to earn as much or as little as you want. Whether you’re looking for a serious side hustle or a way to make some extra cash, Fiverr is worth checking out.
FlexJobs
FlexJobs is a job search site specializing in remote and flexible jobs. So whether you’re looking for a part-time gig or a full-time job that you can do from home, FlexJobs is a great resource.
Plus, with FlexJobs, you can be sure that you’re applying for legitimate jobs – all of the listings on the site are screened by hand to ensure quality.
Check out our FlexJobs Review for more information.
Upwork
With the rise of the gig economy, there are many ways to earn extra money without leaving your house. One popular option is to use Upwork, a freelancing platform that connects businesses with remote workers.
With Upwork, you can sign up for various jobs, from writing and marketing to design and web development. And because you’re working remotely, you can often choose your hours and work around your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Making more money quickly doesn’t have to be complicated– there are plenty of ways to bring in some extra cash and create multiple income streams to make your life easier.
You have dozens of options to make $500 quickly and aim for a better financial future!
With a bit of creativity and perseverance, you’re sure to find a way to boost your bank balance with side hustle apps.