Let’s be honest — sometimes you just need money fast. Whether it’s an unexpected bill, a last-minute event, or just a desire for something you can’t afford right now, figuring out how to make quick money in one day can be a lifesaver. The good news is, you don’t need to win the lottery or sell your soul. You just need a little hustle and a few smart ideas.
If you’re wondering how to get cash fast or how to make quick cash in a day, this guide is packed with practical and creative ways to make money — starting now.
13 ways to make money today
It's time to shake things up. From digital side hustles to hands-on gigs, here's how to make money today:
1. Take online surveys
Companies are constantly looking for consumer feedback. While you won't get rich overnight, sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie offer a simple way to make money from home. These platforms let you get paid for sharing your opinions on a variety of products and services.
2. Sell unused gift cards
If you’ve got gift cards lying around that you’ll never use, sell them on platforms like CardCash or Raise. You won’t get full value, but you’ll get cash in your pocket — often within 24 hours.
3. Drive for a rideshare service
If you have a car and some free time, consider signing up to drive for a service like Uber or Lyft. These platforms offer the flexibility to choose your own hours, making it easy to fit around your schedule.
You can start earning quickly after you're approved. And some options, including Uber, offer instant pay so you can get paid right away. Remember to factor in costs like gas and wear-and-tear on your vehicle when calculating your profits.
4. Advertise on your car
Wrap your car in ads and get paid to drive like you normally do. Services like Wrapify and Carvertise connect drivers with brands. It can be passive income with zero extra effort.
5. Freelance your skills
If you’ve got the skills for writing, design, or any other marketable talent, one of the best ways to make money online is freelancing. There's probably someone out there willing to pay for your expertise. Try sites like Upwork and Fiverr that connect freelancers with clients who need their services.
You can often start right away, set your own rates, and choose projects that interest you. Whether you're looking for a quick gig or hoping to build up a longer-term client base, freelancing is a flexible way to earn extra cash.
6. Try babysitting or nannying
Care for a child for a few hours — trusted help is always in demand and pays fast. Neighbors, friends, or local parenting groups could get you started quickly. Alternatively, check out babysitting apps like Bambino and UrbanSitter.
7. Rent out equipment
Own tools, a camera, or even a lawn mower? You can rent out things you’re not using for quick income. While some sites, like Fat Llama, cover almost everything, there are also specialist sites like Wedio for camera equipment and FriendWithA for sports and leisure equipment.
8. Flip items for profit
Thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces are treasure troves. Buy low, clean it up, and sell high. Electronics, furniture, and vintage goods are great for flipping. With a little effort, you can turn a small investment into a solid profit.
9. Take on seasonal jobs
Depending on the time of year, there are plenty of opportunities for quick, seasonal work. This could include retail positions during the holiday season, landscaping in the spring and summer, or harvest work in agricultural areas. These jobs often have a low barrier to entry and can provide a quick influx of cash. Check local job boards or apps like Snagajob to find seasonal openings in your area.
10. Wash cars
Washing cars is a classic way to make quick cash — and for good reason. It's a service many people need but don't always have time for themselves. You can start small by offering to wash cars in your neighborhood, then expand your client base as you build a reputation.
To maximize your earnings, consider offering additional services like interior detailing or waxing. Just make sure you have the right supplies and know-how to do a thorough job.
11. Offer decluttering and organization services
If you have a knack for tidying up and creating efficient spaces, offering decluttering and organization services can be one way to earn quick cash. Start by helping friends or family organize their closets, garages, or home offices. Once you have some glowing before-and-after photos and testimonials, advertise your services on local community boards and social media.
12. Be a personal shopper or stylist for a day
If you have a passion for fashion, becoming a personal shopper or stylist for a day could be a fun way to make money fast. Many people want to refresh their wardrobe but lack the time or confidence to shop for themselves.
That's where you step in. Offer your services to help people curate their perfect wardrobe. Start by assisting friends or family members, then expand your client base through word-of-mouth and social media. This gig combines the thrill of shopping with the satisfaction of helping others look and feel their best.
13. Sell homemade crafts or baked goods
If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, whip up some goodies and sell them locally. Or, perhaps you are handy at making other goods. Think candles, jewelry, or soaps. Places like farmers markets, Facebook Marketplace, or even your front yard can be your storefront.
Popular same-day payout apps and platforms
Here’s a quick look at some methods that can get you paid today or tomorrow:
Method | Platform/app | Payout speed | Typical daily earnings |
Rideshare driving | Instant pay | $50–$200+ | |
Food/grocery delivery | Instant pay | $50–$150+ | |
Dog walking/pet sitting | Next-day/instant | $30–$100+ | |
Freelancing (quick gigs) | Varies, can be instant | $20–$200+ | |
Selling used items | Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist | Same-day cash pickup | Varies widely |
Odd jobs/handyman services | TaskRabbit, Thumbtack | Next-day/instant | $50–$300+ |
Selling unused gift cards | Next-day/PayPal | Varies widely | |
Online surveys | Swagbucks, Survey Junkie | Varies, can be instant | $5–$20+ |
On-demand warehouse/logistics | Same-day pay | $100–$250+ |
4 tips to get started with making money fast
- Start local. Ask friends, family, or neighbours if they need help with anything. Word-of-mouth is powerful.
- Use social media. Post your services or items for sale on Instagram, Facebook Marketplace, or Nextdoor.
- Bundle your skills. Offer package deals — like babysitting plus house cleaning — for more value.
- Stay safe. Always meet in public places, verify buyers, and trust your instincts.
Access your pay with EarnIn
EarnIn is a game-changer if you need your paycheck before payday. Here’s how it works:
- Download and connect your bank account. The first step is to download the EarnIn app and link it to your bank account where you receive your paycheck.
- Verify your work schedule. EarnIn needs to know you're working. You can do this by uploading electronic timesheets, connecting a work email, or using EarnIn's Automagic Earnings feature (which tracks your GPS at your workplace).
- Use EarnIn's Cash Out1 feature. Once your work is verified, you can request a "Cash Out" to get up to $150/day, with a max of $1,000 between paydays.1 Cash Out1 is not a loan; it's simply a way to get your money when you need it, rather than waiting for the traditional payroll cycle. The money is transferred to your bank account.
Why it works for quick cash
Unlike a traditional payday loan, which can have sky-high interest and trap you in a cycle of debt, EarnIn is an earned wage access (EWA) app. You're not borrowing money; you're simply getting money you've already earned ahead of payday. It can work for covering small, unexpected expenses before your next paycheck arrives.
While various options do exist to make money the same-day, EarnIn's Cash Out1 feature can fill the gaps if needed. Standard service takes 1–3 business days; but if you use Lightning Speed3, you can get the cash in minutes starting at $3.99 per transfer. This EarnIn feature can make EarnIn's Cash Out1 almost immediate, while you’re finding your hustle.
FAQs
Who will give you money right now?
If you’re looking for quick cash, apps like EarnIn, Uber (with Instant Pay), and selling gift cards on CardCash are your best bets. You can also ask friends or family for a small loan, but make sure to set clear terms.
What is the fastest way to make money in one day?
Driving for Uber or Lyft is one of the fastest ways to make quick money in one day. You can start earning within hours and cash out instantly. Selling items you already own is another quick win.
Do you need special skills to start earning fast?
Not necessarily. Many options — like taking surveys, washing cars, or selling off gift cards — require little to no skill. However, if you do have a talent (writing, design, baking), you can earn more by leveraging it.
What’s the easiest way to make money quickly and legally?
Selling unused items, babysitting, or offering simple services like dog walking are easy, legal ways to make fast cash. Just be honest, transparent, and deliver what you promise.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
1
EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out. For additional information about your Daily Max and Pay Period Max, please refer to our FAQ. Service may not be available in all states. EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. See the Fee Table for details. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
2
Tips go to EarnIn and help us provide tools such as Credit Monitoring for free and keep Lightning Speed fees low. Your service quality and availability aren’t affected by whether you tip or not.3
Lightning Speed is an optional service that allows you to expedite the transfer of funds for a fee. Depending on the product, the fee may be charged by EarnIn or its banking partner. Lightning Speed may not be available to all customers. Actual transfer speeds depend on your bank. See the Lightning Speed Fee Table for details.Popular articles
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