How to Get Cash Quickly: 15 Proven Methods

Ever find yourself in a cash crunch, wondering how to get cash quickly before your next paycheck? We've all been there. If it's an unexpected bill, a car repair, or just a tight month, sometimes you need money fast.

But before you start eyeing those high-interest credit cards or cash advances, take a deep breath. There are plenty of legit ways to get your hands on some extra cash without digging yourself into a deeper financial hole.

Here are some ways to make money fast when you're in a bind.

Here are 15 ways to get money in your pocket fast:

EarnIn is an app that lets you access your paycheck before your official payday. It works by letting you withdraw money right from your earned wages.

All you have to do is sign up, connect your bank account, and enter some information to verify your employment. When you need money, request a withdrawal, and EarnIn will transfer the funds to your bank account. On payday, EarnIn automatically deducts the amount you withdrew. 

There's no interest, and fees are optional, which makes it a great way to avoid overdraft fees and late payments when you're in a pinch. 

Gig apps turn your smartphone into a money-making machine. TaskRabbit and similar apps let you pick up jobs in your area for quick cash. Maybe you'll help someone move a couch or assemble that frustrating IKEA bookshelf.

You can choose tasks that fit your schedule and skills. Just keep in mind that gig work can be a rollercoaster: One week you're swamped, and the next you're twiddling your thumbs. It's a flexible option for extra income, but don't quit your day job just yet.

Got a car and some free time? Shift your finances into high gear by driving for apps like Uber or Lyft. It's a simple process — apply to be a driver, then use the app to connect with people who need a ride.

You're in charge of when and how long you work. Maybe you'll do a few hours after your regular job or go all out on weekends. But remember that you'll be putting miles on your car and paying for gas, so make sure to crunch the numbers before hitting the road.

Hungry for some extra cash? Food delivery apps like DoorDash and Instacart might satisfy your appetite. Sign up as a driver, and you'll be ferrying folks' favorite meals or grocery hauls right to their doorsteps.

Like other app-based options, your schedule is as flexible as you need it to be. Work during the lunch rush, dinner time, or whenever suits you best. It's a great way to explore your city and meet new people. As with rideshare driving, be sure to keep an eye on those fuel costs and wear-and-tear on your vehicle to make sure you're coming out ahead.

Turn that clutter into cash. Start by gathering up items you don't need anymore, and put together some price ranges you hope to get for each one.

When it comes to selling the things you don’t use, you've got plenty of options. You could take the traditional route and hold a garage sale, or go digital on sites like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist. Take clear, representative photos, write honest descriptions, and be ready to haggle.

Need cash before payday? Your employer might have your back. Some companies offer advances to help employees out between paychecks.

To ask for one, chat with your HR department or manager. Be clear about how much you need and why. If approved, you'll get some of your wages early, then pay it back from your next paycheck. It's not a long-term solution, but it can help bridge the gap when you're in a tight spot, and it's a much better option than taking out a loan or a cash advance on your credit card.

Turn your passions and talents into cold, hard cash with a side hustle. Love crafting? Sell your creations on Etsy. Got a way with words? Try freelance writing on Upwork or Fiverr. Handy with tools? Offer your fix-it skills to neighbors.

As you get set up, you can scale up or down based on your time and energy. With some hard work, your side gig could one day grow into a full-time venture.

Put that spare room or extra garage space to work. Platforms like Airbnb let you rent out rooms to travelers, while apps like Neighbor help you rent out storage space and parking spots. It's a great way to earn significant and (relatively) passive income.

Start by sprucing up your space and taking some good photos. Set a competitive price based on your area and be clear about rules and expectations. It's not an entirely hands-off venture — you'll need to do some upkeep and customer service, since you'll have to keep the space clean and be available to your renters for questions and concerns.

Taking online surveys on apps like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie lets you earn fast cash or gift cards just for sharing your opinions.

Get started by signing up for a few apps and filling out your profile. You'll get notifications when surveys match your demographic info. Most surveys take a few minutes to complete and pay a small amount each. It won't make you rich, but it's an easy way to earn a little extra cash while you're watching TV or waiting in line at the grocery store.

With the rise of the subscription model, many of us are juggling a whole bunch of services we don't actually use. Take a hard look at your monthly subscriptions. Do you need all those streaming services? Are you really using that gym membership? Cutting back can free up a big chunk of change each month to give your savings account a boost.

Make a list of all your subscriptions and decide which you can live without. Cancel the ones you don't use often. For services you want to keep, see if there are cheaper plans or family sharing options. You might be surprised how much you can save by pruning your subscriptions.

Don't be shy about haggling with your service providers. Cable, internet, and phone companies often have unadvertised deals. And don't forget about personal finance — you may be able to negotiate with your credit card issuer for lower interest rates or annual fee waivers, especially if you have a good payment history.

Do some research first. Check competitors' rates and be ready to ask for something equal (or even lower). If you're a long-time customer, remind them about your loyalty. Sometimes, just inquiring about canceling your service can get you a better offer.

If you love animals, pet sitting or dog walking is a fun way to make money fast while spending time with furry new friends.

To get started, create a profile on sites like Rover and Wag that highlights your experience with animals, and set your rates and availability. Be prepared for daily walks, overnight stays, or even just drop-in visits.

Ever wondered how companies decide which products to make and improve? One important component is focus groups, and you can get paid to join in. These small gatherings are where everyday people share their opinions so companies can gauge what might sell and what needs tweaking.

Look for market research companies in your area or online and take their onboarding surveys. If you're a match for a study, you might spend a few hours discussing products or watching ads. It's an interesting way to influence future products while earning some cash at the same time.

Those points you've been collecting on your credit card are like free unclaimed money waiting to be cashed in.

Check your credit cards for cash back programs, store loyalty programs for points, and even your bank account for unused rewards. Many cards let you turn points into statement credits, putting cash right back in your pocket. Some programs offer gift cards at a discount, which you can trade for real dollars and cents on sites like CardCash. Just watch out for expiration dates and choose the options that give you the most value for your points.

Got a knack for math? Fluent in a foreign language? Sharing your skills is a flexible way to earn money, and you tutor people in person or online.

Start by deciding which subjects you'll teach, and set your rates based on your experience and local market prices. Spread the word through tutoring websites, social media, and community boards. While it takes work, it’s a great side hustle that puts more money in your pocket.

When unexpected expenses arise, EarnIn is here to help you stay on top of your bills without stress. Instead of borrowing money from friends or dealing with inconvenient payday delays, use EarnIn to access the money you've already earned — up to $150/day and up to $750/pay period with no credit checks, no interest, and no mandatory fees.

Don't wait for payday. Sign up with EarnIn to tap into your earnings now.