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Best Ways to Make Quick Cash [2025]: 7 Gigs You Can Start Today

There are multiple ways to make money quickly, and some of them can be done entirely on your phone.

By Kate Daugherty

Updated Aug. 21, 2025

There have been times in my life when I've wondered how I would keep the lights on and everyone fed until my next paycheck. It's stressful, scary, and requires some creative thinking to bridge the gap between paychecks.

The good news is that there are now numerous ways to make money quickly. Some of the best ways to make quick cash are fairly old-school, such as selling plasma, selling unwanted items, or getting a paycheck advance. However, newer options only require a phone, an internet connection, and the desire to start earning (and they don't involve needles!).

Signing up to deliver food or groceries, helping people perform tasks, and playing games or taking online surveys are all ways to help you bridge the gap when an unexpected expense pops up or your paycheck just doesn't stretch far enough.

How to potentially make quick cash

If you're short on cash and need money quickly, it's best to explore multiple options to make the most of your time and increase your chances of success. A paycheck advance from a company like EarnIn could buy you time to explore other options like delivering with Uber Eats or completing surveys with Survey Junkie. The more options you try, the faster you'll get the funds you need and maybe even start building a small emergency fund to help in the future.

Here's what we recommend to get started.

Get a paycheck advance

If you have a steady job and an unexpected medical or car expense pops up, consider asking your employer for a paycheck advance. Paycheck advances are an agreement between you and your employer where they lend you funds, and you repay them from future payroll deductions according to a written schedule.

If you can't or don't want to ask your employer for help, some third-party companies offer paycheck advances (also called earned wage access services) too. You often need to provide proof of employment and link your bank account to the app or platform. Unlike payday loans, which can charge extremely high interest rates, paycheck advance companies typically don't charge interest. However, if you don't pay the money back, you may be barred from using the service until you pay back the amount owed.

Here are two we recommend:

EarnIn

After you connect your bank account and enter your employer information, Earnin will transfer up to $150 per day (or $750 per month) to the linked account. When payday comes around, EarnIn automatically deducts the amount you borrowed, and you can change the repayment date as needed. There are no interest or hidden fees, although you'll have to pay a fee to access your cash in minutes instead of the usual one to three days.

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Current Cash Advance

Similarly, financial service company Current also offers paycheck advances. If you qualify, you may receive up to $750 per month if you have a qualifying direct deposit into your Current account or link an external bank account with a direct deposit. You can receive your money within three business days or pay a small fee for instant access. Current doesn't charge interest and offers flexible repayment options.

Visit Current

Deliver food or groceries

Earning money by delivering food or groceries is a great way to make cash relatively quickly. However, you'll need access to a car or live in a city where you can deliver via bicycle or on foot.

If you use a vehicle to complete deliveries, remember that you are responsible for expenses like gas, insurance, and maintenance. You also generally need to be at least 18 years old (or 19, in some states), have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and pass a background check.

DoorDash and Uber Eats are generally the two most well-known delivery options.

DoorDash

Signing up with DoorDash is convenient as it allows you to set your own schedule and offers a base pay rate, promotions, and the opportunity to earn tips. While it's generally not a way to make money immediately, DoorDash transfers your earnings weekly via bank transfer. Alternatively, you can receive payments daily for a fee.

Uber Eats

Similarly, Uber Eats is easy to sign up for, especially if you already drive for Uber. It allows you to deliver via a 2- or 4-door vehicle, scooter, or bicycle. In some areas, you can even deliver on foot. Payments are made once a week via bank deposit. You can also sign up for Instant Pay and get paid up to six times a day for a fee.

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Sell unwanted items

While it can be hit or miss depending on what you have, selling items you no longer need can help you clear clutter and make some cash. Sites like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist help connect you to your local community and sometimes even around the country.

However, there are also numerous scams on various selling platforms. Be cautious about sharing your personal information, and use a safe location if you plan to meet buyers in person.

Use good lighting and place your items on a neutral background. Make sure items are clean and that you are honest about their condition in your listing.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is easy to use and integrates with the rest of Facebook, making it easier to vet potential buyers since you can see their profiles. It's free to create a listing, and you can choose whether to keep your listing local or sell to a broader audience. However, the platform charges a 10% selling fee to cover processing charges if Facebook facilitates shipping and checkout, so be aware of any potential additional costs.

Craigslist

If you want to stay local and take a stripped-down approach to selling, try your local Craigslist. Like Facebook Marketplace, most listings on Craigslist are free, but if you're selling a vehicle or advertising services, you may need to pay a small posting fee. Craigslist listings are only available in a specific geographic location, and you can't post to more than one site at a time.

Do tasks

If you're handy, consider doing work on sites like TaskRabbit or Nextdoor to earn cash. Both sites connect people seeking help with individuals who have the skills to complete the job. You can offer services like doing yard work, helping someone move, mounting a TV, painting, or assembling furniture.

However, competition for tasks on either site can be fierce, making it challenging to find consistent work. In some cases, you may find yourself working for less than you would prefer to win a competitive job. If you do a lot of task work, stay aware of your actual hourly rate, not just the overall task fee.

TaskRabbit

If you have skills in home repair, painting, or furniture assembly and live in a relatively big city, consider signing up to be a Tasker on TaskRabbit. It charges a $25 registration fee in some areas but allows you to set your schedule and rates. You must be at least 18 years old, reside in a city where TaskRabbit is available, and consent to an ID verification check. You'll also need a smartphone, a checking account, and a Social Security Number.

Nextdoor

Nextdoor is a networking platform that connects people in the same area with their neighbors. It offers the Neighbors for Hire program and free business profiles. You can advertise your services, gather recommendations from past clients, and run deals or specials to entice new business.

Take paid surveys

Taking paid surveys is one of my favorite ways to supplement my income in my spare time. I check my favorite sites to see what surveys are available while sitting on my couch, waiting in line, or taking a break from work.

Taking surveys won't replace a full-time income. Still, they are a good way to earn money with minimal effort. Be strategic about the payouts on the surveys you select, and research potential survey sites thoroughly before signing up.

While several sites offer surveys, two of my favorites are:

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is easy to use and only offers surveys, making it a good option for individuals who prefer a distraction-free experience. After filling out a demographics profile, Survey Junkie will match you with available surveys. As you complete surveys, you'll earn points, which you can trade for cash via bank transfer, PayPal, or gift cards. You need a minimum of only 500 points, or $5, to cash out.

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InboxDollars

InboxDollars offers paid surveys as well as opportunities to earn cash back and grocery rewards. I like the variety InboxDollars has, but it has a relatively high cash-out requirement. You need $15 for your first cash out and $10 after that. You can receive payment via PayPal, a Visa prepaid card, or various gift cards.

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Donate plasma

Ok, remember how I mentioned needles earlier? If you're squeamish, you might want to skip this section. I've never donated plasma, but you generally get paid for your donation, and it helps others as plasma is used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

Several companies offer compensation for donations but take the time to research the options available in your area. While donating plasma is generally safe for healthy adults, there are instances of adverse reactions.

Grifols

This global healthcare company has the largest network of plasma donation centers worldwide. You must be between the ages of 18 and 69, weigh at least 110 pounds, and provide a valid photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of address to donate. If you are approved, you'll receive a pre-paid debit card after every donation.

CSL Plasma

CSL Plasma's donation requirements are similar to Grifols. CSL allows donors between the ages of 18 and 74, and you can't have gotten tattoos or piercings within the last four months. You must also provide valid identification and a permanent address and pass an HIV screening test. CSL pays donors on a reloadable gift card.

Play online games

Like taking surveys, playing legit online games is one of my favorite ways to relax while also earning money. Multiple sites will pay you to play games or complete other tasks. Finding two or three that you enjoy and can bounce between can be a good way to earn more and avoid boredom.

However, you need to be on the lookout for scams. Before signing up with any app, read customer reviews to learn about potential problems and ensure others have successfully cashed out their winnings.

Two of the sites I like best are:

Freecash

Freecash offers a lot of games, a few surveys, and other money-earning opportunities. It's available as an Android app and for desktop or Apple devices on a web browser. You can cash out via PayPal, bank transfer, gift cards, cryptocurrency, and other methods. However, Freecash charges a 5% processing fee on PayPal and bank transfer withdrawals.

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Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash offers cash prizes for playing in bingo tournaments. If you finish in the top three, you'll receive part of the prize pool. You'll pay a cash entry fee for each tournament you enter, and winnings are refunded using your original deposit method, so you may want to use Bingo Cash with another money-making app if you need a quick influx of new cash.

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FAQs

What's a quick way to make $1,000?

The quickest way to earn $1,000 is to utilize a combination of methods. You can sell plasma, drive for Uber or DoorDash, and sell unused items. If you're handy, you can sign up with TaskRabbit or advertise your small business on NextDoor. If possible, consider freelancing or renting out unused space or items to generate quick income.

How do I avoid scams while making quick cash?

To help you avoid scams while making quick cash, be skeptical of any offer that seems too good to be true. Research any money-making opportunities before signing up and look for red flags, such as poor spelling and grammar, fonts that are too large or too small, and unusual images or graphics. Read reviews from other users to help verify that the opportunity is legitimate and that you can receive payment on time and without fees or hassles.

Bottom line

Finding a way to make quick cash consistently can take time and effort, but if you're having trouble making ends meet, having a plan in place can save you a lot of time and worry.

As you consider ways to earn more money, look for sites that offer tasks you're interested in and that don't consume a significant portion of your earnings with fees or expenses. Consider signing up for several items on this list to help you maximize your profits. Just remember, be realistic about the time and energy you need to dedicate to earning cash quickly.

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