/images/2018/01/23/navina-side-hustle-mid_MPfEDfV.jpg)
/images/2019/12/06/smart_strategies_to_save_money_on_car_insurance.jpg)
:format(webp)/images/2026/02/19/dog_walker.png)
/authors/danielle-letenyei-financebuzz.jpg)
/authors/steve-miller-headshot.jpg)
Running short on cash can happen to anyone. Maybe an unexpected bill popped up, your paycheck didn't stretch as far as you thought it would, or you just need a little more to get you through until payday. Whatever the reason, needing extra money can be stressful.
The good news is that there are legitimate ways to make quick money without falling for scams or signing up for the latest pyramid scheme. From gig work and selling your stuff to investing tools and cash advances, there are plenty of options to help make $150 fast.
8 ways you could make $150 fast
If you're trying to come up with $150 quickly, the key is focusing on options that actually pay out within a day or pay out weekly.
I've indicated expected payout timelines where applicable. Some methods — like generating passive income through investing or reselling used items — vary too widely (depending on a range of factors) to put a time on, whereas using popular gig apps will tend to offer a more certain timeline for making money.
Drive for delivery apps
Many people have found that driving for delivery apps like DoorDash and Instacart offers a good way to make money fast. A friend of mine often shops for Instacart when she needs to make a little extra cash.
You can sign up with multiple services to guarantee that you'll have work. The only caveat is that most deliveries will be around mealtimes, so it's best if you are available then. Most of these delivery apps pay weekly, but they also offer instant pay options for a small fee.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is the food delivery service offshoot of the popular Uber rideshare service, and it has grown into the second-largest food delivery service in the U.S.
According to Glassdoor, Uber Eats delivery drivers earn about $39,000 or more per year. Their compensation includes a flat fee for each order delivered as well as a per-mile rate and even a per-minute rate in some cities. Drivers get to keep 100% of the tips they earn.
How quickly can you get paid on Uber Eats? Uber Eats pays out weekly, but you can get paid quicker with the platform's Instant Pay feature.
Read our Uber Eats review.
DoorDash
DoorDash is the leader in the food delivery market. Dashers primarily deliver restaurant orders, but they can also shop and deliver groceries through the platform. As a Dasher, you earn base pay for each offer, plus extra through promotions like Peak Pay, Challenges, Boost, and Delivery Streaks. You also get to keep 100% of your tips.1 <p class="">Actual earnings may differ and depend on factors like number of deliveries you accept and complete, time of day, location, and any costs. Hourly pay is calculated using average Dasher payouts while on a delivery (from the time you accept an order until the time you drop it off) over a 90 day period and includes compensation from tips, peak pay, and other incentives.<br></p>
How quickly can you get paid on DoorDash? Payouts are directly deposited into your account weekly, but you can pay a small fee to use Fast Pay and get your earnings daily.2 <p class="">Fees apply<br></p>
Read our DoorDash review.
Instacart
If you love grocery shopping, you can make money with Instacart shopping for those of us who don't. Instacart offers two ways to earn money.
One is a full-service shopper, where you are an independent contractor who shops for items on a customer's grocery list and then delivers them. You are paid per order, or "batch," that you complete, plus you get to keep 100% of your tips.
Instacart also hires in-store shoppers. These are part-time positions in which you are scheduled to work shifts at participating grocery stores. As an in-store shopper, your schedule is less flexible, but the pay is more consistent.
How quickly can you get paid on Instacart? Instacart offers some particularly speedy payment options. Using Instant Cashout for a fee, you can receive batch earnings in as little as a few minutes after completing a delivery and full earnings (including tips) in two hours. If you choose standard direct deposit, you'll be paid weekly.
Read our Instacart review.
Use a cash advance app
When you're short on cash and just need a little to get you through until your next payday, using a cash advance app may be a good option. Many of these apps let you borrow against your upcoming paycheck without charging interest or requiring a credit check.
The money you borrow is automatically repaid when you receive your paycheck. While you don't necessarily need to receive consistent paychecks, you usually do have to have your pay directly deposited into your account.
Here are a few cash advance apps to consider.
Tilt
If you're looking to get a cash advance but also want some help budgeting and building credit, Tilt may be a good option for you. With Tilt (formerly Empower), you can access a cash advance up to $400. However, the platform requires an $8 monthly subscription fee. There is an option to get an advance without a subscription, but you'll have to jump through a few extra hoops to have the subscription fee waived. 3 <p>Tilt is a financial technology company, not a bank. Tilt offers a 14-day trial for first-time customers only. Once the trial concludes, Tilt charges an auto-recurring $8/month subscription fee. If you do not wish to pay the subscription fee, you must cancel your subscription before the end of your trial. If you are a returning customer, you will be charged $8 immediately. Cancel any time by visiting "<a href="https://support.tilt.com/hc/en-us/articles/19492872887447-Which-states-are-eligible-for-Line-of-Credit">Billing</a>" in the mobile app or contacting help@tilt.com. Tilt's full suite of products and services is not available in all states. Cash Advance is not available to Connecticut, Maine, or Washington, D.C. residents. Click <a href="https://support.tilt.com/hc/en-us/articles/19492872887447-Which-states-are-eligible-for-Line-of-Credit">here</a> to see if the Tilt Line of Credit is offered in your state. Not everyone will qualify. Offers range from $10–$400 and can increase over time with positive repayment history. In June 2025, the average offer was $100 for first-time customers; $174 for all others. As of 01/2025, 75% of those who checked Cash Advance eligibility qualified. See <a href="https://tilt.com/terms/">Tilt's Terms</a> for fee details.</p>
How quickly can you get your advance with Tilt? Free standard delivery typically takes one business day, but you can pay a fee to receive your advance within 15 minutes.
Read our Tilt review.
EarnIn
With EarnIn4 <p>EarnIn is not a bank. Access limits are based on your earnings and risk factors. Available in select states. Terms and restrictions apply. Visit <a href="https://www.earnin.com/">EarnIn.com</a> for full details</p> , you can access your pay before payday up to $150 per day (up to a maximum of $1,000 per pay period). There are no fees or interest, and no credit check is required, but you must have a consistent income directly deposited into your account to be eligible.
Also, if you are a first-time app user, you may only qualify for cash advances of $85. After every pay period, EarnIn analyzes your account to determine if it will increase the maximum amount you are eligible to receive.
How quickly can you get your advance with EarnIn? These usually take one to three days, or you can get immediate access to funds for a $3.99 fee.5 <p>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. See the <a href="https://www.earnin.com/privacyandterms/terms-of-service/fees">LS Fee table</a> for details.</p>
Read our EarnIn review.
Cleo
Cleo6 <p>Cleo Credit Builder Card is issued by WebBank, Member FDIC</p> is a good choice for freelancers, gig workers, or anyone who doesn't receive a consistent income. Its income requirements are more flexible than those of other cash advance apps. The easiest way to access a cash advance through Cleo is to subscribe to its Plus, Pro, or Builder accounts, which cost from $5.99 to $14.99 per month.7 <p>An Express fee of $3.99 is charged if you want to receive funds within 24 hours.</p>
You may be able to apply without a subscription through the company's customer service, but that process may take a little longer. While Cleo offers cash advances up to $2508 <p>Subject to eligibility. Amounts are based on accrued, unpaid income and range from $150- $500 for existing users, and $150- $180 for first-time users. To qualify for up to $500 you must direct deposit at least $750/month. Amounts subject to change. Same day transfers subject to express fees. See <a href="https://web.meetcleo.com/faqs">here</a> for more info.</p> , you may not be eligible for that amount, especially if you are a first-time user. How much you can receive depends on your paycheck, budget, and spending habits.
How quickly can you get your advance with Cleo? Standard payout can take up to four business days, but you can receive an advance within 24 hours using the Express Payout option. It will cost between $3.99 and $9.99, which you can then cover at repayment.
Read our Cleo review.
Walk dogs or pet sit
Animal lovers can earn extra cash quickly by helping pet owners care for their fur babies. With apps like Rover and Wag!, you'll find pet owners who will pay you for pet care services like dog walking, pet visits, and overnight pet sitting. However, if you use these apps to find customers, the apps will take a cut of your earnings.
Rover
Rover is an online marketplace for dog walking, pet sitting, and other pet care services. You can choose your schedule, set your rates, and specify what kinds of pets you will work with.
To become a pet sitter on Rover, you must pass a background check. While the platform brings you potential customers, it doesn't do it for free. It takes 20% of your service fee.
How quickly can you get paid on Rover? The money you earn on Rover shows up in your account and is available for withdrawal two days after completing a service. A transfer to a linked bank account can take up to five business days.
Read our Rover review.
Wag!
Wag! is another popular pet care platform you can use to find pet owners who are looking for dog walkers and pet sitters. The platform also requires providers to complete a background check, as well as pass a pet care quiz before they can accept assignments. Wag! takes a 40% commission from your earnings, which is twice as much as Rover.
How quickly can you get paid on Wag!? Payments are made weekly through Stripe, but you can use Instant Pay to receive your funds more quickly for a fee.
Generate passive income through investments
Passive income lets you earn money with less day-to-day effort, giving you more financial stability and freedom to spend your time on other things.
Investing through apps like Robinhood and Stash could be a good way to grow your money passively. However, it may not necessarily be the quickest way to earn money online, and it does have some risks.
Robinhood
Robinhood9 <p>Terms apply. Rate subject to change.</p> is a pioneer in providing commission-free trading for everyday investors who want simple, low-cost access to the financial markets.10 <p>All investments involve risk including loss of principal. Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to program banks. Robinhood is not a bank. For margin enabled customers, to earn interest through the cash sweep program, a cash balance is needed. If you have a margin balance, there is no cash balance to earn interest.</p>
The app lets you invest in stocks, ETFs11 <p>Fractional shares are illiquid outside of Robinhood and are not transferable. Not all securities available through Robinhood are eligible for fractional share orders. For a complete explanation of conditions, restrictions and limitations associated with fractional shares, see the Fractional Shares section of the Robinhood Customer Agreement. All investments involve risk and loss of principal is possible.</p> <p>Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC), is a registered broker dealer.</p> , options12 <p>Options trading entails significant risk and is not appropriate for all customers. Customers must read and understand the <a href="https://cdn.robinhood.com/assets/robinhood/legal/Characteristics%20and%20Risks%20of%20Standardized%20Options.pdf">Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options</a> before engaging in any options trading strategies. Options transactions are often complex and may involve the potential of losing the entire investment in a relatively short period of time. Certain complex options strategies carry additional risk, including the potential for losses that may exceed the original investment amount.</p> <p>Robinhood Financial does not guarantee favorable investment outcomes. The past performance of a security or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. Customers should consider their investment objectives and risks carefully before investing in options. Because of the importance of tax considerations to all options transactions, the customer considering options should consult their tax advisor as to how taxes affect the outcome of each options strategy. Supporting documentation for any claims, if applicable, will be furnished upon request.</p> <p>Financebuzz is compensated by Robinhood to produce this content.</p> , fractional shares, IPOs, and cryptocurrencies right from your smartphone. It even gives you a free stock when you sign up. I do a little investing with Robinhood, and it's exciting to see my stock increase in value, but it's also disappointing when it loses value.
Read our Robinhood review.
Stash
Stash13 <p> </p><p>Paid non-client endorsement. The paid partner received cash compensation of up to $150.00 (per cost per action) for providing this endorsement. Compensation creates an incentive for the individual to recommend Stash. Endorsements are not representative of the experience of all clients and are not guarantees of future performance or success. For a representative sample of client testimonials, refer to Apple App Store or Google Play reviews To begin investing on Stash, you must be approved from an account verification perspective and open a brokerage account (“Personal Portfolio”). Promotion offer is subject to <a href="https://lp.stash.com/personal-portfolio-5-first-deposit-offer-promoter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Terms and Conditions</a>.</p><p> </p><p>This material is not intended as investment advice and is not meant to suggest that any securities are suitable investments for any particular investor. Investment advice is only provided to Stash customers. All investments are subject to risk and may lose value. All product and company names are trademarks ™ or registered ® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.</p> <p>Investment advisory services offered by Stash Investments LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser. This material has been distributed for informational and educational purposes only, and is not intended as investment, legal, accounting, or tax advice. Investing involves risk.</p> <p>What doesn’t count: Cash withdrawals, money orders, prepaid cards, and P2P payment. See full terms and conditions.<br><br>Fractional shares start at $0.05 for investments that cost $1,000+ per share.</p> is another investing app that you could use to potentially grow your money. Unlike Robinhood, Stash requires a monthly subscription to use the platform.
It offers a Starter subscription (also called Stash Growth) for $3 per month and a premium Stash+ plan for $12 per month.14 <p class="">Stash offers access to investment and banking accounts under each subscription plan. Each type of account is subject to different regulations and limitations. Stash Monthly Subscription Wrap Fee starts at $3/month. You’ll also bear the standard fees and expenses reflected in the pricing of ETFs, plus fees for various ancillary services charged by Stash and/or the Custodian. Please see the <a href="https://cdn.stashinvest.com/disclosures/StashInvest_Advisory_Agreement.pdf" target="_blank">Advisory Agreement </a> for details. Other fees apply to the bank account. Please see the <a href="https://cdn.stash.com/disclosures/stride-deposit-account-agreement.pdf" target="_blank">Deposit Account Agreement</a>.<br></p> Beginner investors may prefer Stash over Robinhood because it offers pre-built portfolios based on your risk level.
Read our Stash review.
Resell unused items
Need to downsize your life? You might as well make money in the process. As the saying goes, one person's trash is another person's treasure, and you can earn some quick cash from selling your unwanted clothes, furniture, and other items.
As I am writing this, I made $10 selling an old food processor on Facebook Marketplace. Facebook Marketplace is especially good for selling large items because buyers can pick them up from your apartment without dealing with shipping. That also means you can get immediate cash in hand at the time of exchange.
There are many other resale sites where you can sell your unused or unwanted items. While eBay is the "OG" of resale sites, other sites like Poshmark and Mercari have gained traction over the years.
If you want to get started reselling your stuff, check out our Reseller's Guide for more tips.
Complete odd jobs
Picking up odd jobs through platforms like TaskRabbit can be a good way to earn extra money on your own schedule. This site connects people who need help with workers who are willing and able to get the job done.
Tasks can include assembling furniture, running errands, fixing appliances, or helping someone move. You choose the tasks you want, set your availability, and decide how much you charge.
You get 100% of what you earn for tasks and tips. TaskRabbit doesn't take a cut, but you may have to pay a $25 registration fee, depending where you live.
Online gig platforms like Fiverr take a slightly different approach, letting you sell your skills instead of stuff. Popular services offered on Fiverr include writing, graphic design, social media management, resume writing, and more. The platform takes 20% of your earnings from each job you complete, so you keep 80%.
Take paid surveys
Instead of doom scrolling on social media, you can make money from home by taking surveys on apps like InboxDollars, Branded Surveys, and Survey Junkie.
These platforms will pay you for your opinions and for information about how you shop and what you buy. However, it may take a while to earn $150 on these paid survey sites.
My experience with these sites is that I usually get kicked out of a survey for ineligibility halfway through it, earning nothing, so we don't recommend this method if you need that $150 as quickly as possible. Rather, think of getting paid to take surveys as a good way to put a few quarters in your piggy bank here and there.
Complete tasks and test products
If you like playing games, apps like Cash Giraffe, Freecash, and TesterUp will pay you to test their games. Like with surveys, you aren't going to get rich with these platforms, but you can make a little extra cash.
Like surveys, this is not the quickest method for making any substantial amount of money. I've been testing games through TesterUp for the past couple of months and have only earned about $18.
FAQs
How can I make $150 in an hour from home?
Making $150 in an hour from home is possible, but it usually requires having a skill you can monetize quickly or something you can sell.
Freelance gigs like writing, coding, graphic design, or social media management on platforms like Fiverr can pay well if you already have clients or a strong profile, but it takes time to get yourself to that point. Selling items on Facebook Marketplace, however, can add up fast, especially if you have higher-value items that the buyer will come pick up from you.
How can you get free money from Cash App?
Cash App lets you borrow up to $500 with no credit check and no interest.15 <p>Customers can qualify for Cash App Green by spending $500 in Qualifying Purchases using your Cash App Card or Cash App Pay per month, or by depositing $300 of Qualifying Deposits per month. Eligibility restrictions apply +C6to some benefits. See <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/tos">Terms and Conditions</a> for more information. </p><p>Unlock Borrow limits up to $400 for first time borrowers, and get limit increases of up to $300. Borrow eligibility and limits depend on several factors and are not guaranteed. There are multiple ways to increase your Borrow limit, see <a href="https://cash.app/support/BORROW_LIMIT_REEVALUATION">here</a> for more details. Borrow limit increase for spending may be lower than limit increase for depositing. Limit increases are subject to change. Borrow is not available in Colorado or Iowa. Borrow loans serviced by Square Financial Services, Inc. issued by First Electronic Bank or Square Financial Services, Inc. $500 limit includes <a href="https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/tos#cag">Cash App Green</a> limit increase. As of October 1, 2025, the average limit for first time borrowers who are spend actives is $153.</p> However, the money isn't "free." The platform charges a flat fee, and you need to repay the amount you borrowed.
And there is no guarantee that you are eligible to borrow the money. You must directly deposit at least $300 each month or link to an external account that receives over $500 in monthly deposits. Find out more in our Cash App Borrow review.
How can I make $150 a day on my phone?
These days, there are many things you can do with your cell phone, including making money. Investing apps like Robinhood and Stash enable you to buy and sell stocks on your phone, although keep in mind that investing involves risk and may not guarantee a return.
You can make money selling your stuff via mobile apps for eBay and Etsy. You can even make money taking surveys and playing games on your phone.
Bottom line
If you need to make $150 quickly, your best bet is to focus on options that fit your schedule, skills, and amount of effort you want to put in.
Gig work, reselling items, and short-term cash advances are likely to be the quickest methods for earning cash, but you still need to be mindful of the time and fees that these options entail. To build a more reliable income over time, explore more legit side-hustle apps or investing tools.