How To Make Extra Cash In An Hour Or Less: 10 Quick Ideas.
Need fast money? Discover 10 practical side gigs you can start in minutes—sell gift cards, test websites, transcribe, and more. Realistic ideas you can try today.
How to Earn Extra Money Fast: 10 Ideas You Can Try in Under an Hour
With rising costs and economic uncertainty, having a few quick ways to make extra cash can really help with budgeting, debt, or savings. The article from AARP outlines ten smart ideas you can try immediately. Below is a refined version—plus extra tips and links to resources you can use.
1. Sell Unwanted Gift Cards
If you have unused gift cards, you don’t need to let them sit in a drawer. You can sell them on platforms like CardCash, GiftCash, GCX, or Gift Card Outlets. Some sites pay up to ~92 % of a card’s value. Always check fees and terms.
Tip: Compare offers across multiple platforms to get the best return.
2. Take Paid Surveys
Survey sites pay you to answer questions. Examples include Survey Junkie, Respondent, User Interviews, PrizeRebel, and KashKick. For higher pay, aim for research panels like Respondent or User Interviews, but they often require that you match certain profiles or qualifications.
Caution: Always review the privacy policy and avoid sharing overly sensitive data.
3. Do Small Local Tasks
You can offer services such as waiting in line, running errands, assembling furniture, or delivering items. Apps like TaskRabbit, Handy, Thumbtack, Fixr, Porch, and Spotblaze help connect you with nearby gigs. These tasks often pay hourly or per job.
Pro tip: Build a good profile (photos, reviews) to attract more clients.
4. Redeem Credit Card Rewards
Check your credit cards—many unused points, miles, or cashback remain unredeemed. According to a 2023 CreditCards.com survey, 1 in 4 cardholders have unused rewards. Maximizing these can give you a lump sum quickly.
Note: Watch for expiration terms on rewards.
5. Trade In Used Electronics
Electronics like smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, or laptops can be traded in at stores or online platforms (e.g., Walmart, Amazon, Best Buy, Costco). The payout depends on device condition and model. Always compare offers from multiple platforms.
6. Test Websites & Apps
Companies pay for feedback to improve usability. Platforms such as UserTesting, Userlytics, and uTest offer these gigs. Earnings vary—many testers report earning $20–$40 per hour for short tests.
Tip: Enable test notifications so you don’t miss opportunities.
7. Digitize (Scan) Receipts
You can earn money or gift cards by scanning receipts using apps like Ibotta, Fetch, Receipt Hog, and CoinOut. These apps partner with retailers and give users rewards for captured receipts.
Best practice: Use multiple apps (if allowed) to maximize reward potential on the same receipts.
8. Go Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping jobs pay you to shop, dine, or interact with businesses and then submit reports. Companies such as BestMark, IntelliShop, Market Force, or MSPA Americas host these gigs. Payment is often reimbursement plus a fee.
Warning: Be cautious about scams. Legit gigs should not ask you to pay upfront. The FTC offers tips on spotting fraudulent mystery shopping offers.
9. Get Paid to Play Video Games
If you enjoy gaming, you can get paid to test games via platforms like Mistplay, InboxDollars, PlaytestCloud, or Swagbucks. Some tests pay $5–$10 for short sessions, along with bonuses and referrals.
Tip: Treat this as supplemental income—not a full-time income.
10. Transcribe Audio or Video
Transcription involves converting audio/video into text. Services like Rev, TranscribeMe, GoTranscript, Speechpad, or CastingWords pay freelancers per minute of audio. Beginners might make $0.30–$1.10 per audio minute, while experienced transcribers in specialized fields can command more.
Skill boost: Improving typing speed, grammar, and familiarity with transcription software helps increase earnings.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
Mix and match methods—don’t rely on just one.
Set time limits: commit to, say, 30 minutes of surveys, then switch to testing websites or scanning receipts.
Be consistent—some platforms reward frequent users or have streak bonuses.
Avoid scams: never pay to “unlock” jobs, send money in advance, or provide very sensitive personal data (e.g., Social Security numbers) unless you’ve verified the company is reputable (see FTC guidelines).