21 Ways To Make Money Without a Job In 2024
If so, here are 21 ways to make money without a job
Most methods for earning money require you to work, at least to some degree. But after a long day at work, you might be looking for ways to earn that don’t require you to pick up yet another gig.
1. Donate Plasma ($360+ per month)
Plasma, the liquid portion of the blood, can be used in life-saving therapies for people with chronic conditions. Yet it cannot be lab-made; it must be donated by live donors.
Due to the need for plasma, donation centers like CSL Plasma pay new donors over $700 per month for their first month of donation. After your first month, you’ll be able to donate up to two times per week for around $45 to $60 per donation.
2. Sell Items Online ($100+ per month)
The average person has between 35 and 48 unused items in their homes. Depending on the items you’re holding onto, you could be sitting on a decent chunk of cash.
Here are a few places to sell the items lying around your house:
- Clothing → Curtsy
- Shoes → Buffalo Exchange or Flight Club
- Decorations → Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp
- Electronics → Swappa
- Books → Facebook Marketplace
3. Use Cashback Apps ($100 per month)
Cashback apps allow you to earn a few bucks back after making a purchase. Depending on the number of cashback apps you install, you could earn an extra $100 per month. Plus, it only takes a few minutes to activate a cashback offer or scan a receipt, so it’s fairly passive.
A few cashback apps we love are:
4. Advertise on Your Car ($250+ per month)
If you drive frequently, allow a company like Nickelytics to place advertisements on your car. Sure, your ride will look a bit funky, but it could earn you a few hundred bucks per month.
5 Effortless Methods to Boost Your Income This Week
If you need extra money, you’ve come to the right spot.
Our team has compiled a list of creative ways you can fatten your bank account this week. Certainly, there’s something here that fits your needs.
This is not a long list, so go ahead and start now, but be sure to bookmark this post so you can easily return later. We’ll keep it updated as offers change or expire.
5. Invest in Real Estate (Varies)
While investing in real estate requires a bit more planning than some of the other options on this list, it’s fairly passive — if you use a site like Fundrise.
Fundrise allows everyday investors to invest in private market investments, like real estate, without massive upfront investments. You can begin investing with at little as $10 — a fraction of what you’d need to invest in a local property. As the value of the investment grows, you’ll receive payouts.
*As with all investments, investors should do their research before investing. Investing involves risk, including potential loss of principle.
6. Rent Out Your Car ($500+ per month)
Sites like Turo and TravelCar allow you to rent out your car to other drivers. The earnings are heavily dependent on your area, so enter some information about your vehicle into Turo’s CarculatorⓇ to see how much you could earn. In some areas, you could earn $100 or more per day.
7. Let Dogs Run Around in Your Backyard ($3,000 per month)
If you have a backyard — bonus points if it’s fenced in — list it on SniffSpot. This popular marketplace allows dog owners to rent land, like yours, for their pup to explore. Like Airbnb, there’s no need to be present while the guest uses your space. Hosts make up to $3,000 per month.
8. Host Van-Lifers in Your Driveway ($1,000 per month)
Folks traveling in campervans and RVs often need a safe place to park for the night. If you have a driveway or land with water and wifi, list your space on Vanly. Hosts earn more than $1,000 per month.
9. Freelance ($50+ per hour)
While freelancing is technically a job, certain gigs may not feel like it. For example, you can get paid $50 an hour to create social media videos or even more to proofread writing.
10. Watch or Walk Dogs ($1,000+ per month)
If you’re a big pet-lover, this might be your dream. On sites like Wag! and Rover, you’re able to set your own schedule and rates for services like dog sitting, dog walking, and boarding. According to some Rover users, they’ve earned roughly $1,000 per month.
11. Take Surveys ($50 per month)
If you’d prefer to earn from the comfort of your home, taking paid surveys is another great option. In exchange for sharing your thoughts and opinions, companies like Survey Junkie and Kashkick will pay you anywhere from $0.10 to $5.00 per survey.
12. Rent Out Baby Items ($1,000 per month)
If you had children, you likely have a few items lying around, like a stroller or car seat, that your children have outgrown. If so, list the item(s) on BabyQuip. This site allows people to rent baby gear like high chairs, bouncers, and cribs, mostly while traveling.
According to BabyQuip, quality providers earn over $1,000 per month on the platform, and some providers even reach $10,000 per month.
13. Test Gaming Apps ($Up to $400 per game)
Mobile phone games like Bingo Cash and Solitaire Smash allow you to earn real cash in exchange for playing the game. In most cases, you’ll need to reach a certain level to earn anything, but it’s worth exploring if you’re already playing games that don’t pay out.
14. Open a High Yield Savings Account (Varies)
High yield savings accounts are virtually the same as traditional savings accounts, except they allow you to earn interest on the money that sits in your account. While traditional savings accounts offer up to 0.47% APY, high yield savings accounts offer rates up to 5.00% APY.*
This means that on a $1,000 balance, you’d earn $50 per year in interest with 5.00% APY. Here are a few high yield savings accounts we recommend:
- Current (Best for Online Banking)
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs (Best for Highest APY)
- Copper Banking (Best for Kids)
*Rates were accurate at the time of writing. APYs are subject to change.
15. Act Sick and Get Paid for It ($20 to $50 per hour)
Medical professionals in training, like residents and fellows, need individuals to practice their skills on. This is where standardized patients come in.
If you’re able to act as a patient and portray certain emotional and physical cues, you could earn $20 to $50 per hour to do so. No formal acting experience is needed.
Not every job in the gig economy is equal. Here are the best side hustles to consider during your layoff to make the most cash.
16. Watch Videos ($2 per video)
Platforms like Swagbucks will pay you to watch ads and give your feedback. While it isn’t the most money-making endeavor, it’s fairly simple and passive.
17. Install Mobile Apps ($410)
Several apps offer sign-up bonuses, meaning you’re able to earn real cash simply for signing up. We compiled a list of the best sign-up bonuses, and if you downloaded each one we listed, you could earn $410.
18. Rent Out a Storage Space (Varies)
If you have a garage, driveway, parking lot, or unpaved lot, list the space on Neighbor — the platform that allows others to rent your space to store their belongings.
According to Neighbor, hosts spend just 45 minutes managing their listing per month and earn the equivalent of $294 per hour.
19. Host People in Your Spare Bedroom (Varies)
Turning a spare bedroom into a guest suite could bring you a fairly passive yet profitable side hustle. Hosts that list their spare bedroom on Airbnb are making a decent chunk of cash, depending on their location, of course.
Here’s what spare bedrooms are going for in major cities for a one-week stay in March:
- Boston → $41 to $110 per night
- New York City → $42 to $179 per night
- Miami → $46 to $145 per night
- Dallas → $38 to $93 per night
- Los Angeles → $38 to $111 per night
- Seattle → $31 to $81 per night
20. Let Others Rent Your Camera Gear ($30 to $50 per day)
If you have spare camera equipment — like lighting, lenses, and tripods — allow local creatives to rent it on ShareGrid. Earnings will vary, but for reference, camera lenses are currently listed at around $30 to $50 per day to rent in Los Angeles.
21. Sell Unused Gift Cards (Varies)
Sites like CardCash allow you to sell unused gift cards for cash. Based on our research, the return value is solid. For example, you’d get $39.25 in cash for selling a $50 Abercrombie gift card, $40.50 for a $50 7-Eleven gift card, or $42.75 for a $50 Aldi gift card.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I really earn money by donating plasma, and how much could I potentially make?
Yes, donating plasma is a legitimate way to earn extra money. Plasma donation centers often offer compensation because your donation can help produce life-saving therapies for people with chronic conditions. New donors can earn over $700 in their first month at certain centers, with the possibility of making around $45 to $60 per donation after that, by donating up to two times per week.
What are some effective platforms for selling unused items online?
You can sell unused items from your home on various platforms, depending on the type of items you have. For clothing, consider Curtsy. Shoes can be sold through Buffalo Exchange or Flight Club, while decorations might find buyers on Facebook Marketplace and OfferUp. Electronics can go on Swappa, and books also do well on Facebook Marketplace.
How do cashback apps work, and can they genuinely help me earn extra money?
Cashback apps like Upside, PayPal Honey, and Rakuten offer you a portion of your purchase back when you shop through their platforms or activate offers. These apps are an easy way to earn a bit of extra money, often amounting to around $100 per month, by making purchases you were planning to make anyway.
Is advertising on my car a viable way to make money, and what can I expect to earn?
Advertising on your car by partnering with companies like Nickelytics can be a viable way to earn extra income if you drive frequently. Your car will display advertisements, and you can earn a few hundred dollars per month, depending on how much you drive and the advertising campaign's specifics.
What does investing in real estate through platforms like Fundrise entail, and is it truly passive?
Investing in real estate through Fundrise allows individuals to invest in private market real estate investments with a relatively small amount of money. It's considered a more passive form of investment because it doesn't require active management on your part. However, as with all investments, there's a risk involved, and it's important to do thorough research before investing.
Can I make money by renting out my car, and how much might I earn?
Yes, by listing your car on platforms like Turo or TravelCar, you can rent it out to others and potentially earn significant income, especially if you live in a high-demand area. The amount you can earn depends on several factors, including your location and the type of vehicle you have. Some people earn $100 or more per day.
Is it possible to earn income by letting dogs run around in my backyard?
If you have a suitable space, listing your backyard on SniffSpot can be a lucrative way to earn extra income. This platform allows dog owners to rent your land for their dogs to play in, similar to Airbnb. Hosts can make up to $3,000 per month, depending on the demand and how often their space is rented.
How does hosting van-lifers in my driveway work, and what could I earn from it?
By listing your driveway or land with amenities like water and wifi on Vanly, you can provide a parking space for travelers in campervans and RVs. Hosts can earn more than $1,000 per month, offering a safe and convenient overnight parking solution for van-lifers.
Where can I sell and buy Gold online?
There lot's of different places where you can do that but not all of them are safe. A great place to learn about gold is Gold Retirement Solutions and a great place to buy and sell is Gold to Cash.
Is freelancing a viable option for earning extra income without feeling like a job?
Freelancing offers the flexibility to choose gigs that align with your interests and skills, such as creating social media content or proofreading, and can pay $50 or more per hour. It's a viable way to earn extra income while maintaining control over your workload and schedule.
