We all need a quick buck now and then, right? This can be for a variety of reasons. Maybe all you really want is a little extra cash to get through the week, or you want to snag a treat without draining your wallet.

Get Money Fast (The No-Nonsense Edition)

With the advent of all things digital and the rise of the gig economy, there are plenty of legitimate ways to get money in record time. You might just need a little know-how and loads of elbow grease, but at the end of the day, you’ll walk away with some much-needed pocket money. The methods described below won’t turn you into Bezos, most likely. However, they’ll offer you a great starting point to supplement your income.

1. Use Cashback Apps

First up: apps that give you cashback for doing things you’re most likely already doing — shopping! That’s right, you can get paid, in a way,  just for buying stuff you already want or need. Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta let you earn cashback rewards for purchasing items from partner stores and scanning your receipts. Simple, right?

• How It Works: You sign up, link a credit card or debit card, and start making purchases from retailers on the app’s list. Alternatively, you scan and upload your physical receipts. This way, when you buy something, the app gives you a percentage of your purchase back.

2. Leverage Sign-up Bonuses

Most banks and apps out there love a good referral. That’s why they’re often more than willing to offer money to new customers if that means they will sign up. Chime or SoFi are some of the most popular financial companies that do this sign-up bonus thing. As long as you open an account and make a qualifying deposit or receive direct deposits, you’re in for a juicy treat — sometimes even hundreds of dollars. You can consider this type of promo as a thank-you gesture for trusting them with your business!

• How It Works: You create an account, follow the instructions to meet certain requirements, sign up, and make money instantly.

Pro Tip: These offers are sometimes time-sensitive, so if you see a great one, don’t wait!

3. Sell Stuff You Don’t Need

Ever look around your house and realize you’re sitting on a small fortune in stuff you never use? Sure, you could just let that junk gather dust, but hear us out. What if you turn it into cash instead? Many online marketplaces allow you to sell your unwanted clothes, gadgets, books, furniture, you name it — kind of like a digital garage sale. You just need to take the time to put your items out there for people to see what you’re offering.

• How It Works: Take clear and attractive photos of your items. Write up a brief and compelling description and list them on a platform of your choice.

Pro Tip: If you’re selling locally, make the transaction even faster by offering in-person pickup.

4. Try Out Microtasks and Gig Apps

Freelance work is at its peak, and there are plenty of opportunities to make money without committing to a full-time position. Platforms like TaskRabbit, Fiverr, Upwork, Microworkers, and such actually let you offer your skills to people who need help. It all depends on what you’re good at. You can end up making bank from assembling furniture, graphic design, writing, or walking pets. The possibilities are endless! You’ll find there’s always someone willing to pay for your expertise.

• How It Works: Sign up for a gig app, browse available tasks, and get to work. You can earn money in hours or days, depending on the gig.

5. Sign Up to Survey and Testing Websites

Not everything that pays money is a gig or a sale. If you have some spare time and love giving your opinion — and I mean, who doesn’t? — websites like Pawns.app and Survey Junkie pay you to answer questionnaires on your favorite brands, products, and services. Some of them even allow you to make points by watching videos or sharing your unused bandwidth.

• How It Works: Sign up for a survey platform, answer questions, and get paid. It’s not going to make you rich, but it can be a quick way to earn a few bucks on the side.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for fast, honest ways to grab some extra cash, the options in this guide are your best bet. Just keep in mind that while there’s no hidden catch, there might be some legwork involved. And hey, if you’re willing to put in a little effort, you’ll be looking at a decent payout in no time. Stay sharp, and good luck out there!