15 Ways to Make Money Online, Offline, and at Home 2024

The rising cost of living may have you thinking about ways to earn some extra income. If you have the time and energy, you can use your skills and passions to start a side hustle. Here are 25 real ways to make money at home, online, or out and about, compiled by NerdWallet.

How to Make Money Online

1. Pick Up Freelance Work Online

Make money online through websites such as Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.com. These platforms offer various freelance jobs, including writing, programming, design, marketing, data entry, and virtual assistant roles. If you are fluent in a second language, check sites like Gengo or Blend Express or promote your services through your own website. No matter what freelance work you choose, ensure you know the going rates for your services to set competitive prices.

A recent report from Freelancer.com noted that creative writing jobs saw the fastest growth on the site in the second quarter of 2023, increasing by 58%. Despite the rise of generative AI in content creation, human writers are still in demand, especially those who can edit AI content and understand search engine optimization (SEO). Enhancing your SEO skills could make your freelance services more lucrative, with some freelancers charging $100 or more per hour.

Time to Start: It can take a while to get your first gig.
Setup: 24-48 hours.
Ease of Starting: Easy if you have expertise.
Payment Speed: Varies by site.

• Upwork requires up to 48 hours to approve your profile, but landing your first gig may take longer.
• Payment timelines vary: Upwork offers several payment options based on contract type, with waiting periods ranging from five to ten days. Fiverr pays after the work order is complete, but you cannot withdraw funds for 14 days.
• Age requirements: Upwork and Fiverr require users to be at least 18, while Freelancer.com accepts users aged 16 and above.
• Some sites require you to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

2. Test Websites and Apps

Earn money from home by testing websites and apps on platforms like UserTesting.com. You’ll be paid for providing feedback on the user experience. After completing a short test to qualify, you’ll receive assignments and payment depending on the test type.

Time to Start: Approval time varies.
Setup: Less than an hour.
Ease of Starting: Easy with the right tech gear and a completed sample test.
Age Threshold: 18+.
Payment Speed: 14 days.

• A sample test is required for the application process.
• Once approved, you’ll start receiving testing opportunities.
• Approval times vary.
• Payments depend on the test length and are made 14 days after completing a test via PayPal.
• Requirements: You need a computer, internet connection, and microphone. Mobile testers need an Android or iOS device.
• Language: Most tests require English, German, or French proficiency, though some may be available in other languages.

3. Learn to Use AI Tools

The use of generative artificial intelligence is on the rise. A recent report from PwC estimates that the North American economy will see a $3.7 trillion impact by 2030, thanks to the AI market.

So there’s no better time to learn how to make money by using AI tools. Some AI-related side hustles include:

• Integrating AI tools as a freelancer to create digital products or edit AI content for a client.
• Improving your advertising, marketing efforts, and management of your existing small business.
• Teaching others to use AI tools.

Time to Start: Depends on demand.
Setup: Around 24-48 hours if using a site like Upwork or Freelancer.com.
Ease of Starting: Easier if you’re familiar with AI tools.
Age Threshold: 16+ for Freelancer.com and 18 for Upwork.
Payment Speed: Varies by client or the number of products you sell and your chosen platform.

• Give yourself time to get familiar with using AI tools.
• You’ll need to meet the requirements of the freelance gig site you choose.
• Payment will depend on your client and the site’s terms and conditions.
• Requirements: You’ll need a computer, internet connection, and microphone.

4. Take Surveys for Money

You can make money from home by taking online surveys, but don’t expect to earn a lot. Survey sites don’t typically offer a big payoff, and many sites are more useful for earning gift cards than cash. Some of the more popular survey sites include Swagbucks and Survey Junkie.

Time to Start: It will take a while.
Setup: Just minutes.
Ease of Starting: Very easy.
Age Threshold: 13 to 18+.
Payment Speed: Varies by site.

• Survey sites could be an option for beginners as you can register with a site and start taking surveys in minutes.
• The time to get paid depends on the survey site and your time investment.
• Some sites let you cash out only after reaching a minimum earnings threshold.
• Other sites issue points redeemable for cash or gift cards.
• Minimum age requirements vary from 13 to 18, making these sites suitable for teens looking to earn money online.
• Individual surveys may have specific requirements, and you may be disqualified without much explanation.

5. Make Money from Your Blog with Affiliate Links

If you’re a blogger with decent traffic, you could make money online by joining an affiliate network. Affiliates get paid when someone clicks through from their site to a partner site and makes a purchase. Some bloggers make significant money this way, especially those who do affiliate marketing full-time. You can use social media or platforms like Pinterest to drive traffic to your blog.

Time to Start: It can take a while to build an audience.
Setup: With blog templates, building a site is easy.
Ease of Starting: Easy, but maintaining regular content is challenging.
Age Threshold: Any.
Payment Speed: A month or two, on average.

• First, you need a blog, social media account, or another online presence that attracts visitors.
• Apply for and be approved by an affiliate marketing network like CJ Affiliate, ShareASale, FlexOffers, Rakuten Advertising, or Amazon Associates.
• Payment schedules vary by network but expect to wait at least a month or two for your first paycheck.
• Amazon Associates pays 60 days after the end of the month in which earnings were accrued. ShareASale disburses earnings monthly.

6. Sell Your Wares on Etsy

If you enjoy woodworking, jewelry-making, embroidery, or pottery, sell your crafts on Etsy, the go-to site for artisans selling home goods, art, and knickknacks. Etsy has 95 million active buyers and grossed over $13 billion in merchandise sales in 2022.

Time to Start: It might take a while for customers to find you.
Setup: Can be quite involved.
Ease of Starting: Harder compared to other methods.
Age Threshold: 13+.
Payment Speed: From the next day to seven days after a sale.

• Opening an Etsy shop is easy and can be done in a few hours.
• The prep work before opening your shop is more time-consuming. You need merchandise to sell, photos and descriptions to post, a name for your shop, and a business plan.
• Finding customers could take weeks, so expect the overall time to be slow.
• Payment is deposited into your Etsy Payments account first, then to your bank account based on your deposit schedule.
• Sellers over 13 but under 18 are considered minors and must follow extra policies.
• Ensure you have all necessary rights to the merchandise sold in your shop.

7. Self-Publish an E-Book

Writing a good book is tough, but the internet makes it easy to bring it to market. If you’re a writer who can churn out pages, you can use Amazon’s Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to sell your books on the Kindle store. It’s free to publish a book, and you can earn up to 70% of each sale in royalties. Write your book, enter a clear description and the details to be displayed, and upload your manuscript. Set the price and see if it sells.

Time to Start: How fast can you type? Writing a book can be a slog.
Setup: Quick and easy on KDP once the book is ready.
Ease of Starting: Just start writing.
Age Threshold: 18+.
Payment Speed: Monthly, after you meet the $100 threshold.

• Just because it’s simple to self-publish doesn’t mean your book will sell. Competition is high with millions of e-book titles on the Kindle Store.
• Choose one of two royalty options: 70% or 35%. You’ll have to price your book between $2.99 and $9.99 if you select the 70% option. You have more pricing flexibility when you pick 35%.
• You need to create a Kindle Direct Publishing account to get started.
• Proper formatting is important. Amazon says most Microsoft Word documents convert to e-books easily, but other formats are also supported.

8. Get Advertising Revenue from Your Blog or YouTube Channel

Turn your cat videos into cash videos. If your YouTube videos or blog posts draw a big audience, you may be able to make money online from advertising. YouTube sets 1,000 subscribers as the benchmark for applying to the YouTube Partner Program if you want to place ads on your channel. You can apply with 500 subscribers for other monetizing features like channel memberships. You can also use Google’s AdSense, the same ad platform on YouTube, to put relevant ads on your blog or website for earning potential.

Time to Start: It can take several weeks to get up and running.
Setup: Fairly easy.
Ease of Starting: Depends on how good you are at producing interesting videos.
Age Threshold: 18+.
Payment Speed: Could take a long while to earn the first payout; then monthly.

• Signing up for Google AdSense is pretty easy, but to use AdSense with YouTube, you’ll need to be part of the Partner Program.
• You can use AdSense on a website or blog with fewer eligibility requirements.
• Allow at least two months for ad revenue to start trickling in.
• You need to earn at least $100 before you’re eligible for a payout.
• Once you hit the $100 threshold, earnings are issued between the 21st and 26th of the following month.
• Your own website that has been active for at least six months.
• For YouTube, you need at least 1,000 subscribers.
• You must be at least 18.

9. Become an Instagram Influencer

Companies are using Instagram influencers — people with large, dedicated followings on the platform — to rep their products. You can get in on the action by applying for opportunities via a marketing platform like Open Influence or Aspire, or by contacting the brands you want to work with.

Time to Start: You’ll need to stick with it.
Setup: Quick and easy.
Ease of Starting: Not that easy; must build a following to gain influence.
Age Threshold: 13+.
Payment Speed: Varies on partnerships.

• Creating an Instagram account is quick, but building a following can take months or even years.
• Once you have the numbers, you’ll need to find paid opportunities. You can do this via affiliate networks or by pitching brands you want to work with.
• The time to receive your payment will depend on the terms of your agreement, but affiliate networks typically pay out earnings the month after a campaign is completed.
• An Instagram account with a dedicated, engaged following.
• You’ll also need to meet the requirements of any affiliate network.

10. Monetize Your Twitch Channel

Gaming could be a way to make money online from home if you have a steady following on Twitch, the go-to site for gamers. Streamers can receive donations from viewers and even get a share of subscription and ad revenue if they reach Affiliate or Partner status.

Time to Start: This can be a long game.
Setup: Quick and easy.
Ease of Starting: Easy to start; takes a while to build a following.
Age Threshold: 13+.
Payment Speed: Monthly.

• You can launch a Twitch channel and start streaming in a day, but it will take weeks or even months to build a following.
• You may be able to withdraw donation revenue rather quickly, depending on the payout method.
• Subscription and ad revenue earned as a Twitch Partner or Affiliate is paid out around the 15th of every month, and you must have a balance of at least $50 for most payout methods (it’s $100 for wire transfers).
• You need to hit certain viewership and broadcast milestones to become a Twitch Affiliate or Partner and qualify for a share of game sales, ads, and subscription revenue.

11. Sell Your Photography

Turn your photographs into cash via sites like Fine Art America, which lets you upload your images to sell as prints, T-shirts, phone cases, and more. Other marketplaces for photographers include SmugMug, 500px, and PhotoShelter. Some sites require a subscription but may provide features ranging from cloud storage to password-protected galleries and a customized website.

Time to Start: Buyers need to find you — and like your work.
Setup: Just a few hours.
Ease of Starting: If you have a library of photos, you’re on the way.
Age Threshold: Varies.
Payment Speed: Depends on your sales platform.

• You can set up a profile with sites like SmugMug, PhotoShelter, or Fine Art America in a few hours, assuming you have a body of original work.
• Payment varies widely depending on the site.
• Fine Art America: Payment issued after a 30-day return window expires. Sent on the 15th of each month.
• PhotoShelter: Payment issued at the time of sale to your chosen payment method (PayPal, Stripe, etc.).
• SmugMug: You can request payment be issued the following month if you have a balance of at least $5.
• Requirements vary by site, but you need to have all necessary rights to the images you sell.

How to make money online from Home

Some side hustles don’t even require you to leave the house. Or if they do, it might just be a short walk around the block with a furry friend. Working from home requires a little creativity and a stick-to-it spirit. Here are some excellent ideas for side gigs from home:

12. Become a Dog Walker with Rover or Wag

Love dogs? Choose dog walking as a beginner’s way to make money online. Apps like Wag and Rover offer on-demand dog walking, so you can pick up walks when your schedule allows. If you have space (and your landlord’s permission, if you rent), you could offer overnight dog boarding.

Time to Start: Building a client base may take some time.
Setup: Can take a few weeks to be approved.
Ease of Starting: Love pets? You’re good to go.
Age Threshold: 18+.
Payment Speed: Two days to a week.

• It takes about 5 to 10 business days for your Rover profile to be reviewed and approved.
• The application process for Wag takes about two weeks and you must pass a background check and pet care quiz.
• For Rover or Wag, you’ll need to live in an area where the service operates.
• If you want to pet-sit in your own home, you’ll need an apartment or house that allows pets.
• You’ll have to pass a background check.

13. Sell Unused Gift Cards

Make extra money by selling unused or partially used gift cards on a site like CardCash or GiftCash. CardCash notes it will pay you up to 92% of the card’s value, or you can trade in your card for one you’ll use.

Time to Start: In minutes if your gift card is for a popular store.
Setup: Easy.
Ease of Starting: The more gift cards you have to sell, the better.
Age Threshold: Old enough to have a credit card.
Payment Speed: A few days to about two weeks.

• You can get an instant offer or quote via sites like CardCash and GiftCash.
• You can sell gift cards at kiosks and participating retail locations to get cash the same day, or try to sell it online. The latter takes longer, but you may get a better offer for your gift card.
• Your gift card may need to meet a minimum balance to be resold. Not all cards will generate offers.
• Gift cards with expiration dates may not be eligible.

14. List Your Spare Bedroom on Airbnb

Renting out your home or spare bedroom on vacation rental sites is another way to make extra money. Be prepared to spend some money to clean and keep up the property, replace home goods, and pay toward service fees. Scrutinize your rental agreement, HOA rules, and zoning or other restrictions before you get started.

Time to Start: Demand drives success, and that depends on your location.
Setup: A listing can be created and live in hours.
Ease of Starting: If you have a place to rent, it’s a simple process.
Age Threshold: 18+.
Payment Speed: A day or more after check-in.

• You can create a listing and start accepting reservations on the same day.
• Payment is typically disbursed about 24 hours after your guest’s scheduled check-in time, but processing time for that payment depends on the payout method.
• Comply with any rules governing short-term or vacation rentals in your property, including city ordinances and rules issued by your landlord, condo board, or homeowners association.

How to Make Money Offline

There’s online and at-home ways to make extra money — and then there’s a third alternative: offline. This version of the gig economy may require more work, but the upside can be substantial. Since there’s no escaping the internet these days, some of these offline methods do have online components:

15. Sell Your Gently Used Clothes

Selling clothes you no longer wear is a quick way to make some money. Start with local consignment shops to make money online quicker or use sites like ThredUp and Poshmark to find buyers. When listing items online, be sure to take clear, well-lit photos of your pieces and research similar items to set competitive prices.

Time to Start: Varies by sales channel.
Setup: Easy and fast.
Ease of Starting: Easy. Cleaning out the closet may be the hardest part.
Age Threshold: 13 for Poshmark, 18 for ThredUp.
Payment Speed: Varies by sales channel.

• You can sell used clothing and accessories several ways, but they’re all pretty quick to start.
• Fast: A brick-and-mortar consignment store like Plato’s Closet will give you cash on the spot.
• Medium: Other in-person and online consignment shops pay you when your items sell, or when they receive and inspect your items. Either way, allow at least a month for your payout.
• Gently worn shoes, clothing, and accessories.
• Items will go through various inspections before being accepted. For example, ThredUp checks items for pilling, fading, shrinkage, missing parts (like buttons), and stains.