Do you only have an hour here and there to get work done? No problem! Here is how to make money in one hour with 18 real-life ideas for doing so!
Sometimes, an unexpected bill or a financial pinch can leave you searching for quick ways to make extra cash. Or maybe you’re looking for ways to make extra money fast and regularly, even with a tight schedule and limited flexibility.
If you have an hour to spare, there are plenty of opportunities to pocket additional income without a long-term commitment. Just keep in mind that it may still take some time to establish a new income stream, including gathering the tools and materials you need and marketing any services you provide, to set yourself up for success.
Let’s dive into this list of 18 real ways to make money in one hour or less.
1. Complete Short Tasks
One of the best ways to make money in an hour is to complete short tasks, sometimes called microtasks. Short tasks are just what they sound like, odd jobs that can be completed quickly. Tasks may include data entry, taking photos, recording videos, verifying information, conducting online research, transcription, taking surveys, playing games, creating text, AI testing, and more! Just like the wide variety of tasks you can work on, the pay for each of these gigs varies widely.
For legitimate ways to earn money by completing short tasks, check out:
2. Do Freelance Work
Offering freelance services can also help you make money in an hour, but it does require some upfront work, such as creating a portfolio, reaching out to clients, or applying for gigs. Graphic design, virtual assistance, managing social media accounts, or freelance writing services are all popular options. If you’re good with words, consider freelance writing.
Many online platforms pay freelancers for article submissions and blog posts. Payment can range from a few dollars to over a hundred, depending on the platform and the complexity of the content. Tools like Grammarly can help ensure your writing is top-notch.
For virtual assistant tasks, websites like Upwork and Fiverr offer opportunities, as do other sites and platforms like Fancy Hands, BELAY, and Time Etc.
VA tasks can range from data entry and internet research to social media management. With some VA tasks paid by the hour, a short time commitment could lead to $20 to $45+ in quick earnings. Many freelance gigs allow you to set your own rates or negotiate compensation, and you’ll have more freedom over when you work, so long as you meet deadlines.
3. Mystery Shopping
Mystery shopping is a popular method for collecting consumer perceptions and satisfaction data. Typically, mystery shoppers visit a store, make a purchase, and report on the customer experience. Payment varies, but it can include reimbursement for your purchase and up to $50 for your time and feedback.
To get started, sign up with reputable companies such as BestMark or Market Force. These organizations will match you with shops in your area based on your profile and availability. It’s a great way to make some cash if you love shopping and have an eye for detail.
4. Participate in Market Research
Local universities, research firms, and online platforms may offer paid market research studies. These could be focus groups or product testing, which can pay anywhere from $50 to $100 per hour-long session. FocusGroup.com and Respondent are two popular focus group websites to start with, since you can sign up for free and apply for relevant opportunities both online and in your local area.
The process usually involves answering a few questions to see if you’re a good fit. If you are, you could be invited to participate in a paid study. The payout depends on the length of the study, but even a short invitation for a phone interview or online questionnaire can lead to you earning a sizable payment if you’re invited to participate in a market research study.
5. Rent Your Stuff
You likely have many items sitting around your house that you’re not actively using. Then, take an inventory of these items, such as a swimming pool, a spare bedroom, an RV, a boat, storage space, fancy handbags, a bike, a scooter, sporting equipment, or a high-quality camera, and rent them out on one of the many online rental marketplaces.
For example, on Swimply, you can rent out your pool, tennis court, pickleball court, or basketball court by the hour! According to their website, you can earn up to $5,000 a month just by renting out one of these items!
Another place you can rent out odd items is Hygglo. On their marketplace, you can list items like tools, electronics, photography equipment, party supplies, gardening tools, and more! How much you can earn will depend on the type of item, how many items you’re renting, and how often you rent them, but this can be an easy way to make money in one hour!
6. Sell Stuff Online
Another quick way to make money in one hour is to sell unwanted items from your home that you no longer use or need.
This can be as simple as rounding up items in your home and selling them individually in local Facebook groups, neighborhood apps, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. With these options, you can generally list your items for free, and once an item sells, you arrange local pickup. Just be sure to meet in a public space during daytime hours and let others know your whereabouts. Better yet, bring a friend or family member with you. When you go this route, you’ll get instant cash in hand (or in your digital bank account), making it ideal when you need money fast.
If you’re looking for a larger audience of interested buyers, online selling platforms like eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark offer a great way to sell items you no longer need. Just snap a quick photo and write a brief description, and you might make a few sales in an hour. These platforms are free to use, but they do take a small fee once your item sells. Popular items to sell include electronics like laptops and cell phones, clothing, jewelry, toys, handbags, and collectibles.
7. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Got some gift cards lying around that you don’t need? Don’t leave them to collect dust in your wallet. Websites like Raise and CardCash allow you to sell unwanted gift cards for cash. You can either list the card and wait for a buyer to purchase it, or, in some cases, these services will buy the card directly from you.
The process is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to list. Remember that these services will take a cut of the card’s value, so you won’t get the full amount. That said, it’s still a solid way to turn those “what-were-they-thinking” gifts into currency you can use.
8. Test Websites and Apps
Often, before going live with a new website or app, companies will pay real users to test it to ensure it operates smoothly and provides a good overall user experience. These gigs are usually one-off projects that take 10-20 minutes and pay around $10 per test. This is an easy way to make money in your free time. Because opportunities will be sporadic, signing up with multiple companies will increase your chances of landing available jobs. Some tests are conducted in online surveys, and others may require you to record your screen. To get started as a website tester and make a few extra bucks in your spare time, check out UserTesting, User Interviews, and Respondent.
9. Transcribe Some Audio Files
If you’re a fast typist, transcription work could be for you. Websites like Rev and TranscribeMe offer opportunities to transcribe audio and video files into written text. With pay ranging from $15 to $25 per hour, it’s an efficient way to make money using your listening and typing skills. You can work on files as short as minutes-long video clips, podcasts, or even full-length dictations and manuscripts.
Start practicing your typing skills online using free websites like TypingTest.com. With some practice, you can quickly increase your transcription speed and make more money in less time.
10. Tutor Students Online
One great way to make money in one hour is through online tutoring. Using online marketplaces like Tutor.com, Course Hero, and Wyzant, you can earn anywhere from $10 to $50 per tutoring session, depending on the subjects you teach and your professional experience. With tutoring, you can instruct students in topics such as math, reading, a foreign language, test prep, accounting, and much more.
One popular site that helps you earn money from home by tutoring students is Studypool. With this platform, you’ll get paid to answer homework questions online. Studypool takes a 20% service fee when you book a client, but its platform allows you to market your services to a large pool of prospective students. You can also set your own rates and schedule.
11. Use Survey Sites
Companies are constantly seeking feedback for their products and services through paid surveys. Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and Branded Surveys offer a quick way to earn cash and other rewards by sharing your opinion. With a survey taking as little as 10 minutes and paying up to $5, this is a no-brainer for quick cash.
To maximize your earnings, sign up for several survey sites and check them regularly to apply for survey opportunities. You can take surveys while at home watching television, waiting for an appointment, or during any other free time throughout your day.
Offline Ways to Make Money in One Hour
Whether you want to earn a little extra cash or a full-time income, using gig apps is a legitimate way to provide local services on your own schedule.
All you have to do is decide what services you want to offer, download the corresponding app, fill out an application, and wait to be approved. Some of these apps require a background check, but once you’re approved, you can start taking on paid assignments.
12. Babysitting
If you’re good with kids, an hour of babysitting can easily make $15 to $30+ per hour, according to Care.com. Start by offering your services to family, friends, or neighbors to make some quick cash. You can also create a profile on Care.com, Bambino, and SitterCity to advertise your babysitting services. While a first aid and CPR certification can be a plus, a solid reputation and experience with children are often the most sought-after qualities.
13. Deliver Packages
For those looking for a gig economy income stream that’s on the go, Amazon Flex is worth considering. Amazon’s on-demand delivery service allows you to pick up and deliver packages throughout your city. Pay is around $18 to $25 per hour, and you’re responsible for your own taxes and vehicle expenses.
The sign-up process is a bit more extensive, as you’ll need to pass a background check and have a reliable vehicle. Once approved, you can schedule your availability and start delivering packages, ranging from mail to large household items, for a nice chunk of change.
14. Dog Walking
If you enjoy spending time with dogs, apps like Wag and Rover connect you with pet owners willing to pay for someone to walk their furry friends. The pay can vary, but with rates typically ranging from $15 to $25 per walk, it’s a pleasant way to make quick cash if you enjoy the outdoors. As a major bonus, you get to spend time with adorable dogs, and you can offer additional services like pet sitting.
Similar to dog walking, pet-sitting has become a popular way to earn money flexibly from home. You can charge a nightly fee to keep pets at your home overnight or offer drop-in pet-sitter services while their families are out of town.
15. Food Delivery
Thanks to apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub, earning money by delivering food has never been more accessible. Once you’re signed up and approved, you can take delivery gigs immediately.
During peak meal times, you can expect to make around $15 to $25 per hour. Plus, you get to keep 100% of your tips. The process is simple: you receive a delivery request, pick up the food, and drop it at the customer’s door. The flexibility of these apps allows you to choose when you work and how much you make.
16. Grocery Delivery
Similar to food delivery but less specialized is grocery delivery. Services like Instacart and Shipt allow you to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers. Generally, the pay isn’t as high, but it’s a consistent and reliable way to make money by grabbing other people’s groceries.
You can expect to earn around $25 per hour, plus tips. The advantage here is that you can shop for multiple orders at once, making it more time-efficient. It’s also a great way to get those steps in, as you’ll often need to go up and down aisles to find items.
17. Personal Assistant
Personal assistants help everyday people with their overflow of tasks and to-dos, like running errands, scheduling appointments, meal prep, laundry, grocery shopping, house management, and more. If you only have an hour, you could help a busy parent with the morning school rush, such as getting the kids dressed and fed, making lunches, and walking them to the bus stop.
Using an app like My Panda allows taskers in Charlottesville, VA, and Atlanta, GA, to connect with people who need their help. Pandas (assistants) earn $15 to $20 per hour and must be at least 21 years old and have reliable transportation. Taskers do everything from in-person tasks like household chores and errands to virtual tasks like organization.
18. Yard Work
Offering your services for tasks like raking leaves, mowing lawns, weeding gardens, laying mulch, or planting flowers can bring in quick cash, especially in the spring and summer. Apps like TaskRabbit or Thumbtack connect you to people in your area who need help with yard work.
Don’t underestimate the satisfaction of a well-kept yard; this job is in high demand, fairly low-skill, and can turn your sweat equity into immediate pay. You might even find clients willing to hire you for regular maintenance.
How to Make Money in One Hour Wrapup
Making money in an hour is possible. From completing quick tasks online to offering help in your community, there are many ways to turn your time into a bit of extra cash. It may require some time upfront to set up your income stream, gain experience, or apply for gigs, but the timeline is flexible and depends on when you’re ready to get started and take action steps. With a little creativity and some willingness to jump into various opportunities, you can build a robust side hustle or simply pocket some spending money whenever you have some time to spare.
