We’ve all been thrown off balance by an unexpected bill or expense at some point. When that happens, having a way to earn quick cash can restore a sense of control, create breathing room in the budget, and take the edge off financial stress. Even a small boost can make a big difference in feeling more confident financially.
The good news is, there are practical, reliable ways to make money in an hour or less using the skills you already have, items you no longer need, or simple platforms online. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through the best options available to you.
Not every “quick money” idea actually works fast. Some require more effort, tools, or upfront costs than others. But there are still several proven ways to earn cash in an hour or less, and most can be started today with little preparation.
To make it easier, we’ve put together a comparison table outlining each option, its difficulty, and what you could realistically earn. Use it as a guide to pick what fits your time, skills, and situation.
If you’re looking to make money online from home, these online tasks can be a quick and simple way to do it. You don’t need special skills or upfront costs — just a few minutes to answer survey questions, test a website, or give feedback on products.
The best part of it is that you can start earning almost immediately and get paid in a few days, or even a few minutes, depending on the platform. Earnings are usually smaller (think $1–$20/hour), but these tasks can still add some extra cash to your wallet.
Paid surveys are short market research tasks where companies pay for your opinions on products, services, or advertising. They’re an easy way to make money online, and most surveys take 5–20 minutes to complete.
Reputable platforms we recommend are:
Pro tip: Focus on completing a larger volume of shorter surveys. This often gives you a higher hourly rate and faster cashout speed.
Microtasks and user testing are small, online jobs that pay you for simple tasks or giving feedback on websites and apps. You might do things like data entry, categorize information, or record a short review of a site or app.
Popular platforms include:
Earnings typically range from $1 to $20 per hour, depending on the task.
Pro tip: Consistency is key here: regularly completing tasks often leads to higher-paying assignments.
Got stuff lying around that you don’t use? Maybe it’s time to turn it into cash. Focus on selling things you know people actually want — electronics, tools, or furniture, for example — and you could have a little extra cash in hand pretty quickly.
Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or neighborhood buy-sell groups make same-day cash simple.
Just keep in mind these safety tips when selling to strangers:
Many have found success with local selling, making anywhere from a few bucks to a few hundred.
You can turn used wardrobe items into instant cash by selling to stores like Plato’s Closet or Buffalo Exchange. They buy more trendy or seasonal items on the spot, so you can walk out with a few extra bucks in hand.
To maximize your payout:
In addition to a modest cash payout, you’ll also have a little extra space in your closet.
High-value items like jewelry, electronics, or collectibles can be sold or pawned for extra cash.
Selling items outright gets you full payment immediately with no strings attached. Electronics, designer accessories, and gold jewelry usually sell fastest and for the highest amount.
Pawning items means temporarily exchanging them for a cash advance with the option to buy them back later. Interest and fees apply, so make sure you understand the terms.
Sometimes the fastest way to get cash is in your own neighborhood. Simple services like babysitting, pet sitting, yard work, or house cleaning are in demand, and people usually pay the same day.
Pro tip: For a higher payout, offer same-day services, bring your own tools and gear, and communicate clearly.
Money-making apps are highly flexible, making them easy to fit around an existing job or use in your spare time. Once you’re approved, many let you start earning an average-sized payout right away.
Here are some popular options:
Did you know you can sell gift cards for cash? Most marketplaces let you earn 70%–95% of the card’s face value, depending on demand and the platform you use.
Trusted sites like CardCash, Raise, and GiftCash offer secure transactions and usually pay out via direct deposit, PayPal, or check within 24–48 hours. For the best value, compare offers on multiple sites before selling.
You can also sell or trade locally on Facebook Marketplace or neighborhood buy/sell groups, or trade for a gift card you do want.
Pro tip: Always verify the card balance and meet in safe, public locations when exchanging.
You don’t need a luxury vacation home to tap into the sharing economy. Nowadays, you can rent out almost anything for extra cash. It’s often overlooked, but it has a lot of financial potential.
Think about tools, camping gear, photography equipment, party supplies, or other items you rarely use. Platforms like Fat Llama let you rent these for a certain amount per day per item. You can also connect with renters through local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps for even faster bookings.
By putting what you already own to work, you can create extra income quickly.
If you have a car you don’t use much, consider using a car-sharing platform like Turo or Getaround to earn extra income. The amount you make depends on your vehicle and location. Some platforms offer instant payouts once the rental period ends.
Plus, both services include insurance coverage when you rent out your car, so your finances will be OK if it gets damaged.
If you know a subject well or speak another language, online tutoring can be a lucrative work-from-home option.
Use a platform like Cambly, Preply, or Wyzant to connect with students worldwide. You can make anywhere from $25–$300/hour, depending on the subject and your experience, and some platforms pay immediately after each session.
Pro tip: Fill out your profile completely, showcase your best skills, and consider starting with lower rates to land your first students. With a few consistent sessions, your tutoring side hustle can gain significant traction.
Let’s be realistic: sometimes, there isn’t enough time to pick up a side hustle when you’re hit with an unexpected bill. That’s where a cash advance app like Klover can help. You get early access to money you’ve already earned — before payday — bridging the gap between that bill and your next paycheck.
Klover lets you access a portion of these earnings without interest, late fees, or a credit check. The amount you borrowed is then repaid automatically when you get your paycheck.
Getting started is simple. Once you sign up, Klover will verify that you’ve earned a consistent income — that’s it. We don’t even need to check your credit. From there, you can request an advance amount up to $400, and we’ll deposit it directly into your linked account within minutes.
Using a cash advance app like Klover is a much smarter, safer alternative to payday loans. Payday loans are high-interest, short-term loans you typically have to repay by your next paycheck. You’ll have to pay back much more than you borrowed, which can make staying out of debt tough. And if you miss a payment, it’ll hurt your credit score.
Cash advance apps are the best payday loan alternative because they don’t come with high interest rates, fees, or credit checks.
A few tips to use them wisely:
Klover lets you access your cash responsibly. We don’t ask for tips or require subscriptions. We also offer smart budgeting and financial tools, so you’re not just borrowing to keep you afloat today, but planning for a more stable financial future.
When you’re trying to get cash fast, it’s easy to run into platforms that aren’t trustworthy. You can protect yourself by checking reviews on the Better Business Bureau or Trustpilot before sharing personal information.
Legitimate services take their cut after you’ve earned, not upfront. Compare rates, check payout timelines, and trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Klover is a safe, reliable cash advance app that lets you access cash quickly, without sneaking in fees or interest rates. Plus, we follow strict financial security standards, so you can get the cash you need without worrying about scams.
Needing cash quickly to cover that gap in your expenses is only temporary. What matters most is paying it off, then taking steps to make these situations less stressful in the future.
One way to build stability is to diversify your income, combining side gigs, selling unused items, or exploring online work. Over time, those extra gains can create a significant cushion in your budget.
Klover can also help support your short-term and long-term financial health. Our cash advances help you cover urgent expenses, while built-in budgeting tools, spending insights, and savings features make it easier to plan ahead and avoid future cash crunches.
Ready to set yourself up for a more secure financial future? Get the cash you need now or download the app to get started.
Safety matters when you’re earning cash quickly. The safest approach for in-person sales or tasks is meeting in public, well-lit places (many police stations offer “Safe Exchange Zones”). Cash is usually safest for same-day payments, but verified platforms like Venmo or Zelle can work if the buyer sends the payment before you hand over the item or complete the task. Avoid checks or “pending” digital payments, which are common scam tactics.
A good rule is to calculate your effective hourly rate. Estimate what you’ll earn minus the time spent preparing, traveling, or communicating with buyers/clients. For example, a $40 gig that takes 1 hour plus 30 minutes of prep is effectively ~$27/hour. This helps you choose the most efficient options, especially when you need money fast.
Yes, some activities are taxable. Income from gig apps, freelancing, tutoring, or babysitting typically counts as self-employment income and must be reported. However, selling personal items (like clothes or electronics) is not taxable if you sell them for less than you originally paid. If you’re earning money quickly and regularly, set aside a small percentage for taxes to avoid surprises later.
Once you find an option that works — like tutoring, yard work, selling items, or freelancing — you can turn it into a steady side stream by creating a simple routine. For example:
