Making money from home has gone from a pipe dream to a proven reality. Whether you want to replace your 9-to-5, build a profitable side hustle, or just earn some extra cash in your spare time—there's a legitimate path that fits your skills, schedule, and goals.
This isn't a list of get-rich-quick schemes. I've personally tested these methods and compiled everything that actually works—organized by effort level, earning potential, and how quickly you can start making money.
What you'll find in this guide:
- Quick wins that pay you just for signing up
- Passive income streams that earn while you sleep
- Flexible gig work you can do on your own schedule
- Scalable online businesses with serious income potential
- Freelance opportunities for every skill level
Let's get into it.
Best Ways to Make Money from Home
Tested and verified — start earning today
Invest in real estate starting at $10. Earn passive income from rental properties without landlord headaches.
Deliver food on your schedule. Keep 100% of your tips.
Highest-rated survey site with 4/5 stars on Trustpilot.
Auto-invest your spare change. Build wealth passively.
Surveys, videos, games, shopping. $591M+ paid out.
Get cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants.
Keep scrolling for 50+ more ways to make money from home
This is a comprehensive guide. Jump to the section that interests you most:
- Part 1: Quick Wins (Sign-Up Bonuses and Easy Money)
- Part 2: Passive Income and Investing
- Part 3: Paid Surveys and Reward Sites
- Part 4: Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money
- Part 5: Gig Economy and Delivery
- Part 6: Online Selling and E-Commerce
- Part 7: Freelancing and Remote Work
- Part 8: Content Creation and Digital Products
- Part 9: Other Legitimate Methods
Part 1: Quick Wins (Sign-Up Bonuses and Easy Money)
Let's start with the lowest-hanging fruit—apps and services that pay you just for signing up. These won't make you rich, but they're free money that takes minutes to claim.
1. Get a $20 Bonus from Acorns
Acorns is a micro-investing app that rounds up your everyday purchases and invests the spare change. Buy a $3.75 coffee, Acorns invests $0.25 for you.
Right now, new users get a $20 welcome bonus when they sign up and complete their application. That's free money invested on your behalf.
How it works:
- Sign up through this link (takes 5 minutes)
- Connect a debit or credit card
- Acorns automatically rounds up purchases and invests the difference
- Watch your money grow over time
It sounds small, but these micro-investments compound. I've watched accounts grow to hundreds of dollars without actively thinking about it.
💰 Claim your $20 bonus from Acorns.
2. Get $10 from Swagbucks
Swagbucks has paid out over $591 million to its users—that's not a typo. New members get a $10 sign-up bonus.
You can earn from surveys, watching videos, playing games, online shopping, and even web searches. It's one of the most versatile rewards platforms out there.
💎 Get your $10 bonus from Swagbucks.
3. Get $5 from InboxDollars
InboxDollars has paid out over $80 million to its 10+ million members. Sign up and get an instant $5 bonus credited to your account.
Unlike some sites that use confusing point systems, InboxDollars shows actual dollar amounts—you always know exactly what you're earning.
💵 Claim your $5 bonus from InboxDollars.
4. Get Free Stock from Robinhood
Robinhood offers commission-free stock trading. When you sign up, they give you a free stock—could be Apple, Ford, or another company worth $5-200.
You don't need to deposit any money to get the free stock. Sign up, wait a few days, and it appears in your account. You can even sell it immediately and transfer the cash to your bank.
📈 Get your free stock from Robinhood.
5. Earn $50/Year from Nielsen (Just Install an App)
Nielsen—the TV ratings company—will pay you $50 per year per device just to install their app. It passively collects anonymous data about browsing habits for market research.
Install it on your phone, tablet, and computer = $150/year for doing absolutely nothing. You must be 18-45 and live in the U.S. to qualify.
Part 2: Passive Income and Investing
These methods require minimal ongoing effort once set up. Your money works for you in the background while you focus on other things.
6. Invest in Real Estate with Fundrise
Real estate has created more millionaires than any other asset class—but traditionally required hundreds of thousands to get started. Fundrise changed that.
With just $10, you can invest in a diversified portfolio of commercial and residential properties. You'll earn from rental income (paid as quarterly dividends) and property appreciation over time.
What to expect:
- Historical annual returns of 8-12%
- Completely passive—Fundrise manages everything
- Over 500,000 active investors
- Quarterly dividend payouts
- Best for long-term wealth building (5+ year horizon)
This won't generate instant cash, but it's how smart money compounds while you sleep.
🏠 Start investing with Fundrise.
7. Earn Cash Back Automatically with Upside
You're already buying gas, groceries, and eating at restaurants—why not get paid for it? Upside gives you cash back at thousands of locations. Often 25 cents or more per gallon on gas.
How to use it:
- Download the app and check offers before you fill up
- Claim the offer, then pay normally at the pump
- Snap a photo of your receipt
- Cash back deposits to your account
- Cash out anytime via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards
Pro tip: Stack Upside with a cash-back credit card for double savings. Over a month of normal spending, that's easily $40-80+ back.
8. High-Yield Savings Accounts
If your savings are sitting in a traditional bank earning 0.01% interest, you're losing money to inflation. Online banks now offer 4-5% APY—that's 400x more.
Top high-yield savings accounts:
- Marcus by Goldman Sachs: No minimums, no fees
- Ally Bank: Excellent app, bucket feature for goals
- SoFi: Up to 4.60% APY with direct deposit
- Wealthfront: 5.00% APY on cash account
$10,000 in a high-yield account earns $400-500/year vs. $1 in a traditional savings account. That's free money for moving your savings.
9. Dividend Investing
Dividend stocks pay you regular income just for owning them. Companies like Coca-Cola, Johnson and Johnson, and Procter and Gamble have paid dividends for 50+ consecutive years.
Getting started:
- Open a brokerage account (Robinhood, Fidelity, Schwab)
- Look for dividend ETFs like VYM, SCHD, or VIG for instant diversification
- Reinvest dividends to compound growth
- Typical dividend yields: 2-5% annually
A $50,000 portfolio yielding 4% pays $2,000/year in dividends—and that grows over time as companies raise their payouts.
Part 3: Paid Surveys and Reward Sites
Survey sites won't make you rich, but they're legitimate ways to earn $50-200/month in your spare time. Perfect for watching TV, waiting in line, or during your commute.
10. Survey Junkie (Highest Rated)
Survey Junkie consistently ranks as the best survey site, with a 4/5 star rating on Trustpilot—the highest of any survey platform. Over 3 million users trust it.
Why Survey Junkie stands out:
- Clean interface that respects your time
- Shows estimated time and payment before you start each survey
- You get paid even if you don't qualify for a survey
- Low $10 minimum to cash out via PayPal
- Surveys pay $0.50-$50+ depending on length
Pro tip: Complete your profile thoroughly—you'll qualify for more surveys and get matched with better-paying opportunities.
📝 Start earning with Survey Junkie.
11. Swagbucks (Most Versatile)
Swagbucks offers more ways to earn than just surveys. Watch videos, play games, shop online (and get cash back), search the web, and complete offers.
Smart Swagbucks strategies:
- Focus on surveys with a point-to-minute ratio of 20+ (roughly $12/hour)
- Use the Swagbucks browser extension for automatic shopping cash back
- Check “Discover” offers—some pay $50-100+ for signing up for services
- Run videos in the background while doing other things
According to a Huffington Post report, active users can earn up to $600/month.
💎 Join Swagbucks and get $10 free.
12. InboxDollars (Pays in Cash)
InboxDollars displays earnings in actual dollars instead of confusing point systems. Over 10 million members and $80+ million paid out.
Beyond surveys, you can earn by reading emails, watching videos, playing games, and redeeming coupons.
💵 Get $5 free from InboxDollars.
13. Branded (Higher Payouts)
Branded focuses on connecting you with different apps/games that pay premium rates—up to $100 per offer in some cases.
As seen in CBS and pays intantly, it's a legit choice.
🎯 Start earning with Branded Surveys.
14. Pinecone Research (Invite-Only)
Pinecone Research is an invite-only panel that pays $3-5 per survey—higher than most sites. They also send physical products to test. Check if they're accepting new members in your area.
15. Prolific (Academic Research)
Prolific connects you with university researchers who need study participants. Pays better than traditional survey sites (often $8-15/hour equivalent) and studies are usually more interesting.
Downside: fewer available studies than consumer survey sites.
Part 4: Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money
These skill-based gaming platforms let you compete against other players for real cash prizes. They're legitimate but treat them like entertainment—only play with money you can afford to lose.
16. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash is a competitive solitaire game from Papaya Gaming. Everyone gets the same deck—the fastest completion time wins.
How it works:
- You're matched with players of similar skill levels
- Everyone plays the same hand
- Finish in the top 3 to win cash prizes
- Cash out via PayPal or Apple Pay
Practice for free to learn the game, then enter cash tournaments when you're confident.
17. Bingo Cash
Bingo Cash puts a competitive twist on classic bingo. Games only take about 2 minutes, and speed and accuracy matter—tap numbers quickly for bonus points.
With over 5 million players worldwide, it's one of the most popular skill gaming apps. You can play free games for prizes or enter cash tournaments.
Cash games not available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, and TN.
18. Blackout Bingo
Blackout Bingo is another skill-based bingo game where everyone sees the same balls and cards. Your success depends on concentration, speed, and strategy—not luck.
Cash game winners can earn up to $1,000+ in mini-tournaments.
19. Mistplay (Android Only)
Mistplay rewards you for trying new mobile games. The more you play, the more points you earn—redeemable for gift cards to Amazon, iTunes, PlayStation, and more.
Over 35,000+ positive reviews in the Google Play Store. If you're going to play mobile games anyway, might as well get paid.
Important Gaming App Advice
Be smart about skill gaming apps:
- Practice extensively in free mode before playing for money
- Set a strict budget and never exceed it
- Treat it as entertainment, not income
- If you're on a losing streak, walk away
Part 5: Gig Economy and Delivery
These require more active effort but pay significantly more than surveys. Great if you have a car and flexible time.
20. DoorDash
DoorDash is the largest food delivery platform in the US. Work when you want, keep 100% of tips, and cash out same-day with Fast Pay.
Realistic earnings:
- $15-25/hour depending on your market
- Peak times (dinner rush 5-9pm, weekends) pay best
- Bonus “Peak Pay” during busy periods adds $1-5 per delivery
Pro tips for maximizing earnings:
- Cherry-pick orders—decline anything under $6 or with excessive drive time
- Learn which restaurants are fast vs. which make you wait
- Work in areas with lots of restaurants clustered together
- Multi-app with Uber Eats to always have orders available
21. Instacart
Instacart pays you to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers. You see the full order and estimated pay before accepting, so you control what jobs you take.
Earning potential:
- $15-25/hour on average
- Tips often add $5-20+ per order
- Batch bonuses (e.g., “$100 extra for 20 deliveries this week”)
If you enjoy shopping and know grocery store layouts, you can be very efficient and increase your hourly rate.
🛒 Start shopping with Instacart.
22. Uber/Uber Eats
Uber offers both rideshare (driving people) and Uber Eats (food delivery). Switch between both to maximize earning opportunities.
Rideshare earnings:
- $15-30/hour before expenses
- After gas, maintenance, depreciation: $10-20/hour net
- Surge pricing during peak times can double rates
- Airport runs and long trips often pay better per hour
23. Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex pays you to deliver Amazon packages using your own vehicle. Blocks are typically 3-5 hours and pay $18-25/hour.
You'll need a larger vehicle (sedan at minimum, SUV or van is better) and to pass a background check. Blocks get snatched up fast—you'll need to be quick when they drop.
24. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit connects you with people who need help with everyday tasks. If you're handy, strong, or just reliable, there's money to be made.
Popular tasks and rates:
- Furniture assembly: $50-150 per piece (IKEA assembly is huge)
- Moving help: $25-45/hour
- Mounting TVs/shelves: $50-100 per job
- General handyman: $40-80/hour
- Cleaning: $25-50/hour
- Yard work: $25-45/hour
One productive Saturday can easily net $200-500.
25. Rover (Pet Sitting)
Love animals? Rover connects pet owners with sitters and dog walkers.
Services you can offer:
- Dog walking: $15-25 per 30-minute walk
- Drop-in visits: $15-25 per visit
- Overnight boarding: $35-75 per night
- Doggy daycare: $25-45 per day
Many sitters earn $1,000+ per month. Some turn it into full-time income of $3,000-5,000/month.
Part 6: Online Selling and E-Commerce
These methods range from clearing out your closet to building a scalable online business. Start with what you have, then grow from there.
26. Sell Items You Already Own
The fastest path to cash is selling things you already have. Most people have $500-2,000+ worth of unused items sitting around their home.
Where to sell what:
- Facebook Marketplace: Furniture, large items, anything needing local pickup
- eBay: Collectibles, electronics, niche items with national demand
- Poshmark/Mercari: Clothing, shoes, accessories
- Craigslist: Quick cash deals, vehicles, equipment
- OfferUp: General items, local sales
High-value items to look for: Old phones/tablets, gaming consoles, designer clothing, power tools, fitness equipment, musical instruments, vintage items, collectibles.
27. Retail Arbitrage
Retail arbitrage is simple: buy discounted items from stores and resell them at market price online.
How it works:
- Find clearance items at Walmart, Target, CVS, TJ Maxx, or thrift stores
- Use a scanner app (Amazon Seller app, Scoutify) to check selling prices
- If there's profit after fees, buy it
- List and sell on Amazon or eBay
Example: A store has a product on clearance for $15. It sells on Amazon for $45. After Amazon fees (~$15), you net $15 profit per unit. Buy 20 units = $300 profit.
Best categories: Toys (especially near holidays), books, home goods, health/beauty, electronics accessories.
28. Online Arbitrage
Same concept as retail arbitrage, but you source products online instead of in stores.
Common approaches:
- Buy wholesale lots on Alibaba, sell individually
- Find deals on one retailer's site, sell on Amazon
- Source from liquidation sites (B-Stock, Liquidation.com)
- Use deal-finding tools like Keepa, Tactical Arbitrage
Requires more research but scales better since you're not limited by what's in local stores.
29. Amazon FBA
Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon) lets you leverage Amazon's massive customer base and logistics. You ship products to Amazon's warehouse—they handle storage, shipping, and customer service.
How it works:
- Source products (arbitrage, wholesale, or private label)
- Prep and ship to Amazon's fulfillment center
- Amazon stores your inventory and ships when orders come in
- You collect the profit
Investment required: $500-5,000 to start (for initial inventory)
Earning potential: Side hustlers often make $500-3,000/month. Serious sellers build 6-7 figure businesses.
If you're serious about Amazon FBA, consider taking a course to learn the strategies that successful sellers use.
30. Dropshipping
Dropshipping lets you sell products without holding inventory. When someone orders from your store, the supplier ships directly to the customer.
Pros:
- Low startup cost (just need a website)
- No inventory risk
- Test many products quickly
Cons:
- Lower profit margins (15-30% typical)
- Long shipping times (especially from overseas suppliers)
- Customer service issues when suppliers mess up
- Requires marketing skills to drive traffic
Success in dropshipping usually comes from running effective Facebook, TikTok, or Google ads.
31. Print on Demand
Design t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, or other products. When someone orders, a third-party printer creates and ships the item. Zero inventory required.
Platforms:
- Merch by Amazon: Design shirts, Amazon handles everything
- Redbubble: Upload designs, they print on 70+ products
- Printful + Shopify: Your own store with POD fulfillment
- Etsy + Printify: Access Etsy's craft-loving audience
Key to success: Niche down. “Funny shirts” is too broad. “Shirts for respiratory therapists” or “hiking puns for trail runners” finds passionate buyers.
32. Affiliate Marketing
Promote other companies' products and earn commissions on sales. Works through blogs, YouTube, social media, email—anywhere you have an audience.
How to get started:
- Build an audience first (blog, YouTube, social media, email list)
- Join affiliate programs (Amazon Associates, ShareASale, individual company programs)
- Create honest reviews and recommendations
- Always disclose affiliate relationships
Commission rates: 1-50% depending on product. Digital products pay 30-50%, physical products 1-10%, financial/software often 20-40%.
Part 7: Freelancing and Remote Work
If you have marketable skills, freelancing offers the highest income potential while working from home. These can start as side gigs and grow into full careers.
33. Freelance Writing
Businesses constantly need content—blog posts, website copy, email newsletters, product descriptions, social media posts.
Where to find work:
- Upwork: Largest freelance marketplace
- Contently: Higher-end clients, better rates
- ProBlogger Job Board: Blog-specific gigs
- LinkedIn: Direct outreach to businesses
- Cold emailing: Contact companies in your niche
Rates:
- Beginner: $0.05-0.15/word ($50-150 per article)
- Intermediate: $0.15-0.30/word ($150-300 per article)
- Expert: $0.50-1.00+/word ($500+ per article)
Specialize in a niche (finance, tech, health, SaaS) to command higher rates.
34. Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants handle administrative tasks remotely—email management, scheduling, data entry, customer service, social media, bookkeeping, travel arrangements.
Rates:
- General VA: $15-25/hour
- Specialized VA (bookkeeping, social media): $25-50/hour
- Executive VA: $35-75/hour
Where to find clients: Belay, Time Etc, Boldly, Upwork, LinkedIn, Facebook groups for entrepreneurs.
35. Graphic Design
Every business needs visual content—logos, social media graphics, marketing materials, website designs.
Tools to learn: Adobe Creative Suite, Canva (simpler projects), Figma (UI/UX)
Rates:
- Logo design: $150-500+ per logo
- Social media graphics: $25-100 per design
- Brand packages: $500-5,000+
- Hourly: $25-100/hour
Platforms: 99designs, Dribbble, Upwork, Fiverr (to build portfolio)
36. Web Development
One of the highest-paying remote skills. Even basic WordPress development is in demand.
Rates:
- WordPress sites: $500-5,000 per site
- Custom web apps: $5,000-50,000+
- Hourly: $50-200/hour for experienced developers
How to start: Free resources like freeCodeCamp, The Odin Project. Build portfolio projects, then find clients on Upwork or through networking.
37. Online Tutoring
Knowledgeable in any subject? People will pay to learn from you.
Platforms:
- Wyzant: Set your own rates, keep 75%
- Tutor.com: More structured, $15-22/hour
- VIPKid/Cambly: Teach English internationally
- Preply: Language tutoring
- Varsity Tutors: Academic subjects
Rates: $20-80/hour depending on subject. Test prep and specialized subjects pay more.
38. Transcription
Convert audio/video recordings into text. Requires good listening skills and fast typing.
Platforms:
- Rev: $0.30-1.10 per audio minute
- TranscribeMe: $15-22 per audio hour
- GoTranscript: Up to $0.60 per audio minute
Specialization tip: Legal and medical transcription pay $25-50/audio hour but require training.
39. Bookkeeping
Small businesses need help tracking finances. You don't need to be a CPA—basic bookkeeping is learnable in a few months.
Tools: QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Wave, Xero
Rates: $20-50/hour, or $200-500/month per client. 10 monthly clients at $400 = $4,000/month.
40. Social Media Management
Businesses need social media presence but lack time to manage it.
What the job involves:
- Content creation and scheduling
- Community engagement
- Analytics and reporting
- Strategy development
Rates: $300-2,000/month per client. Managing 5 clients at $600/month = $3,000/month income.
Part 8: Content Creation and Digital Products
Build an audience and monetize through multiple streams. Takes longer to generate income but has unlimited upside potential.
41. Start a YouTube Channel
YouTube pays creators through ads once you hit 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours. But the real money comes from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and your own products.
Revenue streams:
- Ad revenue: $2-10 per 1,000 views (varies by niche)
- Sponsorships: $500-50,000+ per video at scale
- Affiliate links in descriptions
- Digital products and courses
Best niches: Finance, tech, tutorials, reviews—higher ad rates and sponsorship potential.
42. Start a Blog
Successful blogs monetize through ads (Mediavine, AdThrive), affiliate marketing, and digital products.
Timeline: 6-18 months before significant income. But successful blogs generate $1,000-100,000+ per month.
Keys to success: Pick a niche, create genuinely helpful content, learn SEO, be patient and consistent.
43. Create and Sell Online Courses
Package your expertise into a course and sell it repeatedly.
Platforms:
- Teachable/Thinkific: Host your own course
- Udemy: Access their audience (lower prices, more volume)
- Skillshare: Get paid based on watch time
Pricing: $50-2,000+ depending on depth. Transformation-focused courses (career change, business skills) command premium prices.
44. Sell Digital Products
Create once, sell forever. Near-100% profit margins after creation.
Ideas:
- Ebooks and guides
- Templates (Notion, spreadsheets, resumes, social media)
- Printables (planners, wall art, worksheets)
- Presets (Lightroom, video editing)
- Stock photos/videos/music
Where to sell: Gumroad, Etsy, your own website, Creative Market
Part 9: Other Legitimate Methods
45. Participate in Research Studies
Universities and companies pay for research participants.
Where to find studies:
- Respondent.io: Business/tech research, $100-300/hour
- User Interviews: Product research, $50-150/hour
- Local universities: Research participant pools
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Medical studies (higher pay)
46. Donate Plasma
Plasma centers pay $50-75 per visit. You can donate twice per week. First-time donors often get bonuses of $100+.
Potential: $400-600/month for a few hours weekly.
Centers: BioLife, CSL Plasma, Grifols, Octapharma
47. Test Websites and Apps
Companies pay for feedback on digital products.
Platforms:
- UserTesting: $10 per 20-minute test
- Userlytics: $5-90 per test
- TryMyUI: $10 per test
48. Rent Out a Room (Airbnb)
Spare room, basement, or guest house? List on Airbnb. Even occasional rentals can bring $500-1,500/month depending on location.
49. Rent Your Car (Turo)
Car sitting unused? Turo and Getaround let you rent it to others. Earn $30-100+ per day depending on vehicle and location.
50. Remote Customer Service
Many companies hire remote customer service reps—often W-2 jobs with benefits.
Companies hiring remotely: Amazon, Apple, American Express, Liveops, TTEC, Concentrix
Pay: $12-20/hour for entry-level, more for specialized support.
How to Get Started (Action Plan)
Don't try to do everything at once. Here's a practical roadmap:
This Week: Claim Free Money
- Sign up for Acorns ($20 bonus)
- Sign up for Swagbucks ($10 bonus)
- Sign up for InboxDollars ($5 bonus)
- Download Upside for gas cash back
- Install Nielsen ($50/year)
This Month: Start Active Earning
- List 10+ items on Facebook Marketplace
- Sign up for DoorDash or Instacart
- Complete surveys on Survey Junkie during downtime
- Set up a Fundrise account (start with $10)
Months 2-3: Build a Skill-Based Income
- Identify your marketable skills (or start learning one)
- Create profiles on Upwork, Fiverr, or niche platforms
- Complete 3-5 small projects to build reviews
- Gradually raise your rates
Month 4+: Scale What's Working
- Double down on your highest-earning methods
- Consider starting a content platform (blog, YouTube)
- Reinvest earnings to grow income streams
Final Thoughts
Making money from home is absolutely achievable—but it requires real effort. The methods in this guide work. I've used many of them myself, and millions of others are earning from them right now.
The people who succeed are the ones who start, stay consistent, and keep improving. Don't wait for the “perfect” opportunity. Pick something that matches your situation, start today, and adjust as you learn what works for you.
Your ability to earn from home is limited only by how much effort you're willing to put in. The opportunity is there—now go get it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the fastest way to make money from home?
Selling items you already own, delivery driving (DoorDash, Instacart), or claiming sign-up bonuses. These can put cash in your pocket within 24-48 hours.
Can I really replace my full-time income working from home?
Yes, but it takes time. Freelancing, e-commerce, and content creation can all generate full-time incomes. Expect 6-18 months to build to that level.
How much can I make with survey sites?
$50-200/month with consistent effort. Survey sites are best for extra cash during downtime, not primary income.
What skills are most in-demand for remote work?
Writing, web development, graphic design, video editing, bookkeeping, and customer service. Technical skills command the highest rates.
Are gaming apps that pay real money legitimate?
The ones in this guide are legitimate skill-based platforms. However, treat them as entertainment—only play with money you can afford to lose and practice extensively before entering cash games.
What should I avoid?
Be skeptical of anything requiring upfront payment to “get started,” promises of overnight riches, MLM/network marketing schemes, or opportunities that sound too good to be true. Legitimate money-making methods take effort.
