Need $50 quickly? Whether you’re covering an unexpected bill, filling up your gas tank, or just want extra spending money, there are plenty of legitimate ways to pocket $50 fast—often within the same day.
I’ve personally tested dozens of money-making apps and side hustles to find what actually delivers. Here are the best ways to make $50 fast in 2026.
Quick Answer: The fastest ways to make $50 include signing up for a bank bonus like SoFi ($300 bonus), using cashback apps like Upside (instant savings), completing surveys on Swagbucks ($10 signup bonus), or delivering food with DoorDash ($50+ in a few hours).
Fastest Ways to Make $50
Tested and verified — start earning today
Open a free checking account with direct deposit. No fees, 3.80% APY on savings.
Deliver food on your schedule. Keep 100% of tips.
Surveys, videos, games, shopping. $591M+ paid out.
Complete offers, test apps. Some pay $20-50 each.
Cash back on gas, groceries, and restaurants.
Highest-rated survey site. $5 minimum cashout.
Keep scrolling for 25+ more ways to make $50 fast
Best Survey and Reward Apps to Make $50
1. Swagbucks – Best Overall Rewards App
Swagbucks has been the gold standard in rewards apps since 2008. You earn points (SB) for taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, playing games, and even searching the web.
Why it’s great for making $50 fast:
- $10 signup bonus just for joining
- Multiple earning methods (not just boring surveys)
- PayPal cash out or gift cards
- Consistent, reliable payouts
Realistic earnings: $50-100/month with casual use. Power users report $200+/month by stacking offers and completing daily goals.
Pro tip: Install the Swagbucks browser extension to automatically earn cashback when shopping online. It’s passive money you’d otherwise miss.
💎 Get your $10 Swagbucks bonus.
2. Survey Junkie – Best Pure Survey Site
If you want straightforward surveys without the fluff, Survey Junkie is your best bet. No games, no gimmicks—just share your opinions and get paid.
What I like:
- Clean, simple interface
- Surveys pay $0.50-$5 each
- Low $5 minimum to cash out
- Direct PayPal transfers
Earning potential: $3-5/hour on average. Most users can hit $50 within their first week by dedicating 1-2 hours daily.
📝 Start earning with Survey Junkie.
3. Freecash – Highest Paying Offer Site
Freecash consistently ranks as one of the highest-paying GPT (Get-Paid-To) sites. They pay you to complete offers, download apps, take surveys, and test products.
Why users love it:
- Higher payouts than most competitors
- Daily bonuses and rewards
- Fast payouts (often same-day)
- Crypto withdrawal option
Pro tip: Focus on the “high reward” offers like signing up for free trials or testing new apps. Some pay $20-50 each.
💰 Join Freecash and start earning.
4. InboxDollars – Get Paid to Read Emails
InboxDollars shows your earnings in actual dollars (not confusing points), and they pay you for simple tasks like reading emails, watching videos, and taking surveys.
Best features:
- $5 instant signup bonus
- Paid emails = easy passive income
- Scratch and win bonus games
- Earnings displayed in real dollars
Reality check: You won’t get rich, but $50/month is very achievable with minimal daily effort.
💵 Claim your $5 InboxDollars bonus.
5. KashKick – Underrated Money Maker
KashKick is one of the most underrated rewards sites. They pay you to take surveys, watch videos, play games, and sign up for offers—often at higher rates than bigger competitors.
Why it stands out:
- High-paying survey opportunities
- Game offers that actually pay well
- Low $10 minimum payout
- PayPal cash only (no gift card confusion)
6. Branded – Premium Survey Experience
Branded offers a polished site that pays you up to $100 to test apps/games.
What makes it different:
- Tiered loyalty system (earn more as you level up)
- Daily challenges for bonus points
- As seen on CBS
- Direct deposit available
7. Nielsen Panel – Easiest Passive Income
Want to earn money doing literally nothing? Nielsen Panel pays you just to have their app installed on your devices. They collect anonymous usage data for market research.
How it works:
- Install the app on your phone, tablet, or computer
- Use your devices normally
- Earn up to $50/year per device
- Enter monthly sweepstakes for extra prizes
It’s truly passive income—set it and forget it.
Bank Bonuses – The Fastest Way to $50+ (Often $200-500)
Bank signup bonuses are hands-down the easiest “free money” available. Many banks offer $100-500 just for opening an account and meeting simple requirements like setting up direct deposit.
8. SoFi – $300 Bonus (Best Bank Bonus Right Now)
SoFi is currently offering one of the best bank bonuses available—up to $300 for new members who set up direct deposit.
Why SoFi is worth it:
- Up to 3.80% APY on savings (way better than traditional banks)
- No account fees whatsoever
- FDIC insured up to $3M through partner banks
- Early paycheck (up to 2 days early)
Requirements: Set up direct deposit of $1,000+ within 30 days.
9. Current – Mobile Banking Made Easy
Current is a modern mobile banking app that offers signup bonuses and rewards for everyday spending.
What you get:
- No monthly fees
- No minimum balance required
- Visa debit card included
- Points on purchases at select retailers
- Up to 4.00% APY on savings
Current frequently runs promotions for new users, so check for the latest bonus when you sign up.
10. Upromise – Turn Spending into Cash
Upromise helps you earn cash back on everyday purchases that goes toward college savings—but you can also withdraw it as cash.
How it works:
- Link your credit/debit cards
- Shop at 900+ participating retailers
- Earn automatic cashback
- Transfer to a 529 plan or withdraw as cash
Even if you’re not saving for college, it’s free money on purchases you’re already making.
🎓 Start earning with Upromise.
Gig Economy Apps – Make $50 in a Few Hours
11. DoorDash – Most Flexible Delivery App
DoorDash is the largest food delivery platform, meaning more orders and more opportunities to earn. Most Dashers make $15-25/hour.
Why DoorDash wins:
- Work whenever you want (no schedule required)
- Keep 100% of tips
- Weekly direct deposit
- Peak pay bonuses during busy times
How fast can you make $50? Most markets: 2-3 hours during lunch or dinner rush.
Pro tip: Dash during peak hours (11am-1pm, 5pm-9pm) and in busy restaurant areas for maximum earnings.
🚗 Start dashing with DoorDash.
12. Uber Eats – Another Great Delivery Option
Uber Eats is DoorDash’s main competitor, and running both apps simultaneously can maximize your earnings by reducing downtime between orders.
What you need:
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable vehicle (car, bike, or scooter)
- Smartphone
- Pass background check
Earnings: Similar to DoorDash—$15-25/hour depending on your market and time of day.
13. Upside – Free Cashback on Gas
Upside gives you cashback on gas, groceries, and restaurants. If you drive for delivery apps, this is a must-have to offset fuel costs.
How it works:
- Check the app for cashback offers near you
- Claim an offer before you fill up or shop
- Pay with any card
- Cashback deposits to your account
Typical savings: 10-25 cents per gallon on gas, 5-15% back at restaurants.
Over time, this adds up to $50+ easily—especially if you drive frequently.
⛽ Get Upside and start saving.
Gaming Apps That Pay Real Money
Yes, you can actually make money playing games on your phone. These apps pay real cash for playing—though earnings vary based on skill and time invested.
14. Solitaire Cash – Win Real Money Playing Solitaire
Solitaire Cash lets you compete in Solitaire tournaments against other players for real cash prizes.
How it works:
- Play head-to-head or in tournaments
- Entry fees range from free to $20+
- Winners take cash prizes
- Withdraw via PayPal or Apple Pay
Important: This is skill-based gaming. Practice in free games before entering cash tournaments.
15. Bingo Cash – Real Money Bingo
Bingo Cash turns classic Bingo into a competitive game with real cash prizes.
Why players love it:
- Fast-paced games (2-3 minutes each)
- Both free and cash tournaments
- Fair matchmaking system
- Quick withdrawals
It’s a fun way to potentially earn extra cash if you enjoy casual gaming. Cash games not available in AZ, AR, CT, DE, LA, MT, SC, SD, and TN.
16. Blitz Win Cash – Multiple Games, One App
Blitz Win Cash offers multiple skill-based games including Solitaire, 21 Blitz, and more—all with real money prizes.
What’s included:
- Multiple game types to choose from
- Daily tournaments
- Practice modes to improve
- Legitimate payouts
Access Your Money Early
17. EarnIn – Get Paid Before Payday
EarnIn lets you access money you’ve already earned before your official payday—up to $150/day or $750/pay period.
How it works:
- Connect your bank account
- EarnIn tracks your hours worked
- Request funds you’ve already earned
- Money arrives in minutes
Cost: EarnIn operates on tips (you choose $0-14). There’s no mandatory fee.
This isn’t “extra” money, but it’s incredibly useful when you need cash before payday.
Investing Apps – Make Your Money Work
While these won’t make you $50 today, they’re excellent for building long-term wealth with minimal effort.
18. Acorns – Invest Your Spare Change
Acorns automatically rounds up your purchases and invests the spare change. It’s the easiest way to start investing without thinking about it.
How it works:
- Link your debit/credit cards
- Purchases round up to nearest dollar
- Round-ups auto-invest into diversified portfolios
- Watch your money grow over time
Bonus: New users get a $20 bonus just for signing up and completing their application.
🌱 Start investing with Acorns.
19. Fundrise – Real Estate Investing Made Easy
Fundrise lets you invest in real estate with as little as $10. You’re buying into actual properties—not just REITs.
Why it’s different:
- Low $10 minimum to start
- Diversified real estate portfolio
- Quarterly dividends
- Professional management
Historical returns: 8-12% annually (though past performance doesn’t guarantee future results).
🏠 Start real estate investing with Fundrise.
20. Arrived – Invest in Rental Properties
Arrived takes real estate investing further by letting you buy shares in individual rental properties and vacation homes.
How it works:
- Browse available properties
- Buy shares starting at $100
- Earn quarterly dividends from rental income
- Potential appreciation when properties sell
It’s like being a landlord without the headaches.
Remote Work and Freelancing
21. FlexJobs – Find Legitimate Remote Work
If you want more substantial income, FlexJobs is the premier job board for remote, flexible, and freelance positions.
Why FlexJobs is worth it:
- Every job is hand-screened (no scams)
- Remote positions from legitimate companies
- Flexible schedules available
- Career coaching included
Cost: Membership required ($9.95/week or less with longer plans), but the quality of listings makes it worthwhile.
💼 Find remote work on FlexJobs.
Financial Services
22. National Debt Relief – Get Out of Debt Faster
If debt is keeping you from financial freedom, National Debt Relief can help negotiate with creditors to reduce what you owe.
How it works:
- Free consultation to review your debt
- They negotiate with creditors on your behalf
- Potentially reduce total debt by 30-50%
- One affordable monthly payment
This is for people with $10,000+ in unsecured debt who need professional help getting back on track.
Quick Strategy: How to Make $50 Today
If you need $50 in the next few hours:
- Sign up for DoorDash or Uber Eats and complete a few deliveries
- Sell something on Facebook Marketplace
- Check EarnIn if you have wages you’ve already earned
If you can wait a few days:
- Open a SoFi account for up to $300 in bonuses
- Sign up for Swagbucks ($10 bonus) + complete high-paying offers
- Stack Freecash + KashKick + InboxDollars offers
For ongoing passive income:
- Install Nielsen Panel on your devices
- Use Upside for gas/grocery cashback
- Set up Acorns to invest spare change automatically
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the fastest way to make $50?
Delivering food with DoorDash or Uber Eats can get you $50 in 2-3 hours. For truly passive money, bank bonuses like SoFi’s $300 offer just require opening an account.
Are survey sites actually worth it?
Yes, if you set realistic expectations. Sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie won’t replace a job, but $50-200/month is achievable with casual effort.
Which apps pay you real money to play games?
Solitaire Cash, Bingo Cash, and Blitz Win Cash all offer real cash prizes. Just remember these are skill-based games—practice before entering cash tournaments.
Is it safe to give these apps my bank info?
All the apps listed here are legitimate companies with proper security measures. SoFi, Current, and Acorns are FDIC-insured through partner banks.
Bottom Line
Making $50 fast is absolutely doable in 2026. Your best bet depends on your situation:
- Need money today? Drive for DoorDash or Uber Eats
- Want easy signup bonuses? SoFi ($300) + Swagbucks ($10) + InboxDollars ($5)
- Prefer passive income? Nielsen Panel + Upside + Acorns
The key is stacking multiple methods. Signing up for several apps and using them consistently will get you to $50 faster than relying on just one.
Start here: Open SoFi for the $300 bonus, then add Swagbucks for everyday earning.
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