If your bank account is emptier than your fridge the day before payday, don’t panic. We’ve got you. This guide covers how to get money fast (the real kind, not sketchy pyramid schemes that one cousin of yours swears by).
We’ll dig into quick ways to make money fast, how to make easy money, and even resources for emergencies so you can dodge payday loan sharks and keep your financial life intact.
Need even more ideas once you’re done reading? Head to our resource page.
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30+ ways to get money fast
When your bank account is running on empty but your bills are full-steam ahead, you need real solutions, not financial fairy tales. Here’s your comprehensive guide to how to get money fast, ranging from same-day options to those taking just a few days.
Explore quick work for fast money (Same day to 1 week)
Gig economy platforms are among the most fast ways to make money because you can start earning within hours.
1. Food/grocery delivery (DoorDash, Instacart): A flexible way to earn on your schedule. Many let you cash out earnings daily for a small fee. Earn $15–$25/hour or more. Many platforms let you cash out instantly for a small fee.
2. Rideshare driving (Uber, Lyft): If you’ve got a reliable car and insurance, you can sign up quickly and get on the road. Earn $15–$25//hour or more with instant payout options.
3. TaskRabbit: From assembling furniture to yard work, you set your rate and get paid once the task is complete.
4. Rover or Wag: If you love animals, this can be a low-stress side hustle. Pet sitting and dog walking can pay $20–$40 per visit or more.
5. Upwork or Fiverr: Offer skills like writing, design, or tutoring. Jobs may take a few days to fund, but it’s a good longer-term option.
6. Explore same-day local work: For local, off-app hustles: babysitting, yard work, or restaurant shifts often pay cash same-day. Pro tip: Check Craigslist “gigs” section in your city or ask in community Facebook groups.
👉 Quick Money Jobs That Often Pay Same-Day
Turn your stuff into cash by selling or pawning items (Same day to 3 days)
If you need quick and easy ways to make money, decluttering your closet or garage can put cash in your pocket fast.
7. Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp: Zero fees but requires in-person exchange.
8. ecoATM: Turn old phones into instant cash via kiosks in malls and stores.
9. Decluttr: Mail in electronics, games, or DVDs and usually get paid the next business day.
10. Poshmark: Great for clothes, shoes, and accessories. Buyers pay through the app, so your money is secure.
11. Gameflip: Fast market for selling digital goods and gaming accounts
12. Pawn shops: You can sell items outright or get a short-term loan (typically at high interest). Always try to negotiate and counter the first offer. If you have time, try to get multiple quotes from different pawn shops. Payouts may vary significantly between shops.
Tap into financial products (Same day to 3+ days)
OK, these aren’t exactly free money … but sometimes they can be the quickest way to get money with minimal effort.
13. Explore earned wage access or cash advance apps: With MoneyLion’s Instacash® you could access up to $500 of your pay early, with no interest. Delivery within minutes is available for a fee2.
14. Online personal loans: Digital lenders can often approve and fund faster than traditional banks. Compare offers to avoid high APRs.
15. Peer-to-peer platforms: Platforms like LendingClub or Prosper allow you to borrow from investors. Funding usually takes a few days.
16. Cash advance on a credit card: Careful here. Immediate access at an ATM, but fees and interest kick in instantly.
17. Balance transfer credit cards: Some offer promotional 0% APR windows. While it’s not cash, it can free up funds for other expenses.
18. Buy now, pay later: Services like Klarna, Affirm, or Afterpay let you split up large purchases into smaller payments, helping preserve short-term cash flow. Just don’t overdo it and only spend what’s in your budget; these services can be addictive and add up to a financial headache.
Last resort financing options (proceed with extreme caution)
These technically work, but they’re financial traps. Use these only if there’s no alternative — and have a repayment plan ready.
19. Payday loans: Extremely high interest (often 400%+ APR).
20. Auto title loans: Money borrowed against your car. That means: You risk losing your car if you default.
Other borrowing options (1 to 3+ days)
These options usually take a few days, but can be safer than payday loans:
21. Personal connections: Friends or family: Repay ASAP to protect relationships (or that holiday dinner is going to be awkward).
22. 401(k) loans: Access retirement funds within a week, no credit check required. Risk: you reduce future savings if you don’t pay the loan back, and the money you borrow could be taxed.
23. Home equity: A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is like a credit card backed by your home’s value. If you already have one open, you can draw funds in 3 to 5 days. If you’re applying for the first time, approval may take weeks.
24. Securities-backed loans: Borrow against your investment portfolio without selling it, usually at lower interest rates than personal loans. As with a 401(k) loan, you’re crimping your bottom line if you don’t commit to paying it back. But the lower interest can make it a decent option in a pinch.
Community and government assistance programs (1 to 7 days)
Sometimes, the smartest, fastest way to make money isn’t earning; it’s getting support.
25. Emergency assistance programs:
- 211.org: Call or visit to connect to available local resources.
- LIHEAP: Helps low-income households pay energy bills.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; formerly food stamps): Provides monthly funds for groceries.
26. Emergency rental assistance programs: Some states and cities still offer short-term rental support.
27. TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families offers cash assistance for families in crisis.
28. Religious and nonprofit organizations: Churches, synagogues, mosques, and nonprofits often provide emergency aid or cover specific bills.
👉 Explore More Ways to Get Money Fast Without a Loan
Negotiate your way to financial breathing room
Sometimes, how to make cash fast is less about earning and more about reducing what’s due:
29. Utility bill extensions: Ask for a 30-day extension — many providers quietly offer this.
30. Hardship programs: Credit card issuers and lenders may lower interest rates or pause payments temporarily.
31. Medical bill payment plans: Most providers will split bills into interest-free installments if you just ask.
32. Service downgrades: Pause premium features (like streaming add-ons) or switch to lower phone/internet tiers until you’re back on track.
👉 How to Organize Your Bills
👉 How to Make $1,000 or $2,000 or up to $5,000 Fast
With the MoneyLion app, you can earn cashback when you shop1, and unlock special offers. It’s all about putting more money back in your pocket — fast.
Smart ways to protect your financial future
Fast fixes should be temporary. To avoid living paycheck to paycheck, try these moves:
Avoid predatory debt: Anything with more than 30% APR can spiral quickly.
Start an emergency fund: Even $250, followed by small, regular deposits, can make your next crisis much more bearable.
Plan for recurring expenses: Budget for annual costs like insurance renewals or holidays so they don’t sneak-attack your account.
Get Instacash® through MoneyLion
Access up to $500 of your pay early, with no interest, no credit check, and flexible repayment from your next paycheck with MoneyLion’s Instacash. Delivery within minutes is available for a fee2 if you’re really in a crunch.
Fast Money, Smarter Moves
Knowing how to make money fast means understanding your choices—from gig work and selling stuff to assistance programs and financial tools. Use the quick and easy ways to make money when you need them, but also build habits that keep you from running on empty again.
FAQs
Can I really make money online instantly?
Not instantly. But with delivery apps or some cash advance services, you can start today and see money in your account within hours or days.
How do I avoid scams when trying to get fast money?
Stick to reputable apps, local marketplaces, and government programs. Avoid anyone asking for upfront fees or promising “guaranteed” high returns.
Is it possible to get money fast without a job?
Yes. Selling items, pawning valuables, or applying for assistance programs can provide short-term funds even if you’re unemployed.
