21 Ways to Earn Money With Little to No Effort

Imagine getting paid while you’re relaxing, sleeping, or just going about your day without putting in much effort. It might sound too good to be true, but there are actually several ways you can make money without doing much at all.

Some of these methods may require a bit of work upfront, but once you’re set up, the income can keep coming in with minimal effort on your part. Let’s explore 21 ways to earn money while doing almost nothing.

1. Earn Rewards with a Credit Card

Using a rewards credit card is one of the simplest ways to earn money with little effort. By choosing a card that offers cash back, points, or miles on everyday purchases, you can earn rewards just by spending as you normally would. Some cards even offer generous sign-up bonuses, which can be a quick way to earn extra cash.

To truly benefit from this, it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges, ensuring the rewards you earn are pure profit.

2. Get Paid to Stand in Line

Believe it or not, some people will pay you to stand in line for them. This service is in demand for things like concert tickets, new product launches, or busy restaurant reservations. All you have to do is hold their place in line until it’s their turn.

You can find these opportunities on platforms like TaskRabbit, where you can set your rates and choose when and where you want to work.

3. Invest in Dividend-Paying Stocks

Investing in dividend-paying stocks allows you to earn money simply by owning shares in a company. These companies distribute a portion of their profits to shareholders, typically on a quarterly basis. Once you’ve purchased the stock, you’ll continue to receive dividend payments as long as you hold onto your shares.

This is a great way to build passive income, especially if you reinvest the dividends to buy more stock.

4. Use a High-Yield Savings Account

A high-yield savings account is an easy way to make your money work for you. These accounts offer interest rates much higher than traditional savings accounts, allowing your money to grow faster. The best part? There’s no extra work involved—just deposit your money and watch it grow.

Online banks often offer the highest rates, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.

5. Sell Digital Printables

Selling printables online is a fantastic way to earn money with minimal ongoing effort. Printables are digital files that people can download and print at home, such as planners, to-do lists, or wall art. Once you create a printable, you can sell it over and over again.

Platforms like Etsy make it easy to set up a shop and start selling your creations. After the initial setup, this can become a passive income stream.

6. Share Your Opinions

Participating in paid surveys is an easy way to make some extra cash. Market research companies are always looking for people to share their opinions on products and services. While you won’t get rich from surveys, it’s an easy way to earn a bit of money during your free time.

Websites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars offer a variety of surveys you can complete whenever you have a few spare minutes.

7. Rent Out Extra Storage Space

If you have extra space in your home, such as a garage, attic, or basement, you can rent it out for storage. Platforms like Neighbor allow you to list your available space for people to store their belongings. It’s a simple way to earn money without much effort.

This option is especially useful if you live in an area where storage facilities are in high demand.

8. Sell Stock Photos

If you enjoy photography, selling stock photos can be a great way to earn passive income. You can upload your photos to stock photography websites like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, where businesses and individuals purchase them for various uses.

Once your photos are uploaded, they can continue to sell over time, providing ongoing income with little to no further work required.

9. House Sitting

House sitting is an easy way to make money while doing very little. Homeowners often hire house sitters to look after their homes while they’re away, ensuring everything stays safe and secure. Your duties might include collecting mail, watering plants, or feeding pets, but otherwise, you’ll have plenty of free time.

You can find house-sitting gigs on websites like TrustedHousesitters, which connect homeowners with reliable sitters.

10. Invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) allow you to invest in real estate without the hassle of managing properties. REITs are companies that own and operate income-producing real estate, and they pay out dividends to investors. This means you can earn money from real estate investments without dealing with tenants or property maintenance.

REITs are traded on major stock exchanges, making them easy to buy and sell like stocks.

11. Pose for Art Classes

Posing as a model for art classes is a simple way to earn money by just sitting still. Art students need live models to practice drawing or painting, and schools often pay well for your time. No special skills are required—just the ability to stay in one position for an extended period.

You can find these opportunities by contacting local art schools or community centers.

12. Get Paid to Listen to Music

If you love music, there are apps and websites that will pay you to listen to songs and provide feedback. Companies use this feedback to improve their offerings, and you get paid for your time.

Sites like Slicethepie and Playlist Push are popular platforms where you can start earning money just by listening to and reviewing music.

13. Earn Money by Working Out

Some apps and websites will actually pay you to stay fit. For example, apps like HealthyWage allow you to set fitness goals and earn money if you reach them. It’s a fun and motivating way to make money while improving your health.

These platforms often work by pooling money from participants and then awarding it to those who meet their goals.

14. Become a Notary Public

Becoming a notary public is a straightforward way to earn money by witnessing and certifying legal documents. Once you’re certified, you can charge for each document you notarize. This job requires minimal ongoing effort and can be done at your convenience.

The process to become a notary varies by state, but it usually involves a short training course and passing a certification exam.

15. Test Mattresses

Believe it or not, you can get paid to test mattresses. Mattress companies often need feedback on their products, and they’ll pay you to sleep on their mattresses and report back on your experience. It’s an easy way to make money while you sleep—literally!

You can find these opportunities by contacting mattress companies directly or through product testing websites.

16. Participate in Sleep Studies

Sleep studies are another way to get paid while you sleep. These studies help researchers learn more about sleep patterns and disorders. Participants are often compensated for their time, and all you have to do is sleep in a monitored environment.

Many universities and medical centers conduct sleep studies, and they often advertise for participants online or through local healthcare providers.

17. Advertise on Your Car

If you drive regularly, you can turn your car into a moving billboard by placing advertisements on it. Companies like Carvertise and Wrapify will pay you to display their ads on your vehicle. The more you drive, the more you can earn.

This is a great way to make extra money with minimal effort, especially if you already have a long commute or spend a lot of time on the road.

18. Rent Out a Spare Room

If you have an extra room in your home, consider renting it out for extra income. You can list your room on platforms like Airbnb or Craigslist, and rent it out to travelers or long-term tenants. This can provide a steady stream of income with little ongoing effort.

Make sure to check local regulations and prepare your space to be comfortable and welcoming for guests.

19. Use Cash Back Apps and Websites

Cashback apps and websites allow you to earn money back on purchases you make online or in-store. Sites like Rakuten, Swagbucks, and Ibotta give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash or rewards points.

By simply clicking through these sites before you shop, you can earn money back on purchases you were going to make anyway, making this an easy way to get paid for doing nothing extra.

20. Rent Out Your RV

If you own an RV that you’re not using, you can rent it out for extra income. Websites like RVshare connect RV owners with people looking to rent, allowing you to make money from your vehicle when it’s not in use.

This is a great option if you don’t use your RV year-round and want to offset some of the costs associated with owning it.

21. Receive a Pension

Finally, if you have a pension, you can get paid for doing nothing in your retirement years. A pension is a regular payment made to you after you retire, typically from a job you held for many years. The amount you receive depends on your salary, years of service, and the specific pension plan.

Pensions are a great way to ensure a steady income in retirement, allowing you to enjoy your golden years without worrying about money.

Conclusion

Earning money with little effort might sound like a dream, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategies. From earning rewards on your credit card to investing in dividend stocks, there are plenty of ways to boost your income without taking on a traditional 9-to-5 job.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, save for a rainy day, or just want some extra spending money, these methods can help you achieve your financial goals with minimal effort. The key is to find the options that best fit your lifestyle and financial needs.

Making the Most of Minimal Effort Opportunities

While the idea of earning money with little to no effort is appealing, it’s important to approach these opportunities wisely. Here are some tips to maximize your earnings:

1. Start Small: If you’re new to passive income or side hustles that require minimal effort, start with one or two methods to see how they work for you. Once you get the hang of it, you can add more streams of income.
2. Be Consistent: Even though these methods don’t require much effort, consistency is key. Regularly checking your high-yield savings account, reinvesting dividends, or keeping up with rental opportunities can increase your earnings over time.
3. Stay Informed: Whether you’re investing in stocks, renting out your space, or using cash-back apps, staying informed about the latest trends and offers can help you maximize your returns. Keep an eye out for new opportunities that align with your financial goals.
4. Diversify Your Income: Don’t rely on just one method to earn money. By diversifying your income streams, you reduce risk and increase your chances of steady earnings. For example, you can combine renting out your RV with earning cash back on everyday purchases.
5. Monitor and Adjust: As with any financial strategy, it’s important to monitor your earnings and make adjustments as needed. If a particular method isn’t bringing in as much as you hoped, consider exploring other options or tweaking your approach.

Final Thoughts

Getting paid to do nothing—or at least to do very little—might seem like a far-fetched idea, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible. Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, save for the future, or simply enjoy some extra cash without the grind, these 21 methods offer a variety of ways to earn money with minimal effort.

Remember, the key is to find opportunities that work best for you and your lifestyle. With a little planning and consistency, you can turn your free time or unused assets into a steady stream of income, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of financial freedom without sacrificing your valuable time.