15 Quick Ways to Make Money in Just One Hour

Whether you need cash urgently for an unexpected expense or you’re saving up for something special, there are plenty of ways to make money in just an hour or less. These methods can help you earn extra income quickly, and some might even turn into a steady side hustle.

I’ve explored various ways to make quick cash during busy times in my life, like when I was juggling student loans and a full-time job. I used to squeeze in these side gigs during breaks, before and after work, or even on my lunch break. Sometimes, I needed money right away, and I found ways to make that happen.

Here’s how you can make money in an hour or less:

Sell Unused Items for Fast Cash

One of the easiest ways to get quick cash is by selling things you no longer need. Take a look around your home—there’s probably something you can part with for instant money.

• Clothing and Accessories: Check your closet for clothes or jewelry you don’t wear anymore. Consignment stores or thrift shops often pay cash on the spot for gently-used items.
• Toys and Games: If you have toys or video games lying around that are no longer in use, consider selling them. These items, especially if in good condition, can fetch a good price.
• Gift Cards: Got unused gift cards? You can sell them for cash. There are online platforms and local shops that will buy them from you.
• Electronics and Furniture: Old gadgets, books, or even small furniture pieces can also be sold. Online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay make this process simple.

If you have several items, consider hosting a quick garage sale to declutter and earn money within the hour.

Offer Services Like Lawn Mowing or Snow Shoveling

If you have some basic equipment like a lawn mower or snow shovel, you can easily earn money by offering these services in your neighborhood. These jobs are typically quick and pay immediately after completion.

Make sure to agree on a price before you start, and do a thorough job to increase the chances of repeat business or referrals.

Return Unused Purchases

Another way to quickly get cash is by returning items you’ve purchased but don’t need. This might be something you bought recently and haven’t used. Simply find the receipt and check the store’s return policy. If everything is in order, you can get your money back right away.

Deliver Food or Packages

With the rise of gig economy apps, delivering food or packages has become a popular way to make money fast. Companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart allow you to sign up and start delivering quickly.

All you need is a vehicle (car, bike, or scooter) and the app on your phone. You’ll get paid for each delivery and can even earn tips. This is a flexible option where you can work as much or as little as you want, even for just one hour.

Drive for Rideshare Services

If you have a car and some free time, driving for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft can help you earn money quickly. You get paid for each ride, and driving during peak hours can increase your earnings.

Focus on busy areas or times, such as during events or late at night, to maximize your income within the hour.

Take Online Surveys

For a simple way to make some extra cash, you can take paid online surveys. Companies need your opinions for market research and are willing to pay for your time.

Popular sites like Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, and InboxDollars offer surveys that you can complete in minutes. While it won’t make you rich, it’s an easy way to earn a little extra money.

Perform Odd Jobs

Craigslist is a great place to find quick one-time gigs that pay immediately. The jobs section often lists tasks like house cleaning, moving assistance, or yard work. These jobs are usually short and pay cash right after you finish.

You can browse the gigs section and find something that fits your skills and availability, allowing you to earn money in an hour or less.

Join Focus Groups

Participating in focus groups is another way to make quick cash. These are small group discussions where companies gather feedback on their products or services. Focus groups can pay well, and some sessions take less than an hour.

Websites like User Interviews connect you with opportunities to join these groups. Depending on the company and the nature of the study, you could make anywhere from $50 to $100 or more in an hour.

Try Mystery Shopping

Mystery shopping is a fun way to earn money quickly. You get paid to shop or use services while providing feedback on your experience. Most mystery shopping tasks take less than an hour to complete, and you’ll often get free products or services in addition to payment.

Donate Plasma

If you’re looking for a way to make money in an hour while helping others, consider donating plasma. Plasma centers pay for donations, and the process usually takes about an hour. The amount you can earn varies, but it’s typically around $20 to $50 per donation.

Tutor Students Online

If you have expertise in a particular subject, online tutoring can be a great way to make money quickly. You can set up sessions with students that last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, and earn money for your time.

Tutors can charge different rates based on the subject and the level of instruction, with some making up to $100 per hour.

Sell Scrap Metal

Selling scrap metal is another way to earn quick cash. Gather old metal items from around your home—like appliances, wires, or even soda cans—and take them to a scrap yard. You’ll be paid based on the weight and type of metal you sell.

Play Online Games for Rewards

Believe it or not, you can make money by playing games on your phone or computer. Some apps and websites offer rewards like gift cards or even cash for spending time on their games. It’s a fun way to make a little extra money, especially if you enjoy gaming in your spare time.

Walk Dogs

If you love dogs and enjoy being outdoors, dog walking is a great way to make money quickly. Many pet owners are willing to pay for someone to take their dogs for a walk, especially if they’re busy or unable to do it themselves.

You can set your rates and choose how many dogs to walk and for how long. Websites like Rover make it easy to connect with pet owners in your area.

Freelance Online

Freelancing offers flexibility and the opportunity to earn money on your own schedule. Whether it’s graphic design, writing, virtual assistance, or data entry, there are plenty of freelance jobs you can do in short bursts of time.

Platforms like Upwork and Fiverr allow you to find gigs that match your skills and availability, making it possible to work for just an hour and get paid.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to make money in just one hour, whether you’re looking for a quick cash boost or a new side hustle. From selling items you no longer need to offering services or participating in online gigs, these methods can help you earn extra income fast.