You can get money today by selling things you already own, picking up same-day pay work, searching for unclaimed funds the government may be holding in your name, or starting quick online tasks. The best approach depends on how fast you need the money and what resources you have right now. Here are the most practical options, starting with the fastest.
Sell Things You Already Own
The quickest way to turn something into cash is to sell items you no longer need. Electronics, furniture, clothing, tools, and sports equipment all move fast on local marketplaces. Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist let you list items and meet local buyers for same-day cash. For clothing and accessories, Poshmark and Mercari handle shipping but take a cut of the sale and pay out after the buyer confirms delivery, so expect a few days before you see the money.
Garage sales and consignment shops are another route. Consignment shops pay you a percentage (typically 40% to 60% of the selling price) and handle everything, but payment comes after the item sells. If you have old phones, laptops, or tablets, trade-in programs from retailers and buyback sites like Decluttr or Gazelle will give you a quote instantly and pay within days of receiving the device.
Pick Up Same-Day or Weekly Pay Work
Many jobs now offer daily pay or weekly pay instead of the traditional two-week cycle. Gig platforms are the easiest entry point because they don’t require a traditional hiring process.
- Rideshare and delivery apps: Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex let you cash out earnings daily or within a few days. Most require a valid driver’s license and a vehicle that meets their standards, plus a background check that takes a few days to clear.
- Task-based work: TaskRabbit connects you with people who need help moving, assembling furniture, cleaning, or doing yard work. You set your own rates and get paid after completing each task.
- Day labor and staffing agencies: Temp staffing agencies in most cities place workers in warehouse, construction, event setup, and cleaning jobs with same-day or next-day pay. Search for “daily pay staffing agency” in your area.
- Caregiving and pet care: Rover (pet sitting and dog walking) and Care.com (babysitting, elder care) let you set your schedule and rates. Some healthcare staffing agencies also advertise daily pay for certified nursing assistants and similar roles.
If you have a car, renting it out on Turo when you’re not using it can bring in a few hundred dollars a month depending on your vehicle and location.
Do Online Tasks and Surveys
Online micro-tasks won’t replace a paycheck, but they can put small amounts of money in your pocket with nothing more than a computer or phone. Prolific is one of the more reputable survey platforms, with users reporting $0.80 or more per survey. Other options include UserTesting (where you get paid to test websites and apps, typically $10 per 20-minute test), Amazon Mechanical Turk (small data-labeling and categorization tasks), and Rev or TranscribeMe for transcription work if you’re a fast, accurate typist.
Set realistic expectations here. Most people earn $5 to $15 per hour on survey and micro-task sites. They’re best used to fill downtime rather than as a primary income source.
Search for Unclaimed Money
Billions of dollars in unclaimed property sit in government databases right now, and some of it may belong to you. State governments hold most of this money, which comes from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, old insurance policies, and utility deposit refunds. Every state has a free unclaimed property search tool you can find through your state treasurer or comptroller’s website.
Beyond state databases, the federal government maintains several specialized search tools:
- Unpaid wages: The Department of Labor has a database for back pay an employer might owe you.
- Unclaimed pensions: The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) lets you search for pension benefits from former employers.
- Tax refunds: The IRS “Where’s My Refund?” tool tracks refunds you may not have received.
- Matured savings bonds: TreasuryHunt.gov shows savings bonds that have stopped earning interest and are waiting to be cashed.
- Closed banks or credit unions: The FDIC and NCUA maintain databases for unclaimed deposits from failed financial institutions.
- FHA mortgage refunds: If you once had an FHA-insured mortgage, HUD may owe you an insurance refund.
All of these searches are free. If any website asks you to pay a fee to search for unclaimed money, skip it. The official government databases never charge.
Turn a Skill Into Freelance Income
If you have a marketable skill, freelancing can bring in money within a week or two. Writing, graphic design, video editing, web development, bookkeeping, and social media management are all in demand on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Toptal. Local businesses also hire freelancers directly for things like photography, tutoring, tax prep, and handyman work.
You don’t need formal credentials for most freelance work. A portfolio of sample projects (even ones you create for yourself) is usually enough to land your first client. Pricing varies widely, but new freelancers on platforms like Fiverr often start at $25 to $50 per project and raise rates as they build reviews.
Donate Plasma
Plasma donation centers pay $30 to $75 per visit, and most allow you to donate twice per week. Your first few donations often pay more as a new-donor bonus, sometimes $100 or more per visit for the first month. The process takes about 90 minutes, including screening. You’ll need a valid ID, proof of address, and a Social Security number. Payment usually loads onto a prepaid debit card the same day.
Recognize Scams Before They Cost You
When you’re looking for ways to make money, scammers will find you. A few red flags to watch for as you explore opportunities:
No legitimate job requires you to pay money upfront. If someone asks you to buy a starter kit, pay for training, or send money as part of the application process, it’s a scam. The fake check scam is especially common: a “company” sends you a check for more than you’re owed and asks you to send back the difference. The check bounces days later, and you lose everything you sent.
Be cautious of job offers that come with no interview, compensation far above the market rate for the role, or communication exclusively through WhatsApp or text message rather than official company email. Legitimate employers go through a screening process and don’t pressure you to accept immediately.
Tap Into Government Assistance
If you need money because you’re in a financial crisis, government programs can help bridge the gap while you work on longer-term income. SNAP (food stamps) reduces your grocery costs, freeing up cash for other bills. Utility assistance programs like LIHEAP help cover heating and cooling costs. Medicaid covers healthcare so you’re not paying out of pocket for medical expenses. You can check your eligibility for most federal and state benefits at Benefits.gov.
Local nonprofits and community action agencies also offer emergency cash assistance for rent, utilities, and food. Dial 211 from any phone to connect with resources in your area.