How to Make $500 Fast in Your Spare Time in 2024

Looking for ways to make extra money? You’re not alone. In today’s world, many of us are looking for a side hustle that adds more than just a trickle to the bank account—especially if you don’t have a regular income.

Whether you’re saving for something special or just need to cover an unexpected expense, here are some tried and true ideas to make $500 fast. Some of these methods can even be scaled into a full-time gig. Let’s dive into some of the best and easiest ways to make extra money in 2024!

1. Open a New Checking or Savings Account for Sign-up Bonuses

Believe it or not, banks are willing to pay you to open an account with them. These sign-up bonuses are part of promotional offers to attract new customers. By taking advantage of these promotions, you can quickly make a few hundred dollars.

For example, Citibank offers up to $700 for opening a Priority Account (though it requires a hefty deposit). Chase’s Total Checking Account is a bit more accessible, often offering around $200-$300 for new customers without such high requirements. Always read the terms carefully and compare the different offers available to maximize your benefits.

Potential Earnings: $100 – $700

2. Save Money by Cutting Subscriptions with Trim

Do you have subscriptions you forgot about? Trim, an AI-powered financial assistant, can help. It reviews your bank statements to find recurring subscriptions you might not need. Once identified, Trim can cancel these subscriptions for you.

Additionally, Trim negotiates lower rates on bills like internet, cable, and even medical expenses, helping you save more money each month.

Potential Earnings: Up to $500/year in savings

3. Participate in Online Focus Groups

Companies are always looking for consumer opinions to improve their products. You can join online focus groups and get paid for sharing your thoughts. These gigs are not as consistent as a regular job, but the payouts are substantial for the time invested.

Depending on the type of study, you can earn anywhere from $30 to $450 for just an hour or two of participation. Websites like Respondent.io, User Interviews, and FocusGroup.com are great places to start.

Potential Earnings: $30 – $450 per session

4. Rent Out an Extra Room on Airbnb

If you have an extra room or a spare property, renting it out on Airbnb is a quick way to make money. The average room rental rate on Airbnb is about $75 per night. Even if you host just one guest for a week, you could reach your $500 goal.

Be sure to provide a clean, welcoming space and good customer service to get positive reviews, which can help you attract more bookings.

Potential Earnings: $500+ per week

5. Sell Feet Pictures Online

Yes, you read that right! Selling feet pictures is a surprisingly lucrative side hustle. People in industries like publishing, stock photography, and even those with niche interests are willing to pay for feet photos.

You can earn anywhere from $5 per photo to much more, depending on the client’s specific requests. Platforms like FeetFinder, Instafeet, and even social media channels like Instagram can be used to market your photos. The best part? You can keep your identity private, making it a discreet way to earn extra cash.

Potential Earnings: $500+ per month

6. Offer Freelance Services

Freelancing is one of the most flexible ways to make money online. If you have skills in writing, graphic design, web development, social media management, or digital marketing, you can find gigs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.

Focus on quick turnaround projects or hourly tasks that pay well. With dedication, you can easily make $500 in a week.

Potential Earnings: $20 – $100/hour, depending on your skills

7. Sell Unused Items Online

Got items collecting dust at home? Turn them into cash by selling them online. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark are great for selling clothing, electronics, and other household items.

Take high-quality photos, write clear descriptions, and price items competitively to sell them quickly.

Potential Earnings: $50 – $500+, depending on what you sell

8. Get Paid to Test Websites and Apps

You can make money by testing websites and apps for usability issues. Companies are willing to pay for feedback on their digital products to improve user experience.

Sign up on platforms like UserTesting, TryMyUI, or Userlytics. Most tests take 10-20 minutes and pay $10-$20 each. Completing multiple tests in a day can add up quickly.

Potential Earnings: $100 – $200 per week

Join the Gig Economy with TaskRabbit

If you’re handy or enjoy helping people, TaskRabbit is a platform where you can offer services like assembling furniture, cleaning, or even running errands. You set your own rates, and depending on your skills, you could easily earn $100 or more in a single day.

Potential Earnings: $20 – $50/hour

10. Tutor Students Online

If you’re skilled in a particular subject, tutoring is a great way to make extra money. Platforms like VIPKid, Wyzant, and Chegg Tutors allow you to teach subjects like math, English, or science from the comfort of your home.

Tutoring rates can range from $15 to $50 per hour, and with consistent sessions, you can hit your $500 goal in no time.

Potential Earnings: $15 – $50/hour

Final Thoughts

Making $500 fast doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right approach and a bit of effort, you can achieve this goal using any of the methods above. Whether you prefer online gigs, freelance work, or even something unconventional like selling feet pictures, there’s something for everyone.

Remember, consistency is key, and some of these side hustles can even be scaled up to become a steady source of income. Start with what fits best with your skills and schedule, and watch the extra money roll in!

Ready to start earning? Pick one of these strategies today and see how quickly you can reach your $500 goal.