How to Make 500 Dollars Fast (in a week or less): 27 Real Ways
This article is reader-supported and contains affiliate links. We get a small commission for specific actions or purchases made through them. Read more on the disclaimer page.
Feeling like you need to make 500 dollars fast? Such an amount of extra money can change your financial situation significantly. You could pay your bills on time, eliminate credit card debt if you have it, and even have some fun.
This article is going to give you ideas on how to make $500 fast. If you’re wondering how soon is “fast,” it can be a day or a week. You just need to put your mind to it.
So, whether you’re in desperate need of money or looking for a long-term side hustle, you’ll find some great moneymaking tips here.
Now, it’s time to explore some ways to earn $500 quickly!
How to Make 500 Dollars in a Week or Less
1. Find online survey jobs
Taking surveys online is one of the top ways to make money fast. You get paid for your responses on a variety of topics. It can be anything concerning your home, career, or studies.
When you complete a survey, you get rewarded with a specific number of points. These points vary by survey companies and the surveys themselves. Longer surveys can get you more rewards than shorter ones.
Once you have the required points for withdrawal, you’re free to redeem them into PayPal money, check, or Amazon gift cards. It’s worth mentioning that some sites reward you with cash and not points.
If you’re ready to start earning from surveys, here are the best survey sites to use:
You can maximize your earnings by taking advantage of any survey opportunity you get. Spend your free time looking for and taking the latest survey jobs. Relying on more than one survey company also helps.
2. Get paid to test apps and websites
If you’re wondering what’s another way how to make $500 fast, that would be becoming a website and app tester. Your work will be to check the ease of using a particular app or site. As long as you know how the Internet works, you’re good to go.
Being a tester, you’re required to visit a website or open an app and use it like you normally would. But in this case, you pay attention to its usability so that you can share your experiences with the developer. This way, they get a chance to improve on what would cause issues for their consumers.
Your feedback can be in both written and video format. This means that you may have to record a video of your device’s screen alongside your voice while doing the test. You get paid once the feedback you submit gets approved.
The good thing is that many tests just take a few minutes to complete. You can do it during your free time or breaks during your regular day.
UserTesting is an example of a site where you can find companies that pay users to do such tests. You just need to complete their practice test before you start to earn.
3. Shop for groceries
You may be asking yourself how it’s possible to make money by shopping for groceries. The idea is to shop for groceries for someone else, deliver the items to them, and get paid.
It’s quite easy to get started. You could simply join Instacart as a shopper and find such offers. Instacart connects shoppers with customers in need of groceries.
You can apply for a shopper account on Instacart if you have a driver’s license and are willing to go through a quick background check. Once approved, you pick orders, shop, deliver, and make money.
You get to choose the hours you’ll be shopping and delivering customer orders. If you have another job, it helps to take advantage of the majority of your free time. This way, it becomes easier to hit the target of making 500 dollars fast.
Also, all the tips you get from happy customers are yours. So, giving them a good experience is essential for boosting your earnings.
4. Pet sit
Do you love interacting with pets? If that’s you, becoming a pet sitter is a perfect idea to make 500 dollars fast.
It doesn’t matter if you prefer cats, dogs, or both of these furry friends. It’s possible to find sitting jobs involving all types of pets. Maybe the pet owners work a lot, travel frequently, or aren’t home for some other reason and need their pets to be cared for.
You need to have had some experience taking care of a particular type of pet to do the job well. If you own the pet yourself, chances are that you know how they behave and can handle all their needs.
You can get pet-sitting gigs by simply asking around. Better yet, go online to find such opportunities.
If you want an easy way to find pet-sitting jobs nearby, join Rover as a sitter. All you need to do is create a profile, choose pets you can sit and your available hours, and wait to get hired. You may be surprised by how many pet owners in your area need a sitter.
5. Become a freelance writer
Got some writing skills? Working as a freelance writer can be a great way to make money writing online.
Many freelance writers choose to work on various types of content and topics. This means that they can apply for a variety of writing jobs. If you prefer it this way, it helps to pick topics that are related in some way.
For example, you can go for digital marketing and SEO. Or, pick topics like health, yoga, and fitness.
Remember, it has to be a topic based on your knowledge, interests, experiences, or at least something you can quickly learn and write about. This way, you’ll appear like an expert and get more clients.
Another option would be to focus on a specific writing niche or topic. This approach allows you to become an authority around that topic and work with niche-specific (and often also high-paying) clients.
When it comes to finding freelance writing jobs, check out freelance sites like Fiverr, job boards, and social media. As long as you offer high-quality work, landing more gigs and clients won’t be a problem.
6. Sell your skills online
Besides writing, there are several other skills you can sell online as a freelancer. Some of them are web development, graphic design, and logo making.
You’ll have an advantage if you have a degree related to such skills. However, there are lots of freelancers without specific education who make money by offering various services.
All you need to do is learn and master the skill up to some level. Find tutorials online on how to use tools related to your desired field. Practice using them and even offer free services to find out what others think about your work.
If you’re doing great, check out freelance or employment sites and relevant social networks to find people who may need your services. Submit exceptional work to get positive reviews and recommendations.
Work on your portfolio and have a good number of previous works to show to other potential clients. That’s how you’ll make $500 in a week or less.
7. Apply for proofreading jobs
Do you get a little pissed when you spot tons of errors while reading? You could become a proofreader and help writers correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation mistakes in their writing.
The good thing is that you don’t need special education to apply for proofreading jobs online. But you need to prove your skills before getting hired. This means that you may have to take and pass a test to show you’re good at what you do.
There are numerous online platforms to get remote proofreading gigs. They include freelance marketplaces and job search websites. Some proofreading sites also hire freelance proofreaders and outsource some work to them.
In case you want to become a proofreader and have no experience or idea on how to get started, acquiring some training is essential.
Check out this free proofreading workshop on Proofread Anywhere for starters. And here’s a review of Proofread Anywhere if you need more details.
8. Offer audio and video transcription services
Transcription means converting audio and video files to text. As a transcriber, you simply get paid to type what you hear.
Many online tools that can convert speech to text are available. However, transcribers are still in demand online because real brainpower is needed in most cases. That’s why transcription can work well for you if you understand a variety of accents and can type quickly.
So, you don’t need a degree or anything like that to get started with general transcribing. In this case, you work on audio and videos of various subjects.
As for finding transcription jobs, go to freelance marketplaces and transcription sites like Scribie. You may be required to go through a test before getting paid opportunities.
If you need transcription training to start a successful online business from scratch, check out Transcribe Anywhere’s mini-course for free.
9. Get Paid to Write Slogans
Here’s another way to make $500 fast if you can play with words. New companies are always looking for catchy slogans that can appeal to potential customers and drive sales. Some older companies also change their slogans if their message changes or the older slogan isn’t provocative.
Writing slogans is a great chance to be paid by these brands for being clever and funny with words. Some of the best places to find slogan writing opportunities are freelance sites. You simply need to create a freelancer account and add slogan writing as a service you offer and apply for related jobs.
You could also take part in slogan writing contests online and win cash prizes if selected. One site to find such contests is Slogan Slingers. The winner gets the money that a business pays to have a good slogan written.
How to Make 500 Dollars a Day (Online)
10. Build a profitable blog
Setting up a blog can be profitable. But you need to treat it like a business. It’s not like in the case of blogging for passion where you’re free to write lots of random posts.
Here are some quick steps to start a blog that can make money:
- Decide on your blogging niche: It’s best to know what you’re going to blog about in advance. It has to be something that a good number of people are searching for online. Having your blogging niche in mind makes the next steps much easier.
- Select a domain name plus hosting: Here, you need to come up with a domain name that will be your site’s address. It’s good if the domain name is related to your niche unless you’re using your own name. Bluehost gives you a domain name for free if you pick one of their affordable web hosting plans.
- Set up WordPress: WordPress.org is a recommended website builder. Installing it is quick and easy through a Bluehost account.
- Publish posts and promote them: Once your blog is live, add posts based on your blog’s topic with relevant keywords in them. Promote the posts on your social media pages.
Unlike other ways to earn 500 dollars quickly, blogging can take several months. You have to create high-quality blog posts and promote them well to get traffic and monetize your blog. If you put effort into it, it’s possible to make $500 a day blogging.
Check out this guide for more information on blogging for beginners.
11. Write for other blogs
This is a perfect option if you don’t own a blog. Many established sites can pay you to provide them with great blog content.
If you know what you can write about, find websites in that niche that accept new contributors or even freelancers. You’ll find that the sites have a page on how to contribute articles and related information.
You may be required to provide links to some of your published work. That’s why you first need to post some of your content on other sites with less strict or no guidelines. It could even be a social network like LinkedIn.
Some sites that hire writers from time to time don’t mention it on any of their pages. You could simply send them an email and see how they respond.
As a contributing author, it’s not uncommon to be paid $500 or more per published article. You just need to keep improving your writing skills and find blogs willing to pay the amount.
12. Tutor students
If you’re knowledgeable of a specific subject, tutoring students might suit you. You could be a teacher, expert, or college student.
So, tutors are required to have a high school diploma, a college degree, or specific tutoring training. Other requirements are good language skills and the ability to use video communication technology.
A few online tutoring platforms to join as a tutor are:
Using such sites is an easy way to find students to tutor without stressing out. You just need your knowledge and computer to generate income from home as a tutor.
You’re also free to offer online tutoring services on your own. This would mean that you get to set your prices and keep your entire earnings. All you need to do is decide on the technology you’re going to use and promote your business online to get students.
13. Launch an online course
Many people struggle with various problems and are looking for answers online. It could be that they’re struggling with money, health, relationships, or other matters. If you know a way around their problem that works, creating an online course might interest you.
Keep in mind that people will only pay if you convince them that your strategy works. You could have a test group to attest to your course’s benefits or have a previous transformation to show. Many course creators use the latter.
Before creating your course, do some market research to know your ideal student. Cover as much of what they want to know as possible in the course. Another thing that matters is to promote your course online to let people know about it.
Check out Teachable if you need to create and sell an e-course without having tech skills. Lots of learners and course creators use this well-established platform when buying and selling courses.
14. Become a YouTuber
Becoming a YouTuber is another great way to earn $500 per day online. If you like creating videos, you can turn that hobby into a money-making hobby by uploading your content on YouTube.
YouTube has many videos on tons of topics. So, it’s possible to find an audience for almost any type of video content. If you make an appearance on the platform with a unique style, chances are that people will like watching your videos.
Investing in a good camera is useful. But if you don’t have the budget for it yet, you’re free to use your phone as long as it can record clearly. You don’t need a camera if you intend to make faceless videos like tutorials.
YouTube ad monetization requires at least 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours over the previous 12 months. Some other ways to monetize YouTube videos from the start are promoting products or services and collaborating with brands.
15. Offer social media management services
Many business owners with an online presence need extra hands when it comes to social media marketing. Some don’t know how to build their online presence while others haven’t yet adopted social media as a way of marketing.
If you know you like social media and know how it works, becoming a social media manager might be suitable. Of course, knowing how to grow social media pages goes a long way. Taking some training in social media strategy can be useful for attracting more clients if you don’t have a marketing or related degree.
As a social media manager, you can choose to focus on one platform. For instance, you could become a Pinterest manager and get paid to help businesses on Pinterest.
If you’re just starting, it helps to reach out to some brands. You’re more likely to get a positive response if they haven’t established themselves online yet and need some help. Once you’ve built your online business, more companies will notice and even contact you for jobs.
16. Work as a virtual assistant
The work of a virtual assistant is to remotely offer a variety of admin services to clients. This means that you won’t have to meet with your clients in person.
A VA offers services like taking calls, managing schedules, and handling customer support. Depending on the client and what they do, they may require other specific services. Your client could be a blogger, online coach, consultant, or any other online business owner.
No special qualifications are required to become a VA. A high school diploma can do the trick. But communication, computer, and writing skills matter if you want to become successful in the VA business.
One way to find VA jobs is to check job search sites. You could also identify your ideal client and pitch your services to them. It’s not unusual that they may need an assistant or even know someone who does.
Another idea is to establish your business online. Set up social media pages and a website about your VA services. This way, potential clients can notice and reach out to you.
17. Become an influencer
One of the most popular ways to make money on Instagram is to become an influencer. Influencers simply post about and endorse a brand to get paid. This is what’s known as influencer marketing.
Being an influencer usually means that you can influence people to take action. This means that you’re able to convince a significant number of people to buy a product you recommend on social media.
So, you need to grow your follower count and attract lots of engagement. This approach is essential for getting brands to know about you.
But while starting out, you’re free to find brands that need influencer marketing. Using an influencer marketing platform like indaHash goes a long way.
Another way to make money as an influencer is to promote affiliate products. Affiliate networks like Amazon Associates and ShareASale have lots of products for a variety of niches.
Remember to only promote brands, products, and services you trust. You don’t want your audience to have bad experiences and blame you for it.
18. Sell crafts
If you’re good at creating handmade items, you can make $500 online by selling them. Some crafts to sell are DIY necklaces, toys, tote bags, and more. You’re the one to decide which handmade item is convenient for you to sell.
Selling online is less costly if you don’t have a physical shop. You also get a chance to reach a larger audience of potential buyers.
Here are two online marketplaces that are suitable for handmade items:
- Etsy
- Amazon Handmade
Simply register as a seller and list your items after being approved. You’re free to promote your shop on social media to boost your sales.
Another option is to create your own store. You can create a website and install an e-commerce plugin to manage sales. But an easy way to set everything up is to use a platform like Shopify for online store creation.
19. Sell custom products
If you’re skilled in making digital artwork, you can make money by uploading them to various products for sale. These include t-shirts, mugs, and phone cases.
You don’t need to buy a bunch of plain products in advance. This is possible with print-on-demand.
In such a case, you work with suppliers through an e-commerce platform like Teespring to provide users with branded items. Someone orders an item with your design and a company does the printing and then ships it. Your earnings are whatever remains minus the product and service costs.
Your artwork can have text, an image, or both. If it’s interesting and appeals to a specific group of people, making sales won’t be a problem.
You just need to promote the products to your target audience. Depending on what the design is about, your ideal buyers can be parents, pet owners, or people of a specific occupation. It’s worth mentioning that you should never use copyrighted content in your designs.
If you don’t know how to create designs, use Placeit. It’s a tool that has a wide variety of templates and mockup images. You can also buy ready-made artwork or hire someone for the work.
How to Make 500 Dollars a Day (on the Side)
20. Sell your used items
Have old books, electrical devices, or pieces of furniture? Selling your used items is a great way to clean up your storage and generate quick money.
One option to sell your unwanted stuff for cash is to organize a garage or yard sale. In many cases, you won’t need a business license or collect sales tax.
The exception is when selling items for a higher amount than they originally cost. But you often need a garage sale permit.
So, all you need to do is choose a date for the event and promote it using your preferred channels. Even if your items aren’t as good as new, it’s good to ensure they’re in usable condition and organize them well.
Besides garage sales, you can sell used items on e-commerce sites like Amazon. Be sure to check out the terms and guidelines of the online marketplace you want to use. The reason is that some items may not be allowed.
21. Rent out your car
If you have a car you’re not using or don’t use frequently, renting it out can be a great way to make 500 dollars fast. No need to let it gather up dirt when it can be a source of income.
It’s easier to just list your car on a car-sharing site like Turo. The reason is that many people go online when they’re looking to rent cars.
It’s possible to share multiple cars through Turo. This makes the platform great for scaling your car-renting business without a lot of effort. And so, making an extra $500 becomes much easier.
The good thing about Turo is that insurance is included. Also, you get a chance to communicate with your guests and know more about them. Turo’s trust and safety team is just another addition to ensuring that your car is safe.
22. Rent out your home or room
Maybe you have an extra room you don’t use. Why not turn it into a profit by renting it out?
People will always need accommodation when traveling. And if your extra room appears to be a more affordable and convenient option, they’ll take it.
It gets more profitable if you live in a place that receives lots of visitors who come sightseeing or to various types of events. You could even rent out your entire place when not around. It can be a home you own or an apartment as long as you’re allowed to.
All you need to do is join companies like Airbnb as a host. You’re free to pick the days and times you’ll be hosting. This means that you’re the one to choose how long guests can stay and block off your unavailable time.
You set rules about what your guests can do and the things they shouldn’t. If they break any of your rules, canceling reservations is allowed.
More Ways to Make $500 Fast
These additional ideas help earn 500 dollars quickly. Combining two or more can help you get there faster.
23. Rent out your unused space
If you have free space like a storage area, renting it out is another way to generate income. Some people prefer having someone store their belongings rather than putting the valuable items in storage units. It may be because it’s more affordable and offers better security.
You can simply find people near you in need of storage and offer to store their items. Signing a contract helps in this case.
An easier option is to join an online platform like Neighbor.com. The site enables you to get paid to store stuff for people. You can list unoccupied spaces like basements, sheds, and garages.
The platform allows you to communicate with potential renters before reaching an agreement. If you want to meet with them first, you’re free to do so.
Helping people store their items safely lets you maintain good neighbor relationships while earning extra bucks!
24. Deliver items to customers
Want to make $500 quickly with your car or bicycle? You only need to become a DoorDash delivery person. DoorDash helps drivers and riders find customers who need items delivered to them.
As a Dasher, you enjoy flexibility at work. You’re the one to decide on which hours you’re going to deliver customer orders.
Also, you pick the place you’ll be working within. It can be your home area, the location of your college, or a place you’re just visiting for some time. As long as it’s a city where DoorDash operates, you’re good to go.
If you need another platform to find delivery jobs, try Postmates. All you need to do is set up your profile and get paid to deliver orders like food and drinks. Besides your earnings from completing the service, you may also get tipped by customers.
25. Drive passengers
Another way to make money from your car is to drive people to their destinations. Even if you don’t have a car, you could rent one from a reliable individual or company and use it. Some companies to join as a driver are Lyft and Uber.
All you need is to apply to become a driver and wait to get approved. You need a driver’s license, a background check, relevant documents like insurance, and a vehicle inspection in some cases.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be matched with people near you who need a ride. You just need to show up, give the passenger a great ride, and get paid. Similar to most other “get paid to” platforms, you keep the whole amount from customers’ tips.
26. Do everyday tasks
Don’t mind doing manual work? There are a variety of ways to make 500 dollars quickly by doing everyday tasks.
Some of these activities include cleaning, furniture assembly, and home repairs. While you don’t need specific education, some of these tasks require more skills than others.
Also, machines may be involved. This means that you should have experience with whatever equipment is needed to get such jobs done.
TaskRabbit is one of the top service platforms to find everyday tasks you can do. Simply create a profile, pick the services you offer, and wait for your registration to be processed to start getting job offers.
Craigslist is another employment site to find various types of work. You just need your resume to apply for jobs you can do.
27. Donate blood plasma
Blood donations help save lives. While you can make blood donations for free, many private organizations compensate donors.
Keep in mind that you need good health and weight before donating blood to ensure both you and the potential recipient are safe.
Age also matters. Some centers require donors of legal age. Younger people may need verifiable parental consent to be allowed to make donations.
Donatingplama.org is a site that can help you find plasma donation centers nearby. You can check the website of specific centers to know whether they pay and what their terms are.
Factors like your location and blood type determine how much you’ll earn. As long as you’re in good shape and don’t fear needles, you can donate more frequently to boost your earnings.
Wrapping It up
You now have several earning ideas in mind. The work you put in will determine how fast you can make 500 dollars.
If you need to see the results sooner, you better start implementing what you liked from the list now. A good strategy to earn $500 quickly is to pick two or three ideas that you’re confident will play out well for you and get to work.
