10 Ways To Make Easy Money [2026]: Surveys to HYSAs

I've tested lots of ways to make easy money over the years. Some methods offer payouts that seem too good to be true, and they turn out to be. Others require way too much effort for the payouts.

You need to be strategic, but you can generally make easy money if you're willing to put in the time. For example, being a delivery driver or donating plasma is relatively low effort and commitment. However, both hustles take time before you start to see real profit.

I've found that experimenting with multiple apps is worth it, especially if you're looking to make money as easily as possible.

Featured side hustles for easy money

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Take surveys

Effort required: Easy, but committing enough time to make a lot of money gets repetitive

Two of the best survey sites for making money are Survey Junkie and Branded Surveys. I like both sites because they focus on surveys without much clutter, though they offer other ways to earn through browser extensions or weekly bonuses, too.

In my experience, Survey Junkie typically pays $0.15 to $1.50 per survey, and you'll need $5 (500 points) to cash out. Branded Surveys offers similar survey payments and cash-out amounts.

When you sign up, you'll fill out your age, where you live, and your interests, and the sites will match you with available surveys. You won't qualify for every survey, so you need to be OK with the very real possibility of being disqualified.

Visit Survey Junkie | Learn more in our Survey Junkie review

Test and review products

Effort required: Easy, but individual product testing might be time-consuming

I like using InboxDollars to make money online because you can do a lot of different things on one platform. In addition to games and regular surveys, InboxDollars also offers product testing under the Surveys tab, which can be lucrative if you find a good deal. The amount you earn varies, but I've seen tasks offered for between $0.20 and $5. You'll need to make $15 to cash out the first time, and $10 after that.

InboxDollars is a good option for you if you have time to hunt for and complete in-depth product testing offers. However, checking out other product-testing sites is worth it to find different opportunities.

Visit InboxDollars | Learn more in our InboxDollars review

Try get-paid-to (GPT) apps

Effort required: Easy to medium, depending on the tasks you choose

Freecash is a great get-paid-to site that offers a lot of variety. It's a legit game app that pays you to play games, but you can also make money watching ads, taking surveys, and testing apps. You need to earn between $5 and $20 to cash out, depending on where you live.

I like Freecash because the games, in particular, pay well. Some offers pay up to several hundred dollars. The catch is that you typically have to reach high levels in each game to get the biggest payout. While Freecash is generally good for anyone looking to earn money in their spare time, it's not right for those who get frustrated doing the same task over and over.

Visit Freecash | Learn more in our Freecash review

Scan your receipts

Effort required: Easy

It doesn't get much easier than scanning receipts to earn cash back. Sites like Fetch partner with brands that reward you for purchasing their items. You earn points when you scan your receipts from your regular online or in-person shopping (up to 35 in an eight-day period). Each receipt is worth at least 25 points (1,000 points equal about $1), but they may be worth more through brand boosts and personalized offers. You can then cash in points for gift cards.

Fetch is ideal for frequent shoppers since it's a great way to earn a little extra money with no prep work or need to activate offers. But more specifically, it's best for detail-oriented people who will remember to snap or scan their receipts and stay organized.

Earn cash back on your shopping

Effort required: Easy

Earning cash back on your everyday shopping is one of the easiest ways to earn money with little effort. Like scanning your receipts, cash back apps are great for people who frequently shop online. The amount you earn depends on what and how much you buy, so you should consider other options if you don't shop a lot.

I like using the Capital One Shopping browser extension or app because the site automatically searches for and applies coupon codes and compares prices. After you create an account, you can download the browser extension or mobile app and start shopping. The extension will then check for available offers to help you save when you check out. Plus, you can qualify to earn shopping rewards on qualifying purchases that are redeemable for gift cards.

Learn more in our Capital One Shopping review

Donate plasma

Effort required: Easy, but you need to account for travel time

Donating plasma is one of the few easy ways to make a few hundred dollars fast that still works. I've never donated myself, but Grifols and CSL Plasma are two well-known companies I feel comfortable trusting. Donating takes about 90 minutes, according to many earners, though your first time may take longer. Consider donating plasma if you qualify and can donate during regular business hours.

You generally receive payment on a reloadable debit card immediately after donating. The amount varies by company and location, but you can usually donate twice a week (as long as you don't have any complications).

Requirements to qualify vary by company, but both Grifols and CSL Plasma require that you be over 18, provide a valid ID, and undergo initial health screenings before your first donation.

House sit for neighbors and pet owners

Effort required: Varies

One of my personal favorite side hustles is pet sitting for friends and neighbors. If you like animals or enjoy exploring new places, search job-board sites like Rover to find gigs. Requirements and pay vary by posting, but you set your rates and get to decide which services to offer. Rover is best for pet lovers, trainers, and people who can offer boarding services.

You need to pass a background check and safety quiz before you can create a sitter profile on Rover, and you'll likely need to plan a meet-and-greet with prospective clients. You'll also pay a 20% booking fee for every gig you complete on Rover, so remember to factor this into your rates.

Participate in studies

Effort required: Varies, but easy if you select online formats

Participating in paid focus groups can be an excellent way to share your opinions and earn easy money. I like a site called User Interviews in particular because it's easy to sign up, and you can redeem your rewards for gift cards. However, some groups can take a long time, so it's best if you've got a flexible schedule.

I also like that you can participate online, over the phone, or in person, if available in your area. I've seen studies on User Interviews paying anywhere from $5 to $100, depending on the time involved and format.

Deliver for restaurants and retailers

Effort required: Easy, if you like driving

Delivering for restaurants or stores is a great place to start when you're learning how to make money with a side hustle. Classic examples include Uber Eats and DoorDash, but you can also make money delivering groceries with an app like Instacart.

These delivery apps all have similar requirements, such as having a car with insurance (although walking or using a bike may be permitted). You generally need to be over 18, have a smartphone and a checking account, and pass a background check. Instacart also requires you to lift 40 pounds with or without assistance. If you can't do that safely, this is not the side hustle for you.

How much you make with these platforms depends a lot on where you live and when you work, but you generally earn a base rate, plus tips.

Learn more in our Uber Eats review | Learn more in our DoorDash review

Open a high-yield savings or checking account

Effort required: Easy

Some of the best high-yield savings accounts offer rates well above the national average of 0.39% (as of 1/20/26).¹ <p class="">The product and annual percentage yield (APY) data displayed on this website is gathered from various sources and may not reflect all of the offers available in your area. Although we strive to provide the most accurate data possible, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Always verify account details and availability with the financial institution before opening an account.<br></p> It is an easy, hands-off way to earn extra money, especially if you set up automatic transfers from your paycheck. Similarly, you can also earn money with checking bonuses when you need to open a new checking account (although it's important not to abuse this perk).

 

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Common pitfalls of easy side hustles

Just because a side hustle is easy doesn't mean it doesn't have drawbacks.

Some of the most common pitfalls of side hustles like these are:

• Overestimating earnings: Platforms advertise high payouts to draw you in, but it takes a lot of time and effort to earn significant amounts.
• Underestimating effort: Low effort doesn't mean no effort, so be prepared to put in several hours a week on your chosen side hustle.
• Payout thresholds and fees: Some apps require you to earn a minimum amount, which can take a while, depending on the task.
• Slow payments: Many apps can take several days or even weeks to payout. Notable exceptions are delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart, many of which offer same-day payout options (though this sometimes comes with a fee).
• Time limits: Some side hustles, like donating plasma, limit how often you can participate, allowing only two donations within a seven-day period.

Other ways to make easy money in [February 2026]

In addition to the apps above, consider using the following to make money.

• TaskRabbit
  • Get paid for hands-on services, including yard work, furniture assembly, and moving assistance
  • Taskers set their own rates, but may pay a one-time $25 registration fee
  • Recommended for skilled, handy people who live in or near major cities
• Scrambly
  • Get-paid-to (GPT) site offering games, apps, and subscription sign-ups
  • Requires a $1 minimum withdrawal (1,000 points) via PayPal, bank transfer, or gift cards
  • Recommended for ease of use and low payout threshold
• Cash Giraffe
  • Offers multiple tasks, including games, surveys, and product or app testing
  • Exchange your gems for PayPal, store gift cards, or retail discounts
  • Recommended for multiple earning options
• Bingo Cash
  • Bingo tournaments that pay between $5 and $30 in prize pools
  • You have to pay to compete and earn $5 to cash out
  • Recommended for bingo players looking for ways to earn extra cash
• Solitaire Cash
  • Solitaire tournaments that pay between $5 and $30 prize pools
  • You have to pay to compete and earn $5 to cash out
  • Recommended for solitaire enthusiasts who want to compete for cash

FAQs

Bottom line

Finding ways to make easy money is really appealing, but it takes trial and error. Using free apps to make money is a good place to start, but there isn't a one-size-fits-all solution.

Look for tasks that interest you and that offer payouts that feel worth the time and effort you put into them. Consider signing up for several hustles on this list to help you maximize your profits. Just remember — be realistic about the time and energy you need to dedicate to earning money.

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