If you’re stressing over rent, bills, or an unexpected expense, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not out of options. Whether you need to cover an emergency or just want to boost your income fast, knowing how to make a quick 500 dollars can make a huge difference in your financial life.
The good news? You don’t need a fancy degree, years of experience, or even a full-time job to make it happen. From cashing in on stuff you already own to tapping into the gig economy apps that pay daily, there are fast and realistic ways to earn money—many of which you can start today.
This guide walks you through 17 practical and proven methods to make $500 quickly. Whether you prefer local side gigs, apps that pay real money instantly, or online income streams you can build from your phone, there’s something here for every situation.
Let’s dive in and explore how to make $500 fast, even if you’re starting from scratch or feeling stuck.
Sell Stuff You Already Own for Fast Cash
One of the fastest ways to make 500 dollars quick is to sell things you already have lying around. You’d be surprised how much value is hidden in your closet, garage, or even your junk drawer. If you’re wondering how to make a quick $500 without a job or complicated side hustle, this is the easiest place to start.
1. Sell Electronics or Gadgets
Old phones, tablets, cameras, or laptops can bring in serious cash—especially if they still work. Sites like Decluttr, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace let you sell electronics locally or nationwide. Clean the item, take great photos, and write an honest description to speed up the sale.
💡 Pro Tip: Use Buy/Sell groups on Facebook to sell locally and avoid shipping fees.
2. Flip Clothes, Shoes, or Accessories
Got name-brand shoes or gently used clothes? You can easily sell them on platforms like Poshmark, Mercari, or ThredUp. Fashion flips can be one of the fastest ways to get 500 dollars fast without a job, especially if you have designer items.
3. Host a One-Day Yard Sale
This old-school method still works wonders. Gather household items, kids’ toys, books, tools—anything that’s collecting dust—and throw together a quick garage or yard sale. You’d be surprised how quickly you can rack up $200–$500 in a single morning.
If you prefer to stay online, combine this with Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp for more reach.
4. Sell Unused Gift Cards or Subscriptions
Gift cards you’ll never use? Turn them into fast cash through sites like CardCash or Raise. You can also sell unused subscription logins or streaming services you no longer need, especially if they’re part of a bundle deal.
Offer a Local Service or Gig
If you’re still wondering how to make a quick 500 dollars, offering services in your local area can be one of the most effective ways—especially when time is of the essence. Whether you want to earn $500 in one day or spread it out over a weekend, the gig economy offers plenty of options that require little more than your time and effort.
5. Offer House Cleaning or Lawn Care
Plenty of people are willing to pay for help tidying up or maintaining their yard—especially on short notice. You can make $50 to $150 per job just by cleaning houses, mowing lawns, or raking leaves. Advertise your services on Craigslist, Facebook groups, or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor.
If you want to level up your hustle, check out TaskRabbit for local gigs that pay same-day. It’s one of the gig apps that pay daily and can quickly get you closer to that $500 goal.
6. Try Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
If you’re good with animals, pet sitting is a fun and easy way to make money fast. Apps like Rover and Wag help you connect with local pet owners who need reliable help. You can often earn $20–$30 per visit, and overnight pet sitting can bring in even more.
7. Babysit or Provide Elderly Care
From parents needing a night out to families looking for short-term elderly support, caregiving services are in constant demand. Post on Facebook or Care.com, or simply let friends and family know you’re available. A few hours can easily bring in $100 or more.
8. Help with Moving or Hauling Stuff
Got a truck? Even better. But even if you don’t, offering to help load, unload, or organize can bring in fast cash. These gigs often pay $25–$50 per hour, and just one full-day job could help you make $500 in one day.
Make Money Online Today
If heading out isn’t an option, don’t worry—there are plenty of legit ways to make 500 dollars fast from home. Thanks to the rise of the digital economy, it’s easier than ever to earn from your laptop or phone. Whether you want to earn $500 online or supplement your income over a few days, these methods are beginner-friendly and highly accessible.
9. Take Paid Surveys or Join Focus Groups
While surveys won’t make you rich, they can add up fast when you stack them. Join multiple platforms like Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and User Interviews to maximize your earnings.
For the best results, check out our guide on Surveys Money: 7 Proven Tips & Best Sites to Earn Real Cash Fast to get started with trusted platforms.
10. Test Websites or Apps for Cash
Sites like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and UserFeel pay you to give feedback on websites and apps. Each test takes about 15–20 minutes and typically pays $10 or more. Complete a few each day, and you could easily earn $100–$150 in a week or less.
💡 This is one of the best ways to make 500 dollars fast without a job or special skills.
11. Offer Freelance Services on Fiverr or Upwork
If you have skills like writing, graphic design, video editing, or even basic admin tasks, you can start offering freelance services online today. Platforms like Fiverr and Upwork let you build a profile, create service packages, and connect with clients fast.
Not sure where to start? Our beginner-friendly guide 10 Brilliant Ways to Earn Online Without Experience breaks it all down for you.
12. Become a Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are in high demand to help businesses with things like email management, scheduling, social media, and customer service. You can earn $15–$30 per hour depending on your skills—and many clients pay weekly or biweekly. Want to launch your own VA career? Follow these 7 powerful steps to become a virtual assistant in 2025 and start building your dream income from anywhere.
You’ll find gigs on freelance job boards or through direct outreach on LinkedIn and Reddit. If you’re committed and consistent, you could make a quick 500 dollars online in just a few days.
Use Cash Advance or Pay Apps (With Caution)
When you’re facing a serious time crunch and need money now, cash advance apps and pay-on-demand platforms can bridge the gap. These should be used carefully, but they’re legitimate tools if you’re wondering how to make a quick 500 dollars without waiting days or weeks for traditional income.
13. Try EarnIn, Brigit, or Dave (Payday Advance Apps)
Apps like EarnIn, Brigit, and Dave offer interest-free advances on money you’ve already earned. If you’re employed and have a predictable paycheck, you can get up to $250 transferred directly to your bank—sometimes within minutes.
These services often work on a “tip” model rather than charging traditional interest. While they’re not long-term income solutions, they can be a lifesaver when you need fast cash to cover an emergency.
To explore even more legit options, check out our curated list of apps that pay real money instantly—including both short-term boosts and sustainable earning tools.
14. Use PayPal “Friends and Family” for Borrowing
This one’s more of a social solution than a gig—but it works. If you have a trusted friend or family member who can lend you money quickly, services like PayPal or Venmo let you send and receive funds instantly.
Just make sure it’s someone reliable, and always pay them back. This method won’t apply to everyone, but for some, it’s the quickest path to get $500 fast in under an hour.
Quick Hustles to Do Today
When time is tight and you want to start earning immediately, these quick-action hustles are some of the best options. If you’re motivated and have a few hours to spare, these ideas can help you make $500 in one day or at least get you well on your way.
15. Deliver Food or Groceries with Gig Apps
Delivery apps like DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats, and Grubhub are perfect for making fast money—especially during peak hours. Depending on your location, it’s possible to earn $20 to $30 per hour (or more with tips). Stack a lunch rush with a dinner shift and you could hit your $500 goal in two days or less.
New drivers can often snag sign-up bonuses too.
For a full breakdown of the best platforms, read:
👉 Best Delivery Gig Apps in 2025: DoorDash vs Instacart vs Uber Eats vs Grubhub
👉 Top 10 Highest Paying Gig Apps in 2025 (Real Income Revealed)
16. Rent Out a Room, Car, or Equipment
If you have a spare room, a vehicle, or even power tools, you can make extra income by renting them out. Try platforms like:
This method requires a bit of setup, but it’s an excellent way to earn $500 online with little ongoing work—especially if you’re into passive income.
Interested in hands-off money-making ideas? Don’t miss our roundup of 12 Best Passive Income Apps to stack your earnings while you sleep.
17. Participate in Medical Studies or Research Panels
If you’re open to something different, research studies and clinical trials can pay anywhere from $50 to $500+ depending on the length and scope. Local hospitals and universities frequently look for volunteers. There are also online panels like Respondent.io that pay $50–$250 per session for qualified participants.
This might not be the most conventional option, but it’s one of the most overlooked ways to make 500 dollars quickly—and with very minimal effort.
Final Tips to Reach Your Goal Faster
By now, you’ve seen that there are plenty of real ways to make a quick 500 dollars—some in just a day, others over a weekend. But to actually hit your goal, you’ll need to take smart action and stay focused. Here are a few final tips to help you get there faster:
Combine Multiple Methods
The fastest way to reach $500? Don’t rely on just one hustle. Combine a few quick wins—like selling items you already own—with an active gig like food delivery or freelance work. For example:
Sell unused electronics for $100
Run DoorDash for two days and earn $300
Take surveys or microtasks to close the gap
Use High-Paying Apps First
Not all gig platforms pay equally. Focus on the ones that pay the most with the least effort. We’ve reviewed them all—check out our rankings of the highest paying gig apps and gig apps that pay daily to maximize your time and effort.
Know Your Strengths and Time Availability
Some people have more time than cash, others have more skills than stuff to sell. Choose the methods that align with your strengths. If you’re tech-savvy, freelancing or being a virtual assistant might be your fastest route. If you’re in a pinch, selling items or using a gig economy app might get you money faster.
Be Realistic—But Take Action Now
While it’s not always easy to make 500 dollars overnight, it’s very realistic to reach that goal within 2–4 days if you stay consistent. Most importantly, don’t overthink it—just pick the idea that feels most doable and take action today.
Conclusion on How to Make $500 Fast
Figuring out how to make a quick 500 dollars might feel overwhelming at first, but as you’ve seen—there are plenty of practical, fast-action strategies that work, even if you’re starting with nothing. Whether you’re selling what you already own, jumping into high-paying gigs, or launching your first online hustle, the key is to start now.
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need a fancy setup. You just need to take the first step.
Need more ideas you can start right away—without experience?
📘 Grab your free copy of 50 Proven Ways to Make Money Online – No Experience, No Problem. It’s packed with beginner-friendly strategies you can use to build fast income and long-term freedom.
Because $500 is just the beginning.
