Inflation is biting, and scraping by paycheck to paycheck just doesn’t cut it anymore. While everyone hits rough patches from time to time, living in a constant scramble for the next few dollars isn’t a long-term plan. But life doesn’t wait for your next payday either. In such moments, getting a quick $500 feels like a mountain to climb.
The good news is there are ways to get cash in a pinch without turning to expensive loans or credit card debt. Whether you need to cover an emergency expense or want to build a financial cushion for the future, here are a few options to make up to $500 — and make it to your next payday.
10 ways to make $500 fast
1. Sell things
You probably have more valuable items in your home than you realize. That unused designer handbag, gaming console, or even old textbooks from college could be worth serious cash.
Start with high-value items that are in good condition — like electronics, jewelry, designer clothes, and collectibles — which tend to sell quickly and for decent prices. Check platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark for clothing, or specialized sites like Gazelle for electronics.
Take clear, well-lit photos; write honest descriptions; and price items competitively by checking what similar items are selling for.
2. Explore the gig economy
The gig economy offers flexible ways to earn money on your own schedule.
Whether you're driving for Uber or Lyft, delivering food through DoorDash or Grubhub, or grocery shopping with Instacart, there's likely something that fits your skills and availability. The earning potential varies by location and demand, but many gig workers can make $15-$25 per hour during busy times. If you have handyman skills, those could get you about $20-$40 per hour.
3. Freelance
If you’ve got marketable skills, freelancing may be an option to earn $500 with projects you can complete remotely.
Whether you're good at writing, graphic design, social media management, or tutoring, there's probably someone willing to pay for your expertise. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer can make it easy to find clients.
Start with competitive pricing to build reviews, then gradually increase your rates as you establish yourself.
4. Sell your designs or crafts on Etsy
Got a creative streak? Etsy is a goldmine for people who can make unique, handmade items or digital products. From jewelry and artwork to printable planners and custom invitations, there's a market for creative work.
Digital products, like custom fonts, social media templates, or wedding planning checklists, are especially appealing because you create them once and can sell them repeatedly without additional production costs. Physical crafts work, too. But factor in material costs and shipping time.
5. Pet, child, or house-sit
If you're good with animals, kids, or just responsible with other people's property, sitting services can be surprisingly lucrative.
Pet-sitting through apps like Rover can pay $20-$37 per hour, while house-sitting often includes free accommodation plus payment. Babysitting rates vary by location, but the national average is about $22.50 per hour.
Building a solid reputation through reviews and referrals may increase your likelihood of getting regular clients and steady income.
6. Rent out a house, room, or car
You can also turn your assets into income streams. If you have a spare room, for instance, consider listing it on Airbnb for short-term rentals, or rent out your car through platforms, like Turo, when you're not using it.
Keep in mind that rental income comes with responsibilities. You'll need to maintain your space, communicate with guests, and handle any issues that arise. But the earning potential can be significant, especially in high-demand areas.
7. Look for odd jobs
Sometimes the fastest money comes from simple, one-time tasks, like helping people with moving, yard work, furniture assembly, or cleaning. Many of these jobs pay cash on the spot.
Don't overlook seasonal opportunities either. During holidays, people often need help with decorating, shopping, or event setup. Summer brings lawn care needs, while winter might mean snow removal opportunities.
8. Work overtime
If you're already employed, picking up extra shifts or working overtime might be the most straightforward path to making $500 fast. Check with your manager about additional hours, covering for coworkers, or taking on special projects.
Some employers offer overtime pay, which can help you reach your goal faster. Even if you don't get overtime rates, the extra hours add up when you need cash.
9. Review your expenses
While not technically making money, cutting expenses frees up cash just as effectively. Review your subscriptions, like streaming services or gym memberships you never use, or phone plans with more data than you need.
Look for quick wins like canceling unused subscriptions, switching to cheaper alternatives, or negotiating better rates with service providers. The money you save can go directly toward your $500 goal.
10. Get a part-time job
If you need ongoing income rather than just a quick $500, consider part-time work. Retail, food service, and customer service jobs typically hire quickly, especially during peak seasons.
Many employers may be willing to work around existing schedules and some offer signing bonuses or immediate start dates. While this option may take longer to generate significant income, it may provide a steady earning potential beyond your initial goal.
Online side hustles that could make $500 from home
Working from home opens up additional opportunities to earn money without the commute or rigid schedule of traditional jobs.
Online side hustles, like virtual assistant work, online tutoring, creating and selling digital products, or taking legitimate surveys, are easy to start with minimal investment.
The key is to choose opportunities that match your skills and availability. Then, focus on doing them well to build a strong portfolio and client base.
4 more tips to keep your finances strong after earning $500
Reaching your $500 goal is just the beginning. Here's how to maintain financial stability and avoid future money crunches.
- Build an emergency fund: Have a small buffer as a cushion and avoid scrambling for cash when the next unexpected expense hits.
- Track where your money goes: Understanding your spending patterns to identify areas where you can cut back or redirect funds toward savings.
- Continue earning extra income regularly: If you discover you enjoy freelancing or that your crafts sell well, consider making some of these money-making strategies permanent.
- Address the root cause of your cash crunch: Identify and tackle the underlying issue to prevent future emergencies.
How to avoid scams when trying to make money fast
When you need money quickly, it's easy to fall for schemes that promise fast cash with little effort.
Scammers know it, and they often target people in financial distress with too-good-to-be-true opportunities. Look out for red flags, such as requests for upfront payments, promises of guaranteed high returns with no risk, vague job descriptions, and pressure to act immediately. Legitimate opportunities don’t require payments or pressure you into decisions.
Stick to trusted platforms and companies with verified reviews and research any opportunity thoroughly before committing. If it feels off, it probably is. There are many legitimate ways to earn money without risking your financial security or personal information.
Need money before payday? Consider EarnIn
Sometimes you need money before your next paycheck arrives, and that's where EarnIn can help. EarnIn's Cash Out1 feature lets you access up to $150/day, with a max of $750 between paydays of your earned wages, with no mandatory fees, interest, or credit checks.
Instead of turning to payday loans or juggling bills until payday, EarnIn gives you the flexibility to handle life’s surprises while you keep building toward bigger financial goals. It’s not a loan. It’s your earnings, on your schedule.
Download the EarnIn app now to see how much you can access today.
FAQs
Is it possible to make $500 fast?
Yes. Selling items or gig work can help you get cash in days, while freelancing or online tutoring may take longer.
Should you pay off high-interest debt first?
If it suits your situation, paying off credit cards and other high-interest balances before lower-interest debt can be an effective financial strategy.
Should you invest your money?
If you’re in a financial crunch, investing may not be a main priority. Consider building an emergency fund first, then start investing once you're stable.
What’s a side hustle that makes $500 a week?
Freelancing in writing, design, or social media management can bring in $500 weekly or more, depending on your location.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
1
A pay period is the time between your paychecks, such as weekly, biweekly, or monthly. EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out Maxes section of our Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out.EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. Restrictions and terms apply; see the Lightning Speed Fee Table and Cash Out User Agreement for details and eligibility requirements. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
Popular articles
Oct 31, 2025
7 min read