21 Easy Side Hustles You Can Start With No Money

Side Hustles

Looking for simple ways to earn extra cash without spending anything upfront? Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or just want to boost your income, there are plenty of easy side hustles you can start with no money. This guide covers 21 realistic ideas, how they work, what you can expect to earn, and tips to help you get started—even if you have zero experience.

Table of Contents

1. Online Surveys

Taking online surveys is one of the easiest side hustles you can start with no money. Companies pay for your opinions on products and services.

  • How it works: Sign up for legit survey sites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, or InboxDollars. Complete surveys and earn points or cash.
  • Earning expectations: $1“$5 per survey, up to $50/month if consistent. Not a get-rich-quick method, but a good way to earn in your spare time.
  • Time commitment: Flexible—do surveys whenever you have a few minutes.
  • Requirements: Internet access and a device.
  • Pros: No experience needed, instant start, low effort.
  • Cons: Low pay per hour, some sites have payout minimums.
  • Beginner tip: Join several survey panels to get more opportunities. Avoid sites that ask for payment or sensitive info.

Example: Maria, a college student, spends 15 minutes a day on Swagbucks and cashes out $25 in gift cards each month.

2. Cashback and Rewards Apps

Earn money or rewards by shopping through cashback apps or scanning receipts.

  • How it works: Download apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, or Fetch Rewards. Shop as usual, upload receipts, and earn cashback or points.
  • Earning expectations: $5“$20/month for regular shoppers.
  • Time commitment: Minimal—just a few minutes after each shopping trip.
  • Requirements: Smartphone and regular purchases.
  • Pros: Free to use, passive earning, stacks with coupons.
  • Cons: Only works with participating stores or products.
  • Beginner tip: Combine multiple apps for maximum rewards.

Example: John earns $12/month in PayPal cash by uploading his grocery receipts to Ibotta and Fetch Rewards.

3. Micro-Task Websites

Micro-task sites pay you to complete small online jobs, like tagging images or categorizing data.

  • How it works: Sign up for sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk, Clickworker, or Microworkers. Browse tasks and complete them for cash.
  • Earning expectations: $2“$10/hour depending on task type and speed.
  • Time commitment: As much or as little as you want.
  • Requirements: Internet access, basic English skills.
  • Pros: Flexible, no special skills needed, instant start.
  • Cons: Some tasks pay very little; competition for higher-paying gigs.
  • Beginner tip: Focus on higher-rated tasks and build a good reputation for better-paying work.

Example: Lisa makes $40 extra a month doing data categorization tasks on Clickworker during her lunch breaks.

4. Website and App Testing

Companies pay for real people to test their websites and apps and give feedback.

  • How it works: Sign up on UserTesting or TryMyUI. Record your screen and voice while using a website or app and answering questions.
  • Earning expectations: $10“$20 per 20-minute test.
  • Time commitment: Each test takes 10“20 minutes; availability varies.
  • Requirements: Computer, microphone, and clear English communication.
  • Pros: Higher pay per task, interesting work.
  • Cons: Limited test availability; must qualify for each test.
  • Beginner tip: Check for new tests often and answer screener questions honestly.

Example: Sam completes 2“3 tests per week and earns about $60 a month on UserTesting.

5. Selling Unused Items Online

Declutter your home and make money by selling things you no longer need.

  • How it works: List items on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Mercari, or OfferUp. Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and set a fair price.
  • Earning expectations: Varies—$50 to $500+ depending on what you sell.
  • Time commitment: A few hours to list and ship items.
  • Requirements: Items to sell, smartphone or computer.
  • Pros: Fast cash, reduces clutter, no upfront cost.
  • Cons: One-time income unless you source more items.
  • Beginner tip: Start with easy-to-ship items and be responsive to buyers.

Example: Karen sold her old textbooks and clothes on Facebook Marketplace and made $120 in a weekend.

6. Freelance Gigs

Offer your skills online—even if youre just starting out.

  • How it works: Create a profile on Fiverr or Upwork. Offer simple services like graphic design, social media posts, or virtual assistance.
  • Earning expectations: $5“$50 per gig to start; can grow with experience.
  • Time commitment: Flexible; depends on orders.
  • Requirements: Basic skills in your chosen area.
  • Pros: Unlimited earning potential, build a portfolio.
  • Cons: Takes time to get your first clients; platform fees.
  • Beginner tip: Offer a low-priced starter gig to attract your first reviews.

Example: Alex started by designing simple logos on Fiverr and now earns $200/month part-time.

7. Print-on-Demand Design

Sell custom t-shirts, mugs, or stickers without inventory.

  • How it works: Use platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, or Merch by Amazon. Upload designs and earn a commission when someone buys.
  • Earning expectations: $1“$10 per sale. Passive income potential.
  • Time commitment: Initial setup, then minimal maintenance.
  • Requirements: Simple graphic design skills (free tools like Canva work).
  • Pros: No inventory, global reach, passive earnings.
  • Cons: Highly competitive; takes time to see results.
  • Beginner tip: Focus on trending or niche topics for your designs.

Example: Jamie made $60 in her first month selling funny cat stickers on Redbubble.

8. Affiliate Marketing

Earn commissions by recommending products online.

  • How it works: Join affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or ShareASale. Share your unique links on social media, blogs, or YouTube. Earn when people buy through your link.
  • Earning expectations: $10“$100/month to start; can scale up.
  • Time commitment: Varies—more effort means more potential.
  • Requirements: Online presence (social media, blog, or YouTube).
  • Pros: Passive income, no product handling.
  • Cons: Takes time to build an audience; earnings not guaranteed.
  • Beginner tip: Recommend products you genuinely use and trust.

Example: Ben shares book recommendations on Instagram and earns $25/month from Amazon affiliate links.

9. Social Media Management

Help small businesses or individuals manage their social media accounts.

  • How it works: Offer to post updates, respond to comments, or create graphics for local businesses or busy professionals.
  • Earning expectations: $50“$300/month per client.
  • Time commitment: 1“5 hours per week per client.
  • Requirements: Familiarity with platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
  • Pros: In-demand skill, flexible hours.
  • Cons: May require some learning; need to find clients.
  • Beginner tip: Offer free or discounted services to friends or local businesses to build your portfolio.

Example: Priya manages Instagram for a local bakery and earns $100/month for a few hours work.

10. Online Tutoring

If youre good at a subject, help others learn and get paid.

  • How it works: Sign up with platforms like Tutor.com, Chegg, or Wyzant. Teach subjects you know well.
  • Earning expectations: $10“$25/hour.
  • Time commitment: Flexible; set your own schedule.
  • Requirements: Subject knowledge, reliable internet.
  • Pros: Rewarding work, good pay.
  • Cons: May require a test or interview; need to be patient and clear.
  • Beginner tip: Start with subjects youre most confident in and get feedback to improve.

Example: Ella tutors math online for 2 hours a week and makes $80/month.

11. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Love animals? Get paid to care for pets in your neighborhood.

  • How it works: Sign up with Rover or Care.com, or offer services to neighbors. Walk dogs, feed pets, or stay overnight.
  • Earning expectations: $10“$30 per walk or visit.
  • Time commitment: As needed; flexible.
  • Requirements: Love for animals, reliability.
  • Pros: Fun, active, and flexible.
  • Cons: Must be available for last-minute requests.
  • Beginner tip: Offer a free first walk or discounted rate to get your first clients and reviews.

Example: Mark walks two dogs after school and earns $60/week.

12. Babysitting

Babysitting remains a classic, flexible side hustle.

  • How it works: Register on Care.com or Sittercity, or let friends and family know youre available. Watch children in their home or yours.
  • Earning expectations: $10“$20/hour.
  • Time commitment: Evenings, weekends, or as needed.
  • Requirements: Trustworthiness,