The Most Passive Ways to Make Money Online Right Now

Side Hustles

Looking for simple, hands-off ways to earn extra cash from home? Youre not alone. Whether youre a student, stay-at-home parent, or just want a side income, passive online income is one of the most appealing goals. The good news is that there are more options than ever to make money online with little ongoing effort. In this guide, Ill walk you through the most realistic passive earning methods, what you need to get started, and honest tips for beginners.

Table of Contents

What Is Passive Income?

Passive income is money you earn with little to no daily effort. Unlike a traditional job or active side hustle, passive income streams usually require some setup, but then work in the background. Think of it as earning while you sleep. However, not all passive income is truly hands-off, and most methods take time or a small investment to get rolling.

1. Cashback and Rewards Apps

How It Works

Cashback and rewards apps pay you back a percentage of your spending or reward you for simple actions like scanning receipts. Once set up, you can earn money automatically just by shopping as you normally do.

Earning Expectations

Most people earn $5“$30 per month, depending on how much they shop and which apps they use. It wont replace your job, but its easy, free money.

Time Commitment

Setup takes 10“15 minutes per app. After that, its mostly passive—just shop, scan receipts, or let the app track your purchases.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone or computer
  • Online shopping accounts or physical receipts
  • No startup costs—these apps are free

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: No cost, easy to use, works in the background
  • Cons: Small earnings, must remember to use or scan

Real-World Example

Sarah, a busy mom, uses Rakuten and Ibotta. She shops online for groceries and household items. Each month, she gets $15“$20 back without changing her routine.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with 2“3 apps to maximize earnings (e.g., Rakuten, Ibotta, Fetch Rewards)
  • Set reminders to scan receipts or activate cashback before shopping
  • Watch out for apps that require bank logins—stick to reputable names

2. Selling Digital Products

How It Works

Create something once (like printables, eBooks, or stock photos), upload to a marketplace (Etsy, Gumroad, Amazon), and earn money every time someone buys your product. After the initial effort, sales can come in passively.

Earning Expectations

Beginners might earn $10“$100 per month, but some sellers make hundreds or more as their products gain traction.

Time Commitment

Initial setup can take a few hours to a few days, depending on the product. After that, you can earn passively with occasional updates.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Basic computer skills
  • Design or writing tools (many free options exist)
  • Some platforms charge small listing or transaction fees

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Scalable, creative, can build over time
  • Cons: Takes effort upfront, not instant money

Real-World Example

Mike, a college student, creates study guides and sells them on Etsy. He spends a weekend making templates and now earns $40“$70 per month with little ongoing work.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with simple products like planners or checklists
  • Use free tools like Canva to design printables
  • Research what sells by browsing Etsys top sellers

3. Renting Out Your Assets

How It Works

If you have something valuable—like a spare room, parking space, or even a car—you can rent it out on platforms like Airbnb, Turo, or Neighbor.com. You earn money while your asset is in use, with minimal daily effort.

Earning Expectations

This varies widely. Renting a room on Airbnb could bring in $200“$1000+ per month, while renting a parking spot or storage space might earn $30“$100 monthly.

Time Commitment

Setup takes a few hours. Ongoing effort is low, but youll need to coordinate with renters and occasionally clean or maintain your asset.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Ownership or control of the asset
  • Some platforms require background checks or insurance
  • Minimal to no upfront cost, unless you need to prepare the space

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: High earning potential, makes use of unused assets
  • Cons: Not 100% passive, possible wear and tear, local regulations

Real-World Example

Lisa, a retiree, lists her driveway for parking during local events. She earns $50“$150 per month with just a few messages to renters.

Beginner Tips

  • Start small—try renting out just a parking space or storage area
  • Read platform rules and local laws
  • Screen renters and use secure payment systems

4. Investing for Beginners

How It Works

Investing in stocks, ETFs, or real estate through apps like Robinhood, Acorns, or Fundrise can generate passive income through dividends or appreciation. Many apps offer set it and forget it options for beginners.

Earning Expectations

Returns vary. Historically, the stock market averages 7“10% per year, but there are risks. Start small and never invest money you cant afford to lose.

Time Commitment

Initial setup takes 15“30 minutes. After that, you can automate deposits and let your investments grow.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • 18+ years old (for most platforms)
  • Bank account
  • Some apps let you start with as little as $5

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Compound growth, truly passive after setup
  • Cons: Risk of loss, not instant cash, requires patience

Real-World Example

James, a teacher, uses Acorns to round up his purchases and invest spare change. Over a year, he passively grows his savings by $200“$300.

Beginner Tips

  • Start with robo-advisors or micro-investing apps
  • Invest small amounts regularly
  • Dont chase get rich quick schemes—stick to reputable platforms

5. Automated Survey and Data Collection Apps

How It Works

Some apps pay you for sharing anonymous data or running surveys in the background. Examples include Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel and MobileXpression. Once installed, you earn small rewards passively.

Earning Expectations

Expect $1“$10 per month per app. Its not much, but its truly passive once set up.

Time Commitment

Setup takes 5“10 minutes. After that, the app runs automatically.

Requirements & Startup Costs

  • Smartphone or computer
  • Willingness to share anonymous data
  • No cost to join

Pros and Cons

  • Pros: Set-and-forget, no effort after setup
  • Cons: Low earnings, privacy concerns

Real-World Example

Ben, a student, installs Nielsen Panel on his laptop and phone. He earns $60 in gift cards over the year, just for letting the app run.

Beginner Tips

  • Only use trusted apps with clear privacy policies
  • Dont install too many apps at once—monitor device performance
  • Cash out rewards regularly to avoid losing points

FAQ

  • Is passive income really set and forget?
    Most methods require some setup and occasional maintenance. True set and forget options are rare, but many methods are low-effort after the initial start.
  • Can I make a full-time income passively online?
    For most people, passive online income is best for extra cash, not a full-time salary. Some advanced methods (like investing or building a large digital product library) can scale, but this takes time and effort.
  • Are these methods safe and legit?
    Stick to well-known platforms with good reviews. Beware of scams promising huge returns for little work or asking for upfront fees.
  • How do I avoid scams?
    Never pay to join a program, do your research, and read reviews. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • How quickly can I start earning?
    Some methods (like cashback apps or data-sharing apps) pay within days or weeks. Others (like selling digital products or investing) take longer to build up.

Conclusion

The most passive ways to make money online right now are simple to start and can add up over time. While none of these methods will make you rich overnight, theyre perfect for beginners who want easy, low-risk ways to earn extra cash from home. Try a few options and see what works for you!

Ready to discover more online earning opportunities? Explore Survey Soda for honest reviews, step-by-step guides, and new ways to boost your income from home.