How to Make $50 Fast, or Even Instantly

Do you need some quick extra cash? We’ve compiled a list of legit, creative options to put money in your pocket, from cashbacks and affiliate programs to micro-hustles. Here’s how to get $50 fast with minimal hassle.

Table of Contents

1. 1. Cash advance apps
2. 2. Play-to-earn games (P2E)
3. 3. Surveys
4. 4. Referral programs
5. 5. Cashbacks
6. 6. Test apps
7. 7. Share photos and videos
8. 8. Selling used clothes
9. 9. Online tutoring
10. 10. Affiliate programs
11. 11. AI training

1. Cash advance apps

If you need to make $50 now, say, to cover an extra grocery run until payday, a cash advance is likely your most dependable option.

While reputable cash advance apps are a convenient solution when you’re low on funds, you don’t actually earn money using them; you only borrow against your upcoming paycheck. Be careful not to overuse cash advances, or you might deplete your income and fall into a cycle of money shortage.

2. Play-to-earn games (P2E)

Do you like playing games on your mobile? You can try apps like Gerald, which use play-to-earn (P2E) models. As you complete challenges in games, you’ll earn points that you can redeem for in-store credits or convert to cash.

Though fun, play-to-earn probably isn’t a realistic way to make $50 in 10 minutes. Payouts for a single gaming session range from a few cents to a couple of dollars, so you’re not likely to hit $50 in a day. Still, if you’re gaming anyway, you might as well earn some pocket money.

3. Surveys

Many financial apps, like Dave, now partner with survey platforms that offer instant payouts. Survey topics range from lifestyle and shopping habits to opinions about products and services.

Answering surveys is one of the most popular ways to earn quick cash online. However, if you need to make $50 fast, surveys may disappoint you. Many questionnaires are time-guzzlers that only pay a few cents.

4. Referral programs

To make $50 right now, consider referral programs. When used right, they’re among the quickest ways to earn cash online.

Various platforms, from financial tools like MoneyLion to gaming and shopping apps, reward you for helping them grow their user base. For example, MoneyLion’s cash rewards program will pay you up to $55 when a person you refer opens an account and makes eligible direct deposits.

5. Cashbacks

You can accumulate $50 in cashbacks pretty fast when shopping. For example, Ibotta allows you to earn cash back when you shop at its partner grocery stores. Just add product offers through the Ibotta app while you’re in the store and upload your receipt later.

Once you earn $20 in rewards, you can cash out your funds. Rakuten is similar, but it’s a better fit for online shopping.

Keep in mind: You must spend first to earn money with cashbacks. Still, it’s a low-effort way to get rewards for purchases you’d have made anyway.

6. Test apps

Are you detail-oriented and reasonably tech-savvy? You could earn money testing apps and websites via platforms like UserTesting or Testeum. These platforms pay you to explore apps, report bugs, and flag user experience issues.

Usually, you’ll need to share your screen with a voice recording while working through guided tasks. Payouts vary but may range from $5 to $20. The work is flexible and accessible to anyone with a working device and a few spare minutes.

7. Share photos and videos

Micro-gig platforms like Clickworker and Remotasks offer quick jobs, like taking selfies or uploading short videos of your surroundings. These tasks are easy, flexible, fast, and require minimal effort. You can knock out a few while waiting in line or during other lulls in your day.

The main drawback is low payouts, sometimes as little as $0.10 per task, so this likely isn’t the answer if you’re hoping to make $50 fast.

If you aren’t comfortable sharing selfies or personal videos, this is not the best option for you. Finally, app cameras could get stuck during hiccups in your internet connection, slowing down work.

8. Selling used clothes

Do you have a stash of gently used brand-name or vintage clothes in good condition? Sell them on platforms like Poshmark, Depop, and Facebook Marketplace to make quick cash and free up closet space. It feels great to know that items you no longer need will get a new life instead of cluttering your home or ending up in the landfill.

One downside to selling physical items is the need to handle shipping, which could be a hassle. Still, with effective descriptions and fair pricing, you could make $50 or more almost instantly.

9. Online tutoring

Are you looking for a steady income stream beyond the occasional $50? Explore Preply and similar platforms for language, math, and other tutoring gigs. This is ideal for those who are bilingual or interested in teaching ESL. You can easily earn $15 to $30 per hour, and sometimes more.

Online tutoring can be a supplemental gig, but some successful tutors turn it into a full-time career.

10. Affiliate programs

Are you an influencer or a content creator? You can make extra cash by promoting products through affiliate programs like Amazon Associates or the Amazon Influencer Program. These programs pay you a small commission every time someone makes a purchase using the referral link you share in your social media posts, videos, or newsletters.

To maximize your chances of earning good money as an affiliate, choose products you genuinely recommend and that speak to your audience. Affiliate marketing can get little to no traction at first, but it’s a totally passive and flexible income source.

11. AI training

AI training platforms can be a great, quick way to supplement your income: The better-paying projects easily yield $50 in an hour or two, and payouts are often processed within a couple of days. You’re likelier to qualify for these upper-tier tasks if you’re bilingual or an expert in certain sought-after fields, like medical, legal, or financial.

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If you’re researching ways to make $50 today, prepare for some trial and error. Many side hustles pay less or are much slower than advertised. Creativity, persistence, and choosing the right gigs will help you make the extra cash you need.