Need to make $500 dollars fast?
There are so many reasons for needing to make an extra 500 dollars. Sh*t happens. I don't know why you need extra money, but heck, we all do. That's why I searched the web for “how to make $500 fast” and found the best ways.
Whatever your reason is for needing extra cash, you'll benefit from reading this article. It's kind of lengthy, but trust me, you'll want to read it to the very end. I'm going to show you exactly how to make 500 dollars fast. Some of the methods require downloading an app, others will be a bit more involving. What you earn depends on how much effort you put in. People get want they need, not what they want. If you need money now, put in the work.
There are many options to earn money online that are quick, simple and don't require much effort. We all have limited time, life is fickle. For this reason, I have compiled 20 ways to earn money that are actually possible and can net you some money, the easy way.
Legit ways to make $500 dollars fast
There are many options to earn money online that are quick, simple and don't require much effort. We all have limited time, life is fickle. For this reason, I have compiled ways to earn money that are actually possible and can net you some money, the easy way:
Easy Ways to Get Cash
Compare top-rated options for $50 – $50,000
Checking your rate won't affect your credit score.
1. Make $500 fast playing games
We love to play games online. They’re super addictive. They’re great time-killers.
But I found ways you can actually make money playing games with fun apps.
I'm probably not talking about a ton of money. But it’s possible to scratch up a little cash and/or save some money playing games from your phone.
Especially if you’re just bored in your apartment, waiting in line at the grocery store or just trying to pass the time at work.
I road-tested some of the best (and fun) gaming apps that you can actually download and start getting paid cash and rewards immediately:
Blitz Win Cash – My current favorite
Multiple games (bubble shooter, card games, even solitaire), fast matches, and I’ve personally found it way easier to win consistently. Works on iOS only, though.
Branded – Legit and quick cash outs
Didn't want to share this one since I've been doing well but it's a cleaner app, as seen on CBS, and you can get paid up to $100 to test new games/apps. No ads and it's free to sign up and use.
2. Rent your car when you’re not using it
Uber and Uber Eats are two of the fastest ways I know to make up to $500 quickly if you have a car and some free time. I have used delivery and driving apps like these when I needed cash fast, and the flexibility is the biggest advantage you can turn the app on whenever you want, work peak hours, and stack tips and bonuses.
Depending on your market, it is realistic to earn $100 to $200 per day by driving a few hours, which makes hitting $500 in a short time frame very doable without a long application process or waiting weeks to get paid.
3. Claim the best internet freebies you can get right now
SoFi Invest offers one of the biggest investing bonuses available right now, with new users able to earn up to $3,000 in free stock when they open an account and fund it.
I like this bonus because it is straightforward and does not require active trading or complicated steps. You simply open a SoFi Invest account, add money, and SoFi matches you with bonus stock based on your deposit amount.
It is a strong option if you already plan to invest or move money anyway and want a large bonus on top, especially compared to smaller sign up offers that only pay $10 or $20.
4. Host guests with Airbnb
Another smart way to make $500 fast is by listing your space on Airbnb.
It's smart because it's simple and free to list and you easily make $500 in under a week.
You can actually see how much you're able to make by using their cash pay-out calculator to do some quick research beforehand.
By creating a free account, setting up a 5-minute listing and setting whatever prices you want, you have the potential to skyrocket your income. Of course, the nicer your home and location the better.
However, you don't even need to have a spare room or home to share to earn with Airbnb since they now offer “host experiences“.
This is a really unique thing that they offer and are expanding into. If you ever had friends from out of town visit and you showed them the cool things to do in your city, now you can get paid for doing just that… for strangers.
Sounds like a fun way to get your hands on $500.
5. Download Nielsen Panel on your devices
By using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can make money too.
I downloaded this app on all of my devices and make around $500 a year passively.
You don’t really have to do anything other than initially registering your devices (phone, laptop, tablet) and they'll pay $60 per device.
This is a smart way to make extra money as even if you just install it on your phone they'll pay you $60 a year keep their app on it.
They also keep things interesting for me since they give away a modest $10,000 each month. I like to think I have better chances of getting it than the lottery, so consider it a free lotto ticket each month, too.
If you are interested in getting paid passively, I recommend that you sign up through here for a registration bonus.
6. Build a more perfect portfolio
Ever feel like real estate investing is only for people with a lot of money or way more time than you have?
That is how I felt until I started using Fundrise. I wanted a way to invest in real estate without buying a property, dealing with tenants, or tying up a huge amount of cash. With Fundrise, you can get started with as little as $10 and invest in a diversified portfolio of real estate projects.
What I like is how hands off it is. Fundrise handles everything on the backend while you let your money work over time through rental income and long term growth. It is not a quick cash play, but if you want a simple, low effort way to build wealth with real estate, Fundrise is an easy place to start.
If you’re interested, I recommend you sign up for more information from Fundrise by clicking here.
Invest in Real Estate with Only $10
7. Deliver Food
Ever need cash fast and wish you could just turn on an app and start earning the same day?
That is exactly why I have used DoorDash. When I needed quick money, DoorDash let me start delivering on my own schedule and get paid without a long hiring process. You can dash during peak hours, stack tips, and knock out deliveries in short bursts, which makes it realistic to earn $100 or more in a day depending on your market.
What I like most is the flexibility. There is no boss, no fixed schedule, and you can cash out quickly once you start earning. If you have a car and some free time, DoorDash is one of the fastest ways to turn spare hours into real money when you need it.
8. Try MoneyLion
Ever feel like you need cash fast but also want an app that does more than just float you money once?
That is why I have used MoneyLion. MoneyLion gives you access to cash advances on money you have already earned, and depending on your account activity and direct deposit, you can work your way up to $500.
After linking my bank account and setting up direct deposit, I was able to request an advance without paying interest, which made it feel like a much safer option than payday loans.
On top of that, MoneyLion includes early paycheck access and other money tools, so it is not just about getting through a tight week but also staying more prepared the next time an expense pops up.
9. Sign up for EarnIn
Ever have one of those weeks where an expense pops up and payday still feels way too far away?
That happens to me sometimes, and when it does, I use EarnIn to get through it. EarnIn lets you access up to $750 of money you have already earned before payday, and I have personally used it whenever I am in a pinch. It is trusted by millions of users, holds around a 4.7 star rating in the App Store, and is commonly used for things like groceries, bills, and surprise expenses.
After linking my bank account and work schedule, I was able to cash out quickly without paying interest or mandatory fees. That is why I see EarnIn as a much safer alternative to payday loans when you need quick cash without adding more financial stress.
10. Get $500 now with ZippyLoan
If you actually need money now, then you can opt for a personal loan. When you need money in a hurry ZippyLoan is where to go. You apply for a loan through the Zippy Loan site, if approved they send your loan application to one of many loan providers.
You review the loan details and e-sign if you like what you see. No risk in checking what offers you'll get. You can borrow between $100 and $15,000 as soon as tomorrow. Loans service for up to 60 months.
ZippyLoan connects borrowers to lenders through their network of lenders. They'll find you the lowest interest rate and is one of the best no credit check loan. You can visit ZippyLoan here.
11. Sell on Shopify
Use your creativity to make money if you have knowledge of creating personalized items! You can offer T-shirts, mugs, pillows, sweatshirts, among other products, with customized designs to the clients' taste on Etsy.
I've got a friend that creates art and he can charge whatever he wants. It's all about creating a lucrative brand, then you can earn a lot. Selling personalized products will help you get money, and you can also use social media to promote yourself and use Facebook ads to reach people all over the country. You can learn more by visiting online stores like Shopify and Etsy.
Claim 3-Day Free Trial at Shopify
12. Get an online job
Do you ever scroll job boards and feel like everything is either a scam, underpaid, or requires being online at weird hours?
I went through the same thing. I wanted flexible, remote work I could actually trust, but sorting through listings was exhausting and honestly frustrating.
What helped was using FlexJobs, because every job is screened ahead of time. No fake listings, no sketchy offers, no wasted applications.
Once I stopped chasing random gigs and focused on legit remote roles, it became much easier to find work that fit my schedule and paid fairly.
So if you want real remote or flexible work without the noise and scams, FlexJobs is worth checking out to see what openings are available right now.
13. Use Cleo to help you get $250
Ever look at your bank balance and wonder where your money actually went?
I felt the same way. I wanted to get better with my finances and have a cushion for emergencies, but it was hard to stay consistent or know what to fix first.
What helped was having something that actually talked me through my spending and kept me accountable.
That is exactly what Cleo did for me. Cleo works like a smart money assistant that shows you where you are overspending, helps you save, and gives you clear next steps instead of just numbers on a screen.
And when I needed cash, Cleo also let me access advances, with eligible users able to work their way up to $250 by linking their bank account and using the app consistently. So if you want help managing your money and a safety net when things get tight, Cleo is worth checking out to see what you qualify for.
14. Get paid to do market research
InboxDollars is a survey site and one of the best survey sites. I've used them before and they are pretty legit. They make money by using the information you provide and use it as market research. So, you're actually getting paid to participate in surveys, watch videos, play video games, make purchases online, read emails with promotions, use discount coupons or simply make purchases online.
It's actually kind of fun to do this while you're watching TV or just bored. Obviously, you will not get rich just by responding to surveys, but it is a way to get extra income per month.
In the US, here are some of the highest rated paid survey websites:
- Swagbucks is one of my favorite survey pages. A large variety of surveys and in different categories and they make payments via PayPal.
- Another website that I like very much and that is available in several countries is Survey Junkie. You can earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, completing tasks, trying new products, etc … it also has a very cool interface!
- With InboxDollars you could earn money mainly by watching advertisements but now the most interesting sections are surveys, videos, games, and searching. Plus, they give you a $5 sign up bonus here if you sign up before the end of this month.
Here's how you can get $500 right now
15. Get a gator payday
If you didn't like any of the options above, and REALLY need money right now you can get a quick $500 personal loan.
We compared the best personal loans for people who need quick money fast. Don't worry, personal loans can be a great alternative to credit cards for large or unexpected expenses. In fact, you can enjoy fast and easy online applications with all the reputable lenders below (just be sure to pay it back quickly). Get $500 deposited into your bank account in a matter of seconds, here are your options:
Easy Ways to Get Cash
Compare top-rated options for $50 – $50,000
Checking your rate won't affect your credit score.
Making $500 Fast FAQs
When you need more money, times can get difficult or even depressing. But, there is a way to combat your lack of funds:
How do I make money now ASAP?
If you need to make money now ASAP do the following: Find ways to get paid on your lunch break by taking top paying surveys with Swagbucks, score beer money with gaming apps like Mistplay, and earn free gift cards with InboxDollars.
How can I make money in one hour?
If you want to make money in one hour, do the following: Join a rewards site like Swagbucks or InboxDollars where you can make money consistently. Or you can earn money playing games on apps like Bingo Cash. This app lets you play bingo for money — make $30 today. It is absolutely free to play Bingo Cash and earn real-world rewards and cash prizes when you download through this link.
How can a beginner make money online?
Beginners can use the best survey sites to make money fast on PayPal. Free cash or free money is hard to come by but you can earn money on sites like Freecash by referring friends and answering surveys to earn money online fast. You'll never need to enter your debit card or credit card either, these paid survey sites are free to use with no broker or platform fees.
Need $500 fast? go get it
Everyone wants to make money fast. However, if you search the internet for how to make 500 dollars online you'll find a bunch of affiliate marketers trying to promote affiliate links of spammy survey sites or services that haven't even tried out. Sure, the list I have provided may require a bit more work to earn your $500…. but they are real and honest ways you can ACTUALLY make 500 dollars. End rant. Got any more ways to make 500 dollars? Did I answer your question: how to make 500 dollars fast?
Before you go, I keep a free spreadsheet of legit ways to earn extra income that I personally use and update regularly. Grab it here if you're interested.
