How to Make Money in One Hour, Here Are 20 Ideas

1. Sell the things you own.

This is probably the easiest and most obvious way to make money in an hour. It can be tough to let go of sentimental stuff, but you only need to consider this if you're in a real tight spot. Instead, just go through your things and decide what you no longer need. This could include:

Selling these things can quickly put some cash in your pocket and free up space in your life. Just remember, it's about finding a balance between practicality and sentimentality – turning what you don't need into money when you need it.

2. Take a pawnshop loan.

Thinking about pawn shops? You could consider getting a pawnshop loan. This works by leaving something you own as collateral. The shop assesses its value and decides on the loan amount. They might give you 25% to 60% of the item's worth. It's smart to check different shops for quotes.

If you accept the loan, you get cash and a ticket. This ticket is needed to get your item back. No credit check is needed for this loan, just proof that you're 18 or older.

You can pawn various things depending on the shop, like jewelry, electronics, tools, and more.

You return within an agreed time (usually 30 days to two months), pay the loan plus fees, and get your item back. If you can't pay in time, you might extend the loan. If you don't pay at all, the shop sells your item.

The average pawnshop loan is about $150, repaid in around 30 days according to the National Pawnbrokers Association.

3. Resell unredeemed gift cards.

Got any unused gift cards lying around? You can easily turn them into cash. Websites like CardCash.com and GiftDeals.com offer this option.

You can sell your gift cards there, a bit lower than their original value. For instance, a Starbucks card can be sold for 4% less, and a Lowe's card can be sold for $6 below its value.

4. Gather your spare change.

Technically, this isn't about making money, but let's be real – who wants to lug around a ten-pound jar of quarters? Enter the coin kiosk, a swift and hassle-free solution to turn coins into crisp cash. One popular choice is Coinstar, which does have a service fee of 11.9% along with a $0.25 transaction fee for cash withdrawals. If those terms sit well with you, Coinstar becomes a convenient avenue for speedy money conversion.

Now, as an alternative, picture this: your bank might be willing to exchange your rolled coins for cash. What's more, some banks offer their versions of Coinstar-like kiosks. The cherry on top? If you're a bank customer, these kiosks might not come with any extra fees.

5. Scrap metal.

Recycling cans and bottles can bring in quick cash – find a redemption center nearby. You'll get around five to ten cents per item, and it adds up over time.

For more profit, trade scrap metal for cash. Aluminum cans, copper, steel, and old appliances can earn you money. I recently got $15 for a broken washer at the scrap yard – not a fortune, but it's extra.

Remember, ferrous metals are more common but can make more money than non-ferrous ones. Look for "scrap yards near me" to find recycling centers.

6. Donate plasma.

Donating plasma is akin to giving blood, a process that might last around 90 minutes. However, if you find a less busy donation center, you could wrap up a plasma donation in roughly an hour.

Typically, individuals can earn about $50-75 per session. But remember, the payout for plasma donation varies depending on the donation center.

First-time plasma donors could potentially earn $100 on their initial donation and even up to $500 in their first month at certain plasma collection centers, like CSL Plasma.

7. Sell your hair.

It might sound a bit unusual. However, it's surprising how many high-end wigs and hair extensions are crafted from real human hair. The distinction between natural and synthetic hair is quite remarkable. Human hair feels more authentic and textured compared to artificial alternatives, making it a popular choice among many.

The worth of your hair depends on various factors like its length, texture, and color. Rare shades, longer or thicker hair, and hair untouched by salon treatments or excessive heat tend to fetch higher prices. If finding a local buyer, such as a salon, isn't working out, you can venture online to platforms like Buy and Sell Hair, HairSellon, or World of Wigs to sell your locks.

8. Deliver food.

Do you happen to own a car, bike, or scooter? Well, here's a way to make money in just an hour: delivering food and groceries.

Here's the thing, though – to get started with food delivery, you need to sign up for gig apps that offer payment for your services. But once you're approved, you can start earning within an hour or even less by taking up various driving gigs.

Some of the popular apps for food delivery include:

What's great about DoorDash, Uber Eats, and similar platforms is that you can begin working whenever and wherever you want.

Additionally, with both DoorDash and Uber Eats, you have the option to cash out your daily earnings instantly through their instant pay feature. This means you don't have to wait for a week to get your hard-earned money. Similarly, if you're skilled at navigating grocery stores, Instacart Shopper Pay can also offer a good earning opportunity.

To sum it up, gigs like these in the gig economy tend to pay well, and the quick pay option is always a plus.

9. Handle packages.

When it comes to deliveries, food delivery gigs are just the tip of the iceberg. A plethora of peer-to-peer delivery opportunities exists, promising swift payments right to your pocket.

Among the rewarding delivery jobs up for grabs are:

1. Amazon Flex: Delight in payments ranging from $18 to $25 an hour for delivering packages.

2. Roadie: Embark on a gig where you'll deliver packages to individuals and small businesses alike.

3. GoShare: Make money by delivering packages using a cargo van, a truck, or a sedan.

Often, applying for these jobs is the initial step, and the process might take about a week. Regardless, if you're an active driver in search of a means to make money within an hour, these side gigs undoubtedly present viable opportunities.

10. Driver for Uber or Lyft.

Becoming a driver for Uber and Lyft is among the simplest methods to supplement your income. What stands out most to me is the flexibility it offers. Whenever you're available, just fire up the app and start earning.

To qualify, you'll need an approved car and a clean driving record. This usually gets sorted within approximately 48 hours. Moreover, there are numerous tales of Lyft and Uber drivers making around $1000 a week.

11. Do odd jobs.

Looking to earn in an hour? Local quick cash gigs might be your answer, and the great news is, apps designed to locate immediate odd jobs are at your service. TaskRabbit, for instance, lets you offer your local services pronto.

Here are some sought-after gigs:

For a boosted income, apps like Steady can assist you in finding part-time work. On average, Steady members rake in an extra $5,000 per year compared to non-members.

12. Search the Craigslist “Gigs” section.

Similarly, you can tap into daily work opportunities by exploring Craigslist's "gigs" section. This section offers a wide array of tasks, ranging from furniture moving to yard work, making it accessible to everyone, regardless of location.

What sets these gigs apart? Often, the tasks can be completed within an hour's time, and you can potentially earn up to $100 or even more. For instance, I came across an ad from someone on the Upper East Side of New York offering $100 for mattress moving. Many gigs, such as dishwashing or serving, were even paying $35 per hour.

Take a look at what's available in your city, and if something captures your interest, don't hesitate to reach out to the poster for further details.

13. Return a recent purchase.

Have you made a substantial recent purchase and the item is still in great shape? Consider returning it for a cash refund.

Having that money in your pocket is far more useful than having an item lying around, whether it's a new jacket or an unopened video game. Ultimately, opting to return what you don't need is a wiser financial move than spending on something unnecessary.

14. Scan your receipts.

You can save money or earn cash back by using receipt apps. These apps work by scanning your receipts and finding deals or offers from your favorite stores. After you upload your receipts, you'll get cash back within 48 hours. The cash back can be sent to your bank account or given as gift cards, depending on the app. Some apps also give you points for certain purchases, which you can later exchange for gift cards or cash.

There are many receipt apps available, some free and some paid. Some apps require you to shop at specific stores, while others give points for certain purchases. These apps often offer cash back not just for groceries and shopping, but also for dining out and pharmacy purchases.

Here are a few receipt apps to consider:

15. Busk.

If you've got talent and you're in a bustling city, hitting the streets for some cash through entertainment might just be your gig.

It's a concept that works well when there's a good crowd passing by, willing to contribute money. Whether you're playing an instrument, dancing, singing, donning a mascot suit, or even performing magic tricks, the idea can turn profitable. Chris Senner, the founder of Keyboard Kraz, shares that he's witnessed musicians pulling in $500 to $600 a day while busking in Los Angeles.

Of course, remember to abide by any local regulations that might apply, as every city comes with its own set of laws.

16. Leverage sign-up bonuses.

A credit card sign-up bonus can be a swift way to earn extra money. However, the key lies in making the right choice. Opt for a card without an annual fee and a spending requirement of at least $200 to make the most of this opportunity.

Many cash-back credit cards offer a $200 bonus within the initial months of usage, provided you spend $500 or more. By using the card for your routine expenses and bills right after opening it, you can swiftly accumulate earnings.

Remember, it's crucial to clear your credit card bill entirely. Carrying a balance from one month to the next will lead to hefty interest rates.

17. Rotate bank accounts.

Utilizing your surplus funds to secure a substantial bank account bonus is an effortless way to potentially earn a few hundred dollars. Earning such a bonus involves straightforward steps:

Based on how you fulfill these bonus criteria, your account could receive a credit ranging from $100 to $300.

18. Search for unclaimed money.

It might seem almost unbelievable, but you'll likely spend no more than 15 minutes on this.

Head to MissingMoney.com, where you can swiftly search for unclaimed funds under your name across multiple states. Do note, though, that a few states might not be part of this platform.

If your state isn't involved, don't worry. Unclaimed.org is another option. This website provides details about the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators and can guide you further.

19. Inquire about payroll advances.

Your employer could potentially provide you with a cash advance that you pay back through payroll deductions. Furthermore, certain companies extend low-cost loans to employees facing financial challenges.

Another avenue is Earnin, an app designed to offer workers advances that they settle in one lump sum on payday. While it's interest-free, a voluntary donation is typically requested. This app also requires access to your bank account and work timesheets.

20. Borrow the money.

When the need for money arises, borrowing often presents the simplest solution. In essence, reaching out to friends and family can provide a quick helping hand if you're seeking to earn money swiftly.

Your social network varies, so it's important to consider whether you're comfortable with this approach and if the amount requested is appropriate.

On another note, platforms like Zippyloan offer borrowing options ranging from $100 to $15,000, with funds transferred within a single business day. If this route doesn't align with your preferences, cash advance apps allow you to borrow against your upcoming paycheck.

In this borrowing category, you'll come across popular apps such as: