19 Top Strategies on How to Make Money in an Hour

If you’ve ever found yourself in a pinch, needing a little extra cash in your pocket ASAP, then you’re in the right place.

We’ve all had those moments, right? Out of the blue, a credit card bill lands in our lap, or we’re hit with a cost we didn’t see coming.

Or, maybe it’s just one of those days when you want to treat yourself to something special, something unplanned.

Whatever the reason, wouldn’t it be awesome to know a few tricks to make some quick cash in just an hour?

I’m not talking about some get-rich-quick scheme that sounds too good to be true. I’m talking about practical, legitimate ways to earn money fast.

I’ve got tons of strategies for how to make money in an hour and bulk up your bank account whenever you need the money!

Key Takeaways

Quickest Cash W/Out A Job – Online Surveys
Weirdest Money-Maker – Selling Feet Pics
Best Paid Side Hustles – Proofreading
Find Paying Gigs – FlexJobs

19 Top Strategies on How To Make Money In An Hour

1. Online Surveys

An easy way to earn money quickly is by answering surveys! You’ve probably seen those ads pop up online or heard people talking about them, right?

Well, answering surveys is not just a gimmick- it’s a legit way to earn extra money in your free time.

There are websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars where you can sign up and start taking surveys.

It’s an easy way to make money in just one hour from the comfort of your own home while you watch TV!

Read my in-depth Swagbucks Review to see how I’ve made hundreds of dollars over the years by answering surveys, playing mobile games, and more!

2. Sell Feet Pics

Now, I know what you’re thinking- feet pics? It’s one of the weirdest ways to make money, but hear me out!

There’s a whole market for foot pictures, whether for people with foot fetishes or just folks who appreciate a nice pair of feet.

You can upload feet pics and set your prices, ranging anywhere from $10 to $30 per collection, depending on how in-demand your tootsies are and the quality of your pics. 

FeetFinder is where it’s at- you can sign up anonymously, connect with buyers, chat a bit, and make money passively off your feet pictures every day.

So, if you’re comfortable with it, why not give it a shot? It could be a quick and easy way to earn some extra cash in just one hour.

Read my honest FeetFinder Review to see if this side hustle is worth it to you to make some quick cash.

3. Proofreading

One of the freelance gigs I’ve worked as an independent contractor to make money in one hour is proofreading!

If you have a knack for catching pesky typos and grammatical errors, proofreading could be a way to earn some quick cash.

Businesses and individuals are waiting for someone like you to help them polish up their documents.

Think students rushing to correct their grammar and punctuation on essays, small businesses wanting to impress with flawless marketing materials, and bloggers looking for help with their writing.

You’re not tied down to a traditional 9-to-5 job. You can choose your own hours and workload and make money on your terms.

Want to learn more about starting a proofreading business? Proofread Anywhere has a FREE proofreading workshop that can tell you more!

4. Mobile Games

A fun way to make some extra cash in about an hour is by playing mobile games!

Now, I know what you might be thinking- playing games and making money sounds too good to be true, right?

Well, think again! Apps like Mistplay and Blackout Bingo actually pay you to play mobile games.

You can play games and earn extra money while waiting for an appointment or winding down after a long day at work.

The amount of money you might make may vary depending on how well you play and how much time you spend gaming.

So why not give it a try? Check out my full Mistplay Review to see what games could be making you money today!

5. Freelance Writing

Do you have a knack for stringing words together? If so, freelance writing could be a lucrative way to make money in an hour.

Whether you’re crafting blog posts, diving deep into technical writing, or sharing wisdom as a personal finance writer, there’s something for everyone.

Depending on your experience and the type of writing you do, you could charge $20 to $40 per hour.

If you’re looking to get a solid start in this field, my FREE eBook Freelance Write From Home is here to help.

It’s designed to help you set up your freelance writing business and turn it into a profitable venture right from the comfort of your home.

6. Deliver Food

If you’re looking for a way to make money in your spare time, delivering food might just be the perfect gig for you.

Food delivery jobs allow you to make money in one hour or less, depending on the order and your speed.

With apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Postmates, you have the freedom to work when it suits you best and possibly make $20 per hour or even more.

And guess what? You can keep all the tips you earn. That’s right, 100% of them.

Just check how much you’ll make and how far you’ll be going- not all orders are worth running around!

7. Deliver Groceries

Just like driving around town dropping off dinner, delivering groceries is another fab way to make money in one hour.

Instead of restaurant takeouts, you’re whisking groceries from grocery stores straight to folks’ doorsteps.

With online platforms like Instacart, entering the gig economy is easy.

You get to set your own schedule (hello, flexibility!), and yes, every tip you earn is 100% yours to keep.

8. Chauffer People

Do you love driving around and meeting new faces? Well, sliding into the driver’s seat for rideshare gigs with companies like Uber might be the way for you to earn money quickly!

It’s a cool way to make money in an hour, all while cruising through the streets of your city.

You’re the boss of your own time; Drive when you want, how you want.

Depending on where you are and how busy it gets, you could pocket around $20 an hour or even more.

So, if you’ve got a car and a knack for good conversation, why not give it a whirl? It’s a fun, flexible way to earn on the side while soaking up the sights and sounds of your hometown.

9. Virtual Assistant

If you’re organized, enjoy ticking off items on a to-do list, and communicate and organize well, becoming a virtual assistant might be a great move for you.

It opens up opportunities in the gig economy, allowing you to make money in one hour or over a few hours, depending on the tasks at hand and your availability.

As a VA, you can perform various tasks, from writing engaging content and editing to answering emails and posting awesome social media posts.

You get to lean into what you’re good at and enjoy, which not only makes the work more enjoyable but also shines through in the quality of your work.

FlexJobs is a great place to find remote jobs from home. It is an incredible platform that connects talented individuals like yourself with businesses that need virtual assistance.

10. Data Entry

Data entry might just be the easiest way to start making some money from home. It’s a no-fuss job that fits perfectly into the gig economy.

Businesses and people out there need someone to help them organize their info into spreadsheets or databases. But they don’t necessarily need someone to come into the office to do it.

The best part? You can pick whatever data entry jobs suit your fancy and apply for as many jobs as you want to make money at any hour of the day.

But if you’re speedy and like the idea of finishing projects and moving on to the next, charging per project could be your ticket to earning a lot of money.

11. Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Have you ever thought about turning your passion for dogs into a way to make money in one hour?

Well, dog walking gigs and pet sitting might just be your ticket to earning some money fast.

With apps like Rover, it’s super easy to get started. It connects pet owners with people like you who are trustworthy and ready to lend a helping hand (or leash!) to walk dogs.

And if you’re up for house-sitting or staying overnight with a pet, you could pocket some pretty good money for each stay.

But it’s not just about the cash. Walking dogs and pet sitting offer something truly special – the chance to spend time with some of the most lovable pets out there.

12. Babysitting

Babysitting is a great way to chill with some cool kids, maybe playing board games, watching their favorite cartoons, or creating the world’s most epic indoor fort.

Parents get a breather, you get to unleash your inner child, and your wallet ends up a bit thicker.

We’re talking $15 and up per hour, and most of the time get paid instantly and walk out the door with cash in hand.

Finding gigs can be as easy as letting your neighbors know you’re available to watch their munchkins or giving a quick shout-out on your social media.

And hey, if you want more options, jumping on sites like Care.com can hook you up with families in need of a babysitter for the night.

13. Mystery Shopping

Becoming a mystery shopper could be your ticket to not only enjoying some retail therapy but also earning a little cash on the side.

You will get paid to browse your favorite stores and help businesses improve their services.

As a mystery shopper, you get to go on secret shopping trips where you’ll check out shopping from a customer’s perspective.

You might be looking at how clean the store is, how friendly the staff is, or how the staff tells customers about the store’s return policy.

After your undercover work is done, you’ll report back on what you’ve found and get paid for your thoughts.

14. Yard Work

If you don’t mind working outside and getting a little dirty to make yards look nice and tidy, why not turn that into a chance to make money in one hour or so?

Yard work is one of those things that’s always in demand, especially when the weather’s nice.

Offering to spruce up your neighbor’s garden or help a friend out with their unruly lawn can actually pay off.

Depending on the size of their yard or what they need done, you could earn anywhere from $20 to $50 an hour.

And it’s not just about mowing lawns; you can get paid for other things, such as trimming hedges, pulling weeds, and maybe even planting a few flowers.

15. Shovel Snow

Living in a place where winter means a blanket of snow can actually be a perfect opportunity to make money in one hour or even more.

Shoveling snow might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it sure can be a profitable way to spend your time in the winter.

If you’re up for a bit of physical work and don’t mind the cold, you could earn $20 or more an hour, depending on the size of the area and the amount of snow you’re dealing with.

Not only does this gig fill your pockets, but it’s also a fantastic way to keep active during those chilly months.

16. Join Focus Group

Joining focus groups is one of those unique opportunities where you can actually make money in one hour by just speaking your mind. Pretty cool, right?

Whether you need some quick money or just want to add a little padding to your wallet, sharing your thoughts on various products and services can pay $50 to $200 for each session.

Sites like User Interviews make it super simple to find these focus groups.

You can sign up, browse through the listings, and apply to the ones that interest you.

Before you know it, you could be sitting in a virtual (or physical) room, discussing the latest gadget, food product, or maybe even a new app, all while your opinion helps shape the future of these offerings.

17. Sell Items Online

Do you have a closet full of gently used clothes you don’t wear anymore? Or maybe a guitar or some other musical instrument is collecting dust in the corner?

Your home could be a mini garage sale just waiting to happen – only people would be shopping online.

Selling your stuff online is a smart way to make money in one hour (or at least get it listed in that time!).

Sites like eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook Marketplace are digital storefronts where you can showcase your items to buyers worldwide.

And here’s the kicker – you could potentially make more than you might think. That thrift store find you snagged years ago but never wore? It could be someone’s sought-after gem.

18. Donate Plasma

Donating plasma isn’t just about making a quick buck; it’s also a great way to help others in need.

If you’re looking for a way to sell plasma and make money in one hour, rolling up your sleeve could be just the thing.

It’s pretty amazing when you think about it: not only could you pocket anywhere from $50 to $100 for each donation.

As a new donor, there’s a chance you could rake in up to $500 in your first month alone.

Places like CSL Plasma have streamlined the process to be both easy and safe, ensuring you’re well taken care of during the donation.

While the idea of getting paid to save lives is certainly appealing, remember that your health is the top priority.

Before you decide to donate plasma, talk with a healthcare professional to ensure that it is a good fit for you.

19. Swap Banks

Switching banks might not be something you’ve thought about to make money in one hour, but did you know it could actually put some extra money in your pocket?

Banks are always looking to attract new customers and they’re willing to pay a generous bank account bonus.

If you’re not super attached to your current bank, swapping to a new one could be a smart money move. With just a few minutes of effort, you could land yourself a few hundred dollars.

Before you jump in, it’s worth taking a minute to read the fine print for opening new bank accounts.

Some bank account bonuses require things like a minimum deposit, maintaining a certain balance, making direct deposits, or keeping the account open for a set period.

FAQs

How much money can I make in only an hour?

With side hustles being super popular these days, it really depends on what gig you are going to do. Whether it’s a side hustle or a quick gig, the cash you can pull in can vary.

Side gigs could make you anywhere from $15 – $25+ in just an hour.

Is tutoring a quick way to make money?

Absolutely! Tutoring is a fantastic option for those looking to make money quickly, especially if you excel in a particular subject or play an instrument.

With online platforms like BookNook, you can connect with students who need help in your area of expertise.

Rates vary, but tutors can often charge anywhere from $20 to $50 per hour, depending on the subject and level of education.

Plus, it’s a flexible gig- you can choose your hours and work as much or as little as you want.

Can I make good money with ride-sharing or delivery apps?

Yes, working with ride-sharing apps like Uber and food delivery services such as DoorDash or Postmates can be an excellent way to earn quick cash.

If you have a reliable vehicle and some free time, these platforms offer the flexibility to work on your schedule.

The amount you can make per hour varies based on the time of day, your location, and demand, but drivers can make upwards of $20 per hour.

Do online surveys pay that well?

There are plenty of odd jobs out there that can help you rake in that money quickly and earn cash without a huge commitment.

Dog walking: Perfect for animal lovers who like being outdoors and caring for dogs.
Delivering food or groceries: You can earn money by bringing people their orders with just your car and some tunes.
Babysitting: Great if you’re good with kids and want something flexible.
Doing yard work: If you don’t mind a bit of physical labor, sprucing up gardens can be both rewarding and a decent workout.
Selling unwanted items online: Declutter and make cash? Yes, please! Sell stuff you have lying around for fast cash.

What side hustles pay a good hourly rate?

If you’re looking for side hustles that pay a decent hourly rate, you’re in luck. 

There are many gigs out there that pay well and might also align with your interests or skills.

Freelance design: Freelancers in this field can pull in about $48 per hour, working on everything from websites to branding materials.
Freelance writing: If you’ve got a way with words, freelance writing can net you around $29 per hour.
Becoming a notary public: This might require some certification, but at $24 per hour, it’s a solid option for a steady side income.
Freelance proofreading: Proofreading gigs pay about $28 per hour for those with an eagle eye for errors.

What can I do in an hour that’s best for fast cash?

The best thing to do in an hour for fast cash really depends on your skills and interests. Here are some options to earn money fast:

Sell items like unused gift cards
Grocery shopping for people
Dog Walking
Taking part in an online survey
Donating plasma (if eligible)

Can I make money without a job?

Believe it or not, you can actually make money without having a traditional job, and you can start right this hour!

The internet has opened up a myriad of opportunities for anyone with a bit of spare time and a willingness to try something new.

One of the easiest ways to start earning money without a job is to take online surveys and play mobile games. These are fun ways to pass the time and earn money simultaneously.

While you’re not likely to make a living off of it, the earnings can help cover a coffee run or add to your savings.

For those with a good command of the language, freelancing as a proofreader or writer can be a goldmine.

The digital world is content-hungry, and if you can spot a typo from a mile away or craft a compelling narrative, you’re in business.

But you can create other money-making ideas from your own skills and experience in other ways!

Whether it’s starting a blog, launching an online course, or offering virtual assistant services, the possibilities are as vast as your imagination.

Can I make $100 in one day?

Absolutely! Making $100 in a single day is achievable with the right strategies.

You could combine a few side hustles like taking paid surveys, delivering food, or doing freelance work.

For instance, a few hours of proofreading, writing, or graphic design can easily net you $100.

Alternatively, selling items you no longer need, participating in focus groups, or offering a service like dog walking can also help you reach that goal.

The key is to find something that fits your skills and schedule and get started!

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to make more money in one hour, from quick online surveys to selling stuff you no longer need and even delivering food.

While none of these methods will make you a millionaire overnight, they can certainly give your wallet a boost of money ASAP.

The gig economy has opened many doors for anyone to make money in their free time and make money fast with odd jobs here and there.

The idea here is simple: Every little bit of extra money made in one hour is worth it. The extra cash can pile up into something bigger over time.

So, why sit back when you could start now? Start your journey to earning money quickly today.