How to Make $5 Fast: 17 Proven Ways

Sometimes, you need a quick $5. Maybe you want a snack, cover a small bill, or save up for something bigger. The good news is that making $5 fast is easier than you think. Here are 17 simple ways to earn that extra cash quickly.

1. Take Online Surveys

Taking online surveys is one of the easiest ways to make $5 quickly. Many companies want consumer feedback and are willing to pay for it. Survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars offer rewards in cash or gift cards for answering questions about your shopping habits, opinions on products, or even your lifestyle choices.

The process is simple:

• Sign up on a survey website and complete your profile.
• The website matches you with surveys that fit your demographic.
• Answer questions honestly and complete surveys to earn points or cash.
• Redeem your earnings through PayPal, gift cards, or direct deposit.

Most surveys pay between $0.50 and $5, and completing a few in your free time can quickly add up. Some sites also offer signup bonuses, which means you could get your first $5 just by joining and completing a single survey.

2. Sell an Item You Don’t Need

Selling unused items is one of the fastest ways to make $5. Many of us have things lying around that we no longer use or need. It could be an old book, a piece of clothing, a phone case, or a small household item. Selling just one or two of these things can get you $5 or more in no time.

Here’s how to do it:

• Look Around Your Home: Check for items like old electronics, accessories, or toys that you no longer use.
• Choose a Selling Platform: Websites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, Poshmark, and Mercari allow you to list and sell items quickly.
• Set a Fair Price: If you want to sell fast, price your item competitively. A small discount can help attract buyers quickly.
• Take Good Photos: Clear pictures make your item more appealing and increase the chances of a quick sale.
• Write a Simple Description: Mention key details like the condition, brand, and any special features.
• Arrange a Safe Exchange: If selling locally, meet in a public place. If selling online, use secure shipping methods.

Some quick-sale ideas include:

• Old books or textbooks
• Unworn or gently used clothing
• Unused gift cards
• Small electronics like headphones or chargers
• Kitchen tools or appliances
• Collectibles or vintage items

Selling an item you no longer need is not only a fast way to make $5, but it also helps declutter your space!

3. Use Cashback Apps

Cashback apps are an easy way to earn money on purchases you already plan to make. These apps partner with retailers and brands to offer a percentage of your purchase back as cash rewards. Instead of paying full price, you get a portion of your money back, which adds up over time.

Here’s how it works:

• Download a Cashback App: Popular options include Rakuten, Dosh, Ibotta, and Fetch Rewards.
• Sign Up and Link Your Accounts: Some apps require you to link your debit or credit card, while others ask you to scan receipts.
• Shop Through the App: Some apps give cashback when you shop online through their portal, while others reward you for scanning in-store receipts.
• Earn and Redeem Cash: Cashback is typically added to your account balance, which you can withdraw via PayPal, direct deposit, or gift cards.

How to make $5 fast with cashback apps:

• Use Rakuten for online purchases: Sign up and make your first purchase to get a bonus (often $5-$10).
• Scan grocery receipts on Ibotta or Fetch Rewards: Some items offer instant cashback, and you can cash out once you reach $5.
• Link a credit or debit card to Dosh: Earn automatic cashback when you shop at participating stores.

Cashback apps are great because they require little effort and reward you for spending money you were already going to spend!

4. Complete Small Gigs on Fiverr

Fiverr is a freelance platform where you can offer services starting at $5. You don’t need to be an expert to earn money on Fiverr. Many people make quick cash by providing simple services that require minimal skills or time.

Here’s how to make $5 fast on Fiverr:

• Create an Account: Sign up for free and set up your profile.
• Choose a Service to Offer: Think about simple gigs such as:
  • Writing short blog posts or product descriptions
  • Basic logo design using free tools like Canva
  • Virtual assistance tasks like data entry
  • Transcribing short audio files
  • Proofreading small documents
  • Removing backgrounds from images
  • Testing websites or mobile apps
• Set Up Your Gig: Write a clear description, set your price, and upload a sample of your work.
• Deliver on Time: Complete tasks quickly to get good reviews and attract more customers.
• Withdraw Your Earnings: Fiverr allows you to withdraw money through PayPal or bank transfer once you reach $5.

Many people start with small tasks on Fiverr and later turn it into a full-time side hustle. If you need $5 fast, Fiverr is a great place to offer quick services!

5. Walk Dogs or Pet Sit

If you love animals, dog walking or pet sitting can be a great way to make $5 quickly. Many pet owners need help taking care of their pets, whether it’s walking their dogs during work hours or watching their pets while they’re away.

Here’s how to start:

• Sign Up on Pet Sitting Platforms: Websites like Rover and Wag! connect you with pet owners looking for dog walkers and pet sitters.
• Offer Your Services Locally: Ask friends, family, or neighbors if they need help with their pets.
• Set a Fair Rate: Many pet owners are willing to pay $10-$20 per walk or short pet-sitting session, making it easy to earn $5 quickly.
• Be Reliable and Trustworthy: Show up on time, follow pet care instructions, and be kind to the animals.
• Expand Your Services: Consider offering additional services like feeding pets, cleaning litter boxes, or playing with pets for extra cash.

If you enjoy spending time with animals, this is an easy and fun way to earn money while getting some fresh air and exercise!

6. Recycle Bottles and Cans

Many states have bottle deposit programs that pay you for recycling empty bottles and cans. You can earn anywhere from 5 to 10 cents per container, depending on your location.

Here’s how to make $5 fast with recycling:

• Collect Bottles and Cans: Look around your home, ask friends or neighbors, or check public spaces (where permitted) for recyclables.
• Find a Recycling Center: Many grocery stores and recycling centers have machines where you can return bottles and cans for cash.
• Sort Your Items: Some places require you to separate cans from plastic bottles.
• Turn Them In: Deposit your items in the machine or hand them to an attendant and collect your earnings.

A quick collection of 50-100 bottles or cans can easily add up to $5 or more!

7. Do Simple Tasks on TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a platform that connects people who need small jobs done with people willing to do them. You can complete tasks like furniture assembly, moving help, grocery shopping, or minor home repairs. Many of these small gigs pay well over $5, making it easy to earn quickly.

Here’s how to start:

• Sign Up and Create a Profile: Register on TaskRabbit, choose the tasks you’re willing to do, and set your rates.
• Browse Available Jobs: Look for quick tasks in your area that match your skills.
• Accept and Complete Tasks: Communicate with clients, complete the work efficiently, and receive payment.
• Withdraw Your Earnings: TaskRabbit allows direct deposit transfers, so you can access your money quickly.

Some simple tasks that pay at least $5 include:

• Running errands
• Assembling IKEA furniture
• Carrying groceries
• Light yard work

If you’re looking for quick cash, TaskRabbit is a great way to make money while helping people in your community.

8. Test Websites for Money

Websites like UserTesting pay you to review and test websites. A quick test can pay $5 or more within minutes.

9. Sell Scrap Metal

If you have old metal items like aluminum, copper, or brass, you can sell them at a scrap yard. Even small amounts can quickly add up to $5.

10. Play Games for Cash

Apps like Mistplay and Lucktastic reward you for playing games.

If you’re already playing on your phone, this is an easy way to make money.

11. Donate Plasma

If you’re eligible, donating plasma can pay between $20 and $50 per session. It’s a great way to earn quick cash while helping others.

12. Return Items You Don’t Need

If you have recent purchases you regret, return them for a refund. Many stores allow returns within a certain period, and this can free up quick cash.

13. Try Gig Apps Like Uber Eats or DoorDash

If you have a car or bike, delivering food for apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Postmates can quickly earn you $5 or more per delivery.

14. Babysit for an Hour

Ask a neighbor, friend, or family member if they need a babysitter for a short time. Even an hour of babysitting can get you $5 quickly.

15. Sign Up for Signup Bonuses

Some apps and banks offer free money when you sign up. For example, Cash App and PayPal sometimes give you $5 for joining and referring friends.

16. Participate in Market Research

Market research studies pay people to give opinions on new products. Some studies take just a few minutes and pay well over $5.

17. Help Someone with Yard Work

Offer to rake leaves, mow a lawn, or shovel snow. Many people are willing to pay $5 or more for quick outdoor help.

Final Thoughts

Making $5 quickly is possible with little effort. Whether online or in-person, these ideas help you earn extra cash without waiting. Try one or more of these methods today, and that $5 will be in your pocket in no time.