Making 500 dollars fast may seem like a very difficult task, but with some tips, it’s very possible. There are many ways to make money quickly without spending a lot of time. You just need to know where to look and what to do.
In this article, we’re going to look at how to make 500 dollars fast, and cover some of the best methods for making $500 in a short period of time.
If you need to make $500 fast, we need to first break down fast. Is it a day, week, or maybe even a month?
Whatever your needs, we’ve got solutions to make 500 dollars fast for all of these timeframes, so let’s start with making $500 in 24 hours.
How to make 500 dollars in a day
Making $500 in a day is definitely possible, but it’s going to take some work.
Here are the most effective methods you can use to make $500 fast:
Sell things you don’t need
When you’re looking for ways to make 500 dollars fast, selling things you don’t need is a great option. You can sell almost anything you have lying around your house, from clothes and furniture to electronics and appliances.
To get started, take a look through your belongings and decide what you can live without. Once you’ve gathered some items together that could be worth $500, it’s time to list them.
There are a number of ways for you to sell the things you don’t need.
Here are a few methods to consider, and use whichever is the best fit:
Garage sale
This is a great option if you have a lot of things to sell, and you don’t mind selling them for lower prices.
You can also team up with friends or neighbors who are looking to get rid of some things, which can help increase your chances of making $500 as you can attract more people to the sale.
If you don’t have a garage, you can have a yard sale if the weather allows it.
Craiglist
This website is a great option for selling larger items, such as furniture or appliances. You can also sell smaller items, but you’ll probably have more luck selling them in bulk.
Be wary of scammers, so only deal with people who are local and willing to meet in person.
eBay
This is a great option for selling items that are in good condition and would likely fetch a higher price.
You’ll need to take good-quality photos, write an accurate description, and ship the items when they’re sold.
It’s also worth noting that eBay takes a percentage of your final sale price, so make sure to factor this in when setting your prices.
Pawnshops
If you have items of value that you’re willing to part with, such as jewelry or electronics, pawn shops are a great option.
They’ll give you a loan based on the value of your item, and you can either pay back the loan plus interest to get your item back, or you can allow the pawnshop to keep your item and use the money as you see fit.
Keep in mind that pawnshops typically offer lower prices than what you could get if you sold the item yourself, so this option is best if you’re in need of quick cash.
Facebook Marketplace
This is a great option if you want to sell items to people in your local area.
It’s similar to Craiglist, but it’s easier to use and there’s less of a chance of running into scammers.
Presell services
If you need to make $500 in a day and have a skill that can be used to provide a service, then preselling is a great option.
This can work great if you have pre-existing customers, but you can also do it if you’re starting from scratch.
Another reason why preselling your services is a great option for making some quick cash is because you can do this for just about any type of service.
Whether you have an online business that does web design and SEO or a more traditional face-to-face service like lawn care, carpet cleaning, or even pet-sitting, you can use preselling to make $500 in a day.
To get started, simply reach out to potential customers and let them know what services you offer. Once you’ve found a few customers who are interested, provide them with a quote for your services and offer them a discount for future services that will cover the $500 you need ASAP.
Remember that with this method you will still need to do (or outsource) the future work that you’ve booked.
Bank account bonuses
Another great way to make some extra cash is to take advantage of bank account bonuses.
Many banks and credit unions offer sign-up bonuses when you open a new account, and these bonuses can range from $100-$500.
To qualify for the bonus, you’ll typically need to meet a minimum deposit requirement and keep your account open for a certain period of time, usually between 3-6 months.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to read the fine print to make sure you don’t get hit with any hidden fees, and be sure to compare offers from multiple banks before deciding which one is right for you.
While you won’t get the cash immediately, you can earn a couple of hundred dollars with only a few minutes of work.
Credit card sign-up bonuses
Similar to bank account bonuses, many credit card companies offer sign-up bonuses when you open a new credit card.
These bonuses can also range from $100-$500, and you’ll typically need to meet a minimum spending requirement to qualify for the bonus.
However, unlike bank account bonuses, there is usually no time requirement for keeping the account open, so you can cancel the card once you’ve earned the bonus.
Again, read the fine print carefully to avoid any hidden fees, and compare offers from multiple credit card companies before deciding which one is right for you.
Fix up old furniture to sell
This is a great option if you have some old furniture that you’re not using anymore.
You can either sell it as-is, or you can put some time and effort into fixing it up to increase its value.
Either way, this is a great way to make some extra cash without having to spend any money upfront.
If you don’t have any old pieces of furniture lying around, you can go onto places like craigslist or Facebook Marketplace and look for free (or cheap) old furniture. Collect the furniture needing some TLC, give it a make-over, and sell it for a profit.
Check out this great video by DIY Wife that covers what you need to know:
Make 500 dollars fast by bargain hunting
Sticking with the trend of buying low and selling high, if you have an eye for a bargain, you can make 500 dollars in a day by going bargain hunting.
You can find good deals from a number of places, such as:
- Garage sales
- Swap meets, flea markets, etc.
- Second-hand stores and thrift shops
- Online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace
- Clearance sections in stores
The key is to look for items that are undervalued and in good condition. Once you’ve found a few items, you can sell them either online or in person.
Here are some tips for bargain hunting:
- Be patient and don’t be afraid to haggle (buying multiple items can really help here).
- Know what the item is worth before you start bargaining.
- Start low and increase your offer slowly.
- Be prepared to walk away if you can’t reach a reasonable agreement.
How to make 500 dollars in a week
In order to make $500 in a week, you can use the methods we mentioned to make $500 in a day, but with a few more days to work with, you have some additional options.
Here are some of the best ways to make 500 dollars in a week:
Deliver food with Uber Eats or Doordash
If you have a car, bike, or scooter, you can sign up to be a driver with Uber Eats or Doordash and start delivering food.
You can make up to $25/hour depending on the city you’re in, and you can work as much or as little as you want.
To get started, sign up for an account with Uber Eats or Doordash and start taking delivery requests in your area.
By following a few best practices, you can make $500+ per week with Uber Eats or DoorDash.
Drive for Uber or Lyft
Another way to make money by driving is through ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft.
With these apps, you can essentially become your own taxi service and earn money by giving people rides.
How much you make depends on a number of factors, such as:
- The city you’re driving in.
- The demand for rides at the time you’re driving.
- How many rides you can complete.
The best way to maximize your earnings is to drive during times when there is high demand for rides (such as weekends or holidays) and to complete as many rides as possible.
To get started, sign up for an account with Uber or Lyft and start taking ride requests in your area.
Deliver groceries with Instacard or Postmates
Another way of earning $500 a week is by delivering groceries.
With apps like Instacard or Postmates, you can shop for groceries and then deliver them to people in your area.
This is a great way to make some extra money, especially if you’re already doing your own grocery shopping.
To get started, sign up for an account with Instacard or Postmates and start taking delivery requests in your area.
Perform other delivery/driving gigs
There are many other driving and delivery-related ways to earn $500 a week.
If you live near a busy airport, you can shuttle people to and from the airport using an app like SuperShuttle.
You can also deliver packages with Amazon Flex, or help people move with apps like TaskRabbit.
Perform odd jobs for people in your community
If you’re willing to do some manual labor, there are always people who will be happy to pay you for it.
You can find odd jobs by checking online classifieds, using an app like TaskRabbit, or simply asking around your community.
Some examples of odd jobs include:
- Yard work (mowing lawns, trimming hedges, etc.)
- Housework (cleaning, organization, etc.)
- Handyman work (minor repairs, painting, assembly, etc.)
If you can find a few people who need your services, you should be able to earn $500 or more in a week.
How to make 500 dollars in a month on the side
If you have a little more time to make 500 dollars but have a full-time or part-time job that takes away some of your time, here are some of the best ways to make $500+ in a month on the side:
Sell advertising space on your vehicle
If you have a car, truck, or van, you can make money by selling advertising space on your vehicle.
This is a great way to make some extra money without doing any additional work.
Companies like Wrapify, Carvertise, and Nickelytics, will pay you to wrap your vehicle in advertising for brands that they are working with.
You can choose which type of advertisements you want to display on your vehicle and you can choose from the available brands in your area.
How much you earn will be dependent on the advertising campaign in question, how much you drive per month, your location, etc.
You can make more than $500 per month on the side with car advertising, but most people generally earn around $400 per month with this method.
Make 500 dollars on the side by doing surveys
Online surveys are a great way to make extra money in your spare time.
There are many companies that will pay you for your opinion, and the amount you earn will depend on the company, the type of survey, and your demographics.
You can generally expect to earn $0.50-$5.00 per survey, but some surveys can pay much more.
Here’s a complete guide on how to make money doing online surveys.
Pet sitting
Anyone who’s ever owned a pet knows how important it is to provide them with the love and care they deserve. But what happens when their owner goes out of town? That’s where pet sitting comes in.
By providing a safe and loving environment for pets while their owners are away, you can not only make some extra money but also earn the gratitude of animal lovers everywhere.
To get started, create a profile on a pet-sitting platform like Rover or TrustedHousesitters. Once you’ve been approved, you can start taking bookings from pet owners in your area.
Rates vary depending on the length of the stay and the type of animal, but you can expect to earn $25-$50 per day pet sitting.
If you love animals and are looking for a way to make some extra money, pet sitting is the perfect solution. By providing quality care for pets while their owners are away, you can build up a loyal clientele and earn a healthy income.
Dog walking
Dog walking is a great way to get some exercise and earn some extra money at the same time.
There are many dog owners who are happy to pay someone to walk their dog for them, and the going rate is generally $10-$25 per 30-minute walk.
If you live in a busy area with lots of dog owners, you could easily make $500 or more in a month by walking dogs on the side.
To find pooches in the area that need to go walkies, create a profile on Rover or Wag!. Once you’ve been approved, you can start taking bookings and walking dogs in your spare time.
Rent out a room on Airbnb
If you have an extra room in your house or apartment, you can make money by renting it out on Airbnb (or other similar platforms).
Prices vary depending on the location and amenities of the listing, but you can earn upwards of $500 per month if you have a decent occupancy rate.
If you’re renting your property, be sure that your rental agreement allows sub-leasing and what types, as well as check with your local authorities on specific rules and regulations for renting out your room.
Rent out your car
If you have a car that you’re not using all the time, why not rent it out? There are many companies that will allow you to do this, including Turo and HyreCar.
The amount you can earn will depend on the make and model of your car, but you can typically expect to earn $30-$50 per day.
To get started, simply sign up with one of the aforementioned companies and list your car. Once it’s been approved, you can start renting it out to people in your area.
As a bonus, depending on where you live, you may also be able to rent out our driveway/parking space when you’re not using it.
Rent out camera gear
Do you have any camera or photography/videography equipment that you do not use daily? If so, you can rent it out and earn some extra cash.
You can use marketplaces like Craiglist or Facebook Marketplace to rent out your gear and the amount you can earn will depend on the specific items you have, how in-demand it is, and how long it’s being rented for.
For example, if you have a Sony A7III camera, you can get around $30 per day by renting it out. And most people will need a lens or two to go with it, which can easily bring in a couple of hundred dollars a week through camera equipment rentals.
Make sure to use proper legal agreements for your area so that renters do not just take your gear and run. You should also consider insurance in the case of stolen and damaged property.
Do freelance work
If you have any skills or talents that others are willing to pay for, you can do freelance work and make some extra money every month.
There are many websites and online platforms where you can find work, including Fiverr, Upwork, and PeoplePerHour. The amount you can earn will depend on the type of work you’re doing, but you can easily make $500 or more per month if you’re taking on a few clients.
To get the most value for your time, have a look a the most in-demand freelance jobs here.
Start a blog
While it takes time to grow a blog and start earning money from it, it can be a great way to make $500 or more per month on a regular basis.
You can blog about just about any subject that you’re passionate about and then monetize your articles through affiliate links, selling digital products or courses, sponsored posts, or ads on your site.
To get started, you’ll need hosting, I recommend Hostinger or Bluehost for beginners. They’re both really affordable (less than $5/month) and they make it easy to set up your blog with WordPress.
Once you have your hosting and domain set up, it’s time to start researching topics to write about, create your personal pages, get publishing, and start monetizing your blog.
If you decide on using ads as a way to monetize your blog, go straight with Ezoic as you can make a lot more than you would with regular AdSense and they can compete with top premium ad networks like Mediavine, AdThrive, etc. without requiring 50k plus visitors per month.
[affiliatable id=’93045′]
Sell stock photos and videos
Do you like taking photos or videos? If so, you can sell your stock photos and videos online and earn some extra money.
There are a few different platforms that you can use to do this, including Shutterstock, Bigstock photo, Alamy, etc.
The amount you can earn will depend on the quality of your photos/videos and how popular they are, but you can easily make a couple of hundred dollars or more per month once you have a large portfolio of images and/or videos.
This is also a great option if you already have a large archive of images/videos that are of good quality. Instead of having those pictures just sitting around on your hard drive, why not turn them into profits.
How to save $500 per month
While we’re on the subject of making an extra $500 per month, maybe you can achieve that goal in a different way. Instead of earning $500 more, perhaps you can spend $500 less per month.
Here are 7 ways to save $500 per month:
Move to a more affordable area
If you’re paying too much for your current housing situation, it might be time to look for a more affordable place to live. This could mean finding a cheaper apartment or house, moving to a cheaper city, or even just downsizing to a smaller place.
The amount of money you can save by doing this will depend on your current situation, but it’s not uncommon to save $500 or more per month by making a change like this.
Find a house where you can rent out one or multiple rooms
If you have a large house or apartment, you can rent out rooms to tenants and earn some extra money each month.
The amount you can charge will depend on the location, size, and amenities of your place, but you could easily make $500 or more per month by renting out just one room.
There are many names for this type of property agreement, mostly known as “House Hacking”, where you rent a property and live in it with other tenants to help cover the cost of the rent.
If the property has multiple bedrooms, you can even end up with a situation where the other tenants cover the entirety of the monthly rent.
Again here though, you will have to be aware of your lease agreement and what is and is not allowed in your area.
Also, as you will effectively be the landlord for the tenants that live with you, you will generally be responsible for their actions on the property and not the actual property owner. This means you need to be quite selective when looking for new tenants.
Cancel subscriptions you do not use
Do you have any monthly subscriptions that you don’t really use? If so, then cancel them and save yourself some money each month.
It’s not uncommon for people to have multiple subscriptions that they never or hardly ever use. This could be anything from a gym membership to a streaming service like Netflix.
If you can’t remember the last time you used a particular service, then it’s probably time to cancel it. This is an easy way to save $10, $20, or even $50+ per month without changing your lifestyle too much.
Eat out less and plan your meals
If you eat out for lunch or dinner regularly, then try cooking more meals at home. This will not only save you money but can also be healthier for you.
Eating out can be expensive, especially if you do it multiple times per week. By cooking at home, you can easily save $100 or more per week.
In addition to eating out less, plan your meals in advance. This will help you avoid wasting food, you can buy more items in bulk (and therefore cheaper), and will also make it easier to stick to your budget.
Re-evaluate the subscriptions you do use
As we just discussed, it’s important to cancel the subscriptions you don’t use. But you should also take a close look at the subscriptions you do use and see if there are any that you can save money on.
For example, if you’re paying for a premium cable TV package, could you downgrade to a cheaper package and still be happy with the channels you receive?
If you’re paying for a streaming service like Netflix, could you switch to a cheaper service like Hulu?
There are often many ways to save money on the subscriptions you use without changing your lifestyle too much. So take a close look at your current subscriptions and see if there are any that you can save.
Oftentimes, if you cancel a subscription, the service will offer you a discount or special for a time period to change your mind.
As subscriptions are relatively easy to reactivate, if you do cancel and they don’t offer you a discounted fee for staying, you can just say you want to reactivate the subscription before the billing period ends.
Buy used goods (and sell your used goods)
Clothing, furniture, cars, and many other items can be bought used for a fraction of the cost of buying them new.
Not only will this save you money but it’s also better for the environment. So next time you need to buy something, see if you can find it used first. A lot of the items available online or at second-hand shops are in great condition (some maybe even new, like a gift someone doesn’t need or want) and work just as well as their newer counterparts.
And when you’re buying used, you may also get an idea of some things lying around your home that you can sell used as well.
Sell your car
If you have a car that you don’t use very often or can live without, then consider selling it. Cars are expensive to own and maintain, so getting rid of one can save you a lot of money each month.
Plus, if you live in a city where public transportation is available, getting rid of your car could actually make your life easier and less stressful.
If you live in a remote area, this may not be an option, but consider downsizing your vehicle, or finding an alternative vehicle with lower maintenance costs.
Final thoughts on how to make 500 dollars fast
There are many ways to make 500 dollars fast without making any major changes to your lifestyle, if you put your mind to it, you can even double that and make $1000 in a day.
All you need is a bit of creativity and some willpower to see them through. So take some time to think about the tips we’ve provided and see which ones work best for you.
With a bit of effort, you should be able to make an extra $500 in no time.
