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​20 Simple Ideas How To Make Money In One Hour (2026)

​20-simple-ideas-how-to-make-money-in-one-hour-(2026)
​20 Simple Ideas How To Make Money In One Hour (2026)

Side hustle made easy – Print, sell, profit.

Need fast cash and wondering how to make money in one hour? With Printify, launch a print-on-demand pop-up store in minutes – or sell unwanted items on resale sites and Facebook Marketplace.

Take online surveys, offer freelance services, or try website testing. Flip unused gift cards for quick payouts – simple moves that bring in fast money now or support a future eCommerce store.


Disclaimer

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no additional cost to you.

Key takeaways

  • For fast wins, online surveys and playing games are simple ways to make money in under an hour.
  • Declutter and sell stuff you don’t wear anymore.
  • A Printify POD pop-up can evolve into a profitable business with repeatable sales.
  • Local gigs such as babysitting, dog walking, and food delivery are often the best bet for same-day payouts.

20 Ways to earn extra cash and improve your personal finances

1. Create a print-on-demand pop-up store

A large print machine actively printing a large sheet of paper with text and images.

Starting a print-on-demand (POD) pop-up store with Printify lets you make money in one hour by launching a quick product drop – t-shirts, mugs, or tote bags – without holding inventory. List a few designs, share the link on social media, and take orders in your Printify Pop-Up Store. 

It’s a smart path to extra cash now and semi-passive income later as an eCommerce store.





Pro tip

Create listings that bundle best-selling products and add a promo post to local Facebook groups for quick traffic. Use a limited-time code for fast cash.



​20 Simple ideas how to make money in one hour ([bp_year]) 1

2. Take paid online surveys for extra money

Paid online surveys are one of the simplest ways to make money in an hour from home. Many survey sites, like Survey Junkie or Swagbucks, let you sign up for free and get paid for answering surveys on various topics. 

Completing multiple surveys can help you earn a few bucks quickly, although the amount you earn will vary by survey and platform.





Pro tip

Stack short surveys on 2-3 online platforms to reduce downtime. Cash out to PayPal or gift cards.

3. Sell unwanted items

Declutter and sell stuff you don’t wear anymore (clothes, unused electronics, books) on online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or at thrift stores/pawnshops for quick money.

Simply snap a few pictures, set a price, and upload your listing to start earning extra cash.





Pro tip

Shoot clean photos, create listings with 3-5 keywords, and cross-post to Facebook Marketplace for same-day pickup and cash.

4. Earn with online games

A man and a young girl joyfully playing video games together, sharing smiles and excitement in a cozy living room setting.

If you want to know how to make money in one hour online while having fun, try playing games on mobile apps and game consoles that reward you with cash or gift cards for in-game tasks and challenges. 

Platforms like Mistplay and JumpTask let you make more money quickly in your free time. You won’t become a millionaire in one hour – or replace your full-time job – but it’s a low-effort way to earn a little extra.





Pro tip

 Focus on time-efficient offers (daily streaks, multiplier events), keep notifications on for limited-time boosters, and cash out gift card balances as soon as you hit the minimum. Stack multiple apps to reduce downtime and nudge earnings toward the higher end.

5. Participate in paid focus groups

If you’re wondering how to make money in one hour without a job, short research sessions are a proven option. Companies pay for your opinions on products, ads, or apps, and many sessions wrap up in less than an hour. 

Look for opportunities on Respondent.io and User Interviews – both host frequent, legit studies across niches (tech, health, creator economy).





Pro tip

Fully complete your profile (job title, tools used, industries). Being a social media manager, teacher, nurse, developer, or niche hobbyist often qualifies you for higher-rate studies.

6. Try dog walking or pet sitting

A woman leads her dog on a leisurely walk down a tree-lined path.

If you love animals, dog walking or pet sitting is an easy way to make money in one hour. Busy pet owners need last-minute help. List on Rover or Wag! to earn cash the same day and sometimes make money instantly with tips.





Pro tip

Offer a free 15-minute meet-and-greet and weekend availability to fill openings quickly.

7. Offer house-sitting services

House sitting is a simple way to earn cash fast. Frequent travelers hire reliable sitters to water plants, bring in mail, take out trash, and keep the home secure. 

Create a profile on TrustedHousesitters, post in neighborhood apps, and ask friends for referrals. Provide photo updates and a checklist to help homeowners feel at ease.





Pro tip

Bundle simple add-ons: trash day, package pickup, and light pet feeding to win jobs and get paid money quickly.

8. Deliver food, groceries, or packages

Offer delivery to make moneyon your own schedule. With a reliable vehicle or bike, start delivering food from restaurants and grocery stores via Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Instacart. 

People are shopping online nonstop, so demand is steady. Most apps pay via direct deposit to your bank account, and strong ratings unlock better profits.





Pro tip

Work lunch and dinner rushes, accept stacked orders, stage near dense restaurant clusters, and send quick ETA messages. Keep an insulated bag to protect hot and cold orders.

9. Make quick money with freelancing

A man with glasses and earphones gives a thumbs-up while holding a mug, smiling at a laptop. Plants and shelves in the background.

Want to make money in one hour with skills you already have? Offer bite-size gigs like graphic design tweaks, resume edits, caption batches, spreadsheet cleanups, or a 30-minute site review. List a “1-hour quick fix” on Fiverr or Upwork to earn money fast without long projects. If you’re a social media manager, sell a rapid profile audit.





Pro tip

Productize your deliverable (clear scope, price, turnaround) and require upfront payment to avoid back-and-forth.

10. Offer same-day product photos for local sellers

Offer fast product photos for neighbors who want to sell on online marketplaces or Facebook. Use your smartphone or camera equipment to shoot clear, well-lit images of furniture, sneakers, or a game console, then hand them the files so they can sell unwanted items faster. It’s high-demand, low-friction, and you can make money instantly via cash, PayPal, or direct deposit.





Pro tip

Bring a portable light, shoot on a clean backdrop, and deliver 8-12 photos within the hour. Offer a basic title and three bullet highlights per item to help them post quickly and earn.

11. Sell unwanted gift cards

Turn unused gift cards into cash – one of the fastest ways to make money in less than an hour. Use marketplaces like CardCash or Gift Card Granny to sell unused gift cards for a nearly instant payout.





Pro tip

Compare buy rates before you list, verify balances, split large cards into smaller denominations, and choose instant payout options for speed. Avoid meeting strangers or sharing codes before payment.

12. Offer babysitting

A woman babysitting a young girl sits at a table drawing with colored pencils.

Babysitting is a great way to make money – parents need last-minute coverage for date nights, errands, or school pickups. 

List on Care.com, post in neighborhood apps, and ask friends for referrals. It’s flexible, local, and pays good money for short shifts.





Pro tip

Add CPR/First Aid, set a one-hour minimum, and offer bank transfer or direct deposit for repeat clients to get paid quicker.

13. Generate income by watching videos

A man and a young girl are seated in a hammock, smiling and enjoying each other's company in a tranquil environment.

Prefer low-effort tasks? Use mobile apps that pay for ad views, trailers, and short clips to make money in one hour at home. Popular options include Swagbucks and InboxDollars, which pay users via gift cards or PayPal.





Pro tip

Queue bite-size playlists, let them run while you tidy up, and cash out as soon as you hit the minimum. Activate streak bonuses to nudge quick cash.

14. Participate in user testing

User testing is one of the quickest ways to make money from home. Sites like UserTesting and Trymata pay you to test websites, apps, or features and share honest feedback. Sessions are short, usually 15 to 30 minutes, and pay well for your time.





Pro tip

Use a clear mic, follow instructions carefully, and speak your thoughts out loud to boost ratings and get more invites.

15. Complete microtasks online

Don’t have special skills? Microtask sites like Amazon Mechanical Turk and Clickworker let you complete quick jobs for a few dollars each.





Pro tip

Focus on bulk tasks you can repeat fast. Skip low-paying surveys and aim for batches that require no context switching to earn money quickly.

16. Offer handyman services locally

A blurred silhouette of a woman in a plaid shirt shakes hands with a handyman holding a toolbox.

If you’re handy with tools, use those skills to make money quickly. Simple odd jobs like assembling furniture, fixing leaks, or mounting shelves can pay well – especially when time is tight. People often just want the job done fast.





Pro tip

Post availability in local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps. Respond fast to urgent requests to land more work in one hour or less.

17. Rent out unused electronics and gear

If you have unused tools, equipment, or even a spare room, consider renting it out for extra cash. Renting out your belongings benefits others who need them temporarily while you earn extra money in your free time.





Pro tip

Include chargers/cables, set weekend pricing, require ID at pickup, and schedule tight pickup windows.

18. Sell digital products

Selling digital products is a fast way to earn money without managing physical inventory. 

Use design tools like Adobe Express to create printable artwork, planners, invitations, or eBooks, and sell them on platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or your own website. These products sell repeatedly without additional effort, making this a fun and quick way to earn money online.





Pro tip

Launch a small bundle, include simple usage rights, and add a limited-time intro price to drive first-hour sales.

19. Offer quick coaching sessions

A smiling woman sits at a desk, focused on her laptop while working in a bright, inviting environment.

Share your expertise in career strategy, personal finance, language tutoring, or fitness and earn money from home. Promote on social media, LinkedIn, or your own website, then meet on Zoom or Skype. Package a 30-60 minute session so you can make money in one hour with clear deliverables.





Pro tip

Offer a quick audit with a simple checklist and a payment link for instant booking.

20. Flip free stuff

Flipping free stuff is a simple way to makemoney fast. In your spare time, hunt for giveaways on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or Freecycle. Clean items, do light fixes, and sell stuff for a quick profit. 

With a good find, you can make money in an hour by grabbing, cleaning, photographing, and listing.





Pro tip

Add clear photos, simple measurements, and “same-day pickup” to move items quickly.

FAQ

Yes. Aim for high-paying tasks like freelance writing, graphic design, or coaching. You can also sell valuable items you no longer need, like electronics or precious metals, for a quick $100.

Take surveys or start a print-on-demand store with Printify. Offer freelance services such as virtual assistance, data entry, or writing, or sell items you no longer use. Work at your own pace and on your own schedule.

Try babysitting, dog walking, or selling stuff you no longer use. Many fast-earning methods require being 18, so check each site’s terms of service.

Explore Swagbucks, Care.com, Survey Junkie, Printify, JumpTask, and Nextdoor. Each offers different ways to earn by completing tasks, selling products, or offering services.

Babysitting, walking dogs, selling items on Facebook Marketplace, and odd jobs like handyman work are reliable ways to earn fast, in-person cash.

Summary

There are many ways to make money when you get creative. Work from home by managing social media, playing games, offering tech support, or selling unused items. Prefer offline? Try house sitting, dog walking, or delivery services. 

For a smarter long-term play, launch a print-on-demand business with Printify – design quickly, list products, and let fulfillment run in the background while you focus on sales. Repeat daily for momentum.

Make it your way!

The post ​20 Simple ideas how to make money in one hour (2026) appeared first on Printify.

This originally appeared on Printify and is available here for wider discovery.
Shopify Growth Strategies for DTC Brands | Steve Hutt | Former Shopify Merchant Success Manager | 445+ Podcast Episodes | 50K Monthly Downloads