When we need money, we need it fast. Whether it’s to pay for an unexpected expense, cover an overdue bill, or handle an emergency situation, waiting around for funds simply isn’t an option. Luckily, there are many ways to get cash quickly without resorting to selling your belongings or taking out high-interest loans. In this article, we’ll explore several ways to get money instantly and discuss their pros and cons. Keep in mind that some of these methods may work better for you than others depending on your location, skills, and financial situation. Before making any decisions, ensure that you weigh the risks and benefits and choose an option that aligns with your values and goals. With that said, let’s dive into some of the best ways to get money instantly.
Sell Items You No Longer Need
Selling items you no longer need or use is one of the quickest ways to get money instantly. Here are some ways to do it:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- eBay
- Consignment stores
- Pawn shops
Ensure that you set reasonable prices for your items and provide accurate descriptions to attract potential buyers. Some items that you could sell include:
- Electronics
- Clothes
- Jewelry
- Furniture
You can also consider selling handmade crafts, vintage items, or digital products like e-books or courses.
Take on Odd Jobs
You can offer your services for odd jobs in your community. Here are some ways to find odd jobs:
Some examples of jobs you might do are:
- Yard work
- House cleaning
- Running errands
- Personal shopping
How do I sell my item?
Here are a few steps you can follow to sell your item:
- Decide on which platform you would like to sell your item such as eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace.
- Ensure your item is in good condition and take clear, well-lit photos of it.
- Create an accurate and detailed description of your item, including any flaws or damages.
- Price your item fairly based on its condition, market value, and any comparable items for sale.
- Post your item for sale with your photos and description.
- Promote your item on social media or other platforms to increase visibility.
- Be responsive to inquiries and negotiate with potential buyers to close the deal.
- Once you have agreed on a price, arrange payment and shipping (if applicable) with the buyer.
Ride-sharing and Food Delivery Services
If you have a car or a bike, put them to good use and make money through ride-sharing or food delivery services. Here are some platforms that you can sign up to get started:
| Ride-sharing | Food delivery |
|---|---|
| Uber | DoorDash |
| Lyft | Grubhub |
| TaxiFareFinder | Postmates |
| Gett | Instacart |
Some interesting facts about ride-sharing and food delivery services:
- Uber has over 93 million monthly active users globally
- Lots of restaurants are now partnering with delivery companies to reach more customers
- DoorDash’s busiest day of the week is Sunday, while Grubhub’s is Thursday
- Instacart offers same-day grocery delivery from local stores
Which food delivery system makes the most money?
Here are the top highest-grossing food delivery systems worldwide as of 2021:
- Uber Eats: Gross revenue of $30 billion
- Meituan Dianping: Gross revenue of $27.68 billion
- Doordash: Gross revenue of $8 billion
- Grubhub: Gross revenue of $2.4 billion
- Postmates: Gross revenue of $1.2 billion
It is important to note that gross revenue does not equate to profit, and factors like market size, competition, and operational costs can greatly affect a company’s profitability.
Part-time Jobs and Side Gigs
If you’re looking for a more consistent source of income, consider finding a part-time job or a side gig. Here are some industries that constantly offer part-time work and side gig opportunities:
- Retail: work as a cashier, stock person, or sales associate at local stores like Walmart, Target, or Dollar Tree
- Food service: work as a waiter, bartender, or cook at restaurants, cafes, or bars in your area
- Hospitality: work as a housekeeper or front desk agent at hotels, resorts, or Airbnb properties
- Gig economy: work as a freelancer or contractor in fields like writing, graphic design, marketing, or web development through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr
Some interesting facts about part-time jobs and side gigs:
- 57.3 million Americans freelanced in 2019, representing 35% of the US workforce
- The average pay for a retail sales associate is $12.60 per hour in the US
- Tipping is a common practice in food service and hospitality industries in the US
How can I make money on the side of a part time job?
Here are some ways you can earn some extra cash while working a part-time job:
- Offer your services as a freelancer on websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
- Drive for ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
- Become a pet-sitter or dog-walker through apps like Rover.
- Sell items you no longer need on platforms like eBay, Amazon or Facebook Marketplace.
- Participate in paid online surveys or sign up for paid focus groups.
Remember to do your research and choose side hustles that align with your skills and interests.
Personal Loans
If you’re unable to make ends meet with the previous options, consider taking out a personal loan. While not ideal, a personal loan can be an option in times of financial hardship. Here’s what you need to know:
- Personal loans are typically unsecured loans, meaning you don’t need to offer collateral like a car or house to secure the loan
- Interest rates on personal loans can range from 5% to 36%, depending on your credit score and the lender
- You can apply for a personal loan from your bank, credit union or online lending platforms like LendingClub, Prosper or Avant
- The terms of the loan will vary depending on the lender, but you can usually borrow between $1,000 to $50,000, with a repayment period of 1 to 5 years
- Be sure to read the fine print, understand the interest rates and fees, and have a plan to pay back the loan before taking one out
Some important details to consider before taking out a personal loan:
- Your credit score will affect your ability to get a loan, as well as the interest rate you’ll be charged
- A personal loan can impact your credit score, so make sure you can make timely payments
- If you default on the loan, the lender can take legal action to collect the debt, which can include wage garnishment, property seizure, or bank account liens
What is a Personal Loan Option?
A personal loan option is a type of loan that can be used for any personal expenses, such as vehicle repairs or home renovations.
Some of the benefits of a personal loan include:
- Flexible repayment terms
- No collateral required
- Fixed interest rates and payments
- Quick and easy access to funds
If you’re interested in learning more about personal loans or comparing different options, various financial websites such as NerdWallet or Bankrate provide comprehensive information and resources to help you make an informed decision.
Credit Cards with Instant Approval
If you have a credit card or are in the market for one, look for cards with instant approval to get quick access to credit. These cards typically have the following features:
- Quick and easy application process that can be done online
- Instant approval and credit limits based on your credit score
- Some cards offer sign-up bonuses, cash-back rewards, or interest-free periods for new customers
- Many cards offer balance transfer options that allow you to transfer high-interest debt to a card with lower interest rates
- Some cards offer 0% interest rates for a limited period, which can help you pay down debt without generating more interest
Keep in mind that credit cards come with high-interest rates and fees, so be sure to pay off your balance as soon as possible to avoid accruing interest. You can also consider getting a secured credit card, which requires a deposit that serves as collateral for your credit limit. With responsible use, a secured card can help you build or rebuild your credit. Some popular credit cards that offer instant approval include:
- Citi Double Cash Card
- Discover it Cash Back
- Chase Freedom Flex
- American Express Blue Cash Preferred
Do you get instantly approved for credit card?
No, not all credit card applications are approved instantly. Some applications are approved instantly if you meet the credit issuer’s requirements, but others require further review. The time it takes for approval can vary from a few seconds to a few weeks.
Here are some reasons why your credit card application might not receive instant approval:
- Your credit score doesn’t meet the issuer’s requirements
- You have too much debt
- You don’t make enough money to cover the credit limit
- You have a recent history of late payments
It’s always a good idea to check your credit score before applying for a credit card. You can get a free credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
Conclusion
Getting money instantly can be a lifesaver when you are facing a financial emergency. Whether you prefer to sell your belongings, offer your services, or take out a loan, there are many options available to choose from. Before making a decision, take the time to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that best fits your needs and goals. Remember to read the fine print and understand the terms of any agreement or loan. With responsible financial management, you can meet your short-term financial needs without jeopardizing your long-term financial goals.
