How to Make Money Online for Beginners: 15 Easy Options

Earning money from home has never been easier. You can pick up quick side jobs, explore creative projects or even build something long-term — all without advanced skills or a big budget.

Today, we’re looking at a few of the simplest ways to start earning, from fun apps to freelancing and digital sales.

The Easiest Ways to Make Money Online: Which Are Right for You?

There’s no single answer on how to make money online for beginners. What works best depends on your goals, skills and how much time you can commit. Whether you’re looking for quick ways to make money online or something that can grow into a reliable income stream, the key is finding the approach that fits your lifestyle. From launching online courses to opening an online store or learning digital marketing, your path to earning can be as flexible or ambitious as you want it to be.

Your time commitment

Think about how many hours per week you can realistically dedicate. Quick wins like survey sites or cash-back apps take minimal time, while content creation, freelancing or building a YouTube channel require more consistent effort.

Upfront investment

Decide whether you want to start with $0 or invest a bit in tools, training or marketing. A small upfront cost can sometimes speed up your success if used wisely.

Your skills and interests

Choose something that aligns with what you already enjoy or know how to do. You’ll stay motivated longer, and it’ll feel less like work when it matches your natural strengths.

Payment speed

Some online gigs pay instantly or weekly, while others take time to build momentum. For example, affiliate marketing and blogging can become steady earners over time but don’t generate fast payouts at first.

Risk tolerance

Avoid “get rich quick” promises and do your research before signing up for any platform. Reading reviews and sticking with reputable sites is the best way to protect yourself. That’s not to say every “easy method to earn money online” you run into is something you should immediately be suspicious of — just be cautious.

Goals and motivation

Ask yourself what you’re working toward. Perhaps it’s earning a little extra spending money, finding a side hustle, or building a long-term online business. Knowing your “why” helps you pick the right methods and stay consistent.

Once you’ve nailed down what matters most, such as your time, goals, and comfort level, it’s time to go through these 15 legit, beginner-friendly ways to make money online, see what fits you best and start building your own reliable income stream.

1. Take Paid Online Surveys

Companies are always looking for consumer feedback to improve their products and services. They pay users to take online surveys, which typically take just a few minutes. In exchange, participants earn points that can be redeemed for cash or gift cards.

Some of the best survey sites we recommend include: 

• InboxDollars
• Go Branded
• MyPoints

We also have a full list of our favorite survey sites here.

Pros:

• You don’t need any experience or special skills.
• It’s both a quick and flexible way to earn.

Cons:

• Earnings are relatively low.
• Some sites disqualify users from surveys, which limits earning potential.

2. Phone Games That Pay You to Play

Certain mobile games offer real cash rewards for playing, which is a fun way to learn how to make money online for beginners without much effort. Some games let users compete in skill-based tournaments where they can win money, while others provide small earnings just for playing regularly.

A few of the best money-making games are:

• Solitaire Smash
• Solitaire Cash
• Bingo Cash

See The Penny Hoarder’s full list of games that pay real money here. 

Pros:

• Earn your extra cash doing something fun.
• There’s no large upfront investment.

Cons:

• Winnings will depend on gameplay skills.
• Some apps do require deposits for tournaments.

3. Use Money-Making Apps

Money-making apps reward people just like you for doing simple tasks like shopping, scanning receipts, answering surveys, testing apps, or trying new services. It’s one of the most popular quick ways to make money online with no specialized training required.

Money-making apps we recommend include: 

• Free Cash
• KashKick

See our full list of our favorite money-making apps here.

Pros:

• Doesn’t require any advanced skills.
• No upfront costs.

Cons:

• You need to use the apps consistently to see a high payout. 

4. Try Microtask Websites

Microtask platforms pay users for small jobs like data entry, transcription or labeling images to train AI systems. While these tasks are relatively simple, they do require time and consistency.

Examples of microtask websites: 

• Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk)
• Clickworker
• Appen
• Lionbridge

Pros:

• No special skills required.
• You can work anytime with an internet connection.

Cons: 

• Tasks are somewhat repetitive and low paying.

5. Sell Unused Items Online

Selling items you no longer need is one of the fastest ways to make money. Clothes, electronics, furniture and collectibles all have potential buyers online. 

Best platforms for selling items:

• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Poshmark (for clothing)
• Decluttr (for electronics)

Check out our guides to selling used clothes here and selling used books here.

Pros:

• It’s one of the fastest ways to get cash.
• No special skills required.

Cons:

• It’s limited to the items you own.
• Posting listings takes effort.

6. Start a Low-Cost Print-on-Demand Business

With print-on-demand, you create designs for t-shirts, mugs, phone cases and more. The platform prints and ships the product when a customer orders, so you never have to handle inventory.

Best print-on-demand services:

• Printful
• Redbubble
• Teespring

Pros:

• No upfront inventory costs.
• Can potentially become passive income.

Cons: 

• Requires marketing to get consistent sales.

7. Test Websites and Apps for Cash

Companies want feedback on their websites and apps to improve user experience. They pay testers to navigate through platforms and provide insights on functionality and usability.

Best usability testing sites:

• UserTesting
• Respondent.io
• TryMyUI

Pros:

• High earning potential ($10-$60 per test).
• No advanced skills required.

Cons:

• Test availability depends on demographics.

8. Try Freelancing for Beginners

Freelancing allows you to use your skills in writing, graphic design or data entry for pay. Even if you’re a beginner, you can find clients looking for basic services.

Best platforms for freelancers:

• Fiverr
• Upwork
• PeoplePerHour

Pros:

• High earning potential.
• No upfront costs.

Cons: 

• Requires effort to build a client base.
• Need a basic understanding of the service you’re offering.

9. Offer Virtual Assistant Services

Virtual assistants help businesses and entrepreneurs with administrative tasks like managing emails, scheduling appointments and social media management.

Platforms for virtual assistants:

• Zirtual
• Belay
• Fiverr

Pros

• No certain degree required.
• This could turn into a full-time remote career.

Cons:

• Clients may require flexible availability.
• You need project management skills.

10. Online Tutoring

If you enjoy helping others learn, online tutoring is a great way to share your knowledge — whether in K–12 subjects, ESL or test prep. Tutors connect with students through video sessions or chat platforms to explain concepts and guide practice.

Popular tutoring platforms include:

• Tutor.com
• Wyzant
• Cambly (for ESL learners)

Pros:

• Flexible hours, meaning you can teach when it fits your schedule.
• Meaningful work that helps others succeed.
• Higher pay per session than simple microtasks.

Cons:

• Some platforms have eligibility requirements or require demo lessons.
• Demand can vary by subject or season.
• May involve taking initial assessments before you start.

11. Sell Digital Downloads (Printables & Templates)

Selling digital downloads is one of the most creative and easiest ways to make money online for beginners. You can design printable planners, checklists, résumé templates or wall art. Anything that people can purchase and download instantly.

Top platforms for digital products:

• Etsy
• Gumroad
• Creative Market
• Design tools like Canva or Google Docs work great for beginners.

Pros:

• No shipping or inventory required.
• You can earn repeatable sales from a single file.
• Scalable, meaning you can keep adding to your catalog to grow income.

Cons:

• Popular categories can be crowded.
• Takes upfront time to design your files.
• Requires ongoing marketing to stand out and attract customers.

12. Affiliate Marketing for Beginners

Affiliate marketing lets you earn commissions by promoting products through unique referral links. You can share these on your own website, blog, or social media platforms, or include them in videos on your YouTube channel. It’s one of the most practical ways for beginners to learn how to make money online quick while building digital skills.

Common affiliate networks:

• Amazon Associates
• ShareASale
• Impact

Pros:

• Low startup cost — just a website or content channel.
• Pairs naturally with content you already create.
• Highly scalable once you build steady traffic.

Cons:

• Earnings depend on traffic and conversions.
• Commission rates vary by program.
• It can take time to gain traction.

13. Start a YouTube or Short-Form Video Channel

Creating helpful or entertaining videos is another proven way to make money online, especially if you’re comfortable on camera. Once you meet the YouTube Partner Program requirements, you can earn through ad revenue, sponsorships or affiliate links. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels also make it easy to reach audiences fast.

Video platforms to consider:

• YouTube
• TikTok
• Instagram Reels

Pros:

• Free to start. All you need is a phone and creativity.
• Massive reach potential across social media platforms.
• Content can be reused and repurposed across channels.

Cons:

• Income depends on algorithms and engagement.
• Earnings may be inconsistent at first.
• Filming, scripting, and editing can be time-consuming.

14. Try Dropshipping

With dropshipping, you sell products through your own online store while a third-party supplier handles the packaging and shipping. It’s a great way to explore e-commerce without managing inventory yourself.

Best dropshipping platforms and tools:

• Shopify + DSers or Spocket
• Marketplace testing through sites like eBay or Amazon

Pros:

• No inventory costs or warehouse space needed.
• You can offer a wide product selection.
• Scalable if a product becomes popular.

Cons:

• Profit margins are often thin.
• Supplier quality and shipping times can vary.
• Requires marketing and customer support to maintain trust.

15. Rent Out Your Stuff Online

Peer-to-peer rental platforms make it easy to earn extra money by renting items you already own, from tools and camping gear to storage space. Once listed, these platforms handle bookings and payouts, often via direct deposit.

Recommended rental platforms:

• Fat Llama (for items)
• Neighbor (for storage space)
• Loanables

Pros:

• Monetizes things you’re not using.
• Low effort once listings are live.
• Flexible schedule, meaning you control when items are available.

Cons:

• Items may experience wear or damage.
• Insurance and trust factors to consider.
• Demand depends on your local market.

Tips for Beginners on How to Make Easy Money Online 

There are plenty of online side hustles for beginners. Even though they’re novice-friendly, there are certain habits that will set you up for success.

• Start small and experiment – Try multiple options to see what works best for you.
• Be wary of scams – If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable platforms.
• Stay consistent – Many online income streams require time and effort before they pay off.
• Set realistic expectations – Making money online isn’t always instant. Some methods require persistence.
• Learn basic digital skills – Understanding SEO, social media marketing or basic graphic design can help maximize earnings.
• Diversify your income – Combine multiple methods (e.g., surveys + freelancing + selling digital products) for better results.
• Keep track of your finances – Use a simple spreadsheet or budgeting app to record payouts and expenses. This makes tax time easier and helps you spot what’s really profitable.

FAQ: How to Make Money Online for Beginners