How to Make $200 Fast with Side Hustles
Making an extra $200 in a day might seem like a challenge, but with the right side hustle, it’s more than possible. Whether you need quick cash for an unexpected expense or just want to boost your savings, there are plenty of ways to earn money fast. The best part? Many of these gigs require little to no experience. You can start today and get paid within hours. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 20 tried-and-tested side hustles that can help you hit that $200 target in no time!
1. Freelance Writing
If you have a way with words, freelance writing is one of the fastest ways to make money online. Many websites, blogs, and businesses are constantly looking for content writers. You can find gigs on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or even Facebook groups. Some clients pay per article, while others offer hourly rates. If you land a few quick assignments, you can easily make $200 by the end of the day.
2. Food Delivery Services
Apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub let you make money by delivering food in your area. If you have a bike, scooter, or car, you can start delivering right away. Depending on demand and tips, it’s possible to make $200 in a single day, especially if you work during peak meal times.
To maximize your earnings, location and timing are key. The best-paying orders come in during lunch and dinner rushes, especially on weekends. If you live in a busy city or near a college campus, expect orders to roll in non-stop. Some drivers strategically position themselves near popular restaurants or fast-food chains, ensuring they get priority delivery requests.
Another secret to success? Stacking orders. Many delivery apps allow you to accept multiple orders at once, reducing the number of trips and maximizing your per-hour earnings. And don’t forget about tips—being polite, delivering orders quickly, and keeping food warm can increase your chances of getting generous tips.
Many drivers report making $20–$30 per hour during peak times, meaning that hitting the $200 goal is possible in a single day with about 7–10 deliveries. If you want to go even further, sign up for multiple apps—when DoorDash is slow, switch to Uber Eats or vice versa.
3. Ridesharing with Uber or Lyft
If you own a car and enjoy driving, signing up for Uber or Lyft can be a quick way to make $200. With surge pricing during high-demand hours, some drivers hit their goal within a few hours. Plus, you get paid weekly or can cash out instantly with certain programs.
Peak hours—morning rush (6 AM–9 AM), evening rush (5 PM–8 PM), and weekend nightlife (9 PM–2 AM)—can help you hit your earnings target much faster. These time slots often come with surge pricing, meaning passengers pay more, and you earn more per ride.
For an even bigger boost in earnings, consider signing up for UberXL or Lyft Lux, which allows you to charge higher fares if you drive a larger or luxury vehicle. Another option? Airport pickups and drop-offs. Travelers often take long-distance rides, which means higher fares and tips.
To make more money in less time, keep these tricks in mind:
- Avoid low-paying rides. Some short rides aren’t worth the time and gas, especially if they take you to an area with fewer passengers.
- Take advantage of bonuses. Many ride-sharing apps offer bonuses for completing a set number of rides. These can add an extra $50–$100 on top of your earnings.
- Be strategic with your location. Drive near event venues, bars, or busy shopping centers for high-demand trips.
One of the best parts of this side hustle is that you get paid instantly. With Uber’s Instant Pay feature, you can cash out multiple times a day if needed, making it one of the fastest ways to hit your $200 goal.
4. Sell Stuff Online
Look around your house—chances are you have things you no longer use. Sell them on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark. Clothes, electronics, furniture, and collectibles can sell quickly, putting cash in your pocket almost immediately.
Start by identifying items in good condition that you don’t need anymore. Electronics, designer clothing, and furniture tend to sell the fastest. High-quality images and detailed descriptions help increase the chances of a quick sale.
Another trick? Bundle similar items to attract buyers looking for deals. For example, selling a set of books instead of individual ones makes them more appealing. Pricing your items competitively and responding quickly to potential buyers can help you make money faster.
Local marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are great for same-day sales since buyers can pick up items directly from you. If you’re looking for a broader audience, eBay and Mercari allow for quick shipping options to get cash flowing fast.
For a super-fast sale, consider selling to local pawn shops or consignment stores. They may offer slightly lower prices, but you’ll walk away with cash in hand that day.
5. House Cleaning Services
People will pay good money for a clean home, especially if they’re hosting an event or moving out. You can offer one-time deep cleaning services and charge $100–$200 per job. List your services on Craigslist or local Facebook groups to find clients fast.
House cleaning is an in-demand service, particularly in busy cities or affluent neighborhoods. Many homeowners don’t have time to deep clean and will happily pay someone else to do it for them. Offering specialized services like deep cleaning kitchens, scrubbing bathrooms, or organizing closets can boost your earnings.
To get started, gather basic cleaning supplies like sponges, disinfectants, and vacuum cleaners. Some clients may prefer eco-friendly cleaning options, which can set you apart from competitors.
A great way to attract more customers is by offering a “first-time customer discount” or referral bonuses. If you do a great job, word-of-mouth recommendations can bring in more business.
Many house cleaners charge between $50–$75 per hour, meaning that in just two to four hours, you could easily hit the $200 mark. For an even faster payout, focus on urgent cleaning requests or last-minute bookings.
6. Pet Sitting & Dog Walking
If you’re an animal lover, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun and easy way to make extra cash. Apps like Rover and Wag! connect pet owners with sitters who can watch their pets for a few hours or overnight. Many pet owners are willing to pay $20–$50 per visit, and if you book multiple clients in a day, hitting $200 is entirely possible.
One of the best aspects of this gig is that it requires minimal effort—taking a dog for a walk or feeding a cat doesn’t take much time, but it pays well. If you have a flexible schedule, you can accept last-minute requests, which often come with higher payouts. Pet owners value reliability, so if you develop a reputation for being trustworthy, they will likely book you again, creating a consistent income stream.
For even more money, offer additional services like dog bathing or training assistance. Some pet sitters charge premium rates for administering medications or staying overnight at the owner’s house while they’re away. If you love spending time with furry friends, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to make extra cash fast.
7. Babysitting or Nanny Services
Babysitting is a high-paying and in-demand side hustle, especially for parents needing last-minute help. Websites like Care.com and SitterCity make it easy to find babysitting jobs in your area, but you can also advertise through Facebook groups or local community boards.
Babysitters typically earn between $15–$25 per hour, so a single night of babysitting can bring in $100–$150. If you secure a job for the whole day or an overnight gig, reaching $200 is more than doable.
To increase your rates, consider getting CPR or first-aid certified, as parents often prefer sitters with safety training. If you have experience working with children, highlight any relevant skills, like helping with homework, preparing meals, or organizing creative activities. The more value you provide, the more you can charge.
Another great tip? Offer “date night babysitting services.” Many parents struggle to find childcare for an evening out, and they’re willing to pay a premium for someone they can trust. If you build a solid reputation, you could turn this side hustle into a steady weekend income source.
8. Participate in Market Research Studies
Companies pay big money to understand consumer behavior, and market research firms are always looking for participants. Websites like UserTesting, Respondent.io, and FocusGroup.com offer paid studies, surveys, and usability tests, where you can earn anywhere from $50–$200 per session.
Many of these studies are straightforward—testing websites, answering questions about your shopping habits, or giving feedback on new products. Some research studies even involve online interviews or in-person focus groups that pay $100+ per hour.
To maximize earnings, sign up for multiple research platforms and apply for as many studies as possible. Keep an eye out for high-paying opportunities, such as medical studies, psychological research, or in-depth product testing.
If you have a unique profession or background (such as being a teacher, healthcare worker, or business owner), you may qualify for specialized research studies that pay more. Some studies also offer additional bonuses if you refer friends to participate.
9. Renting Out a Spare Room, Parking Space, or Storage
If you have extra space, you can turn it into a source of quick income by renting it out. Websites like Airbnb allow you to rent a spare room or even a whole house for short-term stays, which can earn you $50–$200+ per night, depending on your location.
If you don’t have a room to rent, consider monetizing your driveway or garage space. Apps like SpotHero and Neighbor let you rent out parking spaces to people who need short-term or monthly parking. This is especially profitable in busy cities, near event venues, or airport areas.
For those who have extra storage space—such as a basement, shed, or unused closet—you can rent it out for passive income. People looking to store furniture, seasonal items, or business inventory will pay $50–$100 per month for a safe and accessible storage spot.
To maximize earnings, price your rental space competitively and list it on multiple platforms. Even one or two bookings can help you reach your $200 goal fast!
10. Get Paid to Shop for Others
Grocery shopping might be a chore for some, but for you, it could be a quick way to earn $200! Apps like Instacart and Shipt let you get paid to shop for groceries and deliver them to customers. This gig is perfect if you have a car, a good sense of direction, and some free time.
The pay depends on the size of the order and the number of deliveries you complete. Many shoppers report making $20–$30 per hour, meaning you can reach $200 in just one long shift or a few smaller ones. The best strategy is to work during peak grocery shopping hours—mornings, weekends, and right before major holidays tend to have the highest order volume.
To increase your earnings, aim to accept multiple orders at once (batch orders), and be quick and efficient. Customers appreciate fast delivery, which often results in higher tips. Some shoppers also get repeat customers who request them specifically, leading to a steady income stream.
For those who don’t mind running errands beyond groceries, TaskRabbit and ErrandsRunner allow you to get paid for picking up dry cleaning, delivering packages, or handling other quick errands.
11. Sell Stock Photos or Digital Products Online
If you have a talent for photography or graphic design, selling digital products is one of the easiest ways to make money without leaving your house. Websites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy allow you to upload your photos and get paid every time someone downloads them.
Not a photographer? No problem! You can sell printables, digital planners, or templates on Etsy. These are products that customers can download instantly, meaning once you create them, you can sell them over and over again with no extra effort.
Here are some digital products that sell well on Etsy and Gumroad:
- Budget planners
- Social media templates
- Resume designs
- Meal prep and fitness planners
- Printable greeting cards
Many sellers make $10–$50 per download, so a few sales per day can add up quickly. If you promote your products on Pinterest, Instagram, or TikTok, you can attract more buyers and scale your earnings.
One trick to boost sales fast? Run a limited-time sale or offer a buy one, get one free deal to encourage people to make a purchase quickly.
12. Sell Plasma or Participate in Paid Medical Studies
For those comfortable with it, donating plasma can be a quick way to earn $50–$100 per session. Most plasma centers allow you to donate twice a week, meaning you could hit your $200 goal in just a few days. Check out CSL Plasma, BioLife Plasma, or Octapharma Plasma for locations near you.
If you want to earn even more money in a short period, look into paid medical research studies. Universities, pharmaceutical companies, and research institutions often pay participants $100–$500 for clinical trials and health studies. Websites like ClinicalTrials.gov and ResearchMatch can connect you with studies that fit your profile.
Before signing up, make sure to read the study details carefully—some require multiple visits, while others are a one-time survey or screening that pays well. Many studies are looking for people with specific health conditions, so if you qualify, you could get paid significantly more.
13. Flip Free or Cheap Items for a Profit
Flipping is one of the most underrated ways to make quick cash. The concept is simple: find underpriced items, clean or repair them, and resell them for a profit. Some of the best places to find free or cheap items include:
- Facebook Marketplace (people often give away furniture for free)
- Thrift stores and garage sales (hidden gems everywhere)
- Clearance sections at major retailers (find discounted items to resell)
Common items that sell fast include furniture, appliances, electronics, and designer clothing. Some flippers even focus on sneakers, vintage T-shirts, and collectibles, where a single item can net $100–$200 in profit.
To maximize earnings, take high-quality photos and write detailed, keyword-rich descriptions when listing your items on eBay, Craigslist, or Poshmark. Some flippers make thousands per month just by sourcing and reselling a few items every week.
14. House Sitting for Easy Cash
House sitting is an easy and stress-free way to make money. When people travel, they often hire house sitters to watch over their homes, water plants, and collect mail. Some jobs even involve pet sitting, which can increase your pay.
Websites like TrustedHousesitters and HouseSitter.com connect house sitters with homeowners. Many jobs pay $50–$100 per night, so a weekend gig could earn you well over $200.
For even higher-paying gigs, offer extra services like pet care, plant maintenance, or light housekeeping. If you build good reviews and a solid reputation, you could get repeat customers who book you regularly.
15. Photography Services – Make Money with Your Camera
If you have a decent camera or even a high-quality smartphone, you can start offering photography services for quick cash. Many people need portraits, event photography, or product photos, and they’re willing to pay good money for high-quality images.
Some quick ways to start earning:
- Offer mini portrait sessions in parks or busy areas, charging $50–$100 per session.
- Take real estate photos for agents who need professional listings (you can charge $100–$200 per shoot).
- Sell product photography services to small businesses or Etsy sellers.
Post your services on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Instagram to attract clients fast. If you specialize in fast turnaround edits, you can charge a premium and earn $200 in a single day with just a few sessions.
If you don’t want to deal with clients, another way to monetize photography is to sell stock images on sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Alamy. High-quality images of everyday objects, landscapes, and workplace settings sell well and can generate passive income over time.
16. Selling Plasma or Hair for Quick Cash
Selling plasma is a well-known way to earn money quickly. Plasma donation centers, such as BioLife Plasma, CSL Plasma, and Octapharma, typically pay $50–$100 per donation, and you can donate twice a week. That means you can hit $200 in just a few days.
If donating plasma isn’t for you, did you know you can also sell your hair? If you have long, healthy, untreated hair, some buyers will pay hundreds of dollars for it. Websites like BuyandSellHair.com and Hairsellon.com connect hair sellers with buyers looking for natural hair for wigs and extensions. Some sales go for $200–$500+, depending on length and quality.
17. Renting Out Equipment – Earn Money with What You Own
You don’t have to sell something to make money—you can rent it out instead. If you have camera gear, power tools, camping equipment, or even a lawnmower, you can list them on rental platforms like Fat Llama or ShareGrid and charge $20–$100 per day.
People are always looking for temporary rentals instead of buying expensive equipment. Some top rental items include:
- Cameras & lenses – Photographers and videographers often rent high-quality gear.
- DJ & audio equipment – Speakers, microphones, and mixers are in high demand.
- Power tools – Homeowners and contractors frequently rent drills, saws, and pressure washers.
- Recreational gear – Kayaks, bikes, and paddleboards rent well during warm seasons.
Even if you only rent out one or two items, you could make $200 quickly.
18. Affiliate Marketing – Earn Without Selling Anything
Affiliate marketing is one of the best ways to make money online without creating a product. You simply recommend products and earn a commission when someone buys through your link.
If you have a blog, Instagram, TikTok, or even a Facebook group, you can start promoting products using affiliate links from companies like:
- Amazon Associates (earn commissions from Amazon sales).
- ShareASale & CJ Affiliate (connects you with brands).
- Rakuten & Honey (cashback apps that pay for referrals).
Many influencers and bloggers make thousands per month from affiliate marketing, but even if you’re just starting, a few well-placed links can generate $200 quickly if the product is high-ticket.
Tip: Focus on high-paying programs, like web hosting services or software tools, where a single sale can earn you $50–$100+ in commissions.
19. Mystery Shopping – Get Paid to Shop & Eat Out
Yes, you can get paid to shop, eat at restaurants, and even stay at hotels. Mystery shopping companies pay you to evaluate customer service and report on your experience. Some of the best platforms include:
- BestMark
- Market Force
- Secret Shopper
Assignments pay anywhere from $10 to $100+, depending on complexity. Some high-end gigs even reimburse you for meals and hotel stays while still paying you cash.
A smart strategy? Stack multiple assignments in a single day, so you can earn $200 while running errands you’d already be doing anyway.
20. Car Advertising – Get Paid to Drive as Usual
If you drive regularly, you can turn your car into a money-making billboard. Companies like Wrapify and Carvertise will pay you to display ads on your car while you go about your normal routine.
Most campaigns pay between $100–$500 per month, but some specialized advertising campaigns pay even more. You don’t have to change your driving habits—just let your car do the work for you.
To qualify, your car usually needs to be clean, well-maintained, and driven frequently in high-traffic areas. The more you drive, the higher your potential earnings.
Final Thoughts – Turning Side Hustles into Sustainable Income
Making $200 in a day is completely achievable with the right hustle. The best part? Many of these quick gigs can turn into long-term income streams if you enjoy them.
A smart approach is to mix a few different side hustles—for example, you can drive for Uber during peak hours, deliver groceries during slow times, and resell items online in between. This way, you maximize your earning potential without overworking yourself.
Once you start seeing consistent earnings, you can save, invest, or even turn a side hustle into a full-time business.
Now it’s time to take action—which hustle will you try first?