An extra $400 goes a long way. Whether you’re saving for a shopping spree, a vacation or just a rainy day, there are plenty of part-time gigs and simple hacks that can provide a welcome boost to your bank balance. Keep reading for 10 ways to make $400 fast—some of them obvious, but others a little less well known.
How it works: There are several legit online platforms where market research companies will pay you to answer surveys. Many of these platforms also offer rewards for downloading and playing game apps and completing in-game milestones.
How long it takes to earn $400: Most surveys pay between $0.50 to $5, while game rewards vary greatly. Expect it to take at least a couple of months to make $400.
Is it online? Yes.
How it works: Banks regularly offer juicy cash welcome bonuses of a few-hundred dollars or more to entice new customers. Sometimes all you have to do to qualify for the bonus is open a new account, but in some cases you might need to perform specific transactions as well, such as setting up a direct deposit to the account. Finder sometimes offers exclusive bonuses in addition to banks’ offers.
How long it takes to earn $400: You can typically do what you need to do in less than an hour, but you’ll then need to wait for the bank to process your application and pay your bonus. Check the fine print for processing times.
Is it online? Yes.
How it works: Sites like Lend-it.ca and Fat Llama make it easy to rent out tools and other equipment you have lying around at home to people in your area. From pressure washers to chainsaws, projectors to sound systems, drones to kitchen appliances, the list of things you can rent out to make extra money is pretty much endless. To protect your items from theft or damage, platforms charge borrowers a security deposit.
How long it takes to earn $400: It depends on what you rent out. You could make $400 renting out a single high-end item in just one day, but in other cases, it could take weeks or months to reach your goal.
Is it online? Yes.
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How it works: While there are plenty of sites where you can work online as a professional language tutor, some sites will also pay you simply to chat to people who want to improve their English skills. In some cases, you don’t need any prior teaching experience or language teaching qualifications to get started.
How long it takes to earn $400: Cambly pays US$0.17/min (US$10.20/hour) and Cambly Kids pays US$0.20/min (US$12/hour).
Is it online? Yes.
How it works: There are plenty of lonely people out there, and there are several legit platforms where you can get paid to offer companionship and conversation. Many platforms offer virtual friendship where people will pay you to chat with them online, while some sites allow you to rent yourself out as a friend in real life. A few reasons someone might rent a friend are if they have an extra concert ticket, if they’re uncomfortable dining at a restaurant alone, if they need to learn a new language, if they need a tennis partner, or if they need a gym buddy to hold them accountable.
How long it takes to earn $400: Varies depending on the platform and the rate you set, but it could take a few weeks at a minimum.
Is it online? Yes, sometimes—it depends on the platform you choose.
How it works: There are plenty of odd jobs around the home that people simply don’t have the time, inclination, skills or equipment to do. You can earn extra money on the side by taking care of all these odd jobs, like helping set up a home wi-fi network, assembling furniture, taking bulky items to landfill, laying turf, shovelling snow and a whole lot more.
How long it takes to earn $400: It depends on your hourly or per-job rate, but you could potentially make $400 in as little as two to three days.
Is it online? No.
Related: Fast ways to make money
How it works: There’s nothing particularly glamorous about this side hustle, but tackling an unpleasant task that many people are happy to avoid can often lead to lucrative results. With a pressure washer, some cleaning products and protective gear, you can start a trash bin cleaning side hustle in your local neighbourhood.
How long it takes to earn $400: It depends how much work you get. As a guide, you could charge $10 to $15 per bin for your regular customers and more for one-off bookings that require a deep clean.
Is it online? No.
How it works: Bartending offers a legit way to earn income on the side and meet new people at the same time. You could work regular shifts at a nearby bar, or maybe mix drinks at private parties and special events. Best of all, it’s the sort of work that’s easy to fit around your 9-to-5 job.
How long it takes to earn $400: Your earning power varies greatly depending on what nights you work, the type of bar you work at and how many tips you receive. You could potentially make $400 with just a couple of nights’ work, but it could take longer.
Is it online? No.
How it works: Get involved with your local community sporting organization to umpire weekend or weeknight sports. From kids’ soccer and hockey teams to local softball and basketball leagues, you can make money simply by participating in a sport you love. There are plenty of sports experiencing umpire shortages at the moment, so there’s work available if you know where to look.
How long it takes to earn $400: Pay rates vary depending on the sport and the level of competition, but you could earn anywhere from $15 to $100 per game.
Is it online? No.
How it works: There are several legit market research platforms where you can sign up to be considered for focus groups. Provide your personal details, demographic information, and details about your lifestyle and hobbies, then wait to be invited to participate in focus groups. These groups sometimes require you to physically attend a session in person, but they’re also sometimes conducted online.
How long it takes to earn $400: Pay commonly ranges from $50 to $200 per session, so you could potentially make $400 after attending a couple of two-hour sessions.
Is it online? Sometimes.
Related: User testing is an alternative
Making an extra $400 doesn’t have to take months or require special skills. From online gigs and side hustles to real-world jobs and smart money hacks, there are plenty of ways to boost your income. Try a few of these ideas to see which ones fit your schedule and skills, and start earning $400 today.
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