Most of us could use some extra money right now. So if you’re looking for some quick ways to boost your bank balance, you’ve come to the right place.
Tips and advice if you’re having money issues
Before we go any further, if you have a lot of debt and you’re struggling to make ends meet each month, it’s important to seek financial help.
If you’re finding it hard to keep up with monthly credit card, loan or mortgage repayments, speak to your provider as soon as possible as they may be able to offer you a more manageable repayment plan. Missing repayments results in late payment fees and damage to your credit score, so seek help sooner rather than later.
It can also be worth speaking to a free debt charity, such as StepChange, Citizens Advice or National Debtline, as these offer confidential, non-judgmental advice and support, helping you understand your options and find solutions tailored to your situation.
If you’ve done that and you’re still looking for ways to earn some extra money quickly, take a look at the tips below:
Sign-up bonuses
Many websites, products and apps offer sign-up bonuses when you first register with them, so keep a look out. Of course, it’s only worth signing up to something you’ll find useful, but if you’re thinking of opening a new bank account or setting up an account with a cashback site, check whether you could earn a little extra for doing so.
Note that some deals offer cash while others offer gift cards, so again, give some thought to what you’re most likely to use. Also check the small print carefully – if all you need to do is open an account, great. But if you need to bend over backwards to get the bonus, it’s probably not worth it.
Refer-a-friend programmes
In a similar vein, many apps and services offer referral schemes, where you can earn some extra money by getting a friend to sign up.
As an example, at the time of writing, Monzo pays you and a friend £10 if your friend signs up to an account and makes a card payment within 30 days. Savings platform Raisin also pays you £50 for each friend you refer, up to 10 successful referrals.
Switching bank accounts
Thanks to the Current Account Switch Service, changing bank accounts is more straightforward than you might think. Your new bank will take care of everything for you and your account should be up and running within 7 working days. What’s more, several banks offer enticing cash incentives to encourage you to switch.
Cash payments are typically between £100 and £200, but do check the terms and conditions of the offer first. You may need to pay in a set amount each month or have a number of direct debits on your new account to qualify.
Sell things you no longer use
Decluttering your home can provide a significant mental boost, but it could also earn you a decent sum of cash.
You can sell everything from unwanted clothing, bags, accessories, toys and homeware on sites such as Vinted, eBay and Facebook Marketplace. And sites like Music Magpie, CEX, WeBuy Books and Sell My Mobile are perfect for getting rid of old CDs, DVDs and mobile phones. You may not get a lot for each item, but the more you sell, the more you’ll earn.
Alternatively, check whether there’s a car boot sale near you and get rid of as much as you can in one go.
Pick up local tasks and jobs
Keep an eye on Facebook advertisements or ads in local shops and newsagents looking for people to help with tasks such as dog walking, tutoring, cleaning, pet sitting, gardening and fruit picking. Try to choose jobs you have some experience in, but this can be a great way of earning some casual income without committing to a second job.
Filling out surveys
Some online surveys pay you for your time, so if you’re happy to set aside a few hours each week to complete them, it can be an easy way to earn a little extra. You’ll typically earn anywhere between £0.25 and £5 for completing each survey (so don’t expect to make millions) and they usually take anywhere from a couple of minutes to an hour to complete.
Depending on the survey, you might be asked questions about how you shop, how you bank, how much exercise you do or your political opinions.
Using your car and bike
If you’ve got a car, bike or scooter, you could earn some cash by delivering food or parcels – think Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Just Eat, and Amazon Flex. These jobs usually offer flexible hours and quick payments, making them ideal if you want to top up your income without committing to a regular shift pattern.
However, you will need a valid UK driving licence and the relevant insurance, and you must provide the correct ID and documentation, including your National Insurance number.
Offer services in your community
Use websites and apps such as TaskRabbit, Airtasker or Nextdoor to offer your services locally. This might include assembling flat-pack furniture, handyperson services, admin or tech help, and babysitting.
Again, it’s best to only offer services you have some experience in as you’re more likely to attract customers this way, and it justifies charging higher rates.
Bottom line
There are lots of ways to bring in a bit of extra cash quickly – just don’t expect to get rich overnight. Focus on options that play to your strengths and are simple to fit around your existing routine. Also remember to check the terms and conditions of any offer you’re thinking of signing up to.
Frequently asked questions
This depends on how much you earn. The first £1,000 of side income each year is tax-free under the trading allowance, but anything over this must be declared to HMRC on your self-assessment tax return.
This depends on what kind of work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and whether you’re using a vehicle or equipment.
If you are delivering goods in your car, you will need ‘hire and reward insurance’ as regular car insurance isn’t enough. If you’re cycling, it can be a good idea to take out public liability insurance as this pays out if you injure someone or damage their property while working.
Public liability insurance is also worth considering if you’re cleaning someone’s home or working in their garden, or if you’re walking dogs in public spaces.
Yes, most local jobs are flexible and can fit around your existing schedule. But if you’re employed, check your contract as some employers have rules about outside work.
We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you. Most of the data in Finder's comparison tables is provided by Defaqto. In other cases, Finder has sourced data directly from providers.
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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by
Matt McKenna
as part of our
fact-checking process.
Rachel Wait is a freelance journalist and has been writing about personal finance for more than a decade, covering everything from insurance to mortgages. She has written for a range of personal finance websites and national newspapers, including The Observer, The Mail on Sunday, The Sun and the Evening Standard. Rachel is a keen baker in her spare time.
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