Finding ways to earn passive income has become one of the best strategies for achieving financial independence, especially in today's fast-paced world. With passive income, you put in some initial effort and watch the income flow in with minimal ongoing work. CreditSoup has rounded up 14 easy ways to get a little money back in your pocket; some of which I didn't even realize existed! Let’s take a look at these 14 side hustles that are practical, accessible, and can bring in a little extra money with minimal time and effort.
1. Cashback and Rewards Apps
Earning cash back on your everyday purchases is one of the easiest ways to generate a little extra money on the side. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Dosh offer cashback on items you’re already buying. Simply link your card or scan receipts, and you’ll get money back without changing your spending habits.
- Credit Recommended:
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- Intro (Purchases)
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- Intro (Transfers)
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- Regular APR
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- Annual Fee
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- Credit Recommended
- Average/Fair/Limited/Good/Excellent
- Intro Rate
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Highlights
- Earn up to 3% cash back on all purchases
- Redeem cash back in the form of checks, statement credits, gift cards, merchandise or towards free travel
- Earn sign-up bonuses after meeting initial spending thresholds
- Terms vary by partner offer. Please see each bank's application for terms and conditions.
- Clicking will take you to CreditSoup.com to compare Cash Back Credit Cards from participating partners
2. Sell Stock Photos
If you have a smartphone or camera and enjoy taking photos, why not turn your pictures into income? Platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Foap let you upload images that earn money each time they’re downloaded. You can even snap everyday objects, nature scenes, or cityscapes, making this a great option for anyone who enjoys photography.
3. Rent Out Your Parking Space
Got an unused parking spot in a busy area? Apps like SpotHero and JustPark allow you to rent out your parking space on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. It’s a great passive income opportunity, especially if you live near a sports venue, downtown area, or airport where parking is at a premium.
4. Test Websites and Apps
Companies are always looking for feedback on their websites and apps, and they’ll pay you to test them out. Platforms like UserTesting and TryMyUI connect users with companies looking for testers. You’ll spend about 10–20 minutes giving feedback on usability and design, earning a small amount for each test.
5. Sell Print-on-Demand Products
Creating simple designs for T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags can turn into a stream of passive income with print-on-demand services like Teespring or Redbubble. With these platforms, you upload a design, and they handle production, shipping, and customer service. You earn a portion of each sale without managing inventory or logistics.
6. Use Paid Survey Apps
Completing surveys might not make you rich, but it’s a straightforward way to earn some extra money on your downtime. Apps like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars let you earn small amounts for each survey. Plus, some apps offer extra ways to earn, like watching videos or playing games.
7. License Your Car for Ads
Companies will pay you to place ads on your car through services like Wrapify and Carvertise. If you’re already commuting or doing a lot of driving, wrapping your car with ads could bring in extra cash. The company covers setup, and you can choose campaigns based on your location and driving habits.
8. Try Round-Up Investment Apps
Apps like Acorns and Stash make investing easy by rounding up your daily purchases and investing the spare change into low-cost portfolios. It’s a "set it and forget it" method that grows your money over time without you needing to actively monitor the markets.
9. Earn Through Pet Sitting Apps
If you enjoy spending time with animals, apps like Rover and Wag! connect you with pet owners in need of sitters, walkers, or overnight hosts. Pet sitting allows you to earn passive income, especially if you’re already home and have the space.
10. Automate Savings with High-Interest Accounts
Earning interest on your savings may not be a side hustle per se, but it’s a way to grow your money passively. By transferring your savings to a high-yield savings account or a money market account, you can earn higher interest over time. Many online banks offer accounts with significantly better interest rates than traditional banks.
11. Rent Out Household Items
Got a power drill, camping gear, or other items collecting dust? Platforms like Fat Llama let you rent out household items to people in your area who only need them temporarily. It’s a great way to earn extra money from stuff you already own.
12. Sell Digital Products on Etsy
If you have skills in graphic design or can create printable templates like planners, checklists, or digital art, you can sell digital downloads on Etsy. After creating the product once, you earn each time someone purchases it, with zero need for inventory or shipping.
13. Create an E-Book or Online Course
If you have expertise in a particular area, consider creating an e-book or online course. It requires some upfront work, but once the content is published, you can sell it on platforms like Amazon or Udemy. Each sale generates passive income, especially if the topic is evergreen. Just remember to promote your product initially to get that steady income rolling.
14. Invest in Real Estate Crowdfunding
For those who want to invest in real estate without the hassle of property ownership, real estate crowdfunding can be an ideal option. By contributing to a pool of investors, you can earn income from a variety of properties without managing tenants or maintenance. Many platforms let you invest with as little as $500, making it accessible to a wide range of budgets.
Each of these passive income "side hustles" offer a unique way to generate income, without sacrificing all your free time. They don’t require large upfront investments or specialized skills, making them perfect for anyone looking to start small.
Try one or two to see how they fit into your routine, and you’ll start to see the extra income flow in with minimal effort. Keep in mind, with the right mix of strategies, you can create a reliable income stream that gives you the freedom to focus on what truly matters.