6 Ways to Make Money Fast -- Without Taking Risks

Image source: Getty Images

Sometimes the best side hustles happen on short notice. If you're running low on cash and want to replenish your bank account quickly, you might want to try some of these ideas to make money fast.

Have you heard the old business saying, "you need to spend money to make money?" Fortunately, that's not always true: sometimes you can make money fast with a side hustle, without spending much (or any) of your own.

Here's a list of low-cost, low-risk ways to make money fast -- without needing a lot of expensive equipment, upfront investment, or taking big chances.

1. Take surveys online

If you're already spending hours per day scrolling through your phone, why not use some idle time to make money online by taking surveys? Survey sites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie will pay you money for telling companies what you think of their products and other topics. You might be able to earn an extra $50 to $250 per month by taking surveys online.

2. Do online user experience testing

Another easy way to make money fast online -- similar to online surveys -- is to sign up to do online user experience testing. Sites like UserTesting.com and UserLytics will pay you money to help companies test their new websites, apps, online ads, and more -- and give feedback on how to improve the user experience.

You don't need special equipment -- you can use your everyday smartphone or laptop to do user testing, and you can expect to earn anywhere from $5 to $120 per test (based on the site, the company, and the complexity of each user test). Payment typically happens every 14-15 days -- so this is an easy way to get paid fast while making money online.

3. Be a virtual juror for online trials

Want to give feedback on another type of high-value "product"? Sign up to be a virtual juror! Don't worry, you don't have to report for actual jury duty at a courthouse -- you just have to sign up to review "mock trial" legal cases online, and tell the attorneys what you think about their evidence and arguments.

Sites like OnlineVerdict and eJury can pay you to be a "virtual juror" online, in a flexible, work-from-home, not-legally-binding way. OnlineVerdict says that its typical cases pay $30 to $350 each.

4. Be a delivery driver

If you have a car and a clean driving record, there are lots of ways to make money fast by signing up to be a food delivery driver (Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash) or personal grocery shopper (Instacart). Amazon Flex is another option to get flexible work as a delivery driver.

Based on The Motley Fool Ascent's research, most delivery driver side hustles pay around $17 to $20 per hour -- but you might make more based on your location and if you can earn good tips.

5. Drive for ride-hailing apps

Signing up to be a ride-hailing app driver is another way to make money fast, if you have a car, good driving record, and want to deal with passengers. Because you're transporting people in your car and not just packages or bags of takeout, this side hustle ranks a bit higher for complexity.

To make this side hustle extra low risk: get rideshare insurance. This special car insurance can help make sure drivers are covered for all the times when there is not a ride-hailing passenger in your vehicle.

6. Do odd jobs, errands, and home tasks

TaskRabbit is an online platform where people can sign up to make money doing odd jobs and home tasks, like moving items, yard work, cleaning, errand running, or helping people assemble furniture from IKEA. According to The Motley Fool Ascent's research, TaskRabbit contractors ("Taskers") in Cincinnati, Ohio earned $15 to $42 per hour based on the type of task and skills involved.

If you're handy with tools and provide friendly customer service, TaskRabbit can be a fast way to turn your spare time into extra cash.

Bottom line

Don't assume that you need to own fancy equipment or take excessive risks to make money online with a side hustle and create more room in your budget . There are many good ways to quickly turn your spare time, special skills, and extra energy into money in the bank .

We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon and Uber Technologies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy .