I Need Money Now: 10 Ways To Get Cash Today for Free

LightFieldStudios / Getty Images/iStockphoto

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

If you’re thinking, “I need money now,” you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options. Whether you’re short on rent, groceries or gas, there are real and fast ways to get cash today without borrowing or falling into debt. From unclaimed money to survey apps, here are 10 practical ways to get free money quickly.

Comparison of Some Ways To Get Free Money Fast

Free Ways To Get Money Right Now

When you need money fast, it pays to leverage resources you have on hand.

1. Sell Unused Items

Marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great for turning unused items into cash. Listings can be up and running in minutes, and you might find buyers quickly, especially for in-demand items.

How it works:

• Gather items you no longer need, such as electronics, clothes, furniture or collectibles.
• Take clear photos of your items.
• Create listings on your preferred platform and include detailed descriptions.
• Set competitive prices.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Expect to get paid immediately for in-person sales
• Otherwise, the time will vary according to the platform’s payout policy.

Quick Cash Tip for eBay Sellers

On eBay, it typically takes one to two days after the buyer has paid for the funds to become available. If you’re on a daily payout schedule, you can expect to receive the money in about two days once the payment has been confirmed.

Need the money faster? The Express Payout option on eBay allows you to receive the money instantly to a Visa or Mastercard debit card or your bank account, though there is a $2 fee per transaction.

2. Redeem Rewards From Loyalty Programs

Review your loyalty program memberships, including the ones for airlines, hotels, retail stores and credit cards. Many programs allow you to redeem points for statement credits, which you can use toward an emergency purchase or to cover your bill.

How it works:

• Log into your card issuer’s rewards portal.
• Check to see if you have accumulated points.
• If you have points, follow the instructions to redeem them for a statement credit.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• The cutoff times will vary, but you can expect to get paid before your next payment due date.

3. Donate Plasma

Donating plasma is not only a noble act that can save lives, but also a way to earn some extra money. To get started, search for reputable plasma donation centers near you, such as BioLife Plasma Services.

How it works:

• Before you can donate, you’ll undergo a screening process to ensure you meet the health and eligibility requirements.
• Most centers allow you to donate plasma up to twice a week, with the process taking about 90 minutes per visit.
• Donors can often earn $30 to $70 per donation.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Same day

Mobile Money Makers

Your phone is an excellent tool for connecting to money-making opportunities.

4. Sign Up for Freelance Task Apps

Platforms like TaskRabbit and Fiverr offer a diverse selection of quick side gigs, from handyman services and moving assistance to graphic design and writing. These platforms provide an immediate way to offer your services to a vast audience without the need for traditional job hunting.

How it works:

• Create an account.
• Fill out your profile and include details about your skills.
• Browse tasks that match your abilities.
• You can set your rates on Fiverr or bid for jobs on TaskRabbit.
• You’ll need a valid checking account to accept direct deposits.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Within two weeks after the client approves the work

5. Get Paid To Take Surveys

Surveys are a fun way to earn extra money in your spare time.

How it works:

• To start earning with survey sites, sign up on platforms like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie using your email or social media account.
• Once registered, you can begin taking surveys right away.
• These platforms also offer other ways to earn, such as watching videos or shopping online.
• Payouts can be in the form of gift cards or direct transfers to a PayPal account.

How fast you’ll get paid: The timing varies, but some platforms, including FreeCash, let you cash out almost immediately.

6. Participate in Local Focus Groups

Many market research companies conduct focus groups to gather feedback on products, services and concepts. These groups often pay participants for their time.

How it works:

• Look for market research firms in your area or online platforms that organize virtual focus groups.
• Sign up to be notified of upcoming studies that match your profile.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Varies by company, but in some cases, immediately after the session.

Government and Community Resources

Government and community services can ease you through a financial crisis.

7. Discover Unclaimed Money

You might have unclaimed funds out there without even knowing it. This could be from forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks or refunds that you’re entitled to.

How it works:

• When funds go unclaimed, the company or organization holding them turns them over to the state for safekeeping.
• Start your search for unclaimed funds on MissingMoney.com and Unclaimed.org, where you can search multiple states from a single site.
• For federal funds, search the government website, TreasuryDirect.
• If anything turns up, follow the instructions for filing a claim and providing proof of ownership.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Will vary according to how quickly you submit proof of ownership and how quickly the state processes claims.

8. Raise Money Through Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe allow you to create a campaign for yourself or someone in need.

How it works:

• Create a campaign.
• Write a detailed description of the situation and the amount required.
• Share your campaign on social media to reach potential donors.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Several days after requesting a transfer to your bank account

9. Apply for Government Benefits

Believe it or not, the federal government might have free money available for you in the form of assistance programs. Few programs provide cash outright. However, if you meet the income and other eligibility criteria, these programs can help you buy groceries or pay rent, mortgage and utilities, including phone and internet service.

How it works:

• The government website Benefits.gov can help you discover if you’re eligible for any government assistance programs.
• Use the benefit finder tool or search for benefits by category and then review the eligibility criteria before applying.
• Some programs have prescreening tools to help you determine whether you qualify.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Varies by program and need

Financial Promotions

Financial firms want your business, and some are willing to pay you a bonus to open an account.

10. Open a New Checking Account or Credit Card

Opening a new checking account or credit card can get you hundreds of dollars of free money through bonuses for opening a new account and completing transaction requirements.

How it works:

• How the bonus works depends on whether it’s for a bank account or a credit card.
• Some banks pay promotional bonuses to new customers who open a checking account and receive a certain number of direct deposits into that account within a defined number of days.
• For example, you might get a $300 bonus for opening the checking account and receiving $1,000 in direct deposits within 90 days.
• Credit cards sometimes offer similar bonuses for new customers who make purchases totaling a particular dollar value within a defined number of days.
• The card might offer $200, for example, when you spend $500 within 90 days of opening the account.

How fast you’ll get paid:

• Usually within 30 to 60 days after meeting the eligibility criteria

Final Thoughts: What To Do When You Need Money Right Away

If you need money now and need a quick way to find it, you’re in luck. There are plenty of ways to uncover cash — from selling what you already have to finding unclaimed money — without needing to go into debt.

You can’t always control what happens to you, but you can take control of your finances by taking steps today.

This article has been updated with additional reporting since its original publication.

Share This Article: