20 Ways To Make Money Online for Beginners

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No matter if you have a business model, want to start an online store or just want to make some money fast, there are many online platforms where you can make a buck or two.

Jobs for Those Under 18

You don’t necessarily have to be a legal adult to make money online. With some methods, you can be under 18 years old — but certain restrictions might apply.

1. Sell Your Stuff

• Minimum age: Usually 13 to 17 years old
• Pay frequency: Daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Several days to set up an online shop (time to first sale varies)

If you are ready to declutter and want to work your way toward a more minimalist way of living, you could clear out your home and make some money on the side. There are plenty of websites where you can sell clothes, accessories, home furnishings, collectibles and more.

All you need to do is photograph the items and write a description of what you’re selling. Some marketplaces and websites you could sell your items from include:

• Poshmark
• eBay
• Facebook Marketplace
• Craigslist

While the opportunity is there to make money, be sure to watch out for scams, especially in the local marketplaces. Know that you’ll also generally need permission from a parent or legal guardian to set up a shop and start selling.

2. Earn Rewards

• Minimum age: 13 years old (with parental consent)
• Pay frequency: Several business days or weekly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Set up an account and potentially start earning right away

If you have some downtime and don’t mind spending some time on your phone or a computer doing activities such as taking surveys or watching videos online, you could earn points, rewards and cash. Popular mobile apps and websites like Swagbucks, InboxDollars and Survey Junkie work with brands to receive consumer input about their goods and services. In some cases, you may even receive products to try out and review.

For more info on how you can make money by investing a few minutes every day to shop online, surf the web or answer some questions, check out these money-making apps.

3. Start a Blog

• Minimum age: None or 18+ (depending on payment method)
• Pay frequency: Depends
• How long it takes to get up and running: Can take several months or years to start earning

It could take some time before you see any rewards after starting a blog. This is simply because you’ll need to invest time and effort to write your blog posts and find an audience willing to read them. However, the investment could be well worth it. Once you build a loyal audience, there are many ways to make money from the blog. Some ways include:

• Ads: Google Adsense is a great way to sell space on your blog to the right advertisers for a fee. Each time a reader clicks on an ad, you’ll receive some money, which depends on the category and popularity of the topic.
• Selling your own products: If you have a unique voice or experience that could be useful to others, you could sell your goods or offer services for a fee, write an e-book for sale or even start a subscription-based membership for select readers.

In terms of how often you get paid, it depends on the way you’re earning. For example, Google Adsense pays out monthly. You’ll need to be at least 18 years old, or have a parent or legal guardian set up an account for you.

4. Create and Sell Handmade Goods

• Minimum age: 13+
• Pay frequency: Potentially weekly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Account creation takes minutes

If you enjoy making things such as bedazzled phone cases or hand-knit blankets or scarves, you may be able to sell your creations online on websites such as Etsy or Amazon Handmade. Some platforms will require you to be 18 or older to sign up as a seller, though you may be able to do this with support from a legal guardian or parent.

For example, once you set up an Etsy account, you could list products for 20 cents per item for up to four months. If the items sell, you’ll pay a transaction fee of 6.5% and a payment processing fee of 3% plus 25 cents. Selling your handmade goods, especially if they’re unique and popular, could be a great way to make money online for beginners.

5. Use a Shopping Browser

• Minimum age: None
• Pay frequency: Save or earn whenever you spend
• How long it takes to get up and running: Immediately to a few days

While earning more is one way to boost your finances, being smart about spending is equally important. Spending more than necessary can eat away at your budget. However, there’s an easy solution. Shopping browsers like Capital One Shopping will scan thousands of online retailers for coupons, better prices and rewards. Once installed on your browser, they will show you the difference in cost and a link to purchase the item.

The good news is there’s no real age requirement, though some services will require you to be 18 or older. Check the terms and conditions before installing anything.

6. Swap Old Electronics for Gift Cards

• Minimum age: Depends on the platform
• Pay frequency: Instant or within 15 business days
• How long it takes to get up and running: May take up to 45 days to verify trade-in

If you have unused electronics around the house, trade them in for gift cards. Amazon’s trade-in program allows you to send in Amazon or non-Amazon devices, which they will recycle or refurbish. In exchange, you’ll receive a discount and a gift card for your next Amazon device purchase. 

Unless you have the permission of a parent or legal guardian, you’ll need to be 18 or older to use Amazon’s trade-in program. Some platforms don’t have a strict minimum age requirement.

Jobs for Those 18+

Once you turn 18 — or otherwise reach the age of majority in your state — you can make money online as a beginner with far fewer limitations. Here are some of the best tips to get started.

1. Online Tutoring

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Usually bimonthly or monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: A few days to a few weeks

If you have a skill that’s worth sharing, you may be able to tutor or teach someone else online. Becoming an online homework tutor or an English instructor to people in other countries are a couple of the most common options. 

You don’t even need an degree in education — you can help grade school kids with their homework or a high school student with algebra or geometry if you have some knowledge of the topic. Some places you can advertise your skills and services to teach online include:

• Wyzant
• TutorMe
• Cambly
• Tutor.com

Generally, you’ll need to be at least 18 years old to earn money online this way. You’ll also need to provide certain tax forms — like a W-9 — when signing up.

2. Sell Products on Amazon

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Every two weeks
• How long it takes to get up and running: Three business days or less

If you’re a master of finding the best deals in stores near you, it may be a profitable online business. You could make cash on the side by reselling clearance items for a profit on Amazon with a seller account.

There’s a few plans to choose from:

• For lower volumes, the individual plan at 99 cents per item sold
• For higher volumes, the professional plan at $39.99 per month

Note that both plans come with additional transaction fees once you sell the items.

Some of the best places to hunt for discounted items to resell include:

• Ross
• Marshalls
• HomeGoods
• Big Lots
• Outlet stores

If you find items at great prices that you think could sell well, you can list them via your Amazon account. If you opt to use the Fulfillment by Amazon service, you can ship the items to an Amazon fulfillment center, and if they sell, the retailer will ship orders directly to customers and handle customer serviceand returns for your FBA orders. 

3. Rent Out Your Belongings

• Minimum age: 18
• Pay frequency: Varies
• How long it takes to get up and running: As little as an hour

There are a growing number of websites that allow you to rent out your belongings. Some examples of platforms you can use to rent things out for a profit include:

• Swimply: Rent out your swimming pool for the day
• Turo: Rent out your car
• Airbnb: Rent out a home or room as a vacation rental

Most of the websites that let you offer your items as rentals offer insurance or coverage that protects your belongings against loss or damage and even offer some liability if something goes wrong. 

Be aware that it might take days, weeks or even months to start getting noticed on these platforms as a seller or host. Pay frequency also varies by platform. For example, Turo typically takes a few business days to pay out, while Airbnb hosts can get paid within 24 hours of getting booked.

4. Become a Virtual Assistant 

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Usually once or twice monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Varies

Becoming a virtual assistant or virtual administrative assistant puts your organization skills to good use as you operate as high-level support for companies or business heads. It’s a great online side hustle with high earning potential. If you have a knack for any of the following skill sets, consider becoming a virtual assistant:

• Organizing schedules
• Interoffice communications such as conference calls, phone calls or emails
• Planning meetings

As for where to offer your skills as a virtual assistant, check out sites like Fiverr, Upwork and Time etc.

5. Code

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: As little as three to seven days
• How long it takes to get up and running: As little as an hour

There is a growing need for software engineers, and if you know how to code, you’re in luck! Pay starts at $20 an hour for coding projects with sites like Data Annotation Tech. 

Hours are typically flexible and you can work as much as you want. Applicants usually are required to take an assessment test. Anyone applying should be proficient in at least one programming language and have strong grammar and research skills. 

If you choose to work part-time or full-time, expect to get paid once or twice a month. Freelancers also often get paid Net-30, but it depends on the platform and client.

6. Proofread

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Usually monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Few hours or weeks

Proofreading is an integral part of making copy clean, spot-on and professional. While you don’t need special skills, many proofreaders hold degrees in journalism or English and have a concise understanding of grammar. The average hourly pay is $22.44 but depending on your experience level, you can earn up to $41.02 an hour. Some sites where you can look for proofreading jobs include:

• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• Upwork
• FlexJobs

7. Medical Billing

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Usually once or twice monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Varies

A medical biller is responsible for taking on the administrative responsibilities of billing insurance and processing payments for clients. This work can typically be done online from home and many healthcare organizations provide training. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly rate is $24.16 and there are several places for job-seekers to check out:

• FlexJobs
• Indeed
• ZipRecruiter

8. Social Media Manager

• Minimum age: Usually 18+
• Pay frequency: Depends on the platform
• How long it takes to get up and running: Anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks

With 2.9 billion active Facebook users, 2 billion Instagram accounts, and other social media platforms, there is an increased demand for social media pros, which opens opportunities for people looking to work from home. The average hourly rate is $31 for social media managers. This job entails excellent communication skills, creative ideas for content, flexibility and strategic thinking. There are freelance and full-time positions available and plenty of places to find a job. Check out the following sites:

• Upwork
• Freelancer
• Thumbtack
• Indeed

Remember, it can take some time to get up and running. On platforms like Upwork, for example, it might take a few hours or a few weeks to get started. Job boards like Indeed are at the whim of the employer, so it might take longer.

Pay frequency also varies. On Thumbtack, you can get paid instantly for a fee. If you choose the standard payment option, expect it to take a few business days for your bank to process the funds.

9. Freelance Computer Technician 

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: As little as a few days
• How long it takes to get up and running: Anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks

Ideal for tech-savvy people who want to earn some extra cash, a computer technician is a great way to supplement your income. The average hourly rate is $21 and you won’t need a degree to get started. You will be tasked with helping people repair, install and troubleshoot computer hardware. Places to look for freelance roles include: 

• FlexJobs
• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• Upwork

10. Cut Your Credit Card Interest Rates 

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Monthly
• How long it takes to get up and running: Right away

Reducing your credit card interest rates can help you save money and free up additional funds for money-making opportunities. By shopping around for lower interest rates or taking advantage of introductory offers, you can quickly decrease your monthly bills and put funds back in your pocket.

While you’ll typically need to be at least 18 years old to open a credit card account, some banks will let you become an authorized user as a minor. This means you can be added to an existing credit card holder’s — like your parent’s — account.

11. Look for Bank Bonuses

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Varies
• How long it takes to get up and running: Anywhere from a few weeks to a few months

Opening a new bank account often comes with the opportunity to earn a sign-up bonus. You will have to meet specific deposit requirements and activities but they are usually very straightforward. This is an easy way to earn anywhere from $50 to $300.

Some banks have larger sign-up bonuses, usually for a limited time. Opening and verifying an account might only take a few minutes or business days. But you might need to wait one to two months for the money to be credited to your account.

12. Earn $50 an Hour To Be a Friend

• Minimum age: 18
• Pay frequency: Flexible
• How long it takes to get up and running: Varies (quick application process)

If you’re not into dating sites, but still want companionship, you can find like-minded people on RentaFriend to hang out with. Payers foot the bill for dinners, concerts, sporting events or any setting where they want a platonic friend to spend time with plus an hourly rate starting at $10.  

Creating an application on RentaFriend doesn’t take long, but you’ll need to wait for verification. It’s free to get started. You can also keep any money you earn — the details of which you negotiate outside of the platform.

13. Start a Drop-Shipping Business

• Minimum age: 18+
• Pay frequency: Based on customer orders
• How long it takes to get up and running: Usually a few months

Drop-shipping is a way to sell products without having to invest too much money to get started. You won’t have to purchase and hang on to products in the hopes of selling them and then packing and shipping them yourself. All you need to do is set up a website with products, and when a purchase is made, the manufacturer you work with sends the product directly to the customer on your behalf.

It does take some time to learn the ins and outs of the business, but there are plenty of resources, especially when it comes to creating a website. There are templates you can use from websites such as Shopify and WooCommerce that can help you set up a professional-looking website in no time so you can start selling right away.

You can set up a drop-shipping store on platforms like Amazon or Shopify. Since you don’t have to possess the physical products ahead of time, it’s generally easy — and low-cost — to get started. Be sure to read through the terms and conditions to make sure your merch is compliant with local and national — and sometimes international — regulations.

14. Affiliate Marketing

• Minimum age: Usually 18+
• Pay frequency: Depends on the platform
• How long it takes to get up and running: Varies

With affiliate marketing, you can promote a certain product and if someone purchases it, you’ll receive a commission.

Essentially, you would post an affiliate link on one of your social media platforms, websites or blog posts, and if any of your followers click on it and it leads to a sale or other form of desired action, you earn a commission.

One of the easiest ways to get started with affiliate marketing is by using Amazon Associates. You’ll need to apply, but if you’re approved for an account, you’ll earn a commission when a customer you referred makes a purchase. To qualify for Amazon Associates, you’ll need to make at least three qualifying sales within six months. It can then take a couple of days for Amazon to review your application.

It can take time to start earning money. Part of this is dependent on the size of your existing audience and your marketing skills. How much you can earn also depends on the category you choose. For example, beauty and luxury products earn 10% commission, while digital and physical music earn 5%.

Final Take To GO 

Regardless of the path you choose, do your research. There are plenty of resources available that explain the steps required, what works — and what doesn’t.

Caitlyn Moorhead and Heather Altamirano contributed to the reporting for this article.

Pay data is accurate as of July 8, 2025, and was sourced from individual company websites, ZipRecruiter, Zippia and Indeed.

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