No cash? No problem. Here’s how you can start earning online today — 100% free. You don’t need money to start making money online.
Whether you’re aiming to earn a little on the side or build a full-time remote career, there are plenty of free, legitimate ways to get started.
The key is consistency. Pick something that fits your skills and schedule, and stick with it. Read more in our article.
Comparative Table: Ways to Make Money Online Without Investment:
| Method | Skill Level | Time Required | Potential Earnings | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Surveys | Beginner | Low | $1–$5 per survey | Casual users looking for easy cash |
| Transcription | Beginner+ | Medium | $15–$30/hour | Fast typists, detail-oriented people |
| Freelance Writing | Intermediate | Medium–High | $0.03–$0.10 per word | Writers, bloggers, content creators |
| Virtual Assistant | Beginner | Medium | $10–$25/hour | Organized multitaskers |
| Website/App Testing | Beginner | Low | $10–$20 per test | Anyone with a computer and mic |
| Selling Photos | Beginner | Low–Medium | $0.25–$5 per download | Hobby photographers, travelers |
| YouTube Channel | Intermediate | High | Varies (ad/sponsor) | Creative individuals, long-term vision |
| Online Tutoring | Intermediate | Medium–High | $10–$40/hour | Teachers, bilingual speakers |
| Publish an eBook | Intermediate | High (initial) | Passive income | Writers, subject experts |
| Fiverr Microservices | Beginner+ | Medium | $5–$100+ per gig | Creatives, techies, freelancers |
1. Take Online Surveys
Time commitment: Low
Earnings: $1–$5 per survey
Survey websites like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and InboxDollars pay you to share your opinions. It’s not a goldmine, but it’s a simple way to earn extra cash in your spare time.
Tip: Don’t rely on just one site. Sign up for several to maximize your earnings.
2. Transcribe Audio Files
Time commitment: Medium
Earnings: $15–$30/hour (once experienced)
If you’re a good listener and can type quickly, transcription can be a great online job. Companies like Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript allow you to earn money by converting audio into text.
No experience? Start with short files and build your skill over time.
3. Freelance Writing
Time commitment: Medium to high
Earnings: $0.03–$0.10 per word (or more with experience)
If you have a talent for writing, platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and ProBlogger can connect you with clients seeking blog posts, website content, and more.
Pro tip: Focus on a niche (like health, tech, or finance) to build credibility and charge higher rates.
4. Become a Virtual Assistant
Time commitment: Medium
Earnings: $10–$25/hour
Virtual assistants help businesses with tasks like email management, social media scheduling, research, and customer support. You can find these roles on sites like Belay, Fancy Hands, and Remote.co.
You don’t need prior experience — just strong organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
5. Test Websites and Apps
Time commitment: Low
Earnings: $10–$20 per test
Sites like UserTesting, TryMyUI, and Userlytics pay you to test websites or mobile apps and give feedback on the user experience. Each test usually takes about 15–20 minutes.
Most tests require screen and voice recording.
6. Sell Your Photos Online
Time commitment: Low to medium
Earnings: $0.25–$5 per download
If you enjoy photography, even with a smartphone, you can sell your images on sites like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Businesses and creators are always looking for fresh content.
The more photos you upload, the higher your potential earnings.
7. Start a YouTube Channel
Time commitment: High
Earnings: Varies (ads, sponsorships, affiliate links)
YouTube can become a powerful income source if you consistently create content around a topic you’re passionate about. Monetization options include ad revenue, brand deals, and affiliate marketing.
You don’t need expensive gear to start — many creators begin with just a phone.
8. Teach or Tutor Online
Time commitment: Medium to high
Earnings: $10–$40/hour
If you’re knowledgeable in a subject like math, language, or science, consider tutoring through platforms like Cambly, Preply, and Skooli. Some sites require teaching credentials, while others only ask for fluency or experience.
Native English speakers are especially in demand for language tutoring.
9. Publish an eBook
Time commitment: High (initially)
Earnings: Passive income
Writing and publishing an eBook can generate long-term income. Use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) to self-publish your book and start earning with each sale.
You don’t need to write a novel. Even a short 20–40 page how-to guide can sell well.
10. Offer a Microservice on Fiverr
Time commitment: Medium
Earnings: $5–$100+ per gig
Fiverr allows you to sell nearly any service, from graphic design to resume writing. If you have a skill — creative or technical — there’s likely someone out there willing to pay for it.
Start small to build reviews, then gradually increase your prices.
