How to Earn Money Online: 16 Real Ideas

Discover proven ways to make money online in 2024.

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In today's digital age, the internet has opened up a world of opportunities for those looking to boost their income or build a full-time career from the comfort of their own home. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a college student, or simply someone seeking financial freedom, earning money online has never been more accessible.

This article will explore 16 genuine, tried-and-tested methods to make money online. From leveraging your existing skills to learning new ones, we'll cover a diverse range of options suitable for various experience levels and interests. These aren't get-rich-quick schemes, but real strategies that require effort and dedication. However, with persistence and the right approach, they can lead to significant income streams.

So, if you're ready to turn your computer or smartphone into a money-making tool, let's dive into these 16 real ideas for earning money online.

How to Make Earn Money Online

1. Boost your online earnings: Save more of what you make

A lot of people are barely making ends meet, so here is a tip to help you with your expenses. Who doesn't want to save an extra $100 for a few minutes of your time? Nobody could turn that down. Earning money online is great, but keeping it? That's the real challenge.

Enter Rocket Money: Your digital money-saving sidekick.

While you're hustling online, this app works behind the scenes to:

  • Slash unnecessary subscriptions with “Cancellation Concierge”
  • Track your freelance income and expenses
  • Automate savings from your online gigs

Premium features start at just $4/month (you set the price!).

Imagine: More of your hard-earned online cash stays in your pocket. Ready to maximize your online income? Download Rocket Money now!

2. Get paid $60 to share your data

The implementation of quarantine and social distancing doesn't mean that you can't still find new ways to make money.

For example, by using the internet as you do every day, Nielsen invites you to make a difference – and you can make money too.  I downloaded this app and make around $60 a year just having it installed on my phone. You don’t have to do anything other than initially registering your computer or phone.

This company will legitimately pay you to keep their app on your favorite internet browsing device as they track your usage. If you're interested you can sign up through here for a registration bonus.

3. Get paid to watch videos

online jobsIf you are worried about losing hours, suffering pay cuts, and even unemployment then the next thing you can do is sign up for InboxDollars which pays you, in cash, to watch fun videos & take surveys.

If you sign up before the end of this month, they also give you a $5 free bonus just to give it a try.

By spending just 5-10 minutes per day on this (either on your lunch break or during TV commercial breaks) you can earn and earn an extra $50/month.

More people should be using this side hustle idea during the pandemic to earn money while home.

4. Start a side hustle stack

Ready to supercharge your income? These aren't your average side hustles – these are money-making powerhouses that could put serious cash in your pocket. Best part? You can start right now, work when you want, and get paid fast!

Check out these top-paying opportunities:

🚀 Freecash: Turn your downtime into dollars! Earn up to $1,000+ playing games, taking surveys, and sharing your thoughts on products. It's like getting paid to have fun!

🚀 Survey Junkie: Want a slice of $55,000… every single day? Answer quick questionnaires and watch your earnings soar. It sounds unbelievable, but with Survey Junkie, it's reality!

🚀 Branded Research: Join the $49,000,000+ payout club! Share your honest opinions on major brands like Walmart, Apple, and FedEx. Your voice matters – and it pays!

🚀 InboxDollars: Netflix and earn? Get paid up to $225 just for watching viral videos and taking surveys. Sign up, sit back, and watch your bank account grow.

While these won't replace your day job, they're perfect for building a financial cushion, paying off debt faster, or treating yourself guilt-free. Why leave money on the table?

Don't wait – start boosting your income today! Sign up for one (or hey, why not all?) of these lucrative side hustles now. Your future self will thank you!

5. Get this account ASAP if you're a freelancer or gig worker

online jobs

Are you tired of juggling your finances as a self-employed professional? Found could be the game-changer you need.

Here's why you should sign up ASAP:

  • All-in-one banking tailored for freelancers and gig workers
  • Real-time tax calculation – no more tax season surprises!
  • Automatic tax savings – painless preparation for tax time
  • Easy transaction categorization for maximum write-offs
  • Zero account fees and no minimum balance required
  • Quick, paperwork-free signup with no credit check

But that's not all. Found's robust security features include strong data encryption, secure infrastructure, and constant fraud monitoring to keep your hard-earned money safe.

Thousands of businesses already trust Found. Why? Because it simplifies your financial life, maximizes your tax savings, and helps grow your income over time.

Don't let another payday go by without optimizing your finances. Sign up for Found in minutes – it's free, fast, and could revolutionize how you manage your money.

Ready to take control of your freelance finances? Join Found now and watch your business thrive!

6. Use game apps that pay out

Ready to win some cash? This next idea is super easy…

Whether you're a glued-to-your-phone owner who is looking for a way to make extra cash, or just looking for a fun side hustle, I've got you covered.

I have personally done a ton of research on these types of game apps.

Here are some legitimate game apps that pay real money:

  • Bingo Cash: A free, skill-based game with classic bingo elements that offer opportunities to compete against other players for real money in cash tournaments
  • Solitaire Cash: A game that pays you real money for winning at Solitaire when you play in cash tournaments against other players
  • Mistplay: Pays you to play mobile games and discover new games (for Android devices only)

Other legitimate game apps that pay real money include: Blackout Bingo, Bubble Cash, Solitaire Cube, and Money Well. You can see the full list of these sorts of apps here.

7. Earn money for shopping

Yup, it’s true! There are several companies out there that will give you free money just for shopping for groceries (which you have to do during this time). Fetch Rewards is a mobile rewards app that pays you for shopping (from any store).

This is a great way to make money, the easy way, and can add up to a large wad of cash with time. It's better than other rebate apps because you don't have to take any surveys or watch videos to earn points. Just scan your receipt and you're all good.

8. Sign up for quick cash bonuses

Cash in on the following signup bonuses available through us and you will be on your way to making an extra $100:

  • Swagbucks: $10 welcome bonus! Swagbucks is a legit rewards site with lots of different ways available to earn money. You can take surveys, play games, watch fun videos, and search the internet.
  • MyPoints: $10 welcome bonus! MyPoints offers a daily rewards program and is another cashback website that works similarly to Rakuten.
  • InboxDollars: $5 welcome bonus! Earn dollars for small tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, and playing addicting games.

Signup bonuses offer a great way to kick start your earnings with quick cash rewards.

9. Take online surveys

online jobsTaking online surveys with Survey Junkie to make extra money is a no-brainer!

You definitely won’t get rich or make hundreds of dollars per day with surveys alone, but you won’t waste much time, and you can make some money the easy way. It is my #1 favorite (and highest paying) survey site:

Survey Junkie: This is a free survey app for your phone that pays you to take online surveys, participate in focus groups, and try new products.

And, I really mean free all around – free to join and they don’t charge anything to be a member (they will actually pay you in cash via PayPal).

Join for free through this link and get your free registration bonus.

ProsCons
There’s absolutely no cost to join. Tip: Never register for a survey site that asks you for cashSometimes you’ll be a few questions in only to find out that you aren’t eligible for a survey, but you still get points
Points can be exchanged for both cash to PayPal and for gift cards Minimum balance of $10 USD needed for Payout
Your information will go toward helping companies improve their products and servicesOnly users from the United States, Canada, and Australia can participate with future plans to expand
Answers that you provide are kept completely anonymous
The potential for high earnings (depends on your demographics)
Registration bonus if you go through this link.
If you’re not eligible for a survey, you’re still given points

Bottom line: Survey Junkie pays up to $50 per survey, and many of them take less than 5 minutes to complete. It is one of the highest paying survey sites that actually works. Click here to start making extra cash with Survey Junkie.

10. A realistic way to invest in rental properties

I also wanted to share something that might interest you: Arrived

It’s a platform where you can invest in rental properties without having to manage them. This means you can earn passive income with minimal effort. 

The platform is backed by investors like Jeff Bezos, which adds to its credibility. Users have been reporting an average annual return of around 10%, making it a solid option for those looking to make their money work harder​. 

It’s worth a look if you’re considering real estate investments. Don't miss out on this one, you can learn more about them here.

11. Earn passive income

 Yes, I wouldn't think of a savings account as a good source of making money but your cash should be getting something in return instead of just sitting in a checking account. Online banks can offer over 20X more in interest — and consumers are missing out. The best high yield savings accounts offer a higher interest rate and there is absolutely no risk to your money (you'll actually earn 1% or more on your cash).

If you like earning passive income, check out these other residual income business ideas to earn money.

12. Earn $300 with this checking account

Want an easy way to boost your bank balance? Chase is offering a $300 bonus just for opening a new Total Checking account. Here's how to cash in:

  1. Open a Chase Total Checking® account online or in-branch
  2. Set up direct deposit within 90 days
  3. Watch $300 appear in your account!

Key benefits:

  • $300 bonus – that's free money!
  • Access to 16,000+ ATMs nationwide
  • User-friendly mobile app for easy banking
  • 24/7 customer support

Don't miss this chance to pad your savings. Remember, $300 could cover a month's groceries, boost your emergency fund, or jump-start your vacation savings!

Limited time offer – act now to claim your $300 bonus!

13. Earn money while you watch tv

Swagbucks is another great way to earn some easy cash for just pushing a few buttons in your free time. I personally use it and usually make up to $35 per survey while watching TV, and it does add up.

Getting started is easy:

  1. Click here to sign up. Remember, it's 100% free.
  2. Confirm your email to get the $5 sign up bonus.
  3. Take paid surveys anytime and anywhere via PC, Laptop, Tablet, Cell Phone or Mobile App earning up to $35 per survey.
  4. Get paid cash via PayPal

Here's the good and bad about Swagbucks:

ProsCons
An incredibly wide range of activities to partake inSometimes there’s no sign-up bonus
Most of the tasks are incredibly simple to completeMay take up to a few days to receive your reward
100% free – never join a rewards site that asks for your payment information
Registration bonus if you go through this link.

14. Get $1 bonus for linking a credit card

Looking for easy money? The Dosh app is the free cash back app that finds you money for shopping, dining out, and booking hotels and travel activities with more than 100,000 merchants and brands nationwide.

This company not only allows you to get cash back on everyday purchases, but no receipt scanning required!

15. Get paid to start investing

Yup, it’s true!  There are several companies out there that will give you free money to invest in stocks.

The best one right now is Acorns, which is the new millennial investing strategy. Once you connect the app to a debit or credit card, it rounds up your purchases to the nearest dollar and funnels your digital change into an investment account.

Once you get the process automated, Acorns investments make your digital change work for you. Interested in investing your own spare change? Check out Acorns for the details.

Remember, you’ll get a $5 bonus when you sign up and make your first investment!

The sooner you start investing, the sooner your money can start to grow toward your goals.

16. Get paid this week to make deliveries

DoorDash lets you be your own boss and make deliveries on your own time.

You choose the hours you work and get paid cash per order (once you have access to fast pay). Rates will vary by location.

Once you sign up to become a dasher, you can earn an average of $15-25 an hour.

This is such an easy way to make money by delivering on your free time while making extra cash and funding your personal goals.

Click here to sign up with DoorDash

Bonus Tip: Protect Your Online Income

While not a way to earn money, protecting your income is crucial when you're building your online business. Consider getting a quick online life insurance quote from companies like Ladder Insurance. This can help ensure your loved ones are protected as you grow your online income streams.

Pro Tip:
Secure Your Family’s Future in an Uncertain World: Why Take the Risk?
4.6

🛡️ Guarantee Financial Stability for Your Loved Ones: Offer them the serenity of knowing they are financially secure, no matter what life throws their way.

🌟 Safeguard Their Well-being Beyond Your Lifetime: Rest easy with the assurance that your family will continue to thrive, even in your absence.

👉 Click here for a NO-COST consultation and unlock cost-effective solutions specifically crafted for your needs.

Don’t wait for the unexpected - act now and embrace peace of mind today!

Get a Free Quote

Enjoy Your Earned Money!

There you have it. If you’ve finished the list, you’ve just made at least a few hundred in EARNED money and learned how to earn money online.

Here are some more ways you can make money with money apps or feel free to take the weekend off!

About the author

Brian Meiggs
Hi, I'm Brian Meiggs! A personal finance expert, entrepreneur, and the founder of My Millennial Guide. My drive is to help others unlock the wealth of freedom and pave the path to financial success. With my bachelor's degree in finance, I help millennials follow the smart money in order to increase their earning potential and start building wealth for the future. I write regularly about side hustles, investing, and general personal finance topics aimed to help anyone earn more, pay off debt, and reach financial freedom. I have been quoted in major publications including Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, NASDAQ, Discover, GoDaddy, BiggerPockets, Fox News, Debt.com, Quick Sprout, Money Geek, MSN Money and many more!

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