16 Easy Ways to Make Money By Doing Almost Nothing
Ever wish you could make money without having to put in a lot of effort?
Whether you’re killing time on your couch or juggling a busy day, you can still earn money on the side.
From online jobs from home to effective money making jobs that barely feel like work, there’s something out there for everyone.
Some of these even come with perks like get free stuff online or rewards just for signing up.
With the right money making strategy and a few simple steps, you can turn lazy afternoons into extra income.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Now, let’s talk about how to make money by doing (almost) nothing.
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- How To Make $300 Fast In A Day – 21 Real Ways
1. Cash Back Apps
Cash back apps are one of the easiest ways to earn without doing much.
Seriously, you just shop like you normally do, and these apps pay you back a little for your purchases. Sounds too good to be true? I thought so too, until I started using a few and saw real money land in my account.
Apps like Rakuten and Ibotta work by giving you a percentage of your purchase back.
You just need to activate the offers before you shop. Some apps even let you link your card, so the rewards happen automatically.
Here’s the cool part: You can stack deals. That means using a cash back app and a store sale together.
If you’re already spending, why not get something back? It’s a super chill money strategy for lazy earners.
2. Sign-Up Bonuses
Want quick money for doing almost nothing? Grab those sign-up bonuses.
Banks, apps, and websites are always offering freebies just for creating an account.
Some give you $10–$50 to start, others offer even more if you meet basic requirements.
I once made $75 just for opening a new checking account and setting up direct deposit. No strings, no stress. Just free money.
These offers are gold if you’re starting a money saving plan or need some extra cash with zero effort.
Always read the fine print, but don’t overthink it. Most are super easy.
3. Get Paid to Watch Videos
Yes, this is a thing. Companies will pay you to watch ads or short videos.
You’re basically helping them test content or increase engagement.
It’s not going to make you rich, but it’s a great side hustle while you’re chilling.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
Swagbucks and InboxDollars are two solid platforms for this. You just log in, hit play, and earn points or cash.
And if you’re really into multitasking, you can even let videos run in the background while you do other stuff. Talk about easy money making jobs.
4. Sell Your Internet Bandwidth
Got fast internet and don’t use all of it? There are platforms that pay you to share a small portion of your bandwidth.
Honeygain is one of the big ones, and it’s totally passive once you set it up.
Basically, companies use your unused data to run web analytics or ad testing.
Your personal info stays private, it’s just your extra bandwidth they want.
It’s not a huge earner, but it adds up. If your internet is always on, why not let it work for you?
5. Refer Friends and Earn
Referrals are a goldmine. Tons of apps and websites give you cash or credits for getting your friends to sign up.
I’ve made over $200 this way, just by sending out my personal links.
The trick is to recommend stuff you actually use and like. If it helped you, chances are it’ll help someone else too. Think meal kits, finance apps, or even streaming services.
Combine this with social media or messaging, and it’s like free advertising. Easy sharing = easy money.
6. Play Games That Pay
Gaming doesn’t just kill time anymore, it can also pay. Some apps reward you with real money or gift cards just for playing. No, you don’t need to be a pro gamer. You just need to have fun.
Apps like Mistplay or Skillz pay users to play puzzle games, trivia, and even card games.
The more you play, the more you earn. I usually log in during lunch breaks just for fun.
Not every game pays well, but if you’re playing anyway, why not get a little something for it?
7. Try Mystery Shopping
Ever wanted to get paid for shopping? Mystery shopping lets you earn by checking out stores and reporting on your experience. Some gigs pay in cash, others give you free stuff.
You’ll usually be asked to evaluate customer service, cleanliness, or product availability. It’s easy and sometimes kind of fun.
Great for folks who love checking out new places or just want an excuse to shop. Some work from home companies even post remote assignments.
8. Scan Receipts
Got old grocery receipts lying around? Scan them! Apps like Fetch Rewards and Receipt Hog give you points for snapping pics of your receipts.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
It’s quick, easy, and doesn’t cost you a thing. I just save mine up and do a batch scan once a week while watching TV.
Points add up fast, and you can trade them in for gift cards or cash. A super simple part of any lazy money saving plan.
9. Use Browser Extensions That Pay
There are browser extensions that help you earn while you surf. Rakuten again comes to mind, along with Capital One Shopping.
They automatically find deals, coupons, and even reward you for shopping.
You don’t have to click around or search for promo codes, they do all the work for you.
Set it once, forget it, and earn while doing your usual online thing. Honestly, it doesn’t get much easier.
10. Get Free Samples
If you’re a fan of trying new things, look for websites that offer get free stuff deals. You can score everything from skincare to snacks just by signing up or writing a short review.
Companies want your feedback, and they’re willing to reward you for it.
Check out sites like PINCHme and SampleSource. It’s fun, free, and might even save you some money along the way.
11. Rent Out Stuff You’re Not Using
Got a bike collecting dust? Or maybe an extra room, parking spot, or tools?
Rent them out! Sites like Fat Llama or Airbnb make it super easy.
I rented out a camera I wasn’t using and made $60 in one weekend. No effort, just extra cash.
This is one of those work from home tips that doesn’t even feel like work. It’s just smart use of what you already have.
12. Take Online Surveys
Surveys can be boring, but hey, they pay. And some of them are actually kind of fun.
If you’ve got a few minutes to kill, sites like Survey Junkie or YouGov are worth checking out.
You won’t get rich, but the cash adds up over time. Great to do while watching Netflix or waiting for dinner.
Just stick with reputable platforms and don’t expect hundreds a day. Think of it as extra coffee money.
13. License Your Photos
Love taking pics? You can sell your photos online. Platforms like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock let you upload images, and you get paid every time someone downloads one.
It doesn’t have to be pro-level photography. Everyday stuff, like coffee, pets, or sunsets, sells well.
If you’re already taking pics, why not make a little extra with them?
14. Sell Your Data (Safely)
Some apps pay you to share anonymous data like app usage or browsing habits.
It sounds sketchy, but trusted apps like Nielsen Mobile Panel or MobileXpression are legit.
You install the app, keep it running, and they collect insights for market research. No effort on your part.
They don’t sell your personal info, just your general usage patterns. It’s passive income with no strings.
15. Set It and Forget It Investments
Investing can be scary, but there are apps that make it automatic. Think of it like planting money seeds and letting them grow.
Apps like Acorns or Stash round up your purchases and invest the spare change. You don’t even have to think about it.
This is a long-term money strategy, but it’s so hands-off, it totally counts as earning by doing almost nothing.
16. Participate in Product Testing
Companies love feedback. If you’re down to try out new gadgets, food, or beauty products, they’ll often pay you or let you get free stuff online.
💡Quick Note: I made $3,647 in a month with Pinterest by using this one simple strategy — and you don’t need a blog or experience to do it. Download the Free Guide Here!
You try it, give your honest thoughts, and keep the product. Sometimes there’s even a bonus.
It’s one of the most fun ways to make money while getting cool stuff for free.
Conclusion
Making money doesn’t have to be stressful or time-consuming.
With a few smart moves and the right tools, you can build a lazy income stream that actually works.
Whether it’s through online jobs from home, smart apps, or doing what you already do every day, a little goes a long way.
FAQs
Q1: Can I really make money doing almost nothing?
Yes! While you won’t get rich overnight, many of these methods give you steady, easy income over time.
Q2: Are these methods safe?
Most are totally safe if you stick with legit apps and websites. Always read reviews and avoid anything that asks for upfront fees.
Q3: How much can I expect to make per month?
It varies. Some folks make $50–$300/month depending on how many methods they use and how consistent they are.
Q4: Do I need special skills?
Nope. Most of these ideas are beginner-friendly and don’t require anything but a smartphone or laptop.
Q5: What’s the best way to start?
Pick 2–3 methods that sound easiest to you. Start small, stay consistent, and build from there!
