Need a quick ten bucks to grab a coffee or treat yourself to something small? You're not alone! In today's world, everyone's looking for ways to make a little extra cash FAST.
The good news? You don't need a side hustle or big investment to make it happen. There are fast, easy, and even fun ways to make $10 right now - without a lot of effort.
Whether you're looking to save, splurge, or invest in a hobby, I've got you covered.
In this article, I'll walk you through 5 proven methods that I've personally used to earn $10 quickly.
Top Ways to Make 10 Dollars Right Now
So, without further ado, let's embark on your journey to quick earnings and open up possibilities for a more prosperous future.
1) Rakuten
Rakuten (formerly known as eBates) is one of the most trusted and widely used cashback platforms out there - and for good reason.
It partners with thousands of major retails and pays you a percentage of your purchases back in cash.
Sounds too good to be true. I get it - I thought the same thing. Until I received my first check from Rakuten for $25.88.
I also don't do a ton of shopping, but the cash back I earned was from things I was already going to buy.
Here's how you can make $10 or more with Rakuten:
- Step 1: Sign up for Rakuten (it's free).
- Step 2: Make a purchase through one of the partner retailers.
- Step 3: Receive a cash back bonus.
That's it. You can start with something simple such as essentials from CVS, Sams Club, or even gifts and gadgets from Samsung.
If you're going to shop online (or in-store at select retailers), there's no reason not to get paid for it.
2) Upside
Upside is personally my favorite app when it comes to saving money on essential purchases. If you drive regularly, this platform can seriously put more money back in your pocket.
The main draw? Cashback on gas and diesel purchases. Since I started using Upside, I’ve seen my savings grow consistently, especially on fuel—my wife and I have earned over $70 just from filling up our tanks! That’s money back in my pocket for doing something I already have to do.
Here’s how you can make $5 or more in no time with Upside:
- Step 1: Download the Upside app and sign up (it’s free).
- Step 2: Find participating gas stations near you and claim your cashback offer.
- Step 3: Fill up your tank, upload a photo of your receipt, and get your cashback within 24 hours.
But that’s not all—Upside also offers additional bonuses. For example, when you make your first fuel purchase, you’ll get an extra one-time bonus on top of the regular cashback! Talk about a sweet deal.
While gas is the main focus of Upside, if you live in a bigger city, the app also offers cashback for dining at a variety of restaurants. It’s a fantastic way to save a little extra on things you were going to buy anyway.
The app is incredibly user-friendly, and the interface makes it easy to find nearby stations and restaurants where you can earn cash back. Honestly, I wish I had started using it earlier—it’s that simple and rewarding.
Offer may not currently be available. However, I still highly recommend joining as you'll save money on each fuel fill up.
3) DOSH App
Dosh is one of the newest money-saving apps I’ve added to my toolbox, and it's quickly becoming a favorite. It offers a super simple way to earn cashback on everyday purchases—without any extra effort.
What makes Dosh stand out? You can earn up to 40% cashback on hotel bookings, making your next trip not only memorable but significantly more affordable. Whether you’re planning a vacation or a quick weekend getaway, the savings can really stack up.
But it’s not just for travelers. Dosh also partners with popular retailers like Adidas, Crocs, and many more—so you can get cash back for shopping online or even at local stores and restaurants. The app has a handy local search feature that helps you discover cashback deals right in your neighborhood.
Here’s how to quickly earn $10 with Dosh:
- Step 1: Sign up for Dosh (it’s free).
- Step 2: Connect your debit or credit card.
- Step 3: Make a purchase at any participating Dosh partner using that card.
Result: You’ll score a $10 bonus on top of the regular cashback.
That’s it—no scanning receipts or jumping through hoops. Once your card is linked, cashback is automatically applied when you shop at eligible stores.
If you're looking for a hands-off way to save money, Dosh delivers. It rewards your regular spending and quietly puts money back in your pocket—just the way it should be.
4) Swagbucks
Swagbucks has been one of my go-to cashback and rewards apps for years—and with good reason. It's one of the most reputable platforms out there, offering a variety of simple ways to earn real money (or at least free gift cards) from everyday online activity.
Chances are, you might have already heard of it—or maybe even signed up. But just in case you haven’t, it’s absolutely worth checking out.
Swagbucks pays you to complete quick, easy tasks like:
- Watching short videos
- Answering surveys
- Shopping online
- Playing games
- Searching the web
It's super easy to earn your first $10. Here’s a quick breakdown of how you can hit that goal almost immediately:
- $2 – Just for verifying your email address
- $2 – For securing your account via text (SMS verification)
- $1 – For completing your first survey
- $5 – For checking your credit score for free with SoFi
All your activity earns points called SB (Swagbucks), which you can redeem for gift cards to places like Amazon, Walmart, Target, or even PayPal cash. Personally, I almost always go with Amazon gift cards.
If you’re looking for a low-effort way to earn while watching TV or scrolling your phone, Swagbucks is a no-brainer.
5) DoorDash
If you’re looking for a way to make quick money with the flexibility to work on your own terms, DoorDash is one of the best options out there. Not only is it easy to get started, but it’s also a gig that can pay well over $10 an hour—sometimes much more depending on your area and timing.
With DoorDash, you use your car (or even a bike in some cities) to deliver food from local restaurants to customers. It’s a straightforward way to turn your spare time into real income—and it works especially well when you need cash fast.
Before I started making money online with platforms like Wealthy Affiliate, DoorDash was one of my main sources of quick, reliable income. I could dash for a few hours when I had time, and the money hit my account fast. It helped me pay bills, cover unexpected expenses, and even save a little extra.
Here’s why DoorDash stands out:
- Flexible hours – You choose when and how long to work.
- Instant Pay options – Cash out earnings quickly if needed.
- No experience required – Just a license, a vehicle, and a phone.
Whether you’re trying to supplement your main income, save for a goal, or just need a fast financial boost, DoorDash can be a powerful tool to make it happen—on your own schedule.
Make 10 Dollars Right Now - Honorable Mention
These are free options to make a little extra cash, but for one reason or another were not able to make my ranked list.
Google Opinion Rewards
While it didn’t quite make my “Top 5” list for fastest ways to earn $10, Google Opinion Rewards is still worth mentioning.
Google sends you quick, one-question surveys based on your demographics and habits, and you get paid for each one. Most surveys take less than a minute to complete, but typically pay under $1 each.
That might not sound like much, but it does add up. Personally, I’ve been able to cash out to PayPal three times (with a $2 minimum) in about a month—and I’m already close to a fourth payout. It’s passive, it’s easy, and it works.
How to Get Started:
- Step 1: Download the Google Opinion Rewards app from your app store.
- Step 2: Sign in using your existing Google/Gmail account.
- Step 3: Fill out a short profile to help Google match you with relevant surveys.
- Step 4: Get notified when new surveys are available—no need to check manually.
While it won’t make you rich, it’s a great way to earn a little pocket change in your downtime—waiting in line, commuting, or during commercial breaks.
Robinhood
Robinhood is best known as a commission-free investing app, but it also offers a couple of interesting ways to earn quick rewards.
When you sign up using a referral link, you can receive a free stock worth anywhere from $5 to $200.
While most users report getting a stock closer to the $5 range (so just shy of our $10 target), it’s still a great way to dip your toes into investing.
Once you’re signed up, Robinhood has a Pay or Request feature that lets you send or receive money from friends and family—similar to apps like Venmo or Cash App. And when someone uses your link and completes a request, you can earn up to $25 in real cash.
Here’s How to Get Started:
- Step 1: Sign up for Robinhood using a referral link.
- Step 2: Claim your free stock (no deposit required).
- Step 3: Use the Pay or Request feature to send or request money.
- Step 4: When a referral completes your request, you can earn up to $25 in actual cash.
While Robinhood’s free stock isn’t guaranteed to hit that $10 mark, the added Pay/Request bonus gives you another opportunity to earn real cash.
If you're interested in investing and want to earn a little extra on the side, this is a smart place to start.
SurveyJunkie
If you're looking for a simple way to earn extra cash from home, Survey Junkie is one of the best survey platforms to get started with.
It's easy, and payouts are fair. To begin, all you need to do is sign up and complete a basic profile.
Once that’s done, you’ll unlock access to a variety of surveys right inside their user-friendly dashboard. These surveys typically come from major brands that want real feedback from everyday consumers.
Most surveys take 10 to 20 minutes and pay a few dollars each. Topics can range from your opinions on household items to car insurance preferences—so it never feels too repetitive. Plus, Survey Junkie is upfront about how long each survey takes and what you’ll earn, so you can decide if it’s worth your time.
Here’s what makes Survey Junkie stand out:
- Fast payouts through PayPal or gift cards
- Earn $5 quickly by completing just a few short surveys
- Trusted by millions of users and backed by top-tier brands
💡 Pro Tip: Be honest with your answers—Survey Junkie uses your profile to match you with the best-paying and most relevant surveys.
If you're ready to start earning extra money from your phone or laptop, Survey Junkie is a great entry point into the world of paid surveys. It’s free to join, doesn’t require any special skills, and could earn you that first $5 faster than you might expect.
Sell Unused Gift Cards
Let’s be honest—gift cards make great presents, especially for restaurants or favorite stores. But every now and then, I end up with one I’ll never use. Instead of letting it sit in a drawer collecting dust, I found a better option: turn it into cash through a trusted gift card exchange.
Selling gift cards is a smart and simple way to unlock quick money—but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Set realistic expectations: You likely won’t get the full face value unless it's a super popular brand.
- Stick with reputable platforms: Choose exchanges that offer solid buyer and seller protections to avoid scams.
- Know your market: Gift cards from major retailers or national restaurant chains hold more value than cards from niche or regional places.
My go-to platform is GCX (formerly Raise). Not only do they make buying and selling gift cards easy, but you also get a $5 bonus just for signing up—which you can use toward any discounted card of your choice.
I use GCX regularly to save money on purchases I was already planning to make, and those savings add up. The less I spend on everyday stuff, the more I have to invest in other money-making opportunities.
So if you’ve got an unused gift card lying around, don’t let it go to waste—turn it into quick cash and put that money to better use.
Conclusion: Your Quick Guide to earning $10
I hope you’ve found these strategies for making $10 quickly and effortlessly helpful!
Whether you're looking to boost your income, save for something special, or treat yourself to a small reward, these opportunities can help you achieve those goals without stretching your budget.
If you're in need of more immediate cash, DoorDash is a solid choice for consistent income with flexible hours. On the other hand, apps like Rakuten and DOSH are fantastic for earning money back on purchases you were already planning to make—so it’s like getting paid to shop!
I’d love to hear from you in the comments—what are your favorite ways to make a little extra money? And, if you found these ideas useful, feel free to share your thoughts!
Thanks for reading and have a blessed day!