Making money online as a beginner can take a bit of experimentation. But there are plenty of apps and websites that can help you earn some extra cash.
Whether you need extra cash, want to start a low-level side hustle, or are just curious about how much money you can make online without much effort, there are plenty of options. It’s even easier if you’re creative.
Some ideas for making money online for beginners are easy (like taking surveys or playing games). But they don’t pay off in the long run.
Other ideas (like completing tasks, testing products, and freelancing) require more effort. But they can be more rewarding depending on your skills and time commitment.
Below, we’ll look at five ways for beginners to make money online.
1. Get Paid to Complete Tasks
If you want to earn money by doing various tasks, consider using Get-Paid-To sites.
Websites like Freecash and Scrambly offer a variety of ways to earn money. Here, you can earn extra income by completing various tasks.
1. Freecash
Freecash is one of my go-to websites for making money by doing various tasks. Because it offers more income than other websites.
I mainly like its variety of games. But Freecash also offers surveys, and it also pays for activities like watching ads.
Users can withdraw money from Freecash in Crypto (digital currency), direct bank deposit, PayPal, gift cards, and many other ways.
This website is a legitimate and solid website. However, the first withdrawal fee can range from $5 to $20 depending on your location.
Also, be aware that Freecash charges a 5% processing fee for all withdrawals made via PayPal or bank transfer.
2. Scrambly
Scrambly is another paid website. It’s available on Android phones, and iOS users can access it via a web browser.
While Scrambly is primarily focused on games, it also offers other tasks, such as downloading apps or signing up for services like the Wall Street Journal or AARP membership.
You have to have a minimum of $1 (1,000 points) to cash out on Scrambly. You can cash out via store gift cards, PayPal, or bank transfer. Scrambly also lets you donate your earnings to charity. I don’t see this kind of cool feature often.
2. Get Paid To Test Products
Finding free apps to make money online is pretty easy. But it’s good to have options on different platforms.
While most platforms focus on downloading and playing games, some websites like Testerup and Cash Giraffe also offer product and app testing.
Some people may find product testing more interesting than playing games.
1. Testerup
Testerup pays users to play games and test apps. I use this site because it usually pays out more than other sites.
For example, Testerup offers $300 to new users who test a financial app and set up a direct deposit. But not every offer is that lucrative. And it can take a while to reach the maximum amount.
Testerup has the highest minimum withdrawal limit of any app I’ve seen. You need to earn at least $70 to qualify for a withdrawal. Once you reach that limit, you can withdraw your money via PayPal.
2. Cash Giraffe
Cash Giraffe is a paid website similar to Testerup, available for both iPhone and Android. It offers games, surveys, product and app testing, and other small tasks. However, the tasks offered to you may vary.
When you use Cash Giraffe, you earn Gems. These Gems can be exchanged for PayPal or gift cards. You can also use Cash Giraffe to get store discounts instead of cash or gift cards.
3. Use Real Paying Game Apps
Some gaming websites make you watch endless ads, or never earn enough to cash out. That’s why it’s important to read game reviews and make sure the games you sign up for are real, legitimate games that pay.
Here are my three favorite legitimate gaming websites:
1. Bingo Cash
Bingo Cash is available on Apple and Samsung Galaxy devices. You can play for fun, or you can earn money by participating in tournaments with prizes if your state allows cash games.
Bingo Cash is free to play. However, you can access the more lucrative tournaments faster if you add money to your Game Wallet.
Most tournament buy-ins range from $1 to $5, and the total prize pool can range from $5 to $30.
Bingo Cash requires a minimum of $5 to withdraw, and charges a $1 processing fee for each withdrawal.
Players will first be refunded to their original deposit method, with any remaining balance paid out via PayPal, Apple Pay, or Venmo.
2. Solitaire Smash
Solitaire Smash is available on the Apple App Store and Samsung Galaxy Store. It is a classic Klondike Solitaire card game, with a tournament system similar to Bingo Cash.
However, Solitaire Smash has a wider range of entry fees and prize pools. This means that you can earn more depending on how you rank.
Once you earn $5, you can withdraw your money via PayPal. However, there is a $1 processing fee for each withdrawal.
3. Solitaire Cash
Solitaire Cash is similar in design and function to Bingo Cash. It has the same entry fees of $1 to $5, and the total prize pool is $5 to $30.
Like Bingo Cash, you must have a minimum winnings of $5 to withdraw your winnings.
When you withdraw your winnings, you will be charged a $1 processing fee, and the money will be refunded to the original deposit method, with the remaining amount being sent via PayPal.
4. Make Money by Taking Online Surveys
One of the easiest ways to make money from home, especially for beginners, is to sign up to take online surveys.
Many companies that need your opinion on brands will pay you to share your opinion.
Consider these legitimate websites:
1. Survey Junkie
I like Survey Junkie for completing surveys because it offers a lot of options and has a clean dashboard. It also occasionally offers opportunities to test products with a few focus groups.
Survey Junkie’s “Surf to Earn” program is another way to earn money online. This browser extension tracks your browsing activity and helps you qualify for higher-paying surveys.
Survey Junkie doesn’t usually pay a lot of money per survey. But the payout threshold is low—just $5 (500 Platform Points). And it pays out via PayPal, bank transfer, or online gift cards (which is convenient).
2. InboxDollars
While Survey Junkie has a simple and clean interface, InboxDollars is the opposite. This website offers paid surveys, downloading and playing games, online shopping, reading emails, and a variety of other tasks.
I use this website when I want to do various tasks without having to switch platforms.
However, you need to have at least $15 in InboxDollars to withdraw your first payment. After that, the minimum requirement drops to $10.
You can request payment via Prepaid Visa, American Express, or Mastercard cards, store gift cards, or PayPal.
5. Use Your Skills to Become a Freelancer
Freelancing allows you to use your existing skills to earn money on a schedule that works for you.
While this may not work for everyone, I have found that if you have marketable, easy-to-monetize skills, you can earn more money from freelancing in the long run than using apps and websites.
Here are two freelancing platforms that I use frequently to find work:
1. Upwork
Upwork’s job board connects clients with qualified freelancers who can bid on projects or offer their own ideas.
Upwork posts jobs in a variety of fields, including AI, graphic design, software development, marketing, business management, writing, and other creative fields.
Creating a profile on Upwork is free. However, I purchased virtual tokens called Connects to submit proposals and increase my profile’s visibility.
If you get a job, Upwork takes a commission of up to 15% of all revenue. This rate depends on the type of contract you win through the platform.
2. Fiverr
Fiverr is a free platform similar to Upwork. It offers a wide range of services, including presentation and website design, writing, coding, transcription and translation, software development, accounting, and customer support.
Once you have completed a few projects and have a high enough ranking, you are eligible to pay to further enhance your profile through Fiverr Ads.
In addition to advertising fees, Fiverr charges a 20% commission on all freelancers’ earnings.
3. TaskRabbit
If you prefer to do things with your hands and have a skill set like home improvement, painting, or assembling furniture, signing up for TaskRabbit can help you make money pretty easily.
While TaskRabbit charges a $25 sign-up fee, you can set your own rates and decide when you want to work.
TaskRabbit isn’t available everywhere. But if you live in or near a big city, you’re more likely to find clients who need help.
To sign up for TaskRabbit, you must be at least 18 years old, live in a TaskRabbit-enabled area, and agree to ID verification. You’ll also need a smartphone, a checking account, and a Social Security number.
6. Other Ways to Make Money Online
If you’ve ever considered making money online, you’ll know that there are many ways to accomplish your goals.
While some methods are easier for beginners, it’s important to find what works best for your situation.
If you’re looking for a more challenging but still relatively easy way to get started, consider the following methods.
1. Open an Etsy store
Etsy is a great way for crafters to showcase their creations. You can also open an Etsy store for items you’ve repurposed or found at garage sales and thrift stores.
It may take a little practice to learn how to effectively resell, but if you have the skills to clean or repair items and like to get a good price, you could find a lucrative side hustle.
2. Learn Bookkeeping
Most people think of bookkeeping as a full-time job. But it can be a great side hustle, especially if you’re self-motivated and have a knack for numbers. You don’t need an accounting degree.
However, earning a bookkeeping certification through a website like Bookkeepers.com can help you learn the basics and get your business off the ground.
Also Read: Top 10 Consumer Tech Trends to Watch in 2026
Bottom Line
As a beginner, making money online can seem a little daunting. But there are many easy ways to do it.
Starting with small tasks like playing games, testing products, and filling out surveys can help you earn some extra income without having to take on a big project or make a significant financial investment.
Once you have some experience, think about what interests you. Then find the best side hustles that fit your needs and interests.
