Top 18 Practical Ways to Make $400

On a tight budget? Wondering how to make 400 dollars fast?

Maybe you need some cash for a repair, a vacation, or some other emergency.

We’ve all been there—unexpected bills, debt, or a goal that needs funding. This article shows you quick ways to earn 400 dollars without waiting for a paycheck. The right side hustle can turn that need into reality.

No matter your skill level, this guide shares 18 proven strategies to make money. Let’s turn your time and stuff into quick cash.

Top 18 Practical Ways to Earn $400!

Here are the 18 best ways you can make some extra cash.

Pet Sitting

Do you love animals? Pet sitting is a great way to make money easily. Sites like Rover and Wag! help you find clients who need pet care. You can earn $15–$30 per dog walk or $40–$60 per night for overnight stays.

With more clients, you can make up to $400 a week. Rover says that top sitters can earn over $1,000 a month.

However, in Pet sitting, being flexible is important. Also, you can choose when you work and who you sit for. You can also offer extra services like giving medication or grooming to make more money.

More than 67% of pet owners use apps to find sitters (Source). And 75% prefer in-home care, which pays more. The global pet care market was worth $232 billion in 2021 and is growing.

Create a detailed profile highlighting your experience with pets.
Competitive pricing starts at $20+ per hour on platforms.
Build trust by requesting reviews after each job.

With over 50% of pet owners willing to pay for care, this is a booming side hustle for extra cash option. Be it cats, dogs, or exotic pets, there’s a lot of demand lately. As travel increases, so does the need for reliable sitters. So it’s time to start this hustle and turn your love for animals into a steady income.

Flipping Items

Flipping items is a great way to make quick cash. Look for hidden gems at thrift stores, garage sales, or Facebook Marketplace. Clean, fix, or update them, then sell them online for a profit. For example, find a scratched smartphone for $50, clean it, and sell it for $150—making a profit in just a weekend.

Early-morning garage sales (arrive 10 minutes early for best picks)
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist
Local estate sales

You can earn anywhere between $100 to $800. Some have sold over 3,000 items and made over $300k with time. Look for cheap items to flip, like a $15 fishing lure that can sell for $100, making a 567% profit. Things like buying a video game for $5 and selling it for $15 (200% profit), add up.

Pro tip: Always check eBay fees (10% seller fee) and list items $10-$20 below market value to attract buyers. Use “octopus selling” by posting the same item on eBay, Poshmark, and Facebook. One can make anywhere between $200-$400 weekly with just 5-10 hours of effort. This is a flexible fast cash opportunity requiring no special skills—just a sharp eye for deals.

TaskRabbit or Handy Jobs

Apps like TaskRabbit and Handy can help you make that $400 with a bit of profile-honing skills. They connect you with local jobs that need your skills. You can clean, assemble furniture, or fix leaks decently on an hourly basis.

Furniture Assembly: $50–$75/hr for complex setups

Moving Help: $40–$60/hr during peak times

Cleaning Services: $25–$35/hr for regular cleanings

You can make your profile stand out by adding certifications or specialties. Also, picking group jobs in the same locality can save you time efficiently. Many workers make $400 on weekends by doing 4–6 tasks. Plus, TaskRabbit gives a $10 bonus for your first job.

Offer extra services, like organizing after assembling furniture, to earn more. Handy may charge more during holidays. These jobs are great side hustles for extra cash with no long-term commitment. Start now to make quick money with your skills.

Get Paid to Write Reviews

Want to make money fast online? Writing reviews is a simple way to do it. Sites like UserTesting, Respondent, and Trustpilot’s paid program let you share your thoughts on products and services. You can earn up to $50 for each detailed review. Joining multiple sites can help you make more money.

Here’s a quick hack before you get started:

Pick niche topics like tech or beauty for better pay. For example, UserTesting pays $10 per session, and G2 offers up to $25 for software reviews. Stick to trusted sites like Vindale Research or Swagbucks, which don’t charge upfront. ReviewStream rewards you for reviews that get likes and shares.

Pro tip: Mix reviews with surveys. Sites like Respondent pay for both, doubling your earnings. Use platforms like Opinion Outpost to track your progress. With regular effort, you could earn $400 in weeks by doing quick surveys and detailed product reviews.

UserTesting: $10+ per usability test
Respondent: $5–$100+ per task
Trustpilot: Varies by brand partnerships
ReviewStream: Bonus rewards for popular reviews

Always read the terms carefully. Most platforms want honest feedback but don’t need experience. Start today and make money from your opinions!

Sell Unwanted Items Online

Selling items you no longer need online can be a quick way to earn some extra cash. Look through your house for things like electronics, designer clothes, or collectibles. Items like a City Select double stroller sold for $380 profit or a hydroponic system for $335 show the value in things you might overlook.

Electronics (e.g., bikes, appliances) on eBay (85% of sales)
Clothing and accessories via Poshmark or Mercari
Antiques or furniture on Facebook Marketplace

When listing items, use clear photos, detailed descriptions, and good prices. Selling small items together can increase your chances of making a sale. For example, selling five items over a weekend could bring in over $800.

Platforms like Worthy and Sideline Swap make selling jewelry and gadgets easy. Try to make at least $50 profit on each item. If you make $400 or more, remember to keep track of your earnings for taxes. Making 400 dollars in a day is possible through smart selling and pricing.

Rideshare or Food Delivery

Want to make 400 dollars fast? Rideshare and food delivery apps are a quick way. Drivers on Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart make $17–$25/hour. They can earn $400 in 2–3 days by working during busy times like Friday nights or weekends. Top earners use multiple apps to increase their income.

Uber Eats: $17–$23/hour. Deliver via car, bike, or foot.
DoorDash: $17–$25/hour. Drivers earn $50 in 2 hours during busy times.
Instacart: $25–$35/hour for grocery runs. Complex orders pay extra.
Amazon Flex: $18–$25/hour with scheduled shifts.

To get more income than the average, here’s what you can do:

Drive during peak times (happy hours, weekends).
Use multiple apps to fill gaps in demand.
Avoid cashout fees by strategically timing payments.

Requirements vary based on the apps. Most apps need a clean driving record and a vehicle. Consistent work over 2–3 days can hit $400. Check local demand for top-paying routes. Apps like DoorDash and Instacart often offer surge pay during events or holidays. Track earnings daily to adjust schedules for higher pay periods.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a great side hustle for extra cash for teens and adults. You can earn $15–25 per hour. This means you can get paid 400 dollars quickly by working weekend nights or overnight shifts.

Families often pay more for last-minute care. This is true for multiple kids or those with special needs.

Get CPR certified to charge up to $30/hour for experienced sitters.
Book 12 hours of weekend work ($25/hour = $300+) plus tips.
List on platforms like Care.com or UrbanSitter to attract high-paying clients.

Weeknight jobs pay $15–20/hour. But, weekend evenings can double your earnings. For example, babysitting two kids for 4 hours on a Friday night could earn you $100–150.

Adding a Saturday overnight ($200+) brings you close to $400 in 48 hours. Always confirm safety details with families and check references to build trust.

Tip: Offer extras like homework help or meal prep to stand out. Consistent clients pay long-term but focus on peak demand times to hit quick cash goals.

IT Service or Tech Help

Make money fast with IT services. Tech support jobs are great for coders, network admins, or gadget experts. You can help fix computers, set up Wi-Fi, or troubleshoot smart home systems. Use platforms like TaskRabbit and Thumbtack to find clients who need help.

First, list your services like virus removal, website building, or data recovery. Set your hourly rates between $50–$100, based on your skills. With 4–8 jobs in a weekend, you can earn $400+.

Boost your income by bundling services. For example, add website hosting to a coding project. You can also charge extra for emergency 24/7 support.

Computer repair and diagnostics
Smartphone troubleshooting
Wireless network setup
Basic website creation
Data recovery services

Image by Pixabay

Show your certifications and include client testimonials to build trust. Use contracts to protect data privacy and ease security concerns. AI tools like GitHub Copilot can help you work faster, letting you serve more clients.

Focus on repeat clients by solving problems others can’t. This could be fixing crashed drives or teaching seniors to use devices. Each solved problem means more referrals and steady income.

Mystery Shopping

Make your daily errands pay off with mystery shopping. It’s a real way to earn easy money making tips. You get to check out services and products by acting like a normal customer. Here’s how to begin:

Top firms: Market Force, BestMark, and Secret Shopper offer verified roles.
Tasks range from dining at restaurants to testing store layouts.
Get paid $10–$75 per assignment plus reimbursements for purchases.

Jobs in luxury retail or fine dining can pay $50–$100+ per visit. To save time, focus on areas with lots of assignments. Signing up takes just a few days. You must be 18 or older. Reputable sites like IntelliShop pay via PayPal or checks, and Market Force pays on the 15th of each month.

Regular shoppers can make $400–$500 a month. But, you can earn more by taking 4–5 assignments a week. IntelliShop offers courses (under $120) to teach you how to do it well. Always check BBB A+ rated companies to avoid scams.

Combine mystery shopping with other fast cash opportunities like ride-sharing to increase your earnings. With effort, you can turn everyday trips into extra cash without long-term commitments.

Sell Feet Pictures

Want to make 400 dollars in a day? Selling feet pictures is a unique way to earn money. Sites like FeetFinder and Instafeet help you sell your photos. You can earn from $5 to $100+ per image.

First, create a portfolio. Prices vary: $20 for a few photos, $40 for special poses, or $100 for videos. You can also earn more by adding extras like showing your face or making a short video. Some sellers make $50–$100 a day.

But you need to post often and keep your photos high-quality to get the money you want. The best earners make $1,000+ a month. Some even make up to $10,000 a year.

Keep your identity safe by using pseudonyms and private accounts. Look for trusted sites like FeetFinder (rated 4.9/5 by 5,000+ users) for verified buyers. Remember, you’ll need to pay taxes when you earn over $400.

Bartending

Bartending is more than just a fun night out. It’s a way to make extra cash with great earning possibilities. Even if you’re new, you can find jobs at parties, bars, or clubs through apps like Qwick or Wonolo. These apps help you find last-minute work, perfect for weekend jobs.

Events like weddings or music festivals pay well. Bartenders in the U.S. make about $13.90 an hour, including tips, according to the BLS. The best earners can make up to $22.93 an hour, with tips doubling their pay. On busy nights, you can earn $100–$300+.

Skilled mixologists in fancy places can make $400 in one shift.

Here’s how to start:

Take a 4-hour certification course for legality
Start as a barback to gain experience
Highlight customer service skills in applications

Pro bartenders increase tips by upselling drinks or building rapport. Weekend shifts in big cities like NYC or Las Vegas pay the most. Getting cash tips can also help avoid taxes. With the right effort, bartending can be a steady side income.

Remote Freelancing Options

Freelancing is a quick way to earn money online for skilled workers. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr help you find clients who pay well for needed services. If you’re good at writing, coding, or designing, you can earn $400+ a day.

Copywriting ($500+ per article)
SEO specialists ($100+/hour)
Website designers ($2,000+ per project)
Social media managers ($40-100/hour)

Make sure your profile stands out by showing your best work. Bid high on urgent projects to get paid more. Even newbies can earn $400 a week by combining services like editing ($30/hour) with social media posts.

Virtual assistants can earn $25/hour, reaching $400 in 16 hours a week. Tech skills like WordPress development can earn up to $15,000 a month. Focus on areas like graphic design (Fiverr’s top category) or data entry (averaging $12/hour).

Pro tip: Offer extra services to clients. A basic website design might cost $2,000, but adding SEO can double your earnings. By reaching out to 10+ clients daily, many freelancers earn $400 in their first week. Skills from traditional jobs, like bookkeeping ($60/hour), can also be used remotely.

Participate in Online Surveys and Paid Studies

Want to make some extra cash? Online surveys and paid studies are a great way to do so. Sites like Branded Surveys, Prolific, and Pinecone Research pay you for your time. You can also use these tips with other strategies for even more money.

Start with big names like Swagbucks, which has paid out over $400 million. Branded Surveys lets you cash out in just two days if you reach $5. Prolific Academic pays up to £10 per survey but you need to join a waitlist. Pinecone Research connects you to local paid research opportunities.

University studies can pay more. Columbia Business School pays $16/hour for some research, and Stanford’s studies can reach $25/hour. Clinical trials, like Purdue’s almond study, can pay up to $400. Look for high-paying opportunities on sites like Respondent or FindFocusGroups. Harvard’s Study Pool even offers up to $100 for certain trials.

Boost your earnings by filling out your profile with detailed information. Universities like UCLA and Georgetown often post studies looking for specific people. Keep an eye out for focus groups, which can pay $50–300. Some studies, like Boston University’s behavioral research, pay $10–25/hour in gift cards.

Most sites require a minimum payout of $5–$50 before you can cash out. For quicker results, try combining surveys with gig work or selling items you no longer need. With regular effort, you can earn $400 in 2–4 weeks. Always check the terms to understand payout rules and requirements.

Rent Out Your Space or Belongings

It’s simple to make money from unused space or items. Sites like Neighbor let you rent out garages, driveways, or sheds. You could earn $30 to $150 a month for an empty garage. Even a parking spot can make up to $100 a month on AirGarage.

Don’t just rent out rooms. You can also rent out gear on KitSplit or ShareGrid. Rent cameras and equipment for $15–$600 a day. Party tents and bounce houses can make $250–$5,000, depending on size.

RV owners can earn $100–$200 a night on Campanda. This can add up to $2,500+ a month if rented twice a month. Even designer outfits on Curtsy or Rent My Wardrobe can bring in hundreds of dollars a month.

Spaces: Garages, parking spots, attics
Items: Cameras, RVs, power tools, fashion items
Platforms: Neighbor, Turo, ShareGrid, Curtsy

Try renting out different things together. Rent a spare room ($100–$300/night) and a parked RV ($200/day). This way, you’re close to make 400 dollars in a day. Check out Nxtstor for hosts who earn up to $400 a month renting basements.

Always ask for deposits and check the renters’ backgrounds. With the right setup, you can turn unused items into steady cash.

Donate Plasma

Plasma donation is a good choice if you want to make $400-$500 extra cash. Places like CSL Plasma and BioLife pay $50–$100 per session. New donors get bonuses too. For instance, BioLife gives up to $900 for first-timers.

Donating twice a week can earn you $400 in 2–3 weeks. It’s a way to make money quickly while helping others. Your plasma helps treat cancer and immune disorders.

Here’s how it works:

Eligibility: You must weigh at least 110 lbs, pass health checks, and be 18+. Some centers accept donors up to 400 lbs.
Sessions take 1–2 hours. Expect 10–12 donations monthly, earning $400–$800.
Bonuses for referrals or hitting monthly donation goals boost income further.

First-time donors might get $500–$700 in their first month. CSL Plasma offers up to $100 per visit, while Octapharma’s starter bonus reaches $800. To maximize earnings:

Hydrate before visits—dehydration delays donations.
Eat protein-rich meals to avoid lightheadedness.
Track eligibility dates to avoid missing donation windows.

Donations are safe, but some donors feel tired afterward. Most centers require 24-hour rest between sessions. Plasma helps treat over 20 diseases, making this a meaningful way to earn quick ways to earn 400 dollars while contributing to medical needs.

Odd Jobs in Your Community

Your neighborhood might have the answer to earn that $400 you need. Local odd jobs are often overlooked but can be a quick way to earn. Tasks like snow shoveling or setting up holiday decorations can pay $20–$50 an hour.

Start by checking community bulletin boards, Nextdoor, or local Facebook groups. These places can help you find opportunities.

Leaf raking: $30–$50 per hour in fall
Event setup: $15–$30 per hour for festivals or parties
Power washing driveways: $100+ per job
Moving help: $25–$40 per hour

Focus on delivering quality service to attract regular clients. For example, you could charge $50 per house for weekly snow removal. Doing four eight-hour days at $25/hour can earn you $400.

Use flyers in local coffee shops or post on Nextdoor to find clients. Aim for $50/hour for urgent tasks like emergency cleaning or last-minute event prep.

Pro tip: Network with local businesses. Offer to clean storefronts after hours or organize warehouse inventory for cash pay. Substitute teaching jobs (check school district postings) or help with farm work during harvest season. These gigs often pay cash on the spot, making them ideal for quick cash boosts.

Community jobs let you earn while building local connections. Start today—your first $400 could be just a shovel or a flyer away.

Use Cashback and Rewards Programs

Cashback and rewards programs are some of the smart money-making strategies that turn routine spending into extra cash. Start with credit cards like the Chase Freedom Flex, which gives 5% cash back on rotating categories. Opening a new Chase checking account with direct deposit can also earn you a $200 bonus. These programs work best when you align them with existing purchases, not extra spending.

Apps like Rakuten and Swagbucks let you earn cash back on everyday shopping. For example, buying a $300 office chair through Rakuten gives $12 back. Swagbucks members can earn up to $5 daily via surveys, offers, and shopping—Diamond members even get a $250 bonus. Pair these with cashback cards like the Citi Double Cash, which returns 2% on all purchases, adding up to $240 annually on a $2,000 monthly spend.

Stack offers: Combine credit card rewards with app rebates for bigger payouts.
Focus on high-value categories: Use the Ink Business Cash® Card for 5% back on office supplies.
Maximize free sign-up bonuses: Swagbucks pays $10 for first-time $25+ purchases at featured stores.

These easy money-making tips can net $400 in 2–4 weeks. Track your progress with tools like Paribus, which secures price drops without fees. Always check terms to avoid hidden limits. Every purchase becomes a chance to earn—no extra work is required.

Temporary or Part-Time Jobs

Looking for quick cash? Temporary and part-time jobs can help you earn $400 in a day. Jobs like event staffing, warehouse work, or holiday retail pay $15 to $25 an hour. Staffing agencies like Adecco and Kelly Services can connect you with jobs right away.

Many jobs offer flexible hours, so you can manage your time well. Busy seasons or events can lead to higher earnings. FlexJobs lists over 30,000 jobs, including remote and freelance options. Warehouse jobs during peak times might pay extra for weekend work.

With these tips, we hope you’ve found some ideas and inspiration to increase your earnings and earn that $400 quickly.

18 Practical Ways to Make $400 Fast!