Need a quick $40? Whether you're short on cash for bills, want to treat yourself, or just looking to pad your wallet, there are several ways to earn a small sum quickly.
This article will explore practical, accessible methods to make $40 in a pinch, without resorting to loans or credit cards. From online gigs to local opportunities, we'll cover strategies that can help you reach your modest financial goal in no time.
10 Simple Ways to Make $40 Fast
1. Acorns
If you're looking to make money online quickly, Acorns is an easy win. Acorns rounds up your spare change from everyday purchases and invests it automatically. Even small contributions add up—just $100 a month could turn into $180k in 30 years with an 9% average return.
Right now, Acorns is giving you a $20 sign up bonus just for signing up! Open an account, link your bank, and set up a tiny $5 recurring investment. Once you make your first deposit, the bonus hits your account by the 10th of the next month. It’s effortless, automatic, and the easiest way to start investing. Why wait?
- Effortless investing: Acorns rounds up your spare change and invests it automatically—no extra work required
- Big potential growth: Investing $100 a month could grow to over $180,000 in 30 years with a 9% return
- Free money: Sign up, fund your account with $5, and set up recurring investments to get a $20 bonus
2. Freecash
Freecash is one of the easiest ways to make quick money online. You get paid for simple stuff like taking surveys, trying out apps, and signing up for offers. Most people make between $10 and $50 on their first day, depending on how much time they put in.
If you’re trying to hit $40 fast, here’s the game plan:
- Knock out some high-paying surveys (usually $1–$5 each).
- Sign up for app trials and services that pay bonuses just for trying them.
- Play games that reward you for reaching certain levels.
- Check in daily for extra bonuses and free rewards.
Once you hit $40, you can cash out instantly through PayPal, gift cards, or crypto. It’s legit, it pays fast, and it’s a solid way to make extra cash without much effort.
- Earn real money by completing surveys, testing apps, and trying game offers
- Cash out within minutes via PayPal, gift cards, crypto, and more
- Withdraw as little as $0.10, so you can start earning fast
3. Rocket Money
Rocket Money helps you save money effortlessly by finding and canceling subscriptions you don’t use, negotiating lower bills on your behalf, and tracking your spending to spot areas where you can cut back.
Most users save around $40 or more within their first month just by letting Rocket Money do the work. Whether it's an old streaming service you forgot about or a bill that could be lowered, Rocket Money helps put that cash back in your pocket without you having to lift a finger.
- Lower your internet, phone, and cable bills automatically
- Trusted by over 5 million users to cut monthly expenses
- Contacts providers to find discounts and hidden savings
- Saves users an average of $300 per year
4. EarnIn
EarnIn lets you access your paycheck early with no hidden fees. If you’ve already worked the hours, you can get up to $150 per day before payday, helping you cover expenses without waiting.
There are no mandatory fees, just tip what you think is fair. It’s a flexible way to avoid overdrafts or late fees while keeping your finances on track.
- Access to your hard-earned cash right when you need it
- Get up to $150/day, and $750 per pay period
- No hidden fees, no penalties, no waiting
5. Current
Current is a mobile banking app that helps you save and earn extra cash. With their savings pods, you can automatically set money aside, and their debit card rewards let you earn cash back on purchases.
Plus, if you set up direct deposit, you can get up to $750 before your next paycheck, making it easier way to get access to quick cash whenever you need it without any fees.
- Get a paycheck advance of up to $750 without a credit check
- Unlimited access, advance as much as you qualify for, as often as you need
- No minimum balance or hidden fees, 100% free
- Claim a $50 bonus with code WELCOME50 and a $200+ deposit in 45 days!
6. Cleo
Cleo is an AI-powered budgeting and cash advance app that helps you stay on top of your finances.
It tracks your spending, roasts you for bad habits (if you’re into that), and even gives you up to $250 in cash advances when you need it.
There’s no credit check, and it’s designed to keep you from overdrafting or getting stuck in a cycle of high-interest loans.
- Borrow up to $250 instantly with no credit check or interest
- Personalized tips on how you can save more
- Get help creating and sticking to a budget
- Costs $5.99 per month for Cleo Plus
7. KashKick
KashKick pays you real cash for things you already do online, like taking surveys, trying new apps, and watching videos.
Payouts are through PayPal, and users can cash out once they hit $10. It’s an easy way to earn some extra money in your free time without needing any special skills.
- Earn cash by playing games, taking surveys, and completing offers
- Get paid directly to your PayPal with no hassle
- Join over 2 million users and start earning today
8. InboxDollars
InboxDollars rewards you for everyday online activities like taking surveys, watching videos, and reading emails. You can also earn by playing games and shopping through their partner offers.
Payments are made through PayPal or gift cards, and new users get a $2 sign-up bonus to get started.
- InboxDollars is a legitimate way to make extra money online
- Been around for 20 years
- Paid its members more than $59 million since 2000
- Free $5 welcome bonus
9. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is one of the best survey sites for earning cash quickly. It connects you with companies that pay for your opinions, with most surveys paying between $1 and $5.
Once you hit the minimum $5 cash-out amount, you can redeem your earnings through PayPal or gift cards, making it an easy way to turn spare time into extra money.
- Share your opinion to help brands deliver better products and services
- Fast payouts, legit, and our favorite survey site
- Has paid out more than $25 million to its members
10. Fundrise
Fundrise is a great way to dip your toes into real estate investing without needing tons of cash upfront. For as little as $10, you can start building a real estate portfolio, and new users even get a $10 bonus to kick things off. Whether you're new to investing or looking to diversify, Fundrise offers an easy and flexible way to grow your money while investing in properties nationwide.
- Earn passive income with real estate investing starting at just $10
- Easy-to-use app for seamless access to crowd-funded real estate deals
- Perfect for those who want their money to work for them
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of these apps is best for making money fast?
If you need money quickly, EarnIn lets you access up to $100 per day from your paycheck before payday. KashKick and InboxDollars also offer fast earnings through surveys, app trials, and other tasks, while Survey Junkie is a solid option for earning cash by sharing your opinion.
How much can I make with KashKick, InboxDollars, or Survey Junkie?
Your earnings depend on the time you put in. KashKick and InboxDollars typically pay $1–$5 per survey or task, while some offers pay even more. Survey Junkie also pays between $1–$5 per survey, and once you reach the cash-out minimum, you can withdraw your earnings via PayPal or gift cards.
How does EarnIn work?
EarnIn lets you access the money you’ve already earned before payday. You can withdraw up to $100 per day (or $750 per pay period), and there are no mandatory fees—just an optional tip. It’s a great way to avoid overdraft fees or cover unexpected expenses.
Can I really save $40 with Rocket Money?
Yes! Rocket Money helps people save money by canceling unwanted subscriptions, negotiating lower bills, and tracking spending. Most users save around $40 or more in their first month just by letting the app do the work for them.
- Access to your hard-earned cash right when you need it
- Get up to $150/day, and $750 per pay period
- No hidden fees, no penalties, no waiting
