Skip to Content

Free 5 Dollars Instantly? Here Are 15+ Ways How

Free 5 Dollars Instantly? Here Are 15+ Ways How
This article may contain links from our partners. Please read our Disclaimer for more information.

Life happens, and sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we need a free 5 dollars instantly. The good news is there are many free money-making ideas to earn money online or in person. Usually, you only need a mobile phone and the desire to make extra money fast.

Can You Make Five Dollars Now?

If you need money fast, there are ways to make 5 dollars now. Some methods may take a little time for the funds to accumulate, especially for apps with a minimum withdrawal threshold, but there are many ways to get 5 dollars for free. When you’re consistent in your efforts, you can regularly have extra money coming your way!

free 5 dollars instantly

15 Ways to Get 5 Dollars Free

We’ve narrowed the top 16 ways to get a free 5 dollars instantly. Choose a few ways to make 5 dollars fast, and you’ll find ways to get quick money or have extra money to invest, save, or use as spending money!

1. Answer Surveys 

If you love providing your opinion, online surveys can be a great way to get free PayPal money. You can also redeem gift cards to your favorite stores. You won’t pay the mortgage with paid survey sites, but if you diversify your efforts by signing up for multiple survey sites, you can earn cash prizes and get free money on PayPal or sometimes direct deposit in your checking account.

Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is among the highest-paying survey sites, making it a must when learning how to get free PayPal money. First, sign up for a free account on the Survey Junkie survey site and complete your profile.

When paid surveys are available that match your profile, they’ll send you an email. If you respond in time and pass the screener, you can earn virtual points that you can redeem for cash or e-gift cards. Keep in mind that Survey Junkie is one of the most popular survey sites, so the surveys fill up fast.

Take Surveys, Get PAID!
Survey Junkie
5.0

Get paid for taking online surveys!

All you have to do is build your profile, take surveys, earn points, and get paid!

Payouts are available via PayPal or e-Giftcards.

Pros:
  • Free to sign up
  • Redeem for cash or gift cards
  • Points have a long "shelf life" compared to other sites.
Cons:
  • Payouts for some surveys are low
Sign Up

Opinion Outpost

Opinion Outpost has over 2 million members earning points they can convert to cash when they answer online surveys. Opinion Outpost surveys pay 10 to 250 points that add up to quick money when you’re looking to put free money into a PayPal account or for free gift cards.

Get Paid For Sharing Your Opinion!
Opinion Outpost
3.5

Sign up for free to take surveys and provide your opinion! Earn every time you take part, plus you get to keep your rewards - even if you leave. Get paid via PayPal, Visa & Amazon Gift Cards

Pros:
  • Free Sign Up
  • Redeem via Gift Cards or PayPal
  • Donate Rewards to American Red Cross
Cons:
  • Qualifying for Survey Can be Time-Consuming
Sign Up

Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys also offers online surveys you can answer and earn cash. Like most survey sites, they pay points that you can redeem for free PayPal cash, a direct deposit in your checking account, or free gift cards.

The key to making money on this free survey app is to provide a detailed profile and answer the surveys as quickly as possible to earn free 5-dollar rewards.

Earn $1 - $3 per Survey!
Branded Surveys
4.6

Join over 2,000,000 Members - Surveys, Daily Polls & Competitions with fast payouts! Over $22 million dollars paid out! Redeem Rewards via PayPal or Gift Cards from Hundreds of Brands, Including Amazon, Airbnb, Google Play, Adidas, Nike, and more!


Pros:
  • Higher pay than other survey sites
  • Large selection of payout/gift cards
Cons:
  • Must qualify to complete certain surveys
Sign Up
surveys that pay cash instantly

Be sure to check out our full list of 28 Surveys that Pay Cash Instantly!

2. Earn a Sign-up Bonus on Get Paid to Sites

Get-paid-to sites are a great way to get 5 dollars instantly, and many sites pay a great sign-up bonus. Here are some top get-paid-to sites to sign up for to earn money.

Swagbucks

When you sign up for Swagbucks, you’ll earn a sign-up bonus of $10! All you need is an email address and a password to get started.

You can earn money on Swagbucks by shopping online, searching the web, playing games, answering surveys, and accepting offers.

Like most sites, Swagbucks pays in points that they call SBs. You can redeem the SBs for gift cards or PayPal rewards. $5 is easy to reach on Swagbucks because of the sign-up bonus, but you can keep earning with consistent effort.

Get Paid for Everyday Things
Swagbucks
5.0

Free app that pays you to shop online, watch videos, take surveys, search the web & playing games online. Payouts are redeemable via gift card or cash!

Pros:
  • Free to join!
  • $10 Sign Up Bonus
  • Variety of rewards options
  • In-store & online cash back rewards
  • Very easy to use website & mobile app
Cons:
  • Some offers require a lot of effort to earn rewards
  • Some tasks don't offer many points
  • Payouts for watching videos can be low
Sign Up

MyPoints

MyPoints is another get-paid-to site that pays members points for online activities. You can get paid to shop online, answer surveys, or play games. You can also earn points to upload your grocery store receipts or sign up for free trials (just remember to cancel them before getting charged).

When you sign up for MyPoints, you earn free $5 instantly with the sign-up bonus, and you can keep earning cash and winning free gift cards by completing tasks.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars pays members to do simple things like take paid online surveys, play games, earn cash back for shopping online, reading emails, watching videos, and grocery shopping.

When you join InboxDollars, you get $5 instantly with their sign-up bonus. However, you cannot cash out on InboxDollars until you earn $30, but this can motivate and encourage you to do more tasks to keep earning money online.

Free $5 Sign Up Bonus
Inbox Dollars
5.0

Get rewarded for watching movies, taking surveys, playing games, reading emails & get cash back for shopping online. They even have coupon cash rewards!

Pros:
  • Earn money, not points
  • Little time and little effort is needed to earn
  • Surveys pay well
  • Payments in PayPal, eGiftCards, or Visa
  • $5 Sign Up Bonus
  • User friendly site and app
Cons:
  • $30 minimum payout
  • Must reach $15 before your first payout
  • Pay can take up to 2 weeks to process
Sign Up

3. Use Cash-Back Apps

Cash back apps are another great way to get free PayPal cash for doing something you’d normally do, shop! Some cash-back apps pay you to shop online, and others pay cash for in-store purchases after you upload your receipt. Like most apps in our list, you may get paid cash, but some apps also offer free gift cards as an option.

Rakuten

Rakuten is the king of cash-back apps. They work with 3,500+ retailers that you shop online and earn money back. You can also find discount codes and exclusive deals using the Rakuten app. While you might make 5 dollars fast with Rakuten, they only pay out once per quarter. You can earn rewards via a ‘big fat check’ or get paid in your PayPal account.

$25+ Sign-up Bonus!
Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)
5.0

Get Paid to shop! Rakuten is a free and easy way to earn cash back and receive special bonus offers from over 3,500+ stores. All you need to do is join, shop, and get paid.

Pros:
  • Easy Registration
  • Free to use
  • Most major retailers partner with Rakuten
  • Welcome bonus offers
Cons:
  • Only US and Canadian residents can join
  • Low earning potential
Join Now

Ibotta

Ibotta began as a free app to earn money back on groceries, but now they pay users to shop online too. Ibotta is a great app to learn how to make $5 dollars right now because you don’t need any special skills and can even earn money going to the grocery store!

If you shop in-store, check the free app first and activate any deals you think you’ll use. After shopping, upload your receipt, and you’ll earn money back. If you prefer shopping online, log into the Ibotta app and activate your offers before shopping.

As a bonus, Ibotta pays a $10 free bonus when you spend your first $30. Unfortunately, you won’t get money on PayPal for free with Ibotta; you must link your bank account for direct deposit.

Cash Back With Ibotta
Ibotta
4.5

Earn cashback with Ibotta for your purchases in-store and online. Whether using loyalty linking or submitting qualifying grocery receipts - saving and earning money is simple!

Pros:
  • Free & easy to use
  • Features hundreds of retailers
  • Mobile App
  • Friend Referral Program
  • Cash out at $20 or more
Cons:
  • Offers are store specific
  • Ads on the Site and Mobile App
Sign Up!

Dosh

Dosh offers an easy way to earn free cash. It’s a cash-back app but without all the work. You don’t need to upload receipts or activate offers. Instead, when you sign up, you link your credit or debit card to the app, and each time you shop at an eligible store, you automatically earn rewards.

Dosh automatically credits your account, and when you accumulate $15, you can get free PayPal cash, Venmo, or a direct deposit to your bank.

Fetch

Fetch is a great app that offers cash back for uploading receipts. What we love about it is you don’t have to activate offers or shop at specific stores. You can make 5 dollars fast by simply uploading any receipt to retail stores, restaurants, or gas stations. They also accept digital receipts if you shop online.

You’ll earn at least a few points for each receipt but may earn higher rewards for certain purchases. Uploading a receipt and earning extra cash takes only a few seconds.

Upside

Upside makes paying at the pump less painful! You can earn a cash bonus on each fill-up if you use partner gas stations. The free app shows you where to go to earn rewards, and in some areas, you can earn rewards for grocery shopping, dining out, and even shopping at some retail stores.

Save Money At The Pump!
Upside
3.5

When you join Upside, you'll save up to 25¢ per gallon every time you get gas. It's a free app, and thousands of gas stations are offering cash back.

Use code "AFF25" while signing up to save up to $0.45 per gallon!

Pros:
  • Easy to Use
  • Cashout with PayPal or Direct Bank Deposit
  • Cash Back with Receipt
Cons:
  • Need a receipt to receive cash back
  • Cashback is not always equal to the price of gas in your area
Join For Free

4. Rent Space or Stuff

If you have extra space, you can make money renting it to others when you don’t need it. This is a great way to make passive income.

Neighbor

On Neighbor, you can rent any space, such as an attic, garage, basement, or extra bedroom. Make sure your listing states what renters can use the space for, and you can make money renting space you don’t use.

RentMy

If you have other items to rent, such as cameras, bikes, yard equipment, or anything else, consider listing it on RentMy and making a passive income. They verify all users so you can rest assured your items are safe, and you can make money helping others.

7. Invest in Real Estate

If you want to earn free 5 dollars instantly, consider a real estate investing app. You don’t need a lot of capital, and it can be a great way to use your money online for purposes other than shopping.

Fundrise

You can become a real estate investor with only a few dollars on Fundrise. You can invest in real estate with $10 and invest in institutional quality real estate investments. Keep in mind that real estate investments are long-term, usually 5+ years on Fundrise, but they offer opportunities to access your cash if necessary. So if you need to know how to make $5 right now, you may want to use other methods, but Fundrise is good for long-term earnings.

A Top Real Estate Investing Pick
Fundrise
5.0

Fundrise makes it easy for anyone to get started as a real estate investor. Available in all 50 states, started in 2010 - Fundrise has become one of the most popular eREIT investments available.

Minimum Investment: $10
Accredited Investors Only?: No
Pros:
  • Small Minimum Investment Requirement
  • IRA Accounts Available
  • Open to ALL Investors
  • Variety of Investment Options
  • User Friendly Platform
Cons:
  • Difficult to Understand Fee Structure
  • Illiquid
  • More Complex Investments Requiring Diligence of Investors
Get Started

Arrived

Arrived is another real estate app that allows you to invest money in rental properties. Some investors prefer this method because you earn passive income from the monthly rent and get a percentage of the capital appreciation. You need only $100 to invest in Arrived to start earning extra cash.

5. Play Games

If you love playing games, there are many ways to get $5 for free. Like many methods, there’s no guarantee you’ll earn cash rewards, but with consistency, the odds are in your favor. The key is to find money playing games you’ve already mastered or that you know you can learn fast.

When you earn money playing games, you may have to put money in, like betting, but when you win, the payouts may be high.

Here are some of the best games to try if you play mobile games.

Blackout Bingo

Blackout Bingo isn’t just a game of luck. Blackout Bingo is a strategy game; the more you play, the better you’ll get at it. When you play games on Blackout Bingo, you’re matched with players with similar abilities, so it’s a fair match.

The Bingo games are two minutes long. If you win, you earn points that you can redeem for cash rewards for the right daubs, fastest speed, and bingos.

Mistplay

Mistplay is a free game app where players can earn money. The key is to play games often because the more you play, the more money you earn on Mistplay. The app recommends games for you to play; the longer you play, the more units you earn.

The Mistplay catalog will often suggest new games, so check back and try new ones. If you love playing games, this can be a fun way to make money. To date, they’ve given away $60 million. However, please note the app is only available on Androids.

Play and EARN (Android Only)
Mistplay
3.5

Play games on your phone and get paid! Earn reward points while having fun. Redeem your points for various gift card types like Visa, Amazon, Google Play, and more!

Pros:
  • Variety of Gift Card Options
  • Wide Selection of Games and Genres
  • Easy Passive Income
Cons:
  • Low Earning Potential
  • App Version Only
  • Android Users Only
Download Android App

Solitaire Cash

If you love Solitaire, consider making it a competitive game and earn money with Solitaire Cash. This can be a fun way to get 5 dollars free, especially if you’ve mastered your solitaire skills. You probably guessed you won’t get rich playing games like Solitaire, but if you need to get $5 fast, it can be a fun and unique way to do it.

Win Real Money, Playing Solitaire!
Solitaire Cash
4.8

Solitaire Cash is a free online game that combines the classic card game with the chance to win real money. It's a great way to pass the time and potentially make some extra cash.

Pros:
  • Free To Play
  • Fun & Easy to Learn
  • Chance to Win Real Money
Cons:
  • Must Create an Account to Play
Sign Up

6. Get $5 Now Delivering Food

If you want to make money now, many gig economy apps allow you to deliver food and make money. With each food delivery app below, you keep 100% of the customer tips and have an option for an instant payout if you need money fast.

Apply for approval for immediate payment!
The average Instacart Shopper earns $17/hr!
5.0
4.5
  • Fast Payment
  • You Pick Your Hours
  • Preview Pick-up/Drop-off Locations
  • Work When You Want
  • Mileage Deductions
  • Earn Tips
  • Vehicle Usage
  • Gas
  • Vehicle Wear & Tear
  • Gas Costs
Apply for approval for immediate payment!
5.0
  • Fast Payment
  • You Pick Your Hours
  • Preview Pick-up/Drop-off Locations
  • Vehicle Usage
  • Gas
The average Instacart Shopper earns $17/hr!
4.5
  • Work When You Want
  • Mileage Deductions
  • Earn Tips
  • Vehicle Wear & Tear
  • Gas Costs

DoorDash

DoorDash works with local restaurants, paying drivers to deliver food. They pay a flat fee and frequently run promotions to help you make 5 dollars fast on your own schedule. Learn how to make $500 a week with DoorDash!

Instacart 

If delivering food from restaurants isn’t appealing, Instacart pays drivers to shop customers’ orders at the grocery store and deliver it to their doorstep. If you love shopping, this can be a great way to make money.

instacart vs doordash

Read our comparison articles:

Instacart vs DoorDash

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is similar to DoorDash and is more prevalent in certain cities. You can deliver food for both, or choose the one that is most popular in your area to help you make money fast.

Grubhub

Grubhub is another app that pays for delivering food to customers or businesses. They aren’t as popular in some areas, but determining which app is most popular in your area and pays the most is the key.

7. Invest to Make $5 Now

An investing app can be a great way to get free 5 dollars. Of course, investing may help you increase your earnings if the investments perform well, but you may also get $5 dollars free with a sign-up bonus. The bonuses change often, so always check the app to see their offer.

Robinhood

Robinhood is a free investing app that helps you earn free stocks. When you sign up, you can earn free stock worth as much as $200, but the average investor earns stock worth between $5 and $10, and it’s often a fractional share. You may also earn free money when you refer friends to Robinhood, so there are many ways to make 5 dollars fast.

In addition to the free money you can earn with the sign-up bonus, Robinhood is a free investing app offering commission-free investing on stocks and ETFs. You can start investing for $1 with a taxable or retirement investment account, and your cash can earn as much as 4.65% APY.

Up to $200 Sign-up Bonus!
Robinhood
4.6

Over 18 million users trust Robinhood for stock and cryptocurrency investing. Build your investment portfolio & earn a guaranteed stock when you sign up and link your bank account.

Pros:
  • Commission-free Trades
  • Intuitive Tools & Market Insight
  • Very User Friendly Mobile App
Cons:
  • No Access To Mutual Funds
Sign Up

Webull

Webull is another investment app offering a free account and access to free stocks. When you open a Webull account, you can earn up to 12 free stocks valued at $3 – $300, making it easy to get a free 5 dollars.

On Webull, you pay $0 commissions on stocks, options, and ETFs. You also get access to advanced trading tools and research, making it a great investment account for experienced investors who want to earn free stock.

Moomoo

Moomoo is another investment app, like Webull, that’s great for experienced investors. When you sign up for a new account, you earn up to 15 free stocks plus an extra share of Tesla or Google stock. The amount of stock you earn depends on the amount you deposit. For example, if you deposit $100 – $999.99, you earn five free stocks plus a $100 cash reward, making reaching your free $5 goal easy.

Moomoo offers commission-free trading and access to professional tools and support. Investors can invest in stocks, ETFs, options, ADRs, and OTCs.

Acorns

Acorns offers free money sign-up bonus for investors looking to invest spare change. Acorns is the original round-up investment app, making it easy for beginning investors to make money. If you sign up with a referral code, you may get $5 or more, making it easy to start investing.

Acorns makes it easy to save, invest, and earn. They offer a cash account that earns interest, plus a cash-back card that pays you for shopping online or in person.

Acorns
4.1

Acorns is an easy-to-use app that will help you invest your money, save and spend smarter for just $3 per month. Start your wealth-building journey with Acorns today.

Pros:
  • Cashback at select retailers
  • Save spare change - automatically
  • Content available for education
Cons:
  • Fees on account balances - frees can be high
Sign Up

8. Open a New Bank Account

You might not think opening a new bank account would be one of the ways we’d suggest for earning a free 5 dollars, but it’s a great way, especially if you’re in the market for a new bank account.

Here are some top bonuses banks offer for opening a new account, but always read the fine print and check for new offers as they change frequently.

Upgrade

If you open a Rewards Checking account at Upgrade, you may be eligible for an Upgrade OneCard with a $200 welcome bonus, which is much more than a free 5 dollars instantly! You must meet certain requirements to earn the healthy bonus, including using your Rewards Checking account and making three purchases with your Upgrade OneCard.

In addition to the free bonus, you can earn 3% cash back on regular everyday purchases and 2% on everything else. The card offers two ways to pay in full or over time with a fixed interest rate.

Chase 

If you open a Chase Total Checking account, you can earn a $200 bonus with account approval, which is a great method to use when trying to learn how to make $5 fast. To earn the bonus, you must have a qualifying direct deposit within 90 days of opening the account. Before opening a Chase Total Checking account, ensure you are able to meet the requirements to waive the monthly fee, which includes:

  • $500 or more monthly direct deposits
  • Average daily balance of $1,500
  • Average daily balance of $5,000 across all Chase accounts

Fifth Third Bank

Fifth Third Bank offers a $225 bonus when you open a Momentum checking account, which is a free bank account. To qualify, you must make at least $500 in direct deposits. The account doesn’t require a minimum balance or have hidden fees. You get early access to direct deposit funds and the option for instant access to check deposits.

9. Download the Nielsen App

Another method to add to your list of how to get $5 is to download the Nielsen app. You have to do nothing but use your devices, and you can earn up to $60 in yearly points to get free money on PayPal or other free gift cards.

10. Cut Costs With the Trim App

The free Trim app helps you cut costs automatically. Try Trim if you’re tired of high bills and know you can save money on cable, internet, and phone bills. The app also connects to your bank account and helps you find other ways to save money, such as cutting unused subscriptions.

If you’re looking for a way to make 5 dollars fast, this can be a great way because it’s passive income and lowers your expenses.

person earning 5 dollars fast

11. Do Quick Freelance Tasks

A great way to make extra money is to do freelance tasks online. Everyone should consider adding freelance tasks to their list of how to get 5 dollars because the tasks are simple, and you can work in your free time.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is a marketplace for physical labor, like moving, building, or yard work. You list what you can do and get matched with buyers. All communication and payment go through TaskRabbit, a great way to make 5 dollars instantly.

Fiverr

If you have talents to offer online, such as writing, editing, building websites, or graphic design, you can list your services on Fiverr, name your price and make easy money in your free time. Don’t be fooled by the name; you can charge more than $5 and make money fast online with your talents.

12. Take Advantage of the $5 PayPal Offer

There is a $5 PayPal sign-up bonus that floats around periodically. If you can wait until you see the code, you can get free money from PayPal for opening an account. The $5 PayPal offer comes and goes, so be patient, but keep your eye out for it.

13. Refer a Friend

If you join any survey sites, cash-back apps, real estate investing apps, or any other options listed here, you may make money by referring friends. Most apps thrive on referrals and will pay money to current members, making it a great method to add to your list of how to make $5 fast.

14. Sell Unwanted Stuff

Consider selling stuff around your house if you want free cash and don’t want to work for it. Baby gear, household items, clothes, and sports equipment are a few of the most popular items sold on secondhand sites, making it a no-brainer way to make more money.

Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is a free way to sell items, usually locally. You can create the listing so the buyer picks it up from your doorstep, or you can meet them somewhere safe, like the local police department, to exchange the item for cash.

Poshmark

Poshmark is a free app to sell designer clothes and accessories. If you have name-brand clothing for women, men, or kids, you can make money selling your items, but you must ship the items within three business days to stay active on the app.

Mercari

Mercari is a free app to sell just about anything you don’t want. Before listing items, check out what others list them for so you stay competitive and sell your items fast.

Mercari

Buy & sell almost anything! New, like-new and preowned items. Earn extra cash by selling unwanted gifts and items.

Sign Up

FAQs

There are many ways to make a free 5 dollars instantly. Choose the methods that work best for you and earn extra money today!

What Is the Fastest Way to Get $5?

There are many ways to get $5 fast, but the easiest is to sell unwanted items, mostly because you can request a cash payment immediately and have the money in hand. Other ways to make money fast include taking surveys, investing, or using cash-back apps, but you may have to wait until you accumulate a certain amount before redeeming your prize.

Is it Easy Making Money Online?

Making money online is easy when you do things you love. For example, if you love giving your opinion, sign up for Survey Junkie. If you’re great at web design, offer your services on Fiverr. If you want to do physical labor, use the TaskRabbit app. The options are endless!

Can You Make Money Taking Surveys?

You can make money taking surveys, but they won’t pay the bills. Most surveys pay a few dollars, but the earnings can add up quickly if you take several a day and use many survey sites.

How Long Does It Take To Make $5 Fast?

You can make 5 dollars fast with some methods, like selling items. Depending on the app’s requirements, other methods may take a few weeks or months before you can cash out.

Final Thoughts: Can You Really Make a Free 5 Dollars Instantly?

You can make a free 5 dollars instantly with many methods. Whether you love to watch videos, take surveys, attend focus groups, or invest, there is a method for everyone. Try a few of the methods we provided and get your free money fast!