If you need $5 in a pinch, relax; You can realistically earn $5 in less than two hours, online or locally. Here are some of my favorite methods to earn money quickly, they are achievable for basically everyone, and don't require upfront investments.
Use the Freecash sign-up bonus
The fastest way to earn $5 is by joining a task-site like Freecash, where you get paid to complete micro tasks online, like answering surveys and testing new mobile games.
You get a $5 sign-up bonus when you join Freecash, which means you can technically achieve your goal in seconds, but you will need to earn more before you can make a withdrawal.
Thankfully, earning more money on Freecash is simple and fast, so in just a few hours you should be able to cash out.
If you really commit to Freecash, you could earn up to $5000 a month!
If you are unsure, you can read more about how Freecash works here.
Sell Something on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist
The second-easiest way to earn $5 is by selling something on a casual marketplace like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. An old charger, a rarely used kitchen tool, or perhaps a book, you probably have dozens of items worth over $5.
Even if you do not want to get rid of something you own, you could still consider using these marketplaces to sell something you have made by hand. And for $5 no one expects an artisan, you could sell bracelets or even baked goods.
Mow lawns or wash cars in your neighborhood
For only $5, many of your neighbors will probably pay you to complete their chores. The easiest way to do this is by offering cheap lawn mowing in your area online, but if you don't have a mower, offer car washing instead.
Make a post on Nextdoor, announcing your services to neighbors and offering a low introductory price. I would be willing to bet, unless you live somewhere particularly rural, that you will have multiple inquiries within an hour.
Even one job at a discount price would be enough to earn you $5, but you could continue this idea as a relaxing side hustle if you enjoy it.
Offer a free walking tour in your local city center
This could be done in a single afternoon and would earn you a lot more than $5, but you need to be comfortable with public speaking and at least somewhat familiar with your city.
As someone that did walking tours as a student, I recommend you keep your walking tour short and free. Stay within the city center, prepare a route that passes most major sites, and study each of the landmarks you plan to visit.
You could advertise right there in the street, or plan ahead by listing your walk on sites like these:
Although your walk will be free, as long as you do a moderately good job you will earn over $5 in tip.
This idea is obviously only possible if you feel comfortable performing on the street, and you have a talent worth paying to see. But if you play an instrument for instance, you could probably make $5 within a few hours, even with a very mediocre performance.
My only warning is to make sure you are allowed to perform at the spot you choose. You could easily end up getting into more hassle than $5 is worth.
