18 Best Secret Websites to Make Money Online without investment
Tired of the 9-to-5 grind? What if you could discover secret websites – the kind most people haven’t heard of – that offer real ways to make money online, even daily? We’re not talking about get-rich-quick schemes or risky investments. These are legitimate online platforms where you can boost your income, right from your own home.
Intrigued? You should be! I’ve done the hard work, researching and compiling a list of 18 legitimate websites that offer a variety of earning opportunities. These aren’t your typical, well-trodden paths to online income. These platforms are unique, some even a bit unconventional, and they cater to a range of skill sets. So, whether you’re a seasoned freelancer or just starting to explore the world of online earning, you’re likely to find a hidden gem here. Updated for 2025
18 Best Websites to Make Money Online
If you want to earn extra cash, consider these money-making websites.
1. Fine Art America
What it is: Fine Art America is one of the world’s largest online art marketplaces and print-on-demand platforms. It empowers artists to sell their work as prints, home decor, apparel, and other products to a global audience.
How it works: Artists upload their artwork to Fine Art America, set their desired prices for each product type (e.g., canvas print, t-shirt, phone case), and Fine Art America handles the rest – printing, framing, packaging, shipping, and customer service.
Earning Potential:
- Artist’s Cut: You set your own prices and keep 100% of your base price markup. Fine Art America adds a 30% mark-up to cover manufacturing and operational costs, which the buyer pays.
- Diverse Product Range: Sell your art on a wide variety of products, including wall art (canvas prints, framed prints, metal prints), home decor (throw pillows, duvet covers), apparel (t-shirts, hoodies), phone cases, and more. This allows for multiple income streams from a single piece of artwork.
- Licensing Opportunities: Fine Art America also offers options for artists to license their work for commercial use, potentially opening up additional revenue streams.
2. TaskRabbit
What it is: TaskRabbit is an online marketplace that connects people needing help with everyday tasks (“Clients”) with local, skilled individuals (“Taskers”) who can provide those services.
How it works: Taskers create profiles showcasing their skills and availability. Clients post tasks they need done, and Taskers bid on those tasks or are directly booked by clients. TaskRabbit handles communication and payment processing.
Earning Potential:
- Set Your Own Rates: Taskers determine their hourly rates for different task categories.
- Variety of Tasks: Opportunities range from furniture assembly and cleaning to errands and moving help.
- Direct Bookings and Tips: Clients can directly book Taskers based on their profiles, and tips are common for good service.
3. Swap
What it is: Swap.com is an online consignment store where you can sell your pre-owned clothing, toys, and games. It positions itself as a convenient alternative to traditional consignment shops and online marketplaces.
How it works: You order a prepaid shipping label or box from Swap.com, fill it with your items, and send it to their warehouse. Swap.com then inspects, photographs, lists, and sells your items.
Earning Potential:
- Consignment Model: Earn a percentage of the selling price for each item sold.
- Commission Structure:
- Items under $8.00: Earn 15% cash back or 20% store credit.
- Items $8.00 and over: Earn 70% of the sale price, minus a $4.95 processing fee, or 75% store credit.
- Convenience: Avoid the hassle of photographing, listing, and shipping items yourself.
- Fees for Rejected Items: Swap.com has acceptance standards, and you may be charged a fee to have rejected items returned to you, especially if more than 50% of your items are not accepted.
4. Upwork
What it is: Upwork is a leading online freelancing platform that connects businesses and independent professionals (freelancers) from around the globe for remote work collaborations.
How it works: Businesses post job listings outlining their project needs. Freelancers create profiles showcasing their skills, experience, and rates. Freelancers then bid on projects, and clients select the best candidate. Upwork facilitates communication, project management, and payment processing.
Earning Potential:
- Diverse Project Opportunities: Upwork hosts a vast range of projects across numerous categories, including web development, writing, design, marketing, customer support, and more.
- Hourly or Fixed-Price Contracts: Freelancers can choose to work on projects with hourly rates or fixed-price contracts, depending on the project’s nature and their preference.
- Global Client Base: Access a vast pool of potential clients from around the world, expanding your earning opportunities beyond your local market.
- Fee Structure: Upwork charges a sliding fee based on your lifetime earnings with each client: 20% for the first $500 billed, 10% for billings between $500.01 and $10,000, and 5% for billings over $10,000.
5. Rover
What it is: Rover is an online platform that connects pet owners with local pet care providers offering services such as dog walking, pet sitting (in the owner’s home or the sitter’s home), and drop-in visits.
How it works: Pet care providers create profiles on Rover, showcasing their experience, services offered, and rates. Pet owners browse profiles, read reviews, and contact providers directly through the platform. Rover handles booking and payment processing.
Earning Potential:
- Variety of Services: Offer dog walking, pet sitting (in-home or at your own place), drop-in visits, and even doggy daycare, catering to different pet care needs.
- Set Your Own Rates: Determine your own rates for each service, allowing you to control your earning potential based on your experience and local market rates.
- Large Client Base: Access a large network of pet owners actively seeking pet care services in their area.
- Rover Guarantee: Rover offers a form of insurance, the Rover Guarantee, to reimburse costs arising from certain injuries or damages that occur during a booked service. It can be subject to a deductible (e.g. first $250 in damage).
- Commission: Rover takes a 20% commission from each booking.
6. OfferUp
What it is: OfferUp is a mobile-first local marketplace where users can buy and sell a wide variety of items, from furniture and electronics to clothing and collectibles. It combines the features of a traditional classifieds site with a focus on in-app communication and user profiles.
How it works: Sellers list items by taking photos, adding descriptions, and setting prices. Buyers browse listings in their local area and can message sellers directly through the OfferUp app to ask questions or negotiate. Transactions can be completed in person or through OfferUp’s shipping option.
Earning Potential:
- Free to Use: Listing and selling items on OfferUp is free, allowing you to keep the entire sale amount if the transaction is done in person.
- Local Focus: Primarily designed for local transactions, simplifying the process of meeting buyers and exchanging goods for cash.
- In-App Chat: Facilitates direct communication between buyers and sellers, making it easy to negotiate and arrange meetups.
- Shipping Option: OfferUp offers a shipping option for wider reach, but it comes with associated fees, and payment processing takes longer.
- Safety Features: OfferUp encourages users to meet in public places for in-person transactions and provides safety guidelines. User profiles and badges can help build trust.
7. Fiverr
What it is: Fiverr is an online marketplace that connects freelancers offering a wide array of digital services with clients worldwide. These services, often called “gigs,” can range from graphic design and writing to programming and digital marketing.
How it works: Freelancers create profiles showcasing their skills and offering specific “gigs” at set prices. Clients browse these gigs or post requests for custom projects. Once a client purchases a gig, Fiverr facilitates communication and payment, holding the funds until the work is approved.
Earning Potential:
- Diverse Skill Monetization: Fiverr allows you to monetize a vast range of skills, from creative services like logo design and voiceovers to technical skills like web development and data analysis.
- Tiered Packages: Offer different levels of service (Basic, Standard, Premium) at varying price points for the same gig, allowing you to cater to different client budgets and project scopes.
- Gig Multiples and Extras: Clients can purchase multiple quantities of your gig or add extras for an additional fee, increasing your potential earnings per order.
- Control Over Pricing: While Fiverr started with a $5 base price, you now have complete control over setting your gig prices, allowing you to charge what your services are worth.
- Commission: Fiverr takes a 20% commission on each order, including tips.
8. CardSell
What it is: CardCash is an online marketplace where you can sell unwanted gift cards for cash or trade them for gift cards from other retailers.
How it works: You enter your gift card details on the CardCash website or app. They’ll make you an instant offer. If you accept, you can choose to receive payment via ACH direct deposit, check, or PayPal. Alternatively, you can trade your card for one from a different retailer.
Earning Potential:
- Up to 92% of Card Value: While you won’t get the full face value, CardCash offers up to 92% of the card’s value in cash, which is competitive within the gift card resale market.
- Payment Options: Choose from ACH direct deposit, a mailed check, or PayPal for receiving your funds, providing flexibility.
- Trade-in Option: If you prefer, trade your unwanted gift card for one from a retailer you’ll actually use, potentially getting more value than the cash offer.
9. Rumble
What it is: Rumble is a video-sharing platform similar to YouTube, where users can upload, share, and monetize their video content. It positions itself as a creator-friendly alternative with opportunities for revenue generation.
How it works: Users create channels on Rumble, upload their videos, and can choose to monetize their content. Rumble shares a portion of the advertising revenue generated from views with the video creators.
Earning Potential:
- Revenue Sharing: Earn money based on the number of views your videos receive, with Rumble sharing a portion of the advertising revenue generated.
- Potential for Wider Exposure: Rumble has a significant user base (over 36 million monthly users according to the platform) and partnerships with major companies, potentially increasing your videos’ visibility.
- Estimated Earnings: While earnings can vary widely, estimates suggest an earning potential of around $2 to $20 per 1,000 views.
- Licensing Opportunities: Rumble offers options for creators to license their videos to other companies, potentially generating additional revenue.
10. Gigwalk
What it is: Gigwalk is a mobile app that connects businesses with a network of independent contractors (“Gigwalkers”) who perform short, location-based tasks, often referred to as “gigs.”
How it works: Businesses post gigs on the Gigwalk app, specifying the task requirements and pay. Gigwalkers in the area can view available gigs, apply for them, and complete the tasks using the app. Gigwalk handles payment processing upon successful gig completion and approval.
Earning Potential:
- Microtasks: Earn money by completing small, quick tasks in your local area.
- Task Variety: Gigs can range from verifying business information (e.g., addresses, hours of operation) to taking photos of store displays or checking product availability.
- Flexibility: Choose gigs that fit your schedule and location, providing flexibility in earning extra income.
- Payment Based on Complexity: Earnings per gig vary depending on the task’s complexity and time required.
- Examples of tasks:
- Testing new mobile apps
- Verifying Addresses
- Taking photos of local businesses
11. ProductTube
What it is: ProductTube is a platform where users can earn rewards (in the form of Amazon gift cards) for creating short videos about consumer products and their shopping experiences.
How it works: Users sign up for ProductTube and participate in “projects.” Each project provides instructions for creating a short video, typically involving reviewing a product, demonstrating its use, or sharing a shopping experience. Users then upload their videos to the platform for review.
Earning Potential:
- Amazon Gift Cards: Earn Amazon gift cards as compensation for completed and approved video projects.
- Short Video Format: Videos are typically short and focused, making it a relatively quick way to earn rewards.
- Everyday Products: Many projects involve products commonly used in daily life, making it easy to participate without needing specialized items.
- In-Store and At-Home Videos: Projects may involve filming in retail locations while shopping or creating videos at home demonstrating product usage.
- Augmented Reality Projects: Some projects leverage augmented reality features within the ProductTube app, offering a more engaging video creation experience.
12. BestMark
What it is: BestMark is a market research and customer experience company that offers mystery shopping opportunities to individuals across various industries.
How it works: Individuals sign up to become mystery shoppers with BestMark. They are then assigned shops that involve visiting specific businesses (restaurants, retail stores, etc.), posing as regular customers, and evaluating their experiences based on predetermined criteria. After completing the shop, they submit a detailed report through BestMark’s platform.
Earning Potential:
- Compensation for Shops: Earn money for each completed and approved mystery shop.
- Payment Options: BestMark offers various payment methods, including direct deposit, PayPal, and gift cards.
- Referral Bonuses: Earn extra cash by referring friends to become BestMark mystery shoppers.
- Reimbursements: In addition to compensation, many shops include reimbursements for purchases made during the assignment (e.g., a meal at a restaurant).
- Variety of Industries: BestMark works with businesses across a wide range of industries, including restaurants, retail, automotive, and hospitality, providing diverse shopping experiences.
13. QuickRewards
What it is: QuickRewards is an online rewards program that allows users to earn cash or gift cards by completing various online activities, such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and completing offers.
How it works: Users sign up for a free QuickRewards account. They can then choose from a variety of earning activities. Completed activities are credited to their account balance, and they can cash out their earnings via PayPal or redeem them for gift cards.
Earning Potential:
- Multiple Earning Activities: Earn rewards through surveys, watching videos, online shopping, completing offers, and visiting websites.
- Low Minimum Payout: Cash out your earnings via PayPal with no minimum threshold, allowing you to access even small amounts quickly.
- Fast Payment Processing: QuickRewards typically processes payments within 72 hours.
- Gift Card Options: Redeem your earnings for gift cards from various retailers, with options as low as $5.
- Surveys: Surveys are available, generally paying around $0.75 and taking roughly 10 minutes to complete.
14. Hustle Database
What it is: The Side Hustle Database is a curated online directory of resources and platforms that offer various opportunities to earn money online, often referred to as “side hustles.”
How it works: The Side Hustle Database provides a categorized and searchable collection of side hustle ideas and links to relevant platforms or websites where users can pursue those opportunities. Users can browse by category or search for specific types of side hustles.
Earning Potential:
- Centralized Resource: Serves as a starting point for exploring a wide range of online money-making opportunities.
- Variety of Options: Features diverse side hustle ideas, from online tutoring and freelance writing to selling handmade goods and participating in online surveys.
- Earning Potential Varies: The amount you can earn depends on the specific side hustle you choose, the time you invest, and your skills and experience.
- No Guarantees: The Side Hustle Database itself does not guarantee earnings, as it’s a directory and not a platform that directly offers paid work.
15. Swagbucks
What it is: Swagbucks is an online rewards platform that allows users to earn points (called “SB”) for completing various online activities. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards or cash back via PayPal.
How it works: Users sign up for a free Swagbucks account and participate in activities such as taking surveys, watching videos, shopping online, searching the web, and playing games. Each completed activity earns a certain number of SB points.
Earning Potential:
- Multiple Earning Activities: Earn points through a variety of tasks, including surveys, videos, shopping, web searches, and games.
- Gift Card Redemption: Redeem your accumulated SB points for gift cards from popular retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target.
- Cash Back via PayPal: Alternatively, convert your SB points into cash and receive it through PayPal.
- Low Earning Potential: Swagbucks is best suited for earning small amounts of extra money or gift cards in your spare time, not for generating substantial income.
16. InboxDollars
What it is: InboxDollars is an online rewards platform that pays users cash for completing various online activities, such as taking surveys, playing games, reading emails, and completing offers.
How it works: Users sign up for a free InboxDollars account. They can then choose from a variety of earning activities. Completed activities are credited to their account balance, and they can cash out their earnings via check, e-gift card, or prepaid Visa.
Earning Potential:
- Variety of Earning Activities: Earn cash through surveys, playing games, reading emails, completing offers, and more.
- Cash Rewards: InboxDollars pays users in cash, not points, making it straightforward to track your earnings.
- Multiple Redemption Options: Cash out your earnings with a check, an e-gift card to various retailers, or a prepaid Visa card.
- Survey Variety: Participate in surveys on diverse topics, providing your opinions to help shape products and services.
- Games Selection: Access a wide selection of games to play and earn rewards.
17. Survey Junkie
What it is: Survey Junkie is an online market research community that rewards users for participating in surveys. Users earn points for completing surveys, which can then be redeemed for cash or gift cards.
How it works: Users sign up for a free Survey Junkie account and create a profile. Based on their profile, they are matched with relevant surveys. They complete surveys to earn points, and once they reach the minimum threshold, they can redeem their points for rewards.
Earning Potential:
- Points for Surveys: Earn points for each completed survey.
- Cash or Gift Cards: Redeem points for cash via PayPal or choose from various gift cards.
- User-Friendly Platform: Access surveys through their website or convenient mobile app.
18. KashKick
What it is: KashKick is an online platform that rewards users with cash for completing a variety of online activities, including taking surveys, discovering deals, surfing the web, and trying new products or services.
How it works: Users sign up for a free KashKick account. They can then browse and select from available activities. Once they complete an activity and it’s approved, the corresponding cash reward is credited to their KashKick account.
Earning Potential:
- Variety of Activities: Earn cash through diverse tasks like surveys, online shopping, exploring websites, and testing new products and services.
- Cash Rewards: KashKick pays users in cash, not points, making it straightforward to track your earnings.
- PayPal Payouts: Withdraw your earned cash directly to your PayPal account, providing a convenient way to access your funds.
- Low Payout Threshold: KashKick has a minimum payout threshold of $10, making it relatively easy to reach your first cash out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Earn money discreetly today with blogging, selling stock photos, dropshipping, graphic design on FlexJobs, and affiliate marketing.
In my mind, discreetly means safely and cautiously, and many job sites like FlexJobs make it easy to become a freelancer and earn money from home.
Make money fast with freelance jobs, by selling unused gift cards, taking online surveys on Survey Junkie, and other easy tasks.
Freelancing will pay more and take a bit more time, whereas Survey Junkie will earn money fast but have small payouts.
I suggest trying multiple secret websites to make money and increase your income potential.
I’ve listed a ton of secret websites to make money, but here are my top picks to earn money:
Favorite Freelancing Site – FlexJobs
Weirdest Secret Website – FeetFinder
Invest For Passive Income – Fundrise
Quickest Payouts – Survey Junkie
You can start earning money from freelancing on these sites, pick your own hourly wage, and pick what you work on to earn money.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, my article helped you gain valuable insights, and you’re excited by all the secret websites to make money!
Countless secret websites and apps offer unique and exciting ways to make money online.
From side hustles to investing platforms and survey apps, these opportunities provide diverse options for boosting your income and achieving financial success.
You’re so awesome! I don’t believe I have read a single thing like that before. So great to find someone with some original thoughts on this topic. Really.. thank you for starting this up. This website is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
I’ve always been curious about secret websites to make money, but I was worried about scams. This list is a great starting point! I’m definitely going to check out a few of these to see if I can make money online in my spare time. Thanks for sharing
This is a fantastic resource for anyone looking for a side hustle. It’s amazing how many secret websites to make money actually exist! I’m going to bookmark this page and try out a different one each week. Hopefully, I can find a few reliable ways to make money online.
I’m so glad I stumbled upon this article! I’ve been searching for legitimate ways to earn money from home, and the idea of secret websites to make money really intrigued me. I’m going to start with TaskRabbit and see how it goes. Fingers crossed I can find some local gigs