How to Make $100 in a Day

Some extra cash can always help you reach your personal finance goals, and opportunities to make money have never been more accessible. While some industries have been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, both full-time jobs and contract positions are widely available in other areas.

In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most realistic ways to earn $100 in a day. We’ll also outline the steps you’ll need to take to earn money quickly. A few of these choices require specific skillsets, but most are possible with little to no formal education.

Freelancing

Freelance work arrangements provide several benefits to both parties, and they’re particularly convenient in the current situation. As a freelancer, you’ll have the opportunity to set your own hours and take the work you’re really interested in.

It can be tough for freelancers to break into a new field, but platforms like Upwork and Fiverr streamline the process of finding clients and building a reputation. Of course, they have also made freelancing more popular, leading to increased competition in some areas.

This section covers three of the most popular fields for freelancing online: writing, graphic design, and web development. Along with the skills and equipment you’ll need to get started, we’ll give you an idea of what to expect when starting out as a freelancer.

Freelance Writing

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  Freelance Writing

  • Basics: Freelance writers develop copy, blog posts, long-form articles, and many other forms of content for websites and other publications. They’re typically paid either by the hour or for each individual project.
  • Pros: Reputable writers often earn surprisingly high rates, and there are fewer barriers to entry compared to more technical industries like programming and graphic design. As in other freelancing fields, you’ll have the chance to set your own hours and choose your own projects.
  • Cons: The downside of freelancing in a less technical field is that entry-level jobs can be fiercely competitive. Excellent writers can rise above this competition over time, but job boards can be a race to the bottom for new freelancers.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Building a profile and portfolio—no more than a few hours
    
    • Applying to jobs and getting your first contract—this process can be highly unpredictable

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Laptop or desktop—even a Chromebook can handle basic word processing, so you don’t need to spend more than a few hundred dollars if you don’t have one already.
    
    • Word processing—free programs like Google Docs are sufficient for most projects
    
    • Editing software—you can get by with a free Grammarly account, but some writers invest in premium software for better results. Grammarly Premium, for example, costs $11.66 per month when billed annually.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Creativity
    • Attention to detail
    • Marketing
    • Persistence

Freelance writing is an intensely competitive field, but it can also be an easy way to earn money quickly if you’re able to find a decent contract. Unlike areas such as programming and graphic design, you don’t need a technical skill set to earn a decent rate as a freelance writer.

Additionally, writers can get by with a limited set of tools. Chromebooks are available at affordable price points, and you can write content and copy without paying for any premium software. All things considered, this is a relatively accessible field for people who don’t have technical skills.

Step 1: Create a profile and portfolio

If you don’t have experience as a professional writer, you can start by creating a profile on Upwork, Fiverr, or other freelancing platforms. You may have to send numerous applications to find your first project, but things generally get easier once you have a reputation on the site.

On the other hand, this isn’t to say that freelance writing is an easy job to break into. The fact that you can make money simply for writing has also made the field incredibly popular. With so many writers out there, it’s often difficult for new freelancers to stand out from the crowd.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to become a more attractive candidate. Start by developing a profile that demonstrates your attention to detail. It’s always important to appear professional, particularly when you don’t have a history of successful projects.

From there, supplement your profile with writing samples that show off your skills and range. Even if you don’t have any work published, simply showing that you’re capable of writing high-quality content will help you get hired. Make sure to write on a topic that matches your image and the niche or niches you’re interested in covering.

Step 2: Apply for jobs

You can start sending out applications once you’re confident in your profile. It can take tens of applications to get any hits, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back on your first few tries.

Keep in mind that it’s usually best to apply to a few jobs that you’re qualified for and genuinely interested in rather than sending out countless generic applications. Simply sending a larger volume of applications may not lead to anything if you’re unable to differentiate yourself from other applicants.

Try to write engaging cover letters that point out any relevant experience and express your interest in the position. Don’t be afraid to have a friend, family member, or business contact proofread your profile and cover letters if you’re looking for ways to improve your approach.

While entry-level jobs may come at relatively low rates, you should still be able to make $100 or more in a day simply through freelance writing. You’ll gradually gain access to positions with better compensation and job security as you build your reputation as a freelancer.

Websites like Upwork and Fiverr can help you get your name out there, but you should also consider transitioning away from freelance job boards as you become more experienced. Marketing your skills on your own will give you the opportunity to avoid platform fees and find clients who are willing to pay higher rates for top writers.

Freelance Graphic Design

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  Freelance Graphic Design

  • Basics: Graphic design is another field that’s perfectly suited to online freelancing. Businesses hire freelance graphic designers for a wide range of tasks including web design, animation, and illustration.
  • Pros: Skilled graphic designers can set high rates and focus on projects that they find interesting. Like other online freelancers, they have the chance to set their own schedules and work from any location with a decent internet connection.
  • Cons: Graphic design involves more technical knowledge than writing, so the learning curve may be an issue if you don’t have those skills already. As in some other fields, it can be tough to break in without any professional experience or formal education.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Learning graphic design—you can teach yourself graphic design using books and resources available online, but online and in-person classes may help you learn the necessary skills more quickly.
    
    • Building a profile and portfolio—as with freelance writing, you’ll need a professional portfolio and unique samples to set yourself apart from other graphic designers.

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Computer—you don’t need the latest model, but Chromebooks and other budget computers aren’t always viable options for graphic designers.
    
    • Graphic design software—there are a variety of choices at different price points. A subscription to the entire Adobe Creative Cloud suite, for example, costs $52.99 per month.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Creativity
    • Visual design
    • Marketing

Companies hire graphic designers for both short- and long-term projects, and skilled designers can earn more than $100 per day. The field is slightly different from freelance writing—while it’s tougher to develop an employable skillset in graphic design, that difficulty also makes the field easier to break into for talented freelancers.

Aside from visual design itself, freelancing as a graphic designer involves many of the same skills that are involved in writing. You’ll need to offer a unique voice while developing work that matches the needs of each client. Similarly, freelancers have to be willing to put themselves out there and differentiate themselves from other applicants.

Step 1: Learn basic skills

You can become a successful graphic designer without any formal education, but it may take you some time to build the skills you need to start charging for your work.

Depending on your schedule, you may be interested in taking online, night, or weekend classes to accelerate your learning. On the other hand, there are many free and low-cost resources online if you’d rather learn graphic design on your own.

Most designers use Adobe applications, so this is a good place to start if you’re new to the field. Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign will give you a strong foundation for graphic design. Look into online design communities if you’re interested in learning from designers with more experience.

Step 2: Build a profile

Upwork and Fiverr are great jumping off points for both writers and graphic designers. Again, professionalism is key for anyone interested in breaking into the field without formal experience. A clear photo and concise summary of your skills will help you look like a more reliable candidate.

Portfolios are particularly important for graphic designers, as past work is the best way to communicate your skills and range to potential clients. You can start by developing a few things on your own until you have professional projects to add to your portfolio.

Many freelance graphic designers also create their own websites to display their projects. Platforms like Wix and SquareSpace are easy, affordable ways to develop a website without any programming experience. Looking for work on your own will help you avoid fees from freelancing sites while finding a wider range of clients.

Step 3: Look for work

If you’re focusing on a freelancing board like Upwork or Fiverr, you can simply browse job listings, apply to contracts, and communicate with clients through the site. While you’ll pay a significant fee to the site, you’ll probably have an easier time finding jobs if you’re new to the field.

99Design is another popular site for freelance graphic designers. It uses a similar fee structure, with new designers paying a $100 fee spread across their first $500 in earnings. From there, entry-level designers are required to pay 15%, but you can gradually reduce that to 10% and finally 5% by successfully completing projects.

Of course, you can also apply to jobs on conventional boards like Indeed and LinkedIn. These platforms include full-time and part-time positions, but contract jobs are also available, and you won’t be responsible for any fees. Some clients will contact you directly through your website as you develop a reputation.

Getting your first few jobs is often the most difficult part of the process, so you may have to take contracts that don’t match your ideal rate in order to establish yourself as a professional designer. That said, you shouldn’t allow clients to take advantage of your position by offering unreasonably low rates or setting unfair requirements.

All things considered, you should be able to earn $100 in a day through graphic design after getting your profile and portfolio set up. On the other hand, there’s a somewhat slower learning curve for graphic design compared to writing, so it may take a few weeks or longer to feel confident enough in your skills to start applying for jobs.

Freelance Web Development

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  Freelance Web Development

  • Basics: Web development is similar to graphic design in that it can be difficult to learn, but skilled programmers can earn excellent rates. It’s much easier to get started if you have experience, but learning to code isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.
  • Pros: Top web developers often charge more than $50 per hour, allowing them to earn hundreds of dollars per day. While the learning process isn’t necessarily easy, there are incredibly helpful programming resources including Codecademy, online and community college classes, and forums where you can learn from programmers with more experience.
  • Cons: Even with these resources, it could take months to build your skills to an employable level, especially if you’re already working a full-time job.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Learning programming—this could take months if you don’t have any prior experience, but there are free and affordable classes and resources available for new coders.
    
    • Building a reputation—you’ll need to develop a portfolio in order to demonstrate your skills to potential clients.

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Computer—as in graphic design, you don’t need the newest model to do web development, but Chromebooks and other budget computers may not have enough power for some projects.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Programming
    • Marketing

Whether or not this job is right for you depends on whether you’re willing to invest a significant amount of time in learning a new skill. In contrast to writing, this barrier to entry generally makes web development more lucrative for skilled freelancers.

Step 1: Learn to code

If you’re familiar with the ins and outs of programming, you should be able to freelance as a web developer with relatively little preparation. That said, you may not reach that point for weeks or months if you’re new to the field.

Web developers and other programmers need different types of knowledge for different projects, so it’s difficult to recommend a standard course of action for new coders. You’ll naturally want to learn more as you gain experience and identify skills that could expand your capabilities.

That said, there are a few basic skills that can help almost any aspiring programmer reach their goals. HTML, CSS, and Javascript are a few of the most important languages for web development, although other languages such as Ruby, Python, and PHP may also be worth learning.

A formal class environment is more conducive to learning for some people, so online or in-person classes could be a good investment if you’re serious about coding. Alternatively, free educational resources and forums are widely available online, so it’s entirely possible to learn to code on your own.

You’ll likely learn more by working on new projects than through education, so don’t worry about learning everything before you look for jobs. Still, you should consider starting with more manageable projects unless you’re highly confident in your capabilities.

Step 2: Develop a résumé and portfolio

Like other freelancers, web developers find work in a variety of ways. Traditional freelance platforms are a natural choice, but you can also check boards that cater to programmers or conventional job boards such as Monster or Indeed.

Regardless of your plan, the first step is building a résumé and portfolio that will make you a decent candidate for the jobs you’re interested in. Many of the same tips apply here—professionalism is key, and you’ll need to display examples of your work in order to demonstrate your skills as a web developer.

While a website of your own can help you find clients, it’s more important to prove yourself on the platform you’re using. You can always make a website later on if you think it would improve your outreach, but you should start by focusing on your profile, résumé, and/or cover letters depending on your approach.

Step 3: Apply for jobs

Sending out applications can be a tough process, but you’ll get some hits if you have a strong profile and write professional cover letters. Even if you’re feeling discouraged, try to send at least one or two applications per day until you get a few responses.

Furthermore, if you’re having trouble with one website or niche, you should also consider targeting a new area where you might have more success. For example, if your LinkedIn applications aren’t leading to anything, you could quickly create an Upwork profile and start browsing their listings.

Another common response to this problem is to begin sending out a higher volume of applications. While this is a natural course of action, it’s crucial to prioritize quality over quantity. Putting less effort into a larger number of cover letters will only decrease your chances of finding a decent position.

Even entry-level web developers often earn good money, so most contracts should allow you to earn at least $100 in a day. Try to strike a balance between waiting for the right project and taking a few low-paying jobs to build a reputation. Make sure to have clients provide clear expectations upfront in order to avoid any misunderstandings.

Apps and Other P2P Services

Along with freelance positions, peer-to-peer jobs have also become significantly more popular over the last few years. These platforms connect people with marketable knowledge, skills, or resources, making it easier than ever to earn some extra money.

Like freelancers, P2P workers can generally set their own hours and work as much or as little as they like. You won’t be committed to any consistent work in most cases, allowing you to take time off in case of other obligations or opportunities.

One of the main benefits of these jobs compared to freelancing positions is that they’re often less competitive. While most freelance clients are only looking for a single candidate, companies like Uber and Lyft will generally hire anyone who meets their requirements.

On the other hand, this dynamic also allows many companies to pay substantially lower rates. P2P jobs are typically more accessible, but they don’t always offer the same financial opportunity.

Driving for Uber or Lyft

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  Driving for Uber or Lyft

  • Basics: Driving for Uber or Lyft is a simple way to generate additional income if you have access to a car. It should only take you a few days to become a driver, although background checks may extend the process in some cases.
  • Pros: You shouldn’t have any trouble finding riders if you live in a major city, although demand can be less predictable in rural and suburban areas. These jobs also give you the chance to create your own schedule rather than working at specific times.
  • Cons: You’ll need to use your car or rent one through Uber or Lyft, and these companies don’t cover gas or any other costs. A significant portion of your earnings will cover expenses related to your vehicle.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Applying—some requirements may vary depending on your location, but all drivers need to pass background checks. Uber, for example, claims that activation typically takes between one and seven days.

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Car—Uber and Lyft offer rentals in many areas.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Safe driving

Uber and Lyft are two of the most popular ride-sharing services, helping drivers earn extra cash on a flexible schedule. Most drivers can start taking rides in a few days, although some cities have extra requirements in addition to those imposed by ride-sharing platforms.

You could also become a delivery driver if you want to avoid hosting riders in your car. While deliveries may allow you to earn a better rate, you’ll also spend more time waiting at restaurants. Uber drivers can take UberEats deliveries, so you don’t need to commit to one or the other.

Step 1: Get a car

Specific requirements vary by location, but you can generally use most modern four-door vehicles with five or more seats. Keep in mind that you can’t use a car with significant damage or any commercial branding.

Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing services offer rentals for drivers who don’t have their own cars. That said, given the cost of a rental car, this is only a viable option if you’re planning to become a full-time driver.

You should also consider gas, maintenance, and other expenses along with the car itself. Drivers are classified as independent contractors rather than employees, so you won’t receive any compensation for vehicle-related costs.

Step 2: Become a driver

You shouldn’t have any trouble becoming a ride-sharing driver as long as you have a license and can pass a background check. The application process shouldn’t take more than a week, but things are substantially more complicated in some cities.

NYC drivers, for example, need a license from the Taxi and Limousine Commission. This process involves nine steps including defensive driving and accessibility classes, a medical exam, and a drug test. Keep in mind that some aspects of your application may also be delayed due to COVID-19.

Step 3: Start driving

You can start taking rides on your own schedule once you’re accepted as a driver. Simply use the app to find riders near you whenever you have free time to earn some extra cash. Keep in mind that you may be able to earn more money if you drive at busier times.

While some drivers focus on a specific app, many work on multiple platforms. There are no restrictions on Uber or Lyft drivers driving for other services. This will help you find riders more quickly, and many driver requirements are the same across different apps.

As independent contractors, rideshare drivers can work around their schedule, so you’ll be able to drive as much or as little as you want. That said, if you’re renting a car from the platform, remember that you’ll have to spend a significant amount of time working in order to offset the cost of the vehicle.

Online Tutoring

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  Online Tutoring

  • Basics: A growing number of online platforms connect qualified tutors with people interested in learning languages and a variety of other subjects. Teaching English is an accessible option for any native speaker.
  • Pros: While some credentials may be required for certain areas, most people are qualified to teach English and other basic school subjects. Although scheduling isn’t quite as flexible for tutors as it is for rideshare drivers, you can still choose when you want to meet with students.
  • Cons: Typical pay rates vary from one site to another, but tutors usually earn significantly less than freelancers and other skilled workers. In contrast to some other fields, there also aren’t as many opportunities to increase your rate over time as an online tutor.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Signing up—the specifics depend on the platform you’re using, but it shouldn’t take more than a few days or a week to get started.

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Computer—any model should be fine as long as it has a decent webcam. You can also buy a standalone webcam if your computer doesn’t have a camera.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Knowledge—people with advanced education in a particular area may have an easier time finding work in that subject.
    
    • Relatability—online tutors typically teach children and teens, and simply keeping learners engaged is often a substantial portion of the work.

TutorMe and other online platforms streamline the process of becoming a tutor. Tutors can set appointments around their schedule, and they often earn more than minimum wage. Furthermore, online tutoring sessions can be performed from any quiet location as long as you have internet access.

While TutorMe requires a university degree from all tutors, the necessary qualifications vary from one website to another. They also depend on the subject you’re interested in tutoring.

On the other hand, some platforms don’t require any formal credentials. Cambly, for example, doesn’t require any specific work experience or formal education for its online English tutors. You can apply to several websites at the same time to improve your chances if you’re concerned about your qualifications.

Tutoring is more active than other gig economy jobs such as driving or walking dogs. You’ll need to be prepared to discuss the subject with your students in detail and help them continue to make progress. That said, this personal dynamic can also make tutoring more rewarding compared to jobs where you simply perform a service.

Furthermore, many platforms offer better rates relative to most gig economy services. For example, TutorMe pays all tutors at least $16 per hour, and some tutors earn significantly more than that for certain subjects. Since tutoring doesn’t involve any overhead other than a computer and internet connection, you’ll keep almost all of your after-tax earnings.

While tutors can’t simply turn on the app to start a new tutoring session, they generally have a wide range of flexibility when scheduling appointments. This is particularly true when tutoring English, as learners will come from all over the world. You can tutor at virtually any time and from almost any location, making it a convenient position for part-time or full-time digital nomads.

Step 1: Apply as a tutor

The specific application process depends on the platform you’re planning to apply to. Make sure to double-check their requirements to confirm that you’re qualified for the job. TutorMe, for example, only accepts tutors age 18 or older with previous tutoring or teaching experience and a university degree (or current enrollment).

TutorMe connects with Facebook to verify your identity and gather some personal information. You’ll need to enter some additional data including your teaching experience, employment history, and preferred subjects along with a short bio. You can select as many or as few subjects as you’re comfortable with.

The platform will also ask you to develop some sample questions for the subjects you’re interested in. This question is designed to check your understanding of the topic, so be as detailed as possible without writing too much.

Step 3: Contact students and complete tutoring sessions

Once you submit your application, simply wait to receive a response from TutorMe. You’ll be able to start scheduling appointments and connecting with learners after being accepted for the job. The platform provides resources for teachers, so you don’t need to do any additional prep work before your first tutoring session.

TutorMe automatically connects students with tutors, and both parties rate each other at the end of each session. As in other gig economy/freelance positions, a consistent stream of positive reviews is critical for online tutors.

To start connecting with students, simply respond to a lesson request and talk to the learner about their plans and goals for the session. Both parties stay in the waiting room until the student decides whether to continue with the lesson. While you can obviously increase your odds by improving your profile, there’s no way to determine whether a given student will ask for a session.

With that in mind, it may take you some time to build a reputation and start taking on more learners. Don’t feel discouraged if you have trouble scheduling enough sessions at first. The process will get easier as you receive more reviews and demonstrate your reliability as a tutor.

Demand may be higher on certain days or at certain times, so you may have more trouble getting started if you consistently look for work at the same time. Tutoring is like rideshare driving in that you can technically work at any time, but your ability to find clients depends on demand at that particular time.

Walking Dogs

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  Walking Dogs

  • Basics: Wag and a variety of other platforms connect pet owners with people who are interested in walking dogs. You can earn a reliable income simply by walking dogs around your schedule.
  • Pros: You’ll be able to earn money whenever there’s demand for dog walkers, and walking services are available in most areas. Walkers have the opportunity to get some fresh air and exercise while making some extra cash, which is particularly convenient during the COVID-19 crisis.
  • Cons: While scheduling is relatively flexible, you may not be able to work outside of waking hours in your location. Freelance jobs, on the other hand, often give you the opportunity to work at any time of day, any day of the week.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Time to walk dogs

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Smartphone

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Reliability

People hire dog walkers for a variety of reasons, and showing up on time consistently is enough to earn a reliable income from walking dogs. Wag is one of the most popular dog walking platforms, connecting dog owners with experienced walkers.

Walking dogs comes with many of the same pros and cons of other gig economy jobs. You’ll earn a decent wage, and you’ll have the flexibility to set your own schedule (assuming you can find clients at the right times). On the other hand, there aren’t many opportunities for advancement, and you’ll only make money for the time you spend working.

Step 1: Apply

Wag has a relatively simple application process, and you don’t need any formal education or credentials to become a dog walker. Along with a basic background check, you’ll need to answer questions about your personal or professional experience with dogs.

The platform also provides a pop quiz designed to determine whether applicants have sufficient knowledge of proper techniques. After completing these steps, you can start building your Wag profile and adding references to back up your reliability as a dog walker.

Furthermore, experienced trainers can take an optional additional test to demonstrate their knowledge and capabilities. That said, training expertise isn’t necessary to walk dogs, so you can ignore this step unless you’re interested in getting involved as a trainer.

While Wag doesn’t require any specific qualifications, strong references and a good score on the quiz will substantially increase your odds of being accepted. Of course, references from past pet-related jobs such as sitting, walking, and training will go further than generic personal or professional references.

Step 2: Complete walks

You can start looking for walking opportunities once your application is approved. Demand can vary significantly depending on your location, but you shouldn’t have trouble finding walks during daylight hours, especially if you live in or near a major city.

Like other gig economy services, Wag offers excellent flexibility for people who want to earn money on unusual schedules. You’ll also be able to set up recurring appointments if a particular client always needs walks at the same time. This allows you to earn a steady income without constantly looking for new opportunities.

Unfortunately, the availability of walkers allows Wag to pay relatively low rates. The platform takes a 40% commission out of the price of each walk, significantly limiting your potential earnings.

Pricing is determined by an algorithm that considers the length and location of the walk. The Wag website states that walks typically start at $20 for a 30-minute walk. 20-minute and 60-minute walks are also available, and you will earn more than the base rate if you walk multiple dogs from the same home.

While it’s possible to earn $100 in a day by walking dogs, you may be able to increase your income by switching to training. Wag training starts at $60 for a 60-minute session, significantly more than the cost of even two 30-minute walks.

Of course, you can also market yourself as a freelance dog walker or trainer rather than working through an established platform. This approach gives you the opportunity to keep 100% of your earnings, but you may have more trouble finding clients who are willing to pay for your services.

Amazon Flex

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  Amazon Flex

  • Basics: Amazon relies on Flex drivers to make deliveries when other channels aren’t enough for the platform’s volume. Flex drivers deliver Amazon packages, Prime Now grocery orders, and more, typically in blocks of roughly 2-6 hours.
  • Pros: You’ll have the chance to set your own schedule and make deliveries whenever you have free time. Amazon claims that Flex drivers earn between $18 and $25 per hour, which is substantially higher than minimum wage in most areas.
  • Cons: Like Uber drivers, Flex drivers are forced to use a large portion of their earnings to cover maintenance and other expenses related to their vehicles. In other words, your actual profit will likely be significantly smaller than your paycheck. Additionally, demand for Flex drivers depends on delivery volume in your area and is inherently unpredictable.
  • TIME REQUIRED

    • Free time to make deliveries during daylight hours

  • TOOLS REQUIRED

    • Car—Prime Now deliveries can be made with essentially any car, but Amazon packages can only be delivered in a mid-sized or larger vehicle with at least four doors.
    
    • Smartphone—The Amazon Flex app requires an iPhone 6S or newer running at least iOS 13, or an Android phone running 6.0 or higher.

  • SKILLS REQUIRED

    • Reliability
    • Safe driving

Amazon Flex drivers sign up to make deliveries during particular blocks, which typically run from two to six hours. Instant offers are also sometimes available for as little as 15-45 minutes in case you can’t commit to a longer period of time.

Drivers are paid for the full set of deliveries, so you may end up earning more or less than the advertised $18-$25 per hour depending on your pace and any customer tips. Driving for Amazon Flex offers some flexibility, although deliveries are typically made during daylight hours.

Step 1: Sign up

Amazon Flex doesn’t have many driver requirements aside from a routine background check, so anyone with a car and smartphone should create an account if they’re interested in becoming a driver. The setup process is relatively quick, so you’ll be able to start earning money as soon as your background check clears.

That said, you should double-check that you meet the platform’s standards before getting started. Drivers need personal auto insurance, a smartphone running at least Android 6.0 or iOS 13, and a four-door mid-sized sedan or larger vehicle if they’re planning to deliver orders from Amazon.com. Vehicle requirements are less strict for Prime Now deliveries.

Furthermore, while Amazon automatically provides commercial auto insurance for most drivers, this policy isn’t available to drivers in New York state. Personal insurance is not sufficient to make deliveries, so drivers that live in New York may need to pay for additional coverage.

Step 2: Pick up delivery blocks

After signing up, you can start looking for potential blocks by selecting Upcoming Offers from the Amazon Flex home screen. The app also makes it easy to filter blocks based on your parameters—for example, by only viewing blocks at certain times of the day.

Amazon Flex doesn’t have any minimum work requirements, so you can pick up blocks whenever you have some free time. Keep in mind that you can only cancel blocks at least 45 minutes before they start without receiving a “missed block.”

While there’s no set limit on missed blocks, you may lose future opportunities if you miss too many. You only have five minutes to cancel if you accept a block within 45 minutes of the starting time.

Amazon doesn’t compensate drivers for any costs related to their deliveries including parking, mileage, or tolls. Don’t forget to factor in these expenses when calculating how much you could earn as an Amazon Flex driver. You can also review past blocks to determine how much of your earnings went to vehicle-related costs.

Delivery blocks from Amazon.com are generally between three and six hours long, while Prime Now, Amazon Fresh, and store order blocks are shorter at two to four hours. Finally, Instant Offers are available in some areas for 15-45 minutes.

At $18-$25 per hour, a six hour block is long enough to earn $100 or more in a single day. That said, you shouldn’t underestimate the effect of car expenses on your bottom line. All things considered, driving for Amazon Flex is a straightforward way to earn some extra money when you have free time.