Make $500 This Week

Open a new checking account at a major bank running a new-customer bonus. As of July 2026, Chase Total Checking pays $400 for $1,000+ in direct deposits within 90 days (offer through 7/15/26), and most large banks run $200-$400 offers. Two honest caveats for a one-week plan: nearly all big-bank bonuses require direct deposits (gig-app payouts often qualify), and the bonus posts days to weeks after you meet the requirement - so start this today, but count it as next month's money, not this week's. Use our Bank Bonus Tracker to compare current offers and requirements.

Install the Rakuten app and browser extension, then sign up for a new account. The standard welcome bonus is $10, and referral promotions frequently raise it to $30-$50 with a minimum spend - check the current offer terms when you sign up. The app works automatically by earning cashback whenever you shop at partner retailers. Make at least one qualifying purchase this week—€”shop at Amazon, Target, Walmart, or any other retailer (most give 1-5% cashback). Your welcome bonus is added once your qualifying purchases clear. This is passive money with zero effort after setup.

Create a Swagbucks account and complete the first welcome offers. New members get a $10 welcome bonus (1,000 SB) after a $25 qualifying purchase, and most people can realistically earn another $10-$25 in their first week from surveys and simple tasks. Spend 1-2 hours browsing available surveys and tasks (they pop up constantly). Focus on the highest-paying surveys first. Your first payout request will go through within 1-2 days. This is one of the most beginner-friendly platforms.

Dig through your home and list 5-10 items on Facebook Marketplace—€”focus on items in good condition worth $10-$50 each. Clothes, electronics, furniture, and sports equipment sell quickly. Take clear photos, write honest descriptions, and price competitively. You don't need to negotiate much; most items will sell within 24-48 hours if priced right. Aim for $50-$150 in sales from this step. Meetups are local and safe in public places.

Sign up for DoorDash (or Uber Eats) and complete 5 deliveries this week. You can start earning immediately once approved. Focus on lunch and dinner rush hours (11am-2pm, 5pm-9pm) when tips are best. With tips, most couriers net $15-$25 per hour during rush windows - roughly $75-$125 across 5-8 hours for the week. You only need a working vehicle (car, bike, scooter—€”anything mobile counts). Gas costs will be minimal for these local deliveries.

Visit your state's official unclaimed property website (each state has one run by the Comptroller or Treasurer). Search using your name and any previous names. Many people find money from old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, utility deposits, or insurance refunds. You might not find anything, but some users discover $50-$500+. This takes 10 minutes and is completely free. Document any funds you find and begin the claims process immediately.

This week, buy your groceries using both a cashback credit card AND the Rakuten app for double rewards. Choose a credit card offering 3-5% on groceries (or use a 1.5% flat-rate card). Complete the purchase through Rakuten's app or browser extension when shopping online, or use in-store offers. On a $100 grocery trip, you'll earn $3-$5 in credit card rewards plus 1-3% from Rakuten ($1-$3), totaling $4-$8 in free money. Build this habit for ongoing savings.