Quick Cash: 10+ Ways to Earn $10 (or More) Without Extra Effort

You’ve heard it before: “There’s no such thing as free money.” But here’s the thing—when you snag sign-up bonuses and cash-back rewards, that cash is practically yours for the taking. No side hustle required, no grind necessary. If you’re looking to pad your wallet fast, we’ve rounded up proven methods to get at least $10 quickly—and in many cases, significantly more. The best part? Stack multiple offers and watch your earnings grow. Last updated: August 2025

The Fastest Ways to Earn Your First $10

Investment Platforms: Free Stock & Deposit Bonuses

Opening a brokerage account has never been more rewarding. Most online brokers now compete for your attention with generous sign-up offers—think free stock, cash bonuses, or deposit matches. Here’s where you can snag the easiest wins:

Robinhood: $5-$200 in Free Stock

One of the pioneers of commission-free investing, Robinhood hands new users a random cash bonus between $5 and $200 that you can put toward fractional stock purchases. Their platform is built for beginners: trade stocks, ETFs, and options commission-free, plus 24/7 crypto trading.

How to claim it: Sign up via a referral link → Link your bank account → Deposit at least $10. Note the 30-day withdrawal lock on your bonus shares.

Webull: $100 Cash + 2% Match on Deposits

Webull doubles down on new user incentives. You get $100 upfront plus a 2% match on your initial deposit (minimum $2,000, capped at $20,000 in matching funds). The platform offers zero commissions on stocks, ETFs, and options, plus fractional shares starting at $1.

How to claim it: Use a referral link to sign up → Deposit $2,000+ within the promotional window.

eToro: $10 Instant Bonus

Here’s one of the simplest ways how to get $10 free—deposit $100 and get $10 credited immediately. eToro stands out for its social trading features, copy-trading functionality, and diverse asset classes (stocks, ETFs, crypto). The interface is beginner-friendly and intuitive.

How to claim it: Sign up with a referral link → Deposit $100 → The $10 posts automatically. Your deposit must stay in the account for 90 days to keep the bonus.

SoFi Invest: $5-$1,000 in Bonus Stock

SoFi offers a lottery-style bonus ranging from $5 to $1,000 in free stock. Beyond investing, SoFi integrates credit cards, loans, and insurance—all in one app. It’s perfect if you want to consolidate your finances. Fractional shares let you start with just $5.

How to claim it: Open an account → Fund it with $50+ within 30 days. Bonus appears in 10 business days.

Wealthfront: $50 Deposit Bonus

If you prefer hands-off investing, Wealthfront’s robo-advisor builds and rebalances portfolios for you. New accounts get a $50 bonus when you deposit $500+ and hold it for seven days. The platform charges 0.25% annually—not free, but competitive.

How to claim it: Sign up with a referral link → Deposit $500+ → Wait 7 days for the $50 bonus.

Earn Cash Without Investing a Dime: Paid Surveys

Not ready to open a brokerage account? No problem. Survey sites let you earn through your opinions alone.

Swagbucks: $10 Sign-Up Bonus

Swagbucks is the survey king. You earn points (SBs) for taking surveys, shopping online, watching videos, or playing games. The $10 signup bonus requires you to spend just $25 at a participating retailer within 30 days—and you get the Swagbucks cashback on top of the bonus.

How to claim it: Sign up → Make a $25+ purchase at a Swagbucks partner store within 30 days → Receive 1,000 SB (worth $10) in 10 business days.

Survey Junkie & Branded Surveys

Both platforms offer paid surveys that pay $1-$3 each. Survey Junkie claims users can earn $40/month if they complete three surveys daily. Branded Surveys converts points to cash at a 100:1 ratio. Both offer PayPal payouts, bank transfers, or gift cards.

Save for College While Earning: The Upromise Route

If you’re saving for education, Upromise kills two birds with one stone: A $5.29 sign-up bonus plus $25 for linking a 529 college savings plan.

How to claim it: Sign up with a referral link → Verify your email (instant $5.29) → Link a 529 plan within 30 days (additional $25). Plus, their Mastercard earns cash-back that auto-deposits into your education fund.

Retirement Accounts: The IRA Match Game

Here’s where things get interesting. Most IRAs don’t offer employer-style matches, but Robinhood changed the game with its Retirement account.

Robinhood Retirement: 1-3% Contribution Match

Open a Robinhood IRA and the platform matches up to 1% of your contributions automatically—3% if you pay $5/month for Robinhood Gold. This match doesn’t count toward your annual contribution limit, so it’s pure extra money. For example, contribute $7,000 and get $70-$210 in free retirement funds instantly.

How to claim it: Open a Robinhood Retirement IRA → Make a contribution → Robinhood matches immediately.

How to Get $10 Free: Step-by-Step Strategy

Step 1: Pick Your Method
Investment bonuses pay the most ($50-$1,000), but require deposits. Surveys are zero-risk but slower. Ideally? Combine both. Open one brokerage account + complete surveys simultaneously.

Step 2: Use Referral Links
Always sign up through referral links—they unlock bonuses that regular signups don’t get.

Step 3: Stack Your Earnings
Hit multiple platforms. Sign up for Robinhood, Webull, and eToro separately. Deposit $100 here, $500 there. Within a month, you’ve collected $300+ in bonuses.

Step 4: Meet Holding Periods
Most bonuses require you to keep funds in the account for 7-90 days. Plan accordingly if you need the cash immediately.

FAQ: Making Money Fast Online

Can I really make $10 just from surveys?
Yes, but it takes time. Survey sites typically pay $1-$3 per survey. Longer surveys pay more. If you complete 10 surveys, you’re at $10. Realistic timeline: 1-2 weeks.

What’s the fastest way to get $10 free?
eToro’s $10 bonus appears instantly after you deposit $100. If speed is your priority, that’s your best bet. Investment account bonuses generally post within 5-10 business days.

Are these offers legit?
Yes. These are all established financial platforms competing for customers. Sign-up bonuses are a standard acquisition strategy. However, always read the terms—some bonuses have holding periods or withdrawal restrictions.

What payment methods can I use?
Most platforms offer PayPal, direct deposit, gift cards, or in-app cash. Some even offer stock or crypto payouts. Check each platform’s redemption options before signing up.

What if I want to withdraw the money right away?
That varies. Some platforms require you to hold deposits for 7 days (Wealthfront). Others ask for 30 days (Robinhood). Survey sites typically allow immediate PayPal payouts. Always confirm the hold period before committing.

The Bottom Line

Getting your first $10 online isn’t just possible—it’s straightforward if you know where to look. Whether you choose investment bonuses, surveys, or a combination of both, you can stack these offers into a quick cash injection. The key is consistency: use referral links, meet the terms, and let the bonuses accumulate. Over time, that “free $10” can turn into hundreds with minimal effort.