10 best gig apps that pay same day

What is the best thing about gig economy jobs? Ask any gig worker, and they will say the same thing – independence.

Gig jobs give you the freedom to create your own schedule, choose your working hours, and even the number of jobs you want to take. You’re your own boss. It doesn’t get any better than that.

And as the gig economy continues to thrive, so does the number of gig apps. Look at how many food delivery apps there are. And these are only the tip of the gig economy iceberg. Moreover, many of these gigs are same-day pay jobs, and what’s better than receiving your hard-earned money straight away?

That said, we’ve prepared a list of our favorite gig economy apps that pay the same day. Whether you want an immediate income boost or just aren’t patient enough to wait for your next payday, the following list of the best gig apps that pay the same day will provide you with the gig opportunities you seek.

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

Best same-day pay gig jobs: rideshare apps

Do you have a valid driver’s license? Why not use it to your advantage and become a rideshare driver? You don’t need a car, as you can conveniently rent it with HyreCar and reap the benefits of your driving job without worrying about vehicle-related expenses.

If you think driving for a rideshare service is something you’d like to try, you can pick between two main rideshare apps available – Uber and Lyft. And yes, both apps include an instant cashout option.

#1 Uber

Uber needs no introduction. As one of the ‘fathers’ of the gig economy, Uber remains the most popular ridesharing app in the world, both for customers and gig workers. If you’re looking for a driving gig to earn extra money, Uber should be your number one choice.

The great thing about Uber is its instant pay option, which allows you to pay out your available earnings a maximum of five times a day. Every instant payout involves a fee of $0.50 unless you use a dedicated Uber Visa Credit Card, which offers free payouts. If you don’t require instant cashouts, Uber pays its drivers weekly.

How to drive with Uber?

To drive with Uber, you must first meet its personal and vehicle requirements. You will also be required to undergo an application process, where Uber will run a background check on your criminal and driving records. Once you get accepted, you can immediately start driving.

Uber pros and cons

Pros:

• You can earn a good hourly wage depending on factors such as the route, the number of rides, driving hours, etc.
• Uber offers numerous promotions and incentives for its drivers
• The application process is straightforward
• Fast payments
• Flexible schedule

Cons:

• Vehicle maintenance expenses are on you unless you rent with HyreCar
• Instant payments include a $0.50 fee
• You need to meet specific Uber requirements
• There’s a lot of competition

#2 Lyft

Lyft might be Uber’s younger sibling, but it doesn’t mean it falls behind in terms of the overall experience. On the contrary, many believe that Lyft is a much better option for gig workers.

In reality, both apps are fairly similar, sharing practically the same features for drivers and riders alike. We covered the differences in more detail in our Uber vs. Lyft comparison guide, so check it out if you’re interested.

As for the reason you’re here, Lyft also has a fast pay system called Direct Pay. Using it, you can get your money transferred to your bank account after each ride you complete. There’s also the Express Pay option, where you can have your available funds transferred daily for a $0.85 fee. If not, Lyft, like Uber, pays out its drivers weekly.

How to drive with Lyft?

As with Uber, if you want to drive and make money with Lyft, you must meet the company’s personal and vehicle requirements. There’s also the application process which includes a background check. In general, both Uber and Lyft have very similar requirements and application processes with only several tiny differences.

Lyft pros and cons

Pros:

• Free instant payment option (Direct Pay) after each completed ride
• Bonuses and incentive programs for drivers
• Straightforward application process
• The average pay per hour for Lyft drivers is $17-18
• Flexible schedule

Cons:

• You can expect fewer ride requests at Lyft than when driving with Uber
• More strict vehicle requirements
• You are responsible for car-related expenses
• Daily cashouts include a $0.85 fee

Best same-day pay gig jobs: grocery & food delivery apps

Another way to get paid with your vehicle is through food and grocery delivery. The business that’s blossomed in the past few years is becoming a significant part of the gig economy and our lives.

Most importantly, food delivery is a gig that will earn you quick money whenever you need that extra cash. As with ridesharing apps, though, there’s more than one food delivery app you can drive for. In this case, we’re talking about multiple apps.

And while they aren’t created equal, they do share one vital similarity. They offer instant payouts. Let’s get that car, bike, or scooter to work and earn some extra money.

#3 Instacart

Instacart is the most popular grocery delivery app in the US. As an Instacart delivery driver, you’d be responsible for accepting orders, picking up the groceries, and delivering them to the customer. It’s simple, fast, and grants you a lot of independence.

As for the pay, Instacart full-service shoppers can make even up to $29 per hour. And yes, you can get paid instantly with a feature called Instant Cashout, available in your Shopper App. Using it, you can expect the money to land in your bank account within 30-45 minutes.

However, it’s important to note that this option doesn’t include customer tips, which you can only withdraw 24 hours after completing your delivery.

How to Deliver with Instacart

To start delivering for Instacart, you must first meet the specific driver requirements and go through their application sign-up process. Once you get accepted, all you need to do is download your Shopper App and complete your first delivery.

Instacart pros and cons

Pros:

• Instacart shoppers can earn as much as $29 per hour depending on the deliveries, peak hours, bonuses applied, etc.
• You can keep 100% of your tips
• Free instant cashout feature
• Promotions and incentives for delivery drivers
• You can deliver using a car, bike, scooter, or motorcycle
• Flexible hours

Cons:

• Instant payments don’t include tips
• You need to prepare for some physical work

#4 DoorDash

DoorDash remains the biggest food delivery app in the US, covering over 4,000 markets across the country. Therefore, it’s not a surprise it’s the first choice gig app for independent workers looking to earn money by delivering food to hungry Americans. And given that you can make around $23 on average with DoorDash, it’s quite a lucrative gig job too.

And, of course, you can get your money instantly. You can withdraw your earnings daily using the Fast Pay option, which includes a $1.99 fee (quite much if you ask us). Another option is applying for a DasherDirect card, using which you can pay out your money instantly without any fees applied.

How to deliver with DoorDash

To become a Dasher, you need to be at least 18 years old. Other requirements also apply, and you will also be required to undergo a background check and go through the application process. The entire process shouldn’t take longer than a few days. Once you are accepted, you can start delivering food instantly.

DoorDash pros and cons

Pros:

• The average hourly pay of $23 is quite lucrative
• Numerous bonuses and incentives for Dashers to earn more money
• Flexible scheduling
• Base pay system
• The fee-free fast pay system for DoorDash drivers (when using a DasherDirect card)
• Access to extensive DoorDash network, including Caviar customers

Cons:

• Daily payouts include a transaction fee of $1.99
• You’re responsible for vehicle and equipment expenses

#5 Uber Eats

Uber Eats is DoorDash’s biggest US competitor and the second most popular gig app for delivery drivers. Earning potential can vary depending on the usual factors common for all delivery apps – time, location, frequency, and more.

Like Uber rideshare drivers, Uber Eats drivers can take advantage of an instant payout option – Express Pay. To use it, however, you need to prepare to pay the already mentioned $0.50 fee. The same rules apply then for both Uber rideshare and delivery drivers.

How to deliver with Uber Eats

To start delivering with Uber Eats, you must, you guessed it, meet the specific requirements and pass the application process. Don’t worry, though; these requirements aren’t as strict when applying for a rideshare gig. Once you get accepted, you can download your Uber Eats driver’s app and start delivering.

Uber Eats pros and cons

Pros:

• Schedule your own flexible working hours
• Access to an extensive Uber Eats network, including Postmates customers
• Instant pay option
• Numerous bonuses and incentives for delivery drivers
• If you deliver by car, you can simultaneously drive as a rideshare driver

Cons:

• Same-day cashout includes a fee
• No base pay
• You need to pay your vehicle expenses

#6 Grubhub

Regarding delivery app popularity, Grubhub yields only to DoorDash and Uber Eats. Therefore, if the first two aren’t your cup of tea, the next natural choice should be Grubhub. Truth be told, though, it doesn’t differ much from the options presented above.

Grubhub drivers can earn around $13-15 per hour on averagevary, but that pay will fluctuate depending on the area, demand, bonuses, etc. As for same-day pay, you can take advantage of Grubhub’s Instant Cash Out feature. It’s free for Chase Bank customers. Otherwise, it includes a $0.50 fee. Also, the maximum amount you can withdraw a day is $500.

How to deliver with Grubhub

As with all the other delivery apps on this list, you will need to meet specific requirements before you can apply to become a Grubhub driver. These don’t differ much from other delivery companies. The application process is also similar and includes a standard background check. Once your application is accepted, you can start delivering with Grubhub immediately.

Grubhub pros and cons

Pros:

• Bonuses and incentive programs for delivery drivers
• Access to an extensive Grubhub network
• Straightforward application process
• Same-day pay option
• Flexible scheduling

Cons:

• The instant pay feature includes a fee
• The pay isn’t as lucrative compared to other delivery apps
• A $500 daily payout limit
• You will need to cover your vehicle-related expenses

Best same-day pay gig jobs: side hustle apps

But the gig economy isn’t just about rideshare and delivery apps. There are tons of other gig apps that pay same-day, offering much more than delivering groceries, food, or driving people around. So, having these apps out of the way, let’s take a look at other side gigs you can use to earn quick bucks.

#7 Wag!

If you love dogs and want to capitalize on that, Wag! is the gig app for you. Wag! connects you with pet owners across all the major cities in the US (over 5,000 US cities in total). When applying, you can choose between becoming a pet sitter or a dog walker. Pet sitters earn $26 per night plus tips, whereas walkers earn an average of $12 plus tips for a 30-minute walk.

Standard payouts occur on Fridays, covering the services you performed the previous week. If you don’t want to wait that long, you can use the Instant Pay option. You will first, however, need to qualify for it. It also includes a fee worth 3% of each transaction.

How to become a Wag! walker/sitter

Whether you apply to become a walker or pet sitter, you will need to first go through a sign-up process and be at least an 18-year-old US resident. The application process includes a short test about dog safety and care, as well as a standard background check. Once you’re accepted, you can download a Wag! app and start building your client base.

Wag! pros and cons

Pros:

• You get to spend time with dogs; that’s enough for us
• Instant payment option
• The app allows you to build a comprehensive base of loyal clients
• Available in all major US cities

Cons:

• You will have to face fierce competition in larger cities
• A 3% instant pay transaction fee is a bit too much

#8 SitterCity

Babysitting has always been one of the most popular gigs, but its popularity has skyrocketed since the introduction of gig apps. One of those platforms is SitterCity, which works on a similar basis as the previously mentioned Wag!, where people can search for babysitters for their kids, pets, or elderly.

The payment is quite alright, with an average hourly pay of $17.50. This, however, can vary depending on numerous factors, so you can expect to be paid more. And yes, you can get paid instantly. Unlike Wag!, SitterCity doesn’t charge any fees for instant payments. That’s because it doesn’t process transactions, which instead depend on your arrangements with clients.

How to join SitterCity?

When applying for a babysitting job via SitterCity, you will have to go through a thorough screening and application process. You will also need to create a detailed profile that showcases your skill. Therefore, it might take a while until you’re accepted.

SitterCity pros and cons

Pros:

• Access to an excessive network of babysitters and customers
• Instant payments are available
• A fantastic earning opportunity
• Flexible scheduling

Cons:

• It may take a while until you’re accepted as a SitterCity babysitter
• You will face extensive competition, especially in bigger cities

#9 Lime

If you have a spare few hours a day, becoming a Lime Juicer is a straightforward way to get some extra cash into your bank account. What will you be responsible for? Charging Lime scooters. You will locate the scooter, pick it up, charge it, and then release it in a designated hub. A walk in the park.

Of course, as you’d expect, the pay isn’t overly high, with Lime Juicers getting paid a minimum of $5 per scooter. However, it can be higher depending on the location and demand. Some juicers can even make up to $12 per scooter. And yes, you can get your ‘hard-earned’ money instantly, no fees charged. The only requirement is that you use a debit card as your payment method.

How to become a Lime Juicer?

You can apply through the official Lime website to become a scooter charger. You will then be asked to complete a standard application form and undergo a quick orientation process. And that’s about it. The only real requirement is that you are 18 years old. You don’t have to own a car, although, truth be told, driving one can improve your efficiency.

Lime Juicer pros and cons

Pros:

• Very straightforward gig you can perform without any real experience or equipment
• You can earn as much as $20 or $30 per hour, depending on the area and demand
• Fast application process
• You can treat it as a side gig when commuting
• No excessive requirements
• Instant payments 365 days a year

Cons:

• Only available in larger cities
• Dragging Lime scooters without a car can be tiring

#10 Swagbucks

And last but not least, an option for those who don’t want to move around and work physically. We present you Swagbucks, a rewards and loyalty app where users can earn extra money by completing online surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. Doing that earns you points you can later exchange for gift cards or cash out into your PayPal account.

It might sound too good to be true, but Swagbucks is not a scam. Indeed, it’s one of the best and easiest gigs you can do. You can join it for free, and while the app won’t make you rich, it will pay you that extra $25-100 a month for, essentially, doing nothing. PayPal withdrawals, however, aren’t always instant and can take even up to 10 days in some cases.

How to earn money with Swagbucks?

You can sign up for Swagbucks for free. Even that can earn you money, as signing-up grants you extra ten bucks. Then, you can start making money by completing surveys, watching videos, etc.

Swagbucks pros and cons

Pros:

• Probably the easiest way to make extra money on this list
• You can connect your Swagbucks account to your PayPal account to withdraw money immediately
• Swagbucks is 100% free to join
• 18 ways to make money

Cons:

• Isn’t very lucrative
• Payments can sometimes take longer to process

How to pick the best gig job?

Now that we’ve provided you with the best gig apps that pay the same day, it’s your time to make your choice. The question is, though, how to pick the best gig job? Well, what if we told you that you don’t need to make just one pick?

Since you’ll be working as an independent contractor, you’ll be in charge of your schedule, taxes, work-related expenses, etc. That also grants you a chance to work for multiple companies simultaneously and maximize your earnings.

For instance, you can work as a delivery driver with Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub at the same time. Then, on your way back home, pick up a few Lime scooters to charge them, and at the end of the day, fill out a few online surveys via Swagbucks.

The key here is to know your limits and find jobs that provide you with money and satisfaction. Think about your qualities and how you can use them for your next gig. With such an impressive variety of gig apps, the sky is your limit.