In today’s gig economy, your car is more than just a vehicle for getting from point A to point B—it’s a potential goldmine on wheels. With the rise of app-based services and a growing demand for flexible transportation options, making money with your car has never been more accessible. Whether you’re looking for ways to make money to pay off debt, save for a vacation, or just pad your wallet, turning your car into a source of income can be a smart move.
From delivering food to renting out your ride, there are countless ways to earn extra cash using just your car and a smartphone.
1. Ridesharing
Ridesharing apps like Uber and Lyft have transformed the way we think about personal transportation, offering a lucrative opportunity for car owners to earn more money driving around on their own schedule. By becoming a rideshare driver, you can capitalize on the busy weekends, nights, and morning rush hours when demand—and surge pricing—can significantly boost your earnings.
On average, rideshare drivers earn between $15 to $30 per hour, with potential for more during peak times. Requirements are straightforward: a valid driver’s license, a clean driving record, car insurance and a relatively new, reliable car. Embrace the gig economy and turn your driving time into earning time, all while meeting new people and exploring your city.
2. Food Delivery Service
Joining the ranks of food delivery drivers with popular apps like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub presents another excellent avenue for car owners to make money. This gig caters to those who prefer a bit more privacy, as it involves picking up food orders from restaurants and delivering them directly to customers’ doors.
It’s an appealing option for many, offering the chance to earn an average of $10 to $20 per hour, with tips potentially pushing earnings higher. The key to maximizing your income lies in working during peak meal times—lunch and dinner—when demand to deliver food surges.
Plus, signing up for multiple food delivery services can help ensure a steady stream of orders, optimizing your earning potential with every mile.
3. Grocery Delivery
For those who enjoy shopping as much as driving, grocery delivery services like Instacart and Shipt offer a unique opportunity to earn money by filling and delivering grocery orders.
This role combines the satisfaction of helping others with the practicality of making extra cash, with earnings per delivery driver typically ranging from $10 to $25 per hour based on demand and tips.
Additionally, peak times often align with customers’ after-work schedules, providing a lucrative opportunity for drivers willing to shop and deliver groceries during evening hours and weekends.
4. Make Money with Your Car Exterior
Transforming your car into a moving billboard through companies like Wrapify, Carvertise, and Nickelytics is a hassle-free way to earn extra money. By wrapping your car with advertisements, you can make passive income just by going about your regular driving routines.
Depending on the campaign, your daily commute, and the size of the ad (partial or full wrap), drivers can expect to earn between $100 and $500 per month. This innovative approach to advertising offers a unique opportunity to monetize your car without altering your schedule or taking on additional work. It’s a perfect solution for those seeking to make extra cash with minimal effort.
5. Helping Move Large Objects
For car owners with larger vehicles like a pickup truck or SUV, platforms like TaskRabbit and Dolly offer the chance to make money by helping people move large items that won’t fit in a traditional car. Whether it’s moving furniture, hauling yard waste, or helping with home improvement projects, these services connect you with individuals who need extra muscle and space.
This work can be more physically demanding but is often more lucrative, with earnings potentially ranging from $15 to $30 per hour, depending on the task and location. It’s a great way to leverage the capability of your vehicle and your physical strength to meet others’ needs while boosting your income.
6. Renting Out Your Vehicle
For car owners who don’t need to use their vehicle every day, platforms like Turo, Getaround, and HyreCar offer a way to make money off the entire car by renting it out to others. This option is especially appealing for those with an extra car that’s often sitting unused.
By listing your vehicle on these platforms, you can earn passive income, with average daily earnings ranging from $30 to $60, depending on your car’s make, model, and demand in your area. Some car owners even report making over $10,000 a year by strategically renting out their vehicles. It’s an excellent way to put your idle car to work and generate additional income without any extra effort on your part.
7. Delivering for Amazon Flex
Amazon Flex offers car owners the opportunity to become delivery partners, using their vehicles to deliver packages to Amazon customers. With a straightforward signup process and the ability to choose delivery blocks that fit your schedule, Amazon Flex is a flexible way to earn money on the side. Delivery partners can expect to make between $18 and $25 per hour, depending on the delivery type, location, and demand.
Additionally, Amazon provides opportunities for discounts on vehicle expenses, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their earnings while minimizing costs. Whether you’re a car owner looking for a steady side gig or occasional work to supplement your income, Amazon Flex provides a reliable way to make money with your car.
8. Shuttle Service for Children and Seniors
Creating a niche for yourself by providing shuttle services specifically designed for children or senior citizens can be both rewarding and profitable. Platforms like HopSkipDrive cater to busy parents needing safe and reliable transportation around for their kids, from school to extracurricular activities.
Similarly, ElderCare.com connects drivers with elderly individuals who require assistance getting to appointments or running errands. For these specialized services, drivers can earn upwards of $20 to $40 per hour, depending on the specific requirements, time invested, and the locality’s demand.
Bonus Section: Leverage Lifeline and ACP Programs with EASY Wireless
In the gig economy, staying connected is crucial for managing your side hustles effectively. By signing up with EASY Wireless, you can take advantage of the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers free cell phone and data services to eligible participants.
This benefit is invaluable for anyone looking to maximize their earnings through the apps and services mentioned above, as it ensures you’re always reachable and can manage your bookings without worrying about mobile data costs.
Eliminating your cell phone bill not only saves money but also keeps you connected to opportunities in the gig economy, allowing you to respond quickly to job alerts and optimize your earning potential. With EASY Wireless, you’re not just saving; you’re investing in your ability to earn even more money.
Start Your Side Hustle Today
Using your car to make money has never been easier or more accessible, thanks to the plethora of platforms and services available today. Whether you’re ridesharing, delivering food, groceries, or parcels, advertising on your vehicle, or even renting it out, the opportunities to boost your income are vast.
Additionally, by taking advantage of programs like Lifeline and ACP with EASY Wireless, you can further maximize your car earnings by saving on cell phone and data costs, ensuring you’re always connected to the next gig. Don’t let your car just be a vehicle for travel—transform it into a vehicle for financial freedom.
