15 Easy Ways to Make Extra Money in the UK (That Actually Work)

With the cost of living still rising and most of us feeling the pinch, finding smart ways to make extra money in the UK has never been more important. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or simply someone looking to top up your income, the good news is there are plenty of legitimate options — and some of them are even fun.

Here are 15 easy, realistic ways to earn extra cash, including how to get started with cashback, reward apps, and flexible UK-friendly side hustles.

1. Earn Cashback While You Shop

Cashback is one of the simplest ways to earn money on things you're already buying. Sites like Custard reward you when you shop through their platform — whether it's ordering from Domino’s, picking up skincare at The Body Shop, or grabbing gym gear from MyProtein. PLUS keep your eyes out for the Custard app launching soon, helping you earn cashback on grocery shopping and much more! 

🛍️ You get paid a % of your purchase back. Simple, legit, and totally free to join.

2. Play Games for Rewards

Yes, really. Custard’s Play & Earn section lets you earn real rewards for installing mobile games and reaching in-game goals. Titles like Monopoly GO, Merge Restaurant or Love Water can pay you cash when you hit certain milestones.

🎮 No need to be a pro — just play, level up, and collect your reward.

3. Sell Items You No Longer Use

Got clothes, gadgets or books collecting dust? Use platforms like Vinted, eBay Depop or Facebook Marketplace to turn clutter into cash. It’s usually free to list, and buyers are often local.

👕 Top tip: Bundle similar items to sell faster and reduce postage costs.

4. Take Part in Paid Surveys

If you’ve got a few spare minutes, sites like LifePoints, Opinion Bureau, and HeyCash pay you for sharing your opinions. It won’t make you rich overnight, but it’s an easy way to earn rewards from your sofa.

📲 TOP TIP: Many of these are listed on Custard — so you can double up on rewards too.

5. Use Rewarded Shopping Apps

Apps like Custard are designed to give you cashback, but you can also use supermarket loyalty apps (like Tesco Clubcard, Nectar or Lidl Plus) to stack savings. Combine them with cashback deals and you could save hundreds a year.

💡 Hack: Buy discounted gift cards via Custard and earn instant cashback before shopping.

6. Refer Friends to Earn Bonuses

Most cashback and survey apps offer referral schemes. Custard’s referral feature gives you a reward for each person who signs up — and they get a bonus too.

🤝 The more friends you invite, the more you earn.

7. Rent Out Spare Space

Live in a city? Rent out your parking space, spare room, or even your shed for storage. Apps like JustPark and Stashbee make it easy and secure.

🚗 Passive income without lifting a finger.

8. Become a Mystery Shopper

Brands pay for honest feedback. Join mystery shopping sites like Market Force or Serve Legal (especially popular with students) to earn cash while shopping or dining out.

🧾 Some jobs even refund your purchase.

9. Deliver with Uber Eats or Deliveroo

If you have a bike or car and some spare time, food delivery is a flexible way to earn. Set your own schedule and work locally.

🚴 Tip: Stick to dinner and weekend hours for higher demand.

10. Offer Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

Love animals? Apps like Rover and Pawshake let you connect with pet owners nearby. Whether it’s walking a dog or hosting a cat overnight, it’s a fun way to earn extra.

🐾 Bonus: You don’t need formal experience — just reliability and love for animals.

11. Rent Out Equipment or Tools

From cameras to power drills, there’s a rental market for everything. Sites like Fat Llama let you list your gear and get paid when someone uses it.

🔧 Got a lawnmower gathering dust? It could be earning money.

12. Flip Freebies for Profit

Check out sites like Freecycle, Gumtree’s “Free” section, or Facebook Marketplace to find items people are giving away. Restore or clean them and re-sell.

🛋️ Furniture, bikes and electronics are great finds for this.

13. Offer Local Services

From tutoring to ironing, there’s always demand for help in your community. Advertise on local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, or post a flyer in your local shop.

🧽 Keep it niche — dog grooming, cleaning, or even flatpack furniture assembly.

14. Use Receipt Scanning Apps

Apps like Shoppix or ZipZero reward you for snapping receipts. Pair this with cashback apps like Custard and you could be getting rewarded twice for the same shop.

📸 The average user earns £5–10/month doing this.

15. Start a Micro Side Hustle

Not ready for a full business? Try small digital tasks like selling printables on Etsy, doing voiceovers on Fiverr, or offering proofreading services on platforms like PeoplePerHour.

📈 It starts small — but these can grow into serious side income.

Final Thought: Start With What You Already Do

You don’t need to reinvent your routine. Many of these money-making ideas — especially cashback and rewards — slot naturally into your everyday habits.

If you're new to this world, a great place to start is Custard — a trusted UK cashback platform where you can earn on everything from games to groceries.

Start earning today → Join Custard for free