How to make extra money in the UK

At this time of year, many people are feeling the financial pinch. The good news is there are lots of side hustles to suit your skills. Having a second job or doing freelance work is a fine way to get an additional income.

So, here are some simple side-hustles to help you earn extra money in and around London:

• Deliver stuff to people’s homes
• Become an Uber driver
• Market research and product testing
• Sell unwanted items online
• Offer your skills as a service
• Be an extra for films on TV shows
• Host visitors (or cars) at your home

1. Deliver stuff to people’s homes

What’s the gig?

Taking parcels or food to customers for firms such as Amazon or Deliveroo is another way to earn extra money. It’s a super flexible option to make more money in your free time.

How much can you make?

With Amazon Flex, you are paid per delivery. But Amazon says that you can earn on average £13-£17 per hour.

Food couriers mostly get paid by the job, plus tips. Our ultimate guide to Uber Eats drivers reveals you make up to £12 per hour, while Deliveroo riders are said to make slightly more on average.

The good thing about food delivery is that you can start with a bicycle, which is a great way to stay fit. But most people prefer an electric model or moped. For parcel work, you need at least a five-seater car.

If you do need a car or motorbike, consider the running costs. Some firms pay extra to allow for vehicle expenses, but you should always check the details.

The next step…

Whichever style of work you go for, there are basic rules. If you use a bicycle, ignore the vehicle ones.

• Be at least 18 years old
• Bank statement (from within the last three months)
• Have a valid EU/UK driving licence
• DVLA electronic counterpart check code (if UK driving licence)
• Insurance certificate (must include delivery)

It only takes a few days to get approved and begin work. Amazon expects you to commit to delivery ‘blocks’ of 2-4 hours. With food couriers, you can often do as much or as little as you like, making it a quick way to earn extra money in a style that suits you.

Did you know?

Food couriers keep 100% of tips. Customers can give these up to 7 days after the order is complete.

2. Become an Uber driver

What’s the gig?

Taking riders from A to B is one of the most flexible routes to make a good living in London and almost anyone can do it. You can choose your hours and will become your own boss.

How much can you make?

This depends on how much you work and what type of car you drive. As with couriers, the amount you earn is only the profit left after you pay all the running costs.

The Otto Car Working Life Study (2023) revealed the average hourly earnings for Uber drivers in London is £20.48.

The next step…

On the face of it, the rules of how to become an Uber driver are simple:

• UK driving licence (Uber insists you convert an EU or EEA licence to a UK one)
• 21 years old minimum (3 years of UK or EU/EEA qualified driving experience)
• No history of serious driving offences (Full list of deal-breakers here )
• Suitable car and insurance (You can begin the Uber registration without this)
• Private Hire Driver Licence (Most drivers call this a PCO licence)
• Bank account in your name (Or a company you own)

You must first get a private hire licence both for yourself and the car. In the capital, these are organised by Transport for London (TfL) and are also known as PCO licences. We also have a complete guide on how to get a PCO licence.

The final step is to get a suitable car. The good news is that Otto Car is London’s biggest community of private hire drivers. For tips, check out the ultimate guide on what’s the best car for Uber driving.

If you want more advice about how this side-hustle is the foundation of a solid career, we can help.

About Otto Car

Getting started as an Uber driver can feel complex but you are not alone. Otto Car provides easy access to excellent PCO cars with no credit checks.

You can get expert advice from the Otto Team about whether this career makes sense for you – and how to begin. Whether you prefer a flexible rental or an inclusive ownership plan, we’ve got you.

Pop into any of our five London hubs for a friendly chat or say hello on 020 8740 7444.

3. Market research and product testing

What’s the gig?

Lots of companies want feedback on their products or services – and will reward you for it. This mostly involves online surveys or physical testing. You can get free stuff or make extra money.

How much can you make?

Research companies typically give you loyalty points, which you swap for shopping vouchers or cash.

To take one example, Ipsos iSay offers a Global Gift Card valid at M&S, Tesco, Sports Direct, or Amazon. They also offer prepaid Mastercard and PayPal credits of up to £50. Yes, actual money.

The number of points depends on the length of the survey. For instance, Clicks Research gives you anything from 25-200 points for each one. Each survey takes a few minutes, so you could easily complete a few an hour. When you get to 2500, you can cash-out the points for £25.

Alternatively, sign-up as a product tester. Companies send you free products in return for feedback and sometimes pay you too. Review sites also ask you to post about products on social media.

The next step…

Join a trusted market-research agency, such as Pinecone, Ipsos iSay, or Clicks Research.

You can get into product reviews through a third-party agency like Clicks Research or direct review websites, such as Trnd free or Savvy Circle (P&G free).

Did you know?

Some companies ask for product testers on their own websites or socials, so check brands you like for an easy way to earn money.

4. Sell unwanted items online

What’s the gig?

This is probably one of the top ways most people earn extra money. Getting rid of old gadgets or unwanted stuff creates space while also fattening your own wallet with extra money. If you’ve not worn an item or used something in a while, it’s time to cash in.

All you need is internet access and this is one of the easiest side hustles to earn extra income.

How much can you make?

Obviously, this depends on what you sell – and how often. The factors that determine how much money you earn are the prices you sell at and the fees involved. Uploading good photos helps.

First, decide if your priority is profit or to declutter. Then set your sale prices based on this motive.

Plenty of people do online selling as a full-time gig, even once they’ve got rid of their own stuff. Once you get into this role, it can easily become an obsession.

The next step…

Many online sellers look no further than eBay – and this is a mistake. For instance, Vinted specialises in clothes, while Facebook Marketplace and Gumtree are good ways to sell larger items in your local area.

Neither Vinted nor Gumtree charge selling fees (despite a few optional add-ons) so they are a great way to shift stuff and pocket all the money.

To be fair, eBay also doesn’t charge commissions for clothes. However, for other items you’ll pay 12.8% of the sale price plus 30p – and another smaller fee. On the upside, buyers pay the postage costs.

Did you know?

Set a low minimum bid to get people competing like piranhas. You’ll make more than you think.

5. Offer your skills as a service

What’s the gig?

If you have a skill or a talent – and this can be anything from carpentry to cooking – then it’s never been easier to sell these services on a freelance basis. Be paid for what you have expertise in or love to do in your spare time.

How much can you make?

Naturally, this depends on the nature of what you do and how you go about it. For instance, if you offer furniture assembly, then you could earn a higher hourly rate than another role. Most platforms charge you a ‘service fee’ of roughly 10-20% but watch out for hidden extras before you sign up.

The side-hustle calculator on Airtasker says you can make £935 per month as a handyman in London for doing three tasks each week.

The next step…

For general purpose tasks, you can try Taskrabbit or Airtasker. If you have creative skills, such as graphic design, look at freelance marketplaces Fiverr – or maybe sell physical or digital products on Etsy.

6. Be an extra for films or TV

What’s the gig?

Here’s a trade secret. Most of the people you see in the background of films or TV shows are not actors. They are called ‘extras’ (or more accurately, supporting artiste) and mostly just like you.

How much can you make?

This gig is a simple and fun way to earn extra money. Rates depend on the studio but the base fee for extras with the BBC or ITV is around £100 plus overtime. Your exact fee will depend on what you’re asked to do.

Clients normally cover travel expenses, so it’s not too shabby. Note that casting agencies usually deduct a commission of between 10 and 20%. Sorry, that’s showbiz.

The next step…

Sign with a specialist casting agency for extras, such as The Casting Collective or Crowd Casting.

Your application should include physical characteristics, plus any skills or talents. These can be simple things, such as having a valid driving licence or if you speak more than one language. But if you can, say, ride a horse or juggle, mention this as you’ll sometimes get paid more.

You must also provide a valid ID and proof of your right to work in the UK. With luck, the agency will then give specific offers to appear in the background of films, TV series, and adverts.

Did you know?

There is a popular comedy about this type of gig called Extras, starring Ricky Gervais. It’s good fun.

7. Host visitors (or cars) at your home

What’s the gig?

Generate cash from a spare room or driveway space, by allowing people or their cars to stay at your home. This isn’t the most obvious way to earn extra money, but can definitely be a helpful one for you and for others.

How much can you make?

This depends on where you live, whether you rent out the whole house or just a room – and the time of year. For instance, if your home is near Wembley Stadium, prices will rise close to big events.

Look at Airbnb to see what a similar property to your own would fetch. As a rough guide, one room in a reasonable part of London typically goes for £50 per night. And often more in the summer.

Note that Airbnb takes 3% commission but you can charge extra for cleaning or allowing pets to stay.

Those who don’t want house guests but do have a parking space can rent this out by the hour. You set the rate and the online provider handles the admin. You can make around £150 per month.

The next step…

The best-known online services are Airbnb or Booking.com. Prefer a regular lodger? Try SpareRoom.

If you don’t want to deal with guests or book cleaners, specialist agencies such as Houst will do everything for you. Naturally, this involves an extra commission of roughly 15%.

For parking, the market leader is JustPark, which charges 3% fees. Its rival YourParkingSpace lets you keep the lot but adds 20% onto the price. If you’re allowed to do this, this is easy money.

Did you know?

The first £7,500 per year that you make from renting out a furnished room is tax free in the UK.

How Otto Car can help

You now have a range of options on how to make extra money in the UK. Some are simpler than others, but there are lots of different side hustles to choose from to suit you.

And if you’re thinking about how to become an Uber driver, then Otto Car always gives honest advice, plus easy access to excellent PCO cars with no credit checks.

Pop into any of our five London hubs for a friendly chat or say hello on 020 8740 7444.