Are you looking to start earning money online but don’t know where to begin? Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, or just someone looking for a side hustle, there are plenty of beginner-friendly platforms to help you make money. Below, we’ve listed the top 5 online earning platforms for beginners, along with their minimum payout thresholds and payment methods.
1. Swagbucks
What it is: Swagbucks is a popular rewards platform where you can earn points (called SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, shopping online, and searching the web.
- Minimum Payout: 3(forgiftcards)or25 (for PayPal cash).
- Payment Methods: PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.).
- Why it’s great for beginners: No special skills required, and you can earn passively by simply browsing the web.
2. Fiverr
What it is: Fiverr is a freelance marketplace where you can offer services like graphic design, writing, video editing, and more.
- Minimum Payout: 5(forgigsstartingat5).
- Payment Methods: PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, or direct bank transfer.
- Why it’s great for beginners: You can start with simple gigs and build your portfolio over time.
3. Upwork
What it is: Upwork is another freelance platform where you can find jobs in writing, programming, marketing, and more.
- Minimum Payout: 5(forhourlycontracts)or1 (for fixed-price contracts).
- Payment Methods: Direct transfer, PayPal, or Payoneer.
- Why it’s great for beginners: Offers a wide range of job categories, and you can start with small projects.
4. Survey Junkie
What it is: Survey Junkie is a survey platform where you can earn money by sharing your opinions on products and services.
- Minimum Payout: $5.
- Payment Methods: PayPal or e-gift cards.
- Why it’s great for beginners: Easy to use, and surveys are short and simple.
5. Patreon
What it is: Patreon is a membership platform where creators can earn money by offering exclusive content to their supporters.
- Minimum Payout: $5 (varies by payment processor).
- Payment Methods: PayPal, direct deposit, or Payoneer.
- Why it’s great for beginners: Ideal for artists, writers, and content creators who want to monetize their skills.
Top 5 Website Ad Networks to Monetize Your Site in 2025
| Platform | What It Is | Minimum Payout | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swagbucks | Earn points (SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, and shopping online. | 3(giftcards)or25 (PayPal) | PayPal, gift cards (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) |
| Fiverr | Freelance marketplace for offering services like writing, design, and more. | $5 | PayPal, Fiverr Revenue Card, bank transfer |
| Upwork | Freelance platform for jobs in writing, programming, marketing, etc. | 5(hourly)or1 (fixed-price) | Direct transfer, PayPal, Payoneer |
| Survey Junkie | Earn money by completing surveys and sharing opinions. | $5 | PayPal, e-gift cards |
| Patreon | Membership platform for creators to earn money through exclusive content. | $5 (varies) | PayPal, direct deposit, Payoneer |
Final Thoughts
These platforms are perfect for beginners because they require little to no upfront investment and offer flexible earning opportunities. Whether you’re looking to earn a little extra cash or build a full-time income, these platforms can help you get started.
Pro Tip: Always read the terms and conditions of each platform to understand their payout policies and fees.