Looking to make extra money without working harder? You’re not alone. Passive income is one of the most searched financial goals in 2025—but most lists push intense side hustles or time-consuming startups. This guide is different.
Here are 9 legit passive income ideas that require little to no ongoing effort. Think of it as making your money (or stuff) work for you—without burnout, business plans, or learning to code.
1. Round-Up Investing Apps
Apps like Acorns and Stash help you invest spare change from everyday purchases. When you buy a $4.25 coffee, it rounds up to $5 and invests the extra $0.75.
Contact for Acorns: support@acorns.com
Contact for Stash: support@stash.com
2. Cash-Back and Rewards Apps
With apps like Rakuten, Honey, and Dosh, you earn cash back for shopping you already do. Link your card or shop through their portal—then watch the rebates roll in.
Rakuten Contact: Contact Form
Honey Contact: yourfriends@joinhoney.com
Dosh Contact: support@dosh.cash
3. Rent Out Your Stuff (Not Your Time)
Try: Neighbor | Turo | Fat Llama
Got a garage, spare room, camera, or car? Rent it. Neighbor lets you earn by offering storage space, Turo for car rentals, and Fat Llama for tech gear.
Neighbor Contact: support@neighbor.com
Turo Contact: support.turo.com
Fat Llama Contact: support@fatllama.com
4. High-Yield Savings Accounts or CDs
Try: Ally Bank | Marcus by Goldman Sachs
Put your emergency fund or savings in a high-yield account. Ally and Marcus offer some of the best rates and no hidden fees.
Ally Contact: 1-877-247-2559
Marcus Contact: 1-855-730-7283
5. Sell Digital Downloads
Create a digital product once—like a planner, worksheet, or social media template—and let platforms like Etsy, Gumroad, or Payhip sell it on autopilot.
Etsy Support: Contact Form
Gumroad Contact: support@gumroad.com
Payhip Contact: support@payhip.com
6. Join Affiliate Programs
Try: Amazon Associates | ShareASale | Impact
Affiliate marketing = sharing product links and getting paid when someone buys. No inventory, no shipping, no customer service—just commission.
Amazon Associates Contact: associates@amazon.com
ShareASale Contact: Contact Form
Impact Contact: Contact Form
7. License Your Photos or Videos
Try: Shutterstock | Adobe Stock | Pexels
Have a good eye? Upload your photos or videos once to platforms like Shutterstock or Adobe Stock, and earn royalties whenever someone downloads your work.
Shutterstock Contact: submit@shutterstock.com
Adobe Stock Contributor Support: Contact Form
Pexels Contact: info@pexels.com
8. Dividend-Paying ETFs or Stocks
Try: Vanguard | Fidelity | Charles Schwab
Invest in ETFs that pay dividends quarterly or monthly. It’s one of the most traditional—and reliable—forms of passive income.
Vanguard Contact: 1-877-662-7447
Fidelity Contact: 1-800-343-3548
Schwab Contact: 1-866-855-9102
9. Use Your Car as a Billboard
Try: Wrapify | Carvertise
Turn your daily commute into income. With services like Wrapify or Carvertise, you can get paid just for letting them wrap your car in an ad.
Wrapify Contact: support@wrapify.com
Carvertise Contact: info@carvertise.com
Passive Income for Smart (and Chill) People
You don’t need to launch a startup or become a social media influencer to earn extra money. With these lazy passive income ideas, you can build something once and let it work for you in the background—whether you’re watching Netflix, sleeping in, or just living life.
