Are you looking to make some quick cash while working flexible hours? Perhaps you need some extra earnings to pay off bills while still holding down your 9-5. In 2025, the best solution is joining a delivery app. It’s one of the easiest and fastest ways to earn $500, even if you’re just starting out. You could deliver fast food, groceries, or packages. But you’ll need the smart strategies in this article to help you reach that goal. Here’s how to organize your shifts, work through peak times, and which app to use to hit that $500 fast.
Why Delivery Apps Are Great for Fast Earnings
Delivery work will give you flexibility, and that’s why people love it. No boss. No long applications. You can start earning within days of signing up. The best delivery apps in 2025 pay around $15-$25 per hour, depending on the app, your location, and the time of day you work.
You can realistically earn $500 within a week, depending on the number of hours and times of day you are willing to work. That could be faster if you maximize bonuses and tips.
The 4 Best Delivery Apps for 2025
Here are the best delivery apps to sign up for in 2025.
DoorDash
DoorDash is one of the most beginner-friendly apps. It gets you started with food delivery gigs and offers peak pay bonuses during their most busy times.
UberEats
Uber Eats offers flexible shifts, and you can also get a promotion! It’s easy to combine with Uber driving, too, providing you qualify.
Instacart
With Instacart, you get paid to shop for people and deliver their groceries. Workers often find they receive higher tips from this service compared to food delivery apps.
Amazon Flex
You can deliver Amazon packages in scheduled blocks. The gig pays well, but you need to organize your shifts in advance.
You can also stack apps but signing up to more than one and maximising peak hours to boost your earnings.
Your Step-by-Step Plan to Earning $500 Fast
Here are the simple steps to start earning and getting that $500 in your bank account.
Step 1: Sign Up for 2 Delivery Apps
Apply to your preferred option from the list we provided above. Make sure you have identification ready to speed up your approval, which normally takes a few days.
Step 2: Plan Around Peak Hours
If you don’t have to structure gig work around a 9-5 job, aim to work during peak hours. These times mean more orders, which means bigger tips and potentially bonus pay.
Step 3: Focus on Your Hours
Aim for 4-6 hour shifts to hit your goal of $500. It’s realistic in a shift to earn between $80-$120. After a few of these shifts, you will get close to your target.
Step 4: Choose High-Tip Orders
Some orders will have the potential for better tips than others. Choose bigger orders and deliveries to high-end neighborhoods where possible.
Step 5: Track Bonuses
Many apps offer bonuses once you have completed a certain number of deliveries. Keep an eye on your app notifications to ensure you hit the target.
Step 6: Optimize Your Delivery Setup
Make sure you have the right setup for deliveries. Use a good phone mount and charge your phone before leaving the house. Carry an insulated food bag to deliver faster and improve your tips.
Final Tip: Stay Consistent
Consistency is the key to earning money with deliveries. Don’t let a slow day put you off. Stay on track and work your shifts. With the right attitude, it’s possible to hit your $500 goal within a week of starting. Remember, delivery gigs aren’t just for side-cash anymore. They can help you reach some serious short-term financial goals as long as you are prepared to hustle!
