Side Hustles You Haven't Heard Of

(That Actually Make Money)

Side hustles have become increasingly popular as people look for ways to earn extra cash or even build new career paths. While some gigs, like driving for a rideshare service or freelancing online, are well-known, plenty of lesser-known opportunities out there are both lucrative and fun. Here are five unique side hustles you probably haven't considered, each of which I've tried and can vouch for. Let's dive in!

Churning Credit Card and Bank Account Bonuses

Estimated Earnings: $1,500–$3,000 per year

If you’re financially savvy and disciplined, churning could be a great way to earn extra cash. This involves signing up for bank accounts or credit cards that offer generous sign-up bonuses—think $200 or more per account or tens of thousands of reward points on credit cards. When done safely, churning can easily bring in $1,500+ per year.

How It Works:

• Credit card churning typically involves opening credit cards with cash-back bonuses or travel rewards, meeting the minimum spending requirements, and then closing or downgrading the card before an annual fee is due

• Bank account churning is similar: Open a bank account with a sign-up bonus, meet the activity requirements (like setting up direct deposit), and claim the reward.  

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What to Watch Out For:

Churning requires organization and discipline. If you miss payments or overspend to meet spending requirements, it can hurt your credit or offset your earnings. But with careful planning, churning is a safe and profitable hustle.

Wholesaling Returned Goods

Estimated Earnings: $500–$5,000 per month (depending on scale)

Want to dip into the world of e-commerce without designing or manufacturing your own products? Wholesaling returned goods could be a great choice. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, and others have a ton of returns and excess inventory that they offload in pallets. You can buy these pallets at a discount, resell the items individually, and profit.

How It Works:

•Purchase pallets of returned or excess goods from wholesale companies. These are often a mix of random products, from electronics to kitchenware.

• Inspect and clean the items, then list them for sale on platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or even your own online store.                                                                                                                                      

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What to Watch Out For:

This hustle is a bit of a gamble since you won’t always know exactly what’s in each pallet. Some items may be damaged or not as valuable as expected. But with experience, you’ll get better at spotting quality sources and maximizing your returns. With consistent effort, some resellers even make $5,000 or more each month.

Drone Photography and Videography for Housing Appraisals

Estimated Earnings: $75–$250 per session, potentially $1,000+ per month

If you enjoy photography and have a knack for technology, drone photography is a high-demand skill—especially for the real estate market. Mortgage, title, and escrow companies need aerial views of properties for appraisals and sales listings. This side hustle combines creativity with tech and is a great way to earn extra cash.

How It Works:

• Invest in a quality drone and obtain any necessary licenses (like the FAA's Part 107 for commercial drone use in the U.S.) 

• Partner with local real estate agents, housing appraisal companies, or even insurance agencies to capture aerial footage of properties.

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What to Watch Out For:

Drone equipment and licensing can be an upfront investment, but it pays off as you build a client base. Real estate drone photographers often charge between $75 and $250 per session, with consistent work from local real estate professionals leading to $1,000+ per month.

Modeling (Not Just Runway!)

Estimated Earnings: $50–$500 per hour, depending on the type of modeling and location

When you hear “modeling,” you might think of high-fashion runways or photo shoots, but there are many niches within this industry. Hand modeling, arm modeling, and even close-up shots of specific body parts are all viable options. There’s a demand for these types of shots in advertising, product photography, and more, making it an interesting and flexible side gig.

How It Works:

• Identify which types of modeling are a good fit for you (e.g., hands, eyes, hair, etc.).                                                                                                                     

• Look for casting calls on modeling agency websites or freelance platforms. Many agencies work with “parts” models for specific needs.                                           

• Build a small portfolio of professional photos to showcase your unique features.

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What to Watch Out For: 

Rates vary widely in the modeling world, but hand and part models can make $50 to $500 per hour depending on experience and the client. Beginners might start at lower rates, but if you land a consistent gig with a brand or photographer, this can turn into a solid income stream.

Becoming a Notary Public (California)

Estimated Earnings: $15–$200 per appointment, potentially $2,000+ per month as a signing agent

For those who want a low-stress side hustle with significant earning potential, becoming a notary public is one of the most underrated options out there. Notaries witness and authenticate signatures on official documents, making it an essential service for real estate, legal, and financial industries. Some notaries even become signing agents, specializing in real estate documents, which offers even higher pay.

How It Works:

• Check your state’s requirements for becoming a notary public. Most states require an application, a small fee, and possibly a short course or exam.                                  • Once certified, offer your services for general notary work. To increase your earning potential, consider becoming a signing agent, which involves additional certification and allows you to notarize mortgage documents.                                                          • Many people even work as mobile notaries, visiting clients at their homes or businesses for a convenient, in-demand service.

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What to Watch Out For: 

Since notary requirements vary by state, make sure you’re aware of the specific laws where you live. General notary work usually pays around $15 to $50 per appointment, but signing agents can make $75 to $200 per signing. Active signing agents often earn $2,000+ per month, especially in high-demand areas.

Conclusion

Side hustles are more than just ways to make extra money—they’re opportunities to develop new skills, explore different industries, and maybe even discover a passion. Whether you’re into finance, photography, sales, or helping people with their paperwork, there’s a unique hustle out there that fits your interests and talents. Give one (or more!) of these five unique side hustles a try, and you might be surprised at just how rewarding they can be.