Easy Side Hustles You Can Start Under $2k

The value of a side hustle goes far beyond just making extra money. It’s about freedom, resilience, and building something of your own—whether you're looking to pay off debt, save for a goal, or eventually break free from the 9-to-5.

Whether it's $300 or $3,000/month, a side hustle gives you financial breathing room and a chance to flex your creative muscles.

You may have already read our recommended

side hustles to make $500 in a weekend, but here’s some additional gigs that you can start and scale for less than $2,000.

Become a Credit Card Processor

You may have never thought of it but you can easily partner with a payment processor to make residual income everyday.

First, sign up to work with companies like Fiserv, TSYS, Elavon, etc. You need to get registered as an ISO/MSP which allows you to resell credit card processing services under your own brand. Once you’re set up, offer small businesses in your neighborhood payment processing services. You’ll get a percentage of each transaction your clients process.

As a bonus, you can upsell services like loyalty programs, gift cards, or invoicing tools. This is on top of the daily residuals and earning money by selling point-of-sale (POS) terminals or software. Typically the startup cost is less than $500 (if anything at all).

Check out payment partners for processors (like PayBright, National Processing, or PaymentCloud) and refer local businesses to your offering.

Digital Product Creation

Have you ever bought something off of Etsy? Ever read a book on a Kindle? This is all because of people who make and sell things like: Notion templates, Printables (on Etsy), Stock photos or music, Ebooks or guides.

Check out platforms like Gumroad, Payhip and Etsy to build a design once and sell forever. A pro-tip is to sell designs in bundles so for instance a bachelorette party design across multiple pieces of white label merchandise or a birthday party kit where buyers will source napkins, plates, cups and more.

Daily planners, wedding planners, meal preps are all great examples of digital products.

Mobile Car Detailing

Consider providing car cleaning and detailing services at customers' homes or workplaces, offering convenience they’ll gladly pay for.

Startup costs range from $500 to $1,500 to cover essentials like a portable vacuum, sprayer, cleaning chemicals, and microfiber towels. You can typically charge $75 to $150 per car, depending on the level of service. With low overhead and quick job turnaround, it’s a profitable way to earn extra income.

A Pro tip? Use Facebook and Google Maps to target local businesses with vehicle fleets—they often need regular detailing and can become repeat clients.

Local Service Businesses

Local businesses can be high return side hustles such as offering pressure washing, gutter cleaning, and window cleaning. These jobs are easy to start, in high demand, and require minimal training.

With a startup cost of $300 to $2,000 for equipment and basic marketing, it’s accessible for most people. These services can earn $30 to $100 or more per hour, making them highly profitable. Many clients need them on a monthly or seasonal basis, allowing for steady, recurring income.

Whether it’s gutter cleaning or power washing you can enjoy a flexible, low-risk way to earn extra money on the side or even grow your side gig into a full-time business.

Did any of these ideas pique your interest? Let us know at @Wealth_Elf!