9 Legitimate Side Hustles (UK Edition)

Editorial Staff
Apr 8
4 min read

Updated: Jul 23

In a cost-of-living crisis, being savvy with your money is more important than ever. Brits are proving proactive, with 43% reportedly having some form of side hustle.

In a sea of get-rich-quick schemes, finding a legitimate money-making strategy can feel daunting. While these side hustles won’t make you a millionaire, they can help you earn an extra £100+ per month.

To ensure these side hustles work for you, they meet the following criteria:

Can be done from home
Have genuine earning potential
Are actively used by thousands of UK residents
Can all be completed online

Let’s dive in…

What is a side hustle?

A side hustle is a way to earn extra money alongside your main job. In recent years, the concept has evolved with the rise of online income opportunities. Whereas kids once earned pocket money by washing cars or mowing lawns, today’s options let you make cash from the comfort of your home.

This article focuses on genuine ways to earn extra money online—no gimmicks, just real strategies.

1. Sign-up Bonuses

Ever had a friend send you a link to a website offering something for free when you sign up? Brands have realised that word-of-mouth marketing is highly effective. To encourage this, they offer referral bonuses.

For example, Monzo gives free cash when you join through a referral link. Even if you struggle to find friends to refer, several websites list these opportunities for you.

2. Bank Switching

Banks frequently offer cash incentives to attract new customers. Recently, £650 million was paid out through Nationwide’s Big Thank You scheme. Although this wasn’t a switching offer but rather a reward for loyalty, it highlights how much UK banks are making.

When switching, banks typically pay between £150 and £200. The process is simpler than many expect, and some people even create ‘dummy’ accounts specifically for switching. As long as the bank doesn’t perform a hard credit check, the impact on your credit score is minimal.

3. Survey Sites

Many people find survey sites frustrating, especially after spending 20 minutes only to be disqualified. That’s why it’s worth sticking to reputable platforms that pay fairly.

User testing sites are also on the rise, offering higher payouts for reviewing products or services. Although survey success depends on demographics, platforms like Prolific receive some of the highest ratings in the UK. For user testing, User Interviews offers a great experience and fair payment.

4. Upwork

Upwork is a global freelance marketplace where you can sell your skills. Whether you’re experienced or developing a niche skill, it’s a great platform to market your services.

Some freelancers have earned over £1 million on the site. A smart tip: focus on in-demand skills that older business owners may lack expertise in, such as AI or social media marketing. To succeed, build a strong portfolio and secure positive reviews.

5. Matched Betting

Matched betting may sound complex, but it’s straightforward and legal. UK betting companies offer free bets to attract new customers. By using a matched betting strategy, you can extract guaranteed profit from these offers.

The method involves covering all possible outcomes of a sporting event. You use your own money to cover one outcome and the free bet for the other. This ensures you make a profit regardless of the result. Several free websites guide you through the process step by step.

6. Cashback Sites

While not a traditional side hustle, cashback sites help you earn money on purchases you’d make anyway. Several platforms offer kickbacks for both online and in-store spending.

Recently, instant cashback providers have emerged, allowing you to buy gift cards and receive cashback immediately. With minimal effort, this can save you hundreds of pounds each year.

7. Vinted

Vinted, a growing competitor to eBay and Depop, lets you sell items with zero fees. The buyer covers the postage costs, making it an easy way to clear out your wardrobe and make extra cash.

You can also source items from local car boot sales or charity shops and resell them for a profit.

8. Get-Paid-To (GPT) Sites

GPT sites pay you for completing small tasks such as signing up for free trials, entering competitions, or playing games. Brands partner with these sites to acquire new customers, and the sites share their commission with you.

While you’re under no obligation to continue using the services, you can pocket a tidy sum for a few hours of work. Many users make £100+ on GPT sites with minimal effort.

9. Freebies

While freebies won’t directly earn you cash, they save you money on items you’d otherwise buy. From free Spotify subscriptions to complimentary drinks at bars, UK brands offer a range of incentives to encourage you to try their products.

Side Hustle Tax Rules

In the UK, you have a £1,000 tax-free trading allowance. This means you won’t need to declare any side hustle income under £1,000 to HMRC. It’s a handy allowance that could fund a holiday, home improvements, or some special treats without the hassle of filing accounts.

Conclusion

In today’s cost-of-living crisis, having a reliable side hustle can provide valuable financial breathing room. The strategies outlined here are all legitimate, widely used by thousands of UK residents, and can be done from home.

While they may not make you a millionaire, they have the potential to generate an extra £100+ per month. Whether you opt for bank switching, cashback sites, matched betting, or simply decluttering your wardrobe on Vinted, consistency is key. With dedication, you can steadily build a solid stream of supplementary income.

Author - Charlie Gregory