Getting started in GTA Online can feel overwhelming if you don’t know where to begin. As a new player, your main goal should be stacking cash fast. Money lets you buy cars, weapons, properties, and unlocks awesome content like heists and missions. This list covers the simplest, quickest, and most fun ways to earn money. Some methods pay better but can be dull, while others are more enjoyable but less lucrative. Choose what suits your style and how you want to play.
1. Shark Cards
If you’ve got real-world cash to spare, buying Shark Cards is the fastest way to get rich in GTA Online. However, once you unlock the Cayo Perico Heist, you won’t need them. If you go this route, bank your money right away—losing it to a mugger would sting bad.
2. Import/Export
Import/Export offers the highest payouts but comes with a steep startup cost. From your CEO terminal, buy high-end vehicles, track them down, and deliver them to a warehouse. It’s straightforward but tough, as NPCs and players can damage or destroy the cars, eating into your profits. Stick to quiet servers and bring friends for backup to make the most money.
3. Trafficking Illegal Goods
With the Finance and Felony DLC, you can get into shady business if you’ve got $1,500,000 to kick things off. Buy a corporate office, hire employees, and use your CEO terminal to steal and store goods in a warehouse. Bigger warehouses lead to bigger payouts when you sell. Run these missions in empty servers, as other players might try to sabotage you.
4. VIP Missions
The Executives and Other Criminals DLC brought VIP and Bodyguard roles that can compete with heists for cash. Grab your friends, hire them as bodyguards, and dive into these missions. It’s not the quickest way to earn, but it’s super fun, and having a good time matters when you’re grinding.
5. The Cayo Perico Heist
This heist is a game-changer because you can do it solo. You’ll need a Kosatka submarine ($2,200,000), which is pricey, but it pays off. A stealth run can earn you at least $1,000,000 per heist, and up to $1,500,000 if you nab the Pink Diamond. The catch? It has a 2.5-hour cooldown and takes a bit to complete.
6. Heists
Heists are a big deal, but you need a high-end apartment ($200,000) to host one. You can join heists at any level, though. The five standard heists give a first-time bonus, making them worth a shot. Later heists, like Doomsday or Diamond Casino, pay better and are more fun to replay. Teamwork and mics are crucial, but payouts get split among the crew.
7. Become a Bodyguard
Getting hired as a Bodyguard for a VIP is a great way to earn over time. It’s fun, especially if your VIP has cool cars to cruise in while you watch their back. You’ll make $5,000 every 15 minutes, plus bonuses from jobs and challenges you do together. If your VIP is driven and knows the game, this can be a steady hustle.
8. Daily Activities
Daily Activities are quick and easy. Hit up G’s Cache at a random spot each day for a solid cash and RP boost. Spinning the Lucky Wheel at the Diamond Casino is even better—you can score cash, chips, clothes, or a vehicle once every 24 hours. These are fast enough to fit into a busy schedule.
9. Daily Objectives
Daily Objectives are three short tasks that pay $25,000 when completed. They’re quick and simple, so make them a daily habit. You can pull in $175,000 a week, with a monthly cap of $1,580,000 (not counting individual task rewards). They’re awesome early on but less worthwhile once you unlock bigger earners.
10. GTA Weekends
Rockstar’s weekly updates often include bonuses like double cash and RP on jobs, races, or deathmatches, typically announced on Fridays. These events are great for grinding money. They also offer discounts on vehicles, properties, or weapons, so wait for a GTA weekend to make big purchases and save some cash.
11. Premium Races
If you’re a skilled driver, Premium Races can bring in serious money, though they’re risky. Added in the Cunning Stunts DLC, these races cost $20,000 to enter and are only available briefly. Everyone gets triple RP, but only first place wins cash—around $100,000. It’s not millions, but for a quick race, it’s a top payout if you’re good.
12. Contact Missions
Story characters like Lamar, Gerald, or Trevor will offer you mission work. These jobs are a reliable way to earn, paying around $18,000-$23,000 per job with a solid team. Choose missions that fit your group size, as some are tough without good gear. With a few friends, this is a strong early-game option.
13. Mug Players
Once you reach level 50, you can call Lamar to send a thief to mug other players, grabbing whatever cash they’re carrying. If you’re lucky, it can net a big payout, but it’s not guaranteed since victims can chase the thief and reclaim their money. Target wealthy players who aren’t paying attention, though most bank their cash.
14. Bank Your Earnings
Always bank your cash immediately after earning it using the Maze Bank app on your in-game phone. Carrying a lot of money makes you a target, and getting mugged after a big mission is the worst. It’s rarer now, but play it safe and stash your earnings.
15. Jobs
Jumping into Jobs like deathmatches, races, or missions is a steady and fun way to make money and RP. The better you perform, the more you earn. Stick around in a lobby after one to keep grinding with a group. Jobs are scattered on the map, but the Quick Jobs menu is the easiest way to start. No startup costs needed.
16. Selling Cars
Selling cars is a simple way to make quick cash, but there’s a 48-minute cooldown between sales. Time it right, and it’s an easy, low-effort method. Mod shops pay about 10% of a car’s retail value, with top payouts around $9,000-$9,500 for cars like the Baller or Felon. Keep an eye out for high-value vehicles like the Modded Sandking, Felon GT, Dubsta, or Sentinel.
17. Collectibles
Collecting items is a low-pressure way to earn as a beginner, though it takes time. There are loads of collectibles, and you can follow a guide to grab them like they’re trading cards. You’ll get decent cash and RP if you collect them all. Signal Jammers are tricky since you need a good air vehicle to destroy them. You’ll also unlock cool skins, like the Space Interloper.
18. Convenience Stores
Robbing stores is a bit risky but can be a fast way to gather early cash, especially with a helicopter or a friend. Flying makes hitting multiple stores quicker and safer. You’ll want to rob every store for an achievement/trophy. After that, you’ll have a nice starting pile, but then switch to better methods.
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