11 Side Hustles You Can Start Today with a Phone & Card Reader

Looking for a side hustle that you can set up in no time? No problem! With just a phone and card reader, you can start earning the extra income you’re looking for today – without needing to invest in expensive payment gear or business software.

Whether it’s providing services like mobile detailing, pet waste removal, or even delivering prepped meals – these 11 side hustles are sure to provide some creative, fun, and profitable opportunities. All you need is your phone, a card reader (like the free one from Square), and your determination.

People don’t have cash on them as much these days. So it’s important to have a way to accept credit card payments. We’ll cover some of those at the end. Let’s get started!

What Side Hustles Can You Start Today with a Phone & Card Reader?

I’ve got 11 ideas here for you. If you think of any more be sure to leave them in the comment section below. Happy hustling!

1. Pressure Washing

Pressure washing is the perfect side hustle for outdoor enthusiasts and cleaning aficionados. After investing in a pressure washer and becoming familiar with its operation and maintenance, you’ll be able to transform grimy buildings and homes into sparkling masterpieces.

From ridding decks of dirt and cobwebs to giving driveways and trashcans a fresh look, this is one side hustle that promises a real sense of satisfaction – as well as some extra income! So if you’re looking to take your power-washing skills to the streets, this may just be the ideal fit for you.

2. Junk Removal

Do you have a passion for hard work and a desire to help others make their lives simpler? If so, a side hustle in junk removal could be the perfect fit for you. You’ll need a reliable truck and a set of tools – but more importantly, you’ll need the determination to tackle any job.

Not only is this an opportunity to make some extra money on the side, it’s also your chance to provide an invaluable service to your community.

By removing old furniture, construction waste, or other types of household garbage, you can help keep the environment clean and make a positive impact in your area. So why not take advantage of this rewarding side gig today?

3. Home Organizer

Home organizers are the unsung heroes of clutter-free living.

For detail-oriented individuals with an eye for interior design, home organizing is an ideal side hustle – one that requires the right storage solutions, a knack for assessing client need and a passion for helping others declutter their lives.

Whether you’re packing away seasonal items in dens or helping a family move into their dream home – this unique opportunity offers distinct rewards, including satisfaction and, of course, financial gain.

So if you’re looking to make a difference while making some extra money on the side, this just may be the perfect fit!

4. Mobile Detailing

If you’re a detail-oriented individual with an eye for excellence and a passion for cars, mobile detailing could be the perfect side hustle for you! With just a reliable vehicle, a set of tools, and some basic knowledge of automotive cleaning and maintenance – you’ll be ready to turn heads on the road.

Whether it’s impressing clients with your attention to detail or providing them with quality service and convenience – this is the ideal side hustle for any car enthusiast looking to make their mark!

5. Event Photography

Event photography is the ultimate side hustle for creative individuals with a passion for capturing life’s moments.

Armed with the right camera and an understanding of lighting and composition, you can go from local festivals to trade shows – providing a valuable service to clients and preserving memories along the way.

Whether it’s a family reunion, student graduation or corporate gathering – your talent will be in high demand at any event. So if you’re looking to showcase your skills while making some extra money on the side, this just might be ideal for you!

6. At-Home Stylist/Barber

Home styling and barbering is the perfect side hustle for licensed stylists or barbers looking to bring the salon or barbershop right to their client’s doorstep!

During Covid, my barber started doing this. It worked out so well, we kept it that way. Now he makes more money with his services because of the additional clients he can take and the additional tips he makes.

Professionals in this field must have a good understanding of different cutting and styling techniques, as well as the ability to assess their clients’ needs quickly.

Plus, with a desire to help others look and feel their best while working with your hands – this might just be the ideal side hustle for you.

7. Handyman

A handyman service is a great side hustle for anyone with a knack for working with their hands and the ability to assess a client’s specific needs quickly.

This type of work requires knowledge of different home repair and maintenance tasks and provides an opportunity to be of service to your community.

With the right skills, you can turn this passion into profit, making it the perfect opportunity for those looking to put their talents to good use!

8. At-Home Personal Trainer

A side gig as a personal trainer is the perfect job for those passionate about health and wellness who have the knowledge to help others reach their fitness goals.

Exercise science, nutrition, and various types of workouts should be part of your expertise – enabling you to create custom accountability programs tailored to your client’s needs.

Plus, it’s an opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s life while earning extra income on the side.

9. Pet Waste Removal

It’s not just a side hustle; it’s a calling of sorts. Perfect for pet lovers looking to turn their passion into profit, this opportunity comes with the need for a reliable vehicle, some tools, and an enthusiasm for getting your hands (figuratively) dirty.

Animal enthusiasts with a strong work ethic can make their mark in the pet-loving community by providing much-need service to pet owners.

Whether you’re tasked with picking up loose dog poop or rescuing cats from trees – you’ll be sure to make the most of this exciting and unique opportunity that requires both creativity and courage.

10. House Cleaning

Do you have a passion for keeping things tidy and a desire to help others create an orderly, spotless living space? If so, a side hustle in house cleaning could be the ideal job for you.

You’ll need a reliable vehicle and the necessary tools to get the job done – but more importantly, you’ll need an eye for detail and the knowledge to use different cleaning techniques.

Not only is this an opportunity to make some extra money on the side, it’s also your chance to provide an invaluable service that can leave clients feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. So why not take advantage of this rewarding side gig today?

Related: 10 Side Hustle Tips to Help You Get More From Your Time

11. Meal Prep

Do you have a passion for cooking and nutrition and a desire to help others maintain a nutritious lifestyle? If so, a side hustle in meal prep could be the perfect job for you.

You’ll need a well-equipped kitchen and the knowledge of what makes up a balanced diet – but more importantly, you’ll need the determination to plan and prepare meals in large batches.

Not only is this an opportunity to make some extra money on the side, it’s also your chance to make an impact on people’s lives through healthy eating. So why not take advantage of this rewarding side gig today?

What’s the Time Required and Earnings Expected?

We’ve made some rough estimates on how long each of these will take and how much you can expect to earn per hustle.

Please note that the above amounts are approximate and can vary based on factors such as location, the level of demand for the service, and the individual’s experience and skill level.

How Can You Take Credit Card Payments with Your Phone?

Taking card payments using your phone is very easy these days. Square is your best option, given their lack of monthly fees and their simple pricing. They have three ways for you to choose from:

1. Free Card Reader for Magstripe: With their free card reader for magstripe, users can quickly and securely swipe credit cards with a mobile device.
2. Reader for Contactless and Chip: The $49 contactless chip reader allows them to accept chip cards, contactless (NFC) cards, as well as Apple Pay and Google Pay anywhere. When a customer taps, dips, or swipes their card in person. Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express all cost the same rate – 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.
3. Tap-to-Pay for iPhone: Additionally, the Square app’s tap-to-pay feature enables customers to pay with just their phone- creating a simple and secure payment processing system. Pricing is the same: 2.6% + 10¢ per transaction.

Combining these three options into one centralized platform makes it easier than ever for businesses with side hustles to start accepting payments at someone’s home without any hassle.

Time to Take Action

No matter what your passion or skillset may be, the possibilities of starting a side hustle are endless. There are just eleven ideas here. There are so many more that you could discover once you get going.

As author Gary Vaynerchuk says, “Don’t let any opportunity pass you by because you are too scared. Fear isn’t real. It is a product of thoughts you create. Do the things you are scared of and watch that fear dissipate.”

I love that. Believe in yourself and take the first step towards achieving your goals by creating a side hustle today!