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Even after a decade, players are still getting off the boat to jump the crime-riddled cities of GTA 5 Online and trying to find ways to make money, especially those who are beginners. Thankfully, this live service title provides players with many things to do. From intricate heists to small-time robberies and even some smuggling missions that can appeal to many. However, there are a few activities we’d recommend to those looking to make a bit of cash during their first hours or days in this game.
GTA 5 Online: Best Way to Make Money for Beginners
Before we delve into our recommended options on how to make money in GTA 5 Online for beginners, we need to clarify a few things. Firstly, this is for players who just joined the game and aimed at those with and without the Criminal Enterprise Starter Pack. Secondly, this is the way we recommend you acquire the businesses below. You can buy whatever you want, though it’ll likely not give you a lot of money right away, and trust us, you’ll need plenty of cash to make it big in this digital city. So, without further ado, let’s get this list going.
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All Client Jobs in GTA Online1. Acid Lab
The first and surefire way to make money easily in GTA Online, even in private lobbies, is the Acid Lab. We have a guide on how to unlock this business here. However, the gist is this: you make a few missions and unlock your mobile drug laboratory. Initially, you’ll be making a little bit more than $200,000 in an invite-only session. However, once you get the equipment upgrade for this vehicle, you can get above $300,000 in a few hours, which is super useful. This should help you save money for the following must-have property.
2. Cayo Perico
Despite its adjustments, Cayo Perico is one of the best ways to make money in GTA 5 Online for beginners. We list it as the second thing to get because you’ll need $2,200,000 to buy the submarine that unlocks the heist. Thankfully, you can do this solo and grind it as much as you want. Usually, solo players get around a million GTA$, and the cooldown to repeat this job is short. If you have the patience, you should run this at least twice or thrice before buying the next business.
3. Agency
Once you have enough money, buy your Agency, which unlocks the Dr. Dre VIP Contract. This one always pays one million, and it’s pretty easy to do alone. Besides, you can grind security contracts on the side and earn up to $65,000 in one of the best-paying contracts. Also, after the Chop Shop update, the Payphone Hits were adjusted. They now pay $45,000 if you finish the bonus objective, but instead of a 48-minute cooldown, there’s a 10-minute cooldown, meaning you can get a good amount of money by repeating this activity.
4. Hangar
Many might tell you to stay away from this business, but back in 2023, it was improved for solo players. With this property, you can accrue cargo and then sell it for a good amount of money. Contrary to Special Cargo, you don’t pay anything for this unless you want your helper to source crates for you, which we recommend. Each crate sells for $30,000, and they are easy to get. You can choose to deliver via land or air, with the former being the best option to grind this business as much as you want.
5. MC Businesses
The next thing you should focus on is MC Businesses. If you picked this as your criminal career, you’re good to go. But if not, you have to buy a few things that are quite costly; however, you should have enough GTA$ now. First, focus on the drug lockups: cocaine, methamphetamine, and weed. After that, get the cash ones. You can set them up and do some sales, but we recommend returning to the previous businesses and saving for the last thing you need to get a steady income.
6. Nightclub
If you have at least one type of almost all MC Businesses, it’s time to buy a Nightclub. Initially, it might not seem like the best investment, but it is. Once you have your drug lockups and a warehouse, if you’re a CEO, set your Nightclub for passive income. You should buy at least four technicians and task them with sourcing products. Essentially, this property uses your MC and CEO businesses to accrue goods for you to sell later. It’s easier than going to each property, and it’s, by far, the best way to earn passive income.
Once you make some money as a beginner in GTA 5 Online, it’s up to you how to spend it. You can buy a flying motorcycle that launches rockets or unlock the remaining properties in the game, such as the Salvage Yard. Ultimately, you get to choose how to manage your criminal empire and spend that hard-earned money.
