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If you are searching for a side hustle to make some extra cash, you should consider driving for Lyft. Ride share services are offered worldwide and they are always looking for new drivers. With the ability to create your own hours, this side hustle offers flexibility to work when you want and where you want. With the rising cost of living, having a great side hustle can help you stay on budget and pay off debt.

What is Lyft?

Lyft is a ride sharing service. You might have used them before instead of a taxi. Passengers can use the Lyft phone app to request a ride from a driver near-by. The rides are cheaper than hailing a Taxi and operate in 180+ cities, both domestically and globally.

What are some benefits of driving for Lyft?

Lyft offers in-app tips, weekly driving bonuses, instant cash out options, referral bonuses, and a driver reward program that can help you save on maintenance and gas. They offer you a flexible way to earn income and meet new people. They also offer express pay, as well as an account with no fees that can be accessed at many ATM’s.

Are there any requirements to become a driver?

Drivers must be 21 years old, pass an online DMV and background check, and use an iPhone or Android smartphone. Applicants must also have a US driver’s license for at least one year, and provide proof of vehicle insurance as well as a car inspection. Your vehicle must have four doors with five to eight seats. Your city may also have additional local requirements. There are no commercial vehicle or special license requirements like with other traditional driving jobs.

Things to consider checking before your car inspection are your headlights, seat belts, tail lights, windshield wipers, brakes, and brake lights.

How much can I earn as a driver?

Drivers get paid by the time and distance of each ride. For example, if you work 12 hours one week in the city of Tampa, Florida you could earn up to $240 according to their calculator! This is a potential earning of $20/hour. Of course, it depends on the city you live in, your car insurance and local gas prices, as well as how often you drive.

Lyft offers many bonus incentives, such as earning a specific amount if you give x amount of rides in the first thirty days of starting as a driver. They also offer a referral program that allows drivers to refer others and gain a commission for that referral.

How do I get paid?

You will be paid by direct deposit on a weekly basis, but also have the opportunity to cash out instantly with their direct debit card. By using their direct debit card you can be paid after each ride through your bank account associated with the card. This account has no fees and can be used at 20,000 ATM’s at no cost to you. Their debit card also includes cashback bonuses on groceries, gas, and select restaurants.

If you do not want to set up an account with Lyft, you also have the option of using Express pay to cashout your earnings once you reach at least $50.

This is a great job to earn extra income while being your own boss and setting your own hours. You can do it as a side hustle around your full-time job, or even drive full-time.