20 Ways to Make Money as a 13 Year Old in the UK

Whether you’re a 12-year-old about to hit your teens or you’ve been a teenager for some months, you may well be wondering how to make money as a 13-year-old.

The same, of course, may apply to parents of newly minted teenagers.

Is there a way to make money online or otherwise, so you or your teen develops a genuine sense of independence and responsibility?

From buying the latest trainers or must-have gadget to having money to spend when out and about with friends, many 13-year-old wants to make money of their own.

It may sound dull, but you’re never too young to save money, either.

Even if you set aside just a few pounds a month when you get paid, it soon mounts up. This could give you a head start over your peers in the future.

You may also be able to build a business that will bring in extra money while you’re at university in a few years’ time – or could net you enough extra pounds to buy a good car.

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old in the UK: 20 Ideas

Contents

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old in the UK: 20 Ideas
5 Top Tips for Working Teens
Staying Safe While You Make Money
Working Teenagers and Labour Laws
How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old – FAQs
Making Money as a 13-Year-Old – Final Thoughts

If you’re wondering how to make money as a 13-year-old, the first thing to know is that there are two main ways to make extra cash.

You can either advertise your services locally so you can get paid by family, friends, and neighbours to take tasks like dog walking or car washing off their hands.

The other main way to start earning is to find some kind of online work – and the amount of money you could make from doing that is considerable.

Why get paid as a 13-year-old when you could earn money that equals an adult’s income?

The good news is that your age is a benefit here, rather than a drawback. In general, 13-year-olds are very tech-savvy, and that can be a huge bonus.

If you know how to make videos, create engaging social media posts, or think you’ve spotted a gap in the market for something you could sell to your peers, you could soon be earning some serious cash.

Perhaps you know how to build a website, have a natural flair for writing, or can create unique pieces of artwork that people would pay good money for.

In an ideal world, you first find something you enjoy and are good at. Then you work out a way to make money from it.

This list includes 20 of the best ways to make money as a minor. Why not take a look at the suggestions to see which ways to make money really grab your attention?

1. Take Online Surveys

There are lots of survey sites out there, and the good news is that some will allow teenagers to sign up. So what’s it all about?

Join a reputable survey site and you can fill out surveys whenever you have a few moments or more to spare. For each survey you take, you can get paid in cash or gift cards.

It’s easy to fit this kind of work into the average day. Do a survey while travelling on the bus to school, or while you’re watching a TV program you’re not really that into.

While it’s not a way to make serious money, this kind of work is simple to do whenever you have the time and can earn you your own money to spend as you like. (Subject to parental approval, of course.)

Here are some details of the survey site that accepts applications from 13-year-olds.

Swagbucks

Swagbucks is a free app that allows UK teens aged 13 or more to apply, as long as they have the permission of their parent or guardian.

Using Swagbucks is generally seen as a way of earning gift cards for free, which you can then spend at various retailers such as Amazon.

With Swagbucks, you can earn these gift certificates by completing questionnaires, or maybe when you watch videos or search online.

You may also get paid if you play games or shop online via the links that the site or app provides.

2. Work for Your Parents

Sometimes the obvious solutions really are the best. If you don’t ask you don’t get, so why not ask your parents if you can help out more around the house in return for payment?

Don’t expect them to pay you for chores you already do, however. That’s a given and all part of growing up!

Think about what they dislike doing, or which tasks they never seem to get around to. To earn extra cash, think about taking those jobs off their hands.

If they hate cooking but you’re keen to experiment in the kitchen, they may gladly let you prepare dinner more often. Or you might wash the car or run errands in your local area.

If they have a business of their own, even better. What could you do just as well as someone else they might employ?

Could you take unwanted tasks off their hands while you make money?

You could also think beyond your folks. What about neighbours, friends of the family or your parents’ work colleagues? Could you make money by helping them?

Whether it’s tidying the garden, cleaning the bathrooms, or raking leaves, many people would be glad to pay you to carry out such tasks for them.

3. Deliver Newspapers

Taking on a paper route is probably the best-known way to make money the world over for cash-hungry teens – and is still a very realistic option.

Check the ads at the back of your local paper, or get in touch with their office. You could also ask at any local stores offering a newspaper delivery service.

A paper round is a great way to get fit, but do bear in mind that you’ll be expected to deliver no matter what the weather brings!

4. Sell Unused Stuff

If your wardrobe could do with a clear-out, this one could be perfect.

While many people just leave their unused possessions lying around, gathering dust, really that’s a crazy thing to do.

One person’s unwanted goods may indeed be a treasure to someone else, and you might be pleasantly surprised by what someone would pay to take items off your hands.

Whether it’s games, books, gadgets, clothing, or collectables, you’re bound to have something you no longer need or even want.

This is definitely one to get your parents involved in, however, for two reasons.

Firstly, if they probably bought the stuff in the first place, it’s only fair to ask their permission to sell it.

Secondly, you will have to use their accounts for listings and transactions, as sites like eBay have strict over 18s only policies in place.

Where can you sell? Try local trading pages on Facebook as well as the likes of eBay, Music Magpie, CEX, We Buy Books, Depop, and Vinted.

CEX, We Buy Books and Music Magpie are best for media and tech, while Vinted or Depop users are normally looking for clothing and accessories like bags, shoes, and jewellery.

You could also do this on behalf of other people! Assuming you can strike a deal over who gets what share of the profits, so you can make money.

5. Get Flipping

You can also make money from flipping. The term refers to buying used goods and selling them on at a profit.

This could mean scouring charity shops or car boot sales to uncover hidden treasures you can sell as they are.

Or it may mean doing some work before you can turn a profit – such as upcycling old pieces of furniture.

If you can fix things or make them look even better than they did when new, flipping could be the one for you.

Again you’ll require parental cooperation here to deal with the financial side of selling online.

6. Rent Stuff Out

If you – or your parents – have gadgets or equipment other people would pay to use for a short time, why not look at renting them out?

Sites like Fat Llama let people borrow what they need in exchange for payment. You list an item, then any interested parties can get in touch to check availability or ask questions.

The next step is to arrange collection – so in the interests of safety, you should only arrange to do this when your folks will also be around.

You’ll also need your parents to help deal with the financial side of things.

7. Be Crafty

If you can make items that other people will buy – such as handmade jewelry, stitched, knitted, or crocheted goods, or one-off pieces of art – then you might be able to build a thriving business by harnessing your creative streak.

Facebook’s Marketplace is again a good place to sell crafts, or if you want to go pro then get set up on Etsy.

As Etsy sellers must be 18 or over you’ll need your parent’s permission and cooperation to work as an Etsy trader, but it’s the site to be found on if you can offer unique items for sale.

Related:

8. Babysit Younger Kids

While there are strict rules around who can find jobs in childcare, many parents are very happy to leave their children in the hands of teens they actually know and trust.

If your parents have friends who would love to have a child-free night out, why not offer to babysit their kids?

You could always work for free in the first instance, to see if it works out for both parties.

If it does, a steady stream of work may well come your way before too long. Word of mouth can be everything when it comes to this kind of gig. If you’re trustworthy, you really can make money by doing babysitting jobs.

9. Try Pet Sitting

If no one you know needs a babysitter or you prefer animals to small children, why not see if you can find some dog walking work or a pet sit gig?

With so many extended families spread across the country and even the world, there are real opportunities for reliable people to take care of pets when their owners are away.

Ask around and you might find this kind of work more quickly than you thought. Do exercise great care here, though: meeting strangers or going to their houses clearly poses risks.

For this reason, it’s best to secure this sort of gig via people you know such as friends, family, or neighbours.

10. Referee Sports Matches

Believe it or not, teens can work in refereeing. 14 is the UK’s minimum age. In practice, it’s best to be a few years older than the kids you’re working with.

There’s nothing to stop you from refereeing games involving kids aged 11, 12 or under.

The best way to find out about this kind of work is to read this article on the FA website. You’ll need to complete their FA Referee Course.

11. Write Content

Are you good at stringing sentences together and articulating ideas in word form? Do you enjoy writing?

If the answers to those questions are yes, then you could make money by working as a freelance writer.

This is a fabulous one to add to your resume later on too – the fact that you’ve actually been paid to put articles together for other people is a surefire way to impress that prestigious college or even a future full-time employer.

While making more money than your peers!

It can be a particularly good gig to get into if you want to work in a related field such as advertising, publishing, or academia.

Networking is a great way to get started. Do you or your family know anyone who runs a website, for example?

If so then they are likely to need all kinds of content written, from landing pages to product descriptions and blog posts.

This can give you a head start, as anyone looking to employ a freelance writer is likely to want to check out samples of your work.

While many freelance sites have higher minimum age requirements, there is one big one that is open to those aged 13 or older.

Fiverr

Fiverr accepts applications from anyone aged 13 or more and is one of the largest online freelance sites on the market.

The site specialises in providing business owners with the services they need – and one of those is freelance writers.

Just think about it. Every single piece of writing you’ve ever read – from the back of a cereal packet or description of a hoodie to a long, in-depth article on a company website – has been written by someone.

The number of websites out there is growing daily. Many site owners don’t have the time – or even want – to write their own content.

This is where Fiverr comes in. The site can connect you with these people, so you make money. Online jobs don’t come much better than this.

Being 13 years old doesn’t have to stop you if you have a flair for the written word. Why not sign up with Fiverr and see what sort of gigs you can find?

12. Manage Social Media

As a young person and member of Gen Z, you have a huge advantage when it comes to social media.

Though many millennials may have also grown up with Facebook, Insta, and Twitter, they may not be as savvy when it comes to YouTube, TikTok, and making engaging reels or stories.

Go back further than that and you have Gen X, whose cohorts were raised in a time without mobile phones, the internet, or even – in some cases – colour TVs.

And beyond the Baby Boomers, some of whom even got used to post-war food rationing.

The fact that a 13-year-old grew up with social media as the norm means they have an intuitive handle on it. Something older people may lack. So why not make money by helping them out?

In many cases, those who are unfamiliar with Tweets, TikTok videos, and how to run a YouTube channel will gladly pay someone to take the task of posting, connecting, and communicating off their hands.

Again, it’s worth asking around to see if anyone your parents know requires this service. Then you can bag a bit of experience before advertising your services on Fiverr.

13. Design Graphics

Not everyone has a talent for writing or knows their way around social media – and nor do they necessarily have a flair for graphic design.

If you do and can learn how to use design sites such as Canva, there’s nothing to stop young teens from offering freelance graphic design services.

In fact, sometimes the two can go hand in hand, as it’s a pretty dull article that contains no images whatsoever.

If you write social media posts, then creating a correctly sized image to go with the text gives your content a professional touch.

Why not take a look at Canva so you can see what’s possible?

From a Pinterest Pin, Insta post, or Facebook header image to a logo, poster, or flyer, it’s quick and easy to create high-quality, downloadable graphics. So you can make money this way, even without prior experience.

If you have a knack for what looks good, why not advertise your services on Fiverr or ask around to see if there are any local businesses requiring such a service?

14. Create T-shirts

If you fancy taking your graphic design skills to the next level, why not think about creating your own t-shirt designs to offer for sale?

Again the money management side of things will require parental cooperation. If your folks are happy to play their part, though, then there’s nothing to stop you from working as a fashion designer of sorts.

T-shirts aren’t the only item you could make money from. Other options include hoodies, baby clothing, mugs, phone cases, fridge magnets, stickers, stationery, and more. There are quite a few ways to make money here!

Sites like Cafepress and RedBubble are good places to make money selling this sort of stuff, as you can upload your designs quickly and easily to be listed for sale all over the world.

Amazon Merch also works in a similar way for those setting up a t-shirt business, though again you’ll need an adult over 18 to set up and supervise the account.

15. Code Websites

This one’s a little more niche, but it’s ideal for those who have a talent for web design or using code.

It’s fairly demanding, but if you’re comfortable with that and know what you’re doing then it could prove a very lucrative side hustle. Or even the beginnings of your own business.

The fact that you’ve helped to build websites to client specifications is also a great one for adding to your CV later on.

There are plenty of opportunities for designers and coders on sites like Fiverr, or you could ask around to see if there are any openings in your neighbourhood.

Familiarity with systems like WordPress and Shopify can come in useful when you want to make money this way, as they’re the platforms most businesses now use to create their websites and online stores.

16. Start Blogging

If you like writing – and are prepared to have a go at building your own website using WordPress – it’s definitely worth thinking about starting a blog of your own.

The term ‘blog’ is actually just short for web log, and in reality can cover most kinds of websites, apart from corporate ones or online stores.

In fact, even the biggest business sites and retailers often have a blog section on their sites. They use this as a way of driving traffic to their sites while encouraging customer loyalty.

The downside is that blogging is a longer-term game – you won’t make money overnight.

On the flip side, though, you can develop so many skills, from writing or social media to website and graphic design.

So how do bloggers earn money? There are 3 main ways they do this. Placing ads on their site will generally result in an income based on the ‘pay per click’ system.

Bloggers may also be offered opportunities to create sponsored content, where companies will pay them a fee to write about and/or photograph or promote their products or services.

The third way bloggers can make money is through affiliate revenue. This means they earn a fee – usually a percentage of the sale value – when a reader clicks a link to a recommended product.

Setting up a blog can develop so many skills – and in the long term could even earn you a full-time income.

It can also act as a showcase for your work – particularly relevant if you want to work as a freelance writer, graphic designer, social media manager or website coder.

Before you start, try to find an untapped niche to maximise your chances of success.

17. Offer Virtual Assistance

If you’re organised, responsible, and good at communicating, you could offer your services as a part-time virtual assistant – or VA.

Good, reliable VAs are very much in demand, and the role could see you doing anything from proofreading to posting on social media or uploading content to WordPress.

You could also get involved in tasks like diary organization, invoicing, answering emails, or any general admin duties.

In a nutshell, you could do anything that someone like a Personal Assistant would do – the only difference is that you would work remotely instead of in a workplace.

Sites like Fiverr can help you find VA work, or you could try local or specialist Facebook groups. Those aimed at bloggers, in particular, can be a great way of making the right contacts.

18. Review New Music

If the kind of writing you’d really love to do involves giving your opinion on what could be a future Billboard hit, then why not review new tunes with Slice the Pie?

Slice the Pie

You can sign up with this music review site from age 13, and you’ll basically get paid for sharing your opinion on the tracks they offer for review.

The opportunity to make money by reviewing other things, such as clothing, may also be offered to members.

With millions of reviewers to their name, Slice the Pie can net you a small profit while influencing the worlds of music and fashion at the same time.

19. Become a YouTuber

For keen fans of YouTube, making your own videos to share via the audio-visual platform may sound like something of a dream come true.

If that describes you and you’re aged 13 or older, you can sign up for your very own YouTube account. You will then, in time, be able to make money by placing ads on your channel.

There are minimum requirements before you can place ads, but once you reach certain levels of followers and viewing hours you’re good to go.

You’ll also need a linked Google AdSense account, so again perhaps your parents would be willing to help out with that.

The video-making and editing skills you’ll develop may also come in useful in the future – and look good on your CV too.

20. Do Voiceovers

If you shy away from being seen on screen but don’t mind your voice being heard, then you could earn money by offering your services as a voiceover artist.

This is one best kept for those who are serious about creating a longer-term career, as to have the best chance of success you will need specialist equipment like a good microphone and effective soundproofing.

As a way of making money, though, you could be in this for the long haul, and it’s a flexible gig that you can often work at as and when you want to.

For more on becoming a voiceover artist, check out this post on Voices.com.

5 Top Tips for Working Teens

Here are some things to bear in mind before you go looking for that first paid gig.

1. Set a Schedule

Schoolwork always comes first – that’s the reason why UK employment laws for under-18s are so strict.

While some sites suggest working during school hours – usually by selling items to your classmates – here at Mum’s Money we know that’s an absolute no-no.

Sit down with your parents and work out when you could – well, work.

Making money aged 13 shouldn’t yet be your top priority, so you have to fit it into your free time rather than what should be used as study time.

2. Use Your Contacts

Above all, keep your parents in the loop when it comes to looking for paid work. Not least because they may be a source of useful contacts!

Who knew that your dad’s colleague was looking for a dog walker, or that your mum’s best friend was desperate for someone to post on social media on behalf of her business?

In fact, tell the world. Neighbours, friends, and members of your extended family all may know something – or someone – you don’t. As might your school pals.

3. Create an Email

We also recommend setting up a dedicated email address to use for work purposes – especially if you’re going to be signing up for websites in your quest to find work.

Make sure it has a professional sound to it – terms like sweet cheeks, hot rod or psycho killer are not going to cut it at all when it comes to looking the business.

4. Get Paid

If you’re going to work for money, then you need a way of getting paid.

This is where you’re going to need your parents’ input once more, as you can’t sign up for the likes of a PayPal account until you reach the age of 18.

You may also be able to set up your own bank account, as long as your parents are happy to authorise this.

5. Polish Your Skills

One thing that teens often have on their hands is time – so for goodness’ sake do use this to your advantage!

Try making something, have a play on Canva or YouTube, write a review or take a look at the craft and upcycling projects on Pinterest.

The best kind of part or full-time career is one you enjoy, so why not hone your skills in something you love until you reach a professional, marketable level?

Staying Safe While You Make Money

It’s absolutely vital that you stay safe when looking for work or carrying out your duties, which is why our number one tip is to keep your parents in the loop.

Sadly, there are scammers out there who would be willing to take advantage of a minor, so to stay safe make sure you only sign up for sites that are fully legit.

You also need to be careful when giving out any personal information.

So keep your parents informed, and also make a note of any applications you make or sites you sign up for, just in case you need to refer to this later.

Working Teenagers and Labour Laws

You can check out Gov.UK to see how the laws for working teenagers might affect you.

Both you and your parents should familiarise yourselves with these before you start looking for paid work. These are outlined as general restrictions and by age, as follows.

Don’t forget that different rules will apply to countries other than the UK.

Minimum Age

The minimum age for working teens in the UK is 13. Part-time work only is permitted until reaching school leaving age.

The only exception is kids who are actors or models, and they require a performance license. Parental or adult supervision is also a requirement.

The National Minimum Wage

Children of school age have no entitlement to the national minimum wage.

Tax

Under 16s aren’t liable for National Insurance contributions. They only need to go on the payroll if they exceed their annual personal allowance.

Age 16+

Anyone aged 16 or 17 should be paid a minimum of £4.81 per hour. When earning over £123 plus per week, the employer needs to sign up for PAYE (pay as you earn, for taxes) and register as an employer with HMRC.

General Restrictions for Working Children

Here in the UK, kids cannot work:

Without an employment permit, where the local council requires this
Before 7 am, after 7 pm, or during school hours
For more than an hour before school starts
For four hours plus without a break of at least an hour
On an industrial site or in a factory
In any role that could harm their education, well-being, or health
Without a fortnight’s break at some point during the school holidays

Term Time

Extra rules apply during term time. Then, children cannot work:

More than two hours on any day but Saturday
More than five hours on Saturday if aged 13 or 14. For 15 and 16-year-old school pupils the maximum on Saturdays is eight hours.

School Holidays

13 and 14-year-olds can work up to 25 hours per week outside of term time. Five hours is the daily limit, or two on Sundays.
15 and 16-year-olds can work up to 35 hours weekly. The daily limit is eight hours, or two on a Sunday.

Local Bylaws

Local bylaws may also apply. These are determined by your local council. You can find more information via this link.

How to Make Money as a 13-Year-Old – FAQs

How can 13-year-old earn money in the UK?

There are many ways to make money as a 13-year-old. You can work online in some ways, or be employed locally. Ideas include selling items or services online or offering babysitting, car wash, or pet walking services.

All child employment is subject to local and national government laws.

Can you get a job at 13 in the UK?

You can legally work aged 13 or 14 in the UK, but conditions apply regarding hours during the school term, weekends and holidays. Laws regarding locations and breaks are also in place.

There is also no entitlement to the National Minimum Wage at age 13 or 14. Local council bylaws may also apply, meaning you may require a permit to work.

Can 13-year-olds get paid?

You can work when you’re school age in countries like the UK, but employment law means you must stay at school and therefore have to work at limited times outside those hours.

Many of the biggest employers won’t hire anyone aged 13, so you have to get a bit more creative when finding ways to make money.

Can a 13-year-old work at a cafe?

Under UK employment law, 13 years olds can work in a cafe for a limited time, but not in the kitchen.

Can a 13-year-old work at Starbucks?

In practice, teens in the UK may only be employed by Starbucks once they reach the age of 16.

Can I work at McDonald’s at 13?

In the UK, you can only work for McDonald’s once you reach school-leaving age – which is 16.

Can I work at Subway at 13?

As you cannot work in a kitchen at age 13 in the UK, a job as a sandwich artist at Subway is unrealistic. The final decision, though, rests with each individual franchise owner.

Can I work at KFC at 13?

KFC’s minimum age is also affected by the fact that you’d need to work in a kitchen. In practice, therefore, age 16 is more realistic.

Can you work at Burger King at 13?

Burger King restaurants tend to employ those aged 16 plus due to government laws that restrict what work under 16s can do.

Can you work in retail at 13?

In theory, you can work in retail aged 13 in the UK. As long as you don’t exceed the maximum permitted hours that apply to school days, weekends and school holidays.

Making Money as a 13-Year-Old – Final Thoughts

If you’ve just entered your teens and want to start making some money of your own, we hope this guide has given you some food for thought.

Although employment opportunities can seem thin on the ground for youngsters, in reality, it’s pretty easy to find some sort of work. As long as you’re able, determined, and have your parents’ support.

Ideally, hone in on something you enjoy and it won’t even feel like work. In time, it might even lead to a whole new career – which could even set you up for the rest of your life!