Most GTA Online players stick to popular money-making activities like the Cayo Perico Heist or the Dr. Dre VIP contract—especially now that cutscenes can be skipped. But there are several powerful and underrated methods that many players completely overlook. These methods offer both active and passive income, and they can help you earn millions without grinding the same old missions. If you're looking to boost your bank account in smarter, fresher ways, here are four money-making strategies you should start using today.

1. The Car Wash: Passive Income You’re Probably Missing
The car wash is one of the newest properties added in GTA Online, and it’s a surprising source of steady, passive cash. While many players wrote off the recent DLC for lacking high-stakes missions, the car wash stands out for how effortlessly it generates income.

- You earn $28,000 every 48 minutes just by owning it.

- If you complete simple car wash or helicopter tour missions, your passive income gets boosted by an extra $2,000.

- Owning the car wash also gives you a 35% bonus on all counterfeit cash business sales.

- If you also purchase the Higgins helicopter tours, you'll receive a 10% bonus on hangar crate sales.

- And the Smoke on the Water business gives a 35% boost to weed sales when combined.

Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran with multiple businesses, this property quickly pays for itself. It’s a smart pick if you want easy money without constantly grinding. 

2. The Hangar: Now One of the Best Money-Making Businesses
The hangar was once one of the least profitable businesses in the game. But after receiving two major buffs from Rockstar, it’s now a top-tier moneymaker—especially when combined with public lobby bonuses.

- Each crate now sells for $3,000 more, and collecting 50 of the same type gives you a 70% bonus.

- Selling in public lobbies gives you an additional 50% cash bonus.

- Thanks to easier land sourcing missions and faster sales, each hangar run can now earn you $350,000 to $400,000.

- During intense grind sessions, players have reported making over $1 million per hour, especially when passive businesses are also running in the background.

And unlike other businesses, your hangar stock can’t be raided. If you’re waiting for your Cayo Perico cooldown, this is one of the most efficient ways to fill your time—and your bank account.

3. Agency Security Contracts: Quick Missions with Long-Term Gains
The agency is widely known for the VIP contract with Dr. Dre, but many players ignore the smaller, repeatable security contracts. That’s a mistake, because these missions offer fast payouts and long-term passive income.

- A simple security contract, like a rescue mission, can earn you $56,000 in just a few minutes.

- Every five contracts you complete increases your agency’s passive income.

- After completing 200 contracts, your agency will earn $20,000 every 48 minutes—forever.

This may not sound like much at first, but it adds up quickly. Many players who consistently ran security contracts now earn over $10 million just from passive payouts. Doing just five contracts a day will get you to the max bonus within a month.

4. Salvage Business: Fun, Profitable, and Often Ignored
The salvage business is one of the most enjoyable and profitable ways to earn money in GTA Online, yet many players still overlook it. If you missed past events, GTA 5 modded accounts for sale often come with rare items already unlocked.

- You can complete up to three salvage missions per week, each paying around $400,000 for 15–20 minutes of work.

- Rockstar occasionally adds claimable vehicle rewards that you can store for free—some worth millions.

- Tow truck side missions also add solid passive income. Each completed mission is worth around $35,000 after 48 minutes.

- Just keeping the salvage business active gives you $24,000 passive income every 48 minutes.

Even if you don’t touch the business for a while, the passive income slowly decreases rather than stopping immediately—making it a low-maintenance, high-reward strategy. With just 10 minutes of effort every 48 minutes, you can consistently pull in over $100,000, making this one of the easiest sources of cash.

Final Thoughts: Don't Just Rely on Heists
If you’ve been stuck grinding the same old missions, now’s the time to try something different. These four underrated methods—the car wash, hangar, agency security contracts, and salvage business—offer a mix of passive and active income with serious earning potential. Whether you’re a solo grinder or a returning veteran, adding these businesses to your routine will help you make millions in no time. Don’t sleep on them—start using these smart money-making strategies today!