Welcome to Los Santos. This city is full of fast cars and big mansions. But to get the cool stuff, you need cash. Finding the best way to make gta online money is your first step to becoming a boss.
Many new players feel lost. They see players with millions and wonder how they did it. This guide shows you the exact path from zero to millions.
You do not need to buy Shark Cards. You just need a smart plan. We will focus on the most profitable jobs you can do today.
Tools & Prerequisites
Before you start, you need a few things. These items help you work faster. Time is money in this game.
Essential Starter Gear
| Item | Cost | Why You Need It |
|---|---|---|
| Armored Kuruma | ~$500,000 | Bulletproof car for missions. |
| Homing Launcher | ~$75,000 | To take down enemy helicopters. |
| Submarine (Kosatka) | $2.2 Million | Unlocks the best solo heist. |
| Buzzard Attack Chopper | $1.7 Million | Fast travel across the map. |
The "First Million" Checklist
- Level up to Rank 12. This lets you start your own heists.
- Get a cheap apartment. You need a high-end one with a 10-car garage.
- Link your accounts. Connect to Rockstar Social Club for free rewards.
Step-by-Step Instructions
The game has many jobs. Most of them do not pay well. We will focus only on the high-paying ones.
Phase 1: The Quick Start (0 to $500,000)
You have no money. You need a fast boost.
Step 1: Junk Energy Skydives
Look for the purple parachute icons on your map. These are daily trials.
- Action: Jump through the hoops and land on the target.
- Reward: Quick cash and RP.
Step 2: Treasure Hunts
Rockstar sends you emails in the game. Look for the "vanderlinde" email.
- Action: Find the clues to get the Double-Action Revolver.
- Challenge: Get 50 headshots with it.
- Reward: $250,000 instantly.
Phase 2: Building the Business ($500,000 to $2.2 Million)
Now you have some cash. You need to invest it.
The VIP Work Grind
Register as a VIP in the Interaction Menu.
- Mission: Headhunter. Fly a helicopter and take out four targets.
- Mission: Sightseer. Use your phone to hack apps and find packages.
- Tip: Do these in a private "Invite Only" session to avoid bullies.
Cluckin' Bell Farm Raid
This is a newer heist. It is perfect for beginners.
- Start: Go to the "V" icon at the Vespucci Police Station.
- Cost: $0. It is free to start.
- Payout: $500,000 for the first time.
Pro Tip: Always buy armor and snacks at the convenience store before a mission. They keep you alive when things get messy.
Phase 3: The Cayo Perico Masterclass ($2.2 Million+)
This is the best way to make gta online money consistently. You can do this alone.
Buying the Kosatka
Go to the Warstock Cache & Carry website. Buy the Kosatka submarine.
- Location: It will spawn in the ocean.
- Meeting: Talk to Miguel Madrazo at the Music Locker club first.
The Scoping Mission
Fly to the island. You need to find the primary target.
- Hack the tower. Use the signal box to look at cameras.
- Find the vault. Look for the files or the diamond.
- Find the drainage tunnel. Swim behind the mansion to find the secret entrance.
The Best Heist Setup
Only do these setups to save time:
- Longfin boat. Best for getting secondary loot.
- Plasma Cutter. To get into the display case.
- Fingerprint Cloner. To open the doors.
- Cutting Torch. This lets you use the drainage tunnel.
The "Silent and Sneaky" Finale
Do not shoot everyone. Use a silencer.
- Enter through the tunnel. Use the cutting torch.
- Get the primary target. Use the elevator in the office.
- Swim away. You don't need a boat. Just swim into the deep ocean to escape.
Phase 4: Passive Income (Making Money While Sleeping)
Businesses make money while you play other games.
The Acid Lab
This is the best business for solo players.
- How to get it: Complete the "First Dose" missions (yellow "D" on map).
- The Perk: It is a mobile lab. You can move it anywhere.
- The Profit: It makes about $350,000 per sale.
The Nightclub
This is for late-game players. It links all your other businesses.
- The Safe: The wall safe earns $50,000 every 48 minutes if people like your club.
- The Warehouse: Technicians steal goods for you automatically.
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
Even the best players make mistakes. Here is how to avoid them.
Tip 1: The "Invite Only" Trick
Public lobbies are dangerous. Other players will try to blow up your cargo.
- Action: Go to the Pause Menu > Online > Find New Session > Invite Only.
- Result: You can do almost all missions alone in peace.
Tip 2: Managing Your Expenses
Daily fees can eat your money.
- Action: If you aren't doing business work, retire as a CEO or MC President.
- Result: You stop paying high staff wages every hour.
A screenshot of the Interaction Menu highlighting the Retire button.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
"I keep dying in missions!"
- Fix: Buy the Heavy Utility Vest. It makes you move slower but gives you way more health.
"The heist is too hard solo."
- Fix: Watch a "No Kill" guide on YouTube. Most missions are easier if you stay hidden.
"I ran out of ammo."
- Fix: You can buy ammo in the Interaction Menu under "Inventory." You don't have to go to the gun store.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Diamond Casino Heist better than Cayo Perico?
No. The Casino heist requires two people. Cayo Perico can be done alone. Doing it alone means you keep all the money.
How do I get a free car?
Go to the Diamond Casino. Spin the Lucky Wheel once every day. You have a chance to win the car on the podium.
A close-up of the Lucky Wheel in the Diamond Casino with the Win Vehicle icon highlighted.
Should I buy a Hangar first?
No. Hangars are for planes. They do not make much money compared to the Submarine or the Acid Lab.
Can I lose my money if I die?
Only the cash in your pocket. Always use your phone to go to the Maze Bank website and deposit your cash.
What is the fastest car for missions?
The Pegassi Bati 801 motorcycle. It only costs $15,000. It is faster than many cars that cost millions.
Conclusion
Making money in Los Santos is easy if you follow the right path. Start with Treasure Hunts and Cluckin' Bell. Use that money to buy a Kosatka. Once you master the Cayo Perico Heist, you will never be poor again. Remember to work in Invite Only sessions to stay safe. Keep your snacks full, your armor on, and your eyes on the prize. You are now ready to build your empire.