If you’re just starting out in GTA 5 Online, making your first few million dollars can seem overwhelming—but don’t worry. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the fastest and easiest ways to make money in GTA Online as a beginner. Whether you’re starting from level 1 or a fresh account, you’ll learn how to go from broke to millionaire efficiently.
Let’s jump right in.
Step 1: Your First Goal — Buy the Kosatka
The Kosatka submarine is your golden ticket to big money in GTA Online. It allows you to run the Cayo Perico Heist, one of the highest-paying solo activities in the game.
💰 Cayo Perico Heist Payout: Up to $1.5 million per hour
But there’s a catch—you need $2.2 million to purchase the Kosatka from Warstock Cache & Carry.
Sound intimidating? Don’t sweat it. Here’s how you’ll earn that $2.2 million from scratch.
Step 2: Free Essentials for New Players
As soon as you load into a new GTA Online character, do the following:
✅ Claim Your Free Garage
- Open your phone, go to Dynasty8, and find the free two-car garage. Purchase it.
✅ Get the Free Armored Car
- Go to Warstock Cache & Carry.
- Search for the Duke O’ Death—it’s free and bulletproof, perfect for surviving missions.
Once you’ve bought these, wait a few minutes, then call your mechanic and request your new Duke O’ Death. You’re now ready to make money.
Step 3: Quick Money-Making Activities
🏠 1. Stash House Robbery
- These appear on your map daily.
- Clear out the enemies, look for a yellow sticky note, enter the code on the safe, and loot it.
- 💵 Payout: Around $31,000
💼 2. G’s Cache
- Locate this event on the map.
- Listen for a beeping noise with headphones to find the hidden package.
- 💵 Payout: Around $15,000 + ammo and snacks
🚴 3. Junk Energy Time Trial
- Look for a purple bicycle icon on your map.
- Complete the time trial using the electric bike (use the boost button uphill!).
- 💵 Payout: $51,000
At this point, you’ll have close to $100,000. Time to gear up.
Step 4: Buy Weapons and Supplies
Head over to Ammu-Nation and buy these:
- Special Carbine – top-tier rifle
- Machine Pistol
- Sawed-Off Shotgun
- Pipe Bombs (Sticky Bombs unlock at level 19)
- Super Heavy Armor
- Snacks (from convenience stores)
These will help in upcoming combat-heavy missions.
Step 5: First Dose Missions (Storyline)
Go to the “R” icon in Sandy Shores to start the First Dose missions, part of the “Los Santos Drug Wars” DLC.
- There are 6 missions in total.
- Use the Duke O’ Death to stay protected during combat.
- Stay stocked up on snacks and armor.
- 💵 Total Earnings: $608,000
- Includes mission payouts and one-time bonuses
🎯 Bonus: Completing these missions cuts the price of the Acid Lab business in half—from $1.5M to $750,000. It’s a great investment, but wait until you own the Kosatka first.
Step 6: Last Dose Missions
After First Dose, you unlock the Last Dose missions from the same “D” icon.
- 5 missions total
- 💵 Total Payout: $576,000
- Similar combat-heavy format, so gear up accordingly
After finishing these, you should have over $1.1 million.
Step 7: Treasure Hunts for Free Weapons & Bonuses
🔫 1. Double-Action Revolver Hunt
- Triggered via an email from a stranger
- Complete 3 clue locations, then get 50 headshots
- 💵 Reward: $250,000
🔫 2. Navy Revolver Hunt
- Find 5 clues scattered across the map
- Take out the Slasher enemy when he spawns
- Kill 50 NPCs with the revolver
- 💵 Reward: $275,000
🪓 3. Stone Hatchet Bounties
- Visit “M” for Mod’s Bounty Missions
- Capture 5 NPCs alive
- Kill 25 NPCs with the Hatchet
- 💵 Reward: $300,000
💰 Total Earnings from Treasure Hunts: $825,000
Combined with previous missions, you’ll now have around $1.9 million.
Step 8: Reach the $2.2 Million Mark
You’re just a few thousand dollars away now.
Call Dax from your phone and start a Fooligan Job. These are simple, quick tasks that pay decently and help top off your cash.
After one or two Fooligan Jobs, you’ll hit your goal.
Step 9: Buy the Kosatka and Start the Cayo Perico Heist
Once you hit $2.2 million, open Warstock Cache & Carry and purchase the Kosatka.
From here, you can run Cayo Perico Heists solo, over and over, making up to $1.5 million an hour—no teammates, no randoms, just you and easy profit.
Summary: From Level 1 to Kosatka
Here’s a recap of your money-making journey:
| Method | Estimated Earnings |
|---|---|
| Stash House | $31,000 |
| G’s Cache | $15,000 |
| Junk Trial | $51,000 |
| First Dose Missions | $608,000 |
| Last Dose Missions | $576,000 |
| Treasure Hunts (3 total) | $825,000 |
| Fooligan Jobs | ~$100,000 |
| Total | $2.2+ Million |
Final Tips
- Always wear armor and carry snacks for survival.
- Upgrade your Duke O’ Death or eventually move on to faster armored vehicles like the Nightshark or Kuruma.
- Once you master Cayo Perico, consider investing in the Acid Lab and Agency, two other excellent solo-friendly money-makers.
With this beginner-friendly guide, you’re not just earning cash—you’re building a solid foundation for long-term success in GTA Online.
Good luck out there, and enjoy the grind!
