20 Home-Based Jobs That Require No Initial Investment

Work From Home Opportunities with No Upfront Fees

If you're looking to work from home and don't have much money to start, it's easy to feel discouraged. Many job seekers come across online listings that seem promising, only to be hit with a fee for applying. This can be disheartening and often leads people to abandon their search altogether.

However, there are legitimate companies that offer remote work opportunities without charging any fees upfront. While some may require specific equipment or background checks, these costs are typically covered by the employer or are considered standard for the role. Here is a list of companies that allow you to work from home without requiring payment before starting.

Freelance Positions Are Free to Start

Freelance roles are an excellent option for those seeking remote work. These include:

• Freelance writing
• Short tasks
• Work at home data entry jobs
• Search evaluation
• Some transcription companies

These positions do not come with any application fees and can be great ways to earn income from home.

Companies That Offer Remote Jobs Without Fees

Here are several companies that provide work-from-home opportunities without requiring you to pay anything upfront:

3 Play Media

This company hires home-based workers for transcription editing. There are no fees to get started.

Amazon

Amazon frequently hires for customer service jobs from home. While applicants must live near certain locations, there are no fees associated with applying.

Apple

Apple offers chat or phone support agent roles from home. They supply the necessary equipment if you are hired.

Babbletype

Babbletype hires for transcription and transcription editing roles. No fees are required to start.

Belay

Belay provides virtual executive assistant roles. This is a 1099 contractor position and requires past admin experience. Pay starts at $18 per hour.

Boldly

Boldly offers executive assistant roles. Candidates need at least seven years of experience as an executive assistant or senior administrative assistant. Pay ranges between $24 and $28 per hour.

Capital One

Capital One hires for customer service roles from home. No fees are charged to apply, though these positions are usually location-based.

Concentrix

Concentrix hires at-home agents to answer calls for clients. There are no upfront fees to start.

Fancy Hands

Fancy Hands offers virtual assistance roles. No fees are required to begin working.

Metaverse Mod Squad

This company hires for moderation roles from home. No fees are charged to apply.

Sutherland

Sutherland regularly hires home call center agents. Background checks may be conducted depending on the client, but no charges are mentioned.

OneSupport

OneSupport hires for tech support positions from home. No fees are associated with the application process.

TTEC

TTEC hires home-based call center agents. Some positions may require drug screens or background checks, but the cost is usually covered by the company.

Textbroker

Textbroker allows freelance writing from home. No fees are required, and they accept people with no prior experience.

Time Etc.

Time Etc. offers virtual assisting roles from home. No fees are involved in the application process.

Transcom

Transcom hires for call center agent roles from home. Credit checks, background checks, and drug screens may be required, but the costs are often covered by the company.

Tutor.com

Tutor.com offers online tutoring roles from home. No application fees are charged, and the company covers the cost of background checks.

U-Haul

U-Haul regularly hires sales and reservation agents from home. No fees are required to start, though high-speed internet and a headset are necessary.

World Travel Holdings

World Travel Holdings hires for vacation sales roles from home. A $500 deposit is required for a computer, but this is deducted from your first five paychecks.

Yelp

Yelp offers inside sales representative roles from home. No fees are charged to apply, and the company covers the cost of background checks.

Tips for Avoiding Work-From-Home Scams

When starting out in remote work, it's important to stay cautious. Here are a few tips to help you avoid scams:

• Never pay upfront to apply – Legitimate companies do not charge for applications.
• Be cautious of vague job descriptions – If the details are unclear, it’s a red flag.
• Watch out for “too good to be true” pay – Promises of high earnings with little effort should raise suspicion.
• Don’t send personal info too early – Avoid sharing sensitive information until the company has been verified.
• Research the company – Look for reviews, Reddit threads, or BBB ratings before applying.
• Consider using Flexjobs – This site is known for pre-screening remote jobs for scams.
• Trust your gut – If something feels off, it probably is. Stick with well-reviewed and transparent companies.

By following these guidelines, you can find legitimate remote work opportunities without falling victim to scams. Good luck with your job search!