Introduction
Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) remains one of the most iconic open-world games ever made—and in 2025, it’s still going strong. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer just stepping into the chaotic streets of Los Santos, one question keeps popping up: how do you get unlimited money in GTA V? From Story Mode investments to GTA Online heists and businesses, players are constantly on the lookout for the most efficient and profitable ways to earn cash fast.
With Rockstar’s ongoing updates and the community’s endless creativity, there are now more money-making methods than ever, both legit and borderline. But with rumors, fake cheats, and outdated hacks flooding forums and videos, it’s hard to know what actually works.
In this guide, we break down real, tested tips for earning money in GTA V (both Story Mode and Online), plus we look at what cheat codes and exploits—if any—still work in 2025. Whether you play on console or PC, this article has you covered.
Can You Really Get Unlimited Money in GTA V?
Let’s clear the air—“unlimited money in GTA V” is one of the most searched phrases by players in 2025, but the truth is: it depends on how you play and what mode you’re in.
In GTA V Story Mode, you have more freedom. While there’s no official cheat code that directly gives you money, there are smart in-game strategies like Lester’s stock market missions and replayable heists that can bring in millions with the right timing. So yes, if you plan carefully, you can technically generate “unlimited” wealth over time—no mods or hacks required.
In GTA Online, things are a bit more serious. Rockstar Games keeps a close eye on cheating, especially when it comes to money glitches or mod menus. Trying to game the system in GTA Online can easily get you banned or wiped, so it’s best to avoid shady shortcuts.
However, there are still legit ways to make fast cash—Cayo Perico Heist, VIP work, and passive businesses all offer steady income. While it’s not truly “unlimited,” many of these methods can bring in millions per week if you stay active.
So, can you get unlimited money in GTA V? Yes—sort of. In Story Mode, you can stack up a fortune with time. In Online Mode, you’ll need to grind, invest, and play smart, but there are plenty of real strategies that still work in 2025.
Pro tip: Don’t fall for YouTube scams or sketchy “free money” offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Best Legit Ways to Earn Money in Story Mode (2025 Update)
If you’re diving into GTA V Story Mode in 2025, there are still tried-and-true ways to make serious cash—all without cheats or mods. Whether you’re playing for the first time or returning for a new run, here are the most effective and legit money-making methods.
1. Lester’s Assassination Missions (Stock Market Exploits)
This is hands-down the most profitable strategy in Story Mode. After completing the main story mission “The Hotel Assassination,” hold off on Lester’s other hits until you’ve finished the final heist. Then, invest in the stock market before each mission based on Lester’s tips:
- Invest in Betta Pharmaceuticals (BAWSAQ) before “The Hotel Assassination”
- Buy Fruit Computers stock before “The Vice Assassination”
- …and so on
You can easily turn your $30M+ endgame reward into over $2 billion for each character.
2. Replayable Heists
Missions like The Jewel Store Job and The Big Score offer big payouts. Choosing the best crew members with a good cost-benefit balance (like Packie McReary) can increase your take-home amount. You can replay these missions from the game menu to perfect your strategy and maximize cash.
3. Hidden Packages & Collectibles
Underwater packages scattered around the map can net $12,000 each, and Trevor’s arms smuggling missions offer consistent payouts. Though smaller, these can be great for quick money in the early game.
4. Random Events
Some random encounters offer big cash. One example: return a stolen bike to its owner and get rewarded with stock shares worth thousands later.
5. Buying Properties with ROI
Businesses like the McKenzie Airfield or Los Santos Customs provide passive weekly income. Once purchased, they generate revenue and offer side missions for bonus cash.
Bonus Tip: Always keep an eye on your stock market app and safehouse computers—they can reveal trends that you can invest in for even more cash.
In 2025, these methods still work—and no hacks or cheats are needed. Just smart planning, patience, and some criminal creativity.
Best Money-Making Methods in GTA Online (2025 Edition)
If you’re jumping into GTA Online in 2025, you’re in for a massive open-world economy packed with opportunities. But with so many options, it’s easy to waste time on low-reward activities. Here’s a breakdown of the best and most profitable ways to make money fast in GTA Online, especially after the latest updates and balancing patches.
1. The Cayo Perico Heist (Solo-Friendly)
Still one of the top solo money-making methods, the Cayo Perico Heist allows you to earn up to $1.5 million per run. It’s repeatable, has a short cooldown, and can be done entirely solo. Make sure to scope out the best loot (like pink diamond or bearer bonds) and use the drainage tunnel for a smooth entry.
2. Agency Contracts & Security Missions
Introduced with The Contract DLC, agency work with Franklin offers solid payouts. The Payphone Hits pay $85K+ per hit with bonuses, and the Security Contracts scale with your agency level. Easy to do, low risk, and great for passive grinding.
3. Nightclubs (Passive Income King)
A well-managed Nightclub Business can generate over $50K/hour passively once you connect it to your other businesses (like Cargo or Meth Labs). Just make sure to keep product and popularity high.
4. VIP/CEO Work & Headhunter
Register as a CEO and launch Headhunter or Sightseer missions. They’re solo-friendly, fast, and yield up to $25K in under 10 minutes. Perfect for in-between cooldowns on bigger missions.
5. Vehicle Cargo & Import/Export
Buy a Vehicle Warehouse and start flipping high-end cars. You can make up to $80K per vehicle, and the missions are relatively quick. Avoid damage to maximize profit.
6. Time Trials and Weekly Events
RC Bandito and HSW Time Trials can pay out $100K each for just a few minutes of effort. Rockstar’s weekly bonuses often double payouts on races, contact missions, or heists—always check before playing!
Pro Tip: Invest your early cash into businesses that pay passively or scale with time. Avoid Shark Cards—earning money through gameplay in 2025 is faster, more fun, and keeps the grind rewarding.
Cheat Codes and Exploits: What Still Works in 2025?
In 2025, GTA V Story Mode continues to support the classic cheat codes via phone or console inputs—covering everything from spawning vehicles to instakill invincibility. You can still dial codes like 1‑999‑887‑853 (Max Health & Armor), 1‑999‑7246‑545‑537 (Invincibility), and 1‑999‑2899‑633 (Spawn Buzzard Chopper). These are perfect for low-pressure fun or experimenting with gameplay, and they don’t give money—Rockstar deliberately removed all “money cheats” to preserve game balance.
However, when it comes to GTA Online, cheat codes and money glitches are risky. Rockstar actively monitors for mod menus, money exploits, and suspicious behavior—often issuing bans or account wipes. That said, some solo money glitches (like the Cayo Perico replay exploit on the Kosatka sub) reportedly still work, allowing repeatable earnings of up to $1–1.5 M per run. These glitches rely on timing fast runbacks during cooldown resets—so they’re not game-breaking but do carry risk; Rockstar can patch them anytime and penalize cheaters.
In summary:
- Story Mode: Phone cheat codes still work flawlessly—no money cheats, just fun!
- GTA Online: Some solo exploits still function, but the risk of detection and permanent penalties makes them unreliable.
- Avoid shady tools like trainers or mod menus—they often result in account suspensions.
If you want safer, long-term cash in GTA Online, legit methods like heists and businesses are a much smarter strategy.
Top Tips to Maximize In-Game Earnings (for All Players)
Whether you’re grinding through GTA V Story Mode or climbing the ranks in GTA Online, maximizing your in-game earnings in 2025 is all about efficiency, planning, and smart investments. Below are the best tips that still work today for both single-player and online modes.
For Story Mode Players:
- Invest Before the Lester Assassination Missions: The most consistent way to make millions in Story Mode is to invest in the stock market before starting Lester’s assassination missions. For example, invest in Debonaire Cigarettes (LCN) before “Hotel Assassination” and watch your money multiply.
- Complete All Heists with the Best Crew: Choosing optimal crew members with lower cuts but high skills (like Packie McReary and Taliana Martinez) helps you keep more money after each heist, especially in “The Big Score.”
- Collect Hidden Packages & Do Side Jobs: Explore underwater wrecks for hidden cash packages, and complete tow truck jobs or armored van robberies for small but steady gains.
For GTA Online Players:
- Prioritize Solo-Friendly Money Sources: In 2025, solo players can still make millions with repeatable activities like the Cayo Perico Heist, Nightclub management, and Gunrunning bunker sales. These have low cooldowns and offer strong passive income.
- Double Money Events & Weekly Bonuses: Rockstar regularly rotates Double GTA$ and RP events. Always check the Newswire or in-game Events tab—joining these can double your earnings on missions, races, and adversary modes.
- Upgrade Only What’s Necessary: Don’t spend recklessly on flashy cars or weapons early on. Focus your investments on earning-focused upgrades, like the Kosatka submarine, MOC, or CEO offices.
- Join a Crew or Work with Friends: Heists and Sell Missions pay out more with multiple players. Forming a dedicated crew improves profits, especially during setups or sales.
With consistent effort and the right strategies, you can build serious wealth in GTA without ever touching cheats or risky exploits. Keep grinding smart, and you’ll dominate Los Santos in no time.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Making money in Grand Theft Auto V, whether in Story Mode or GTA Online, can be incredibly rewarding—but only if you avoid the common traps that many players still fall into in 2025. Here’s what to watch out for:
🚫 1. Wasting Money on Flashy Items Too Early
Many players blow their early cash on luxury cars, expensive apartments, or over-the-top weaponry. While these look cool, they don’t contribute to your income. Focus first on money-generating assets like businesses, bunkers, or heist tools.
🚫 2. Ignoring Lester’s Stock Market Tips
In Story Mode, players often rush through Lester’s assassination missions without properly investing in the BAWSAQ or LCN stock markets. This is a massive missed opportunity—strategic investment before and after missions can multiply your earnings tenfold.
🚫 3. Falling for Online Scams or Glitch Promises
In 2025, YouTube and Reddit are still flooded with fake “money glitches” or third-party tools promising instant millions. These can get your account banned or compromise your game files. Stick to legit in-game methods.
🚫 4. Going Solo in All Online Missions
While you can play solo, some missions like heists, sell missions, and races are far more profitable (and easier) with a team. Join a crew or find friends to maximize efficiency.
🚫 5. Not Taking Advantage of Weekly Events
Rockstar updates GTA Online weekly with bonuses like 2x GTA$, free vehicles, or discounted upgrades. Skipping these events means leaving easy money and rewards on the table.
Conclusion
In 2025, making unlimited money in Grand Theft Auto V is still a dream for many—but with the right strategies, you can get very close. Whether you’re grinding through Story Mode missions, investing smartly, or running GTA Online businesses, the key is consistency and smart choices. Avoid the scams, skip the flashy splurges early on, and focus on building sustainable income sources. From Lester’s stock market tips to weekly online bonuses, Rockstar still gives players plenty of legit opportunities to stack cash. Just remember: the grind pays off, and with patience, you’ll be flying jets out of your own skyscraper in no time. Happy earning, and stay safe out there in Los Santos!
