With advances in technology and with corporate attitudes towards telecommuting turning around, there are more remote positions than ever before! In fact, according to FlexJob’s annual analysis of the top companies that hire remote workers, there was a 36% increase in the number of remote jobs from 2014 to 2015.
But just because telecommuting jobs are on the rise, doesn’t mean you can slack off from doing your due diligence. The FTC estimates that ONLY one in every 55 work-at-home opportunities is legit.
There are many warning flags that an opportunity is a scam. Things like lack of contact information, vague job descriptions, hyped-up want ads, negative reviews, and poor ratings. But there is one warning flag that causes a lot of confusion, and that's fees associated with working from home.
You always hear people say, “You should never have to pay for a job” and in essence that's true. But there are some exceptions to that rule, which I want to discuss before I move on to the legit work-at-home jobs that don't require a fee.
With the majority of work-at-home jobs, the bare minimum you'll need to provide is a reliable computer (or laptop) and high-speed internet connection. However, depending on which job you perform you may also need a dedicated phone line, a headset, a quiet office space free of distractions, and a printer. Some legit fees you may encounter when applying for remote jobs are fees for training materials and criminal background checks (CBC).
Why do work-at-home companies charge for these sorts of fees?
It's mainly entry-level positions that require these sorts of fees, and the reason companies do this is they want to weed out candidates that aren't 100 percent committed to the role. The rationale is if you invest a small amount of money you're more likely to follow through and remain with the company for a longer period. On the flipside, most telecommuting positions for professional careers, do not require any fees for training or background checks.
One last thing you need to consider when searching for work-at-home opportunities is — is the position a job or a business endeavor? There are lots of legit business-in-a-box opportunities, home-based franchises, and direct sales companies that require startup fees. These sorts of fees are entirely legit when you're joining a business opportunity, but again, you need to make sure that you're dealing with reputable companies.
Don't want to invest any money at all? No problem.
Here are a bunch of legit work-at-home jobs (with equipment requirements) that don't require a fee to get started.
Amazon hires for a wide variety of virtual positions including administrative support, customer service, business development, legal, marketing, sales and much more. There are no fees associated with these positions.
American Express hires virtual workers for both entry-level (customer care professionals) and professional positions. You will need to have a computer, dedicated phone line, and a quiet office space. I read on this post that American Express will pay for your connection setup and monthly costs for these services, however, you'll need to verify this information with AMEX.
Appen hires remote workers for social media evaluation, web search evaluation, transcribers and more. Must have a computer that's less than three years old and a high-speed internet connection.
Apple hires at-home advisors to answer customer questions and concerns. You’ll need to provide a quiet, distraction-free workspace and high-speed internet connection; Apple will provide you with an iMac and headset to use during employment.
Blooms Today hires independent call agents to assist customers with purchases. Must have a dedicated phone line, high-speed internet, a headset, and a quiet office space.
Call Center QA hires home-based individuals to conduct Mystery Shopping phone calls. All mystery shopping gigs can be completed at home using your mobile or landline phone. They do not charge any fees.
CloudSource hires for customer service, technical support, and sales positions. You must have your own computer, internet connection, headset, and a productive work environment.
Convergys hires virtual workers for sales and service, customer service, and tech support. You will need a computer less than six years old, a high-speed internet connection, a phone (landline or cell), a headset and flash drive, and a quiet office space.
Dell hires for a wide variety of work-at-home positions, such as sales managers, tech support, account managers, clinical support advisors and more, no fees required.
Fancy Hands hires at-home assistants to complete short tasks. Must have a computer, high-speed internet, audio headset, and either a landline or iPhone.
Hilton hires remote reservation sales specialists and customer care coordinators. To qualify for these positions, you must have a computer, a dedicated landline, headset, high-speed internet, webcam, and a dedicated office space.
Leapforce hires independent agents to perform web search evaluation. You must have a reliable computer and internet connection. No fees are required to get started.
Liveops hires customer service professionals, licensed insurance agents, insurance claims specialists and sales professionals for phone work. You must have your own computer, anti-virus software, telephone, telephone service, and internet connection.
Next Wave has work-at-home opportunities for telephone-based organizers and writers. Must have a quiet home office, computer, high-speed internet connection, headset, and printer.
Rev hires transcriptionists, closed captioners, and translators for home-based freelance work. All you need is a computer, headset, and broadband internet.
Teletech hires at-home customer service representatives to answer in-bound calls and emails from customers. Must have a computer, anti-virus software, dedicated phone line, and internet connection.
Time Etc hires general virtual assistants, social media and marketing assistants, writing assistants, and customer service assistants. Must have a computer, high-speed internet, Microsoft Office, Skype, headset, and a printer with paper.
Uhaul hires telecommuters for sales and reservation agent positions. Must have a private work area, USB headset, and internet connection.
UnitedHealth Group hires for a wide variety of telecommuting positions, such as nurses, program directors, project managers, and customer service much more.
Westat hires home-based employees for telephone data collection work. You will need to have a computer, high-speed internet connection and a dedicated landline phone with a headset.
World Travel Holdings hires at-home travel agents. Must have a designated office space, high-speed internet connection and a separate phone line dedicated to this position.
Working Solutions hires independent contractors for sales, customer service, and travel professionals. Contractors will need to pass a criminal background check (CBC) to work this program. As far as I can tell, they don't make candidates pay for the CBC, but you will need to verify this for a fact.
Do you have more of an entrepreneurial spirit?
There are some home-based opportunities that do not require a fee to get started. Check out these two posts for free business opportunities.
Do you know of another legit work-at-home job that doesn't require a fee to get started? Leave a comment below and I may add it to the list.
You’ll Also Love These Posts:
Studies have shown if you like this blog post — you will also love the following articles.
- Real Life Work-at-Home Jobs and How Much They Pay
- Remote Jobs That Don’t Involve Customer Service
- How to Figure out What Work-at-Home Job Is Right for You
Holly Reisem Hanna is the publisher and founder of The Work at Home Woman, which has been helping individuals find remote careers and businesses that feed their souls since 2009. Through her unconventional career path of holding over 30 jobs and obtaining two college degrees, she’s been able to figure out how to find a career path that you’re truly passionate about. Holly’s had the pleasure of sharing her expertise on sites like CNN, MSN Money, Huffington Post, Woman’s Day Magazine, as well as being recognized by Forbes as one of the “Top 100 Websites for Your Career.” Holly resides in Austin, Texas, with her husband and daughter and enjoys reading, traveling, and yoga.
This post includes affiliate links. Please be aware that we only promote advertising from companies that we feel we can legitimately recommend to our readers. See our disclosure policy for further information.
Richelle Lewis says
August 9, 2019 at 3:21 amHello, Holly
I’m a housewife in need of a WAH job. I’m a disabled senior and in need of a job that I may do at home. I Love talking to people I try not to meet strangers I try to make people happy and I can talk with people and help them, So can you help me ,I don’t want to do survey I have not got paid by them yet ,been doing them quite a long while ,quite a while and it’s not working out for me so can you please help….. A Mom in need of some help and some luck…I have work in quality control doing taxes and also in customer service and sales I’ve done customer service for almost 10 years of quality control in there a little but never done work at home so how they can you please direct me in the right direction so I can start working I need help. Thank you, Holly
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
August 9, 2019 at 10:17 amHi Richelle,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/jobs-for-people-with-chronic-illnesses/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/get-paid-talk-phone/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/careers-for-people-over-50/
Good luck and keep me posted!
Cierra Cook says
March 18, 2019 at 11:58 amStuffing Envelopes is that a legitimate work from home job? If so what companies are there out there
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
March 19, 2019 at 8:14 amHi Cierra,
Stuffing envelopes is a scam — you can read more about it here:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/stuffing-envelopes/
Donna Emslie says
December 29, 2018 at 9:08 pmI am 62, I stay at home. Looking for a way to earn some money from home.
I use to be a data entry operator for Dunn & Bradstreet, but that was years ago.
I don’t want anything where you have to talk on the phone.
Any ideas for someone who doesn’t have a lot of work experience?
Thank you
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 30, 2018 at 9:09 amHi Donna,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/typing-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/non-phone-jobs/
Caroline M. says
November 21, 2018 at 12:09 pmThis is a great list you’ve put together! A company I’ve worked for, called iScribed, are always on the lookout for new transcriptionists and they’re expanding their services into translations in closed captions. Their website is http://www.iscribed.com.
Vicky M says
October 16, 2018 at 10:20 pmI am retired and looking for a work at home part/full time job. Prefer data entry but will do customer service. Have medical laboratory and income tax background with computer skills. What job/company do you recommend?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 18, 2018 at 9:42 amThese articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/typing-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/get-paid-talk-phone/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/wah-jobs/
With all these options available — it will be beneficial to organize your job search. This article has some great tips:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/organize-your-job-search/
If you have more specific questions, let me know, I’ll be happy to help.
Good luck! 🍀
Amy says
July 2, 2018 at 7:12 pmI am a stay at home mommy and i have been looking for a work at home job for 2 years now any ideas,
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
July 4, 2018 at 7:24 amHi Amy,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/virtual-part-time-jobs/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/wah-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
If you have more specific questions, let me know, I’ll be happy to help.
Good luck with your job hunt!
Patricia Peckinpaugh says
June 27, 2018 at 11:45 pmI am a LPN & would like to work at home. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you in advance for your help in this matter.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 28, 2018 at 7:52 amHi Patricia,
This post has a bunch of work-at-home jobs for nurses:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/remote-jobs-nurses/
Good luck and keep us posted!
Patricia Peckinpaugh says
June 27, 2018 at 11:42 pmI am a LPN & would like to work at home. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thank you in advance in this matter.
Deborah Johnson says
June 21, 2018 at 6:59 pmI am trying to find employment for a work at home job, However I can do emails, text and such I am slow running a computer therefore I am looking for something I can do on the phone can you give me some ideas.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 22, 2018 at 7:48 amHi Deborah,
Check out this post — it has some options for making money using your smartphone: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-smart-phone/
Donna says
June 7, 2018 at 5:48 pmHi
Are these work from home jobs available for Canadians to apply? If not, do you recommend any websites that will allow us to check out work from home? home? Imdo have hi-speed internet and a laptop, typing speed of 55-60 wpm but no landline.
I’m interested in responding to emails, live chat support, anything but chatting on the phone. I currently work in an inbound call center which is enough chatting on the phone by the end of the day, ad respond to emails from our members.
Any information you can provide for all of us Canadians would greatly appreciated.
Thank you
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 8, 2018 at 8:56 amHi Donna,
The Work at Home Woman is geared for U.S. residents.
Please check out FlexJobs for international listings:
http://flexjobsrocks.go2cloud.org/SHPF (affiliate link)
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/ — this post also has jobs listed by location. Take a look at the national listings; there are a few that allow Canadian workers.
Kathy Tufts says
March 25, 2018 at 8:31 amHi Holly:
Above you mentioned is there legit home business for free, leave a comment.
Yes I would love to share with you a new home business starting up. The owner wanted to provide a way that people could have the opportunity to make a income and not feel ashamed to let others know about it. It is a Shopping Club they have some products right now, but are adding many more as time goes on.
So we get to let others know about this opportunity, how else will they know? Then we get to share in the profit share, just by opening our mouth and sharing it.
The way people are losing their jobs. This company can help fill in that gap.
Holly you have a lot of people this could help. Get back love to answer your questions.
Best Regards
Kathy Tufts
905-985-4077
Vasantha Naidoo says
January 31, 2019 at 5:41 amHi! Holly and Kathy,
Thanking you for a great input on work at home jobs. I’ve been out of work for 7 months and believe me, it’s not an easy feat finding a job.
Kathy about the starting up a home business “Shopping Club”, I am interested to learn more about this opportunity. Thank you!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
January 31, 2019 at 10:36 amGlad you enjoyed the list!
I’m not sure what opportunity Kathy is trying to promote — just remember to do your due diligence and research the opportunity extensively.
Marissa Stoddard says
December 16, 2017 at 2:50 pmThank you for the informative article, I have been doing a little bit of research for a legitimate work from home job. Ideally doing some sort of data entry or similar nature that I can work at anytime during the day or night. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks again!
Margaret says
October 23, 2017 at 8:13 amHi Holly! Cool post. But it’d be better if you’d add my company to this list :)
We’re currently looking for all pairs of languages translators for freelance work. More info on the website under my name.
Taylor Lynn Duncan says
September 28, 2017 at 10:18 pmI am in serious need of a good work at home job. I have a one year old son, my husband is the only one that works, makes $225 a week. Our house bill is $200, electric $100, internet and phone $70, car insurance $130. Not to mention, groceries, stuff for my son, like diapers, wipes, clothes,etc. I am so stressed all the time and really need to find something, anything. Please help. Don’t have computer but has a smartphone. No extra cash to spend. I can get a headset if needed. Please, help.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
October 1, 2017 at 2:06 pmHi Taylor,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-smart-phone/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/short-task-sites/
Joanne Do says
September 3, 2017 at 10:12 pmUnfortunately I do not have any prior experience working from home. But I really would like to. I applied to everywhere and no one wants to move into the next step with my application. I need a work from home job because I’m a full time student and it would be easier for me. Please help. Not getting any luck and I’m in big debt.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
September 4, 2017 at 5:00 pmHi Joanne,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/summer-side-hustles/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-in-between-classes/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/jobs-college-students/
Nelsan says
August 25, 2017 at 9:59 amI only have my phone with Wi-Fi connection. And I just preferred a work that just typing only. Can I get any?
Aghama Victory says
August 24, 2017 at 6:59 amHi I would like too work online but im in Nigeria, can I get any
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
August 24, 2017 at 7:26 amThe Work at Home Woman is geared for U.S. residents.
Take a look at FlexJobs for international work-at-home jobs:
http://flexjobsrocks.go2cloud.org/SHPF (affiliate link)
Good luck!
Sheila merk says
June 29, 2017 at 11:02 amI am 68 ,and a retired RN. Would love to find part time WAH job. Have internet but slow. Not too computer savvy. Able to talk to clients about medical things or ask questions for insurance co. Any ideas
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 30, 2017 at 11:17 amHi Shelia, I’m an RN too, however, I’m not presently practicing. Check out this post, there are lots of great work-at-home jobs for nurses: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/remote-jobs-nurses/
Lynn says
June 26, 2017 at 12:36 pmHi Holly,
I’m deaf and I would like to work at home but most home base work requires using the phone and I cannot hear to talk. Is there any homebase work to do any typing only?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 26, 2017 at 2:19 pmHi Lynn, Yes, there are many jobs that don’t require phone work. Here is a list to get your started: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/non-phone-jobs/
Tiffany says
June 22, 2017 at 9:15 pmhello Holly,
Do you know of any online jobs that doesn’t require talking on a phone ? I do have experience on websites such as crowdflower and Microworkers. Any information is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 26, 2017 at 2:29 pmHi Tiffany, Yes, there are lots of jobs that don’t require phone work. Check out this list to get started: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/non-phone-jobs/
Kimberly Gullick says
June 9, 2017 at 2:57 pmOk i travel with my husband as he works the oil industry. Is there any work from home jobs that are legit and that i can do. I have a laptop and always have wifi internet and i have mobile Internet on my laptop and tablets. I can always buy another cell phone for business if needed. Please i need something to do.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
June 12, 2017 at 7:08 amCheck out these posts to get started:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/jobs-that-pay-19-or-more-per-hour/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
Peggy says
May 28, 2017 at 1:33 pmHi Holly,
I’m getting to retire from an Court Administrative position and I am looking for a remote work at home position.I do a lot of data entry on computer and I work extremely well alone…I am very detail oriented…any suggestions would be greatly appreciated…I have been scammed so many times…
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
May 29, 2017 at 9:10 amHi Peggy,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/typing-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
Tracey says
May 11, 2017 at 6:02 amHi Holly. Any legit work at home gigs that I can use my smart phone for? Don’t have a computer and am looking for some extra money.
Thanks.
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
May 11, 2017 at 7:08 amHi Tracey, Take a look at this post for smartphone apps: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/make-money-smart-phone/
Roxy says
April 4, 2017 at 4:42 pmHello, I have a special needs daughter and a younger child. The work force outside in the real world isn’t as I would’ve hoped for as a caregiver and the crazy split up hours and I was wondering if you have any suggestions as to what isn’t as stressful for at home jobs that can help with extra money but yet where I can possibly leave my job? Thank you
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
April 5, 2017 at 7:23 amHi Roxy,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
Vera Bowman says
April 1, 2017 at 10:04 pmHi your resources are amazing! I could really use your help. Do you have information on work at home part-time work? I’m a recent college graduate, with very little work experience. Suffer with PTSD and depression, so I can’t handle a lot of stressful over the phone work . I work well alone, I’m good with computers, but I’m not a typist. I use Dragon dictating software to get assignments done. I’m in a situation in which I can’t make over 16,200 taxable income for at least three years, for student loan purposes. But I really need money to pay off other bills do you know of any resources that can help me? Thank You
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
April 3, 2017 at 7:41 amHi Vera,
Check out these articles for ideas:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/jobs-loners/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/non-phone-jobs/
Lisa Cane says
February 28, 2017 at 9:04 amHaving done the Customer Service gig in the past and am considering it again to make some extra cash, but I would absolutely love to find a chat and/or email position rather than having to take phone calls. Any suggestions?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
March 1, 2017 at 9:51 amHi Lisa, Check out this post for Chat Agent Jobs: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/chat-agent-jobs/ Good luck and keep us posted!
Mel says
February 17, 2017 at 12:33 amHello,
I’m pregnant and looking for some part-time income. If I could make 6-700$ per week I would consider full time. Any suggestions??
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
February 17, 2017 at 7:20 amHi Mel,
These articles will give you a great place to start your WAH job search:
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/best-work-from-home-jobs/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/right-job/
http://www.theworkathomewoman.com/work-home-jobs-location/
Mel says
February 17, 2017 at 11:25 amThank you.God bless!!
Mo says
July 11, 2017 at 12:10 pmAre there still open positions available if so what do I need to do to start making income
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
July 12, 2017 at 8:07 amYes, click on the links above to check out the various jobs available.
Dawn Zerbe says
February 1, 2017 at 10:23 amHolly, I’m retired & have been out of the workforce for several years, but I’m bored, don’t feel useful & could use some extra cash! At one time I was Microsoft certified – Word, Excel & PowerPoint. I enjoy working on the computer, although I can no longer handle 8-10 hour days. I also enjoyed being part of the team that created marketing materials for insurance & financial products. So, now I’m thinking part-time, proof-reading, data entry – no stress! What do you think? Sound reasonable?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
February 1, 2017 at 2:48 pmHi Dawn,
There are lots of part-time opportunities available.
You mentioned proofreading and data entry, so I’m leaving you a couple of links to explore those options.
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/caitlin-pyle/
https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/typing-jobs/
Let me know if you have further questions — happy to help!
kim says
January 20, 2017 at 10:59 pmI’m looking for a work from home job for some one that has little computer experience. Looking for jobs that pay $10 or more. Any idea? must b legit
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
January 23, 2017 at 8:30 amHi Kim, Have you thought about customer service gigs? Then page has a whole list of opportunities: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/wah-jobs/
Smith says
December 19, 2016 at 9:25 amHi Holly:
Can you tell me if/how income from these at home jobs are subjected to federal or state income taxes? If we had one/many of these jobs, would each employer treat us as an independent 1099 subcontractor? Is it up to us to calculate the percentage of witholdings? Just curious if/how that all plays out. Many thanks!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 19, 2016 at 11:03 amHi Smith,
Some of these jobs are independent contractor positions and others you’re hired on as an employee. If you’re working as an independent contractor (1099 subcontractor), you will need to keep track of your earnings and expenses and then pay quarterly self-employment taxes. Programs like GoDaddy Bookkeeping can help you determine how much you owe each quarter based on your earnings.
For more information on being a 1099 contractor — see this post: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/1099-contractor/
Maria says
December 19, 2016 at 8:23 amHi , I need a part time work at home ,any other work beside using a computer?
Hand made products? Also if there’s any link for bilingual work at home ..
Thank you..
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 19, 2016 at 10:59 amHi Maria,
Sadly, assembly work is a scam — you can read about it here: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/assembly-jobs/
What sort of work are you looking for? There are all sorts of third-party platforms that can connect you to on-demand gigs.
Rich says
December 19, 2016 at 7:39 amI need a work at home job but i’m based in South Africa. Can you do update refer me to a link of worldwide work at home job?
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 19, 2016 at 10:57 amHi Rich,
The Work at Home Woman is geared for U.S. residents.
Take a look at FlexJobs for international work-at-home jobs:
http://flexjobsrocks.go2cloud.org/SHPF (affiliate link)
Good luck!
Jessica Brooks says
December 16, 2016 at 4:42 amI would love to work at home got a computer but no Internet so im out of luck!
Holly - The Work at Home Woman says
December 16, 2016 at 7:44 amJessica, Yes, that is the downfall of remote positions. You’re required to supply stuff like high-speed internet and a computer. If I come across an opportunity that offers laptops and internet I’ll add it to the post. Thanks for stopping by!