Money is what moves the world in GTA Online. Whether players earn their own in-game cash or use real-life currency to later purchase in-game currency, money is the focus of most elements of gameplay in Los Santos. Players need it to purchase luxury vehicles, property and just about everything else they interact with in GTA Online. While players can always buy Shark Cards for extra money, the most efficient way to make money is to start a business.
Businesses have become a staple in GTA Online since they were introduced after launch. Instead of players repeating missions and heists, companies give players the opportunity to earn money in a variety of ways. The companies allow players to earn their own money much more efficiently than the traditional methods previously used by Los Santos players. Players can choose to invest in certain businesses and sometimes see that investment pay back within days. However, players need to be smart with their money and choose the right businesses to run. There are some companies that are more likely to go bankrupt than others, which you obviously want to stay away from. Alternatively, there are also businesses that can turn a profit extremely quickly. Below we’ve outlined some of the top performing businesses in GTA Online.
bunker run

One of the most welcome additions to GTA Online has been the Bunker. This is a form of business that allows players to make and sell weapons, as well as store vehicles and serve as a hub. There are several locations that players can choose for their bunker, which we have covered in a previous guide. For players looking to start making some extra cash, running a Bunker is one of the best ways to go.
Players will primarily focus on delivery missions when running a bunker, which can take players all over the map. Depending on the size of the order, players will need more vehicles than they can handle, so it’s wise to have a friend help out. If players manage to find a friend to help them with the delivery, an entire supply list can sell for up to $750,000. Of course, this also requires players to fully upgrade their Bunker so they can gain access to additional supplies and features. However, this is simply investing more in the business. With enough effort, running Bunker can generate millions of dollars in a short period of time.
Special Cargo Warehouses

Buying a special cargo warehouse is perhaps the best way to earn money as a solo player in GTA Online. Not only can it be done at the push of a button from a CEO’s office, it can also be managed extremely easily. The main objective of the players is to secure cargo shipments to store them in a large warehouse. Players can get one box at a time or up the ante and get three boxes per shipment. Then, once players have the maximum amount of nine boxes, they can sell them for a total of $126,000. However, this is only the maximum for solo players. With a large crew, players can store over 100 cargo crates and then sell them for over $2 million.
Whether you’re doing it alone or with a group of friends, running a special cargo warehouse can be extremely profitable right from the start.
vehicle warehouse

The business of importing and exporting vehicles through a warehouse is one of the best business models in all of GTA Online. Not only does this give players the chance to make solid money selling cars, but they can also get and keep luxury vehicles and supercars. Of course, this will slightly decrease the winnings, but players will earn so much extra money that it is doubtful that many will notice.
To start with, players can stock up on as many low-end and mid-tier vehicles as possible. Once they have enough in each of their warehouses, no more quests will be assigned to them. This means that the only imports players will receive will be much higher quality vehicles. Speaking of the missions, players can participate in a variety of them to get their vehicles. There are some annoying tasks like escaping from the police, but most of them don’t take much time. Once players have completed the mission, they can choose to store or sell the vehicle they just purchased.
All players need to start this business is a vehicle warehouse. Once they have this property, they can start completing missions right from their laptop. When players want to sell a vehicle, they can talk to the dealer directly and earn around $75,000 per transaction, as long as they only sell high-end vehicles.
the little machine

This is one of the most important businesses that players must have if they want to win loads of money every night. The Arcade was added with the Diamond Casino Heist DLC and essentially acts as a base of operations for players looking to rob the casino. With players owning the gaming floor, they can plan their heist at Diamond Casino & Resort. Heisting is enjoyable and offers different ways to deal with security and rob the vault within the compound.
While that alone makes Arcade worthwhile, players can also earn passive income from owning a thriving business. Of course, this will be pennies compared to robbing the resort, but getting more revenue is always a plus. Finally, one of the most underrated aspects of owning the Arcade is access to the Master Control Terminal. This allows players to manage their other properties, like the next entry on this list.
own the nightclub

A staple of GTA Online businesses is the nightclub. Like the Arcade, the Nightclub can act as a base of operations for other properties and businesses that players have in Los Santos. While the nightclub is not the most profitable business in GTA Online, it does allow players to earn passive income. On top of that, players can hire workers to secure products that players can then sell for a big payday.
During times when players aren’t looking to win huge amounts of money, they can actually run the nightclub. There is the opportunity to customize almost everything about the club, from the lights to the drinks to the DJ. The Nightclub is an excellent business to have fun and earn money at the same time.
cocaine lockdown

Finally, we have one of the most tried and true businesses in GTA Online, Cocaine Lockup. This business requires very little effort to run and produces a solid amount of passive income. Players can start by buying a cheap Clubhouse and then buy a cocaine dungeon to start inside. Players must then purchase personnel to manufacture the cocaine and equipment to produce it. From there, the player’s job is essentially complete. From time to time, players will need to purchase more lockdown supplies, but this is a relatively inexpensive cost.
The Cocaine Lockup isn’t a huge money-making deal, but it does allow players to earn some passive income while running their more practical ventures.
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