Games
How to Make Money in GTA 5 Story Mode: The Ultimate Guide
Making money in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA 5) Story Mode is essential for buying properties, weapons, vehicles, and upgrading your characters. Unlike GTA Online, where grinding missions and heists are the primary income sources, Story Mode offers unique money-making opportunities tied to the game’s narrative and side activities.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best ways to earn money in GTA 5 Story Mode, including stock market tricks, heist strategies, hidden cash stashes, and business investments.
1. Complete Story Missions & Heists
The main story missions and heists are the most profitable ways to earn money. Some key missions pay out millions of dollars, especially the big heists.
Best Paying Heists & Missions:
- The Jewel Store Job (Franklin & Michael) – Pays up to $2.5M (with optimal choices).
- The Paleto Score (Trevor) – Earns around $1.5M.
- The Big Score (Final Heist) – Can net up to $40M+ (if done correctly).
Heist Tips for Maximum Profit:
✔ Choose the smartest crew members (higher cut but better success).
✔ Invest in stocks before and after missions (explained below).
✔ Avoid unnecessary deaths to keep more money.
2. Invest in the Stock Market (BAWSAQ & LCN)
The stock market in GTA 5 can make you millions if you play it right. There are two exchanges:
- BAWSAQ (Affected by online trends, but works in Story Mode).
- LCN (In-game market influenced by missions).
Best Stock Market Strategies:
✅ Assassination Missions (Franklin’s Lester Missions) – These directly impact stocks.
- Hotel Assassination: Buy Betta Pharmaceuticals (BET) before, sell after.
- The Multi-Target Assassination: Invest in Debonaire Cigarettes (DEB) before, Redwood (RWC) after.
- The Vice Assassination: Buy Fruit (FRT) before, sell after.
✅ Buy Low, Sell High – Check stocks after missions for dips and rises.
3. Buy & Profit from Businesses
Owning businesses generates passive income in GTA 5. Each character can purchase properties that pay weekly.
Best Businesses to Buy:
| Business | Location | Profit (Weekly) |
|---|---|---|
| Los Santos Customs | Near Franklin’s house | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Smoke on the Water | Vespucci Beach | $1,200 – $1,800 |
| Hookies | Del Perro Pier | $1,000 – $1,500 |
Pro Tip: Complete the “Scrapyard” asset mission for Trevor to unlock weekly $1,000 income.
4. Find Hidden Cash & Collectibles
GTA 5 has hidden cash stashes, briefcases, and collectibles that reward instant money.
Best Hidden Money Locations:
💰 Underwater Shipwrecks – Contain $25,000+ in cash.
💰 Treasure Hunt (Golden Revolver) – Rewards $250,000 upon completion.
💰 Random Encounters – Some NPCs drop $5,000-$10,000 when saved.
5. Rob Stores & Armored Trucks
If you need quick cash, robbing stores and armored trucks works.
Best Robbery Methods:
🔫 Convenience Stores – Each robbery gives $1,000-$2,000.
🚛 Armored Trucks (Random Events) – Drop $5,000-$10,000 per truck.
Warning: Police response increases with each robbery.
6. Complete Side Missions & Challenges
Some side activities pay well:
- Taxi Missions (Downtown Cab Co.) – Decent payouts.
- Freaks & Strangers Missions – Some reward $10,000+.
- Street Races (Franklin) – Winning earns $5,000-$20,000.
7. Sell Stolen Cars
You can sell high-end vehicles at Los Santos Customs (once per in-game day).
Best Cars to Steal & Sell:
- Lampadati Felon GT – Sells for $9,500.
- Ocelot F620 – Sells for $8,000.
- Gallivanter Baller (SUV) – Sells for $7,000.
Final Tips for Maximum Earnings
✔ Save before heists to replay if things go wrong.
✔ Use multiple save files to test stock investments.
✔ Avoid unnecessary spending until post-game.
Conclusion
Making money in GTA 5 Story Mode is all about smart investments, heists, and side hustles. By following these strategies, you can easily earn over $100 million across all three characters.
What’s your favorite money-making method in GTA 5? Let us know in the comments!
