Task Rabbit: International Students' Side Hustle?

TaskRabbit is a company that provides a platform for freelance and self-employed individuals to find local tasks. It is currently available in the USA, England, and six other countries. To become a Tasker, one must be at least 18 years old, have a US Social Security Number, be able to work in one of the active cities in the US, and have a checking account with a financial institution, among other requirements. So, can an international student be a Tasker on TaskRabbit?

International students can work on Task Rabbit

There are a variety of tasks that can be completed as a Tasker, including furniture assembly, TV mounting, yard work, painting, plumbing, cleaning services, and delivery services. Individuals can also be hired to help with random tasks, such as organizing a pantry or picking up items for a party.

Some international students have expressed interest in joining Task Rabbit as a way to make extra money, and one user reported earning $10,000 in a year by working weekends.

Task Rabbit operates in the USA, England, and six other countries

TaskRabbit is an online marketplace that matches freelance labour with local demand. It was founded in 2008 and currently operates in the USA, England, and six other countries.

In the USA, TaskRabbit has operations in cities like Boston, San Francisco, New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Orange County. To become a Tasker in the USA, you must be at least 18 years old, have a US Social Security Number, and be able to work in one of the active cities.

TaskRabbit expanded to England in 2013, launching in London. The company chose to test a new system in London, where Taskers set their own rates and schedules, and this system was eventually implemented in all markets. In 2018, TaskRabbit expanded to Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester.

In addition to the USA and England, TaskRabbit operates in Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. The company launched in Canada in 2018, with services in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and other cities. In 2019, TaskRabbit expanded to Paris and other French cities, as well as several cities in Germany. In 2020, the company launched services in 39 cities in Spain and several cities in Portugal. Most recently, in 2021, TaskRabbit began operations in Rome and Milan, Italy.

While TaskRabbit does not specifically mention international students as Taskers, some individuals have posted on Reddit about their considerations and experiences of using TaskRabbit as international students.

A US Social Security Number is required for a background check

To become a Tasker on TaskRabbit in the United States, a US Social Security Number (SSN) is required for a background check. This is a mandatory part of the registration process, and the company that does background checks for TaskRabbit uses the SSN, along with the applicant's full legal name and date of birth, to verify the applicant's identity.

TaskRabbit processes a full criminal background check on all US Taskers. The company requires the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, address, and Social Security Number. TaskRabbit securely stores and maintains personal information in accordance with its Privacy Policy.

Taskers can update to an EIN after successfully completing registration with their Social Security Number. This means that while an SSN is required for the initial background check, Taskers can subsequently use an EIN for identification purposes.

In addition to the background check, there are other requirements to become a Tasker on TaskRabbit. These include being at least 18 or 21 years old, having a valid credit card and checking account with a financial institution, and being able to work in one of TaskRabbit's active cities in the US.

Taskers must be 18 years or older

To become a Tasker on TaskRabbit, there are several requirements that individuals must meet. One of the most important requirements is that all Taskers must be 18 years or older. This age requirement is mandatory and must be met by all individuals who wish to perform tasks on the platform.

The reason for this age restriction is likely due to the nature of the tasks that Taskers are expected to perform. Many of the tasks offered on TaskRabbit involve manual labour, such as furniture assembly, mounting services, moving, and yard work. These tasks can be physically demanding and may require a certain level of maturity and experience to complete safely and effectively.

In addition, TaskRabbit has a responsibility to ensure the safety and security of its clients. By setting the minimum age requirement at 18, TaskRabbit can help ensure that Taskers are mature enough to handle various situations and make informed decisions while performing tasks. This helps protect both the Taskers and the clients, maintaining the reputation and reliability of the platform.

Furthermore, the age requirement of 18 years or older is also practical from a legal perspective. In many jurisdictions, individuals under the age of 18 are considered minors and may have certain restrictions on their working hours, the type of work they can perform, and their ability to enter into legal agreements. By setting the minimum age at 18, TaskRabbit simplifies the legal and administrative processes involved in hiring Taskers and ensures compliance with labour laws and regulations.

It is important to note that while the minimum age requirement is 18, TaskRabbit also values experience and skills. Individuals who are 18 or older but may not have extensive work experience or specialized skills can still become Taskers. TaskRabbit offers a range of tasks that cater to different skill sets and experience levels, allowing individuals to find opportunities that match their capabilities. However, meeting the minimum age requirement of 18 years is a non-negotiable aspect of becoming a Tasker on the TaskRabbit platform.

Taskers must have a checking account with a financial institution

To become a Tasker on TaskRabbit, you must have a checking account with a financial institution. This is a requirement for registration. However, it's important to note that savings accounts, prepaid debit cards, and reloadable bank cards are not accepted.

A checking account, also known as a transactional account, current account, or demand deposit account, is a type of bank account that allows for the frequent depositing and withdrawing of funds. It provides easy access to your money through various means, such as debit cards, electronic transfers, or checks. Checking accounts are typically offered by financial institutions, including traditional banks, credit unions, and online-only banks.

When opening a checking account, there are several requirements and factors to consider:

• Choosing a financial institution: Compare account fees, requirements, and other factors such as customer service and financial stability before selecting a bank, credit union, or online-only bank.
• Proving your identity: Provide a valid government-issued ID or Social Security card to verify your identity.
• Providing proof of address: Submit documents such as a bank statement, credit card statement, or pay stub to confirm your residential address.
• Making an initial deposit: Find out if there is a minimum deposit requirement to open the checking account. This can vary between financial institutions.
• Submitting an application: Fill out and submit an account application. Your credit report and checking account history will be reviewed as part of the approval process.
• Maintaining your account: Be mindful of your account activity to avoid issues like bounced checks, unpaid overdraft fees, or fraudulent transactions, as these can impact your ability to maintain or open new accounts in the future.

Additionally, checking accounts can have various features and options, such as joint accounts, student accounts, and business accounts, each with its own specific requirements and benefits. It is essential to research and understand the specific details and requirements of the checking account you plan to open to ensure it meets your needs and eligibility.

Frequently asked questions