Why am I still broke after a heist?

Heists 1–4 pay off story debts (Madrazo, FIB). The money goes to the plot, not your bank. Wait for The Big Score and post-game stock missions.

When should I do stock assassinations?

Hotel Assassination is required during the story. Do the other four after you finish the main story for maximum profit. See the Stock Assassinations guide.

Does Story money transfer to Online?

No. Completely separate accounts and characters.

What is the fastest way to get rich in Story?

Finish the story → Deathwish ending → complete optional Lester assassinations with stock investments. Can net tens of millions.

Should I grind stores and armored trucks?

They help early when missions pay little, but stocks and The Big Score matter far more. Use them as filler, not a main strategy.

Make Money in Story Mode

•Story money and GTA Online money are completely separate.
•Heists 1–4 mostly pay story debts, not your wallet.
•The Big Score (Heist 5) is your first huge personal payout.
•Stock assassinations can make tens of millions after the story.
•Side activities and robberies help between main missions.

Story money vs GTA Online money

Story Mode and GTA Online use separate bank accounts. Cash you earn as Michael, Franklin, or Trevor does not carry into Online and vice versa. This guide is Story Mode only. For Online grinding, see the Make Money guide under the Online section.

Tip: If you are short on cash in Story, you cannot fix it with Online money.

How you earn money in Story Mode

Main missions pay small amounts directly. Most heist money in the middle of the story goes to pay off Martin Madrazo, Steve Haines, and FIB blackmail, you do not keep most of it. Real personal wealth comes from: The Big Score finale, Lester stock assassinations (optional), Strangers and Freaks side missions, random world robberies, and post-game activities.

Heist payouts: what you actually keep

Heists 1–4 (Jewel Store, Merryweather, Paleto, Bureau Raid): payouts cover story expenses. Treat them as plot, not savings. Heist 5 (The Big Score): the Union Depository gold job. Tthis is the campaign's biggest cash reward you personally bank. Payout varies by approach (Subtle vs Obvious) and optional setup choices. Save before the finale if you want to retry for a better take.

Approaches:Subtle approach on The Big Score often balances risk and reward. Obvious can pay well but is more chaotic.

Tip: See the Story Heists guide for approach details on all five heists.

Early and mid-game: side cash

While progressing the story, pick up extra cash from: Armored trucks (drive-by or sticky bomb the rear doors), convenience store robberies (point gun at clerk, low payout, raises wanted level), random event encounters (some reward cash if you help NPCs), and Strangers and Freaks missions (many pay $5K–$30K). These are supplements, not substitutes for heists and stocks.

Tip: Use Franklin for drive-by armored truck robberies, his special ability helps aim.

Properties and garages in Story

Each protagonist gets a safehouse through the story, you do not buy these. You can purchase garages to store extra vehicles (useful for heist getaway cars and custom rides). Aircraft hangar and marina slips unlock stored planes and boats. Properties are not money makers in Story, they are storage and convenience. Do not grind for a yacht; it is cosmetic.

Stock market basics (BAWSAQ & LCN)

Open your phone → Internet → BAWSAQ (affected by all players on console/PC in Story, use LCN for solo-only investing) or LCN (Liberty City National, Story-only prices). Buy low, sell high. The biggest Story profits come from Lester's assassination missions. Sstocks move predictably after each hit. Hotel Assassination is required for the story; four more are optional but lucrative.

Tip: For step-by-step stock assassination order and millions in profit, read the Stock Market Guide. See Make Money in Story Mode for the full wealth path.

Best order for maximum Story wealth

1) Play through the main story normally: do not worry about money early. 2) Do NOT invest big in stocks before optional assassinations unless following a full stock guide. 3) Complete The Big Score for your first major bank balance. 4) Pick Deathwish ending (recommended) so all three characters keep earning. 5) After credits, do the four optional Lester assassinations in the recommended order with max investment. 6) Finish Strangers and Freaks, hobbies, and collectibles at your pace.

Approaches:Advanced players save optional assassinations until after the finale and can reach $100M+ across characters combined.

What to spend money on

Weapons and ammo at Ammu-Nation before tough missions. Vehicle mods at Los Santos Customs for heist prep (armored Kuruma is popular for Online but Story heists have their own vehicles). Ammo and body armor before big shootouts. You rarely need to buy vehicles. Sstory missions give you plenty. Avoid overspending before The Big Score if you plan to invest heavily in stocks afterward.

Post-game money (after the story ends)

After the finale you keep all three characters (with Deathwish). Continue Strangers and Freaks, random events, armored trucks, and stock assassinations. There is no infinite money glitch needed for 100% completion, but stocks plus side content fund everything comfortably. Lester's assassination chain is the best post-game money source.

Common mistakes

Expecting to get rich from Heists 1–4 personally. Confusing Story cash with Online cash. Investing all money in BAWSAQ before understanding assassination order. Blowing cash on expensive cars mid-story when you need stock investment capital later. Skipping armored trucks and side missions when broke between heists.