8 Best Heists in GTA 5 Online, Ranked

Heists are the heart of GTA Online, delivering some of the most intense and rewarding experiences the game has to offer. These multi-stage missions test teamwork, precision, and strategy — all while offering massive payouts for those who can pull them off successfully. However, not every heist is created equal; some are easier, faster, or simply more enjoyable than others. In this guide, we’ve ranked the best heists in GTA 5 Online, taking into account their difficulty, payout potential, and overall fun factor. Whether you’re a new player looking for a profitable start or a veteran chasing the ultimate score, this list highlights the top heists that truly make GTA Online one of the best multiplayer experiences out there.

#8: The Prison Break

Payout: $700,000 (Normal) / $875,000 (Hard)
Players Required: 4

The Prison Break Heist is one of the classic missions introduced early in GTA Online, tasking a four-player crew with breaking a high-value target, Maxim Rashkovsky, out of Bolingbroke Penitentiary under the guidance of Agent 14. While the premise is thrilling, the execution can be frustrating. Players must first complete four setup missions—mostly focused on stealing vehicles and equipment—before even reaching the main job, which also comes with a $40,000 setup cost.

During the final mission, the team splits into pairs—one handling demolitions and the other rescuing the prisoner. Coordination is key, as failure or disconnection from even one player results in restarting the mission entirely. Combined with waves of aggressive enemies and heavy gunfire, the heist quickly becomes chaotic.

Although The Prison Break offers solid action and nostalgia as one of GTA Online’s earliest heists, its punishing difficulty, dependence on flawless teamwork, and relatively modest payout make it one of the least rewarding options today. For many players, it’s a fun throwback—but not the best choice for making fast money in Los Santos.

#7: The Fleeca Job

Payout: $201,250 (Normal) / $250,250 (Hard)
Players Required: 2

The Fleeca Job is the first-ever heist added to GTA Online and serves as the perfect introduction to the game’s heist system. Designed for two players, it’s quick, straightforward, and ideal for beginners looking to get their first taste of high-stakes crime in Los Santos. One player takes the wheel while the other drills into the bank vault, and after securing the cash, the duo makes a daring escape in an armored getaway vehicle before being airlifted out in dramatic fashion.

This heist stands out for its accessibility—most players can finish it in under 30 minutes, and the payout, while modest, doesn’t need to be split among a large crew. Plus, your first attempt is fully funded by Lester, making it risk-free to start. Although later heists offer higher rewards and more complex setups, the Fleeca Job remains a classic for its simplicity, fun getaway sequence, and excellent replay value. It’s still one of the best quick-money options for new players in GTA Online.

#6: Series A Funding

Payout: $707,000 (Normal) / $883,750 (Hard)
Players Required: 4

The Series A Funding heist is another classic from GTA Online’s early days, featuring none other than Trevor Philips, one of GTA 5’s most unpredictable and entertaining characters. This heist revolves around stealing and delivering drugs for Trevor’s operation, with plenty of chaos and wild dialogue along the way. It’s a true throwback to the kind of unhinged fun that made the single-player story so memorable.

However, like The Prison Break, this heist demands flawless coordination from all four players. One mistake, death, or disconnection means restarting the mission entirely, which can be frustrating for those playing with random teammates. Still, the setups and finale are slightly easier and faster than the earlier heists, making it a better overall experience in terms of time and payout balance.

While Series A Funding isn’t the most efficient money-maker in GTA Online, it’s worth playing at least once for the story, humor, and pure Trevor energy that drives the mission. It’s a chaotic but memorable ride that captures the spirit of old-school GTA perfectly.

#5: The Bogdan Problem (Doomsday Heist Part 2)

Payout: $1,425,000 (Normal) / $1,781,250 (Hard)
Players Required: 2–4

Part two of the Doomsday Heist, known as The Bogdan Problem, is easily one of the most cinematic and action-packed missions in GTA Online. With a setup fee of $25,000 and five intense prep missions, this heist takes players through a mix of land, sea, and air operations using some of the game’s most advanced vehicles. You’ll steal Deluxos (flying cars), Strombergs (submersible sports cars), and an Avenger VTOL aircraft to prepare for the explosive finale.

In the main heist, the crew splits into two teams—one infiltrates a submarine to confront Bogdan and disable his operations, while the other provides air support, taking down waves of enemies in attack helicopters. Between underwater combat, aerial dogfights, and a high-speed escape sequence, this mission delivers constant adrenaline and feels like a full-blown action movie.

While The Bogdan Problem demands strong coordination and patience during setups, it offers an excellent payout and one of the most exciting finales in GTA Online history. It’s a perfect mix of creativity, teamwork, and chaos that makes it stand out as one of the best heists Rockstar has ever designed.

#4: The Humane Labs Raid

Payout: $945,000 (Normal) / $1,181,500 (Hard)
Players Required: 4

The Humane Labs Raid is one of the most thrilling and cinematic heists in GTA Online, blending stealth, teamwork, and action into one unforgettable mission. With a setup fee of $54,000 and five challenging prep missions, players must steal heavily guarded vehicles, fight through Merryweather forces, and capture a Valkyrie gunship before launching the main operation.

In the finale, your crew infiltrates the top-secret Humane Labs facility to recover classified biological weapons. Equipped with Night Vision goggles, suppressed weapons, and Scuba gear, players sneak through dark corridors and take out enemies with precision before the mission inevitably erupts into chaos. The underwater escape sequence that follows is one of the most intense moments in the game, combining stealth and high-stakes action perfectly.

Thanks to its variety, strong team coordination, and spy-movie atmosphere, the Humane Labs Raid remains one of the best classic heists in GTA Online. It offers solid rewards, smart mission design, and a level of immersion that few other heists can match.

#3: The Diamond Casino Heist

Payout: $2,115,000 (Normal) / $2,326,500 (Hard)
Players Required: 2–4

The Diamond Casino Heist stands as one of the most ambitious and profitable missions in GTA Online. Depending on what’s stored in the vault, players can earn anywhere from the base payout to an incredible $3.6 million—making it one of the most lucrative heists in the entire game. But beyond the money, this heist is praised for its creativity, replayability, and attention to detail.

What sets the Diamond Casino Heist apart is the freedom of approach. Players can choose between three distinct strategies—Silent & Sneaky, The Big Con, or Aggressive—each offering a completely different experience and outcome. Every route requires careful planning, multiple prep missions, and the right crew to pull off the job successfully.

With stealth mechanics, disguises, and high-tech equipment, the Diamond Casino Heist feels like a Hollywood blockbuster. It rewards both smart planning and skilled execution, allowing players to truly feel like masterminds behind a multimillion-dollar operation. For those seeking a mix of challenge, variety, and massive payouts, this heist remains one of GTA Online’s most rewarding experiences.

#2: The Pacific Standard Job

Payout: $1,500,000 (Normal) / $1,875,000 (Hard)
Players Required: 4

The Pacific Standard Job is the definition of a classic GTA Online heist — a no-nonsense, high-stakes bank robbery that captures everything players love about the series. There are no flying cars, submarines, or over-the-top gadgets here — just pure, old-school chaos and teamwork. Four players plan and execute a daring robbery at the Pacific Standard Bank, pulling off one of the most iconic missions in Los Santos.

The setup cost is $25,000, and the five preparation missions are relatively simple compared to other heists, allowing players to move quickly toward the grand finale. During the main job, teams will handle crowd control, secure bags full of cash, and fight their way through waves of police in a cinematic getaway that feels straight out of a Hollywood heist movie. However, players need to stay sharp — taking gunfire can reduce the take-home pay as money literally falls out of your bag.

What makes the Pacific Standard Job so popular is its perfect balance between fun, challenge, and reward. It’s easy to set up, highly replayable, and pays well for the effort involved. Even years after release, it remains one of the most enjoyable and profitable heists in GTA Online.

#1: Cayo Perico Heist

Payout: $630,000–$1,900,000 (Normal) / $693,000–$2,090,000 (Hard)
Players Required: 1–4

The Cayo Perico Heist stands tall as the ultimate money-making mission in GTA Online — and for good reason. Set on a private tropical island owned by the infamous drug lord El Rubio, this heist delivers a completely different experience from anything else in the game. Players can choose between stealthy infiltration or going in guns blazing, giving complete freedom over how they approach each objective.

What truly sets this heist apart is that it can be completed entirely solo, allowing players to keep the full payout for themselves. The prep missions are quick and straightforward, and once you’ve scoped the island, the finale can be finished in as little as ten minutes. With flexible approaches, massive rewards, and no reliance on teammates, the Cayo Perico Heist is the perfect blend of freedom, efficiency, and fun.

It’s no surprise that this has become the go-to method for grinding cash in GTA Online. Offering a tropical setting, smooth replayability, and top-tier rewards, the Cayo Perico Heist easily earns its title as the best heist in the game — and the ultimate payday for every aspiring criminal mastermind.

Conclusion

The heists in GTA 5 Online are what truly define the game’s legacy — blending strategy, teamwork, and high-stakes action into some of the most exciting missions ever created. From the nostalgic chaos of The Prison Break to the cinematic brilliance of the Diamond Casino Heist and the solo-friendly Cayo Perico Heist, each one offers a unique experience and payout worth chasing. Whether you prefer going loud with a crew or sneaking in alone for a clean getaway, these heists deliver the perfect mix of challenge and reward. No matter your playstyle, mastering these top heists is the key to becoming a true criminal mastermind in Los Santos.