How To Do a Heists in GTA 5 Online

Heists are one of the best and most exciting parts of GTA Online, giving players a chance to pull off high-stakes missions, break into secure locations, and walk away with massive payouts. They’re packed with action, teamwork, and some of the most memorable moments the game has to offer, and the money you earn from them easily beats most other activities. But new players often get confused, because you can’t jump into heists the moment you start your character — there are a few steps you need to complete before you can begin. This guide explains everything you need to know about how to start heists in GTA 5 Online, including the requirements, setup process, and what you need before launching your first big score.

GTA Online Heist Requirements

To start hosting your own heists in GTA Online, you’ll need to meet a couple of basic requirements before Lester gives you access to the planning board.

Reach Rank 12:
You must be at least rank 12 in GTA Online to unlock heists. This only requires around 33,000 RP, which might sound like a lot on paper, but you can reach it in just a few hours by doing contact missions, races, or general online activities.

Buy a High-End Apartment:
Heists can’t be hosted without a planning room, which only comes with high-end apartments. The cheapest option that qualifies is Del Perro Heights, priced at $200,000, making it the most budget-friendly entry point into heist hosting. Once you own one, you’ll gain access to the planning room where all heist setups begin.

How To Start a Heist in GTA Online

Once you hit the required rank and own a high-end apartment, Lester will contact you to kick off your first heist. He’ll ask you to stop by his garment factory, where he introduces the basics and unlocks the first job: The Fleeca Job, which acts as the tutorial heist for new players. Accepting it will take you straight to your apartment’s planning room, officially starting the heist process.

As the host, you control everything — inviting players, organizing the crew, selecting vehicles, and deciding how each setup will play out. You can team up with friends or use the matchmaking system to fill your group. Most heists require a full team of four players, with the exception of Cayo Perico, which can be completed entirely solo.

After your crew is ready, you’ll need to tackle a series of setup missions. These serve as preparation for the final heist and can involve tasks like stealing getaway cars, grabbing equipment, or taking out targets. Once all the setups are complete, the main heist becomes available, letting you execute the final stage and claim the big payout.

Conclusion

Heists are easily some of the most rewarding and exciting activities in GTA Online, and once you know how to unlock them, the entire experience becomes much smoother. With the right rank, a high-end apartment, and a solid crew, you can jump into setups, plan your approach, and take on some of the biggest money-making missions in the game. Whether you’re starting with the Fleeca Job or moving on to the larger multi-stage heists, each one offers huge payouts and tons of action. Now that you know exactly how to start heists in GTA 5 Online, you can begin building your team, preparing your equipment, and working your way toward those massive end-mission rewards.