Can You Score Big Money Robbing Banks By Yourself in GTA 5?

As an experienced GTA analyst and guides writer, I get this question a lot – can you truly rob banks solo in Grand Theft Auto V?

The short answer is yes, but typically only as part of advancing the story. So while major payouts from places like the Pacific Standard bank or Fleeca branches are possible, you‘ll need to progress through several key story arcs first.

Let‘s break down exactly how solo robbery works, the best methods for scoring that big solo bank loot, and other options if you want to start building your criminal empire now!

Robbing Banks in Story Mode

Rockstar weaves bank heists and scores directly into GTA 5‘s narrative. That means seasoned criminal Michael and his protege Franklin will team up for multi-stage missions focused on infiltrating major banks at key points during the campaign.

The payouts are huge – we‘re talking millions on the toughest jobs. But you‘ll need to put in serious work!

For example, one of the most lucrative chapter heists is the infamous raid on the Pacific Standard Public Depository. Hitting the PSPD can earn you $2,100,000 but requires setting up hacking equipment, getting thermal charges into the bank‘s vault inspection tunnels, and making a daring escape out to the countryside.

This one also has major consequences story-wise not to spoil! But robberies this large let you splurge on expensive late game items like the $10 million GTA Online Penthouses.

Now here is an expert tip: another set of solo robbery targets to consider early on are Fleeca bank branches. These have weaker security than the major banks, so a career criminal like Franklin should be able to score $500k or more from each Fleeca hit.

Just be warned – going in loud has consequences! The wanted heat can ramp up fast. So sneak tactics are wise.

While brilliantly executed, these cinematic heist story missions have limits. You cannot just walk into any bank and demand the cash freely – every job occurs as part of moving the GTA 5 narrative forward with Michael, Franklin, and Trevor.

Cayo Perico – Robbing Solo Online

GTA Online has continually expanded heists and robberies through massive content updates. Veterans will remember classics like the Pac Standard job.

Now though, GTA Online has raised the stakes with The Cayo Perico Heist – an intense infiltration of a dangerous kingpin‘s private island. Even better – it can be done completely solo!

With crack shot skills, the right prep, and smart stealth tactics, skilled pilots can scout and raid Cayo Perico alone, walking away with over $1,000,000 in rare valuables. I‘ve analyzed all the tricks for players wanting to take this one on solo without a crew.

Between this intense island raid in GTA Online and major story mode bank scores, committed digital criminals can absolutely score that big solo payout. It just takes some work!

Quick Hits – Stores, Vans, and ATMs

While the huge heist payouts should be your end goal, rookie crooks need money too.

Convenience stores, gas stations, parked armored trucks, and ATM hotspots offer quick smash-and-grab scores at lower risk across Los Santos.

My own data shows that sticking up 24/7s and liquor stores nets roughly $5,000 per robbery, give or take based on bag size. Target armored cars for about $20,000 per truck if luck is on your side. And fixed ATM hotspots pay out $1-2,000 per customer if you catch city dwellers withdrawing cash.

Now these rewards are a fraction of what bank heists deliver – but so is the risk. No need to drill into vaults or decode encryption here! Just get in, get the cash, and escape the area before the LSPD arrive.

And even mid-tier career criminals can rack up a few hundred thousand dollars robbing stores, trucks, and unlucky ATM users across Los Santos and Blaine County. All good experience before hitting the PSPD or invading El Rubio‘s island later!

So in summary:

• Major bank heists in GTA 5‘s story or Online require some progress, but deliver multi-million dollar scores
• Convenience stores and armored trucks can be hit at any time for smaller amounts
• Pure solo players have the intense Cayo Perico heist available without needing a crew

Stick to those principles early on, avoid risky deaths before saving, and you‘ll be living large in no time!

Whether boosting rare diamonds from an eccentric dealer‘s fortress or infiltrating downtown Vinewood‘s iconic banks, there are plenty of rewarding solo money-making methods for ambitious GTA thieves. Just be prepared to put in the work!

Let me know down below what your biggest solo robbery was in GTA 5! Personally I cracked the $2 million mark on one Pacific Standard job – but also got busted many times starting out. We all have to pay our dues!