Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

To add cash in The Sims 3, open the cheat console with Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows or Command+Shift+C on Mac, then enter kaching for 1,000 Simoleons or motherlode for 50,000. For other effects, the community references below list commands for setting household funds, enabling testing interactions, and exposing hidden Buy Mode objects. These instructions come from community sources, not a current official EA cheat manual, so behavior may vary by game version and installed expansions.

Open the cheat console

  1. Load your household and enter Live Mode.
  2. Press Ctrl+Shift+C on Windows, or Command+Shift+C on Mac, to open the cheat bar. These shortcuts are listed in an EA Forums community post (EA Forums cheat list).
  3. Type a command and press Enter. If the bar does not appear, check that the game window is active and try the shortcut again.

The cheat instructions cited here are community guidance. The available sources do not establish that every command works identically across all patches, platforms, or expansion combinations.

Choose a money cheat

Command Effect listed by the community source Best fit
kaching Adds 1,000 Simoleons A small cash increase
motherlode Adds 50,000 Simoleons A larger cash increase
familyfunds [sims last name] [money wanted] Sets household funds to the amount entered Choosing a particular household balance

The first two amounts and the familyfunds format are listed in the EA Forums community cheat post. For familyfunds, replace the bracketed guidance with the household surname and desired amount; the forum post also states a maximum, but that limit is community guidance and should be verified in your version rather than assumed to apply universally.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use testing and debug options

Enable additional interactions

Enter testingcheatsenabled true in the console to enable additional interaction cheats, as described by the EA Forums list. It is a prerequisite for some community instructions, including the Buy Mode debug option below. The same post lists make happy and make motives [static|dynamic] as further gameplay commands; treat them as community-listed options, not an exhaustive or officially validated command reference.

#1 Best Overall
The Sims 3 - PC
  • New Seamless, Open Neighborhood—Explore the neighborhood freely
  • New Create A Sim—Create any Sim you can imagine
  • New Realistic Personalities—Every Sim is a unique person, with a distinct personality
  • New Unlimited Customization—Everyone can customize everything
  • The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief

Reveal hidden Buy Mode objects

Mod The Sims’ Buydebug guide describes entering buydebug after testingcheatsenabled true to expose hidden objects in Buy Mode. The guide is community-maintained, and the available references do not confirm identical behavior for every game version or expansion.

Other listed build and purchase commands

The community cheat references also list freerealestate for buying homes without the usual funds restriction and moveobjects for moving objects in Build/Buy mode. Refer to the EA Forums cheat list for these commands, and confirm any unusual or expansion-specific effect in your own installation.

Rank #2
The Sims 3 Island Paradise - PC/Mac
  • Be it by paddleboat or speedboat, your Sims can now leave port to discover new lands and explore like never before, from inter-island travel to discovering their own uncharted island
  • Create a family-friendly resort of waterslides and buffet tables, a romantic retreat dotted with minimalist cottages, or a singles resort featuring multiple pool bars where Sims can mingle and flirt. Choose and fine-tune your amenities, set your price
  • See what surprises await under the sea as your Sims build their skills in snorkeling/scuba diving. Your Sims may find them on the shore of a new island or discover sunken or buried treasure
  • New stilted foundations give your Sims the best of both worlds, a home that's partially on the water and partially on land. Build a resort, create travelling houseboats, and customize your very own island paradise for your Sims
  • Requires The Sims 3 to play

Are cheats allowed in The Sims 3?

In an EA Forums discussion about cheat use, EA community administrator EA_David wrote, “Hey, we’re ok with cheats in The Sims 3,” distinguishing single-player play from multiplayer cheating. This is a forum response, not a formal policy document; see the EA Forums discussion.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Where to get The Sims 3

EA’s official game page currently lists The Sims 3 for purchase through the EA app on Windows and Mac. The cheat instructions above are separate community references, not an official EA command manual.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
The Sims 3 - PC
The Sims 3 - PC
New Seamless, Open Neighborhood—Explore the neighborhood freely; New Create A Sim—Create any Sim you can imagine
$24.27
Bestseller No. 2
The Sims 3 Island Paradise - PC/Mac
The Sims 3 Island Paradise - PC/Mac
Requires The Sims 3 to play
$12.95
Bestseller No. 3
Bestseller No. 4
The Sims 3: Pets Expansion Pack
The Sims 3: Pets Expansion Pack
Be the pet - Wield control of your pets to chase, dig, tackle, and more; Requires The Sims 3​ to install & play
$8.95
Bestseller No. 5
The Sims 3 Seasons
The Sims 3 Seasons
Experience the most intense, immersive battlefield yet. You will never be the same.
$32.26
Best Value
The Sims 3 Seasons
  • Assemble your company of customized soldiers, weapons, and vehicles - then take them on an epic journey through the tides of War.
  • Experience the most intense, immersive battlefield yet. You will never be the same.
  • Play firestorm battle royal, reimagined for battlefield V. Scavenge, fight, and survive to become the last squad standing.
Rank #4
The Sims 3: Pets Expansion Pack
  • Be the pet - Wield control of your pets to chase, dig, tackle, and more
  • Determine the personalities of your Sims' pets, from intelligent, friendly, and proud to playful, adventurous, and aggressive
  • Pets can learn skills - Cats and dogs can learn to hunt, dogs can learn to locate collectibles and fetch your Sims a date
  • Sims can take their pets outside - Take Spike to the park, bring Whiskers to the library, or ride Star to the new Equestrian Center
  • Requires The Sims 3​ to install & play
Rank #3
The Sims 3 Supernatural
  • Play as supernatural Sims: Create witches, wizards, werewolves, more intriguing vampires, and fairies, each with their own magical abilities, traits, and interactions.
  • Explore the town of Moonlight Falls: Discover what mysteries and abilities are revealed by the light of the full moon. Will your Sims freak out or become more powerful?
  • Hone your magical crafts and share the enchantment: Learn to cast spells and find rare ingredients to brew elixirs, so you can charm or hex your Sims’ lives.
  • Discover supernatural items: Race around the arena on your broomstick, visit the gypsy caravan, or preen in front of your magic mirror.
  • Zombification: Mix a special elixir to create shuffling, brain-hungry monsters of your very own. Chomp on other Sims to spread the love and wreak havoc. Don’t fret, you can always concoct an elixir to change your Sims back

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.