As a private pilot, can you carry passengers for hire?

The short answer: NO!! That’s what a commercial license is for.

The FAA wants to make sure you aren’t going to crash and kill your passengers. The commercial license requires more training to include an instrument ticket. The FAA hopes this will make you safer.

But……there is a long list of exceptions in the FAR/AIM.

The exception used most often is the provision which allows you to share expenses for the flight. Be careful, though. The expenses must be shared equally. They can’t be for less than the “pro rata” share. The expenses are also limited to: fuel, oil, airport rental fees or airport expenditures (like landing fees).

If you want a complete list check out this reference: 14 CFR 61.113

In addition, here is a good article that explains it in more depth: Traps For The Unwary: Business Flying And The “Compensation Or Hire” Rule