In GTA 5 and GTA Online, one of the fastest ways to earn quick cash is by robbing Armored Trucks, also known as Security Vans. These heavily guarded vehicles carry large amounts of money and appear randomly throughout the game world. Each successful heist can net you between $3,000 and $25,000, making it a profitable side activity—if you can escape the police afterward.
How to Rob an Armored Truck in GTA 5
Here’s a step-by-step guide to robbing an armored truck successfully:
1. Locate an Armored Truck
- Security Vans spawn randomly across 10+ known locations in Los Santos and Blaine County.
- In GTA Online, they begin appearing 20 minutes after the session starts.
- A blue dot labeled “Security Van” will appear on your map when you’re within 400 meters.
- Spawn frequency increases with more players in the session.
2. Approach the Truck Safely
- Some trucks are stationary while guards are loading cash.
- Others are in transit and can be hijacked while driving.
- Security guards usually escort the truck—either kill them stealthily or prepare for a shootout.
3. Open the Rear Doors
You have two options:
Sticky Bombs (Best Method)
- Throw and detonate a Sticky Bomb on the rear doors to blow them open.
Gunfire
- Shoot the rear door handles repeatedly until the doors break open.
Important: Avoid destroying the entire truck! If the truck explodes, the GTA 5 money will be lost.
4. Collect the Money
- Once the doors are open, a briefcase or money stack will drop to the ground.
- Walk over it to automatically collect the cash, usually ranging between $3,000 and $8,000 in Story Mode and up to $25,000 and RP in GTA Online.
5. Escape the Cops
- Killing guards or detonating explosives will trigger a 2+ star wanted level.
- Use alleys, underground tunnels, or fast vehicles to escape.
- Lester can be called in GTA Online to remove your wanted level (for a fee).
Spawn Locations for Armored Trucks
Here’s a list of confirmed spawn points:
| Location Name | Area | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Maze Bank West | Del Perro | Busy intersection—be cautious |
| Capital Blvd / El Rancho Blvd | Murrieta Heights | Often seen during early day hours |
| Chumash Plaza | Route 1, Chumash | Spawns in parking lot |
| Exceptionalists Way | LSIA (Airport area) | Less traffic, easier getaway |
| Union Depository, Power Street | Pillbox Hill | High security, but worth the risk |
| Fleeca Bank, Hawick Ave | Burton | Near shopping district |
| Diamond Casino & Resort | East Vinewood | Spawns near parking entrance |
| Fleeca Bank, Route 68 | Harmony | Appears more frequently at night |
| LTD Gasoline, Grapeseed Avenue | Grapeseed | Rural location—ideal for stealth |
| Blaine County Savings Bank | Paleto Bay | Look behind the bank building |
Tips for Success
- Solo Farming: Vans respawn over time, so you can revisit locations in Story Mode or new sessions in Online mode.
- Avoid Collateral Explosions: Sticky Bombs can trigger nearby car explosions and destroy the truck or money.
- Use Suppressors: In Story Mode, using suppressed weapons may delay or prevent police response.
- Upgrade Your Getaway Vehicle: Fast, armored vehicles like the Kuruma or Nightshark improve survival rates.
Robbing armored trucks in GTA 5 and GTA Online is one of the most efficient ways to make money with minimal setup. With up to $25,000 per heist in Online mode and the possibility of repeat farming, it’s a fun and lucrative criminal activity. Just be sure to plan your escape route and avoid destroying the cash.
