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How to Make $20 Instantly in 2023 (No Scams)

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In the past, I have written about the many ways to make $200 fast in one day as well as the more than 30+ ways to make $100 fast.  It’s a lot to absorb if you want to start making money fast online.  I recommend you check them out when you get the time.

Now, what happens if you don’t need $100?  What if you only need $20 and you want to make that $20 instantly?

That’s even better as making $20 is going to be a lot easier than making $100, $200 or $1,000, right?  While it will take some work, it can be done as long as you’re willing to set aside an hour of your time.  Keep in mind while I say “instant,” it doesn’t mean you can just click on a button and watch your PayPal balance increase by $20.  If only it were that easy.  If you have that mindset, it will make it that much easier to make $20 instantly.

So, without further adieu, let’s explore the many ways to start making $20 instantly.  From answering questions to testing websites, I cover it all.  Hopefully, at the end of the day, you will have a $20 balance to spend on whatever you may need.

How to Make $20 Instantly

Swagbucks

I love Swagbucks.  I’m an avid user and sign it at least daily to complete $1 to $5 in surveys.  I find it to be very easy money and I enjoy the surveys I take.  It’s not life-changing money, but if you need $20 instantly, you can earn it in at least one to two days by completing the surveys on your dashboard.  Depending on your demographic, you may receive a ton of surveys and you could see a $20 balance at the end of the day, but for some, it could take a day or two.  Let me reiterate, your results will vary.  

For example, when I was completing this guide, I logged into my Swagbucks account and saw these surveys available on my dashboard:

Keep in mind that every SB is worth $0.01, so the 150 SB + the 75 SB bonus would be worth $2.25 in value.  These surveys pop up all the time, sometimes even much more in value.  I have completed journals that have paid out $20 and even participated in virtual focus groups that paid $75.

As long as you don’t mind answering questions, this is one of the easiest ways to earn $20 by the end of the day.  Be sure to follow the link below as they often offer $5 in free money just for signing up and meeting the restrictions, making it that much easier to reach your $20 goal.



Survey Junkie

Survey Junkie is another favorite of mine, primarily due to it being so easy to use.  What you’re going to find out is that so many of your survey sites have other ways to make money, such as completing offers, watching TV, playing games, etc.  While nothing is wrong with this, most of your money will come from surveys and sometimes what are known as “money-makers,” which are simply offers that make sense to sign up for because you will come out financially.

With Survey Junkie, it’s just like Swagbucks to me.  It always has a ton of surveys and I can easily earn $5, $10, sometimes even more.  It’s like anything.  How long are you willing to work at it?

While writing, this was a quick glance at my dashboard…

Every point is worth a penny, simply meaning that 110 points survey would be worth $1.10 and so forth.  Once you hit at least $5 in points, you can request a cash out and receive your cash almost instantly in a lot of cases!

Quick Thoughts

Quick Thoughts is one of my favorite survey apps.  I qualify for almost all of them and I can easily make $5 to $10 per day.  The only downfall, however, is that they don’t offer a cash payout at this time; rather, you can only receive an Amazon gift card.  The good news, however, is that once you earn your $10, you can cash out and they send out the gift card immediately to the email on file.

Most surveys on Quick Thoughts range from $1 to more than $6 and usually take no more than five to 10 minutes of your time.  In some cases, the surveys can be longer, but they do a very good job at telling you how long it will take you to complete the survey.

I have found that you can complete about five to 10 surveys a day, so it may take you two days to earn $20 in Amazon gift cards.

Nonetheless, it’s one of the best money-making apps and I highly recommend you add it to your phone.  It’s 100% free to join.

InstaGC

As the name implies, InstaGC is instant payouts, making it one of my favorite options on the list.  Aside from Quick Thoughts, it’s one of your faster options.

On this platform, you can answer survey questions, compete offers or even download apps to earn cash.   There’s a lot to do and they network with some of the bigger third-party offerwalls.

The great thing about it is that you can cash out right away and get paid immediately in most cases.  Plus, the payout minimum is only $1, making it one of the lowest options online.

InboxDollars

InboxDollars is another that works just like Swagbucks.  In fact, it was recently bought out by Prodege, the same company that runs Swagbucks.

Most of your money will be made in surveys, and again, depending on your demographic, you may be able to make $20 almost instantly or it could take you a week or so.  You may just need to sign up to find out.

For instance, when I logged in, I had multiple survey options, most of which averaged $0.50 to more than $2+ each.  That graphic you see below continues on.

Aside from making cash with surveys, you can also complete offers, watch videos, download coupons for cash and much more.  Using the link below, you can earn a $5 bonus as long as you complete the checklist they give you.

MyPoints

MyPoints is yet another company owned by Prodege.  Yes, the same as Inbox Dollars and Swagbucks.  Even though they are operated beneath the same umbrella, it doesn’t mean you can’t sign up for all of them.

MyPoints is one I reviewed in the past and found it as a decent way to earn some side cash, however, the thing I didn’t like about it was the points system.  It wasn’t as easy one point per penny.

So, that 128 point survey isn’t worth $1.28.  Rather, it’s worth $0.512 if you use the redemption math, seeing a $1+ Amazon gift card will cost you 250 points.   As my general rule of thumb, I cut the points in half and that’s what it’s worth on a penny per point basis.

It’s one I would consider, but it wouldn’t be one I would keep high on the list.  However, if you mix this with the others, you can reach a $20 payout in no time.

Amazon MTurk

The Amazon Mechanical Turk is one of the best ways to make $20 instantly.  You won’t get rich using this platform, but you could make $100, $200 or even $400+ a month if you complete a handful of tasks every day.

If you’re unfamiliar with the program, it’s a short task center of sorts.  As a member, you can browse a list of thousands of microtasks, most of which pay $0.01 to $0.10.  It’s a small fee, but they only take seconds to complete.  Tasks range from transcribing audio to taking surveys.  There’s a lot to do.

It will take a few days to get approved, but it’s one to have handy if you need cash fast.  Be sure to check out my how to find HITs worth Turking for as well as how to make $50 a day on Amazon MTurk if interested.  This free guide shows you how to find HITs, which are the jobs on the platform, worth doing.



Mistplay

Mistplay is an awesome alternative if you don’t want to take surveys and would rather play games.  The thing about this app is that it will be tough to make $20 instantly, as in 24 to 48 hours, but if you combine it with the others mentioned, I don’t see why you can’t at least add to your money pile.

To use Mistplay, it’s easy.

Just discover games on what’s known as your mixlist and choose any option that sounds of interest.  Start playing the game and earn points.  The longer you play and meet goals, the more you can make.

Once you earn enough points, you can then cash out for a variety of rewards, including Amazon, Xbox, Google Play and more.

NOTE:  If you love the idea of Mistplay, there are many more apps that work just like it.  Be sure to check out my get paid to play games guide.

PlaytestCloud

PlaytestCloud works similarly to that of Mistplay, only that they pay out more per test, usually about $9 per 15-minute test.

How it works is that you sign up as a tester, letting the company know what kind of games you play as well as your demographics.  Then, if approved, you are then sent out invites to start testing out games, a lot of which are mobile based.

As you play the game, they just ask that you allow them to record you as well as talk out loud as you play the game.  This helps the developers learn more about their games and what you think about it.

The game pays out via PayPal and it’s a quick way to $20 if you test two games within the hour.

UserTesting

UserTesting is similar to that of PlaystestCloud, only that you will test out more than just games.  You can test websites and apps, to name a few.

The premise is the same, however, you will be asked to speak your thoughts out loud as your click around the app instead of playing a game.

For every job you complete, you can earn $10, but it won’t be instant as you have to be included in the program.  Be sure to check out my UserTesting review to see how it works in detail!

NOTE:  UserTesting is one of the biggest names in the industry, but there are many other companies just like it that pay you to test websites and apps.

Sell Plasma

This is one where you could make $20 by the end of the day easily.

As long as you’re in good health and you don’t mind donating plasma, which is similar to that of donating blood, then you will make a pinch more than this.  Simply put, you shouldn’t be afraid of needles!

Take a look at an in-depth guide I created, showcasing the ways on how to find a plasma donation center as well as what you make donating it.  I also created a list of the highest-paying plasma centers in the United States.

Sell Your Electronics

This is one of the best ways to earn $20 instantly, especially if you don’t want to sign up for surveys or download an app.

Whether it’s a tablet, laptop or even video game console, websites like Decluttr will offer you a quote on the spot.  You just mail in your electronics and they give you cash.  And, if you don’t want an instant quote and would rather sell on your own, that’s fine as you can sell via the many apps/websites available online today.  Honestly, this route often yields a better return anyway.

Refer to the many guides I have written before to see how you can make some cash almost instantly.

Sell Gift Cards for Cash

If you have a gift card sitting around the house, no matter the retailer, it probably has some value, albeit not as much as the full face value.

The great thing about selling your gift card is that there are so many companies that are willing to buy it off you instantly, which means you don’t have to deal with the public and worry about any fraudulent activity.  You can also sell on your own, however, I have always experienced bad experiences in doing so.  People will buy it and then claim they never go it.  It’s not a pretty picture.

Below, follow that guide if you have any gift cards around the house.  Depending on what you have, you can get 50 to 95% of the value back in cash.

Sell Clothes

Yes, your clothes may have some value!

Generally, as long as they are name brand and they are in great condition, a company may want to buy them off from you.

This option won’t make you much, but I can’t see why you won’t make $20 fairly fast.  Refer to a post in the past where I talked about this very topic.

Take Pictures

This may be a tough one to earn $20 instantly, but it could be possible if you have the right photos.

Most of the apps that I list in the guide linked below work in a similar way.  You will have to post your photos and then wait for a buyer.  This is the reason why I say it may take some time.  It just depends on your quality and which service you use.

Nonetheless, if you have a lot of professional photos that you feel could sell, then one of the many apps linked below could be something to consider.

Sell Your Notes

If you went to college, then there could be a great chance you have notes laying around the house.

Well, did you know some companies allow you to sell your notes to other college students?

Depending on your course/subject, you can make much more than just $20.

Sell Books

Yes, people still buy books.

Whether you have college textbooks or books, there could be value.  And, the best part is that you can sell right back to the company for a quick sell.  You can sell on your own as well if you wish, it’s up to you.

There are a few companies online that will buy your books immediately, all of which you can find in my guides linked below.

More Ways to Make $20 Fast (not instantly, however)



Deliver Food With Apps

It won’t make you $20 instantly, but a lot of these food delivery apps will get you approved in less than 48 hours as long as you pass the background check and you have an approved car.  This means you can make $20 in a few days in almost an hour.

I deliver with many of the food delivery apps on the side, such as Uber and Doordash, and I can easily earn $20+ per hour gross.  This depends on your geographical region, but what I have found is that most markets can make you some decent cash.

With these apps, you can work whenever you want and it’s as easy as picking up food and dropping it off.  And, the great thing about these apps is that you can request instant payouts with almost all of them.  So, if you need $20 right now, go deliver a few orders and cash out when done.  It’s one of the easiest ways to earn cash fast as long as you have a clean background and a car.

Instacart

If you love the idea of grocery shopping, signing up for Instacart may be an idea to consider.

You just need your own car, a smartphone and just have the ability to follow directions.  It’s as easy as accepting a job on your app and then picking out the groceries on the list.

Many jobs pay north of $20 and you could easily make this in your first hour.  It will take you a few days to get accepted on the platform, so don’t expect it right away, but I promise it comes eventually.

Instacart is a great gig to keep in your back pocket anytime you  need the cash, whether it be $20 or $200.

NOTE:  Like the idea of Instacart?  Here are 7 jobs just like it.

Walk Dogs With Rover

I have mentioned Rover a few times, particularly in my the best 30+ gig economy jobs and 201+ ways to make money as a kid posts.  It’s not a way to make $20 instantly, but if you started a profile today, you could make $20 easily by the end of the week.

In short, Rover allows you to create a profile and offer your “pet” services.  From walking to pet sitting, it’s very easy to earn $20 per dog walk or even more than that if you’re willing to watch someone’s pet overnight.  It’s not much of a job, but it could be a gold mine in some areas.

You get to choose your own schedule and you can let people know what you want to charge.  Everything is in your court.

TaskRabbit

TaskRabbit is another option I have mentioned so many times.

In short, it’s an app marketplace where you can browse the many small jobs in your area, ranging from moving furniture to assembling furniture.  There’s a lot!  The cool thing about this app is that you can choose the jobs you want to do and what you want to charge.

Depending on where you live, it’s not too hard to earn $20+ per hour, but you can earn much more than this depending on your skillset.  It’s a great way to earn $20 instantly.

Joining is 100% free, but it may take a few days before you get approved to start browsing the jobs on the platform.

NOTE:  Task Rabbit isn’t the only game in town as there are more than 15+ alternatives that work just like it.

Turo

Turo is another I mentioned a few times, but I only recommend it if you don’t mind renting out your car.

The thing about Turo is that you can easily make $20 a day, regardless of where you live and what kind of car you have.  I have done it in the past and could net $50+ a day for my mini-van.

If you’re uncertain about it, I get it.  But, you have to remember people are renting from someone personal, so they won’t associate your car with a “corporate” atmosphere.  Plus, you get fantastic insurance policy, wherein Turo will cover you with up to $750,000 in liability insurance as well as protection in case of physical damage.

Like Rover, you will have to list your car and wait for a renter, but I promise you it won’t take long if you’re in a busy market.  It’s a very easy way to make $20 fast.

Babysit With Care.com

It seems like in the past, you would have to know someone if you wanted a babysitting job.  This isn’t the case anymore as the internet has a ton of job listings from families looking for babysitters, both on an on-call basis as well as full-time.

Generally, as long as you have a clean background and some experience, it’s not that hard to find someone in your neighborhood.  Websites like Care.com is free to join and allows you to see who needs your help in your area.

Sign up for the site and see who needs help.  If you see a job listing that’s of interest, apply and see if they are willing to interview.

Freelance Writing

If you love the idea of writing, then let it be known that there are a ton of ways to make money online, even if you feel you’re not the best writer in the world.  I started freelance writing years ago and made $15 to $20 an hour once I got good enough at it.  I then was able to snag some private clients and earn even more.

Whether you’re new to the field or consider yourself a seasoned pro, I have covered this topic multiple times, so I will forward you to those guides, in which I link below.

This won’t be an instant $20 today, but a lot of these companies let you get started in as little as 24 hours.

Tutoring or Teaching English Online

If you want more of a part- or full-time job, then tutoring or teaching online may be more of a job to consider.

Teaching English only can easily net you $15+ per hour and tutoring could pay much more, especially if you’re able to help with an in-demand subject such as math, science, etc.

It’s another topic I have written on in the past, so I will link to some helpful guides below.

Start Renting a Room Out

If there’s a spare room, why not rent it out?  This is a fantastic way to earn more than $20.  In fact, if you live in a touristy area, you could make triple that in a day, no problem.

The great thing about using Airbnb is that you can choose when you want to rent out your room as well as how much you want to rent your room out for.

As long as you’re comfortable dealing with strangers and having them stay the night in your house, then it’s one consider as it can make you much more than $20 instantly.

Freelancing

I hate to put freelancing here as it can take quite some time to earn $20, but it’s a great way to start making money on the side, maybe even turning into a full-time career if you offer an in-demand service.

With freelancing, you will have to promote yourself and offer something in demand, but if you work hard enough, good things can happen.  I would never stop someone from freelancing, even if the market is saturated.

If you’re interested in freelancing, there are so many great platforms out there, including…

As a freelancer, you can do almost anything, as long as it can be done online.

Freelancing is a big field, as you probably already know.  So, for now, I recommend you start with one of the many online books via Amazon or consider the many free options on YouTube to see how you can thrive as a freelancer.

Open a New Credit Card

If you have the credit to do so, there are so many credit cards out there that will give you a certain amount points/cash back just for signing up.  In some cases, it can be in the hundreds. 

Now, I would only recommend this route if you have a good credit score and you don’t mind adding a credit card to your credit report.  Usually, it doesn’t do too much damage.

There are a lot of websites to find these bonuses, but some of my favorites include the churning subreddit and NerdWallet, each of which I link below.

Final Thoughts

Phew!

I think I covered so many ways to make $20 instantly.  If you still don’t know what you want to do, then I don’t know what to tell you.

If you want to start now, then surveys are usually your best bet.  It’s pretty easy to make $20 in a day, especially if you combine the many I mentioned above.  You can also consider these options as well.

If you want to wait, then writing, freelancing and tutoring, etc, can make you much more than $20.  There are a lot of options out there!

Regardless of which option you choose, I know you can make $20 fast.  These options are legitimate, honest and will not scam you in any way.  We don’t work like that here.

If I’m missing any, be sure to let me know!  You’re always welcome to share your comments below.

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Tom Nathaniel

Hi! My name is Tom Nathaniel, and I created LushDollar to help share my honest thoughts on everything money. You won't find gimmicks here. It's the Internet's most honest money site after all. I graduated from Arizona State University, and I have worked in the finance industry since 2006, consulting with multiple Fortune 5000 companies.

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