How to Earn $20 Fast: 10 Quick Ways to Earn Money Online

Need $20 quickly? Whether it's for groceries, gas, or just to make it through the day, here are 10 legitimate, fast-paying online methods to earn $20 in a matter of hours, no special skills or upfront costs required.

Overview:

1. Best Survey & Reward Apps
2. Quick Gigs You Can Do Today
3. High-Speed Payout Methods

Why You Might Need $20 Now

There are times when a quick $20 can make all the difference. Whether it's an unexpected expense, a last-minute outing, or just a little breathing room in your budget, the need for fast cash is real.

This guide offers practical, low-barrier methods to help you earn $20 online quickly. From taking surveys to selling unused items or completing small tasks, these solutions are tailored for speed and simplicity.

Best Survey & Feedback Apps

If you're looking for low-effort ways to earn money online, surveys and opinion platforms are a great place to start. They’re accessible to beginners and typically pay out via PayPal or gift cards.

1. Earn from Online Surveys and Polls

Online survey platforms reward you for sharing your opinions on products, ads, and brands.

1. Popular platforms: Branded Surveys, Swagbucks, YouGov
2. Payout method: PayPal, gift cards
3. Tip: Sign up for multiple platforms and focus on high-paying surveys to reach $20 faster.

2. Get Paid to Share Your Opinion in Market Research

For higher payouts, try market research platforms that pay you to join interviews or review products.

1. Best for: Longer-form sessions, higher payouts
2. Platforms to try: User Interviews, Respondent
3. Earnings: Typically $20 to $50 per session
4. Time required: 20 to 45 minutes per study

Turn Everyday Actions into Cash

You might already be doing things that could earn you money, like shopping or watching videos. With the right apps, you can get paid for actions you take every day.

3. Cashback Apps and Instant Shopping Bonuses

Earn money back just for buying what you already planned to buy. Many apps also offer $10–$20 sign-up bonuses.

1. Platforms: Rakuten, Ibotta, Dosh
2. How it works: Shop through the app, upload your receipt, or activate cashback offers
3. Best use case: Grocery trips, online shopping, recurring purchases

4. Watch Short Videos or Ads for Cash

This method won’t make you rich, but it can contribute toward your $20 goal if you use it consistently.

1. Apps to use: InboxDollars, PrizeRebel
2. Payout style: PayPal or gift cards
3. Good for: Passive income while multitasking, like during lunch or commuting

Sell or Rent Out Something You Own

You probably have items sitting around that could earn you money today. Selling or renting them is often the fastest way to hit a $20 target.

5. Sell an Item You Don’t Use

Decluttering can be profitable. Sell unused electronics, small appliances, or even gift cards.

1. Where to list: Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, eBay
2. Tips: Use clear, well-lit photos and include brief, honest descriptions
3. What sells quickly: Headphones, kitchen gadgets, unused gift cards

6. Rent Out a Tool, Gadget, or Skill

If selling isn't an option, renting could be.

1. Platform: Fat Llama
2. Examples of rentable items: DSLR cameras, projectors, power tools
3. Payment timing: Many users get paid the same day after the item is picked up or used

Freelance and Gig Work That Pays in Hours

If you have a skill or even a willingness to help, freelance and gig apps can get you paid fast.

7. Do a Quick Freelance Task Online

Short gigs on freelance platforms are ideal for fast income, especially if you already have a sample or template to showcase.

1. Sites to explore: Fiverr, Upwork
2. Service ideas: Resume cleanups, Canva designs, proofreading
3. Turnaround: You can often complete and deliver these in 1–2 hours

8. Complete Local Micro-Gigs

Small local tasks can often earn you $20 or more in under an hour.

1. Apps to try: TaskRabbit, Gigwalk
2. Types of work: Moving help, assembling furniture, running errands
3. Earnings: Typically $20+ per gig, depending on complexity

Fast-Moving Delivery Gigs

9. Deliver Food or Groceries

If you have access to a car, scooter, or even a bicycle, delivery apps are among the most reliable ways to earn $20 in a few hours.

1. Apps to try: DoorDash, Instacart, Uber Eats
2. Best times to drive: Mealtimes (11 am–2 pm, 5 pm–9 pm)
3. Pro tip: Sign up for multiple delivery apps and toggle between them to reduce wait time and boost your earnings
4. Bonus: Tips from customers can easily push your earnings beyond $20 for a single shift

Test and Get Paid

10. Test Websites or Mobile Apps

If you're comfortable speaking your thoughts out loud while browsing, user testing can be an easy win. These platforms pay users to navigate websites or apps and give feedback.

1. Where to sign up: UserTesting, TryMyUI
2. What you do: Perform tasks on websites while recording your screen and voice
3. Time required: Around 15 to 20 minutes per test
4. Payout range: $10 to $30, depending on the test
5. Requirements: Laptop or desktop, microphone, quiet space

Bonus Round: Instant Payout Tips

When you need your money fast, the platform’s payout speed matters just as much as the task itself. Here are some tools and tactics to get paid the same day.

1. Apps with Instant Pay:
2. Cash App: Accepts transfers from several gig platforms
3. PayPal: Available with Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and UserTesting
4. Instacart and DoorDash: Offer instant cash-out options for a small fee
5. Sign-Up Bonuses That Get You Started:
6. Rakuten: $10–$30 when you make your first purchase
7. InboxDollars: $5 bonus for new users
8. Ibotta: Bonuses when uploading your first receipt

Choose Based on Time, Tools, and Trust

Not every fast-money method fits every situation. Here's how to decide:

1. If you have 20 minutes: Take a survey or do a quick user test
2. If you own an item you don’t need: Sell it on Facebook Marketplace
3. If you can get out and move around: Sign up for a delivery or errand app

Whatever you choose, prioritize platforms with instant payouts, low (or no) fees, and strong user reviews. With the right mix of tools and timing, earning $20 today is absolutely doable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the fastest way to earn $20 today?

Complete a 20-minute website test on UserTesting or take a few high-paying surveys on Swagbucks.

Can I make $20 without paying anything?

Absolutely. Use free apps with bonuses or sell something you already own.

Which apps offer instant PayPal payout?

Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and Gigwalk often process same-day payments to PayPal.

Is this safe? What should I avoid?

Avoid platforms that require upfront payments, bank info before tasks, or promise unrealistic returns.

What if I need to make $100 instead?

Try combining methods or look into freelance gigs and delivery apps. See our full guide on earning $100 daily online.