27 Ways To Make Fast Cash Or Get Free $20 Instantly

Ever find yourself in a pinch, needing an extra $20 for a school event or an unexpected bill? I’ve been there!

Life has a way of throwing curveballs, and sometimes, those curveballs come with a price tag and a need for money now.

But don’t worry, I’ve done some homework and rounded up 26 sites and apps that are real gems for free money.

Some can help you make $20 in no time, and a few even offer a free $20 right away!

Let’s discover practical and easy ways to make money and add a little cushion to your wallet.

Quick Picks

Best Survey Site – Survey Junkie
Best For Games, Surveys, & More – Swagbucks
Best Freelancer Sites – FlexJobs

Make $20 Fast Or Free $20 Instantly

1. Survey Junkie

Let me tell you about Survey Junkie, one of the survey sites that’s been a real game-changer for me.

If you’re new to online surveys, this is your perfect starting point because they are among the highest-paying survey sites.

They kick things off with a sign-up bonus, setting you on a fast track to that free $20!

With Survey Junkie, you can also earn points each month by taking paid surveys and sharing your online browsing and shopping data.

And don’t worry, your personal information is secure; they use bank-grade security measures.

Plus, you get to choose what data you’re comfortable sharing. The more you share, the more personalized and higher-paying surveys become available.

Read more about why Survey Junkie is my favorite survey site with my honest Survey Junkie Review.

2. Swagbucks

Another favorite of mine is Swagbucks. I can’t tell you how much I love this site for making a quick buck when I have a few minutes to spare.

Whether waiting for my kids at soccer practice or taking a quick break from house chores, Swagbucks is my go-to.

You’re not just limited to taking paid surveys; you can earn when you browse the internet, play games, and snag some cash back while shopping online.

Plus, they start you off with a $10 sign-up bonus, which is pretty sweet if you ask me.

The New York Times said Swagbucks is “well established and can legitimately help you earn cash back.” Check out my in-depth Swagbucks Review to learn more.

3. KashKick

KashKick is a newer platform quickly becoming one of my go-to spots for making extra money online.

It’s a reliable platform that offers a variety of ways to earn, making it a great option for anyone looking to pad their wallet a bit.

But what makes KashKick stand out are the real cash prizes you can earn.

Whether it’s accomplishing tasks or taking surveys, there are different ways to rack up real money.

The more tasks you complete, the quicker you’ll reach that $20 goal. Then, you can easily transfer your rewards straight to your PayPal account.

See how much money you can earn with my KashKick Review.

4. Branded Surveys

Branded Surveys is another platform that’s been a hit in my circle for making some extra dough.

With a user base of over 3 million people, it’s safe to say this one’s a crowd favorite.

They offer a variety of surveys that you can take to earn points, and these points can be easily converted into PayPal cash or gift cards.

What I love about Branded Surveys is how straightforward it is for taking surveys.

You answer a few questions, collect your points, and you’re on your way to making some fast money.

Their users rave about how easy it is to cash out and the variety of reward options available.

5. InboxDollars

InboxDollars is similar to Swagbucks. It offers different ways to earn, making it a one-stop shop for quick cash.

You can make money by reading emails, which most of us do every day anyway.

They also offer surveys you can participate in, adding another layer to your earning potential.

And if you love shopping online or like to play games, well, you’re in luck. InboxDollars rewards you for that, too.

Whether you prefer free PayPal money or gift cards, they’ve got you covered. It’s a no-fuss, straightforward way to turn extra time into extra cash.

6. FlexJobs

FlexJobs is a platform that’s been great for new freelancers and anyone who wants to earn extra money without leaving the house.

What I like about FlexJobs is that they get it. They understand we’re all looking for gigs that fit our already jam-packed lives so we can make more money.

When you sign up, you’ll see a world of remote job opportunities unfold that better fit your schedule.

Whether you’re juggling kids’ schedules or just love the idea of working in your PJs, FlexJobs has something for everyone.

And let’s face it, the idea of making extra money without commuting? That’s like a dream come true.

7. Upwork

If you’re looking to earn money online and want something better than taking online surveys, Upwork is your spot.

It’s a haven for all talents- writers, designers, developers, you name it.

What sets Upwork apart is its commitment to quality and variety. You can find gigs that not only match your skills but also your schedule.

And here’s the kicker: you can make 20 dollars fast or even more, depending on your job- because you can set your hourly rate!

8. Fiverr

If you’ve got a skill, Fiverr is another place to showcase it. This online marketplace is a haven for freelancers, covering everything from graphic design to customer service.

Freelancing covers more than just pocket change; you set your own rates and can certainly earn $20+ per hour.

That’s real money you can use for groceries, bills, or even a little self-care splurge.

You can get paid via PayPal or direct deposit, making it super convenient to access your earnings. Plus, Fiverr has been around for a while, so you know it’s a platform you can trust.

9. Upside

If you’re on the road a lot, whether it’s for soccer practice runs or those endless errands, you’ll love Upside. This cashback app rewards you every time you fill up your gas tank.

Yep, you heard that right- get cash back and gift cards just for doing something you’d be doing anyway.

Upside is super user-friendly. Open the app, claim a discount offer at a nearby gas station, and shop as you normally would.

Pay with your credit or debit card, and voila, you earn cash back. You can even cash out directly to your bank account, PayPal, or choose a gift card. It’s that simple and convenient.

10.TaskRabbit

If you’re someone who loves helping out and has a knack for various tasks, then TaskRabbit is going to be your new best friend.

This platform is all about connecting you with local gigs and odd jobs right in your own neighborhood. 

Whether you’re good at cleaning, a pro at dog walking, or a handyman at heart, TaskRabbit has something for you.

The gigs range from furniture assembly to personal shopping, and the pay is pretty decent, too. You can make quick cash doing things you’re good at, and let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love that?

11. Capital One Shopping

Let’s be real, who doesn’t love a good deal? That’s where Capital One Shopping comes in.

Just install it, and it will search for available coupons and compare prices at different retailers to make sure you’re getting the absolute best deal.

But wait, there’s more! Not only does it help find deals, but it also lets you earn cash rewards while you shop online.  

12. Fetch Rewards

Fetch Rewards is a must-have for anyone pushing a shopping cart more often than they’d like to admit. You may as well get rewarded for those groceries!

Sjop like you normally would and snap a picture of your receipt to start earning cash rewards. It’s almost like getting paid to do your regular shopping.

And the best part? You can redeem your points for free gift cards to popular retailers. It’s a simple and fun way to save on everyday purchases.

They also offer personalized offers to help you earn faster. You can connect with friends in the app and earn rewards together.

13. Rakuten

Rakuten is all about cash back, too! This cashback app not only helps you save money when shopping online but also gives you a free $10 sign-up bonus.

It’s a great way to reach your $20 goal faster. You’re shopping anyway, so why not get some money back while at it?

Just shop through Rakuten, and you’ll earn cashback on your purchases.

What’s super cool about Rakuten is how it pays you. You can cash out your rewards through PayPal or even get a check mailed to you. It’s all about what’s convenient for you.

14. Mistplay

Mistplay is a mobile app that is like a playground for anyone who loves gaming on their phone. And the best part? You get rewarded for it!

Just download the app, start playing games, and you’ll accumulate points you can redeem for gift cards to popular retailers like Amazon, Starbucks, and Target.

Here’s the deal: the longer you play, the more units you earn. And these units can be redeemed for some pretty awesome rewards.

Think gift cards to your favorite stores or even PayPal cash. It’s like a double win- you have fun gaming and earn free money at the same time.

15. Blackout Bingo

If you’ve got a soft spot for bingo, you’ll love Blackout Bingo. This mobile game takes the classic bingo experience to a whole new level.

Blackout Bingo is not your grandma’s bingo game; it’s a fresh take that offers real-world rewards and cash prizes.

You can join cash tournaments that can help you reach your $20 goal while having fun.

The game is super interactive, allowing you to daub fast and use fun boosts to amp up your gameplay.

Plus, it’s got a pretty solid rating, which means many people are enjoying it and winning big.

16. Bubble Cash

Bubble Cash is all about having fun while earning real cash prizes by playing in cash tournaments.

And get this—you can win real cash prizes of up to $83 per game. That’s not chump change; that’s serious money!

Bubble Cash takes the classic bubble shooter game and adds a rewarding twist. You pop bubbles and strategize to clear you board the fastest.

The fastest you play, the more likely you are to win!

What I love about Bubble Cash is how it combines entertainment with the opportunity to earn. It’s perfect when you’re waiting in line or just have time to kill.

17. Bingo Cash

Bingo Cash is another gaming app that takes the beloved bingo game and spices it up with real cash prizes to make extra spending money.

Just like Blackout Bingo, you can play against others online to make money. The more you play, the higher your chances of hitting that $20 goal or even more.

What’s cool about Bingo Cash is that it’s not just about luck; it’s also about strategy.

The app offers a variety of game modes, so you can switch things up and keep the excitement going.

Plus, the cash prizes are a great incentive to keep playing and potentially win big.

18. Fundrise

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk about something that’s a little more long-term- investing with Fundrise.

This investment platform is an inexpensive option for anyone looking to dip their toes into real estate investment to make money.

Fundrise is all about making your money work for you. It’s not just a one-time thing; it’s about building a diversified investment portfolio that grows over time.

And the best part? You don’t need to be a Wall Street whiz to get started. The platform is user-friendly and designed for everyday people like you and me.

With a minimum of $10, you can start investing and potentially see returns ranging from 8.7% to 12.4%. That’s a pretty sweet deal for passive income if you ask me.

19. Robinhood

Ever thought about dipping your toes into the stock market but didn’t want to because of the fees?

Robinhood lets you trade stocks, ETFs, and even cryptocurrencies without commission fees. 

Yep, you read that right—zero fees. Plus, they have a sweet deal for new users: sign up and get a free stock promotion.

Their free stock can be worth anywhere from $2.50 – $200- which is all free money for investing!

Robinhood is designed to be user-friendly, so you don’t have to be a Wall Street expert to start trading. And let’s talk about the range of options you have. 

20. Betterment

Betterment is an investment platform that’s all about helping you grow your money, especially if you want more than $20 long-term. 

You can start by investing in a portfolio that’s tailored just for you. They even offer a high-yield cash account that earns 11x the national average.

So, whether saving for a rainy day or planning for the future, Betterment has got you covered.

But it’s not just about investing. Betterment also offers a range of financial planning tools to help you reach your goals. Plus, they’ve got low fees so that you can keep more of your hard-earned money. 

It’s like having a financial planner but without the hefty price tag. So, if you want to make your money work for you, Betterment is worth checking out.

21. Acorns

Acorns is like that savvy friend who always knows how to make a little go a long way.

Imagine this: you’re out grabbing groceries or treating yourself to a coffee, and this app rounds up your change and invests it for you.

Yep, as little as $5 can get you started. It’s like tossing your spare change into a jar, but instead of just sitting there, it grows and you make money. 

You don’t need to be a finance guru to get started. Acorns offers portfolios that are put together by the pros, so you can trust that your money is in good hands.

Plus, they’ve got options for retirement accounts and even kid accounts. It’s a no-fuss, set-it-and-forget-it kind of deal.

22. Upromise

If you’re like me, saving for college can be overwhelming. But Upromise is here to take some of that weight off our shoulders.

This platform gives you cash back for college savings when you shop through their site or use their credit card.

So, you’re earning money for education while regularly shopping. How awesome is that?

You sign up for free, link any financial account like your checking, savings, or even a 529 plan, and you can earn up to $30 in instant Welcome Bonuses. 

Then, every time you shop, dine, or discover deals with Upromise, you earn cash back rewards. These rewards automatically get deposited into your linked account each month.

23. Webull

Webull has completely changed how I look at stock trading. No fees, real-time market quotes, and the flexibility of extended hours trading?

Yes, please! They even offer up to $300 in free stock for new users.

And if you’re a newbie like me, they even have paper trading to practice your strategies without risking real money. It’s like a sandbox for aspiring traders.

Webull provides a wide range of investment options. You can invest in stocks, ETFs, options, and even cryptocurrencies.

The platform is user-friendly and designed to cater to both beginners and experienced traders.

And if you’re a newbie, they even have paper trading to practice your strategies without risking real money.

24. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace has been a lifesaver for me. Whenever I need to declutter, I list my items there to make money.

If you have stuff your family doesn’t need, consider donating it, but try listing it for sale first. Most stuff can sell for an easy $20!

It’s like having a virtual garage sale but without the hassle of putting up signs around the neighborhood

It’s easy- just a few photos and a description, and I’m connected with local buyers. I’ve made some quick cash by clearing out things I no longer need.

 Plus, the platform has safety features like buyer and seller ratings, so I feel secure doing transactions.

25. Nielsen

I was skeptical at first, but Nielsen is legit. I signed up, and now I get up to $60 in gift cards per year just to let them collect data on my internet habits. 

It’s like getting a little bonus for doing something I would do anyway. 

And the best part? The sign-up process was a breeze, and the app ran in the background without slowing down my computer.

26. Tada

Tada has become my shopping sidekick. I signed up and got a $15 bonus right away.

Now, every time I shop for groceries or make online purchases, I earn cashback.

I can redeem these for PayPal cash or gift cards, and it’s like my online shopping really is paying me back.

Plus, they have a wide range of partner brands, so I’m not limited in where I can earn money back. It’s like having a coupon book that’s always up to date.

27. Decluttr

Decluttr is one of the places where I turn when I’m ready to part ways with old tech items and make money.

I get an instant price quote, ship my items for free, and then get paid via PayPal or direct deposit. 

It’s like a win-win- I declutter and make some extra cash at the same time. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t have an old phone or tablet gathering dust? 

FAQs

How can I earn money instantly?

If you’re looking for ways to earn extra money instantly, here are some options that could put cash in your pocket right away:

Survey Apps like Survey Junkie
Gaming Apps like Mistplay
investing with Fundrise or Robinhood
Online Marketplaces like Decluttr
Ride-sharing on Uber
Freelance Gigs on FlexJobs

What are the easiest ways to get $20 for free?

Getting $20 for free doesn’t have to be a complicated process. Here are some of the simplest ways to do it:

Sign-Up Bonuses: Many apps and websites offer a sign-up bonus for creating an account. It’s like free money just for joining!
Cashback Apps: Apps Upside offers cashback on purchases you’re already making and are available on Google Play or Apple Store.
Online Surveys: Sites like Survey Junkie pay you for your opinion. You might need to take a few surveys to reach $20, but it’s an easy way to earn money.
Referral Programs: If you invite a friend and they sign up, you get a bonus. These can range from $5 to $20 or even more, depending on the program.
Bank Promotions: Some banks offer cash bonuses for opening a new account and meeting certain criteria. While this might require more effort, the payoff can be substantial.

Mixing and match, and you can get paid that extra $20 without breaking a sweat. And the best part? You can do most of these from the comfort of your own home. 

Do sign-up bonuses payout?

Sign-up bonuses are a real thing, but they come with their own set of rules. It’s like when you get a coupon in the mail- sure, it’s a great deal, but you’ve got to spend a certain amount first, right? 

Same idea here. Some of these bonuses ask you to make a few purchases or maybe complete some tasks before you get paid the sign-up bonus.

So, my advice? Always, always read the fine print. I know, it’s like reading the instructions to a new board game, but it’s got to be done to play the right way.

You want to know what you’re signing up for so that bonus money ends up in your pocket, and you don’t end up paying out the wazoo later.

Are there places I can get $10 for free?

Getting $10 for free is doable, and you don’t have to jump through a million hoops to win real money.

First off, those sign-up bonuses I talked about? Some of them offer a quick $10 just for joining, like Swagbucks.

Cashback apps are another easy win. Places like Rakuten or Fetch Rewards often have special deals that can net you $10 pretty quickly. It’s like getting paid to shop, and who doesn’t love that?

Don’t overlook referral programs, either. If you’ve got a friend who could benefit from an app or service you’re already using, send them your referral link to get bonus cash.

And hey, if you’ve got stuff lying around the house that you don’t need, why not sell it for extra money for your bank account?

Facebook Marketplace is perfect for this. You’d be surprised how quickly a $10 item can sell, and you get cash and less clutter

Final Thoughts

Making $20 fast or snagging free money is more than possible, and you don’t need a magic wand to make it happen with these free money-making ideas.

From those tempting sign-up bonuses to free stock to quick surveys to cash games, you have dozens of options to make extra cash.

But let’s not forget the nitty-gritty details. Always read those terms and conditions to make sure you know where the money comes from.

So go ahead! Use these apps as your roadmap to get paid that extra $20 when you need it.