Try lending money for free, Chofetz Chaim considers it a bigger mitzva.
A couple of halachik reasons:
– people in need of loans are more limited in their choices. You can go to multiple places asking for $20, but to get a serious loan, you can only go to people who know you or are willing to do due diligence
– loans are often for people how are temporarily down and see a way to get back on their feet. It is a great mitzva to help thme now before they become totally ruined.
You also have a great feeling of relief when you are finally (after some delays) get paid back, and the other person stops avoiding you. And you can lend that money again!
If you don’t get paid, consider that you finally did what you tried to do to begin with – to give tzedokah. (just do not lend more than what you wanted to give).