Introduction
Who doesn’t want to get free money? Whether you’re looking to supplement your income or just boost your savings, the prospect of earning cash without having to do much work is always appealing. There are a variety of ways you can take advantage of opportunities to get free money. From cashback programs and sign-up bonuses to selling items and renting out rooms, the possibilities are many.
Taking Advantage of Bank Account and Credit Card Sign-Up Bonuses
One of the easiest ways to get free money is by taking advantage of bank account and credit card sign-up bonuses. Essentially, when you open a new account or credit card with certain companies, they’ll offer you a cash bonus in return. These bonuses can range in value from $50-$500 or more.
To qualify for these bonuses, you’ll usually need to meet certain requirements. For bank account bonuses, you may need to deposit a certain amount of money or make a certain number of transactions. For credit card bonuses, you may need to spend a certain amount within the first few months after opening the account.
Some popular bank account and credit card sign-up bonuses include:
- Chase Total Checking Account: $200 bonus when you open a new account and set up direct deposit
- Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card: $200 bonus when you spend $500 within the first 3 months of account opening
- American Express Platinum Card: $500 bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months of card membership
To maximize your earnings with sign-up bonuses, be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully and meet all requirements.
Participating in Reward Programs
Reward programs can be an excellent way to earn extra cash or points that can be redeemed for rewards. These programs are often offered by retailers or credit card companies and allow you to earn points or cashback for purchases you make. In some cases, you can earn as much as 5% cashback on your purchases.
Some popular reward programs include:
- Rakuten: Earn cashback on purchases from over 2,500 stores
- Swagbucks: Earn points for completing surveys, shopping online, and watching videos that can be redeemed for gift cards or cash
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card: Earn 5% cashback on purchases made at Amazon and Whole Foods Market
To earn the most points or cashback, be sure to sign up for these programs and use them regularly. You can also look for opportunities to earn bonus points or cashback by shopping at certain stores or using certain credit cards.
Completing Surveys and Small Tasks for Money
Online surveys and task websites can be a fun and easy way to earn a little extra cash. These websites will pay you in cash or gift cards for completing surveys or small tasks, such as watching videos or signing up for free trials.
Some popular websites for completing surveys and tasks include:
- Survey Junkie
- Swagbucks
- TaskRabbit
To earn the most money from these websites, be sure to sign up for multiple platforms and complete as many surveys or tasks as possible. You can also look for opportunities to earn bonus points or cashback by completing certain offers.
Selling Unused Items for Cash
If you have items lying around your home that you no longer need or use, you may be able to sell them for cash. In fact, you may be surprised at how much money you can earn by selling unwanted items.
Some popular platforms for selling items include:
- eBay
- Amazon Marketplace
- Craigslist
To increase your chances of success when selling items, be sure to take high-quality photos, write detailed descriptions, and set reasonable prices. You can also research what similar items are selling for to ensure you’re setting a fair price.
Renting Out a Spare Room on Airbnb
If you have a spare room in your home, you can consider renting it out on Airbnb. This can be a great way to earn extra cash, especially if you live in a desirable location.
To successfully rent out a room on Airbnb, be sure to:
- Create a welcoming and clean space for your guests
- Write a detailed and honest description of your space
- Set reasonable prices for your space
By following these tips, you can maximize your earnings on Airbnb. In fact, according to Airbnb, hosts in the United States earn an average of $924 per month.
Investigating and Claiming Unclaimed Funds
Believe it or not, there may be unclaimed funds out there with your name on them. These funds can come from sources like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, and unclaimed insurance policies.
To investigate and claim unclaimed funds, try:
- Searching for unclaimed funds with the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators
- Contacting your state treasurer’s office to inquire about unclaimed property
- Checking unclaimed funds databases for specific companies or organizations you’ve worked with in the past
You may be surprised at how much unclaimed money you can find. In fact, according to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, there is approximately $42 billion in unclaimed money waiting to be claimed by its rightful owners.
Cashing in Unused Gift Cards
Do you have unused gift cards lying around your home? If so, you may be able to cash them in for money. While you may not get the full value of the gift card, you can still earn some extra cash.
Some popular platforms for cashing in gift cards include:
- CardCash
- Gift Card Granny
- Raise
By cashing in your gift cards, you can free up some extra cash and put it towards your savings or other expenses.
Earning Money with Your Hobbies or Skills
Do you have a hobby or skill that you’re passionate about? If so, you may be able to monetize it and earn some extra cash. For example, you might be able to make money by:
- Teaching a music lesson
- Selling handmade crafts on Etsy
- Offering freelance writing or editing services
To monetize your hobbies or skills, start by researching what others are offering and how much they’re charging. You can also look for opportunities to promote your services on social media or online job boards.
Applying for Government Grants and Subsidies
Finally, you may be able to earn free money by applying for government grants or subsidies. These programs are designed to help individuals or businesses in need, and they can offer significant financial assistance.
Some examples of government grants and subsidies include:
- Federal Pell Grants for college students
- Small Business Administration loans and grants for entrepreneurs
- Energy assistance programs for low-income households
To successfully apply for government grants and subsidies, be sure to research what programs you’re eligible for and what the application requirements are. You may also want to work with a professional grant writer to help you craft a winning application.
Conclusion
There are many different ways to get free money, from sign-up bonuses and reward programs to selling your items and renting out your space. By taking advantage of these opportunities and following our helpful tips, you can start earning extra cash today.
