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Who wouldn’t want some extra cash? Even though finding time for a side hustle is challenging, there are plenty of ways to get free money quickly. Check out the apps, websites, and methods in this article to boost your earnings with minimal effort, especially for those with busy schedules.
1. Swagbucks (Free $10 signup bonus)
Swagbucks is an excellent platform for effortlessly earning free money online. It’s a rewards site where users get paid for doing simple tasks or trying out special offers.
The first step to making free money on Swagbucks is by signing up. New users receive a $10 welcome bonus just for creating an account. This bonus sets you on track to redeem your earnings as gift cards or cash through PayPal.
2. MyPoints (Free $10 signup bonus)
MyPoints provides opportunities to earn cash back on purchases made at numerous online retailers. Additionally, users can accumulate rewards by completing simple tasks like online surveys, watching videos, and using printable coupons. New users are welcomed with a generous $10 signup bonus, which immediately adds to your earnings!
Key Features:
- Get a $10 Amazon gift card on your first purchase
- Multiple ways to earn points for PayPal cash or gift cards
- Since 1996, MyPoints has distributed over $236 million in rewards
- An effortless side hustle to make the most of your spare time
3. InboxDollars (Free $5 signup bonus)
Make extra money with InboxDollars by sharing your opinions and experiences. Earn cash in your free time by doing quick surveys. Unlike many similar sites, InboxDollars offers a $5 bonus or free gift cards when you sign up.
To claim your bonus, create an account and verify your email. This bonus gives you a great start toward earning more.
Features:
- Earn money by taking online surveys
- Watch videos and earn cash
- Make money playing games
- Complete special offers for higher payouts
- Get paid in cash
4. Public.com (Up to $300 in free stock)
Public.com is an investing app that makes trading stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, and alternative investments easy. It allows you to buy fractional shares, so you can start investing without needing a lot of money.
The app is user-friendly and has social networking features, letting you connect with and learn from other investors. By signing up through our referral link and funding your account, Public.com will give you a free stock slice worth up to $300.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trades for stocks and ETFs
- Trading of 27 different cryptocurrencies
- Fractional shares available
- Access to alternative investments
- High-yield Treasury accounts
- Beginner-friendly and easy-to-use interface
- Connect and learn from a supportive community of investors
- The “Themes” feature helps you find investments aligned with your interests.
5. Webull (Up to $36,000 in free stock)
Webull is an investing app that grants new members an exciting opportunity: two free stocks just for signing up. But it gets better—with any deposit into your brokerage account, snag up to 10 additional free stocks, each worth as much as $3,000. That’s some serious bonus cash!
Webull doesn’t stop there—experience commission-free trading for stocks, ETFs, and options, all while accessing advanced reporting tools. The perks keep coming—sign up using our link and deposit any amount to unlock up to 12 free stocks!
Features include:
- Commission-free trades for stocks, ETFs, options, and cryptocurrency
- Purchase fractional shares with ease
- Trade during extended hours
- Access advanced reporting tools
- IRAs now offered
- Round-the-clock customer service
Get started with Webull and make the most of this generous offer!
6. Moomoo (Up to $30,000 in free stock)
Moomoo is a free investing app that gives new users a generous bonus. By signing up through a specific link, you’ll receive one free stock upon creating your account. When you deposit money into your account, you can earn up to 14 stocks, each valued at up to $2,000.
Ideal for active traders, Moomoo offers up to 15 free stocks and a choice between an extra share of $TSLA or $GOOG and a $50 cash coupon for a limited time. It’s a commission-free stock trading platform with a user-friendly app and professional-grade tools, including advanced stock screening and charting features.
Key Features:
- Commission-free trading of stocks, ETFs, options, and ADRs
- Advanced screening and charting tools
- Free real-time level 2 data
- Easy-to-use mobile app
- AI monitoring and price forecasts powered by AI
7. Earn credit card bonuses
Credit cards offer signup bonuses, similar to how banks offer incentives for switching accounts. These bonuses come in the form of cash or points. Usually, to get these rewards, you’ll need to spend a certain amount.
However, it’s manageable if you adjust how you make your monthly purchases. Remember to check the expiration date and the required spending period when you sign up for these offers.
8. Clearvoice (free $5 bonus)
Clearvoice is a survey site that provides a straightforward $5 signup bonus. Unlike Swagbucks, InboxDollars, and MyPoints, which offer multiple earning methods, Clearvoice focuses mainly on surveys.
Once you reach a $20 balance, you can quickly cash out your earnings for PayPal money, a Visa gift card, or various other rewards.
9. M1 Finance (Free $100 bonus)
Sign up for an M1 account using a referral link and deposit at least $100 within 90 days for a free $100 bonus.
M1 Finance provides an easy-to-use service with referral bonuses. They offer personalized automated investing like a robo advisor but without any fees. It’s a great opportunity to benefit from their offers.
10. Tornado (Up to $1,000 bonus)
Tornado offers a signup bonus of up to $1,000 for new members who join and make a trade within a month. While not everyone receives the full $1,000, all members do get a reward, usually ranging from $10 to $20.
11. Robinhood (Free stock for signing up)
Get free stock effortlessly by signing up for a commission-free brokerage account with Robinhood. This app lets you trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrency on your mobile or desktop.
You’ll get one share of free stock when you open a Robinhood account. You can choose to hold onto it or trade it whenever you like.
12. Empower (Free $20 signup bonus)
Empower offers free finance management software. You can track your net worth, manage bills and spending, and review financial reports. They also provide personalized services for a fee. You can use their software for free without paying for extra services.
Signing up for Empower is free and could get you a $20 Amazon gift card by connecting an active financial account through a referral link. Don’t miss out on this instant bonus!
13. Groundfloor (Free $50 bonus)
Groundfloor offers a beginner-friendly real estate investment platform. It’s excellent for those new to real estate. You can invest in house flips and earn 10% or more on your investment. It’s easy to use, and you can begin investing with just $10.
Sign up using this referral link and invest a minimum of $100 to receive a complimentary $50 bonus from Groundfloor.
14. Take advantage of your employer’s 401(k) match
A 401(k) is a retirement savings plan that may not provide immediate access to your money but offers tax benefits. By contributing to a 401(k), you reduce your taxable income during the years you make contributions.
Additionally, federal regulations encourage employers to contribute funds to your 401(k). For instance, your employer might match your contributions up to a certain percentage of your salary, such as 100% of your contributions up to 5% of your salary. This means for every dollar you contribute, your employer matches it, effectively giving you free money. Failing to take advantage of this benefit means missing out on additional cash for your retirement.
15. Bubble Cash
Bubble Cash is an entertaining bubble shooting game for iOS, Android, and Samsung devices. You can sharpen your skills by practicing solo and later enter tournaments to face opponents of comparable skill levels. Win real-money prizes easily redeemed through PayPal, Apple Pay, Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
16. Bingo Bling
Bingo Bling, available for iOS download, lets you earn money by playing Bingo. You can win cash withdrawn directly to your Apple Pay account.
17. Cash Giraffe
This Android app lets you win cash or gift cards through online games. By playing games, you earn tickets that can be exchanged for various prizes.
18. Mistplay
Mistplay is a well-known Android app that offers various games to play. By reaching certain levels in these games, users can earn rewards.
19. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie links users with relevant surveys based on their demographics, like age and location. Signing up is fast and straightforward. Completing the detailed profile boosts survey opportunities, making it worthwhile to invest extra time.
20. Branded Surveys (Free $1 signup bonus)
Branded Surveys stands out as a top survey site offering opportunities for making free money. Similar to Survey Junkie, Branded Surveys specializes in surveys as the primary income source. While it doesn’t offer alternative money-making methods, joining this site is worthwhile if you want to earn through surveys.
21. Rakuten Insight
Rakuten Insight is a recent addition to the Rakuten family. When you join, you can earn points by doing surveys. These points can be exchanged for Amazon gift cards or PayPal cash.
22. KashKick
KashKick is a platform where new users start by answering some questions. This helps KashKick find surveys that match them, offering a chance to earn cash for free.
Similar to other survey websites, the surveys that pay the most usually take more time to finish. Your earnings depend on the time you invest.
Besides surveys, KashKick provides various ways to make money using your phone. You can earn gift cards by doing easy online tasks like watching videos, playing games, and taking quick quizzes.
23. Opinion Inn ($10 signup Bonus)
Earn a $10 bonus when you sign up for Opinion Inn, a survey site where you can make money by taking surveys. Unlike some other platforms, Opinion Inn rewards you with PayPal money, not points for gift cards.
24. FreeCash.com
Check out FreeCash.com to start making money today by taking surveys and doing quick tasks. This site stands out because you can also get paid in cryptocurrency besides PayPal or gift cards.
25. Capital One Shopping
Capital One Shopping is a free browser extension designed to help you save money easily. It works by finding and applying coupon codes during your online checkout, leading to potentially significant savings.
While shopping on Amazon, Capital One Shopping searches the web for better prices for the same product. Essentially, it serves as a money-saving assistant while you shop online.
26. TopCashback
TopCashback provides some of the best cashback rates for your online shopping. Members earn cash or gift cards for purchases from thousands of participating retailers.
27. Rakuten
Rakuten is a top cashback platform, partnering with numerous retailers, websites, and restaurants to offer free money and rewards. Their browser extension provides cashback and locates and applies coupon codes while you shop online. Payments are made through paper checks or PayPal.
28. Ibotta
Ibotta is a top-rated cashback app, especially useful for saving money on groceries. It offers cashback on purchases beyond groceries, allowing you to earn cash back on many items you buy.
29. Dosh
Dosh is an app that alerts you to nearby restaurants and stores providing cashback deals. By connecting your credit or debit card, any purchases made at these places will automatically add cash rewards to your Dosh account.
You can receive these rewards through PayPal or Venmo deposits. The app operates seamlessly in the background, making it effortless for you to earn extra money without much effort.
30. Drop
Drop is a mobile app similar to Dosh that gives cashback rewards. Users link their credit or debit cards and earn cashback on everyday purchases. They can use these rewards for gift cards from various in-store and online merchants.
31. Slide
Slide offers a simple way to earn cash back. Using the app, you can get a flat 4% cash back on purchases at hundreds of stores and restaurants. If you preload your account with credit, like buying a gift card, you’ll receive 5% cash back. What’s great is that this cashback is in addition to any rewards or cash back from your credit card.
For instance, someone using the Citi Double Cash credit card, which earns 2% cash back on all purchases, can combine it with Slide to receive 7% cash back on their purchases (2% from Citi and 5% from Slide).
32. MobileXpression
MobileXpression, available for both iOS and Android, assists market research firms in understanding consumer internet usage patterns.
Once installed, the app operates discreetly on your device, generating passive income without requiring active participation beyond signup.
The app tracks internet usage behaviors, noting frequented websites and apps, duration of use, and timing, without monitoring specific activities within those platforms. MobileXpression ensures user anonymity and data security.
Users can easily earn around $50 in annual rewards through the app.
33. Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel
Nielsen Computer & Mobile Panel is a passive income app that quietly runs in the background of your mobile or desktop device to monitor your internet usage. Before sending data back to Nielsen for analysis, any identifying information is removed to ensure privacy.
This app functions by collecting data that online retailers pay Nielsen for. Retailers use this information to personalize their ads for their target audience. Nielsen shares a portion of this profit with its users.
While the rewards from this app aren’t large, they steadily accumulate over time as you continue using your device as usual. It’s a good choice for those seeking effortless rewards.
34. SavvyConnect
SavvyConnect works much like MobileXpression and Nielsen Computer and Mobile Panel. By using Savvy Connect, you can earn $5 every month for each device you connect. It’s compatible with desktop computers and mobile devices, allowing you to make easy money by sharing your non-personal data.
35. Small business knowledge center
Say goodbye to the hassle of junk mail. Instead of ignoring or sorting through piles of marketing materials, SBKC offers you a way to earn cash rewards from it.
Here’s how it works: SBKC pays members to share their direct mail and email ads on specific topics like insurance, banking, home improvements, and more.
They claim members can earn up to $20 in rewards points within six weeks. However, joining SBKC as a consumer might have a waitlist and not all applications get approved. But if you’re tired of dealing with endless junk mail, why not consider signing up with SBKC? Turn that unwanted mail into easy, free money.
36. Honeygain
Honeygain is a money-making app for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows that helps you earn passive income. It works by sharing your internet connection with third parties and splitting the profits with you.
If you use the app, remember that it uses your mobile data. If you don’t have unlimited data, it’s wise to turn off the app when not using a secure Wi-Fi connection to avoid consuming your data plan.
37. Rocket Money
Rocket Money, previously known as Truebill, is a free app designed to help you handle your finances hassle-free. It helps by cutting down your monthly bills, overseeing subscriptions, and pursuing owed refunds.
This app alerts you about recurring payments, letting you choose to stop them. It also negotiates with online banks and billing services to lower expenses like overdraft fees or late charges, making managing your money easier.
38. Trim
Trim provides services comparable to Rocket Money but at a lower cost, typically charging 30 to 33% of your savings. In addition to cost-saving and financial management services, Trim offers a high-yield savings account and a Debt Payoff service, which come with extra charges.
39. Cricket Wireless ($25 bonus)
Cricket Wireless is a mobile service known for its low rates. I’ve been a happy customer for five years. Their plans stand out because they’re contract-free, without hidden fees. New customers get a $25 credit by signing up through an active referral link. If you want affordable mobile plans, Cricket Wireless is worth considering.
40. Refer your friends
Share the love for your credit card company, favorite app, or phone carrier with friends, and you might earn cash rewards. When you refer someone to these companies, you could get money back in your pocket.
For instance, if you have a Capital One credit card in good standing, you can send a referral link to a friend. You’ll earn a cash reward once your friend gets approved for a card. The exact amount depends on your account type, but some credit cards offer a potential $150 bonus per referred friend.
As a T-Mobile customer, you can receive $50 for each friend who signs up for any plan. You could earn up to $500 per year through these referrals.
41. Sell your old devices for cash
Do you have old cell phones, computers, or other tech lying around? Turn them into cash by selling them! Use platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or Decluttr to reach buyers. Before selling, wipe your info and turn off anti-theft features. This way, you can pocket some extra money while decluttering your space.
42. Sell your old clothes
If you’ve got quality clothes in good shape and love popular brands, consider selling them online to earn some cash. Begin by registering on platforms such as Poshmark or ThredUp. Each website has guidelines and preferences for the items they accept, so it’s smart to check their rules before starting.
43. Sell your photos
If you’re skilled at photography, you can earn cash by selling high-quality images online. Register with platforms such as Shutterstock or iStock by Getty Images. Begin by submitting a selection of your top-notch photos. Once approved as a contributor, you’re ready to go. Shutterstock, for instance, has paid contributors over $1 billion.
44. Negotiate your credit card bills
You probably deal with monthly bills if you use a credit or debit card regularly. But did you know you can lower these bills by negotiating with your card provider?
Call them to ask about reducing your interest rate (APR) or waiving late payment fees. It’s worth a try – you might end up saving a lot. Even small savings can add up over time, giving you extra cash.
45. Improve your credit score
Improving your credit score may not sound like earning free money, and it isn’t just about numbers—it’s about securing a brighter financial future. Simple steps can make a big difference. Credit Sesame is a great platform to quickly get your credit score for free and begin to manage your finances better.
Firstly, prioritize paying your bills on time to build a reliable credit history. Doing so can help you save on credit expenses and qualify for lower interest rates. These small changes can add to substantial savings, giving you extra cash in the long run.
46. MissingMoney.com
MissingMoney.com helps people find unclaimed money or property in the US totaling about a billion dollars. You might likely have some unclaimed assets waiting for you.
The website lets you search your state’s database for unclaimed money. If you find something that belongs to you, you can claim it through the site without any hidden conditions.
Unclaimed property could include forgotten paychecks or rental deposits that haven’t been claimed.
Using MissingMoney is simple, doing most of the work for you. It’s a quick process, and it’s worth a try to see if there’s money waiting for you.
Remember to check all your previous addresses if you’ve moved recently, as your unclaimed money could be linked to any of them.
Personal experience: I used MissingMoney.com and found $150 from an old PayPal account. I received the check in a few weeks after claiming it!
47. Unclaimed.org
Unclaimed.org, managed by the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators, functions like MissingMoney.com. It helps you find lost assets by searching its database for unclaimed funds. It’s wise to check MissingMoney and Unclaimed.org since one database might locate assets that the other misses.
48. Benefits.gov
Finding government assistance programs that you qualify for can be challenging. Benefits.gov has a “Benefit Finder Questionnaire” to help you. Spend a few minutes answering the questions to discover programs that could be a good match for you or your family.
49. Child Care Development Fund
The Child Care Development Fund is a federal program helping families with childcare costs. It gives money to states, which then goes to eligible families. Income requirements apply, so contact your state office to see if you qualify.
50. Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal initiative managed by individual states. Its goal is to support low-income households with expenses for heating and cooling their homes. Eligibility is based on income, which varies by state. You can verify your eligibility by contacting your local state office.
51. Student Aid
You might qualify for additional financial support beyond student loans as a current student. The Federal Student Aid program offers a potential $2,000 in non-repayable funds to ease financial burdens and cover various expenses. Unlike loans, this money doesn’t require repayment, yet many remain unaware of this opportunity, leading to unclaimed funds.
Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is crucial to access this aid. This brief application, taking less than an hour, necessitates some financial documentation like bank statements and tax returns. Your school’s financial aid office can provide valuable information for further financial aid options or scholarships.
Note: Some scams promise free cash from the government. The aid programs mentioned here are genuine, but scammers often falsely offer help to access government grants or loans. Despite online claims or media reports, the US government doesn’t provide grants or free money for personal expenses or starting a business. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) confirms that offers for government grants with free money are scams. If you encounter a federal grant offer, it’s best to avoid it.
52. Class action lawsuits
Class action lawsuits are legal cases against a group or organization, like a government or a company, accused of doing something wrong, such as making a faulty product or false advertising.
Usually, these lawsuits are resolved outside of court. The people who filed the lawsuit (plaintiffs) often get some money from the settlement. For instance, if a product was faulty or advertised wrongly, the settlement might include refunds or other benefits.
Finding ongoing class action settlements related to products you bought is easy. Websites like ClassAction.org and Class Action Rebates let consumers fill out a simple form to ask for compensation.
53. Clinical Trials
Looking to join clinical trials? They often pay well, and there’s a high demand for participants. Websites like trialstoday.org, National Institutes of Health, and clinicaltrials.gov help match you with suitable trials. But remember, it’s crucial to know the risks before deciding. If you opt-in, there are usually various trials available in your area.
How can I get free money?
You’re in the right place. While it’s not as simple as asking for money and getting it, there are plenty of opportunities out there with minimal effort required. We’ve gathered the best ways for you here. All you need to do is browse through, find the ones that suit you best, click, and take the necessary steps to claim your free money.
Can I get money for free?
Yes, it is possible. The offers listed here are legitimate, including government programs and non-profit organizations aimed at assisting people. However, it’s important to manage your expectations.
Numerous options are available if you’re seeking quick access to a small amount of free money. However, receiving a substantial sum without effort or obligations is usually not feasible. Exploring a side hustle might be a better option if you require more money than what’s available here.
Do I have to pay tax on free money?
Yes, sometimes you must pay taxes on free money. Banks often consider bonus money as interest and report it on a 1099 form. However, certain types of free money, like credit card points used for travel rewards, may not be taxable. If you’re unsure about reporting, filing, and paying taxes on these bonuses, it’s best to consult a tax professional.
The bottom line
The article discusses 53 legitimate ways to get free money online, covering various platforms and methods, including survey sites, investing apps offering bonuses, cashback apps, passive income apps, unclaimed money websites, government assistance programs, class action lawsuits, and clinical trials. It emphasizes the possibility of obtaining free money through genuine opportunities but advises managing expectations and considering tax implications for some forms of earnings.