12 Ways to Find Free Money
Find Free Money (That You Might Be Missing Out On!)
12 Ways to Find Free Money (That You Might Be Missing Out On!)
Disclosure: I have included some affiliate links below, and I may receive commissions for purchases made through these links.
We could all use a little extra cash now and then. Finding free money can be a game-changer if you’re trying to pay off debt, save for a dream vacation, or build a little financial cushion.
Starting a company or a new business requires money. What if you don’t have enough to start? Things can get tricky.
Besides, if you have lots to do at home or work, you might have little time to make extra money. Many of us need fast solutions occasionally.
We want to make things easier for you. Here are some ways to find money without spending anything.
Because of that, this guide will discuss 12 ways to find free money. Although it may not solve all your problems, it could help you with some financial issues.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to get extra cash without much effort.
While making money usually requires time and effort, there are ways to uncover cash waiting for you.
From unclaimed funds to bank bonuses and rewards programs, you might leave money on the table without realizing it.
So, let’s dive into 12 ways to find free money you can use today!
1. Check Unclaimed Money Databases
Did you know that billions of dollars in unclaimed money sit in government accounts, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them?
You might have forgotten about an old savings account, a never-arrival rebate check, or an uncashed paycheck from a previous job.
Check out NeverClaimed.com, Unclaimed.org, or MissingMoney.com to see if any of this cash belongs to you.
Every year, millions of dollars go to waste on these sites because people don’t collect them.
On sites like NeverClaim, you can claim unclaimed money that could belong to you or your family members.
Searching only takes a few minutes, and you might be surprised by what you find!
2. Score Free Cash with Bank Bonuses
Many banks offer sign-up bonuses to attract new customers. If you’re considering opening a new checking or savings account, look for promotions providing free money.
Just for signing up and meeting a few simple requirements (like setting up direct deposit or maintaining a minimum balance).
This could be an excellent way to earn free cash. It requires little to no effort: if you don’t have an account, open one. That’s it!
Some banks offer bonuses of $100 to $500 just for opening an account. Just read the fine print to ensure you meet all the requirements for your reward!
3. Earn Cash Back with Reward Credit Cards
Why not get rewarded for using a credit card for everyday purchases? Cash-back and rewards credit cards offer free money in points, miles, or cash when you make purchases.
To make the most of these cards:
- Use them for everyday purchases like groceries, gas, and bills.
- Pay off the balance each month to avoid interest charges.
- Look for sign-up bonuses that reward you a few hundred dollars for meeting spending requirements.
4. Get Paid for Your Opinions on Swagbucks
If you like sharing your opinion, Swagbucks is a great way to earn free money.
You can earn points (called Swagbucks or SB) by completing surveys, watching videos, and even shopping online. Once you rack up enough points, you can redeem them for PayPal cash or gift cards.
You won’t get rich, but why not earn something extra if you’re browsing the web or watching TV?
5. Apply for Business Grants
Business grants can be a great way to get free money to start or expand a small business.
Websites like Grants.gov and SBIR.gov list grants for entrepreneurs, including those specifically for women, minorities, and veterans.
Unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid, making them a great option if you qualify.
6. Find Help with a Home Mortgage Down Payment
Buying a home? Down payment assistance programs offer free money to help first-time homebuyers afford a house. These programs vary by state but can provide thousands of dollars in grants or forgivable loans.
Check out HUD.gov or your state’s housing authority website to see what programs you might qualify for.
7. Get a College Grant (Even If You’re Not a Student!)
Most people know about Pell Grants and other student aid, but did you know that grants are also available for continuing education, professional development, and even career changes?
If you want to take a course or gain a certification, check out federal and state grant programs and employer tuition reimbursement plans.
8. Search for Class-Action Settlements
Have you ever bought a product that later turned out to be faulty or misleading? Many companies get sued in class-action lawsuits, and if you’ve purchased certain products or services, you might be entitled to a cash payout—no lawyer needed.
Check sites like TopClassActions.com to see if you can claim free money from a settlement.
9. Sell Unused Gift Cards
Have gift cards collecting dust? Instead of letting them go to waste, sell them online for cash. Websites like CardCash and Raise let you sell unwanted gift cards for up to 90% of their value.
Even if you don’t use a particular store, someone else will—and you’ll get cash instead of store credit.
10. Take Advantage of Referral Bonuses
Many companies pay you to refer friends to their services. From banks to apps like Rakuten, Uber, and Robinhood, you can earn anywhere from $5 to $50 or more just to get someone to sign up.
Check your favorite apps and services to see if they offer referral bonuses, and start sharing your links!
11. Cash In on Loyalty Programs
Retailers and restaurants love repeat customers, so they often have loyalty programs that offer free money through points, discounts, and even birthday rewards.
Sign up for loyalty programs at stores you frequently visit to accumulate free cash, discounts, and perks.
12. Get Paid to Snap Pictures of Your Receipts
Rewards apps like Fetch allow users to earn points by snapping receipts, shopping online, and playing mobile games. These points can then be redeemed for gift cards. You can earn points on the Fetch app by playing mobile games.
Turn anything you do into gift cards with Fetch. Earn at stores and restaurants, shop online, and even play free games.
9. BONUS: Make Sure to Take Advantage of Your Companies 401k Match
A 401k is a tax-advantaged retirement account that many employers offer. As an employee benefit, your company may offer a 401k Matching program.
If your employer program offers a 3% match, for example, they will contribute and match up to 3% of your salary that you contribute to the 401k matching retirement plan.
In essence, you’re earning free money from your employer. Not taking advantage of your company’s 401k matching plan is known as ‘leaving money on the table’.
Final Thoughts
Finding free money doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s often just a matter of knowing where to look! Whether it’s unclaimed funds, bank promotions, rewards programs, or grants, there are plenty of opportunities to put extra cash in your pocket.
Take a few minutes to explore these 12 ways to find free money, and you might discover unexpected cash waiting for you. Give it a shot—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain!
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