In today’s competitive market, savvy consumers are always on the lookout for ways to maximize their purchasing power and earn extra cash. Loyalty programs have become an increasingly popular method for shoppers to get more bang for their buck. In this article, we’ll explore the top loyalty programs that can help you make money in 2024, complete with links to their websites and apps, and potential earnings for each program.
1. Chase Ultimate Rewards
Chase Ultimate Rewards continues to be a frontrunner in the loyalty program space. With the Chase Sapphire Preferred or Chase Sapphire Reserve credit cards, you can earn points on everyday purchases and travel expenses. These points can be redeemed for cash back, travel bookings, or transferred to partner airlines and hotels for even greater value.
Key benefits:
- Flexible point redemption options
- Generous sign-up bonuses
- Travel insurance and purchase protection
Potential earnings:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred: 2x points on travel and dining (2% return), 1x points on other purchases (1% return)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3x points on travel and dining (3% return), 1x points on other purchases (1% return)
- Sign-up bonuses can be worth $750 or more in travel rewards
- Average user can earn $300-$500 per year in rewards, with heavy users earning $1,000+
App availability:
2. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
For frequent Amazon shoppers, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card offers substantial cashback opportunities. Prime members earn 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Key benefits:
- No annual fee (with Prime membership)
- Instant cashback on Amazon purchases
- Metal card design
Potential earnings:
- 5% cashback on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
- 2% cashback at restaurants, gas stations, and drugstores
- 1% cashback on all other purchases
- Average Amazon Prime member could earn $300-$500 per year, with frequent shoppers earning $1,000+
App availability: Managed through the Amazon app
3. Rakuten Cash Back
Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is a cashback platform that partners with thousands of retailers. By shopping through Rakuten’s portal or using their browser extension, you can earn cashback on your online purchases. In 2024, Rakuten continues to offer competitive rates and frequent bonuses.
Key benefits:
- Easy-to-use browser extension
- Quarterly payouts via check or PayPal
- Additional cashback when using a linked credit card
Potential earnings:
- Cashback rates typically range from 1% to 40%, depending on the retailer
- Average users report earning $100-$300 per year
- Power users can earn $1,000+ annually, especially during bonus periods
App availability:
4. Swagbucks
Swagbucks is a versatile platform that allows users to earn points (called SB) through various activities such as online shopping, watching videos, taking surveys, and playing games. These points can be redeemed for gift cards or cash via PayPal.
Key benefits:
- Multiple ways to earn points
- Low minimum payout threshold
- Daily bonuses for active users
Potential earnings:
- 1 SB is roughly equivalent to 1 cent
- Most surveys pay between 40-100 SB ($0.40-$1.00)
- Online shopping cashback rates typically range from 1% to 10%
- Average users report earning $25-$100 per month
- Dedicated users can earn $200-$300 per month
App availability:
5. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cashback app focused primarily on grocery shopping. Users can browse offers before shopping, then upload their receipts to earn cashback. In 2024, Ibotta has expanded its partnerships to include more retailers and product categories.
Key benefits:
- Easy receipt scanning process
- Bonus offers for new users
- Team bonuses for referring friends and family
Potential earnings:
- Cashback offers typically range from $0.25 to $3 per item
- Some offers provide percentage-based cashback, usually 1% to 5%
- Average users report saving $20-$50 per month on groceries
- Power users can earn $100+ per month, especially when combining offers with sales and coupons
App availability:
6. Dosh
Dosh is a cashback app that works in the background, automatically giving you cashback when you shop, dine, or book travel with linked cards. In 2024, Dosh has expanded its merchant network, offering more opportunities to earn.
Key benefits:
- Automatic cashback with no receipt scanning
- Stackable with credit card rewards
- Option to donate earnings to charity
Potential earnings:
- Cashback rates typically range from 2% to 10%, depending on the merchant
- Some offers provide flat cashback amounts, usually $5 to $20 per transaction
- Average users report earning $10-$30 per month
- Active users who frequently dine out or travel can earn $50-$100+ per month
App availability:
Final words
As we navigate through 2024, these loyalty programs offer excellent opportunities to make money while you shop. By strategically combining multiple programs and utilizing their respective apps, you can maximize your earnings and turn your everyday spending into a lucrative side hustle. Depending on your spending habits and level of engagement, you could potentially save or earn anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per year. Remember to read the terms and conditions of each program and always spend responsibly to get the most out of these rewards.
